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Jian Y, Chen T, Yang Z, Xiang G, Xu K, Wang Y, Zhao N, He L, Liu Q, Li M. Small regulatory RNA RSaX28 promotes virulence by reinforcing the stability of RNAIII in community-associated ST398 clonotype Staphylococcus aureus. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2341972. [PMID: 38597192 PMCID: PMC11034457 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2341972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a notorious pathogen that cause metastatic or complicated infections. Hypervirulent ST398 clonotype strains, remarkably increased in recent years, dominated Community-associated S. aureus (CA-SA) infections in the past decade in China. Small RNAs like RNAIII have been demonstrated to play important roles in regulating the virulence of S. aureus, however, the regulatory roles played by many of these sRNAs in the ST398 clonotype strains are still unclear. Through transcriptome screening and combined with knockout phenotype analysis, we have identified a highly transcribed sRNA, RSaX28, in the ST398 clonotype strains. Sequence analysis revealed that RSaX28 is highly conserved in the most epidemic clonotypes of S. aureus, but its high transcription level is particularly prominent in the ST398 clonotype strains. Characterization of RSaX28 through RACE and Northern blot revealed its length to be 533nt. RSaX28 is capable of promoting the hemolytic ability, reducing biofilm formation capacity, and enhancing virulence of S. aureus in the in vivo murine infection model. Through IntaRNA prediction and EMSA validation, we found that RSaX28 can specifically interact with RNAIII, promoting its stability and positively regulating the translation of downstream alpha-toxin while inhibiting the translation of Sbi, thereby regulating the virulence and biofilm formation capacity of the ST398 clonotype strains. RSaX28 is an important virulence regulatory factor in the ST398 clonotype S. aureus and represents a potential important target for future treatment and immune intervention against S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianchi Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziyu Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoxiu Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Han Y, Xiong Y, Wang M, Wang J, Song T, Yu J, Hu J, Zhao Z, Li M, Li Y, Chen Y. Small RNA-regulated expression of efflux pump affects tigecycline resistance and heteroresistance in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microbiol Res 2024; 287:127825. [PMID: 39047663 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Tigecycline and the newly Food and Drug Administration-approved tetracyclines, including eravacycline and omadacycline, are regarded as last-resort treatments for multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales. However, tigecycline resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae has increased, especially the underlying mechanism of heteroresistance is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying tigecycline resistance and heteroresistance in clinical K. pneumoniae isolates. A total of 153 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates were collected, and identified 15 tigecycline-resistant and three tigecycline-heteroresistant isolates using broth microdilution and population analysis profile methods, respectively. Total RNAs from K. pneumoniae ATCC13883 and the laboratory-induced tigecycline-resistant strain were extracted and sequenced on an Illumina platform. Differentially expressed genes and regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) were analyzed and validated in clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae using quantitative real-time PCR. RNA sequencing results showed that mdtABC efflux pump genes were significantly upregulated in the tigecycline-resistant strains. Overexpression of mdtABC was observed in a clinical K. pneumoniae isolate, which increased tigecycline minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and was involved in tigecycline heteroresistance. Sequencing analysis of sRNA demonstrated that candidate sRNA-120 directly interacted with the mdtABC operon and was downregulated in tigecycline-resistant strains. We generated an sRNA-120 deletion mutation strain and a complemented strain of K. pneumoniae. The sRNA-120 deletion strain displayed increased mRNA levels of mdtA, mdtB, and mdtC and an increase in MICs of tigecycline. The complemented strain of sRNA-120 restored the mRNA levels of these genes and the susceptibility to tigecycline. RNA antisense purification and parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry were performed to verify the interactions between sRNA-120 and mdtABC. Collectively, our study highlights that the post-transcriptional repression of mdtABC through sRNA-120 may provide an additional layer of efflux pump gene expression control, which is important for resistance and heteroresistance in clinical K. pneumoniae isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiao Han
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Yilin Xiong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Mengyao Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Zinan Zhao
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Microecology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Medical Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
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3
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Cheah HL, Citartan M, Lee LP, Ahmed SA, Salleh MZ, Teh LK, Tang TH. Exploring the transcription start sites and other genomic features facilitates the accurate identification and annotation of small RNAs across multiple stress conditions in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:160. [PMID: 39264475 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01437-5] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a pathogen that is known for its ability to persist in harsh environments and cause chronic infections. Understanding the regulatory networks of MTB is crucial for developing effective treatments. Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) play important roles in gene expression regulation in all kingdoms of life, and their classification based solely on genomic location can be imprecise due to the computational-based prediction of protein-coding genes in bacteria, which often neglects segments of mRNA such as 5'UTRs, 3'UTRs, and intercistronic regions of operons. To address this issue, our study simultaneously discovered genomic features such as TSSs, UTRs, and operons together with sRNAs in the M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain (ATCC 27294) across multiple stress conditions. Our analysis identified 1,376 sRNA candidates and 8,173 TSSs in MTB, providing valuable insights into its complex regulatory landscape. TSS mapping enabled us to classify these sRNAs into more specific categories, including promoter-associated sRNAs, 5'UTR-derived sRNAs, 3'UTR-derived sRNAs, true intergenic sRNAs, and antisense sRNAs. Three of these sRNA candidates were experimentally validated using 3'-RACE-PCR: predictedRNA_0240, predictedRNA_0325, and predictedRNA_0578. Future characterization and validation are necessary to fully elucidate the functions and roles of these sRNAs in MTB. Our study is the first to simultaneously unravel TSSs and sRNAs in MTB and demonstrate that the identification of other genomic features, such as TSSs, UTRs, and operons, allows for more accurate and specific classification of sRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Leong Cheah
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Monash University Malaysia Genomics Platform, School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Marimuthu Citartan
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Li-Pin Lee
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Aminah Ahmed
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Zaki Salleh
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lay Kek Teh
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Thean-Hock Tang
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
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Cao D, Subhadra B, Lee YJ, Thoresen M, Cornejo S, Olivier A, Woolums A, Inzana TJ. Contribution of Hfq to gene regulation and virulence in Histophilus somni. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0003824. [PMID: 38391206 PMCID: PMC10929436 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00038-24] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Histophilus somni is one of the predominant bacterial pathogens responsible for bovine respiratory and systemic diseases in cattle. Despite the identification of numerous H. somni virulence factors, little is known about the regulation of such factors. The post-transcriptional regulatory protein Hfq may play a crucial role in regulation of components that affect bacterial virulence. The contribution of Hfq to H. somni phenotype and virulence was investigated following creation of an hfq deletion mutant of H. somni strain 2336 (designated H. somni 2336Δhfq). A comparative analysis of the mutant to the wild-type strain was carried out by examining protein and carbohydrate phenotype, RNA sequence, intracellular survival in bovine monocytes, serum susceptibility, and virulence studies in mouse and calf models. H. somni 2336Δhfq exhibited a truncated lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structure, with loss of sialylation. The mutant demonstrated increased susceptibility to intracellular and serum-mediated killing compared to the wild-type strain. Transcriptomic analysis displayed significant differential expression of 832 upregulated genes and 809 downregulated genes in H. somni 2336Δhfq compared to H. somni strain 2336, including significant downregulation of lsgB and licA, which contribute to LOS oligosaccharide synthesis and sialylation. A substantial number of differentially expressed genes were associated with polysaccharide synthesis and other proteins that could influence virulence. The H. somni 2336Δhfq mutant strain was attenuated in a mouse septicemia model and somewhat attenuated in a calf intrabronchial challenge model. H. somni was recovered less frequently from nasopharyngeal swabs, endotracheal aspirates, and lung tissues of calves challenged with H. somni 2336Δhfq compared to the wild-type strain, and the percentage of abnormal lung tissue in calves challenged with H. somni 2336Δhfq was lower than in calves challenged with the wild-type strain. In conclusion, our results support that Hfq accounts for the regulation of H. somni virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianjun Cao
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
| | - Bindu Subhadra
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
| | - Yue-Jia Lee
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
| | - Merrilee Thoresen
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Santiago Cornejo
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Alicia Olivier
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Amelia Woolums
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Thomas J. Inzana
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
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5
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Juszczuk-Kubiak E. Molecular Aspects of the Functioning of Pathogenic Bacteria Biofilm Based on Quorum Sensing (QS) Signal-Response System and Innovative Non-Antibiotic Strategies for Their Elimination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2655. [PMID: 38473900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052655] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the key mechanisms enabling bacterial cells to create biofilms and regulate crucial life functions in a global and highly synchronized way is a bacterial communication system called quorum sensing (QS). QS is a bacterial cell-to-cell communication process that depends on the bacterial population density and is mediated by small signalling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). In bacteria, QS controls the biofilm formation through the global regulation of gene expression involved in the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) synthesis, virulence factor production, stress tolerance and metabolic adaptation. Forming biofilm is one of the crucial mechanisms of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A common feature of human pathogens is the ability to form biofilm, which poses a serious medical issue due to their high susceptibility to traditional antibiotics. Because QS is associated with virulence and biofilm formation, there is a belief that inhibition of QS activity called quorum quenching (QQ) may provide alternative therapeutic methods for treating microbial infections. This review summarises recent progress in biofilm research, focusing on the mechanisms by which biofilms, especially those formed by pathogenic bacteria, become resistant to antibiotic treatment. Subsequently, a potential alternative approach to QS inhibition highlighting innovative non-antibiotic strategies to control AMR and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Juszczuk-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology-State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
