1
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Guérin H, Courtin P, Guillot A, Péchoux C, Mahony J, van Sinderen D, Kulakauskas S, Cambillau C, Touzé T, Chapot-Chartier MP. Molecular mechanisms underlying the structural diversity of rhamnose-rich cell wall polysaccharides in lactococci. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105578. [PMID: 38110036 PMCID: PMC10821137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In Gram-positive bacteria, cell wall polysaccharides (CWPS) play critical roles in bacterial cell wall homeostasis and bacterial interactions with their immediate surroundings. In lactococci, CWPS consist of two components: a conserved rhamnan embedded in the peptidoglycan layer and a surface-exposed polysaccharide pellicle (PSP), which are linked together to form a large rhamnose-rich CWPS (Rha-CWPS). PSP, whose structure varies from strain to strain, is a receptor for many bacteriophages infecting lactococci. Here, we examined the first two steps of PSP biosynthesis, using in vitro enzymatic tests with lipid acceptor substrates combined with LC-MS analysis, AlfaFold2 modeling of protein 3D-structure, complementation experiments, and phage assays. We show that the PSP repeat unit is assembled on an undecaprenyl-monophosphate (C55P) lipid intermediate. Synthesis is initiated by the WpsA/WpsB complex with GlcNAc-P-C55 synthase activity and the PSP precursor GlcNAc-P-C55 is then elongated by specific glycosyltransferases that vary among lactococcal strains, resulting in PSPs with diverse structures. Also, we engineered the PSP biosynthesis pathway in lactococci to obtain a chimeric PSP structure, confirming the predicted glycosyltransferase specificities. This enabled us to highlight the importance of a single sugar residue of the PSP repeat unit in phage recognition. In conclusion, our results support a novel pathway for PSP biosynthesis on a lipid-monophosphate intermediate as an extracellular modification of rhamnan, unveiling an assembly machinery for complex Rha-CWPS with structural diversity in lactococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Guérin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Pascal Courtin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Alain Guillot
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christine Péchoux
- Université Paris-Saclay INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Saulius Kulakauskas
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christian Cambillau
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IMM), Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS, UMR 7255, Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Touzé
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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2
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Giesbers CAP, Fagan J, Parlindungan E, Palussière S, Courtin P, Lugli GA, Ventura M, Kulakauskas S, Chapot-Chartier MP, Mahony J, van Sinderen D. Reduced synthesis of phospho-polysaccharide in Lactococcus as a strategy to evade phage infection. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 407:110415. [PMID: 37774633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110415] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Lactococcus spp. are applied routinely in dairy fermentations and their consistent growth and associated acidification activity is critical to ensure the quality and safety of fermented dairy foods. Bacteriophages pose a significant threat to such fermentations and thus it is imperative to study how these bacteria may evade their viral predators in the relevant confined settings. Many lactococcal phages are known to specifically recognise and bind to cell wall polysaccharides (CWPSs) and particularly the phospho-polysaccharide (PSP) side chain component that is exposed on the host cell surface. In the present study, we generated derivatives of a lactococcal strain with reduced phage sensitivity to establish the mode of phage evasion. The resulting mutants were characterized using a combination of comparative genome analysis, microbiological and chemical analyses. Using these approaches, it was established that the phage-resistant derivatives incorporated mutations in genes within the cluster associated with CWPS biosynthesis resulting in growth and morphological defects that could revert when the selective pressure of phages was removed. Furthermore, the cell wall extracts of selected mutants revealed that the phage-resistant strains produced intact PSP but in significantly reduced amounts. The reduced availability of the PSP and the ability of lactococcal strains to revert rapidly to wild type growth and activity in the absence of phage pressure provides Lactococcus with the means to survive and evade phage attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conradus A P Giesbers
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland.
| | - Jack Fagan
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland.
| | - Elvina Parlindungan
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland.
| | - Simon Palussière
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Pascal Courtin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Gabriele A Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Saulius Kulakauskas
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | | | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland.
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland.
