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Tsaplina O. The Balance between Protealysin and Its Substrate, the Outer Membrane Protein OmpX, Regulates Serratia proteamaculans Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6159. [PMID: 38892348 PMCID: PMC11172720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116159] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Serratia are opportunistic bacteria, causing infections in plants, insects, animals and humans under certain conditions. The development of bacterial infection in the human body involves several stages of host-pathogen interaction, including entry into non-phagocytic cells to evade host immune cells. The facultative pathogen Serratia proteamaculans is capable of penetrating eukaryotic cells. These bacteria synthesize an actin-specific metalloprotease named protealysin. After transformation with a plasmid carrying the protealysin gene, noninvasive E. coli penetrate eukaryotic cells. This suggests that protealysin may play a key role in S. proteamaculans invasion. This review addresses the mechanisms underlying protealysin's involvement in bacterial invasion, highlighting the main findings as follows. Protealysin can be delivered into the eukaryotic cell by the type VI secretion system and/or by bacterial outer membrane vesicles. By cleaving actin in the host cell, protealysin can mediate the reversible actin rearrangements required for bacterial invasion. However, inactivation of the protealysin gene leads to an increase, rather than decrease, in the intensity of S. proteamaculans invasion. This indicates the presence of virulence factors among bacterial protealysin substrates. Indeed, protealysin cleaves the virulence factors, including the bacterial surface protein OmpX. OmpX increases the expression of the EGFR and β1 integrin, which are involved in S. proteamaculans invasion. It has been shown that an increase in the invasion of genetically modified S. proteamaculans may be the result of the accumulation of full-length OmpX on the bacterial surface, which is not cleaved by protealysin. Thus, the intensity of the S. proteamaculans invasion is determined by the balance between the active protealysin and its substrate OmpX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tsaplina
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky av. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
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2
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Diepold A. Defining Assembly Pathways by Fluorescence Microscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2715:383-394. [PMID: 37930541 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3445-5_24] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial secretion systems are among the largest protein complexes in prokaryotes and display remarkably complex architectures. Their assembly often follows clearly defined pathways. Deciphering these pathways not only reveals how bacteria accomplish to build these large functional complexes but can provide crucial information on the interactions and subcomplexes within secretion systems, their distribution within the bacterium, and even functional insights. Fluorescence microscopy provides a powerful tool for biological imaging, which presents an interesting method to accurately define the biogenesis of macromolecular complexes using fluorescently labeled components. Here, I describe the use of this method to decipher the assembly pathway of bacterial secretion systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Diepold
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
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3
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Miller J, Murray PJ. Space and time on the membrane: modelling Type VI secretion system dynamics as a state-dependent random walk. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230284. [PMID: 37920566 PMCID: PMC10618060 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The type six secretion system (T6SS) is a transmembrane protein complex that mediates bacterial cell killing. The T6SS comprises three main components (transmembrane, baseplate and sheath/tube complexes) that are sequentially assembled in order to enable an attacking cell to transport payloads into neighbouring cells. A T6SS attack disrupts the function of essential cellular components of target cells, typically resulting in their death. While the assembled T6SS adopts a fixed position in the cell membrane of the attacking cell, the location of the firing site varies between firing events. In Serratia marcescens, a post-translational regulatory network regulates the assembly and firing kinetics of the T6SS in a manner that affects the attacking cell's ability to kill target cells. Moreover, when the ability of membrane complexes to reorient is reduced, an attacking cell's competitiveness is also reduced. In this study, we will develop a mathematical model that describes both the spatial motion and assembly/disassembly of a firing T6SS. The model represents the motion of a T6SS on the cell membrane as a state-dependent random walk. Using the model, we will explore how both spatial and temporal effects can combine to give rise to different firing phenotypes. Using parameters inferred from the available literature, we show that variation in estimated diffusion coefficients is sufficient to give rise to either spatially local or global firers.
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Bourigault Y, Dupont CA, Desjardins JB, Doan T, Bouteiller M, Le Guenno H, Chevalier S, Barbey C, Latour X, Cascales E, Merieau A. Pseudomonas fluorescens MFE01 delivers a putative type VI secretion amidase that confers biocontrol against the soft-rot pathogen Pectobacterium atrosepticum. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2564-2579. [PMID: 37622480 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a contractile nanomachine widespread in Gram-negative bacteria. The T6SS injects effectors into target cells including eukaryotic hosts and competitor microbial cells and thus participates in pathogenesis and intermicrobial competition. Pseudomonas fluorescens MFE01 possesses a single T6SS gene cluster that confers biocontrol properties by protecting potato tubers against the phytopathogen Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pca). Here, we demonstrate that a functional T6SS is essential to protect potato tuber by reducing the pectobacteria population. Fluorescence microscopy experiments showed that MFE01 displays an aggressive behaviour with an offensive T6SS characterized by continuous and intense T6SS firing activity. Interestingly, we observed that T6SS firing is correlated with rounding of Pectobacterium cells, suggesting delivery of a potent cell wall targeting effector. Mutagenesis coupled with functional assays then revealed that a putative T6SS secreted amidase, Tae3Pf , is mainly responsible for MFE01 toxicity towards Pca. Further studies finally demonstrated that Tae3Pf is toxic when produced in the periplasm, and that its toxicity is counteracted by the Tai3Pf inner membrane immunity protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvann Bourigault
- Laboratoire de Communication Bactérienne et Stratégies Anti-infectieuses (CBSA, UR 4312), Univ Rouen Normandie, Université Caen Normandie, Normandie Univ, Rouen, France
- Structure Fédérative de Recherche Normandie Végétale, NORVEGE Fed4277, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Charly A Dupont
- Laboratoire de Communication Bactérienne et Stratégies Anti-infectieuses (CBSA, UR 4312), Univ Rouen Normandie, Université Caen Normandie, Normandie Univ, Rouen, France
- Structure Fédérative de Recherche Normandie Végétale, NORVEGE Fed4277, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Jonas B Desjardins
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM, UMR 7255), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM, FR3479), CNRS-Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Doan
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM, UMR 7255), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM, FR3479), CNRS-Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Mathilde Bouteiller
- Laboratoire de Communication Bactérienne et Stratégies Anti-infectieuses (CBSA, UR 4312), Univ Rouen Normandie, Université Caen Normandie, Normandie Univ, Rouen, France
- Structure Fédérative de Recherche Normandie Végétale, NORVEGE Fed4277, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Hugo Le Guenno
- Plateforme de Microscopie, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM, FR3479), CNRS-Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Sylvie Chevalier
- Laboratoire de Communication Bactérienne et Stratégies Anti-infectieuses (CBSA, UR 4312), Univ Rouen Normandie, Université Caen Normandie, Normandie Univ, Rouen, France
| | - Corinne Barbey
- Laboratoire de Communication Bactérienne et Stratégies Anti-infectieuses (CBSA, UR 4312), Univ Rouen Normandie, Université Caen Normandie, Normandie Univ, Rouen, France
- Structure Fédérative de Recherche Normandie Végétale, NORVEGE Fed4277, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Xavier Latour
- Laboratoire de Communication Bactérienne et Stratégies Anti-infectieuses (CBSA, UR 4312), Univ Rouen Normandie, Université Caen Normandie, Normandie Univ, Rouen, France
- Structure Fédérative de Recherche Normandie Végétale, NORVEGE Fed4277, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM, UMR 7255), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM, FR3479), CNRS-Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Annabelle Merieau
- Laboratoire de Communication Bactérienne et Stratégies Anti-infectieuses (CBSA, UR 4312), Univ Rouen Normandie, Université Caen Normandie, Normandie Univ, Rouen, France
- Structure Fédérative de Recherche Normandie Végétale, NORVEGE Fed4277, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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5
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Kandolo O, Cherrak Y, Filella-Merce I, Le Guenno H, Kosta A, Espinosa L, Santucci P, Verthuy C, Lebrun R, Nilges M, Pellarin R, Durand E. Acinetobacter type VI secretion system comprises a non-canonical membrane complex. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011687. [PMID: 37769028 PMCID: PMC10564176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A. baumannii can rapidly acquire new resistance mechanisms and persist on abiotic surface, enabling the colonization of asymptomatic human host. In Acinetobacter the type VI secretion system (T6SS) is involved in twitching, surface motility and is used for interbacterial competition allowing the bacteria to uptake DNA. A. baumannii possesses a T6SS that has been well studied for its regulation and specific activity, but little is known concerning its assembly and architecture. The T6SS nanomachine is built from three architectural sub-complexes. Unlike the baseplate (BP) and the tail-tube complex (TTC), which are inherited from bacteriophages, the membrane complex (MC) originates from bacteria. The MC is the most external part of the T6SS and, as such, is subjected to evolution and adaptation. One unanswered question on the MC is how such a gigantesque molecular edifice is inserted and crosses the bacterial cell envelope. The A. baumannii MC lacks an essential component, the TssJ lipoprotein, which anchors the MC to the outer membrane. In this work, we studied how A. baumannii compensates the absence of a TssJ. We have characterized for the first time the A. baumannii's specific T6SS MC, its unique characteristic, its membrane localization, and assembly dynamics. We also defined its composition, demonstrating that its biogenesis employs three Acinetobacter-specific envelope-associated proteins that define an intricate network leading to the assembly of a five-proteins membrane super-complex. Our data suggest that A. baumannii has divided the function of TssJ by (1) co-opting a new protein TsmK that stabilizes the MC and by (2) evolving a new domain in TssM for homo-oligomerization, a prerequisite to build the T6SS channel. We believe that the atypical species-specific features we report in this study will have profound implication in our understanding of the assembly and evolutionary diversity of different T6SSs, that warrants future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ona Kandolo
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-UMR 7255, Marseille, France
| | - Yassine Cherrak
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-UMR 7255, Marseille, France
| | - Isaac Filella-Merce
- Institut Pasteur, Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Collège doctoral, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Le Guenno
- Microscopy Core Facility, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Artemis Kosta
- Microscopy Core Facility, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Leon Espinosa
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (LCB), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Santucci
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-UMR 7255, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Verthuy
- Proteomic Core Facility IMM, Marseille Protéomique (MaP), Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Régine Lebrun
- Proteomic Core Facility IMM, Marseille Protéomique (MaP), Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Michael Nilges
- Institut Pasteur, Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Paris, France
| | - Riccardo Pellarin
- Institut Pasteur, Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Paris, France
| | - Eric Durand
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-UMR 7255, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies and Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Marseille, France