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6
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Tidwell ED, Kilde IR, Leskaj S, Koutmos M. Fluorescent Ligand Equilibrium Displacement: A High-Throughput Method for Identification of FMN Riboswitch-Binding Small Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:735. [PMID: 38255809 PMCID: PMC11154562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020735] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance remains a pressing global concern, with most antibiotics targeting the bacterial ribosome or a limited range of proteins. One class of underexplored antibiotic targets is bacterial riboswitches, structured RNA elements that regulate key biosynthetic pathways by binding a specific ligand. We developed a methodology termed Fluorescent Ligand Equilibrium Displacement (FLED) to rapidly discover small molecules that bind the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) riboswitch. FLED leverages intrinsically fluorescent FMN and the quenching effect on RNA binding to create a label-free, in vitro method to identify compounds that can bind the apo population of riboswitch in a system at equilibrium. The response difference between known riboswitch ligands and controls demonstrates the robustness of the method for high-throughput screening. An existing drug discovery library that was screened using FLED resulted in a final hit rate of 0.67%. The concentration response of each hit was determined and revealed a variety of approximate effective concentration values. Our preliminary screening data support the use of FLED to identify small molecules for medicinal chemistry development as FMN riboswitch-targeted antibiotic compounds. This robust, label-free, and cell-free method offers a strong alternative to other riboswitch screening methods and can be adapted to a variety of laboratory setups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingrid R. Kilde
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Suada Leskaj
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Markos Koutmos
- Program in Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
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7
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Wu P, Yang L. sRNA Structural Modeling Based on NMR Data. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2741:383-397. [PMID: 38217664 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3565-0_20] [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: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) play vital roles in gene expression regulation and RNA interference. To comprehend their molecular mechanisms and develop therapeutic approaches, determining the accurate three-dimensional structure of sRNAs is crucial. Although nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for structural biology, obtaining high-resolution structures of sRNAs using NMR data alone can be challenging. In such cases, structural modeling can provide additional details about RNA structures. In this context, we present a protocol for the structural modeling of sRNA using the SimRNA method based on sparse NMR constraints. To demonstrate the efficacy of our method, we provide selected examples of NMR spectra and RNA structures, specifically for the second stem-loop of DsrA sRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhi Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Lingna Yang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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8
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Meireles D, Pombinho R, Cabanes D. Signals behind Listeria monocytogenes virulence mechanisms. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2369564. [PMID: 38979800 PMCID: PMC11236296 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2369564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The tight and coordinated regulation of virulence gene expression is crucial to ensure the survival and persistence of bacterial pathogens in different contexts within their hosts. Considering this, bacteria do not express virulence factors homogenously in time and space, either due to their associated fitness cost or to their detrimental effect at specific infection stages. To efficiently infect and persist into their hosts, bacteria have thus to monitor environmental cues or chemical cell-to-cell signaling mechanisms that allow their transition from the external environment to the host, and therefore adjust gene expression levels, intrinsic biological activities, and appropriate behaviors. Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), a major Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen, stands out for its adaptability and capacity to thrive in a wide range of environments. Because of that, Lm presents itself as a significant concern in food safety and public health, that can lead to potentially life-threatening infections in humans. A deeper understanding of the intricate bacterial virulence mechanisms and the signals that control them provide valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between Lm and the host. Therefore, this review addresses the role of some crucial signals behind Lm pathogenic virulence mechanisms and explores how the ability to assimilate and interpret these signals is fundamental for pathogenesis, identifying potential targets for innovative antimicrobial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Meireles
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Group of Molecular Microbiology, IBMC, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar – ICBAS, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Pombinho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Group of Molecular Microbiology, IBMC, Porto, Portugal
| | - Didier Cabanes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Group of Molecular Microbiology, IBMC, Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
The first discovered and well-characterized bacterial quorum sensing (QS) system belongs to Vibrio fischeri, which uses N-acyl homo-serine lactones (AHLs) for cell-cell signaling. AHL QS cell-cell communication is often regarded as a cell density-dependent regulatory switch. Since the discovery of QS, it has been known that AHL concentration (which correlates imperfectly with cell density) is not necessarily the only QS trigger. Additionally, not all cells respond to a QS signal. Bacteria could, via QS, exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity, resulting in sub-populations with unique phenotypes. It is time to ascribe greater importance to QS-dependent phenotypic heterogeneity, and its potential purpose in natura, with emphasis on the division of labor, specialization, and "bet-hedging". We hope that this perspective article will stimulate the awareness that QS can be more than just a cell-density switch. This basic mechanism could result in "bacterial civilizations", thus forcing us to reconsider the way bacterial communities are envisioned in natura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihael Spacapan
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Bez
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Vittorio Venturi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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10
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Ghandour R, Papenfort K. Small regulatory RNAs in Vibrio cholerae. MICROLIFE 2023; 4:uqad030. [PMID: 37441523 PMCID: PMC10335731 DOI: 10.1093/femsml/uqad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae is a major human pathogen causing the diarrheal disease, cholera. Regulation of virulence in V. cholerae is a multifaceted process involving gene expression changes at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Whereas various transcription factors have been reported to modulate virulence in V. cholerae, small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) have now been established to also participate in virulence control and the regulation of virulence-associated processes, such as biofilm formation, quorum sensing, stress response, and metabolism. In most cases, these sRNAs act by base-pairing with multiple target transcripts and this process typically requires the aid of an RNA-binding protein, such as the widely conserved Hfq protein. This review article summarizes the functional roles of sRNAs in V. cholerae, their underlying mechanisms of gene expression control, and how sRNAs partner with transcription factors to modulate complex regulatory programs. In addition, we will discuss regulatory principles discovered in V. cholerae that not only apply to other Vibrio species, but further extend into the large field of RNA-mediated gene expression control in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabea Ghandour
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Microbiology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Kai Papenfort
- Corresponding author. Institute of Microbiology, General Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Winzerlaer Straße 2, 07745 Jena, Germany. Tel: +49-3641-949-311; E-mail:
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11
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Muche S, El-Fenej J, Mihaita A, Mrozek Z, Cleary S, Critelli B, Marino M, Yu W, Amos B, Hunter T, Riga M, Buerkert T, Bhatt S. The two sRNAs OmrA and OmrB indirectly repress transcription from the LEE1 promoter of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2023; 68:415-430. [PMID: 36547806 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-022-01025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a diarrheagenic bacterium that predominantly infects infants in developing countries. EPEC forms attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions on the apical surface of the small intestine, leading to diarrhea. The locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) is both necessary and sufficient for A/E lesion morphogenesis by EPEC. Gene expression from this virulence determinant is controlled by an elaborate regulatory web that extends beyond protein-based transcriptional regulators and includes small regulatory RNA (sRNA) that exert their effects posttranscriptionally. To date, only 4 Hfq-dependent sRNAs-MgrR, RyhB, McaS, and Spot42-have been identified that affect the LEE of EPEC by diverse mechanisms and elicit varying regulatory outcomes. In this study, we demonstrate that the paralogous Hfq-dependent sRNAs OmrA and OmrB globally silence the LEE to diminish the ability of EPEC to form A/E lesions. Interestingly, OmrA and OmrB do not appear to directly target a LEE-encoded gene; rather, they repress transcription from the LEE1 promoter indirectly, by means of an as-yet-unidentified transcriptional factor that binds within 200 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site to reduce the expression of the LEE master regulator Ler, which, in turn, leads to reduced morphogenesis of A/E lesions. Additionally, OmrA and OmrB also repress motility in EPEC by targeting the 5' UTR of the flagellar master regulator, flhD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Muche
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Jihad El-Fenej
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation and Department of Pathology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Alexa Mihaita
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Zoe Mrozek
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Sean Cleary
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4170 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Brian Critelli
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Mary Marino
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Wenlan Yu
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Brianna Amos
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Tressa Hunter
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Michael Riga
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Thomas Buerkert
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA
| | - Shantanu Bhatt
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, SC124, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA.
