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Berude JC, Kennouche P, Reniere ML, Portnoy DA. Listeria monocytogenes utilizes glutathione and limited inorganic sulfur compounds as sources of essential cysteine. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0042223. [PMID: 38289071 PMCID: PMC10929415 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00422-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen that leads a biphasic lifecycle, transitioning its metabolism and selectively inducing virulence genes when it encounters mammalian hosts. Virulence gene expression is controlled by the master virulence regulator PrfA, which is allosterically activated by the host- and bacterially derived glutathione (GSH). The amino acid cysteine is the rate-limiting substrate for GSH synthesis in bacteria and is essential for bacterial growth. Unlike many bacteria, Lm is auxotrophic for cysteine and must import exogenous cysteine for growth and virulence. GSH is enriched in the host cytoplasm, and previous work suggests that Lm utilizes exogenous GSH for PrfA activation. Despite these observations, the import mechanism(s) for GSH remains elusive. Analysis of known GSH importers predicted a homologous importer in Lm comprised of the Ctp ABC transporter and the OppDF ATPases of the Opp oligopeptide importer. Here, we demonstrated that the Ctp complex is a high-affinity GSH/GSSG importer that is required for Lm growth at physiologically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that OppDF is required for GSH/GSSG import in an Opp-independent manner. These data support a model where Ctp and OppDF form a unique complex for GSH/GSSG import that supports growth and pathogenesis. In addition, we show that Lm utilizes the inorganic sulfur sources thiosulfate and H2S for growth in a CysK-dependent manner in the absence of other cysteine sources. These findings suggest a pathoadaptive role for partial cysteine auxotrophy in Lm, where locally high GSH/GSSG or inorganic sulfur concentrations may signal arrival to distinct host niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Berude
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Paul Kennouche
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Michelle L. Reniere
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Daniel A. Portnoy
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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2
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Stromberg ZR, Phillips SMB, Omberg KM, Hess BM. High-throughput functional trait testing for bacterial pathogens. mSphere 2023; 8:e0031523. [PMID: 37702517 PMCID: PMC10597404 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00315-23] [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] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional traits are characteristics that affect the fitness and metabolic function of a microorganism. There is growing interest in using high-throughput methods to characterize bacterial pathogens based on functional virulence traits. Traditional methods that phenotype a single organism for a single virulence trait can be time consuming and labor intensive. Alternatively, machine learning of whole-genome sequences (WGS) has shown some success in predicting virulence. However, relying solely on WGS can miss functional traits, particularly for organisms lacking classical virulence factors. We propose that high-throughput assays for functional virulence trait identification should become a prominent method of characterizing bacterial pathogens on a population scale. This work is critical as we move from compiling lists of bacterial species associated with disease to pathogen-agnostic approaches capable of detecting novel microbes. We discuss six key areas of functional trait testing and how advancing high-throughput methods could provide a greater understanding of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R. Stromberg
- Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Shelby M. B. Phillips
- Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Kristin M. Omberg
- Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Becky M. Hess
- Chemical and Biological Signatures Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
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3
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Berude JC, Kennouche P, Reniere ML, Portnoy DA. Listeria monocytogenes utilizes glutathione and limited inorganic sulfur compounds as a source of essential L-cysteine. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.16.562582. [PMID: 37905006 PMCID: PMC10614801 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.16.562582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes ( Lm ) is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen that leads a biphasic lifecycle, transitioning its metabolism and selectively inducing virulence genes when it encounters mammalian hosts. Virulence gene expression is controlled by the master virulence regulator PrfA, which is allosterically activated by host- and bacterially-derived glutathione (GSH). The amino acid L-cysteine is the rate-limiting substrate for GSH synthesis in bacteria and is essential for bacterial growth. Unlike many bacteria, Lm is auxotrophic for L-cysteine and must import exogenous cysteine for growth and virulence. GSH is enriched in the host cytoplasm, and previous work suggests that Lm utilizes exogenous GSH for PrfA activation. Despite these observations, the import mechanism(s) for GSH remains elusive. Analysis of known GSH importers predicted a homologous importer in Lm comprised of the Ctp ABC transporter and the OppDF ATPases of the Opp oligopeptide importer. Here, we demonstrated that the Ctp complex is a high-affinity GSH/GSSG importer that is required for Lm growth at physiologically relevant concentrations. Further, we demonstrated that OppDF are required for GSH/GSSG import in an Opp-independent manner. These data support a model where Ctp and OppDF form a unique complex for GSH/GSSG import that supports growth and pathogenesis. Additionally, we show that Lm utilizes the inorganic sulfur sources thiosulfate and H 2 S for growth in a CysK-dependent manner in the absence of other L-cysteine sources. These findings suggest a pathoadaptive role for partial cysteine auxotrophy in Lm , where locally high GSH/GSSG or inorganic sulfur concentrations may signal arrival to distinct host niches.