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3
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Ruiz‐Cruz S, Erazo Garzon A, Kelleher P, Bottacini F, Breum SØ, Neve H, Heller KJ, Vogensen FK, Palussière S, Courtin P, Chapot‐Chartier M, Vinogradov E, Sadovskaya I, Mahony J, van Sinderen D. Host genetic requirements for DNA release of lactococcal phage TP901-1. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:2875-2889. [PMID: 36259418 PMCID: PMC9733650 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The first step in phage infection is the recognition of, and adsorption to, a receptor located on the host cell surface. This reversible host adsorption step is commonly followed by an irreversible event, which involves phage DNA delivery or release into the bacterial cytoplasm. The molecular components that trigger this latter event are unknown for most phages of Gram-positive bacteria. In the current study, we present a comparative genome analysis of three mutants of Lactococcus cremoris 3107, which are resistant to the P335 group phage TP901-1 due to mutations that affect TP901-1 DNA release. Through genetic complementation and phage infection assays, a predicted lactococcal three-component glycosylation system (TGS) was shown to be required for TP901-1 infection. Major cell wall saccharidic components were analysed, but no differences were found. However, heterologous gene expression experiments indicate that this TGS is involved in the glucosylation of a cell envelope-associated component that triggers TP901-1 DNA release. To date, a saccharide modification has not been implicated in the DNA delivery process of a Gram-positive infecting phage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Ruiz‐Cruz
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Andrea Erazo Garzon
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Philip Kelleher
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Francesca Bottacini
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland,Department of Biological SciencesMunster Technological UniversityCorkIreland
| | - Solvej Østergaard Breum
- Section of Microbiology and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksbergDenmark,Present address:
Department of Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Division of Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum InstitutCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Horst Neve
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner‐InstitutFederal Research Institute of Nutrition and FoodKielGermany
| | - Knut J. Heller
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner‐InstitutFederal Research Institute of Nutrition and FoodKielGermany
| | - Finn K. Vogensen
- Section of Microbiology and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksbergDenmark
| | - Simon Palussière
- Université Paris‐Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis InstituteJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
| | - Pascal Courtin
- Université Paris‐Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis InstituteJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
| | | | - Evgeny Vinogradov
- National Research Council CanadaInstitute for Biological SciencesOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Irina Sadovskaya
- Equipe BPA, Université du Littoral‐Côte d'Opale, Institut Charles Violette EA 7394 USC AnsesBoulogne‐sur‐merFrance
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
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4
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Millen AM, Romero DA, Horvath P, Magill D, Simdon L. Host-encoded, cell surface-associated exopolysaccharide required for adsorption and infection by lactococcal P335 phage subtypes. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:971166. [PMID: 36267184 PMCID: PMC9576995 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.971166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactococcus lactis and Lactococcus cremoris compose commercial starter cultures widely used for industrial dairy fermentations. Some lactococcal strains may produce exopolysaccharides (EPS), which have technological applications, including texture production and phage resistance. Two distinct gene clusters associated with EPS production, designated 6073-like and 7127-like, were identified on plasmids in lactococcal strains. Infectivity of two subsets of P335 group phages, distinguished based on their single-component baseplate/receptor-binding protein nucleotide sequences, was correlated to the presence of a host-encoded 6073-like or 7127-like eps gene cluster. Furthermore, phages belonging to these subsets differentially adsorbed to lactococcal strains harboring the respective eps gene cluster. Loss of the respective EPS-encoding plasmid from a fully phage-sensitive strain resulted in loss of phage adsorption and resistance to the phage. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the EPS produced by strains encoding the 6073-like or 7127-like eps gene clusters are cell-surface associated, which, coupled with phage plaquing and adsorption data, shows that specific capsular EPS are involved in host recognition by certain P335 phage subgroups. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the involvement of EPS produced via the Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathway in phage sensitivity of L. lactis or L. cremoris. This study also shows strains that do not appear to be phage-related based on plaque formation may still be related by phage adsorption and indicates that optimal formulation of phage-robust cultures should take into account the EPS type of individual strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Millen
