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Yang X, Zeng J, Wang D, Zhou Q, Yu X, Wang Z, Bai T, Luan G, Xu Y. NagZ modulates the virulence of E. cloacae by acting through the gene of unknown function, ECL_03795. Virulence 2024; 15:2367652. [PMID: 38912723 PMCID: PMC11197897 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2367652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NagZ), a cytosolic glucosaminidase, plays a pivotal role in peptidoglycan recycling. Previous research demonstrated that NagZ knockout significantly eradicated AmpC-dependent β-lactam resistance in Enterobacter cloacae. However, NagZ's role in the virulence of E. cloacae remains unclear. Our study, incorporating data on mouse and Galleria mellonella larval mortality rates, inflammation markers, and histopathological examinations, revealed a substantial reduction in the virulence of E. cloacae following NagZ knockout. Transcriptome sequencing uncovered differential gene expression between NagZ knockout and wild-type strains, particularly in nucleotide metabolism pathways. Further investigation demonstrated that NagZ deletion led to a significant increase in cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) levels. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR confirmed significant differences in the expression of ECL_03795, a gene with an unknown function but speculated to be involved in c-di-GMP metabolism due to its EAL domain known for phosphodiesterase activity. Interestingly, in ECL_03795 knockout strains, a notable reduction in the virulence was observed, and virulence was rescued upon complementation with ECL_03795. Consequently, our study suggests that NagZ's function on virulence is partially mediated through the ECL_03795→c-di-GMP pathway, providing insight into the development of novel therapies and strongly supporting the interest in creating highly efficient NagZ inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianggui Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuejing Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zhenguo Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tingting Bai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangxin Luan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Hu J, Yao J, Lei C, Sun X. c-di-AMP accumulation impairs toxin expression of Bacillus anthracis by down-regulating potassium importers. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0378623. [PMID: 38899864 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03786-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax and a bioterrorism threat worldwide. As a crucial second messenger in many bacterial species, cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) modulates various key processes for bacterial homeostasis and pathogenesis. Overaccumulation of c-di-AMP alters cellular growth and reduces anthrax toxin expression as well as virulence in Bacillus anthracis by unresolved underlying mechanisms. In this report, we discovered that c-di-AMP binds to a series of receptors involved in potassium uptake in B. anthracis. By analyzing Kdp and Ktr mutants for osmotic stress, gene expression, and anthrax toxin expression, we also showed that c-di-AMP inhibits Kdp operon expression through binding to the KdpD and ydaO riboswitch; up-regulating intracellular potassium promotes anthrax toxin expression in c-di-AMP accumulated B. anthracis. Decreased anthrax toxin expression at high c-di-AMP occurs through the inhibition of potassium uptake. Understanding the molecular basis of how potassium uptake affects anthrax toxin has the potential to provide new insight into the control of B. anthracis.IMPORTANCEThe bacterial second messenger cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) is a conserved global regulator of potassium homeostasis. How c-di-AMP regulates bacterial virulence is unknown. With this study, we provide a link between potassium uptake and anthrax toxin expression in Bacillus anthracis. c-di-AMP accumulation might inhibit anthrax toxin expression by suppressing potassium uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Hu
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Junmin Yao
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengfeng Lei
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiulian Sun
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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3
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Shao L, Shen Z, Li M, Guan C, Fan B, Chai Y, Zhao Y. ccdC Regulates Biofilm Dispersal in Bacillus velezensis FZB42. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5201. [PMID: 38791239 PMCID: PMC11120784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus velezensis FZB42 is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) and a model microorganism for biofilm studies. Biofilms are required for the colonization and promotion of plant growth in the rhizosphere. However, little is known about how the final stage of the biofilm life cycle is regulated, when cells regain their motility and escape the mature biofilm to spread and colonize new niches. In this study, the non-annotated gene ccdC was found to be involved in the process of biofilm dispersion. We found that the ccdC-deficient strain maintained a wrinkled state at the late stage of biofilm formation in the liquid-gas interface culture, and the bottom solution showed a clear state, indicating that no bacterial cells actively escaped, which was further evidenced by the formation of a cellular ring (biofilm pellicle) located on top of the preformed biofilm. It can be concluded that dispersal, a biofilm property that relies on motility proficiency, is also positively affected by the unannotated gene ccdC. Furthermore, we found that the level of cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) in the ccdC-deficient strain was significantly greater than that in the wild-type strain, suggesting that B. velezensis exhibits a similar mechanism by regulating the level of c-di-GMP, the master regulator of biofilm formation, dispersal, and cell motility, which controls the fitness of biofilms in Pseudomonas aeruginosain. In this study, we investigated the mechanism regulating biofilm dispersion in PGPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Shao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry and Grass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zizhu Shen
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Meiju Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry and Grass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Chenyun Guan
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry and Grass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Ben Fan