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6
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Hespanhol JT, Nóbrega-Silva L, Bayer-Santos E. Regulation of type VI secretion systems at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational level. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001376. [PMID: 37552221 PMCID: PMC10482370 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria live in complex polymicrobial communities and are constantly competing for resources. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread antagonistic mechanism used by Gram-negative bacteria to gain an advantage over competitors. T6SSs translocate toxic effector proteins inside target prokaryotic cells in a contact-dependent manner. In addition, some T6SS effectors can be secreted extracellularly and contribute to the scavenging scarce metal ions. Bacteria deploy their T6SSs in different situations, categorizing these systems into offensive, defensive and exploitative. The great variety of bacterial species and environments occupied by such species reflect the complexity of regulatory signals and networks that control the expression and activation of the T6SSs. Such regulation is tightly controlled at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational level by abiotic (e.g. pH, iron) or biotic (e.g. quorum-sensing) cues. In this review, we provide an update on the current knowledge about the regulatory networks that modulate the expression and activity of T6SSs across several species, focusing on systems used for interbacterial competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Takuno Hespanhol
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Luize Nóbrega-Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Ethel Bayer-Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
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7
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Taillefer B, Grandjean MM, Herrou J, Robert D, Mignot T, Sebban-Kreuzer C, Cascales E. Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Measure Antibacterial Activity Resulting from Bacterial Competition. Bio Protoc 2023; 13:e4706. [PMID: 37449039 PMCID: PMC10336571 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the environment, bacteria compete for niche occupancy and resources; they have, therefore, evolved a broad variety of antibacterial weapons to destroy competitors. Current laboratory techniques to evaluate antibacterial activity are usually labor intensive, low throughput, costly, and time consuming. Typical assays rely on the outgrowth of colonies of prey cells on selective solid media after competition. Here, we present fast, inexpensive, and complementary optimized protocols to qualitatively and quantitively measure antibacterial activity. The first method is based on the degradation of a cell-impermeable chromogenic substrate of the β-galactosidase, a cytoplasmic enzyme released during lysis of the attacked reporter strain. The second method relies on the lag time required for the attacked cells to reach a defined optical density after the competition, which is directly dependent on the initial number of surviving cells. Key features First method utilizes the release of β-galactosidase as a proxy for bacterial lysis. Second method is based on the growth timing of surviving cells. Combination of two methods discriminates between cell death and lysis, cell death without lysis, or survival to quasi-lysis. Methods optimized to various bacterial species such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Myxococcus xanthus. Graphical overview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Taillefer
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Marie M. Grandjean
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Julien Herrou
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (LCB), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7283, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Donovan Robert
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (LCB), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7283, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Tâm Mignot
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (LCB), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7283, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Corinne Sebban-Kreuzer
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
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8
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Lin YL, Smith SN, Kanso E, Septer AN, Rycroft CH. A subcellular biochemical model for T6SS dynamics reveals winning competitive strategies. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad195. [PMID: 37441614 PMCID: PMC10335733 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a broadly distributed interbacterial weapon that can be used to eliminate competing bacterial populations. Although unarmed target populations are typically used to study T6SS function in vitro, bacteria most likely encounter other T6SS-armed competitors in nature. However, the connection between subcellular details of the T6SS and the outcomes of such mutually lethal battles is not well understood. Here, we incorporate biological data derived from natural competitors of Vibrio fischeri light organ symbionts to build a biochemical model for T6SS at the single-cell level, which we then integrate into an agent-based model (ABM). Using the ABM, we isolate and experiment with strain-specific physiological differences between competitors in ways not possible with biological samples to identify winning strategies for T6SS-armed populations. Through in vitro experiments, we discover that strain-specific differences exist in T6SS activation speed. ABM simulations corroborate that faster activation is dominant in determining survival during competition. Once competitors are fully activated, the energy required for T6SS creates a tipping point where increased weapon building and firing becomes too costly to be advantageous. Through ABM simulations, we identify the threshold where this transition occurs in the T6SS parameter space. We also find that competitive outcomes depend on the geometry of the battlefield: unarmed target cells survive at the edges of a range expansion where unlimited territory can be claimed. Alternatively, competitions within a confined space, much like the light organ crypts where natural V. fischeri compete, result in the rapid elimination of the unarmed population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eva Kanso
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, 3650 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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9
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Ordine JVW, de Souza GM, Tamasco G, Virgilio S, Fernandes AFT, Silva-Rocha R, Guazzaroni ME. Metagenomic Insights for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Soils with Different Land Uses in Brazil. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020334. [PMID: 36830245 PMCID: PMC9952835 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Land-use conversion changes soil properties and their microbial communities, which, combined with the overuse of antibiotics in human and animal health, promotes the expansion of the soil resistome. In this context, we aimed to profile the resistome and the microbiota of soils under different land practices. We collected eight soil samples from different locations in the countryside of São Paulo (Brazil), assessed the community profiles based on 16S rRNA sequencing, and analyzed the soil metagenomes based on shotgun sequencing. We found differences in the communities' structures and their dynamics that were correlated with land practices, such as the dominance of Staphylococcus and Bacillus genera in agriculture fields. Additionally, we surveyed the abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs) across studied soils, observing a higher presence and homogeneity of the vanRO gene in livestock soils. Moreover, three β-lactamases were identified in orchard and urban square soils. Together, our findings reinforce the importance and urgency of AMR surveillance in the environment, especially in soils undergoing deep land-use transformations, providing an initial exploration under the One Health approach of environmental levels of resistance and profiling soil communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Vitor Wagner Ordine
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Messias de Souza
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Tamasco
- ByMyCell Inova Simples. Avenue Dra. Nadir Águiar, 1805-Supera Parque, Ribeirão Preto 14056-680, SP, Brazil
| | - Stela Virgilio
- ByMyCell Inova Simples. Avenue Dra. Nadir Águiar, 1805-Supera Parque, Ribeirão Preto 14056-680, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Tonelli Fernandes
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Silva-Rocha
- ByMyCell Inova Simples. Avenue Dra. Nadir Águiar, 1805-Supera Parque, Ribeirão Preto 14056-680, SP, Brazil
| | - María-Eugenia Guazzaroni
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(16)-33153680
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10
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Huang Y, Han Y, Li Z, Li X, Li Z, Liu P, Liu X, Cheng Q, Fan F, Kan B, Liang W. TssI2-TsiI2 of Vibrio fluvialis VflT6SS2 delivers pesticin domain-containing periplasmic toxin and cognate immunity that modulates bacterial competitiveness. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2136460. [PMID: 36288406 PMCID: PMC9620997 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2136460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio fluvialis is a halophilic Gram-negative bacterium regarded as an emerging unusual enteric pathogen of increasing public health concern. Our previous work has identified two type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) in V. fluvialis, VflT6SS1, and VflT6SS2, and the latter is functional in mediating interbacterial competitiveness. However, its antibacterial effectors remain to be clarified. In this work, we focused on a new potential effector/immunity pair TssI2/TsiI2. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the C-terminal domain of TssI2 belongs to a widespread family of pesticin, and its antibacterial toxicity and corresponding protection by TsiI2 were proved via bacterial killing assays, and their action sites were localized to the periplasm of bacterial cells. The interaction of TssI2 and TsiI2 was demonstrated by the bacterial adenylate cyclase two-hybrid, protein pull-down and isothermal titration calorimetry assays. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that, in addition to Glu-844, Thr-863, and Asp-869, which correspond to three reported residues in pesticin of Yersinia pestis, additional residues including Phe-837, Gly-845, Tyr-851, Gly-867, Gln-963, Trp-975, and Arg-1000 were also proved to be crucial to the bactericidal activity of TssI2. Muramidase/lysozyme-related peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolase activities of TssI2 and its variants were validated with permeabilized Escherichia coli cells and purified PG substrate. Based on sequence homologies at C-terminals in various V. fluvialis isolates, TssI2 was subdivided into five clusters (12-22% identity among them), and the antibacterial activities of representative effectors from other four Clusters were also confirmed through periplasmic over-expression in E. coli host. Two selected cognate immunities were proved to confer protection against the toxicities of their effectors. Additionally, TsiI2, which belongs to Cluster I, exhibited cross-protection to effector from Cluster V. Together, current findings expand our knowledge of the diversity and consistency of evolved VgrG effectors in V. fluvialis and on how VflT6SS2 mediates a competitive advantage to gain a better survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanming Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoshu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Fenxia Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Biao Kan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China,CONTACT Biao Kan
| | - Weili Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China,Weili Liang State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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11
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Lin L, Capozzoli R, Ferrand A, Plum M, Vettiger A, Basler M. Subcellular localization of Type VI secretion system assembly in response to cell–cell contact. EMBO J 2022; 41:e108595. [PMID: 35634969 PMCID: PMC9251886 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria require a number of systems, including the type VI secretion system (T6SS), for interbacterial competition and pathogenesis. The T6SS is a large nanomachine that can deliver toxins directly across membranes of proximal target cells. Since major reassembly of T6SS is necessary after each secretion event, accurate timing and localization of T6SS assembly can lower the cost of protein translocation. Although critically important, mechanisms underlying spatiotemporal regulation of T6SS assembly remain poorly understood. Here, we used super‐resolution live‐cell imaging to show that while Acinetobacter and Burkholderia thailandensis can assemble T6SS at any site, a significant subset of T6SS assemblies localizes precisely to the site of contact between neighboring bacteria. We identified a class of diverse, previously uncharacterized, periplasmic proteins required for this dynamic localization of T6SS to cell–cell contact (TslA). This precise localization is also dependent on the outer membrane porin OmpA. Our analysis links transmembrane communication to accurate timing and localization of T6SS assembly as well as uncovers a pathway allowing bacterial cells to respond to cell–cell contact during interbacterial competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Lin