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12
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Xu Y, Zeng C, Wen H, Shi Q, Zhao X, Meng Q, Li X, Xiao J. Discovery of AI-2 Quorum Sensing Inhibitors Targeting the LsrK/HPr Protein-Protein Interaction Site by Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Virtual Screening, and Bioassay Evaluation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050737. [PMID: 37242520 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050737] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism that regulates bacterial pathogenicity, biofilm formation, and antibiotic sensitivity. Among the identified quorum sensing, AI-2 QS exists in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and is responsible for interspecies communication. Recent studies have highlighted the connection between the phosphotransferase system (PTS) and AI-2 QS, with this link being associated with protein-protein interaction (PPI) between HPr and LsrK. Here, we first discovered several AI-2 QSIs targeting the LsrK/HPr PPI site through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, virtual screening, and bioassay evaluation. Of the 62 compounds purchased, eight compounds demonstrated significant inhibition in LsrK-based assays and AI-2 QS interference assays. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis confirmed that the hit compound 4171-0375 specifically bound to the LsrK-N protein (HPr binding domain, KD = 2.51 × 10-5 M), and therefore the LsrK/HPr PPI site. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) emphasized the importance of hydrophobic interactions with the hydrophobic pocket and hydrogen bonds or salt bridges with key residues of LsrK for LsrK/HPr PPI inhibitors. These new AI-2 QSIs, especially 4171-0375, exhibited novel structures, significant LsrK inhibition, and were suitable for structural modification to search for more effective AI-2 QSIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Chunlan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Huiqi Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Qianqian Shi
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Qingbin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xingzhou Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Junhai Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
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13
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Cho JS, Yang D, Prabowo CPS, Ghiffary MR, Han T, Choi KR, Moon CW, Zhou H, Ryu JY, Kim HU, Lee SY. Targeted and high-throughput gene knockdown in diverse bacteria using synthetic sRNAs. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2359. [PMID: 37095132 PMCID: PMC10126203 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38119-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic sRNAs allow knockdown of target genes at translational level, but have been restricted to a limited number of bacteria. Here, we report the development of a broad-host-range synthetic sRNA (BHR-sRNA) platform employing the RoxS scaffold and the Hfq chaperone from Bacillus subtilis. BHR-sRNA is tested in 16 bacterial species including commensal, probiotic, pathogenic, and industrial bacteria, with >50% of target gene knockdown achieved in 12 bacterial species. For medical applications, virulence factors in Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumoniae are knocked down to mitigate their virulence-associated phenotypes. For metabolic engineering applications, high performance Corynebacterium glutamicum strains capable of producing valerolactam (bulk chemical) and methyl anthranilate (fine chemical) are developed by combinatorial knockdown of target genes. A genome-scale sRNA library covering 2959 C. glutamicum genes is constructed for high-throughput colorimetric screening of indigoidine (natural colorant) overproducers. The BHR-sRNA platform will expedite engineering of diverse bacteria of both industrial and medical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Sung Cho
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dongsoo Yang
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02481, Republic of Korea
| | - Cindy Pricilia Surya Prabowo
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohammad Rifqi Ghiffary
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Biology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Taehee Han
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Rok Choi
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheon Woo Moon
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hengrui Zhou
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yong Ryu
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Uk Kim
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Systems Biology and Medicine Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Artificial Intelligence, BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yup Lee
- Metabolic and Biomolecular Engineering National Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Institute for the BioCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Systems Metabolic Engineering and Systems Healthcare Cross-Generation Collaborative Laboratory, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Artificial Intelligence, BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Jia X, Pan Z, Yuan Y, Luo B, Luo Y, Mukherjee S, Jia G, Liu L, Ling X, Yang X, Miao Z, Wei X, Bujnicki JM, Zhao K, Su Z. Structural basis of sRNA RsmZ regulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence. Cell Res 2023; 33:328-330. [PMID: 36828938 PMCID: PMC10066318 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00786-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Jia
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiling Pan
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bingnan Luo
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongbo Luo
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sunandan Mukherjee
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, PL-02-109, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Guowen Jia
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobin Ling
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiting Yang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhichao Miao
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Janusz M Bujnicki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, PL-02-109, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kelei Zhao
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Zhaoming Su
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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15
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Ormazábal A, Pierdominici-Sottile G, Palma J. Recognition and Binding of RsmE to an AGGAC Motif of RsmZ: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:6614-6627. [PMID: 35470666 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CsrA/RsmE is a post-transcriptional regulator protein widely distributed in bacteria. It impedes the expression of target mRNAs by attaching their 5' untranslated region. The translation is restored by small, noncoding RNAs that sequester CsrA/RsmE acting as sponges. In both cases, the protein recognizes and attaches to specific AGGAX and AXGGAX motifs, where X refers to any nucleotide. RsmZ of Pseudomonas protegens is one of these small RNAs. The structures of some of its complexes with RsmE were disclosed a few years ago. We have used umbrella sampling simulations to force the unbinding of RsmE from the AGGAC motif located in the single-stranded region sited between stem loops 2 and 3 of RsmZ. The calculations unveiled the identity of the main residues and nucleotides involved in the process. They also showed that the region adopts a hairpin-like conformation during the initial stages of the binding. The ability to acquire this conformation requires that the region has a length of at least nine nucleotides. Besides, we performed standard molecular dynamics simulations of the isolated fragments, analyzed their typical conformations, and characterized their movements. This analysis revealed that the free molecules oscillate along specific collective coordinates that facilitate the initial stages of the binding. The results strongly suggest that the flexibility of the single-stranded region of RsmZ crucially affects the ability of its binding motif to catch RsmE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Ormazábal
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal B1876BXD, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Pierdominici-Sottile
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal B1876BXD, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Juliana Palma
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal B1876BXD, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA C1425FQB, Argentina
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16
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Sarshar M, Scribano D, Palamara AT, Ambrosi C, Masotti A. The Acinetobacter baumannii model can explain the role of small non-coding RNAs as potential mediators of host-pathogen interactions. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1088783. [PMID: 36619166 PMCID: PMC9810633 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1088783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) research has accelerated over the past decade, boosted by advances in RNA-seq technologies and methodologies for capturing both protein-RNA and RNA-RNA interactions. The emerging picture is that these regulatory sRNAs play important roles in controlling complex physiological processes and are required to survive the antimicrobial challenge. In recent years, the RNA content of OMVs/EVs has also gained increasing attention, particularly in the context of infection. Secreted RNAs from several bacterial pathogens have been characterized but the exact mechanisms promoting pathogenicity remain elusive. In this review, we briefly discuss how secreted sRNAs interact with targets in infected cells, thus representing a novel perspective of host cell manipulation during bacterial infection. During the last decade, Acinetobacter baumannii became clinically relevant emerging pathogens responsible for nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Therefore, we also summarize recent findings of regulation by sRNAs in A. baumannii and discuss how this emerging bacterium utilizes many of these sRNAs to adapt to its niche and become successful human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Sarshar
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy,*Correspondence: Meysam Sarshar, ; Andrea Masotti,
| | - Daniela Scribano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy,Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Ambrosi
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy,IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy,*Correspondence: Meysam Sarshar, ; Andrea Masotti,
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17
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RyhB in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Regulates the Expression of Virulence-Related Genes and Contributes to Meningitis Development in a Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415532. [PMID: 36555174 PMCID: PMC9778962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415532] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is an important member of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC). It shares similar pathogenic strategies with neonatal meningitis E. coli (NMEC) and may threaten human health due to its potential zoonosis. RyhB is a small non-coding RNA that regulates iron homeostasis in E. coli. However, it is unclear whether RyhB regulates meningitis occurrence. To investigate the function of RyhB in the development of meningitis, we constructed the deletion mutant APEC XM∆ryhB and the complemented mutant APEC XM∆ryhB/pryhB, established a mouse meningitis model and evaluated the role of RyhB in virulence of APEC. The results showed that the deletion of ryhB decreased biofilm formation, adhesion to the brain microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd.3 and serum resistance. RNA-seq data showed that the expression of multiple virulence-related genes changed in the ryhB deletion mutant in the presence of duck serum. Deletion of ryhB reduced the clinical symptoms of mice, such as opisthotonus, diarrhea and neurological signs, when challenged with APEC. Compared with the mice infected with the wild-type APEC, fewer histopathological lesions were observed in the brain of mice infected with the ryhB deletion mutant APEC XM∆ryhB. The bacterial loads in the tissues and the relative expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the brain significantly decreased when challenged with the APEC XM∆ryhB. The expressions of tight junction proteins (claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1) were not reduced in the brain of mice infected with APEC XM∆ryhB; that is, the blood-brain barrier permeability of mice was not significantly damaged. In conclusion, RyhB contributes to the pathogenicity of APEC XM in the meningitis-causing process by promoting biofilm formation, adhesion to endothelial cells, serum resistance and virulence-related genes expression.