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry and Grass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yunrong Chai
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yinjuan Zhao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry and Grass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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4
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van der Does C, Braun F, Ren H, Albers SV. Putative nucleotide-based second messengers in archaea. MICROLIFE 2023; 4:uqad027. [PMID: 37305433 PMCID: PMC10249747 DOI: 10.1093/femsml/uqad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Second messengers transfer signals from changing intra- and extracellular conditions to a cellular response. Over the last few decades, several nucleotide-based second messengers have been identified and characterized in especially bacteria and eukaryotes. Also in archaea, several nucleotide-based second messengers have been identified. This review will summarize our understanding of nucleotide-based second messengers in archaea. For some of the nucleotide-based second messengers, like cyclic di-AMP and cyclic oligoadenylates, their roles in archaea have become clear. Cyclic di-AMP plays a similar role in osmoregulation in euryarchaea as in bacteria, and cyclic oligoadenylates are important in the Type III CRISPR-Cas response to activate CRISPR ancillary proteins involved in antiviral defense. Other putative nucleotide-based second messengers, like 3',5'- and 2',3'-cyclic mononucleotides and adenine dinucleotides, have been identified in archaea, but their synthesis and degradation pathways, as well as their functions as secondary messengers, still remain to be demonstrated. In contrast, 3'-3'-cGAMP has not yet been identified in archaea, but the enzymes required to synthesize 3'-3'-cGAMP have been found in several euryarchaeotes. Finally, the widely distributed bacterial second messengers, cyclic diguanosine monophosphate and guanosine (penta-)/tetraphosphate, do not appear to be present in archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris van der Does
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Braun
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hongcheng Ren
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Hengge R, Pruteanu M, Stülke J, Tschowri N, Turgay K. Recent advances and perspectives in nucleotide second messenger signaling in bacteria. MICROLIFE 2023; 4:uqad015. [PMID: 37223732 PMCID: PMC10118264 DOI: 10.1093/femsml/uqad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Nucleotide second messengers act as intracellular 'secondary' signals that represent environmental or cellular cues, i.e. the 'primary' signals. As such, they are linking sensory input with regulatory output in all living cells. The amazing physiological versatility, the mechanistic diversity of second messenger synthesis, degradation, and action as well as the high level of integration of second messenger pathways and networks in prokaryotes has only recently become apparent. In these networks, specific second messengers play conserved general roles. Thus, (p)ppGpp coordinates growth and survival in response to nutrient availability and various stresses, while c-di-GMP is the nucleotide signaling molecule to orchestrate bacterial adhesion and multicellularity. c-di-AMP links osmotic balance and metabolism and that it does so even in Archaea may suggest a very early evolutionary origin of second messenger signaling. Many of the enzymes that make or break second messengers show complex sensory domain architectures, which allow multisignal integration. The multiplicity of c-di-GMP-related enzymes in many species has led to the discovery that bacterial cells are even able to use the same freely diffusible second messenger in local signaling pathways that can act in parallel without cross-talking. On the other hand, signaling pathways operating with different nucleotides can intersect in elaborate signaling networks. Apart from the small number of common signaling nucleotides that bacteria use for controlling their cellular "business," diverse nucleotides were recently found to play very specific roles in phage defense. Furthermore, these systems represent the phylogenetic ancestors of cyclic nucleotide-activated immune signaling in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Hengge
- Corresponding author. Institut für Biologie/Mikrobiologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13 – Haus 22, 10115 Berlin, Germany. Tel: +49-30-2093-49686; Fax: +49-30-2093-49682; E-mail:
| | | | - Jörg Stülke
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Natalia Tschowri
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz-Universität Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kürşad Turgay
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz-Universität Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
- Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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6
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Lorite MJ, Casas-Román A, Girard L, Encarnación S, Díaz-Garrido N, Badía J, Baldomá L, Pérez-Mendoza D, Sanjuán J. Impact of c-di-GMP on the Extracellular Proteome of Rhizobium etli. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010044. [PMID: 36671740 PMCID: PMC9855851 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix components of bacterial biofilms include biopolymers such as polysaccharides, nucleic acids and proteins. Similar to polysaccharides, the secretion of adhesins and other matrix proteins can be regulated by the second messenger cyclic diguanylate (cdG). We have performed quantitative proteomics to determine the extracellular protein contents of a Rhizobium etli strain expressing high cdG intracellular levels. cdG promoted the exportation of proteins that likely participate in adhesion and biofilm formation: the rhizobial adhesion protein RapA and two previously undescribed likely adhesins, along with flagellins. Unexpectedly, cdG also promoted the selective exportation of cytoplasmic proteins. Nearly 50% of these cytoplasmic proteins have been previously described as moonlighting or candidate moonlighting proteins in other organisms, often found extracellularly. Western blot assays confirmed cdG-promoted export of two of these cytoplasmic proteins, the translation elongation factor (EF-Tu) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gap). Transmission Electron Microscopy immunolabeling located the Gap protein in the cytoplasm but was also associated with cell membranes and extracellularly, indicative of an active process of exportation that would be enhanced by cdG. We also obtained evidence that cdG increases the number of extracellular Gap proteoforms, suggesting a link between cdG, the post-translational modification and the export of cytoplasmic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J. Lorite