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4
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Moran J, Feltham L, Bagnall J, Goldrick M, Lord E, Nettleton C, Spiller DG, Roberts I, Paszek P. Live-cell imaging reveals single-cell and population-level infection strategies of Listeria monocytogenes in macrophages. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235675. [PMID: 37675103 PMCID: PMC10478088 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235675] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogens have developed intricate strategies to overcome the host's innate immune responses. In this paper we use live-cell microscopy with a single bacterium resolution to follow in real time interactions between the food-borne pathogen L. monocytogenes and host macrophages, a key event controlling the infection in vivo. We demonstrate that infection results in heterogeneous outcomes, with only a subset of bacteria able to establish a replicative invasion of macrophages. The fate of individual bacteria in the same host cell was independent from the host cell and non-cooperative, being independent from co-infecting bacteria. A higher multiplicity of infection resulted in a reduced probability of replication of the overall bacterial population. By use of internalisation assays and conditional probabilities to mathematically describe the two-stage invasion process, we demonstrate that the higher MOI compromises the ability of macrophages to phagocytose bacteria. We found that the rate of phagocytosis is mediated via the secreted Listeriolysin toxin (LLO), while the probability of replication of intracellular bacteria remained constant. Using strains expressing fluorescent reporters to follow transcription of either the LLO-encoding hly or actA genes, we show that replicative bacteria exhibited higher PrfA regulon expression in comparison to those bacteria that did not replicate, however elevated PrfA expression per se was not sufficient to increase the probability of replication. Overall, this demonstrates a new role for the population-level, but not single cell, PrfA-mediated activity to regulate outcomes of host pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian Roberts
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pawel Paszek
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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5
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Vaval Taylor DM, Xayarath B, Freitag NE. Two Permeases Associated with the Multifunctional CtaP Cysteine Transport System in Listeria monocytogenes Play Distinct Roles in Pathogenesis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0331722. [PMID: 37199604 PMCID: PMC10269559 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03317-22] [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: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The soil-dwelling bacterium Listeria monocytogenes survives a multitude of conditions when residing in the outside environment and as a pathogen within host cells. Key to survival within the infected mammalian host is the expression of bacterial gene products necessary for nutrient acquisition. Similar to many bacteria, L. monocytogenes uses peptide import to acquire amino acids. Peptide transport systems play an important role in nutrient uptake as well as in additional functions that include bacterial quorum sensing and signal transduction, recycling of peptidoglycan fragments, adherence to eukaryotic cells, and alterations in antibiotic susceptibility. It has been previously described that CtaP, encoded by lmo0135, is a multifunctional protein associated with activities that include cysteine transport, resistance to acid, membrane integrity, and bacterial adherence to host cells. ctaP is located next to two genes predicted to encode membrane-bound permeases lmo0136 and lmo0137, termed CtpP1 and CtpP2, respectively. Here, we show that CtpP1 and CtpP2 are required for bacterial growth in the presence of low concentrations of cysteine and for virulence in mouse infection models. Taken together, the data identify distinct nonoverlapping roles for two related permeases that are important for the growth and survival of L. monocytogenes within host cells. IMPORTANCE Bacterial peptide transport systems are important for nutrient uptake and may additionally function in a variety of other roles, including bacterial communication, signal transduction, and bacterial adherence to eukaryotic cells. Peptide transport systems often consist of a substrate-binding protein associated with a membrane-spanning permease. The environmental bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes uses the substrate-binding protein CtaP not only for cysteine transport but also for resistance to acid, maintenance of membrane integrity, and bacterial adherence to host cells. In this study, we demonstrate complementary yet distinct functional roles for two membrane permeases, CtpP1 and CtpP2, that are encoded by genes linked to ctaP and that contribute to bacterial growth, invasion, and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diandra M. Vaval Taylor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bobbi Xayarath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nancy E. Freitag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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6
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Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Skowron K, Wałecka-Zacharska E. Genomic and pathogenicity islands of Listeria monocytogenes-overview of selected aspects. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1161486. [PMID: 37388250 PMCID: PMC10300472 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1161486] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a disease characterized by a high mortality rate (up to 30%). Since the pathogen is highly tolerant to changing conditions (high and low temperature, wide pH range, low availability of nutrients), it is widespread in the environment, e.g., water, soil, or food. L. monocytogenes possess a number of genes that determine its high virulence potential, i.e., genes involved in the intracellular cycle (e.g., prfA, hly, plcA, plcB, inlA, inlB), response to stress conditions (e.g., sigB, gadA, caspD, clpB, lmo1138), biofilm formation (e.g., agr, luxS), or resistance to disinfectants (e.g., emrELm, bcrABC, mdrL). Some genes are organized into genomic and pathogenicity islands. The islands LIPI-1 and LIPI-3 contain genes related to the infectious life cycle and survival in the food processing environment, while LGI-1 and LGI-2 potentially ensure survival and durability in the production environment. Researchers constantly have been searching for new genes determining the virulence of L. monocytogenes. Understanding the virulence potential of L. monocytogenes is an important element of public health protection, as highly pathogenic strains may be associated with outbreaks and the severity of listeriosis. This review summarizes the selected aspects of L. monocytogenes genomic and pathogenicity islands, and the importance of whole genome sequencing for epidemiological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Ewa Wałecka-Zacharska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Consumer Health, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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7
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Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen that can cause severe invasive infections upon ingestion with contaminated food. Clinically, listerial disease, or listeriosis, most often presents as bacteremia, meningitis or meningoencephalitis, and pregnancy-associated infections manifesting as miscarriage or neonatal sepsis. Invasive listeriosis is life-threatening and a main cause of foodborne illness leading to hospital admissions in Western countries. Sources of contamination can be identified through international surveillance systems for foodborne bacteria and strains' genetic data sharing. Large-scale whole genome studies have increased our knowledge on the diversity and evolution of L. monocytogenes, while recent pathophysiological investigations have improved our mechanistic understanding of listeriosis. In this article, we present an overview of human listeriosis with particular focus on relevant features of the causative bacterium, epidemiology, risk groups, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel M Koopmans
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - José A Vázquez-Boland
- Infection Medicine, Edinburgh Medical School (Biomedical Sciences), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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8
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Kalinin EV, Chalenko YM, Kezimana P, Stanishevskyi YM, Ermolaeva SA. Combination of growth conditions and InlB-specific dot-immunoassay for rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:1638-1649. [PMID: 36710191 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen contaminating dairy products. Closely related to L. monocytogenes saprophytic Listeria spp. are also frequent contaminators of food and, particularly, dairy products. To distinguish L. monocytogenes from nonpathogenic Listeria spp. and other bacteria, a dot-immunoassay was developed. The immunoassay is based on the polyclonal antibody to the secreted form of the surface virulence-associated L. monocytogenes-specific InlB protein. To increase InlB production, bacteria were grown on the brain-heart infusion agar supplemented with 0.2% activated charcoal (BHIC agar). Direct plating of artificially contaminated raw milk samples on the BHIC agar followed by the dot-immunoassay allowed a rapid identification of L. monocytogenes in concentrations as little as 10 cfu/mL. Using the developed approach, preliminary results were obtained within 14 h, and the final results were obtained after 26 h. The dot-immunoassay was tested on L. monocytogenes strains belonging to different clonal complexes and phylogenetic lineages, Listeria spp., and other bacterial species. Results showed the exceptional specificity of the developed dot-immunoassay for the rapid identification of L. monocytogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egor V Kalinin
- Laboratory of Ecology of Pathogenic Bacteria, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia; Institutue of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Yaroslava M Chalenko
- Laboratory of Ecology of Pathogenic Bacteria, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Parfait Kezimana
- Institutue of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yaroslav M Stanishevskyi
- Institutue of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana A Ermolaeva
- Laboratory of Ecology of Pathogenic Bacteria, Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia.