- Biozentrum University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Alexia Ferrand
- Biozentrum Imaging Core Facility University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Miro Plum
- Biozentrum University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Marek Basler
- Biozentrum University of Basel Basel Switzerland
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12
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Unni R, Pintor KL, Diepold A, Unterweger D. Presence and absence of type VI secretion systems in bacteria. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168. [PMID: 35467500 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a molecular puncturing device that enables Gram-negative bacteria to kill competitors, manipulate host cells and take up nutrients. Who would want to miss such superpowers? Indeed, many studies show how widespread the secretion apparatus is among microbes. However, it is becoming evident that, on multiple taxonomic levels, from phyla to species and strains, some bacteria lack a T6SS. Here, we review who does and does not have a type VI secretion apparatus and speculate on the dynamic process of gaining and losing the secretion system to better understand its spread and distribution across the microbial world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Unni
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Straße 2, 24306 Plön, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Michaelisstraße 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Katherine L Pintor
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Diepold
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Unterweger
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Straße 2, 24306 Plön, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Michaelisstraße 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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13
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Li J, Hu WW, Qu GX, Li XR, Xiang Y, Jiang P, Luo JQ, He WH, Jin YJ, Shi Q. Characterization of a Type VI Secretion System vgrG2 Gene in the Pathogenicity of Burkholderia thailandensis BPM. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:811343. [PMID: 35069514 PMCID: PMC8767068 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.811343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia thailandensis is a clinically underestimated conditional pathogen in the genus Burkholderia, the pathogenicity of the infection caused by B. thailandensis remains poorly understood. According to previous studies, Type-VI secretion system (T6SS) is a protein secreting device widely existing in Gram-negative bacilli. Valine-glycine repeat protein G (VgrG) is not only an important component of T6SS, but also a virulence factor of many Gram-negative bacilli. In one of our previous studies, a unique T6SS vgrG gene (vgrG2 gene) was present in a virulent B. thailandensis strain BPM (BPM), but not in the relatively avirulent B. thailandensis strain E264 (E264). Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis of BPM and E264 showed that the vgrG2 gene was strongly expressed in BPM, but not in E264. Therefore, we identified the function of the vgrG2 gene by constructing the mutant and complemented strains in this study. In vitro, the vgrG2 gene was observed to be involved in the interactions with host cells. The animal model experiment showed that the deletion of vgrG2 gene significantly led to the decrease in the lethality of BPM and impaired its ability to trigger host immune response. In conclusion, our study provides a new perspective for studying the pathogenicity of B. thailandensis and lays the foundation for discovering the potential T6SS effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Wei Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-Xin Qu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Xiao-Rong Li
- M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Xiang
- M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang-Qiao Luo
- M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Huan He
- M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Jia Jin
- M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- M.O.E. Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Abstract
Commensal microbes in animal guts often help to exclude bacterial pathogens. In honey bees, perturbing or depleting the gut microbiota increases host mortality rates upon challenge with the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens, suggesting antagonism between S. marcescens and one or more members of the bee gut microbiota. In laboratory culture, S. marcescens uses a type VI secretion system (T6SS) to kill bacterial competitors, but the role of this T6SS within hosts is unknown. Using infection assays, we determined how the microbiota impacts the abundance and persistence of S. marcescens in the gut and visualized colocalization of S. marcescens with specific community members in situ. Using T6SS-deficient S. marcescens strains, we measured T6SS-dependent killing of gut isolates in vitro and compared the persistence of mutant and wild-type strains in the gut. We found that S. marcescens is rapidly eliminated in the presence of the microbiota but persists in microbiota-free guts. Protection is reduced in monocolonized and antibiotic-treated bees, possibly because different symbionts occupy distinct niches. Serratia marcescens uses a T6SS to antagonize Escherichia coli and other S. marcescens strains but shows limited ability to kill bee symbionts. Furthermore, wild-type and T6SS-deficient S. marcescens strains achieved similar abundance and persistence in bee guts. Thus, an intact gut microbiota offers robust protection against this common pathogen, whose T6SSs do not confer the ability to compete with commensal species. IMPORTANCE Bacteria living within guts of animals can provide protection against infection by pathogens. Some pathogens have been shown to use a molecular weapon known as a T6SS to kill beneficial bacteria during invasion of the mouse gut. In this study, we examined how bacteria native to the honey bee gut work together to exclude the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens. Although S. marcescens has a T6SS that can kill bacteria, bee gut bacteria seem resistant to its effects. This limitation may partially explain why ingestion of S. marcescens is rarely lethal to insects with healthy gut communities.
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15
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Custodio R, Ford RM, Ellison CJ, Liu G, Mickute G, Tang CM, Exley RM. Type VI secretion system killing by commensal Neisseria is influenced by expression of type four pili. eLife 2021; 10:63755. [PMID: 34232858 PMCID: PMC8263058 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Type VI Secretion Systems (T6SSs) are widespread in bacteria and can dictate the development and organisation of polymicrobial ecosystems by mediating contact dependent killing. In Neisseria species, including Neisseria cinerea a commensal of the human respiratory tract, interbacterial contacts are mediated by Type four pili (Tfp) which promote formation of aggregates and govern the spatial dynamics of growing Neisseria microcolonies. Here, we show that N. cinerea expresses a plasmid-encoded T6SS that is active and can limit growth of related pathogens. We explored the impact of Tfp on N. cinerea T6SS-dependent killing within a colony and show that pilus expression by a prey strain enhances susceptibility to T6SS compared to a non-piliated prey, by preventing segregation from a T6SS-wielding attacker. Our findings have important implications for understanding how spatial constraints during contact-dependent antagonism can shape the evolution of microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Custodio
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rhian M Ford
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Cara J Ellison
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Guangyu Liu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gerda Mickute
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M Exley
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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16
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Boopathi S, Liu D, Jia AQ. Molecular trafficking between bacteria determines the shape of gut microbial community. Gut Microbes 2021; 13:1959841. [PMID: 34455923 PMCID: PMC8432619 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1959841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex inter-bacterial interactions largely influence the structure and function of the gut microbial community. Though several host-associated phenomena have often been shown to be involved in the stability, structure, and function of the gut microbial community, the implication of contact-dependent and contact-independent inter-bacterial interactions has been overlooked. Such interactions are tightly governed at multiple layers through several extracellular organelles, including contact-dependent inhibition (CDI), nanotubes, type VI secretion system (T6SS), and membrane vesicles (MVs). Recent advancements in molecular techniques have revealed that such extracellular organelles function beyond exhibiting competitive behavior and are also involved in manifesting cooperative behaviors. Cooperation between bacteria occurs through the sharing of several beneficial molecules including nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, and nutrients among the members of the community, while competition occurs by means of multiple toxins. Intrinsic coordination between contact-dependent and contact-independent mechanisms collectively provides a fitness advantage and increased colonization resistance to the gut microbiota, where molecular trafficking plays a key role. This review is intended to provide a comprehensive view of the salient features of the different bacterial interactions and to highlight how microbiota deploy multifaceted organelles, for exerting both cooperative and competitive behaviors. We discuss the current knowledge of bacterial molecular trafficking and its impact on shaping the gut microbial community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seenivasan Boopathi
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry Education, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Danrui Liu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry Education, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Ai-Qun Jia
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry Education, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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17
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Smith WPJ, Brodmann M, Unterweger D, Davit Y, Comstock LE, Basler M, Foster KR. The evolution of tit-for-tat in bacteria via the type VI secretion system. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5395. [PMID: 33106492 PMCID: PMC7589516 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19017-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tit-for-tat is a familiar principle from animal behavior: individuals respond in kind to being helped or harmed by others. Remarkably some bacteria appear to display tit-for-tat behavior, but how this evolved is not understood. Here we combine evolutionary game theory with agent-based modelling of bacterial tit-for-tat, whereby cells stab rivals with poisoned needles (the type VI secretion system) after being stabbed themselves. Our modelling shows tit-for-tat retaliation is a surprisingly poor evolutionary strategy, because tit-for-tat cells lack the first-strike advantage of preemptive attackers. However, if cells retaliate strongly and fire back multiple times, we find that reciprocation is highly effective. We test our predictions by competing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a tit-for-tat species) with Vibrio cholerae (random-firing), revealing that P. aeruginosa does indeed fire multiple times per incoming attack. Our work suggests bacterial competition has led to a particular form of reciprocation, where the principle is that of strong retaliation, or 'tits-for-tat'.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P J Smith
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| | - Maj Brodmann
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Unterweger
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, 24105, Kiel, Germany
- Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306, Plön, Germany
| | - Yohan Davit
- Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse, CNRS and Université de Toulouse, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurie E Comstock
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marek Basler
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kevin R Foster
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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18
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French CT, Bulterys PL, Woodward CL, Tatters AO, Ng KR, Miller JF. Virulence from the rhizosphere: ecology and evolution of Burkholderia pseudomallei-complex species. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 54:18-32. [PMID: 32028234 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T French
- California NanoSystems Institute, UCLA, 570 Westwood Plaza Bldg. 114, 4538 West, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, 609 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Northern Arizona University, Department of Biological Sciences, Pathogen and Microbiome Institute 1395 S Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States.