- Department of Soil and Plant Microbiology, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Ariana Casas-Román
- Department of Soil and Plant Microbiology, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Lourdes Girard
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas (CCG), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Sergio Encarnación
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas (CCG), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Natalia Díaz-Garrido
- Secció de Bioquímica i Biología Molecular, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefa Badía
- Secció de Bioquímica i Biología Molecular, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Baldomá
- Secció de Bioquímica i Biología Molecular, Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Pérez-Mendoza
- Department of Soil and Plant Microbiology, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Sanjuán
- Department of Soil and Plant Microbiology, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-526-552
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7
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Abstract
Cyclic di-nucleotides (CDNs) are widespread second messenger signalling molecules that regulate fundamental biological processes across the tree of life. These molecules are also potent modulators of the immune system, inducing a Type I interferon response upon binding to the eukaryotic receptor STING. Such a response in tumours induces potent immune anti-cancer responses and thus CDNs are being developed as a novel cancer immunotherapy. In this review, I will highlight the use, challenges and advantages of using naturally occurring CDNs to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Waters
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, 5180 Biomedical and Physical Sciences, 567 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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8
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Groshong AM, Grassmann AA, Luthra A, McLain MA, Provatas AA, Radolf JD, Caimano MJ. PlzA is a bifunctional c-di-GMP biosensor that promotes tick and mammalian host-adaptation of Borrelia burgdorferi. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009725. [PMID: 34265024 PMCID: PMC8323883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined the relationship between c-di-GMP and its only known effector protein, PlzA, in Borrelia burgdorferi during the arthropod and mammalian phases of the enzootic cycle. Using a B. burgdorferi strain expressing a plzA point mutant (plzA-R145D) unable to bind c-di-GMP, we confirmed that the protective function of PlzA in ticks is c-di-GMP-dependent. Unlike ΔplzA spirochetes, which are severely attenuated in mice, the plzA-R145D strain was fully infectious, firmly establishing that PlzA serves a c-di-GMP-independent function in mammals. Contrary to prior reports, loss of PlzA did not affect expression of RpoS or RpoS-dependent genes, which are essential for transmission, mammalian host-adaptation and murine infection. To ascertain the nature of PlzA's c-di-GMP-independent function(s), we employed infection models using (i) host-adapted mutant spirochetes for needle inoculation of immunocompetent mice and (ii) infection of scid mice with in vitro-grown organisms. Both approaches substantially restored ΔplzA infectivity, suggesting that PlzA enables B. burgdorferi to overcome an early bottleneck to infection. Furthermore, using a Borrelia strain expressing a heterologous, constitutively active diguanylate cyclase, we demonstrate that 'ectopic' production of c-di-GMP in mammals abrogates spirochete virulence and interferes with RpoS function at the post-translational level in a PlzA-dependent manner. Structural modeling and SAXS analysis of liganded- and unliganded-PlzA revealed marked conformational changes that underlie its biphasic functionality. This structural plasticity likely enables PlzA to serve as a c-di-GMP biosensor that in its respective liganded and unliganded states promote vector- and host-adaptation by the Lyme disease spirochete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Groshong
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - André A. Grassmann
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Amit Luthra
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Melissa A. McLain
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Anthony A. Provatas
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Justin D. Radolf
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Genetics and Genome Science, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Melissa J. Caimano
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
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9
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Sharipova MR, Mardanova AM, Rudakova NL, Pudova DS. Bistability and Formation of the Biofilm Matrix as Adaptive Mechanisms during the Stationary Phase of Bacillus subtilis. Microbiology (Reading) 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s002626172006017x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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10
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Yoon SH, Waters CM. The ever-expanding world of bacterial cyclic oligonucleotide second messengers. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 60:96-103. [PMID: 33640793 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic dinucleotide (cdN) second messengers are essential for bacteria to sense and adapt to their environment. These signals were first discovered with the identification of 3'-5', 3'-5' cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) in 1987, a second messenger that is now known to be the linchpin signaling pathway modulating bacterial motility and biofilm formation. In the past 15 years, three more cdNs were uncovered: 3'-5', 3'-5' cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) and 3'-5', 3'-5' cyclic GMP-AMP (3',3' cGAMP) in bacteria and 2'-5', 3'-5' cyclic GMP-AMP (2',3' cGAMP) in eukaryotes. We now appreciate that bacteria can synthesize many varieties of cdNs from every ribonucleotide, and even cyclic trinucleotide (ctN) second messengers have been discovered. Here we highlight our current understanding of c-di-GMP and c-di-AMP in bacterial physiology and focus on recent advances in 3',3' cGAMP signaling effectors, its role in bacterial phage response, and the diversity of its synthase family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hun Yoon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824 USA
| | - Christopher M Waters
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824 USA.