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9
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Hughes AM, Darby JF, Dodson EJ, Wilson SJ, Turkenburg JP, Thomas GH, Wilkinson AJ. Peptide transport in Bacillus subtilis - structure and specificity in the extracellular solute binding proteins OppA and DppE. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168. [PMID: 36748525 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Peptide transporters play important nutritional and cell signalling roles in Bacillus subtilis, which are pronounced during stationary phase adaptations and development. Three high-affinity ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family transporters are involved in peptide uptake - the oligopeptide permease (Opp), another peptide permease (App) and a less well-characterized dipeptide permease (Dpp). Here we report crystal structures of the extracellular substrate binding proteins, OppA and DppE, which serve the Opp and Dpp systems, respectively. The structure of OppA was determined in complex with endogenous peptides, modelled as Ser-Asn-Ser-Ser, and with the sporulation-promoting peptide Ser-Arg-Asn-Val-Thr, which bind with K d values of 0.4 and 2 µM, respectively, as measured by isothermal titration calorimetry. Differential scanning fluorescence experiments with a wider panel of ligands showed that OppA has highest affinity for tetra- and penta-peptides. The structure of DppE revealed the unexpected presence of a murein tripeptide (MTP) ligand, l-Ala-d-Glu-meso-DAP, in the peptide binding groove. The mode of MTP binding in DppE is different to that observed in the murein peptide binding protein, MppA, from Escherichia coli, suggesting independent evolution of these proteins from an OppA-like precursor. The presence of MTP in DppE points to a role for Dpp in the uptake and recycling of cell wall peptides, a conclusion that is supported by analysis of the genomic context of dpp, which revealed adjacent genes encoding enzymes involved in muropeptide catabolism in a gene organization that is widely conserved in Firmicutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Hughes
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - John F Darby
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Eleanor J Dodson
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Samuel J Wilson
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Johan P Turkenburg
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Gavin H Thomas
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Anthony J Wilkinson
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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10
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Chatterji R, Bou-Akl T, Wu B, Dietz P, Ren WP, Markel DC. Common Wound Irrigation Solutions Produce Different Responses in Infected vs Sterile Host Tissue: Murine Air Pouch Infection Model. Arthroplast Today 2022; 18:130-137. [PMID: 36338289 PMCID: PMC9627588 DOI: 10.1016/j.artd.2022.08.019] [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] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite desirable microbicidal actions of irrigation solutions in surgical site infection treatment, several studies demonstrate potential cytotoxic effects. This study investigated tissue damage caused by irrigation solutions in the presence or absence of infection. Methods Air pouches were created in 60 mice and evenly divided into 2 groups as infected with Staphylococcus aureus and control. Groups were then subdivided both by type of solution and by timing after irrigation. Solutions included control (0.9% saline), bacitracin (33 IU/ml), 0.2% sodium oxychlorosene, 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate, and 0.013% benzalkonium chloride. Results Inflammation decreased in infected pouches compared to the sterile ones for all solutions except bacitracin on day 0 and for all on day 7. On day 0, infected pouches had increased necrosis with bacitracin (P = .006), chlorhexidine gluconate (P = .18), and benzalkonium chloride (P = .07); on day 7, there was decreased necrosis in infected pouches for all solutions (P < .05) except for sodium oxychlorosene (P = .18). Edema decreased in infected pouches on day 0 for all solutions. On day 7, infected pouches had decreased edema with 0.9% saline, bacitracin, and benzalkonium chloride (P < .05) and increased edema with chlorhexidine gluconate (P < .05) and sodium oxychlorosene (P = .069). Bacitracin allowed for more bacteria growth than sodium oxychlorosene (P = .024), chlorhexidine gluconate (P = .025), and benzalkonium chloride (P = .025). Conclusions The presence of bacteria led to less immediate tissue inflammation and edema, while tissue necrosis varied over time. The current study may guide surgeons on which solution to use and whether to irrigate a possibly sterile wound or joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Chatterji
- Orthopaedic Surgery Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI, USA,Corresponding author. Orthopaedic Surgery Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI, USA. Tel.: +1 847 254 2213.
| | - Therese Bou-Akl
- Orthopaedic Surgery Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI, USA
| | - Bin Wu
- Orthopaedic Surgery Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI, USA
| | - Paula Dietz
- Orthopaedic Surgery Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI, USA
| | - Wei-Ping Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA,College of Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - David C. Markel
- Orthopaedic Surgery Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA,The CORE Institute, Novi, MI, USA
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11
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Fischer MA, Engelgeh T, Rothe P, Fuchs S, Thürmer A, Halbedel S. Listeria monocytogenes genes supporting growth under standard laboratory cultivation conditions and during macrophage infection. Genome Res 2022; 32:gr.276747.122. [PMID: 36114002 PMCID: PMC9528990 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276747.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes occurs widespread in the environment and infects humans when ingested along with contaminated food. Such infections are particularly dangerous for risk group patients, for whom they represent a life-threatening disease. To invent novel strategies to control contamination and disease, it is important to identify those cellular processes that maintain pathogen growth inside and outside the host. Here, we have applied transposon insertion sequencing (Tn-Seq) to L. monocytogenes for the identification of such processes on a genome-wide scale. Our approach identified 394 open reading frames that are required for growth under standard laboratory conditions and 42 further genes, which become necessary during intracellular growth in macrophages. Most of these genes encode components of the translation machinery and act in chromosome-related processes, cell division, and biosynthesis of the cellular envelope. Several cofactor biosynthesis pathways and 29 genes with unknown functions are also required for growth, suggesting novel options for the development of antilisterial drugs. Among the genes specifically required during intracellular growth are known virulence factors, genes compensating intracellular auxotrophies, and several cell division genes. Our experiments also highlight the importance of PASTA kinase signaling for general viability and of glycine metabolism and chromosome segregation for efficient intracellular growth of L. monocytogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Fischer
- FG11 Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institute, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Tim Engelgeh
- FG11 Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institute, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Patricia Rothe
- FG11 Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institute, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Stephan Fuchs
- MF1 Bioinformatic Support, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Thürmer
- MF2 Genome Sequencing, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Halbedel
- FG11 Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institute, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
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12
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Thomasen RSS, Jespersen MG, Jørgensen K, Dos Santos PT, Sternkopf Lillebæk EM, Skov MN, Kemp M, Kallipolitis BH. The Global Regulator CcpA of Listeria monocytogenes Confers Sensitivity to Antimicrobial Fatty Acids. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:895942. [PMID: 35591996 PMCID: PMC9113694 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.895942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Free fatty acids (FFAs) are known to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-virulent properties against bacterial pathogens. Specific FFAs, such as lauric acid (LA; C12:0), exert both effects against the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes: at low levels, LA acts to inhibit the activity of the virulence regulator PrfA, whereas at higher levels, LA inhibits bacterial growth. Deletion of prfA is known to promote tolerance toward antimicrobial FFAs, suggesting that the response of L. monocytogenes to anti-virulent and antimicrobial FFAs could be linked. In this study, we explored the response of L. monocytogenes toward antimicrobial FFAs holding an anti-virulence activity by isolating strains that can grow at high concentrations of LA. We found that LA-tolerant isolates carry mutations in the gene encoding the global regulator CcpA. Importantly, we discovered that mutation or deletion of ccpA protect L. monocytogenes against the antimicrobial activity of FFAs, whereas the ccpA mutants remain sensitive toward FFA’s PrfA inhibitory effect. A regulatory link involving CcpA, connecting the response toward the antimicrobial and anti-virulence activities of FFAs, is therefore unlikely. To further study how deletion of ccpA promotes FFA tolerance, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of the response to LA. Our data indicated that the FFA-tolerant phenotype of the ∆ccpA strain is not induced upon LA exposure but appears to be an inherent phenotypic trait of the ccpA deletion mutation. Interestingly, we found that the bacterial surface of L. monocytogenes becomes more hydrophilic upon deletion of ccpA, and we demonstrate that CcpA plays a role in the response of L. monocytogenes to other stress conditions, including low pH and antibiotics. Altogether, our study revealed that regulatory activities of CcpA lead to an increased hydrophobicity of the bacterial surface, which may confer sensitivity of L. monocytogenes against the antimicrobial activity of FFAs. Notably, CcpA is not involved in responding to the PrfA inhibitory effect of FFAs, showing that FFA-tolerant strains can still be targeted by the anti-virulent activity of FFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke S S Thomasen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Magnus Ganer Jespersen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katrine Jørgensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Patricia T Dos Santos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eva M Sternkopf Lillebæk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marianne N Skov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital and Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael Kemp