| | - Philip L Bulterys
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Lane Building, L235, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Cora L Woodward
- California NanoSystems Institute, UCLA, 570 Westwood Plaza Bldg. 114, 4538 West, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Avery O Tatters
- California NanoSystems Institute, UCLA, 570 Westwood Plaza Bldg. 114, 4538 West, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Ken R Ng
- California NanoSystems Institute, UCLA, 570 Westwood Plaza Bldg. 114, 4538 West, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Jeff F Miller
- California NanoSystems Institute, UCLA, 570 Westwood Plaza Bldg. 114, 4538 West, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, 609 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
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19
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Liaw J, Hong G, Davies C, Elmi A, Sima F, Stratakos A, Stef L, Pet I, Hachani A, Corcionivoschi N, Wren BW, Gundogdu O, Dorrell N. The Campylobacter jejuni Type VI Secretion System Enhances the Oxidative Stress Response and Host Colonization. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2864. [PMID: 31921044 PMCID: PMC6927950 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the Type VI secretion system (T6SS) in Campylobacter jejuni is poorly understood despite an increasing prevalence of the T6SS in recent C. jejuni isolates in humans and chickens. The T6SS is a contractile secretion machinery capable of delivering effectors that can play a role in host colonization and niche establishment. During host colonization, C. jejuni is exposed to oxidative stress in the host gastrointestinal tract, and in other bacteria the T6SS has been linked with the oxidative stress response. In this study, comparisons of whole genome sequences of a novel human isolate 488 with previously sequenced strains revealed a single highly conserved T6SS cluster shared between strains isolated from humans and chickens. The presence of a functional T6SS in the 488 wild-type strain is indicated by expression of T6SS genes and secretion of the effector TssD. Increased expression of oxidative stress response genes katA, sodB, and ahpC, and increased oxidative stress resistance in 488 wild-type strain suggest T6SS is associated with oxidative stress response. The role of the T6SS in interactions with host cells is explored using in vitro and in vivo models, and the presence of the T6SS is shown to increase C. jejuni cytotoxicity in the Galleria mellonella infection model. In biologically relevant models, the T6SS enhances C. jejuni interactions with and invasion of chicken primary intestinal cells and enhances the ability of C. jejuni to colonize chickens. This study demonstrates that the C. jejuni T6SS provides defense against oxidative stress and enhances host colonization, and highlights the importance of the T6SS during in vivo survival of T6SS-positive C. jejuni strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janie Liaw
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geunhye Hong
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cadi Davies
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Abdi Elmi
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Filip Sima
- Bacteriology Branch, Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandros Stratakos
- Bacteriology Branch, Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Lavinia Stef
- Bioengineering of Animal Science Resources, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine - King Michael the I of Romania, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioan Pet
- Bioengineering of Animal Science Resources, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine - King Michael the I of Romania, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Abderrahman Hachani
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicolae Corcionivoschi
- Bacteriology Branch, Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Bioengineering of Animal Science Resources, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine - King Michael the I of Romania, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Brendan W Wren
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ozan Gundogdu
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Dorrell
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Wang J, Brodmann M, Basler M. Assembly and Subcellular Localization of Bacterial Type VI Secretion Systems. Annu Rev Microbiol 2019; 73:621-638. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-020518-115420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria need to deliver large molecules out of the cytosol to the extracellular space or even across membranes of neighboring cells to influence their environment, prevent predation, defeat competitors, or communicate. A variety of protein-secretion systems have evolved to make this process highly regulated and efficient. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is one of the largest dynamic assemblies in gram-negative bacteria and allows for delivery of toxins into both bacterial and eukaryotic cells. The recent progress in structural biology and live-cell imaging shows the T6SS as a long contractile sheath assembled around a rigid tube with associated toxins anchored to a cell envelope by a baseplate and membrane complex. Rapid sheath contraction releases a large amount of energy used to push the tube and toxins through the membranes of neighboring target cells. Because reach of the T6SS is limited, some bacteria dynamically regulate its subcellular localization to precisely aim at their targets and thus increase efficiency of toxin translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maj Brodmann
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Basler
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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21
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Lennings J, Makhlouf M, Olejnik P, Mayer C, Brötz-Oesterhelt H, Schwarz S. Environmental and cellular factors affecting the localization of T6SS proteins in Burkholderia thailandensis. Int J Med Microbiol 2019; 309:151335. [PMID: 31378704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2019.151335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) injects effector proteins into neighboring bacteria and host cells. Effector translocation is driven by contraction of a tubular sheath in the cytoplasm that expels an inner needle across the cell envelope. The AAA + ATPase ClpV disassembles and recycles the contracted sheath. While ClpV-1-GFP of the Burkholderia T6SS-1, which targets prokaryotic cells, assembles into randomly localized foci, ClpV-5-GFP of the virulence-associated T6SS-5 displays a polar distribution. The mechanisms underlying the localization of T6SSs to a particular site in the bacterial cell are currently unknown. We recently showed that ClpV-5-GFP retains its polar localization in the absence of all T6SS-5 components during infection of host cells. Herein, we set out to identify factors involved in the distribution of ClpV-5 and ClpV-1 in Burkholderia thailandensis. We show that focal assembly and polar localization of ClpV-5-GFP is not dependent on the intracellular host cell environment, known to contain the signal to induce T6SS-5 gene expression. In contrast to ClpV-5-GFP, localization of ClpV-1-GFP was dependent on the cognate T6SS. Foci formation of both ClpV5-GFP and ClpV-1-GFP was decreased by D cycloserine-mediated inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis while treatment of B. thailandensis with A22 blocking the cytoskeletal protein MreB did not affect assembly of ClpV-5 and ClpV-1 into single discrete foci. Furthermore, we found that surface contact promotes but is not essential for localization of ClpV-5-GFP to the pole whereas expression of clpV-1-gfp appears to be induced by surface contact. In summary, the study provides novel insights into the localization of ClpV ATPases of T6SSs targeting prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lennings
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Munira Makhlouf
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Przemyslaw Olejnik
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Mayer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Schwarz
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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22
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Mariano G, Monlezun L, Coulthurst SJ. Dual Role for DsbA in Attacking and Targeted Bacterial Cells during Type VI Secretion System-Mediated Competition. Cell Rep 2019; 22:774-785. [PMID: 29346773 PMCID: PMC5792426 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.12.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Incorporation of disulfide bonds into proteins can be critical for function or stability. In bacterial cells, the periplasmic enzyme DsbA is responsible for disulfide incorporation into many extra-cytoplasmic proteins. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widely occurring nanomachine that delivers toxic effector proteins directly into rival bacterial cells, playing a key role in inter-bacterial competition. We report that two redundant DsbA proteins are required for virulence and for proper deployment of the T6SS in the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens, with several T6SS components being subject to the action of DsbA in secreting cells. Importantly, we demonstrate that DsbA also plays a critical role in recipient target cells, being required for the toxicity of certain incoming effector proteins. Thus we reveal that target cell functions can be hijacked by T6SS effectors for effector activation, adding a further level of complexity to the T6SS-mediated inter-bacterial interactions which define varied microbial communities. Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are used by bacteria to attack competitors Disulfide bond formation by DsbA promotes assembly of an active T6SS in Serratia DsbA in the target cell is needed for activation of certain incoming T6SS effectors This work reveals that T6SS-delivered effectors can hijack target cell functions
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Mariano
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Laura Monlezun
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Sarah J Coulthurst
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
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23
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Cherrak Y, Flaugnatti N, Durand E, Journet L, Cascales E. Structure and Activity of the Type VI Secretion System. Microbiol Spectr 2019; 7:10.1128/microbiolspec.psib-0031-2019. [PMID: 31298206 PMCID: PMC10957189 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.psib-0031-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a multiprotein machine that uses a spring-like mechanism to inject effectors into target cells. The injection apparatus is composed of a baseplate on which is built a contractile tail tube/sheath complex. The inner tube, topped by the spike complex, is propelled outside of the cell by the contraction of the sheath. The injection system is anchored to the cell envelope and oriented towards the cell exterior by a trans-envelope complex. Effectors delivered by the T6SS are loaded within the inner tube or on the spike complex and can target prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells. Here we summarize the structure, assembly, and mechanism of action of the T6SS. We also review the function of effectors and their mode of recruitment and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassine Cherrak