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11
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Wille J, Coenye T. Biofilm dispersion: The key to biofilm eradication or opening Pandora's box? Biofilm 2020; 2:100027. [PMID: 33447812 PMCID: PMC7798462 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2020.100027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are extremely difficult to eradicate due to their decreased antibiotic susceptibility. Inducing biofilm dispersion could be a potential strategy to help combat biofilm-related infections. Mechanisms of biofilm dispersion can basically be divided into two groups, i.e. active and passive dispersion. Active dispersion depends on a decrease in the intracellular c-di-GMP levels, leading to the production of enzymes that degrade the biofilm matrix and promote dispersion. In contrast, passive dispersion relies on triggers that directly release cells from the biofilm. In the present review, several active and passive dispersion strategies are discussed. In addition, the disadvantages and possible consequences of using dispersion as a treatment approach for biofilm-related infections are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Wille
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Activation of the Cell Wall Stress Response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infected by a Pf4 Phage Variant. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111700. [PMID: 33143386 PMCID: PMC7693463 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 has an integrated Pf4 prophage in its genome, encoding a relatively well-characterized filamentous phage, which contributes to the bacterial biofilm organization and maturation. Pf4 variants are considered as superinfectives when they can re-infect and kill the prophage-carrying host. Herein, the response of P. aeruginosa H103 to Pf4 variant infection was investigated. This phage variant caused partial lysis of the bacterial population and modulated H103 physiology. We show by confocal laser scanning microscopy that a Pf4 variant-infection altered P. aeruginosa H103 biofilm architecture either in static or dynamic conditions. Interestingly, in the latter condition, numerous cells displayed a filamentous morphology, suggesting a link between this phenotype and flow-related forces. In addition, Pf4 variant-infection resulted in cell envelope stress response, mostly mediated by the AlgU and SigX extracytoplasmic function sigma factors (ECFσ). AlgU and SigX involvement may account, at least partly, for the enhanced expression level of genes involved in the biosynthesis pathways of two matrix exopolysaccharides (Pel and alginates) and bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) metabolism.
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13
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Yu H, Xiong J, Qiu J, He X, Sheng H, Dai Q, Li D, Xin R, Jiang L, Li Q, Chen Q, Peng J, Wang M, Rao X, Zhang K. Type III Secretion Protein, PcrV, Impairs Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation by Increasing M1 Macrophage-Mediated Anti-bacterial Activities. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1971. [PMID: 32903626 PMCID: PMC7438568 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms employ a variety of strategies to hijack the host immune defense system to achieve chronic infection. However, the bacterial components that are involved in this process are not yet fully understood. PcrV, a needle tip protein of the P. aeruginosa type III secretion system (T3SS), was downregulated during P. aeruginosa biofilm infection. The impaired expression of the P. aeruginosa pcrV gene is associated with attenuated immune activation and an increased percentage of M2 macrophages following P. aeruginosa biofilm infection. Treatment with exogenous PcrV produced from Escherichia coli elevated tissue inflammation and the percentage of M1 macrophages, resulting in reduction in the biofilm burden. Further analyses demonstrated that the potential of PcrV to induce classically activated M1 macrophages as evidenced by the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and anti-bacterial mediators, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as increased phagocytosis of bacteria. Mechanistically, PcrV-mediated promotion of macrophage M1 polarization and phagocytosis occurs through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and NF-κB signaling pathways. Collectively, these findings reveal a potential role of PcrV in skewing host immune defense to promote P. aeruginosa biofilm infection and provide new insights into the therapeutic strategies for P. aeruginosa biofilm infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yu
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junzhi Xiong
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Qiu
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomei He
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Halei Sheng
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Dai
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Defeng Li
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rong Xin
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Jiang
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Li
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Peng
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Maolin Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiancai Rao
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kebin Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Pallegar P, Canuti M, Langille E, Peña-Castillo L, Lang AS. A Two-Component System Acquired by Horizontal Gene Transfer Modulates Gene Transfer and Motility via Cyclic Dimeric GMP. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:4840-4855. [PMID: 32634380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is an important intracellular signaling molecule that affects diverse physiological processes in bacteria. The intracellular levels of c-di-GMP are controlled by proteins acting as diguanylate cyclase (DGC) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes that synthesize and degrade c-di-GMP, respectively. In the alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus, flagellar motility and gene exchange via production of the gene transfer agent RcGTA are regulated by c-di-GMP. One of the R. capsulatus proteins involved in this regulation is Rcc00620, which contains an N-terminal two-component system response regulator receiver (REC) domain and C-terminal DGC and PDE domains. We demonstrate that the enzymatic activity of Rcc00620 is regulated through the phosphorylation status of its REC domain, which is controlled by a cognate histidine kinase protein, Rcc00621. In this system, the phosphorylated form of Rcc00620 is active as a PDE enzyme and stimulates gene transfer and motility. In addition, we discovered that the rcc00620 and rcc00621 genes are present in only one lineage within the genus Rhodobacter and were acquired via horizontal gene transfer from a distantly related alphaproteobacterium in the order Sphingomonadales. Therefore, a horizontally acquired regulatory system regulates gene transfer in the recipient organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purvikalyan Pallegar
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Marta Canuti
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Evan Langille
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X7, Canada.