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18
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Cai H, Roca J, Zhao YF, Woodson SA. Dynamic Refolding of OxyS sRNA by the Hfq RNA Chaperone. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167776. [PMID: 35934049 PMCID: PMC10044511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The Sm protein Hfq chaperones small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) in bacteria, facilitating sRNA regulation of target mRNAs. Hfq acts in part by remodeling the sRNA and mRNA structures, yet the basis for this remodeling activity is not understood. To understand how Hfq remodels RNA, we used single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to monitor conformational changes in OxyS sRNA upon Hfq binding. The results show that E. coli Hfq first compacts OxyS, bringing its 5' and 3 ends together. Next, Hfq destabilizes an internal stem-loop in OxyS, allowing the RNA to adopt a more open conformation that is stabilized by a conserved arginine on the rim of Hfq. The frequency of transitions between compact and open conformations depend on interactions with Hfqs flexible C-terminal domain (CTD), being more rapid when the CTD is deleted, and slower when OxyS is bound to Caulobacter crescentus Hfq, which has a shorter and more stable CTD than E. coli Hfq. We propose that the CTDs gate transitions between OxyS conformations that are stabilized by interaction with one or more arginines. These results suggest a general model for how basic residues and intrinsically disordered regions of RNA chaperones act together to refold RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahuan Cai
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., MD 21218, USA; Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Jorjethe Roca
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., MD 21218, USA
| | - Yu-Fen Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China; Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Sarah A Woodson
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., MD 21218, USA.
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Meng X, He M, Xia P, Wang J, Wang H, Zhu G. Functions of Small Non-Coding RNAs in Salmonella–Host Interactions. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091283. [PMID: 36138763 PMCID: PMC9495376 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In the process of infecting the host, Salmonella senses and adapts to the environment within the host, breaks through the host’s defense system, and survives and multiplies in the host cell. As a class of universal regulators encoded in intergenic space, an increasing number of small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) have been found to be involved in a series of processes during Salmonella infection, and they play an important role in interactions with the host cell. In this review, we discuss how sRNAs help Salmonella resist acidic environmental stress by regulating acid resistance genes and modulate adhesion and invasion to non-phagocytic cells by regulating virulent genes such as fimbrial subunits and outer membrane proteins. In addition, sRNAs help Salmonella adapt to oxidative stress within host cells and promote survival within macrophages. Although the function of a variety of sRNAs has been studied during host–Salmonella interactions, many of sRNAs’ functions remain to be discovered. Abstract Salmonella species infect hosts by entering phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells, causing diverse disease symptoms, such as fever, gastroenteritis, and even death. Therefore, Salmonella has attracted much attention. Many factors are involved in pathogenesis, for example, the capsule, enterotoxins, Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs), and corresponding regulators. These factors are all traditional proteins associated with virulence and regulation. Recently, small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) have also been reported to function as critical regulators. Salmonella has become a model organism for studying sRNAs. sRNAs regulate gene expression by imperfect base-pairing with targets at the post-transcriptional level. sRNAs are involved in diverse biological processes, such as virulence, substance metabolism, and adaptation to stress environments. Although some studies have reported the crucial roles of sRNAs in regulating host–pathogen interactions, the function of sRNAs in host–Salmonella interactions has rarely been reviewed. Here, we review the functions of sRNAs during the infection of host cells by Salmonella, aiming to deepen our understanding of sRNA functions and the pathogenic mechanism of Salmonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Meng
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Mengping He
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Pengpeng Xia
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jinqiu Wang
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Agricultural Vocational College, Beijing 102442, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225009, China
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20
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Ostrik AA, Grigorov AS, Bocharova IV, Kaprelyants AS, Azhikina TL, Salina EG. Small RNAs Mcr11 and DrrS of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as Possible Regulators of Glycerol Metabolism. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683822040135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Mahendran G, Jayasinghe OT, Thavakumaran D, Arachchilage GM, Silva GN. Key players in regulatory RNA realm of bacteria. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 30:101276. [PMID: 35592614 PMCID: PMC9111926 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise regulation of gene expression is crucial for living cells to adapt for survival in diverse environmental conditions. Among the common cellular regulatory mechanisms, RNA-based regulators play a key role in all domains of life. Discovery of regulatory RNAs have made a paradigm shift in molecular biology as many regulatory functions of RNA have been identified beyond its canonical roles as messenger, ribosomal and transfer RNA. In the complex regulatory RNA network, riboswitches, small RNAs, and RNA thermometers can be identified as some of the key players. Herein, we review the discovery, mechanism, and potential therapeutic use of these classes of regulatory RNAs mainly found in bacteria. Being highly adaptive organisms that inhabit a broad range of ecological niches, bacteria have adopted tight and rapid-responding gene regulation mechanisms. This review aims to highlight how bacteria utilize versatile RNA structures and sequences to build a sophisticated gene regulation network. The three major classes of prokaryotic ncRNAs and their characterized mechanisms of operation in gene regulation. sRNAs emerging as major players in global gene regulatory networks. Riboswitch mediated gene control mechanisms through on/off switches in response to ligand binding. RNA thermo sensors for temperature-dependent gene expression. Therapeutic importance of ncRNAs and computational approaches involved in the discovery of ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowthami Mahendran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Oshadhi T. Jayasinghe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Dhanushika Thavakumaran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Gayan Mirihana Arachchilage
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8103, USA
- PTC Therapeutics Inc, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Gayathri N. Silva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Corresponding author.
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22
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McKellar SW, Ivanova I, Arede P, Zapf RL, Mercier N, Chu LC, Mediati DG, Pickering AC, Briaud P, Foster RG, Kudla G, Fitzgerald JR, Caldelari I, Carroll RK, Tree JJ, Granneman S. RNase III CLASH in MRSA uncovers sRNA regulatory networks coupling metabolism to toxin expression. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3560. [PMID: 35732654 PMCID: PMC9217828 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterial pathogen responsible for significant human morbidity and mortality. Post-transcriptional regulation by small RNAs (sRNAs) has emerged as an important mechanism for controlling virulence. However, the functionality of the majority of sRNAs during infection is unknown. To address this, we performed UV cross-linking, ligation, and sequencing of hybrids (CLASH) in MRSA to identify sRNA-RNA interactions under conditions that mimic the host environment. Using a double-stranded endoribonuclease III as bait, we uncovered hundreds of novel sRNA-RNA pairs. Strikingly, our results suggest that the production of small membrane-permeabilizing toxins is under extensive sRNA-mediated regulation and that their expression is intimately connected to metabolism. Additionally, we also uncover an sRNA sponging interaction between RsaE and RsaI. Taken together, we present a comprehensive analysis of sRNA-target interactions in MRSA and provide details on how these contribute to the control of virulence in response to changes in metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart W McKellar
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Ivayla Ivanova
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Pedro Arede
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Rachel L Zapf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Noémie Mercier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Liang-Cui Chu
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Daniel G Mediati
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy C Pickering
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Paul Briaud
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Robert G Foster
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Grzegorz Kudla
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - J Ross Fitzgerald
- The Roslin Institute and Edinburgh Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Isabelle Caldelari
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ronan K Carroll
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
- The Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Jai J Tree
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Sander Granneman
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK.
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23
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Regulatory Networks Controlling Neurotoxin Synthesis in Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060364. [PMID: 35737025 PMCID: PMC9229411 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060364] [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] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani are Gram-positive, spore-forming, and anaerobic bacteria that produce the most potent neurotoxins, botulinum toxin (BoNT) and tetanus toxin (TeNT), responsible for flaccid and spastic paralysis, respectively. The main habitat of these toxigenic bacteria is the environment (soil, sediments, cadavers, decayed plants, intestinal content of healthy carrier animals). C. botulinum can grow and produce BoNT in food, leading to food-borne botulism, and in some circumstances, C. botulinum can colonize the intestinal tract and induce infant botulism or adult intestinal toxemia botulism. More rarely, C. botulinum colonizes wounds, whereas tetanus is always a result of wound contamination by C. tetani. The synthesis of neurotoxins is strictly regulated by complex regulatory networks. The highest levels of neurotoxins are produced at the end of the exponential growth and in the early stationary growth phase. Both microorganisms, except C. botulinum E, share an alternative sigma factor, BotR and TetR, respectively, the genes of which are located upstream of the neurotoxin genes. These factors are essential for neurotoxin gene expression. C. botulinum and C. tetani share also a two-component system (TCS) that negatively regulates neurotoxin synthesis, but each microorganism uses additional distinct sets of TCSs. Neurotoxin synthesis is interlocked with the general metabolism, and CodY, a master regulator of metabolism in Gram-positive bacteria, is involved in both clostridial species. The environmental and nutritional factors controlling neurotoxin synthesis are still poorly understood. The transition from amino acid to peptide metabolism seems to be an important factor. Moreover, a small non-coding RNA in C. tetani, and quorum-sensing systems in C. botulinum and possibly in C. tetani, also control toxin synthesis. However, both species use also distinct regulatory pathways; this reflects the adaptation of C. botulinum and C. tetani to different ecological niches.