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, UMR 7255, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
- Y.C. and N.F. contributed equally to this review
| | - Nicolas Flaugnatti
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, UMR 7255, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
- Y.C. and N.F. contributed equally to this review
- Present address: Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Durand
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, UMR 7255, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Laure Journet
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, UMR 7255, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, UMR 7255, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
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24
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Role and Recruitment of the TagL Peptidoglycan-Binding Protein during Type VI Secretion System Biogenesis. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:JB.00173-19. [PMID: 30910811 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00173-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is an injection apparatus that uses a springlike mechanism for effector delivery. The contractile tail is composed of a needle tipped by a sharpened spike and wrapped by the sheath that polymerizes in an extended conformation on the assembly platform, or baseplate. Contraction of the sheath propels the needle and effectors associated with it into target cells. The passage of the needle through the cell envelope of the attacker is ensured by a dedicated trans-envelope channel complex. This membrane complex (MC) comprises the TssJ lipoprotein and the TssL and TssM inner membrane proteins. MC assembly is a hierarchized mechanism in which the different subunits are recruited in a specific order: TssJ, TssM, and then TssL. Once assembled, the MC serves as a docking station for the baseplate. In enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, the MC is accessorized by TagL, a peptidoglycan-binding (PGB) inner membrane-anchored protein. Here, we show that the PGB domain is the only functional domain of TagL and that the N-terminal transmembrane region mediates contact with the TssL transmembrane helix. Finally, we conduct fluorescence microscopy experiments to position TagL in the T6SS biogenesis pathway, demonstrating that TagL is recruited to the membrane complex downstream of TssL and is not required for baseplate docking.IMPORTANCE Bacteria use weapons to deliver effectors into target cells. One of these weapons, called the type VI secretion system (T6SS), could be compared to a nano-spear gun using a springlike mechanism for effector injection. By targeting bacteria and eukaryotic cells, the T6SS reshapes bacterial communities and hijacks host cell defenses. In enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, the T6SS is a multiprotein machine that comprises a cytoplasmic tail and a peptidoglycan-anchored trans-envelope channel. In this work, we show that TagL comprises an N-terminal domain that mediates contact with the channel and a peptidoglycan-binding domain that binds the cell wall. We then determine at which stage of T6SS biogenesis TagL is recruited and how TagL absence impacts the assembly pathway.
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25
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Bidirectional contraction of a type six secretion system. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1565. [PMID: 30952865 PMCID: PMC6450956 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09603-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Contractile injection systems (CISs) mediate cell-cell interactions by a phage tail-like apparatus. Their conserved mechanism relies on the anchoring of the proximal end of a sheath-tube module to a membrane, followed by contraction of the sheath towards the attachment site and ejection of the inner tube. Here we reveal a major variation of the CIS mechanism in the type six secretion system (T6SS) of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). We show that both ends of the sheath-tube module are attached to opposite sides of the cell, enabling the structure to contract in two opposite directions. The protein TssA1 mediates the interaction of the distal end with the cell envelope, the termination of tail elongation, and non-canonical contraction towards the distal end. We provide a framework for the molecular processes at the T6SS distal end. Further research will address whether bidirectional contraction allows for bidirectional effector secretion. The unrecognized concept of non-canonical contractions could be relevant to biofilms of the human intestine.
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Lennings J, Mayer C, Makhlouf M, Brötz-Oesterhelt H, Schwarz S. Polar localization of the ATPase ClpV-5 occurs independent of type VI secretion system apparatus proteins in Burkholderia thailandensis. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:109. [PMID: 30819219 PMCID: PMC6394029 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective ClpV, the ATPase of the type VI secretion system (T6SS) recycles cytoplasmic T6SS proteins following effector translocation. Fluorescent protein fusions to ClpV showed that it localizes to discrete and dynamic foci. ClpV-1-sfGFP of the bacterial cell targeting T6SS-1 of Burkholderia thailandensis exhibits a virtually random localization, whereas ClpV-5-sfGFP of the T6SS-5 targeting host cells is located at one or both poles. The mechanisms underlying the differential localization pattern are not known. Previous analysis of T6SSs, which target bacterial cells revealed that ClpV foci formation is dependent on components of the T6SS. Here, we investigated if the T6SS-5 apparatus confers polar localization of ClpV-5. Results ClpV-5-sfGFP foci formation and localization was examined in a B. thailandensis mutant harboring a deletion of the entire T6SS-5 gene cluster. We found that ClpV-5-sfGFP localization to discrete foci was not abolished in the absence of the T6SS-5 apparatus. Furthermore, the number of ClpV-5-sfGFP foci displaying a polar localization was not significantly different from that of ClpV-5-sfGFP expressed in the wild type genetic background. These findings suggest the presence of a T6SS-independent localization mechanism for ClpV-5 of the T6SS-5 targeting host cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4141-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lennings
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Mayer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Munira Makhlouf
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Schwarz
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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27
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da Mota FF, Castro DP, Vieira CS, Gumiel M, de Albuquerque JP, Carels N, Azambuja P. In vitro Trypanocidal Activity, Genomic Analysis of Isolates, and in vivo Transcription of Type VI Secretion System of Serratia marcescens Belonging to the Microbiota of Rhodnius prolixus Digestive Tract. Front Microbiol 2019; 9:3205. [PMID: 30733713 PMCID: PMC6353840 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens is a bacterium with the ability to colonize several niches, including some eukaryotic hosts. S. marcescens have been recently found in the gut of hematophagous insects that act as parasite vectors, such as Anopheles, Rhodnius, and Triatoma. While some S. marcescens strains have been reported as symbiotic or pathogenic to other insects, the role of S. marcescens populations from the gut microbiota of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas’ disease, remains unknown. Bacterial colonies from R. prolixus gut were isolated on BHI agar. After BOX-PCR fingerprinting, the genomic sequences of two isolates RPA1 and RPH1 were compared to others S. marcescens from the NCBI database in other to estimate their evolutionary divergence. The in vitro trypanolytic activity of these two bacterial isolates against Trypanosoma cruzi (DM28c clone and Y strain) was assessed by microscopy. In addition, the gene expression of type VI secretion system (T6SS) was detected in vivo by RT-PCR. Comparative genomics of RPA1 and RPH1 revealed, besides plasmid presence and genomic islands, genes related to motility, attachment, and quorum sensing in both genomes while genes for urea hydrolysis and type II secretion system (T2SS) were found only in the RPA1 genome. The in vitro trypanolytic activity of both S. marcescens strains was stronger in their stationary phases of growth than in their exponential ones, with 65–70 and 85–90% of epimastigotes (Dm28c clone and Y strain, respectively) being lysed after incubation with RPA1 or RPH1 in stationary phase. Although T6SS transcripts were detected in guts up to 40 days after feeding (DAF), R. prolixus morbidity or mortality did not appear to be affected. In this report, we made available two trypanolytic S. marcescens strains from R. prolixus gut to the scientific community together with their genomic sequences. Here, we describe their genomic features with the purpose of bringing new insights into the S. marcescens adaptations for colonization of the specific niche of triatomine guts. This study provides the basis for a better understanding of the role of S. marcescens in the microbiota of R. prolixus gut as a potential antagonist of T. cruzi in this complex system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Faria da Mota
- Laboratório de Biologia Computacional e Sistemas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniele Pereira Castro
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Stahl Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia Gumiel
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Julia Peixoto de Albuquerque
- Laboratório de Enteropatógenos, Microbiologia Veterinária e de Alimentos, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense (MIP/UFF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nicolas Carels
- Laboratório de Modelagem de Sistemas Biológicos, National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation in Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CDTS/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Azambuja
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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28