| | - Lourdes Peña-Castillo
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada; Department of Computer Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Andrew S Lang
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
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15
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Germani F, Nardini M, De Schutter A, Cuypers B, Berghmans H, Van Hauwaert ML, Bruno S, Mozzarelli A, Moens L, Van Doorslaer S, Bolognesi M, Pesce A, Dewilde S. Structural and Functional Characterization of the Globin-Coupled Sensors of Azotobacter vinelandii and Bordetella pertussis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 32:378-395. [PMID: 31559835 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2018.7690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Structural and functional characterization of the globin-coupled sensors (GCSs) from Azotobacter vinelandii (AvGReg) and Bordetella pertussis (BpeGReg). Results: Ultraviolet/visible and resonance Raman spectroscopies confirm the presence in AvGReg and BpeGReg of a globin domain capable of reversible gaseous ligand binding. In AvGReg, an influence of the transmitter domain on the heme proximal region of the globin domain can be seen, and k'CO is higher than for other GCSs. The O2 binding kinetics suggests the presence of an open and a closed conformation. As for BpeGReg, the fully oxygenated AvGReg show a very high diguanylate cyclase activity. The carbon monoxide rebinding to BpeGReg indicates that intra- and intermolecular interactions influence the ligand binding. The globin domains of both proteins (AvGReg globin domain and BpeGRegGb with cysteines (Cys16, 45, 114, 154) mutated to serines [BpeGReg-Gb*]) share the same GCS fold, a similar proximal but a different distal side structure. They homodimerize through a G-H helical bundle as in other GCSs. However, BpeGReg-Gb* shows also a second dimerization mode. Innovation: This article extends our knowledge on the GCS proteins and contributes to a better understanding of the GCSs role in the formation of bacterial biofilms. Conclusions:AvGReg and BpeGReg conform to the GCS family, share a similar overall structure, but they have different properties in terms of the ligand binding. In particular, AvGReg shows an open and a closed conformation that in the latter form will very tightly bind oxygen. BpeGReg has only one closed conformation. In both proteins, it is the fully oxygenated GCS form that catalyzes the production of the second messenger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Germani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marco Nardini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Amy De Schutter
- Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bert Cuypers
- Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Herald Berghmans
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Stefano Bruno
- Department of Food and Drugs, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Luc Moens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Sylvia Dewilde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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16
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A Cyclic-di-GMP signalling network regulates biofilm formation and surface associated motility of Acinetobacter baumannii 17978. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1991. [PMID: 32029764 PMCID: PMC7005169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an increasing multidrug-resistant threat in hospitals and a common opportunistic nosocomial pathogen worldwide. However, molecular details of the pathogenesis and physiology of this bacterium largely remain to be elucidated. Here we identify and characterize the c-di-GMP signalling network and assess its role in biofilm formation and surface associated motility. Bioinformatic analysis revealed eleven candidate genes for c-di-GMP metabolizing proteins (GGDEF/EAL domain proteins) in the genome of A. baumannii strain 17978. Enzymatic activity of the encoded proteins was assessed by molecular cloning and expression in the model organisms Salmonella typhimurium and Vibrio cholerae. Ten of the eleven GGDEF/EAL proteins altered the rdar morphotype of S. typhimurium and the rugose morphotype of V. cholerae. The over expression of three GGDEF proteins exerted a pronounced effect on colony formation of A. baumannii on Congo Red agar plates. Distinct panels of GGDEF/EAL proteins were found to alter biofilm formation and surface associated motility of A. baumannii upon over expression. The GGDEF protein A1S_3296 appeared as a major diguanylate cyclase regulating macro-colony formation, biofilm formation and the surface associated motility. AIS_3296 promotes Csu pili mediated biofilm formation. We conclude that a functional c-di-GMP signalling network in A. baumannii regulates biofilm formation and surface associated motility of this increasingly important opportunistic bacterial pathogen.