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24
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The emerging role of bacterial regulatory RNAs in disease. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:959-972. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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25
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Li M, Cong Y, Qi Y, Zhang JZH. Computational Insights into the Binding Mechanism of OxyS sRNA with Chaperone Protein Hfq. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1653. [PMID: 34827651 PMCID: PMC8615722 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Under the oxidative stress condition, the small RNA (sRNA) OxyS that acts as essential post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression is produced and plays a regulatory function with the assistance of the RNA chaperone Hfq protein. Interestingly, experimental studies found that the N48A mutation of Hfq protein could enhance the binding affinity with OxyS while resulting in the defection of gene regulation. However, how the Hfq protein interacts with sRNA OxyS and the origin of the stronger affinity of N48A mutation are both unclear. In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on the complex structure of Hfq and OxyS to explore their binding mechanism. The molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA) and interaction entropy (IE) method were combined to calculate the binding free energy between Hfq and OxyS sRNA, and the computational result was correlated with the experimental result. Per-residue decomposition of the binding free energy revealed that the enhanced binding ability of the N48A mutation mainly came from the increased van der Waals interactions (vdW). This research explored the binding mechanism between Oxys and chaperone protein Hfq and revealed the origin of the strong binding affinity of N48A mutation. The results provided important insights into the mechanism of gene expression regulation affected by protein mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University at Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China; (M.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Yalong Cong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University at Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China; (M.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Yifei Qi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University at Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China; (M.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Q.)
- Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - John Z. H. Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Chemical Process, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University at Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China; (M.L.); (Y.C.); (Y.Q.)
- Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
- NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
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26
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Grigorov A, Bychenko O, Salina EG, Skvortsova Y, Mazurova A, Skvortsov T, Kaprelyants A, Azhikina T. Small RNA F6 Provides Mycobacterium smegmatis Entry into Dormancy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11536. [PMID: 34768965 PMCID: PMC8583896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory small non-coding RNAs play a significant role in bacterial adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Various stresses such as hypoxia and nutrient starvation cause a reduction in the metabolic activity of Mycobacterium smegmatis, leading to entry into dormancy. We investigated the functional role of F6, a small RNA of M. smegmatis, and constructed an F6 deletion strain of M. smegmatis. Using the RNA-seq approach, we demonstrated that gene expression changes that accompany F6 deletion contributed to bacterial resistance against oxidative stress. We also found that F6 directly interacted with 5'-UTR of MSMEG_4640 mRNA encoding RpfE2, a resuscitation-promoting factor, which led to the downregulation of RpfE2 expression. The F6 deletion strain was characterized by the reduced ability to enter into dormancy (non-culturability) in the potassium deficiency model compared to the wild-type strain, indicating that F6 significantly contributes to bacterial adaptation to non-optimal growth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Grigorov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.); (O.B.); (Y.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Oksana Bychenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.); (O.B.); (Y.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Elena G. Salina
- Research Center of Biotechnology, Bach Institute of Biochemistry, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (E.G.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Yulia Skvortsova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.); (O.B.); (Y.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Arina Mazurova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.); (O.B.); (Y.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Timofey Skvortsov
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK;
| | - Arseny Kaprelyants
- Research Center of Biotechnology, Bach Institute of Biochemistry, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (E.G.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Tatyana Azhikina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.); (O.B.); (Y.S.); (A.M.)
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27
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Goldberger O, Livny J, Bhattacharyya R, Amster-Choder O. Wisdom of the crowds: A suggested polygenic plan for small-RNA-mediated regulation in bacteria. iScience 2021; 24:103096. [PMID: 34622151 PMCID: PMC8479692 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The omnigenic/polygenic theory, which states that complex traits are not shaped by single/few genes, but by situation-specific large networks, offers an explanation for a major enigma in microbiology: deletion of specific small RNAs (sRNAs) playing key roles in various aspects of bacterial physiology, including virulence and antibiotic resistance, results in surprisingly subtle phenotypes. A recent study uncovered polar accumulation of most sRNAs upon osmotic stress, the majority not known to be involved in the applied stress. Here we show that cells deleted for a handful of pole-enriched sRNAs exhibit fitness defect in several stress conditions, as opposed to single, double, or triple sRNA-knockouts, implying that regulation by sRNA relies on sets of genes. Moreover, analysis of RNA-seq data of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium exposed to antibiotics and/or infection-relevant conditions reveals the involvement of multiple sRNAs in all cases, in line with the existence of a polygenic plan for sRNA-mediated regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Goldberger
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, IMRIC, The Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, P.O.Box 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Jonathan Livny
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Roby Bhattacharyya
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Orna Amster-Choder
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, IMRIC, The Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, P.O.Box 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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28
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Patel N, Nair M. The small RNA RsaF regulates the expression of secreted virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus Newman. J Microbiol 2021; 59:920-930. [PMID: 34554453 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-021-1205-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus, from local infections to systemic dissemination, is mediated by a battery of virulence factors that are regulated by intricate mechanisms, which include regulatory proteins and small RNAs (sRNAs) as key regulatory molecules. We have investigated the involvement of sRNA RsaF, in the regulation of pathogenicity genes hyaluronate lyase (hysA) and serine proteaselike protein D (splD), by employing S. aureus strains with disruption and overexpression of rsaF. Staphylococcus aureus strain with disruption of rsaF exhibited marked down-regulation of hysA transcripts by 0.2 to 0.0002 fold, and hyaluronate lyase activity by 0.2-0.1 fold, as well as increased biofilm formation, during growth from log phase to stationery phase. These mutants also displayed down-regulation of splD transcripts by 0.8 to 0.005 fold, and reduced activity of multiple proteases by zymography. Conversely, overexpression of rsaF resulted in a 2- to 4- fold increase in hysA mRNA levels and hyaluronidase activity. Both hysA and splD mRNAs demonstrated an increased stability in RsaF+ strains. In silico RNA-RNA interaction indicated a direct base pairing of RsaF with hysA and splD mRNAs, which was established in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The findings demonstrate a positive regulatory role for small RNA RsaF in the expression of the virulence factors, HysA and SplD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niralee Patel
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology Centre, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India
| | - Mrinalini Nair
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology Centre, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India.
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29
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RNase III and RNase E Influence Posttranscriptional Regulatory Networks Involved in Virulence Factor Production, Metabolism, and Regulatory RNA Processing in Bordetella pertussis. mSphere 2021; 6:e0065021. [PMID: 34406853 PMCID: PMC8386462 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00650-21] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bordetella pertussis has been shown to encode regulatory RNAs, yet the posttranscriptional regulatory circuits on which they act remain to be fully elucidated. We generated mutants lacking the endonucleases RNase III and RNase E and assessed their individual impact on the B. pertussis transcriptome. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis showed differential expression of ∼25% of the B. pertussis transcriptome in each mutant, with only 28% overlap between data sets. Both endonucleases exhibited substantial impact on genes involved in amino acid uptake (e.g., ABC transporters) and in virulence (e.g., the type III secretion system and the autotransporters vag8, tcfA, and brkA). Interestingly, mutations in RNase III and RNase E drove the stability of many transcripts, including those involved in virulence, in opposite directions, a result that was validated by qPCR and immunoblotting for tcfA and brkA. Of note, whereas similar mutations to RNase E in Escherichia coli have subtle effects on transcript stability, a striking >20-fold reduction in four gene transcripts, including tcfA and vag8, was observed in B. pertussis. We further compared our data set to the regulon controlled by the RNA chaperone Hfq to identify B. pertussis loci influenced by regulatory RNAs. This analysis identified ∼120 genes and 19 operons potentially regulated at the posttranscriptional level. Thus, our findings revealed how changes in RNase III- and RNase E-mediated RNA turnover influence pathways associated with virulence and cellular homeostasis. Moreover, we highlighted loci potentially influenced by regulatory RNAs, providing insights into the posttranscriptional regulatory networks involved in fine-tuning B. pertussis gene expression. IMPORTANCE Noncoding, regulatory RNAs in bacterial pathogens are critical components required for rapid changes in gene expression profiles. However, little is known about the role of regulatory RNAs in the growth and pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussis. To address this, mutants separately lacking ribonucleases central to regulatory RNA processing, RNase III and RNase E, were analyzed by RNA-Seq. Here, we detail the first transcriptomic analysis of the impact of altered RNA degradation in B. pertussis. Each mutant showed approximately 1,000 differentially expressed genes, with significant changes in the expression of pathways associated with metabolism, bacterial secretion, and virulence factor production. Our analysis suggests an important role for these ribonucleases during host colonization and provides insights into the breadth of posttranscriptional regulation in B. pertussis, further informing our understanding of B. pertussis pathogenesis.