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Spiewak HL, Shastri S, Zhang L, Schwager S, Eberl L, Vergunst AC, Thomas MS. Burkholderia cenocepacia utilizes a type VI secretion system for bacterial competition. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e00774. [PMID: 30628184 PMCID: PMC6612558 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that poses a significant threat to individuals with cystic fibrosis by provoking a strong inflammatory response within the lung. It possesses a type VI secretion system (T6SS), a secretory apparatus that can perforate the cellular membrane of other bacterial species and/or eukaryotic targets, to deliver an arsenal of effector proteins. The B. cenocepacia T6SS (T6SS-1) has been shown to be implicated in virulence in rats and contributes toward actin rearrangements and inflammasome activation in B. cenocepacia-infected macrophages. Here, we present bioinformatics evidence to suggest that T6SS-1 is the archetype T6SS in the Burkholderia genus. We show that B. cenocepacia T6SS-1 is active under normal laboratory growth conditions and displays antibacterial activity against other Gram-negative bacterial species. Moreover, B. cenocepacia T6SS-1 is not required for virulence in three eukaryotic infection models. Bioinformatics analysis identified several candidate T6SS-dependent effectors that may play a role in the antibacterial activity of B. cenocepacia T6SS-1. We conclude that B. cenocepacia T6SS-1 plays an important role in bacterial competition for this organism, and probably in all Burkholderia species that possess this system, thereby broadening the range of species that utilize the T6SS for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena L. Spiewak
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The Medical SchoolThe University of SheffieldSheffieldUK,Present address:
Northern Genetics Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Genetic MedicineInternational Centre for LifeNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Sravanthi Shastri
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The Medical SchoolThe University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Lili Zhang
- VBMI, INSERM, Université de MontpellierNîmesFrance,Present address:
Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCalifornia
| | - Stephan Schwager
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland,Present address:
Analytical ChemistrySynthes GmbHOberdorf BLSwitzerland
| | - Leo Eberl
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Mark S. Thomas
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The Medical SchoolThe University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
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29
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Diepold A. Assembly and Post-assembly Turnover and Dynamics in the Type III Secretion System. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2019; 427:35-66. [PMID: 31218503 DOI: 10.1007/82_2019_164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The type III secretion system (T3SS) is one of the largest transmembrane complexes in bacteria, comprising several intricately linked and embedded substructures. The assembly of this nanomachine is a hierarchical process which is regulated and controlled by internal and external cues at several critical points. Recently, it has become obvious that the assembly of the T3SS is not a unidirectional and deterministic process, but that parts of the T3SS constantly exchange or rearrange. This article aims to give an overview on the assembly and post-assembly dynamics of the T3SS, with a focus on emerging general concepts and adaptations of the general assembly pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Diepold
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
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30
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Renault MG, Zamarreno Beas J, Douzi B, Chabalier M, Zoued A, Brunet YR, Cambillau C, Journet L, Cascales E. The gp27-like Hub of VgrG Serves as Adaptor to Promote Hcp Tube Assembly. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:3143-3156. [PMID: 30031895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Contractile injection systems are multiprotein complexes that use a spring-like mechanism to deliver effectors into target cells. In addition to using a conserved mechanism, these complexes share a common core known as the tail. The tail comprises an inner tube tipped by a spike, wrapped by a contractile sheath, and assembled onto a baseplate. Here, using the type VI secretion system (T6SS) as a model of contractile injection systems, we provide molecular details on the interaction between the inner tube and the spike. Reconstitution into the Escherichia coli heterologous host in the absence of other T6SS components and in vitro experiments demonstrated that the Hcp tube component and the VgrG spike interact directly. VgrG deletion studies coupled to functional assays showed that the N-terminal domain of VgrG is sufficient to interact with Hcp, to initiate proper Hcp tube polymerization, and to promote sheath dynamics and Hcp release. The interaction interface between Hcp and VgrG was then mapped using docking simulations, mutagenesis, and cysteine-mediated cross-links. Based on these results, we propose a model in which the VgrG base serves as adaptor to recruit the first Hcp hexamer and initiates inner tube polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin G Renault
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Univ-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7255, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Jordi Zamarreno Beas
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Univ-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7255, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Badreddine Douzi
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Aix-Marseille Univ-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7257, Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288 Marseille Cedex, 09, France
| | - Maïalène Chabalier
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Univ-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7255, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Abdelrahim Zoued
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Univ-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7255, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Yannick R Brunet
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Univ-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7255, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Christian Cambillau
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Aix-Marseille Univ-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7257, Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288 Marseille Cedex, 09, France
| | - Laure Journet
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Univ-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7255, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Univ-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7255, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France.
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Ostrowski A, Cianfanelli FR, Porter M, Mariano G, Peltier J, Wong JJ, Swedlow JR, Trost M, Coulthurst SJ. Killing with proficiency: Integrated post-translational regulation of an offensive Type VI secretion system. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007230. [PMID: 30052683 PMCID: PMC6082577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is widely used by bacterial pathogens as an effective weapon against bacterial competitors and is also deployed against host eukaryotic cells in some cases. It is a contractile nanomachine which delivers toxic effector proteins directly into target cells by dynamic cycles of assembly and firing. Bacterial cells adopt distinct post-translational regulatory strategies for deployment of the T6SS. 'Defensive' T6SSs assemble and fire in response to incoming attacks from aggressive neighbouring cells, and can utilise the Threonine Protein Phosphorylation (TPP) regulatory pathway to achieve this control. However, many T6SSs are 'offensive', firing at all-comers without the need for incoming attack or other cell contact-dependent signal. Post-translational control of the offensive mode has been less well defined but can utilise components of the same TPP pathway. Here, we used the anti-bacterial T6SS of Serratia marcescens to elucidate post-translational regulation of offensive T6SS deployment, using single-cell microscopy and genetic analyses. We show that the integration of the TPP pathway with the negative regulator TagF to control core T6SS machine assembly is conserved between offensive and defensive T6SSs. Signal-dependent PpkA-mediated phosphorylation of Fha is required to overcome inhibition of membrane complex assembly by TagF, whilst PppA-mediated dephosphorylation promotes spatial reorientation and efficient killing. In contrast, the upstream input of the TPP pathway defines regulatory strategy, with a new periplasmic regulator, RtkS, shown to interact with the PpkA kinase in S. marcescens. We propose a model whereby the opposing actions of the TPP pathway and TagF impose a delay on T6SS re-assembly after firing, providing an opportunity for spatial re-orientation of the T6SS in order to maximise the efficiency of competitor cell targeting. Our findings provide a better understanding of how bacterial cells deploy competitive weapons effectively, with implications for the structure and dynamics of varied polymicrobial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Ostrowski
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca R. Cianfanelli
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Porter
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppina Mariano
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Peltier
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Jie Wong
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jason R. Swedlow
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Trost
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J. Coulthurst
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Type VI Secretion System Dynamics Reveals a Novel Secretion Mechanism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Bacteriol 2018; 200:JB.00744-17. [PMID: 29555704 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00744-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) inhibits the growth of neighboring bacterial cells through a contact-mediated mechanism. Here, we describe a detailed characterization of the protein localization dynamics in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa T6SS. It has been proposed that the type VI secretion process is driven by a conformational-change-induced contraction of the T6SS sheath. However, although the contraction of an optically resolvable TssBC sheath and the subsequent localization of ClpV are observed in Vibrio cholerae, coordinated assembly and disassembly of TssB and ClpV are observed without TssB contraction in P. aeruginosa These dynamics are inconsistent with the proposed contraction sheath model. Motivated by the phenomenon of dynamic instability, we propose a new model in which ATP hydrolysis, rather than conformational change, generates the force for secretion.IMPORTANCE The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is widely conserved among Gram-negative bacteria and is a central determinant of bacterial fitness in polymicrobial communities. The secretion system targets bacteria and secretes effectors that inhibit the growth of neighboring cells, using a contact-mediated-delivery system. Despite significant homology to the previously characterized Vibrio cholerae T6SS, our analysis reveals that effector secretion is driven by a distinct force generation mechanism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa The presence of two distinct force generation mechanisms in T6SS represents an example of the evolutionary diversification of force generation mechanisms.