- Health and Biosciences, IFF, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Anne M. Millen,
| | | | | | - Damian Magill
- Health and Biosciences, IFF, Dangé-Saint-Romain, France
| | - Laura Simdon
- Health and Biosciences, IFF, Madison, WI, United States
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5
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Guérin H, Kulakauskas S, Chapot-Chartier MP. Structural variations and roles of rhamnose-rich cell wall polysaccharides in Gram-positive bacteria. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102488. [PMID: 36113580 PMCID: PMC9574508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhamnose-rich cell wall polysaccharides (Rha-CWPSs) have emerged as crucial cell wall components of numerous Gram-positive, ovoid-shaped bacteria—including streptococci, enterococci, and lactococci—of which many are of clinical or biotechnological importance. Rha-CWPS are composed of a conserved polyrhamnose backbone with side-chain substituents of variable size and structure. Because these substituents contain phosphate groups, Rha-CWPS can also be classified as polyanionic glycopolymers, similar to wall teichoic acids, of which they appear to be functional homologs. Recent advances have highlighted the critical role of these side-chain substituents in bacterial cell growth and division, as well as in specific interactions between bacteria and infecting bacteriophages or eukaryotic hosts. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the structure and biosynthesis of Rha-CWPS in several ovoid-shaped bacterial species. We emphasize the role played by multicomponent transmembrane glycosylation systems in the addition of side-chain substituents of various sizes as extracytoplasmic modifications of the polyrhamnose backbone. We provide an overview of the contribution of Rha-CWPS to cell wall architecture and biogenesis and discuss current hypotheses regarding their importance in the cell division process. Finally, we sum up the critical roles that Rha-CWPS can play as bacteriophage receptors or in escaping host defenses, roles that are mediated mainly through their side-chain substituents. From an applied perspective, increased knowledge of Rha-CWPS can lead to advancements in strategies for preventing phage infection of lactococci and streptococci in food fermentation and for combating pathogenic streptococci and enterococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Guérin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Saulius Kulakauskas
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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6
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Brussowvirus SW13 requires a cell surface-associated polysaccharide to recognise its Streptococcus thermophilus host. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 88:e0172321. [PMID: 34669424 PMCID: PMC8752142 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01723-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Four bacteriophage-insensitive mutants (BIMs) of the dairy starter bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus UCCSt50 were isolated following challenge with Brussowvirus SW13. The BIMs displayed an altered sedimentation phenotype. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of the BIMs uncovered mutations within a family 2 glycosyltransferase-encoding gene (orf06955UCCSt50) located within the variable region of the cell wall-associated rhamnose-glucose polymer (Rgp) biosynthesis locus (designated the rgp gene cluster here). Complementation of a representative BIM, S. thermophilus B1, with native orf06955UCCSt50 restored phage sensitivity comparable to that of the parent strain. Detailed bioinformatic analysis of the gene product of orf06955UCCSt50 identified it as a functional homolog of the Lactococcus lactispolysaccharide pellicle (PSP) initiator WpsA. Biochemical analysis of cell wall fractions of strains UCCSt50 and B1 determined that mutations within orf06955UCCSt50 result in the loss of the side chain decoration from the Rgp backbone structure. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the intact Rgp structure incorporating the side chain structure is essential for phage binding through fluorescence labeling studies. Overall, this study confirms that the rgp gene cluster of S. thermophilus encodes the biosynthetic machinery for a cell surface-associated polysaccharide that is essential for binding and subsequent infection by Brussowviruses, thus enhancing our understanding of S. thermophilus phage-host dynamics. IMPORTANCEStreptococcus thermophilus is an important starter culture bacterium in global dairy fermentation processes, where it is used for the production of various cheeses and yogurt. Bacteriophage predation of the species can result in substandard product quality and, in rare cases, complete fermentation collapse. To mitigate these risks, it is necessary to understand the phage-host interaction process, which commences with the recognition of, and adsorption to, specific host-encoded cell surface receptors by bacteriophage(s). As new groups of S. thermophilus phages are being discovered, the importance of underpinning the genomic elements that specify the surface receptor(s) is apparent. Our research identifies a single gene that is critical for the biosynthesis of a saccharidic moiety required for phage adsorption to its S. thermophilus host. The acquired knowledge provides novel insights into phage-host interactions for this economically important starter species.