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30
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Zhang Q, Li S, Hachicha M, Boukraa M, Soulère L, Efrit ML, Queneau Y. Heterocyclic Chemistry Applied to the Design of N-Acyl Homoserine Lactone Analogues as Bacterial Quorum Sensing Signals Mimics. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175135. [PMID: 34500565 PMCID: PMC8433848 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) are small signaling molecules used by many Gram-negative bacteria for coordinating their behavior as a function of their population density. This process, based on the biosynthesis and the sensing of such molecular signals, and referred to as Quorum Sensing (QS), regulates various gene expressions, including growth, virulence, biofilms formation, and toxin production. Considering the role of QS in bacterial pathogenicity, its modulation appears as a possible complementary approach in antibacterial strategies. Analogues and mimics of AHLs are therefore biologically relevant targets, including several families in which heterocyclic chemistry provides a strategic contribution in the molecular design and the synthetic approach. AHLs consist of three main sections, the homoserine lactone ring, the central amide group, and the side chain, which can vary in length and level of oxygenation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the contribution of heterocyclic chemistry in the design of AHLs analogues, insisting on the way heterocyclic building blocks can serve as replacements of the lactone moiety, as a bioisostere for the amide group, or as an additional pattern appended to the side chain. A few non-AHL-related heterocyclic compounds with AHL-like QS activity are also mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, CNRS, ICBMS, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 Rue Victor Grignard, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France; (Q.Z.); (S.L.); (M.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Sizhe Li
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, CNRS, ICBMS, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 Rue Victor Grignard, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France; (Q.Z.); (S.L.); (M.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Maha Hachicha
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, CNRS, ICBMS, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 Rue Victor Grignard, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France; (Q.Z.); (S.L.); (M.H.); (M.B.)
- Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique Sélective et Hétérocyclique, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, El Manar, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Boukraa
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, CNRS, ICBMS, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 Rue Victor Grignard, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France; (Q.Z.); (S.L.); (M.H.); (M.B.)
- Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique Sélective et Hétérocyclique, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, El Manar, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
| | - Laurent Soulère
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, CNRS, ICBMS, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 Rue Victor Grignard, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France; (Q.Z.); (S.L.); (M.H.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (M.L.E.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Mohamed L. Efrit
- Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique Sélective et Hétérocyclique, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, El Manar, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (M.L.E.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Yves Queneau
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, UMR 5246, CNRS, ICBMS, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 Rue Victor Grignard, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France; (Q.Z.); (S.L.); (M.H.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (M.L.E.); (Y.Q.)
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31
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Sholpan A, Lamas A, Cepeda A, Franco CM. Salmonella spp. quorum sensing: an overview from environmental persistence to host cell invasion. AIMS Microbiol 2021; 7:238-256. [PMID: 34250377 PMCID: PMC8255907 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2021015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. is one of the main foodborne pathogens around the world. It has a cyclic lifestyle that combines host colonization with survival outside the host, implying that Salmonella has to adapt to different conditions rapidly in order to survive. One of these environments outside the host is the food production chain. In this environment, this foodborne pathogen has to adapt to different stress conditions such as acidic environments, nutrient limitation, desiccation, or biocides. One of the mechanisms used by Salmonella to survive under such conditions is biofilm formation. Quorum sensing plays an important role in the production of biofilms composed of cells from the same microorganism or from different species. It is also important in terms of food spoilage and regulates the pathogenicity and invasiveness of Salmonella by regulating Salmonella pathogenicity islands and flagella. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the genetic mechanism involved in Salmonella quorum sensing, paying special attention to small RNAs and their post-regulatory activity in quorum sensing. We will further discuss the importance of this cell-to-cell communication mechanism in the persistence and spoilage of Salmonella in the food chain environment and the importance in the communication with microorganisms from different species. Subsequently, we will focus on the role of quorum sensing to regulate the virulence and invasion of host cells by Salmonella and on the interaction between Salmonella and other microbial species. This review offers an overview of the importance of quorum sensing in the Salmonella lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanova Sholpan
- Almaty Technological University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
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Ante VM, Farris LC, Saputra EP, Hall AJ, O'Bier NS, Oliva Chávez AS, Marconi RT, Lybecker MC, Hyde JA. The Borrelia burgdorferi Adenylate Cyclase, CyaB, Is Important for Virulence Factor Production and Mammalian Infection. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:676192. [PMID: 34113333 PMCID: PMC8186283 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.676192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, traverses through vastly distinct environments between the tick vector and the multiple phases of the mammalian infection that requires genetic adaptation for the progression of pathogenesis. Borrelial gene expression is highly responsive to changes in specific environmental signals that initiate the RpoS regulon for mammalian adaptation, but the mechanism(s) for direct detection of environmental cues has yet to be identified. Secondary messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) produced by adenylate cyclase is responsive to environmental signals, such as carbon source and pH, in many bacterial pathogens to promote virulence by altering gene regulation. B. burgdorferi encodes a single non-toxin class IV adenylate cyclase (bb0723, cyaB). This study investigates cyaB expression along with its influence on borrelial virulence regulation and mammalian infectivity. Expression of cyaB was specifically induced with co-incubation of mammalian host cells that was not observed with cultivated tick cells suggesting that cyaB expression is influenced by cellular factor(s) unique to mammalian cell lines. The 3′ end of cyaB also encodes a small RNA, SR0623, in the same orientation that overlaps with bb0722. The differential processing of cyaB and SR0623 transcripts may alter the ability to influence function in the form of virulence determinant regulation and infectivity. Two independent cyaB deletion B31 strains were generated in 5A4-NP1 and ML23 backgrounds and complemented with the cyaB ORF alone that truncates SR0623, cyaB with intact SR0623, or cyaB with a mutagenized full-length SR0623 to evaluate the influence on transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of borrelial virulence factors and infectivity. In the absence of cyaB, the expression and production of ospC was significantly reduced, while the protein levels for BosR and DbpA were substantially lower than parental strains. Infectivity studies with both independent cyaB mutants demonstrated an attenuated phenotype with reduced colonization of tissues during early disseminated infection. This work suggests that B. burgdorferi utilizes cyaB and potentially cAMP as a regulatory pathway to modulate borrelial gene expression and protein production to promote borrelial virulence and dissemination in the mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Ante
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Lauren C Farris
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth P Saputra
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Allie J Hall
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Nathaniel S O'Bier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Adela S Oliva Chávez
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Richard T Marconi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Meghan C Lybecker
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Jenny A Hyde
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
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Ormazábal A, Palma J, Pierdominici-Sottile G. Molecular Dynamics Simulations Unveil the Basis of the Sequential Binding of RsmE to the Noncoding RNA RsmZ. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:3045-3056. [PMID: 33755488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c09770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
CsrA/RsmE are dimeric proteins that bind to targeted mRNAs repressing translation. This mechanism modulates several metabolic pathways and allows bacteria to efficiently adjust their responses to environmental changes. In turn, small RNAs (sRNA) such as CsrB or RsmZ, restore translation by sequestering CsrA/RsmE dimers. Thus, these molecules act in tandem as a gene-expression regulatory system. Recently, a combined NMR-EPR approach solved the structure of part of RsmZ of Pseudomonas fluorescens, attached to three RsmE dimers. The study demonstrated that RsmE assembles onto RsmZ following a specific sequential order. The reasons underlying this peculiar behavior are still unclear. Here, we present a molecular dynamics analysis that explores the conformational diversity of RsmZ and RsmZ-RsmE complexes. The results reveal a clear pattern regarding the exposure of the alternative GGA binding motifs of RsmZ. This pattern is tuned by the attachment of RsmE dimers. Altogether, the observations provide a simple and convincing explanation for the order observed in the sequestration of RsmE dimers. Typical structures for RsmZ and RsmZ-RsmE complexes have been identified. Their characteristics concerning the exposure of the GGA sequences are presented and their most significant interactions are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Ormazábal
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal, Buenos Aires 1876, Argentina
| | - Juliana Palma
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal, Buenos Aires 1876, Argentina
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Positive regulation of Type III secretion effectors and virulence by RyhB paralogs in Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. Vet Res 2021; 52:44. [PMID: 33691799 PMCID: PMC7944605 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00915-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNA RyhB is a key regulator of iron homeostasis in bacteria by sensing iron availability in the environment. Although RyhB is known to influence bacterial virulence by interacting with iron metabolism related regulators, its interaction with virulence genes, especially the Type III secretion system (T3SS), has not been reported. Here, we demonstrate that two RyhB paralogs of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis upregulate Type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors, and consequently affect Salmonella invasion into intestinal epithelial cells. Specifically, we found that RyhB-1 modulate Salmonella response to stress condition of iron deficiency and hypoxia, and stress in simulated intestinal environment (SIE). Under SIE culture conditions, both RyhB-1 and RyhB-2 are drastically induced and directly upregulate the expression of T3SS effector gene sipA by interacting with its 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) via an incomplete base-pairing mechanism. In addition, the RyhB paralogs upregulate the expression of T3SS effector gene sopE. By regulating the invasion-related genes, RyhBs in turn affect the ability of S. Enteritidis to adhere to and invade into intestinal epithelial cells. Our findings provide evidence that RyhBs function as critical virulence factors by directly regulating virulence-related gene expression. Thus, inhibition of RyhBs may be a potential strategy to attenuate Salmonella.