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Tryptophan-mediated Dimerization of the TssL Transmembrane Anchor Is Required for Type VI Secretion System Activity. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:987-1003. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Nazarov S, Schneider JP, Brackmann M, Goldie KN, Stahlberg H, Basler M. Cryo-EM reconstruction of Type VI secretion system baseplate and sheath distal end. EMBO J 2017; 37:embj.201797103. [PMID: 29255010 PMCID: PMC5813253 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201797103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial Type VI secretion system (T6SS) assembles from three major parts: a membrane complex that spans inner and outer membranes, a baseplate, and a sheath-tube polymer. The baseplate assembles around a tip complex with associated effectors and connects to the membrane complex by TssK. The baseplate assembly initiates sheath-tube polymerization, which in some organisms requires TssA. Here, we analyzed both ends of isolated non-contractile Vibrio cholerae sheaths by cryo-electron microscopy. Our analysis suggests that the baseplate, solved to an average 8.0 Å resolution, is composed of six subunits of TssE/F2/G and the baseplate periphery is decorated by six TssK trimers. The VgrG/PAAR tip complex in the center of the baseplate is surrounded by a cavity, which may accommodate up to ~450 kDa of effector proteins. The distal end of the sheath, resolved to an average 7.5 Å resolution, shows sixfold symmetry; however, its protein composition is unclear. Our structures provide an important step toward an atomic model of the complete T6SS assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Nazarov
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johannes P Schneider
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Brackmann
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth N Goldie
- Center for Cellular Imaging and NanoAnalytics, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henning Stahlberg
- Center for Cellular Imaging and NanoAnalytics, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Focal Area Structural Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Basler
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Brackmann M, Wang J, Basler M. Type VI secretion system sheath inter-subunit interactions modulate its contraction. EMBO Rep 2017; 19:225-233. [PMID: 29222345 PMCID: PMC5797969 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201744416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Secretion systems are essential for bacteria to survive and manipulate their environment. The bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) generates the force needed for protein translocation by the contraction of a long polymer called sheath. The sheath is a six-start helical assembly of interconnected VipA/VipB subunits. The mechanism of T6SS sheath contraction is unknown. Here, we show that elongating the N-terminal VipA linker or eliminating charge of a specific VipB residue abolishes sheath contraction and delivery of effectors into target cells. Mass spectrometry analysis identified the inner tube protein Hcp, spike protein VgrG, and other components of the T6SS baseplate significantly enriched in samples of the stable non-contractile sheaths. The ability to lock the T6SS in the pre-firing state opens new possibilities for understanding its mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Brackmann
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jing Wang
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Basler
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Schneider JP, Basler M. Shedding light on biology of bacterial cells. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 371:rstb.2015.0499. [PMID: 27672150 PMCID: PMC5052743 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand basic principles of living organisms one has to know many different properties of all cellular components, their mutual interactions but also their amounts and spatial organization. Live-cell imaging is one possible approach to obtain such data. To get multiple snapshots of a cellular process, the imaging approach has to be gentle enough to not disrupt basic functions of the cell but also have high temporal and spatial resolution to detect and describe the changes. Light microscopy has become a method of choice and since its early development over 300 years ago revolutionized our understanding of living organisms. As most cellular components are indistinguishable from the rest of the cellular contents, the second revolution came from a discovery of specific labelling techniques, such as fusions to fluorescent proteins that allowed specific tracking of a component of interest. Currently, several different tags can be tracked independently and this allows us to simultaneously monitor the dynamics of several cellular components and from the correlation of their dynamics to infer their respective functions. It is, therefore, not surprising that live-cell fluorescence microscopy significantly advanced our understanding of basic cellular processes. Current cameras are fast enough to detect changes with millisecond time resolution and are sensitive enough to detect even a few photons per pixel. Together with constant improvement of properties of fluorescent tags, it is now possible to track single molecules in living cells over an extended period of time with a great temporal resolution. The parallel development of new illumination and detection techniques allowed breaking the diffraction barrier and thus further pushed the resolution limit of light microscopy. In this review, we would like to cover recent advances in live-cell imaging technology relevant to bacterial cells and provide a few examples of research that has been possible due to imaging. This article is part of the themed issue ‘The new bacteriology’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P Schneider
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Basler
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Saak CC, Zepeda-Rivera MA, Gibbs KA. A single point mutation in a TssB/VipA homolog disrupts sheath formation in the type VI secretion system of Proteus mirabilis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184797. [PMID: 28949977 PMCID: PMC5614524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion (T6S) system is a molecular device for the delivery of proteins from one cell into another. T6S function depends on the contractile sheath comprised of TssB/VipA and TssC/VipB proteins. We previously reported on a mutant variant of TssB that disrupts T6S-dependent export of the self-identity protein, IdsD, in the bacterium Proteus mirabilis. Here we determined the mechanism underlying that initial observation. We show that T6S-dependent export of multiple self-recognition proteins is abrogated in this mutant strain. We have mapped the mutation, which is a single amino acid change, to a region predicted to be involved in the formation of the TssB-TssC sheath. We have demonstrated that this mutation does indeed inhibit sheath formation, thereby explaining the global disruption of T6S activity. We propose that this mutation could be utilized as an important tool for studying functions and behaviors associated with T6S systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina C. Saak
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Martha A. Zepeda-Rivera
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Karine A. Gibbs
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Brackmann M, Nazarov S, Wang J, Basler M. Using Force to Punch Holes: Mechanics of Contractile Nanomachines. Trends Cell Biol 2017; 27:623-632. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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A Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanism Finely Tunes the Firing of Type VI Secretion System in Response to Bacterial Enemies. mBio 2017; 8:mBio.00559-17. [PMID: 28830939 PMCID: PMC5565961 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00559-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to detect and measure danger from an environmental signal is paramount for bacteria to respond accordingly, deploying strategies that halt or counteract potential cellular injury and maximize survival chances. Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are complex bacterial contractile nanomachines able to target toxic effectors into neighboring bacteria competing for the same colonization niche. Previous studies support the concept that either T6SSs are constitutively active or they fire effectors in response to various stimuli, such as high bacterial density, cell-cell contact, nutrient depletion, or components from dead sibling cells. For Serratia marcescens, it has been proposed that its T6SS is stochastically expressed, with no distinction between harmless or aggressive competitors. In contrast, we demonstrate that the Rcs regulatory system is responsible for finely tuning Serratia T6SS expression levels, behaving as a transcriptional rheostat. When confronted with harmless bacteria, basal T6SS expression levels suffice for Serratia to eliminate the competitor. A moderate T6SS upregulation is triggered when, according to the aggressor-prey ratio, an unbalanced interplay between homologous and heterologous effectors and immunity proteins takes place. Higher T6SS expression levels are achieved when Serratia is challenged by a contender like Acinetobacter, which indiscriminately fires heterologous effectors able to exert lethal cellular harm, threatening the survival of the Serratia population. We also demonstrate that Serratia’s RcsB-dependent T6SS regulatory mechanism responds not to general stress signals but to the action of specific effectors from competitors, displaying an exquisite strategy to weigh risks and keep the balance between energy expenditure and fitness costs. Serratia marcescens is among the health-threatening pathogens categorized by the WHO as research priorities to develop alternative antimicrobial strategies, and it was also recently identified as one major component of the gut microbiome in familial Crohn disease dysbiosis. Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) stand among the array of survival strategies that Serratia displays. They are contractile multiprotein complexes able to deliver toxic effectors directed to kill bacterial species sharing the same niche and, thus, competing for vital resources. Here, we show that Serratia is able to detect and measure the extent of damage generated through T6SS-delivered toxins from neighboring bacteria and responds by transcriptionally adjusting the expression level of its own T6SS machinery to counterattack the rival. This strategy allows Serratia to finely tune the production of costly T6SS devices to maximize the chances of successfully fighting against enemies and minimize energy investment. The knowledge of this novel mechanism provides insight to better understand bacterial interactions and design alternative treatments for polymicrobial infections.
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Zoued A, Durand E, Santin YG, Journet L, Roussel A, Cambillau C, Cascales E. TssA: The cap protein of the Type VI secretion system tail. Bioessays 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahim Zoued
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM); Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS; Marseille France
| | - Eric Durand
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM); Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS; Marseille France
| | - Yoann G. Santin
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM); Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS; Marseille France
| | - Laure Journet
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM); Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS; Marseille France
| | - Alain Roussel
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Marseille France
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques; Aix-Marseille Université; Marseille France
| | - Christian Cambillau
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Marseille France
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques; Aix-Marseille Université; Marseille France
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM); Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS; Marseille France
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Vettiger A, Winter J, Lin L, Basler M. The type VI secretion system sheath assembles at the end distal from the membrane anchor. Nat Commun 2017; 8:16088. [PMID: 28703218 PMCID: PMC5511345 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms16088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial Type VI secretion system (T6SS) delivers proteins into target cells using fast contraction of a long sheath anchored to the cell envelope and wrapped around an inner Hcp tube associated with the secreted proteins. Mechanisms of sheath assembly and length regulation are unclear. Here we study these processes using spheroplasts formed from ampicillin-treated Vibrio cholerae. We show that spheroplasts secrete Hcp and deliver T6SS substrates into neighbouring cells. Imaging of sheath dynamics shows that the sheath length correlates with the diameter of spheroplasts and may reach up to several micrometres. Analysis of sheath assembly after partial photobleaching shows that subunits are exclusively added to the sheath at the end that is distal from the baseplate and cell envelope attachment. We suggest that this mode of assembly is likely common for all phage-like contractile nanomachines, because of the conservation of the structures and connectivity of sheath subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vettiger
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julius Winter
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lin Lin
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Basler
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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42
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Francisella requires dynamic type VI secretion system and ClpB to deliver effectors for phagosomal escape. Nat Commun 2017. [PMID: 28621333 PMCID: PMC5481754 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is an intracellular pathogen that causes the fatal zoonotic disease tularaemia. Critical for its pathogenesis is the ability of the phagocytosed bacteria to escape into the cell cytosol. For this, the bacteria use a non-canonical type VI secretion system (T6SS) encoded on the Francisella pathogenicity island (FPI). Here we show that in F. novicida T6SS assembly initiates at the bacterial poles both in vitro and within infected macrophages. T6SS dynamics and function depends on the general purpose ClpB unfoldase, which specifically colocalizes with contracted sheaths and is required for their disassembly. T6SS assembly depends on iglF, iglG, iglI and iglJ, whereas pdpC, pdpD, pdpE and anmK are dispensable. Importantly, strains lacking pdpC and pdpD are unable to escape from phagosome, activate AIM2 inflammasome or cause disease in mice. This suggests that PdpC and PdpD are T6SS effectors involved in phagosome rupture. The pathogenicity of Francisella species largely depends on their escape from phagosomes in macrophages, mediated by a type VI secretion system (T6SS). Here, the authors show dynamics of T6SS assembly and disassembly and identify the genes essential for phagosome escape and pathogenicity in mice.