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17
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Structural Conservation and Diversity of PilZ-Related Domains. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00664-19. [PMID: 31740493 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00664-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread bacterial second messenger cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) regulates a variety of processes, including protein secretion, motility, cell development, and biofilm formation. c-di-GMP-dependent responses are often mediated by its binding to the cytoplasmic receptors that contain the PilZ domain. Here, we present comparative structural and sequence analysis of various PilZ-related domains and describe three principal types of them: (i) the canonical PilZ domain, whose structure includes a six-stranded beta-barrel and a C-terminal alpha helix, (ii) an atypical PilZ domain that contains two extra alpha helices and forms stable tetramers, and (iii) divergent PilZ-related domains, which include the eponymous PilZ protein and PilZN (YcgR_N) and PilZNR (YcgR_2) domains. We refine the second c-di-GMP binding motif of PilZ as [D/N]hSXXG and show that the hydrophobic residue h of this motif interacts with a cluster of conserved hydrophobic residues, helping maintain the PilZ domain fold. We describe several novel PilZN-type domains that are fused to the canonical PilZ domains in specific taxa, such as spirochetes, actinobacteria, aquificae, cellulose-degrading clostridia, and deltaproteobacteria. We propose that the evolution of the three major groups of PilZ domains included (i) fusion of pilZ with other genes, which produced Alg44, cellulose synthase, and other multidomain proteins; (ii) insertion of an ∼200-bp fragment, which resulted in the formation of tetramer-forming PilZ proteins; and (iii) tandem duplication of pilZ genes, which led to the formation of PilZ dimers and YcgR-like proteins.IMPORTANCE c-di-GMP is a ubiquitous bacterial second messenger that regulates motility, biofilm formation, and virulence of many bacterial pathogens. The PilZ domain is a widespread c-di-GMP receptor that binds c-di-GMP through its RXXXR and [D/N]hSXXG motifs; some PilZ domains lack these motifs and are unable to bind c-di-GMP. We used structural and sequence analysis to assess the diversity of PilZ-related domains and define their common features. We show that the hydrophobic residue h in the second position of the second motif is highly conserved; it may serve as a readout for c-di-GMP binding. We describe three principal classes of PilZ-related domains, canonical, tetramer-forming, and divergent PilZ domains, and propose the evolutionary pathways that led to the emergence of these PilZ types.
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18
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Abstract
Prokaryotes commonly undergo genome reduction, particularly in the case of symbiotic bacteria. Genome reductions tend toward the energetically favorable removal of unnecessary, redundant, or nonfunctional genes. However, without mechanisms to compensate for these losses, deleterious mutation and genetic drift might otherwise overwhelm a population. Among the mechanisms employed to counter gene loss and share evolutionary success within a population, gene transfer agents (GTAs) are increasingly becoming recognized as important contributors. Although viral in origin, GTA particles package fragments of their "host" genome for distribution within a population of cells, often in a synchronized manner, rather than selfishly packaging genes necessary for their spread. Microbes as diverse as archaea and alpha-proteobacteria have been known to produce GTA particles, which are capable of transferring selective advantages such as virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. In this review, we discuss the various types of GTAs identified thus far, focusing on a defined set of symbiotic alpha-proteobacteria known to carry them. Drawing attention to the predicted presence of these genes, we discuss their potential within the selective marine and terrestrial environments occupied by mutualistic, parasitic, and endosymbiotic microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steen Christensen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Laura R Serbus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA. .,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
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19
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Yang F, Xue D, Tian F, Hutchins W, Yang CH, He C. Identification of c-di-GMP Signaling Components in Xanthomonas oryzae and Their Orthologs in Xanthomonads Involved in Regulation of Bacterial Virulence Expression. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1402. [PMID: 31354637 PMCID: PMC6637768 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes bacterial leaf blight of rice, one of the most devastating bacterial diseases of this staple crop worldwide. Xoo produces a range of virulence-related factors to facilitate its pathogenesis in rice, however, the regulatory mechanisms of Xoo virulence expression have been not fully elucidated. Recent studies have revealed that virulence factor production is regulated via cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) signaling pathway that is well-conserved in Xoo and other Xanthomonas species. A set of GGDEF, EAL, HD-GYP, and PilZ domain proteins with diverse signal sensory domains for c-di-GMP synthesis, hydrolysis, and binding is encoded in the Xoo genome. Bioinformatic, genetic, and biochemical analysis has identified an array of diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs), as well as degenerate GGDEF/EAL, PilZ domain proteins along with a transcription regulator. These signaling components have been characterized to regulate various bacterial cellular processes, such as virulence, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, biofilm formation, motility, and adaptation at the transcriptional, post-translational, and protein-protein interaction levels. This review summarized the recent progress in understanding the importance and complexity of c-di-GMP signaling in regulating bacterial virulence expression, highlighting the identified key signal elements and orthologs found in Xanthomonads, discussing the diverse functions of GGDEF/EAL/HD-GYP domains, existence of a complicated multifactorial network between DGCs, PDEs, and effectors, and further exploration of the new c-di-GMP receptor domains. These findings and knowledge lay the groundwork for future experimentation to further elucidate c-di-GMP regulatory circuits involved in regulation of bacterial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dingrong Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - William Hutchins