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Sy BM, Tree JJ. Small RNA Regulation of Virulence in Pathogenic Escherichia coli. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:622202. [PMID: 33585289 PMCID: PMC7873438 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.622202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric and extraintestinal pathotypes of Escherichia coli utilize a wide range of virulence factors to colonize niches within the human body. During infection, virulence factors such as adhesins, secretions systems, or toxins require precise regulation and coordination to ensure appropriate expression. Additionally, the bacteria navigate rapidly changing environments with fluctuations in pH, temperature, and nutrient levels. Enteric pathogens utilize sophisticated, interleaved systems of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation to sense and respond to these changes and modulate virulence gene expression. Regulatory small RNAs and RNA-binding proteins play critical roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of virulence. In this review we discuss how the mosaic genomes of Escherichia coli pathotypes utilize small RNA regulation to adapt to their niche and become successful human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Sy
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jai J Tree
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lee Y, Lee N, Hwang S, Kim K, Kim W, Kim J, Cho S, Palsson BO, Cho BK. System-level understanding of gene expression and regulation for engineering secondary metabolite production in Streptomyces. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 47:739-752. [DOI: 10.1007/s10295-020-02298-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The gram-positive bacterium, Streptomyces, is noticed for its ability to produce a wide array of pharmaceutically active compounds through secondary metabolism. To discover novel bioactive secondary metabolites and increase the production, Streptomyces species have been extensively studied for the past decades. Among the cellular components, RNA molecules play important roles as the messengers for gene expression and diverse regulations taking place at the RNA level. Thus, the analysis of RNA-level regulation is critical to understanding the regulation of Streptomyces’ metabolism and secondary metabolite production. A dramatic advance in Streptomyces research was made recently, by exploiting high-throughput technology to systematically understand RNA levels. In this review, we describe the current status of the system-wide investigation of Streptomyces in terms of RNA, toward expansion of its genetic potential for secondary metabolite synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjae Lee
- grid.37172.30 0000 0001 2292 0500 Department of Biological Sciences and KI for the BioCentury Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 34141 Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Namil Lee
- grid.37172.30 0000 0001 2292 0500 Department of Biological Sciences and KI for the BioCentury Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 34141 Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Soonkyu Hwang
- grid.37172.30 0000 0001 2292 0500 Department of Biological Sciences and KI for the BioCentury Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 34141 Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Kangsan Kim
- grid.37172.30 0000 0001 2292 0500 Department of Biological Sciences and KI for the BioCentury Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 34141 Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Woori Kim
- grid.37172.30 0000 0001 2292 0500 Department of Biological Sciences and KI for the BioCentury Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 34141 Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Jihun Kim
- grid.37172.30 0000 0001 2292 0500 Department of Biological Sciences and KI for the BioCentury Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 34141 Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyung Cho
- grid.37172.30 0000 0001 2292 0500 Department of Biological Sciences and KI for the BioCentury Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 34141 Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Bernhard O Palsson
- grid.266100.3 0000 0001 2107 4242 Department of Bioengineering University of California San Diego 92093 La Jolla CA USA
- grid.266100.3 0000 0001 2107 4242 Department of Pediatrics University of California San Diego 92093 La Jolla CA USA
- grid.5170.3 0000 0001 2181 8870 Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability Technical University of Denmark 2800 Lyngby Denmark
| | - Byung-Kwan Cho
- grid.37172.30 0000 0001 2292 0500 Department of Biological Sciences and KI for the BioCentury Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology 34141 Daejeon Republic of Korea
- Intelligent Synthetic Biology Center 34141 Daejeon Republic of Korea
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Small Noncoding RNA CjNC110 Influences Motility, Autoagglutination, AI-2 Localization, Hydrogen Peroxide Sensitivity, and Chicken Colonization in Campylobacter jejuni. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00245-20. [PMID: 32366573 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00245-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in many important physiological functions in pathogenic microorganisms. Previous studies have identified the presence of noncoding RNAs in the major zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni; however, few have been functionally characterized to date. CjNC110 is a conserved ncRNA in C. jejuni, located downstream of the luxS gene, which is responsible for the production of the quorum sensing molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2). In this study, we utilized strand specific high-throughput RNAseq to identify potential targets or interactive partners of CjNC110 in a sheep abortion clone of C. jejuni These data were then utilized to focus further phenotypic evaluation of the role of CjNC110 in motility, autoagglutination, quorum sensing, hydrogen peroxide sensitivity, and chicken colonization in C. jejuni Inactivation of the CjNC110 ncRNA led to a statistically significant decrease in autoagglutination ability as well as increased motility and hydrogen peroxide sensitivity compared to the wild-type. Extracellular AI-2 detection was decreased in ΔCjNC110; however, intracellular AI-2 accumulation was significantly increased, suggesting a key role of CjNC110 in modulating the transport of AI-2. Notably, ΔCjNC110 also showed a decreased ability to colonize chickens. Complementation of CjNC110 restored all phenotypic changes back to wild-type levels. The collective results of the phenotypic and transcriptomic changes observed in our data provide valuable insights into the pathobiology of C. jejuni sheep abortion clone and strongly suggest that CjNC110 plays an important role in the regulation of energy taxis, flagellar glycosylation, cellular communication via quorum sensing, oxidative stress tolerance, and chicken colonization in this important zoonotic pathogen.
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González Plaza JJ. Small RNAs as Fundamental Players in the Transference of Information During Bacterial Infectious Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:101. [PMID: 32613006 PMCID: PMC7308464 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication shapes life on Earth. Transference of information has played a paramount role on the evolution of all living or extinct organisms since the appearance of life. Success or failure in this process will determine the prevalence or disappearance of a certain set of genes, the basis of Darwinian paradigm. Among different molecules used for transmission or reception of information, RNA plays a key role. For instance, the early precursors of life were information molecules based in primitive RNA forms. A growing field of research has focused on the contribution of small non-coding RNA forms due to its role on infectious diseases. These are short RNA species that carry out regulatory tasks in cis or trans. Small RNAs have shown their relevance in fine tuning the expression and activity of important regulators of essential genes for bacteria. Regulation of targets occurs through a plethora of mechanisms, including mRNA stabilization/destabilization, driving target mRNAs to degradation, or direct binding to regulatory proteins. Different studies have been conducted during the interplay of pathogenic bacteria with several hosts, including humans, animals, or plants. The sRNAs help the invader to quickly adapt to the change in environmental conditions when it enters in the host, or passes to a free state. The adaptation is achieved by direct targeting of the pathogen genes, or subversion of the host immune system. Pathogens trigger also an immune response in the host, which has been shown as well to be regulated by a wide range of sRNAs. This review focuses on the most recent host-pathogen interaction studies during bacterial infectious diseases, providing the perspective of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José González Plaza
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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Janssen KH, Corley JM, Djapgne L, Cribbs JT, Voelker D, Slusher Z, Nordell R, Regulski EE, Kazmierczak BI, McMackin EW, Yahr TL. Hfq and sRNA 179 Inhibit Expression of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa cAMP-Vfr and Type III Secretion Regulons. mBio 2020; 11:e00363-20. [PMID: 32546612 PMCID: PMC7298702 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00363-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen causing skin and soft tissue, respiratory, and bloodstream infections. The type III secretion system (T3SS) is one important virulence factor. Production of the T3SS is controlled by ExsA, a transcription factor that activates expression of the entire T3SS regulon. Global regulators including Vfr, RsmA, and Hfq also contribute to regulation of the T3SS. Vfr is a cAMP-responsive transcription factor that activates exsA transcription. RsmA, an RNA-binding protein, inversely controls expression of the T3SS and the type VI secretion system (T6SS). Hfq is an RNA chaperone that functions by stabilizing small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) and/or facilitating base pairing between sRNAs and mRNA targets. A previous study identified sRNA 1061, which directly targets the exsA mRNA and likely inhibits ExsA synthesis. In this study, we screened an sRNA expression library and identified sRNA 179 as an Hfq-dependent inhibitor of T3SS gene expression. Further characterization revealed that sRNA 179 inhibits the synthesis of both ExsA and Vfr. The previous finding that RsmA stimulates ExsA and Vfr synthesis suggested that sRNA 179 impacts the Gac/Rsm system. Consistent with that idea, the inhibitory activity of sRNA 179 is suppressed in a mutant lacking rsmY and rsmZ, and sRNA 179 expression stimulates rsmY transcription. RsmY and RsmZ are small noncoding RNAs that sequester RsmA from target mRNAs. Our combined findings show that Hfq and sRNA 179 indirectly regulate ExsA and Vfr synthesis by reducing the available pool of RsmA, leading to reduced expression of the T3SS and cAMP-Vfr regulons.IMPORTANCE Control of gene expression by small noncoding RNA (sRNA) is well documented but underappreciated. Deep sequencing of mRNA preparations from Pseudomonas aeruginosa suggests that >500 sRNAs are generated. Few of those sRNAs have defined roles in gene expression. To address that knowledge gap, we constructed an sRNA expression library and identified sRNA 179 as a regulator of the type III secretion system (T3SS) and the cAMP-Vfr regulons. The T3SS- and cAMP-Vfr-controlled genes are critical virulence factors. Increased understanding of the signals and regulatory mechanisms that control these important factors will enhance our understanding of disease progression and reveal potential approaches for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayley H Janssen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jodi M Corley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Louise Djapgne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - J T Cribbs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Deven Voelker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Zachary Slusher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Robert Nordell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Regulski