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital and Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,The Regional Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Zealand, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
| | - Birgitte H Kallipolitis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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13
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Listeria monocytogenes TcyKLMN Cystine/Cysteine Transporter Facilitates Glutathione Synthesis and Virulence Gene Expression. mBio 2022; 13:e0044822. [PMID: 35435705 PMCID: PMC9239247 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00448-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens sense the repertoire of metabolites in the mammalian niche and use this information to shift into the pathogenic state to accomplish a successful infection. Glutathione is a virulence-activating signal that is synthesized by
L. monocytogenes
during infection of mammalian cells.
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14
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Tran TT, Mathmann CD, Gatica-Andrades M, Rollo RF, Oelker M, Ljungberg JK, Nguyen TTK, Zamoshnikova A, Kummari LK, Wyer OJK, Irvine KM, Melo-Bolívar J, Gross A, Brown D, Mak JYW, Fairlie DP, Hansford KA, Cooper MA, Giri R, Schreiber V, Joseph SR, Simpson F, Barnett TC, Johansson J, Dankers W, Harris J, Wells TJ, Kapetanovic R, Sweet MJ, Latomanski EA, Newton HJ, Guérillot RJR, Hachani A, Stinear TP, Ong SY, Chandran Y, Hartland EL, Kobe B, Stow JL, Sauer-Eriksson AE, Begun J, Kling JC, Blumenthal A. Inhibition of the master regulator of Listeria monocytogenes virulence enables bacterial clearance from spacious replication vacuoles in infected macrophages. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010166. [PMID: 35007292 PMCID: PMC8746789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of Listeria (L.) monocytogenes pathogenesis is bacterial escape from maturing entry vacuoles, which is required for rapid bacterial replication in the host cell cytoplasm and cell-to-cell spread. The bacterial transcriptional activator PrfA controls expression of key virulence factors that enable exploitation of this intracellular niche. The transcriptional activity of PrfA within infected host cells is controlled by allosteric coactivation. Inhibitory occupation of the coactivator site has been shown to impair PrfA functions, but consequences of PrfA inhibition for L. monocytogenes infection and pathogenesis are unknown. Here we report the crystal structure of PrfA with a small molecule inhibitor occupying the coactivator site at 2.0 Å resolution. Using molecular imaging and infection studies in macrophages, we demonstrate that PrfA inhibition prevents the vacuolar escape of L. monocytogenes and enables extensive bacterial replication inside spacious vacuoles. In contrast to previously described spacious Listeria-containing vacuoles, which have been implicated in supporting chronic infection, PrfA inhibition facilitated progressive clearance of intracellular L. monocytogenes from spacious vacuoles through lysosomal degradation. Thus, inhibitory occupation of the PrfA coactivator site facilitates formation of a transient intravacuolar L. monocytogenes replication niche that licenses macrophages to effectively eliminate intracellular bacteria. Our findings encourage further exploration of PrfA as a potential target for antimicrobials and highlight that intra-vacuolar residence of L. monocytogenes in macrophages is not inevitably tied to bacterial persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao Thanh Tran
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Rachel F. Rollo
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Tam T. K. Nguyen
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Lalith K. Kummari
- The University of Queensland School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Orry J. K. Wyer
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katharine M. Irvine
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Annette Gross
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren Brown
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Y. W. Mak
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David P. Fairlie
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Karl A. Hansford
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew A. Cooper
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rabina Giri
- Mater Research Institute – The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Veronika Schreiber
- Mater Research Institute – The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Shannon R. Joseph
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fiona Simpson
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Timothy C. Barnett
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | | | - Wendy Dankers
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - James Harris
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Timothy J. Wells
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ronan Kapetanovic
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Sweet
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Eleanor A. Latomanski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hayley J. Newton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Romain J. R. Guérillot
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Abderrahman Hachani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Timothy P. Stinear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sze Ying Ong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yogeswari Chandran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elizabeth L. Hartland
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bostjan Kobe
- The University of Queensland School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jennifer L. Stow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Jakob Begun
- Mater Research Institute – The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jessica C. Kling
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Antje Blumenthal
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
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15
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Kammoun H, Kim M, Hafner L, Gaillard J, Disson O, Lecuit M. Listeriosis, a model infection to study host-pathogen interactions in vivo. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 66:11-20. [PMID: 34923331 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a foodborne pathogen and the etiological agent of listeriosis. This facultative intracellular Gram-positive bacterium has the ability to colonize the intestinal lumen, cross the intestinal, blood-brain and placental barriers, leading to bacteremia, neurolisteriosis and maternal-fetal listeriosis. Lm is a model microorganism for the study of the interplay between a pathogenic microbe, host tissues and microbiota in vivo. Here we review how animal models permissive to Lm-host interactions allow deciphering some of the key steps of the infectious process, from the intestinal lumen to the crossing of host barriers and dissemination within the host. We also highlight recent investigations using tagged Lm and clinically relevant strains that have shed light on within-host dynamics and the purifying selection of Lm virulence factors. Studying Lm infection in vivo is a way forward to explore host biology and unveil the mechanisms that have selected its capacity to closely associate with its vertebrate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Kammoun
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Inserm U1117, Biology of Infection Unit, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Minhee Kim
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Inserm U1117, Biology of Infection Unit, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Lukas Hafner
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Inserm U1117, Biology of Infection Unit, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Julien Gaillard
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Inserm U1117, Biology of Infection Unit, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Disson
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Inserm U1117, Biology of Infection Unit, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Marc Lecuit
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Inserm U1117, Biology of Infection Unit, 75015 Paris, France; Institut Pasteur, National Reference Centre and WHO Collaborating Centre Listeria, 75015 Paris, France; Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, APHP, Institut Imagine, 75006 Paris, France.