- Department of Biology, Carthage College, Kenosha, WI, United States
| | - Ching-Hong Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Chenyang He
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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Gutierrez Jauregui R, Fleige H, Bubke A, Rohde M, Weiss S, Förster R. IL-1β Promotes Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms on Implants in vivo. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1082. [PMID: 31156635 PMCID: PMC6534041 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Implant associated infections represent a serious health burden in clinics since some microorganisms are able to colonize biological surfaces or surfaces of indwelling medical devices and form biofilms. Biofilms represent communities of microorganisms attached to hydrated surfaces and enclosed in self-produced extracellular matrix. This renders them resistant to exogenous assaults like antibiotics or immune effector mechanisms. Little is known regarding the role of the immune system in the formation of biofilms during implant associated infections, largely due to the lack of suitable mouse models. Here we use colonized osmotic pumps in mice to study the interaction of an activated immune system with biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus encoding Gaussia luciferase. This approach permits biofilm formation on the osmotic pumps in living animals. It also allows the continuous supply of soluble immune cell activating agents, such as cytokines to study their effect on biofilm formation in vivo. Using non-invasive imaging of the bioluminescent signal emitted by the lux expressing bacteria for quantification of bacterial load in conjunction with light and electron microscopy, we observed that pump-supplied pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β strongly increased biofilm formation along with a massive influx of neutrophils adjacent to the biofilm-coated pumps. Thus, our data demonstrate that immune defense mechanisms can augment biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henrike Fleige
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anja Bubke
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Siegfried Weiss
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reinhold Förster
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,RESIST, Cluster of Excellence 2155, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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21
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Pfiffer V, Sarenko O, Possling A, Hengge R. Genetic dissection of Escherichia coli's master diguanylate cyclase DgcE: Role of the N-terminal MASE1 domain and direct signal input from a GTPase partner system. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008059. [PMID: 31022167 PMCID: PMC6510439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous second messenger c-di-GMP promotes bacterial biofilm formation by playing diverse roles in the underlying regulatory networks. This is reflected in the multiplicity of diguanylate cyclases (DGC) and phosphodiesterases (PDE) that synthesize and degrade c-di-GMP, respectively, in most bacterial species. One of the 12 DGCs of Escherichia coli, DgcE, serves as the top-level trigger for extracellular matrix production during macrocolony biofilm formation. Its multi-domain architecture–a N-terminal membrane-inserted MASE1 domain followed by three PAS, a GGDEF and a degenerate EAL domain–suggested complex signal integration and transmission through DgcE. Genetic dissection of DgcE revealed activating roles for the MASE1 domain and the dimerization-proficient PAS3 region, whereas the inhibitory EALdeg domain counteracts the formation of DgcE oligomers. The MASE1 domain is directly targeted by the GTPase RdcA (YjdA), a dimer or oligomer that together with its partner protein RdcB (YjcZ) activates DgcE, probably by aligning and promoting dimerization of the PAS3 and GGDEF domains. This activation and RdcA/DgcE interaction depend on GTP hydrolysis by RdcA, suggesting GTP as an inhibitor and the pronounced decrease of the cellular GTP pool during entry into stationary phase, which correlates with DgcE-dependent activation of matrix production, as a possible input signal sensed by RdcA. Furthermore, DgcE exhibits rapid, continuous and processive proteolytic turnover that also depends on the relatively disordered transmembrane MASE1 domain. Overall, our study reveals a novel GTP/c-di-GMP-connecting signaling pathway through the multi-domain DGC DgcE with a dual role for the previously uncharacterized MASE1 signaling domain. Biofilms represent a multicellular life form of bacteria, in which large numbers of cells live in communities surrounded and protected by a self-generated extracellular polymeric matrix. As biofilms tolerate antibiotics and host immune systems, they are causally associated with chronic infections. Biofilm formation is generally promoted by the ubiquitous bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP. DgcE, one of the 12 diguanylate cyclases that produce c-di-GMP in E. coli, was previously shown to specifically act as a top level trigger in the regulatory network that drives biofilm matrix production in this bacterium. However, signal input into DgcE itself, which is a large six-domain protein, had remained unknown. Here we demonstrate that DgcE activity is controlled by a novel type of dynamin-like GTPase that directly interacts with the N-terminal membrane-intrinsic MASE1 domain of DgcE. Our finding of a dual function of this MASE1 domain, which is essential for both activation and continuous proteolysis of DgcE, is the first characterization of this widespread bacterial signaling domain. Signal input via the dynamin-like GTPase system suggests that c-di-GMP production by DgcE might be stimulated by the decreasing cellular GTP level during entry into stationary phase, which is precisely the time when biofilm matrix production is turned on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Pfiffer
- Institut für Biologie / Mikrobiologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga Sarenko
- Institut für Biologie / Mikrobiologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra Possling
- Institut für Biologie / Mikrobiologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regine Hengge