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7
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Martínez B, Rodríguez A, Kulakauskas S, Chapot-Chartier MP. Cell wall homeostasis in lactic acid bacteria: threats and defences. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 44:538-564. [PMID: 32495833 PMCID: PMC7476776 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) encompasses industrially relevant bacteria involved in food fermentations as well as health-promoting members of our autochthonous microbiota. In the last years, we have witnessed major progresses in the knowledge of the biology of their cell wall, the outermost macrostructure of a Gram-positive cell, which is crucial for survival. Sophisticated biochemical analyses combined with mutation strategies have been applied to unravel biosynthetic routes that sustain the inter- and intra-species cell wall diversity within LAB. Interplay with global cell metabolism has been deciphered that improved our fundamental understanding of the plasticity of the cell wall during growth. The cell wall is also decisive for the antimicrobial activity of many bacteriocins, for bacteriophage infection and for the interactions with the external environment. Therefore, genetic circuits involved in monitoring cell wall damage have been described in LAB, together with a plethora of defence mechanisms that help them to cope with external threats and adapt to harsh conditions. Since the cell wall plays a pivotal role in several technological and health-promoting traits of LAB, we anticipate that this knowledge will pave the way for the future development and extended applications of LAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Martínez
- DairySafe research group. Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products. Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias, IPLA-CSIC. Paseo Río Linares s/n. 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez
- DairySafe research group. Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products. Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias, IPLA-CSIC. Paseo Río Linares s/n. 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain
| | - Saulius Kulakauskas
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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8
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Romero DA, Magill D, Millen A, Horvath P, Fremaux C. Dairy lactococcal and streptococcal phage-host interactions: an industrial perspective in an evolving phage landscape. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 44:909-932. [PMID: 33016324 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost a century has elapsed since the discovery of bacteriophages (phages), and 85 years have passed since the emergence of evidence that phages can infect starter cultures, thereby impacting dairy fermentations. Soon afterward, research efforts were undertaken to investigate phage interactions regarding starter strains. Investigations into phage biology and morphology and phage-host relationships have been aimed at mitigating the negative impact phages have on the fermented dairy industry. From the viewpoint of a supplier of dairy starter cultures, this review examines the composition of an industrial phage collection, providing insight into the development of starter strains and cultures and the evolution of phages in the industry. Research advances in the diversity of phages and structural bases for phage-host recognition and an overview of the perpetual arms race between phage virulence and host defense are presented, with a perspective toward the development of improved phage-resistant starter culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis A Romero
- DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences, 3329 Agriculture Dr., Madison, WI 53716, USA
| | - Damian Magill
- DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences, CS 10010, Dangé-Saint-Romain 86220, France
| | - Anne Millen
- DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences, 3329 Agriculture Dr., Madison, WI 53716, USA
| | - Philippe Horvath
- DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences, CS 10010, Dangé-Saint-Romain 86220, France
| | - Christophe Fremaux
- DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences, CS 10010, Dangé-Saint-Romain 86220, France
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9
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Mahony J, Frantzen C, Vinogradov E, Sadovskaya I, Theodorou I, Kelleher P, Chapot-Chartier MP, Cambillau C, Holo H, van Sinderen D. The CWPS Rubik's cube: Linking diversity of cell wall polysaccharide structures with the encoded biosynthetic machinery of selected Lactococcus lactis strains. Mol Microbiol 2020; 114:582-596. [PMID: 32515029 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The biosynthetic machinery for cell wall polysaccharide (CWPS) production in lactococci is encoded by a large gene cluster, designated cwps. This locus displays considerable variation among lactococcal genomes, previously prompting a classification into three distinct genotypes (A-C). In the present study, the cwps loci of 107 lactococcal strains were compared, revealing the presence of a fourth cwps genotype (type D). Lactococcal CWPSs are comprised of two saccharidic structures: a peptidoglycan-embedded rhamnan backbone polymer to which a surface-exposed, poly/oligosaccharidic side-chain is covalently linked. Chemical structures of the side-chain of seven lactococcal strains were elucidated, highlighting their diverse and strain-specific nature. Furthermore, a link between cwps genotype and chemical structure was derived based on the number of glycosyltransferase-encoding genes in the cwps cluster and the presence of conserved genes encoding the presumed priming glycosyltransferase. This facilitates predictions of several structural features of lactococcal CWPSs including (a) whether the CWPS possesses short oligo/polysaccharide side-chains, (b) the number of component monosaccharides in a given CWPS structure, (c) the order of monosaccharide incorporation into the repeating units of the side-chain (for C-type strains), (d) the presence of Galf and phosphodiester bonds in the side-chain, and (e) the presence of glycerol phosphate substituents in the side-chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Cyril Frantzen
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NULS), Ås, Norway
| | - Evgeny Vinogradov
- National Research Council Canada, Institute for Biological Sciences, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Irina Sadovskaya
- Equipe BPA, Université du Littoral-Côte d'Opale, Institut Charles Violette EA 7394 USC Anses, Boulogne-sur-mer, France
| | - Ilias Theodorou
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
| | - Philip Kelleher
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Christian Cambillau
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland.,Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France
| | - Helge Holo
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NULS), Ås, Norway
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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10