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16
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NrnA is a linear dinucleotide phosphodiesterase with limited function in cyclic dinucleotide metabolism in Listeria monocytogenes. J Bacteriol 2021; 204:e0020621. [PMID: 34662239 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00206-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes produces both c-di-AMP and c-di-GMP to mediate many important cellular processes, but the levels of both nucleotides must be regulated. C-di-AMP accumulation attenuates virulence and diminishes stress response, and c-di-GMP accumulation impairs bacterial motility. An important regulatory mechanism to maintain c-di-AMP and c-di-GMP homeostasis is to hydrolyze them to the linear dinucleotides pApA and pGpG, respectively, but the fates of these hydrolytic products have not been examined in L. monocytogenes. We found that NrnA, a stand-alone DHH-DHHA1 phosphodiesterase, has a broad substrate range, but with a strong preference for linear dinucleotides over cyclic dinucleotides. Although NrnA exhibited detectable cyclic dinucleotide hydrolytic activities in vitro, NrnA had negligible effects on their levels in the bacterial cell, even in the absence of the c-di-AMP phosphodiesterases PdeA and PgpH. The ΔnrnA mutant had a mammalian cell infection defect that was fully restored by E. coli Orn. Together, our data indicate that L. monocytogenes NrnA is functionally orthologous to Orn, and its preferred physiological substrates are most likely linear dinucleotides. Furthermore, our findings revealed that, unlike some other c-di-AMP and c-di-GMP-producing bacteria, L. monocytogenes does not employ their hydrolytic products to regulate their phosphodiesterases, at least at the pApA and pGpG levels in the ΔnrnA mutant. Finally, the ΔnrnA infection defect was overcome by constitutive activation of PrfA, the master virulence regulator, suggesting that accumulated linear dinucleotides might inhibit the expression, stability, or function of PrfA-regulated virulence factors. IMPORTANCE Listeria monocytogenes produces both c-di-AMP and c-di-GMP, and encodes specific phosphodiesterases that degrade them into pApA and pGpG, respectively, but the metabolism of these products has not been characterized in this bacterium. We found that L. monocytogenes NrnA degrades a broad range of nucleotides. Among the tested cyclic and linear substrates, it exhibits a strong biochemical and physiological preference the linear dinucleotides pApA, pGpG, and pApG. Unlike in some other bacteria, these oligoribonucleotides do not appear to interfere with cyclic dinucleotide hydrolysis. The absence of NrnA is well tolerated by L. monocytogenes in broth cultures but impairs its ability to infect mammalian cells. These findings indicate a separation of cyclic dinucleotide signaling and oligoribonucleotide metabolism in L. monocytogenes.
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17
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Ku JWK, Gan YH. New roles for glutathione: Modulators of bacterial virulence and pathogenesis. Redox Biol 2021; 44:102012. [PMID: 34090244 PMCID: PMC8182430 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Low molecular weight (LMW) thiols contain reducing sulfhydryl groups that are important for maintaining antioxidant defense in the cell. Aside from the traditional roles of LMW thiols as redox regulators in bacteria, glutathione (GSH) has been reported to affect virulence and bacterial pathogenesis. The role of GSH in virulence is diverse, including the activation of virulence gene expression and contributing to optimal biofilm formation. GSH can also be converted to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which is important for the pathogenesis of certain bacteria. Besides GSH, some bacteria produce other LMW thiols such as mycothiol and bacillithiol that affect bacterial virulence. We discuss these newer reported functions of LMW thiols modulating bacterial pathogenesis either directly or indirectly and via modulation of the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Wei Kay Ku
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, 117596, Singapore
| | - Yunn-Hwen Gan
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, 117596, Singapore.
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18
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Characterization of the roles of activated charcoal and Chelex in the induction of PrfA regulon expression in complex medium. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250989. [PMID: 33914817 PMCID: PMC8084165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is able to survive across a wide range of intra- and extra-host environments by appropriately modulating gene expression patterns in response to different stimuli. Positive Regulatory Factor A (PrfA) is the major transcriptional regulator of virulence gene expression in L. monocytogenes. It has long been known that activated charcoal is required to induce the expression of PrfA-regulated genes in complex media, such as Brain Heart Infusion (BHI), but not in chemically defined media. In this study, we show that the expression of the PrfA-regulated hly, which encodes listeriolysin O, is induced 5- and 8-fold in L. monocytogenes cells grown in Chelex-treated BHI (Ch-BHI) and in the presence of activated charcoal (AC-BHI), respectively, relative to cells grown in BHI medium. Specifically, we show that metal ions present in BHI broth plays a role in the reduced expression of the PrfA regulon. In addition, we show that expression of hly is induced when the levels of bioavailable extra- or intercellular iron are reduced. L. monocytogenes cells grown Ch-BHI and AC-BHI media showed similar levels of resistance to the iron-activated antibiotic, streptonigrin, indicating that activated charcoal reduces the intracellular labile iron pool. Metal depletion and exogenously added glutathione contributed synergistically to PrfA-regulated gene expression since glutathione further increased hly expression in metal-depleted BHI but not in BHI medium. Analyses of transcriptional reporter fusion expression patterns revealed that genes in the PrfA regulon are differentially expressed in response to metal depletion, metal excess and exogenous glutathione. Our results suggest that metal ion abundance plays a role in modulating expression of PrfA-regulated virulence genes in L. monocytogenes.