- Institut für Biologie / Mikrobiologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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22
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Pérez-Mendoza D, Felipe A, Ferreiro MD, Sanjuán J, Gallegos MT. AmrZ and FleQ Co-regulate Cellulose Production in Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato DC3000. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:746. [PMID: 31057500 PMCID: PMC6478803 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 carries the wssABCDEFGHI operon for the synthesis of acetylated cellulose, whose production is stimulated by increasing the intracellular levels of the second messenger c-di-GMP. This enhances air-liquid biofilm formation and generates a wrinkly colony morphotype in solid media. In the present study we show that cellulose production is a complex process regulated at multiple levels and involving different players in this bacterium. Using different in vitro approaches, including Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and footprint analysis, we demonstrated the interrelated role of two transcriptional regulators, AmrZ and FleQ, over cellulose production in Pto DC3000 and the influence of c-di-GMP in this process. Under physiological c-di-GMP levels, both regulators bind directly to adjacent regions at the wss promoter inhibiting its expression. However, just FleQ responds to c-di-GMP releasing from its wss operator site and converting from a repressor to an activator of cellulose production. The additive effect of the double amrZ/fleQ mutation on the expression of wss, together with the fact that they are not cross-regulated at the transcriptional level, suggest that FleQ and AmrZ behave as independent regulators, unlike what has been described in other Pseudomonas species. Furthermore, this dual co-regulation exerted by AmrZ and FleQ is not limited to cellulose production, but also affects other important phenotypes in Pto DC3000, such as motility and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pérez-Mendoza
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Antonia Felipe
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - María Dolores Ferreiro
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Sanjuán
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - María Trinidad Gallegos
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
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23
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Recent Advances and Current Trends in Nucleotide Second Messenger Signaling in Bacteria. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:908-927. [PMID: 30668970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The "International Symposium on Nucleotide Second Messenger Signaling in Bacteria" (September 30-October 3, 2018, Berlin), which was organized within the framework of DFG Priority Programme 1879 (www.spp1879.de), brought together 125 participants from 20 countries to discuss recent progress and future trends in this field. Even 50 years after its discovery, (p)ppGpp is venturing into exciting new fields, especially in gram-positive bacteria. After triggering the current renaissance in bacterial second messenger research, c-di-GMP is becoming ever more global with abounding new molecular mechanisms of action and physiological functions. The more recently discovered c-di-AMP is rapidly catching up and has now been found even in archaea, with its function in osmotic homeostasis being conserved across kingdom boundaries. Small modules associated with mobile genetic elements, which make and react to numerous novel mixed cyclic dinucleotides, seem to roam around rather freely in the bacterial world. Finally, many novel and old nucleotide molecules are still lurking around in search of a function. Across many talks it became apparent that (p)ppGpp, c-di-GMP and GTP/ATP can share and compete for binding sites (e.g., the Walker A motif in GTP/ATPases) with intriguing regulatory consequences, thus contributing to the emergent trend of systemwide networks that interconnect diverse signaling nucleotides. Overall, this inspiring conference made it clear that second messenger signaling is currently one of the most dynamic and exciting areas in microbial molecular biology and physiology, with major impacts ranging from microbial systems biology and ecology to infection biology.
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24
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Danchin A, Ouzounis C, Tokuyasu T, Zucker JD. No wisdom in the crowd: genome annotation in the era of big data - current status and future prospects. Microb Biotechnol 2018; 11:588-605. [PMID: 29806194 PMCID: PMC6011933 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Science and engineering rely on the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge to make discoveries and create new designs. Discovery-driven genome research rests on knowledge passed on via gene annotations. In response to the deluge of sequencing big data, standard annotation practice employs automated procedures that rely on majority rules. We argue this hinders progress through the generation and propagation of errors, leading investigators into blind alleys. More subtly, this inductive process discourages the discovery of novelty, which remains essential in biological research and reflects the nature of biology itself. Annotation systems, rather than being repositories of facts, should be tools that support multiple modes of inference. By combining deduction, induction and abduction, investigators can generate hypotheses when accurate knowledge is extracted from model databases. A key stance is to depart from 'the sequence tells the structure tells the function' fallacy, placing function first. We illustrate our approach with examples of critical or unexpected pathways, using MicroScope to demonstrate how tools can be implemented following the principles we advocate. We end with a challenge to the reader.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Danchin
- Integromics, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li KaShing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong University, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Christos Ouzounis
- Biological Computation and Process Laboratory, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Thessalonica, 57001, Greece
| | - Taku Tokuyasu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Town, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jean-Daniel Zucker
- Integromics, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
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