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McDonnell B, Hanemaaijer L, Bottacini F, Kelleher P, Lavelle K, Sadovskaya I, Vinogradov E, Ver Loren van Themaat E, Kouwen T, Mahony J, van Sinderen D. A cell wall-associated polysaccharide is required for bacteriophage adsorption to the Streptococcus thermophilus cell surface. Mol Microbiol 2020; 114:31-45. [PMID: 32073719 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus thermophilus strain ST64987 was exposed to a member of a recently discovered group of S. thermophilus phages (the 987 phage group), generating phage-insensitive mutants, which were then characterized phenotypically and genomically. Decreased phage adsorption was observed in selected bacteriophage-insensitive mutants, and was partnered with a sedimenting phenotype and increased cell chain length or aggregation. Whole genome sequencing of several bacteriophage-insensitive mutants identified mutations located in a gene cluster presumed to be responsible for cell wall polysaccharide production in this strain. Analysis of cell surface-associated glycans by methylation and NMR spectroscopy revealed a complex branched rhamno-polysaccharide in both ST64987 and phage-insensitive mutant BIM3. In addition, a second cell wall-associated polysaccharide of ST64987, composed of hexasaccharide branched repeating units containing galactose and glucose, was absent in the cell wall of mutant BIM3. Genetic complementation of three phage-resistant mutants was shown to restore the carbohydrate and phage resistance profiles of the wild-type strain, establishing the role of this gene cluster in cell wall polysaccharide production and phage adsorption and, thus, infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian McDonnell
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Francesca Bottacini
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Philip Kelleher
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Katherine Lavelle
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Irina Sadovskaya
- Équipe BPA, Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale, Institut Régional Charles Violette EA 7394, USC Anses-ULCO, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Evgeny Vinogradov
- Institute for Biological Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Thijs Kouwen
- DSM Biotechnology Center, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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11
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Theodorou I, Courtin P, Palussière S, Kulakauskas S, Bidnenko E, Péchoux C, Fenaille F, Penno C, Mahony J, van Sinderen D, Chapot-Chartier MP. A dual-chain assembly pathway generates the high structural diversity of cell-wall polysaccharides in Lactococcus lactis. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:17612-17625. [PMID: 31582566 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In Lactococcus lactis, cell-wall polysaccharides (CWPSs) act as receptors for many bacteriophages, and their structural diversity among strains explains, at least partially, the narrow host range of these viral predators. Previous studies have reported that lactococcal CWPS consists of two distinct components, a variable chain exposed at the bacterial surface, named polysaccharide pellicle (PSP), and a more conserved rhamnan chain anchored to, and embedded inside, peptidoglycan. These two chains appear to be covalently linked to form a large heteropolysaccharide. The molecular machinery for biosynthesis of both components is encoded by a large gene cluster, named cwps In this study, using a CRISPR/Cas-based method, we performed a mutational analysis of the cwps genes. MALDI-TOF MS-based structural analysis of the mutant CWPS combined with sequence homology, transmission EM, and phage sensitivity analyses enabled us to infer a role for each protein encoded by the cwps cluster. We propose a comprehensive CWPS biosynthesis scheme in which the rhamnan and PSP chains are independently synthesized from two distinct lipid-sugar precursors and are joined at the extracellular side of the cytoplasmic membrane by a mechanism involving a membrane-embedded glycosyltransferase with a GT-C fold. The proposed scheme encompasses a system that allows extracytoplasmic modification of rhamnan by complex substituting oligo-/polysaccharides. It accounts for the extensive diversity of CWPS structures observed among lactococci and may also have relevance to the biosynthesis of complex rhamnose-containing CWPSs in other Gram-positive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Theodorou
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Pascal Courtin
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Simon Palussière
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Saulius Kulakauskas
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Elena Bidnenko
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christine Péchoux
- INRA, UMR 1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative (GABI), Plate-forme MIMA2, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - François Fenaille
- CEA, Institut Joliot, Service de Pharmacologie et d'Immunoanalyse, UMR 0496, Laboratoire d'Etude du Métabolisme des Médicaments, MetaboHUB-Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Christophe Penno
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland .,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
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12
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A Specific Sugar Moiety in the Lactococcus lactis Cell Wall Pellicle Is Required for Infection by CHPC971, a Member of the Rare 1706 Phage Species. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.01224-19. [PMID: 31350317 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01224-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactococcus lactis is a Gram-positive bacterium widely used as a starter culture for the production of different dairy products, especially a large variety of cheeses. Infection of lactococcal starter cultures by bacteriophages is one of the major causes of fermentation failure and often leads to production halt. Lactococcal bacteriophages belonging to the c2, 936, and P335 species are the most commonly isolated in dairy plants and have been extensively investigated in the past three decades. Information regarding bacteriophages belonging to less commonly isolated species is, on the other hand, less extensive, although these phages can also contribute to starter culture infection. Here, we report the nucleotide sequence of the newly isolated L. lactis phage CHPC971, belonging to the rare 1706 species of lactococcal phages. We investigated the nature of the host receptor recognized by the phage and collected evidence that strongly suggests that it binds to a specific sugar moiety in the cell wall pellicle of its host. An in silico analysis of the genome of phage CHPC971 identified the hypothetical genes involved in receptor binding.IMPORTANCE Gathering information on how lactococcal bacteriophages recognize their host and proliferate in the dairy environment is of vital importance for the establishment of proper starter culture rotation plans and to avoid fermentation failure and consequent great economic losses for dairy industries. We provide strong evidence on the type of receptor recognized by a newly isolated 1706-type lactococcal bacteriophage, increasing knowledge of phage-host interactions relevant to dairying. This information can help to prevent phage infection events that, so far, are hard to predict and avoid.