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19
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Stincone P, Comerlato CB, Brandelli A. Proteomic analysis of Listeria monocytogenes exposed to free and nanostructured antimicrobial lipopeptides. Mol Omics 2021; 17:426-437. [PMID: 33735358 DOI: 10.1039/d0mo00178c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the effect of antimicrobial lipopeptide P34 on Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated for the first time through a proteomics approach. Bacteria were treated with sub-lethal doses of peptide P34 (F-P34) and P34 encapsulated into nanoliposomes (N-P34), while empty nanoliposomes (NE) and fresh buffer were used as controls. The proteomic analysis allowed the detection of one group of proteins commonly differentially represented in response to free and encapsulated P34 exposure. A second group of proteins was found to be exclusively differentially represented after exposure with encapsulated P34 only. The antimicrobial peptide P34 caused a significant downregulation of proteins associated with the transport of manganese and the over-representation of proteins related with iron transport in L. monocytogenes. In addition, reduction of stress tolerance proteins related to the σB and VirR regulons, together with the modulation of phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase systems (PTS) for sugar transport were observed. The sugar and oligopeptide transporters regulated by antimicrobial action may influence the key virulence factor PrfA, reducing the pathogenicity of this microorganism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Stincone
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Microbiologia Aplicada, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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20
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Why Are Some Listeria monocytogenes Genotypes More Likely To Cause Invasive (Brain, Placental) Infection? mBio 2020; 11:mBio.03126-20. [PMID: 33323519 PMCID: PMC7774001 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03126-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although all isolates of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes are considered to be pathogenic, epidemiological evidence indicates that certain serovar 4b lineages are more likely to cause severe invasive (neuromeningeal, maternal-fetal) listeriosis. Recently described as L. monocytogenes “hypervirulent” clones, no distinctive bacterial trait has been identified so far that could account for the differential pathogenicity of these strains. Although all isolates of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes are considered to be pathogenic, epidemiological evidence indicates that certain serovar 4b lineages are more likely to cause severe invasive (neuromeningeal, maternal-fetal) listeriosis. Recently described as L. monocytogenes “hypervirulent” clones, no distinctive bacterial trait has been identified so far that could account for the differential pathogenicity of these strains. Here, we discuss some preliminary observations in experimentally infected mice suggesting that serovar 4b hypervirulent strains may have a hitherto unrecognized capacity for prolonged in vivo survival. We propose the hypothesis that protracted survivability in primary infection foci in liver and spleen—the first target organs after intestinal translocation—may cause L. monocytogenes serovar 4b hypervirulent clones to have a higher probability of secondary dissemination to brain and placenta.
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21
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Villoria Recio M, Lee BH, Lillebæk EMS, Kallipolitis BH, Gahan CGM, Ingmer H, Larsen MH. Chitin Attenuates Expression of Listeria monocytogenes Virulence Genes in vitro. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:588906. [PMID: 33343529 PMCID: PMC7744463 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.588906] [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: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
External signals are crucial for bacteria to sense their immediate environment and fine-tune gene expression accordingly. The foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes senses a range of environmental cues in order to activate or deactivate the virulence-inducing transcriptional factor PrfA during transition between infectious and saprophytic lifecycles. Chitin is an abundant biopolymer formed from linked β-(1-4)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues associated with fungi, the exoskeleton of insects and often incorporated into foods as a thickener or stabilizer. L. monocytogenes evolved to hydrolyse chitin, presumably, to facilitate nutrient acquisition from competitive environments such as soil where the polymer is abundant. Since mammals do not produce chitin, we reasoned that the polymer could serve as an environmental signal contributing to repression of L. monocytogenes PrfA-dependent expression. This study shows a significant downregulation of the core PrfA-regulon during virulence-inducing conditions in vitro in the presence of chitin. Our data suggest this phenomenon occurs through a mechanism that differs from PTS-transport of oligosaccharides generated from either degradation or chitinase-mediated hydrolysis of the polymer. Importantly, an indication that chitin can repress virulence expression of a constitutively active PrfA∗ mutant is shown, possibly mediated via a post-translational modification inhibiting PrfA∗ activity. To our knowledge, this is the first time that chitin is reported as a molecule with anti-virulence properties against a pathogenic bacterium. Thus, our findings identify chitin as a signal which may downregulate the virulence potential of the pathogen and may provide an alternative approach toward reducing disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Villoria Recio
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Food Safety and Zoonoses-University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Alimentary Pharmabotic Centre Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Bo-Hyung Lee
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Birgitte H Kallipolitis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Cormac G M Gahan
- Alimentary Pharmabotic Centre Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Hanne Ingmer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Food Safety and Zoonoses-University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Marianne Halberg Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Food Safety and Zoonoses-University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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22
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Li H, Qiao Y, Du D, Wang J, Ma X. Deletion of the oligopeptide transporter Lmo2193 decreases the virulence of Listeria monocytogenes. J Vet Sci 2020; 21:e88. [PMID: 33263235 PMCID: PMC7710461 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e88] [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: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive bacterium that causes listeriosis mainly in immunocompromised hosts. It can also cause foodborne outbreaks and has the ability to adapt to various environments. Peptide uptake in gram-positive bacteria is enabled by oligopeptide permeases (Opp) in a process that depends on ATP hydrolysis by OppD and F. Previously a putative protein Lmo2193 was predicted to be OppD, but little is known about the role of OppD in major processes of L. monocytogenes, such as growth, virulence, and biofilm formation. Objectives To determine whether the virulence traits of L. monocytogenes are related to OppD. Methods In this study, lmo2193 gene deletion and complementation strains of L. monocytogenes were generated and compared with a wild-type strain for the following: adhesiveness, invasion ability, intracellular survival, proliferation, 50% lethal dose (LD50) to mice, and the amount bacteria in the mouse liver, spleen, and brain. Results The results showed that virulence of the deletion strain was 1.34 and 0.5 orders of magnitude higher than that of the wild-type and complementation strains, respectively. The function of Lmo2193 was predicted and verified as OppD from the ATPase superfamily. Deletion of lmo2193 affected the normal growth of L. monocytogenes, reduced its virulence in cells and mice, and affected its ability to form biofilms. Conclusions Deletion of the oligopeptide transporter Lmo2193 decreases the virulence of L. monocytogenes. These effects may be related to OppD's function, which provides a new perspective on the regulation of oligopeptide transporters in L. monocytogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghuan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yanjie Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dongdong Du
- Analysis and Testing Center, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Control and Prevention of Animal Disease, Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Xun Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China.