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43
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Gunasinghe SD, Webb CT, Elgass KD, Hay ID, Lithgow T. Super-Resolution Imaging of Protein Secretion Systems and the Cell Surface of Gram-Negative Bacteria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:220. [PMID: 28611954 PMCID: PMC5447050 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria have a highly evolved cell wall with two membranes composed of complex arrays of integral and peripheral proteins, as well as phospholipids and glycolipids. In order to sense changes in, respond to, and exploit their environmental niches, bacteria rely on structures assembled into or onto the outer membrane. Protein secretion across the cell wall is a key process in virulence and other fundamental aspects of bacterial cell biology. The final stage of protein secretion in Gram-negative bacteria, translocation across the outer membrane, is energetically challenging so sophisticated nanomachines have evolved to meet this challenge. Advances in fluorescence microscopy now allow for the direct visualization of the protein secretion process, detailing the dynamics of (i) outer membrane biogenesis and the assembly of protein secretion systems into the outer membrane, (ii) the spatial distribution of these and other membrane proteins on the bacterial cell surface, and (iii) translocation of effector proteins, toxins and enzymes by these protein secretion systems. Here we review the frontier research imaging the process of secretion, particularly new studies that are applying various modes of super-resolution microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachith D Gunasinghe
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chaille T Webb
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Iain D Hay
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Trevor Lithgow
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
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Westhoff S, van Wezel GP, Rozen DE. Distance-dependent danger responses in bacteria. Curr Opin Microbiol 2017; 36:95-101. [PMID: 28258981 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The last decade has seen a resurgence in our understanding of the diverse mechanisms that bacteria use to kill one another. We are also beginning to uncover the responses and countermeasures that bacteria use when faced with specific threats or general cues of potential danger from bacterial competitors. In this Perspective, we propose that diverse offensive and defensive responses in bacteria have evolved to offset dangers detected at different distances. Thus, while volatile organic compounds provide bacterial cells with a warning at the greatest distance, diffusible compounds like antibiotics or contact mediated killing systems, indicate a more pressing danger warranting highly-specific responses. In the competitive environments in which bacteria live, it is crucial that cells are able to detect real or potential dangers from other cells. By utilizing mechanisms of detection that can infer the distance from danger, bacteria can fine-tune aggressive interactions so that they can optimally respond to threats occurring with distinct levels of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Westhoff
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2300 BE Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Gilles P van Wezel
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2300 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel E Rozen
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, Sylviusweg 72, 2300 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
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45
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Santin YG, Cascales E. Domestication of a housekeeping transglycosylase for assembly of a Type VI secretion system. EMBO Rep 2016; 18:138-149. [PMID: 27920034 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201643206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is an anti-bacterial weapon comprising a contractile tail anchored to the cell envelope by a membrane complex. The TssJ, TssL, and TssM proteins assemble a 1.7-MDa channel complex that spans the cell envelope, including the peptidoglycan layer. The electron microscopy structure of the TssJLM complex revealed that it has a diameter of ~18 nm in the periplasm, which is larger than the size of peptidoglycan pores (~2 nm), hence questioning how the T6SS membrane complex crosses the peptidoglycan layer. Here, we report that the MltE housekeeping lytic transglycosylase (LTG) is required for T6SS assembly in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Protein-protein interaction studies further demonstrated that MltE is recruited to the periplasmic domain of TssM. In addition, we show that TssM significantly stimulates MltE activity in vitro and that MltE is required for the late stages of T6SS membrane complex assembly. Collectively, our data provide the first example of domestication and activation of a LTG encoded within the core genome for the assembly of a secretion system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoann G Santin
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), UMR 7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), UMR 7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex 20, France
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Zoued A, Cassaro CJ, Durand E, Douzi B, España AP, Cambillau C, Journet L, Cascales E. Structure–Function Analysis of the TssL Cytoplasmic Domain Reveals a New Interaction between the Type VI Secretion Baseplate and Membrane Complexes. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:4413-4423. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Vibrio vulnificus Type 6 Secretion System 1 Contains Anti-Bacterial Properties. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165500. [PMID: 27798649 PMCID: PMC5087951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium responsible for severe gastroenteritis, sepsis and wound infections. Gastroenteritis and sepsis are commonly associated with the consumption of raw oysters, whereas wound infection is often associated with the handling of contaminated fish. Although classical virulence factors of this emerging pathogen are well characterised, there remains a paucity of knowledge regarding the general biology of this species. To investigate the presence of previously unreported virulence factors, we applied whole genome sequencing to a panel of ten V. vulnificus strains with varying virulence potentials. This identified two novel type 6 secretion systems (T6SSs), systems that are known to have a role in bacterial virulence and population dynamics. By utilising a range of molecular techniques and assays we have demonstrated the functionality of one of these T6SSs. Furthermore, we have shown that this system is subject to thermoregulation and is negatively regulated by increasing salinity concentrations. This secretion system was also shown to be involved in the killing of V. vulnificus strains that did not possess this system and a model is proposed as to how this interaction may contribute to population dynamics within V. vulnificus strains. In addition to this intra-species killing, this system also contributes to the killing of inter bacterial species and may have a role in the general composition of Vibrio species in the environment.
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Structure and specificity of the Type VI secretion system ClpV-TssC interaction in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34405. [PMID: 27698444 PMCID: PMC5048182 DOI: 10.1038/srep34405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a versatile machine that delivers toxins into either eukaryotic or bacterial cells. It thus represents a key player in bacterial pathogenesis and inter-bacterial competition. Schematically, the T6SS can be viewed as a contractile tail structure anchored to the cell envelope. The contraction of the tail sheath propels the inner tube loaded with effectors towards the target cell. The components of the contracted tail sheath are then recycled by the ClpV AAA+ ATPase for a new cycle of tail elongation. The T6SS is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria and most of their genomes carry several copies of T6SS gene clusters, which might be activated in different conditions. Here, we show that the ClpV ATPases encoded within the two T6SS gene clusters of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli are not interchangeable and specifically participate to the activity of their cognate T6SS. Here we show that this specificity is dictated by interaction between the ClpV N-terminal domains and the N-terminal helices of their cognate TssC1 proteins. We also present the crystal structure of the ClpV1 N-terminal domain, alone or in complex with the TssC1 N-terminal peptide, highlighting the commonalities and diversities in the recruitment of ClpV to contracted sheaths.
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Vettiger A, Basler M. Type VI Secretion System Substrates Are Transferred and Reused among Sister Cells. Cell 2016; 167:99-110.e12. [PMID: 27616061 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a nanomachine that works similarly to a speargun. Rapid contraction of a sling (sheath) drives a long shaft (Hcp) with a sharp tip and associated effectors through the target cell membrane. We show that the amount and composition of the tip regulates initiation of full-length sheath assembly and low amount of available Hcp decreases sheath length. Importantly, we show that both tip and Hcp are exchanged by T6SS among by-standing cells within minutes of initial cell-cell contact. The translocated proteins are reused for new T6SS assemblies suggesting that tip and Hcp reach the cytosol of target cells. The efficiency of protein translocation depends on precise aiming of T6SS at the target cells. This interbacterial protein complementation can support T6SS activity in sister cells with blocked protein synthesis and also allows cooperation between strains to increase their potential to kill competition. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vettiger
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Basler
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Molecular Dissection of the Interface between the Type VI Secretion TssM Cytoplasmic Domain and the TssG Baseplate Component. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:4424-4437. [PMID: 27600411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a multiprotein complex that catalyses toxin secretion through the bacterial cell envelope of various Gram-negative bacteria including important human pathogens. This machine uses a bacteriophage-like contractile tail to puncture the prey cell and inject harmful toxins. The T6SS tail comprises an inner tube capped by the cell-puncturing spike and wrapped by the contractile sheath. This structure is built on an assembly platform, the baseplate, which is anchored to the bacterial cell envelope by the TssJLM membrane complex (MC). This MC serves as both a tail docking station and a channel for the passage of the inner tube. The TssM transmembrane protein is a key component of the MC as it connects the inner and outer membranes. In this study, we define the TssM topology, highlighting a large but poorly studied 35-kDa cytoplasmic domain, TssMCyto, located between two transmembrane segments. Protein-protein interaction assays further show that TssMCyto oligomerises and makes contacts with several baseplate components. Using computer predictions, we delineate two subdomains in TssMCyto, including a nucleotide triphosphatase (NTPase) domain, followed by a 110-aa extension. Finally, site-directed mutagenesis coupled to functional assays reveals the contribution of these subdomains and conserved motifs to the interaction with T6SS partners and to the function of the secretion apparatus.
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