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13
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Xia L, Li B, Lu Y, Chen D. Structural characterization and anticomplement activity of an acidic polysaccharide containing 3-O-methyl galactose from Juniperus tibetica. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 132:1244-1251. [PMID: 30965075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A water-soluble acidic polysaccharide containing 3-O-methyl galactose, named YB-PS4, was isolated from the twigs and leaves of Juniperus tibetica Kom. Its structure was characterized by monosaccharide composition analysis, methylation, and NMR spectroscopy. It was concluded that YB-PS4 had a backbone composed of→2,4)-α-Rhap-(1→, →3,5)-α-Araf-(1→, →2,4)-α-Galp-(1 → and →4)-α-GalpA-(1→, with branches of →2)-α-Rhap-(1→,→3)-α-Araf-(1 → and →2)-3-O-Me-α-Galp-(1→. The possible repetitive units were speculated and further analyzed by oligosaccharide analysis. YB-PS4 showed inhibitory effects on complement activation through the classical pathway (CH50 = 94.23 ± 8.90 μg/mL) and alternative pathway (AP50 = 194.76 ± 9.20 μg/mL). Preliminary mechanism study indicated that it interacted with C1q, C2, C3, C4 and C5. These studies pointed a way to understand the active constituents of J. tibetica and provided scientific bases for YB-PS4 as a complement inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Xia
- School of Pharmacy, The Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Beibei Li
- School of Pharmacy, The Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yan Lu
- School of Pharmacy, The Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Daofeng Chen
- School of Pharmacy, The Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
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14
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Sadiq FA, He G, Sakandar HA, Li Y, Ou K. Lactococcus lactis phages from the perspective of their diversity, thermal and biocidal resistance. Int Dairy J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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Wels M, Siezen R, van Hijum S, Kelly WJ, Bachmann H. Comparative Genome Analysis of Lactococcus lactis Indicates Niche Adaptation and Resolves Genotype/Phenotype Disparity. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:4. [PMID: 30766512 PMCID: PMC6365430 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactococcus lactis is one of the most important micro-organisms in the dairy industry for the fermentation of cheese and buttermilk. Besides the conversion of lactose to lactate it is responsible for product properties such as flavor and texture, which are determined by volatile metabolites, proteolytic activity and exopolysaccharide production. While the species Lactococcus lactis consists of the two subspecies lactis and cremoris their taxonomic position is confused by a group of strains that, despite of a cremoris genotype, display a lactis phenotype. Here we compared and analyzed the (draft) genomes of 43 L. lactis strains, of which 19 are of dairy and 24 are of non-dairy origin. Machine-learning algorithms facilitated the identification of orthologous groups of protein sequences (OGs) that are predictors for either the taxonomic position or the source of isolation. This allowed the unambiguous categorization of the genotype/phenotype disparity of ssp. lactis and ssp. cremoris strains. A detailed analysis of phenotypic properties including plasmid-encoded genes indicates evolutionary changes during niche adaptations. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that dairy isolates evolved from plant isolates. The analysis further suggests that genomes of cremoris phenotype strains are so eroded that they are restricted to a dairy environment. Overall the genome comparison of a diverse set of strains allowed the identification of niche and subspecies specific genes. This explains evolutionary relationships and will aid the identification and selection of industrial starter cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Wels
- NIZO Food Research B.V., Ede, Netherlands.,TI Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Roland Siezen
- TI Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, Netherlands.,Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Microbial Bioinformatics, Ede, Netherlands
| | - Sacha van Hijum
- NIZO Food Research B.V., Ede, Netherlands.,TI Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, Netherlands.,Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Herwig Bachmann
- NIZO Food Research B.V., Ede, Netherlands.,TI Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, Netherlands.,Systems Bioinformatics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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