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23
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Factors contributing to Listeria monocytogenes transmission and impact on food safety. Curr Opin Food Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2020.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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24
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Cell Communications among Microorganisms, Plants, and Animals: Origin, Evolution, and Interplays. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218052. [PMID: 33126770 PMCID: PMC7663094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular communications play pivotal roles in multi-cellular species, but they do so also in uni-cellular species. Moreover, cells communicate with each other not only within the same individual, but also with cells in other individuals belonging to the same or other species. These communications occur between two unicellular species, two multicellular species, or between unicellular and multicellular species. The molecular mechanisms involved exhibit diversity and specificity, but they share common basic features, which allow common pathways of communication between different species, often phylogenetically very distant. These interactions are possible by the high degree of conservation of the basic molecular mechanisms of interaction of many ligand-receptor pairs in evolutionary remote species. These inter-species cellular communications played crucial roles during Evolution and must have been positively selected, particularly when collectively beneficial in hostile environments. It is likely that communications between cells did not arise after their emergence, but were part of the very nature of the first cells. Synchronization of populations of non-living protocells through chemical communications may have been a mandatory step towards their emergence as populations of living cells and explain the large commonality of cell communication mechanisms among microorganisms, plants, and animals.
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25
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Leseigneur C, Lê-Bury P, Pizarro-Cerdá J, Dussurget O. Emerging Evasion Mechanisms of Macrophage Defenses by Pathogenic Bacteria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:577559. [PMID: 33102257 PMCID: PMC7545029 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.577559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages participate to the first line of defense against infectious agents. Microbial pathogens evolved sophisticated mechanisms to escape macrophage killing. Here, we review recent discoveries and emerging concepts on bacterial molecular strategies to subvert macrophage immune responses. We focus on the expanding number of fascinating subversive tools developed by Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and pathogenic Yersinia spp., illustrating diversity and commonality in mechanisms used by microorganisms with different pathogenic lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Leseigneur
- Unité de Recherche Yersinia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Lê-Bury
- Unité de Recherche Yersinia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Javier Pizarro-Cerdá
- Unité de Recherche Yersinia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,National Reference Laboratory Plague & Other Yersiniosis, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,WHO Collaborative Research & Reference Centre for Yersinia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Dussurget
- Unité de Recherche Yersinia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Nizami B, Tan W, Arias-Moreno X. In silico identification of novel PrfA inhibitors to fight listeriosis: A virtual screening and molecular dynamics studies. J Mol Graph Model 2020; 101:107728. [PMID: 32942202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2020.107728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is considered to be one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens as it can cause listeriosis, a life-threatening human disease. While the incidence of listeriosis is very low its fatality rate is exceptionally high. Because many multi-resistance Listeria monocytogenes strains that do not respond to conventional antibiotic therapy have been recently described, development of new antimicrobials to fight listeriosis is necessary. The positive regulatory factor A (PrfA) is a key homodimeric transcription factor that modulates the transcription of multiple virulence factors which are ultimately responsible of Listeria monocytogenes' pathogenicity. In the present manuscript we describe several new potential PrfA inhibitors that were identified after performing ligand-based virtual screening followed by molecular docking calculations against the wild-type PrfA structure. The three top-scored drug-likeness inhibitors bound to the wild-type PrfA structure were further assessed by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Besides, the three top-scored inhibitors were docked into a constitutive active apoPrfA mutant structure and the corresponding complexes were also simulated by MD. According to the obtained data, PUBChem 87534955 (P875) and PUBChem 58473762 (P584) may not only bind and inhibit wild-type PrfA but the aforementioned apoPrfA mutant as well. Therefore, P875 and P584 might represent good starting points for the development of a completely new set of antimicrobial agents to treat listeriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Nizami
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1117, Budapest, Magyar Tudósok krt. 2, Hungary
| | - Wen Tan
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xabier Arias-Moreno
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Free Fatty Acids Interfere with the DNA Binding Activity of the Virulence Regulator PrfA of Listeria monocytogenes. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00156-20. [PMID: 32393522 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00156-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring free fatty acids (FFAs) are recognized as potent antimicrobial agents that also affect the production of virulence factors in bacterial pathogens. In the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, some medium- and long-chain FFAs act as antimicrobial agents as well as signaling compounds, causing a repression of transcription of virulence genes. We previously observed that the master virulence regulator PrfA is involved in both the antimicrobial and virulence-inhibitory response of L. monocytogenes to selected FFAs, but the underlying mechanisms are presently unknown. Here, we present a systematic analysis of the antimicrobial and PrfA-inhibitory activities of medium- and long-chain FFAs of various carbon chain lengths and degrees of saturation. We observed that exposure to specific antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial FFAs prevented PrfA-dependent activation of virulence gene transcription and reduced the levels of PrfA-regulated virulence factors. Thus, an antimicrobial activity was not compulsory for the PrfA-inhibitory ability of an FFA. In vitro binding experiments revealed that PrfA-inhibitory FFAs were also able to prevent the constitutively active variant PrfA* from binding to the PrfA box in the promoter region of the virulence gene hly, whereas noninhibitory FFAs did not affect its ability to bind DNA. Notably, the unsaturated FFAs inhibited the DNA binding activity of PrfA* most efficiently. Altogether, our findings support a model in which specific FFAs orchestrate a generalized reduction of the virulence potential of L. monocytogenes by directly targeting the key virulence regulator PrfA.IMPORTANCE Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive pathogen able to cause foodborne infections in humans and animals. Key virulence genes in L. monocytogenes are activated by the transcription regulator PrfA, a DNA binding protein belonging to the CRP/FNR family. Various signals from the environment are known to affect the activity of PrfA, either positively or negatively. Recently, we found that specific medium- and long-chain free fatty acids act as antimicrobial agents as well as signaling compounds in L. monocytogenes Here, we show that both antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial free fatty acids inhibit PrfA-dependent activation of virulence gene transcription by interfering with the DNA binding activity of PrfA. Our findings suggest that free fatty acids could be candidates for alternative therapies against L. monocytogenes.
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Bier N, Hammerstrom TG, Koehler TM. Influence of the phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system on toxin gene expression and virulence in Bacillus anthracis. Mol Microbiol 2019; 113:237-252. [PMID: 31667937 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AtxA, the master virulence gene regulator of Bacillus anthracis, is a PRD-Containing Virulence Regulator (PCVR) as indicated by the crystal structure, post-translational modifications and activity of the protein. PCVRs are transcriptional regulators, named for PTS Regulatory Domains (PRDs) subject to phosphorylation by the phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (PEP-PTS) and for their impact on virulence gene expression. Here we present data from experiments employing physiological, genetic and biochemical approaches that support a model in which the PTS proteins HPr and Enzyme I (EI) are required for transcription of the atxA gene, rather than phosphorylation of AtxA. We show that atxA transcription is reduced 2.5-fold in a mutant lacking HPr and EI, and that this change is sufficient to affect anthrax toxin production. Mutants harboring HPr proteins altered for phosphotransfer activity were unable to restore atxA transcription to parent levels, suggesting that phosphotransfer activity of HPr and EI is important for regulation of atxA. In a mouse model for anthrax, a HPr- EI- mutant was attenuated for virulence. Virulence was restored by expressing atxA from an alternative, PTS-independent, promoter. Our data support a model in which HPr transfers a phosphate to an unidentified downstream transcriptional regulator to influence atxA gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Bier
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School of the University of Texas - Houston Health Science Center, UTHealth M.D. Anderson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Troy G Hammerstrom
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School of the University of Texas - Houston Health Science Center, UTHealth M.D. Anderson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Theresa M Koehler
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School of the University of Texas - Houston Health Science Center, UTHealth M.D. Anderson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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Cross Talk between SigB and PrfA in Listeria monocytogenes Facilitates Transitions between Extra- and Intracellular Environments. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:83/4/e00034-19. [PMID: 31484692 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00034-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can modulate its transcriptome and proteome to ensure its survival during transmission through vastly differing environmental conditions. While L. monocytogenes utilizes a large array of regulators to achieve survival and growth in different intra- and extrahost environments, the alternative sigma factor σB and the transcriptional activator of virulence genes protein PrfA are two key transcriptional regulators essential for responding to environmental stress conditions and for host infection. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that the shift from extrahost environments to the host gastrointestinal tract and, subsequently, to intracellular environments requires regulatory interplay between σB and PrfA at transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and protein activity levels. Here, we review the current evidence for cross talk and interplay between σB and PrfA and their respective regulons and highlight the plasticity of σB and PrfA cross talk and the role of this cross talk in facilitating successful transition of L. monocytogenes from diverse extrahost to diverse extra- and intracellular host environments.
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Rojas F, Matthews KR. Quorum sensing in African trypanosomes. Curr Opin Microbiol 2019; 52:124-129. [PMID: 31442903 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Many microbial eukaryotes exhibit cell-cell communication to co-ordinate group behaviours as a strategy to exploit a changed environment, adapt to adverse conditions or regulate developmental responses. Although best characterised in bacteria, eukaryotic microbes have also been revealed to cooperate to optimise their survival or dissemination. An excellent model for these processes are African trypanosomes, protozoa responsible for important human and animal disease in sub Saharan Africa. These unicellular parasites use density sensing in their mammalian host to prepare for transmission. Recently, the signal and signal transduction pathway underlying this activity have been elucidated, revealing that the parasite exploits oligopeptide signals generated by released peptidases to monitor cell density and so generate transmission stages. Here we review the evidence for this elegant quorum sensing mechanism and its parallels with similar mechanisms in other microbial systems. We also discuss its implications for disease spread in the context of coinfections involving different trypanosome species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Rojas
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, United Kingdom.
| | - Keith R Matthews
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, United Kingdom.
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31
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The oligopeptide ABC-importers are essential communication channels in Gram-positive bacteria. Res Microbiol 2019; 170:338-344. [PMID: 31376485 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The transport of peptides in microorganisms plays an important role in their physiology and behavior, both as a nutrient source and as a proxy to sense their environment. This latter function is evidenced in Gram-positive bacteria where cell-cell communication is mediated by small peptides. Here, we highlight the importance of the oligopeptide permease (Opp) systems in the various major processes controlled by signaling peptides, such as sporulation, virulence and conjugation. We underline that the functioning of these communication systems is tightly linked to the developmental status of the bacteria via the regulation of opp gene expression by transition phase regulators.
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Johansson J, Freitag NE. Regulation of Listeria monocytogenes Virulence. Microbiol Spectr 2019; 7:10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0064-2019. [PMID: 31441398 PMCID: PMC10957223 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0064-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Whereas obligate human and animal bacterial pathogens may be able to depend upon the warmth and relative stability of their chosen replication niche, environmental bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes that harbor the ability to replicate both within animal cells and in the outside environment must maintain the capability to manage life under a variety of disparate conditions. Bacterial life in the outside environment requires adaptation to wide ranges of temperature, available nutrients, and physical stresses such as changes in pH and osmolarity as well as desiccation. Following ingestion by a susceptible animal host, the bacterium must adapt to similar changes during transit through the gastrointestinal tract and overcome a variety of barriers associated with host innate immune responses. Rapid alteration of patterns of gene expression and protein synthesis represent one strategy for quickly adapting to a dynamic host landscape. Here, we provide an overview of the impressive variety of strategies employed by the soil-dwelling, foodborne, mammalian pathogen L. monocytogenes to straddle diverse environments and optimize bacterial fitness both inside and outside host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörgen Johansson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nancy E Freitag
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago IL
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