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Barbara I Kazmierczak
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Timothy L Yahr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Hiramatsu Y, Suzuki K, Motooka D, Nakamura S, Horiguchi Y. Expression of small RNAs of Bordetella pertussis colonizing murine tracheas. Microbiol Immunol 2020; 64:469-475. [PMID: 32227523 PMCID: PMC7317797 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We performed RNA sequencing on Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, and identified nine novel small RNAs (sRNAs) that were transcribed during the bacterial colonization of murine tracheas. Among them, four sRNAs were more strongly expressed in vivo than in vitro. Moreover, the expression of eight sRNAs was not regulated by the BvgAS two‐component system, which is the master regulator for the expression of genes contributing to the bacterial infection. The present results suggest a BvgAS‐independent gene regulatory system involving the sRNAs that is active during B. pertussis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiro Hiramatsu
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichiro Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN), Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shota Nakamura
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Horiguchi
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Medina-Pérez DN, Wager B, Troy E, Gao L, Norris SJ, Lin T, Hu L, Hyde JA, Lybecker M, Skare JT. The intergenic small non-coding RNA ittA is required for optimal infectivity and tissue tropism in Borrelia burgdorferi. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008423. [PMID: 32365143 PMCID: PMC7224557 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional regulation via small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) has been implicated in diverse regulatory processes in bacteria, including virulence. One class of sRNAs, termed trans-acting sRNAs, can affect the stability and/or the translational efficiency of regulated transcripts. In this study, we utilized a collaborative approach that employed data from infection with the Borrelia burgdorferi Tn library, coupled with Tn-seq, together with borrelial sRNA and total RNA transcriptomes, to identify an intergenic trans-acting sRNA, which we designate here as ittA for infectivity-associated and tissue-tropic sRNA locus A. The genetic inactivation of ittA resulted in a significant attenuation in infectivity, with decreased spirochetal load in ear, heart, skin and joint tissues. In addition, the ittA mutant did not disseminate to peripheral skin sites or heart tissue, suggesting a role for ittA in regulating a tissue-tropic response. RNA-Seq analysis determined that 19 transcripts were differentially expressed in the ittA mutant relative to its genetic parent, including vraA, bba66, ospD and oms28 (bba74). Subsequent proteomic analyses also showed a significant decrease of OspD and Oms28 (BBA74) proteins. To our knowledge this is the first documented intergenic sRNA that alters the infectivity potential of B. burgdorferi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana N. Medina-Pérez
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Beau Wager
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erin Troy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lihui Gao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Steven J. Norris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Linden Hu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jenny A. Hyde
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Meghan Lybecker
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jon T. Skare
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
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New sequencing methodologies reveal interplay between multiple RNA-binding proteins and their RNAs. Curr Genet 2020; 66:713-717. [PMID: 32193580 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-020-01066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
It is now established that base-pairing regulatory RNAs are key players in post-transcriptional regulatory networks where they affect the translation and/or stability of their target RNAs. In many cases, the base-pairing between two RNAs is facilitated by an RNA-binding protein (RBP) that serves as an RNA chaperone. Recent advances in sequencing methods have revealed the RNA populations bound by the RBPs, yielding insights valuable into regulatory networks. Further analyses of these networks can improve our understanding of the roles played by RBPs in the regulation of gene expression by regulatory RNAs, especially when multiple RBPs are involved. For example, using an RNA sequencing-based methodology that captures RNA-RNA pairs on RBP, an interplay between two RBPs in bacteria that compete on the same RNA-RNA pair was revealed. In this case, one protein promotes negative regulation of the target RNA, while the second protein can block this regulation. In this mini-review, I outline the exciting future directions that can be taken to deepen our understanding of the roles played by RBPs in post-transcriptional regulation, and discuss how the different sequencing methods can assist in deciphering the relationships among RBPs, and between the RBPs and the RNAs they bind. Having a more detailed picture of the RBPs-RNAs network will elucidate how bacteria can have nuanced control of gene expression, critical for survival in the varied environments in which bacteria live.
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Ami VKG, Balasubramanian R, Hegde SR. Genome-wide identification of the context-dependent sRNA expression in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:167. [PMID: 32070281 PMCID: PMC7029489 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6573-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is imperative for developing new drugs. Post-transcriptional regulation plays a significant role in microbial adaptation to different growth conditions. While the proteins associated with gene expression regulation have been extensively studied in the pathogenic strain M. tuberculosis H37Rv, post-transcriptional regulation involving small RNAs (sRNAs) remains poorly understood. RESULTS We developed a novel moving-window based approach to detect sRNA expression using RNA-Seq data. Overlaying ChIP-seq data of RNAP (RNA Polymerase) and NusA suggest that these putative sRNA coding regions are significantly bound by the transcription machinery. Besides capturing many experimentally validated sRNAs, we observe the context-dependent expression of novel sRNAs in the intergenic regions of M. tuberculosis genome. For example, ncRv11806 shows expression only in the stationary phase, suggesting its role in mycobacterial latency which is a key attribute to long term pathogenicity. Also, ncRv11875C showed expression in the iron-limited condition, which is prevalent inside the macrophages of the host cells. CONCLUSION The systems level analysis of sRNA highlights the condition-specific expression of sRNAs which might enable the pathogen survival by rewiring regulatory circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimla Kany G Ami
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, 560 100, India
| | - Rami Balasubramanian
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, 560 100, India
| | - Shubhada R Hegde
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, 560 100, India.
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44
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Lei L, Yang Y, Yang Y, Wu S, Ma X, Mao M, Hu T. Mechanisms by Which Small RNAs Affect Bacterial Activity. J Dent Res 2019; 98:1315-1323. [PMID: 31547763 DOI: 10.1177/0022034519876898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity contains a distinct habitat that supports diverse bacterial flora. Recent observations have provided additional evidence that sRNAs are key regulators of bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. These sRNAs have been divided into 5 functional groups: cis-encoded RNAs, trans-encoded RNAs, RNA regulators of protein activity, bacterial CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) RNAs, and a novel category of miRNA-size small RNAs (msRNAs). In this review, we discuss a critical group of key commensal and opportunistic oral pathogens. In general, supragingival bacterial sRNAs function synergistically to fine-tune the regulation of cellular processes and stress responses in adaptation to environmental changes. Particularly in the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans, both the antisense vicR RNA and msRNA1657 can impede the metabolism of bacterial exopolysaccharides, prevent biofilm formation, and suppress its cariogenicity. In Enterococcus faecalis, selected sRNAs control the expression of proteins involved in diverse cellular processes and stress responses. In subgingival plaques, sRNAs from periodontal pathogens can function as novel bacterial signaling molecules that mediate bacterial-human interactions in periodontal homeostasis. In Porphyromonas gingivalis, the expression profiles of putative sRNA101 and sRNA42 were found to respond to hemin availability after hemin starvation. Regarding Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), a major periodontal pathogen associated with aggressive periodontitis, the predicted sRNAs interact with several virulence genes, including those encoding leukotoxin and cytolethal distending toxin. Furthermore, in clinical isolates, these associated RNAs could be explored not only as potential biomarkers for oral disease monitoring but also as alternative types of regulators for drug design. Thus, this emerging subspecialty of bacterial regulatory RNAs could reshape our understanding of bacterial gene regulation from their key roles of endogenous regulatory RNAs to their activities in pathologic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Y Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Y Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - S Wu
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - X Ma
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - M Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - T Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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45
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Chuang SK, Vrla GD, Fröhlich KS, Gitai Z. Surface association sensitizes Pseudomonas aeruginosa to quorum sensing. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4118. [PMID: 31511506 PMCID: PMC6739362 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, LasR is a quorum sensing (QS) master regulator that senses the concentration of secreted autoinducers as a proxy for bacterial cell density. Counterintuitively, previous studies showed that saturating amounts of the LasR ligand, 3OC12-HSL, fail to induce the full LasR regulon in low-density liquid cultures. Here we demonstrate that surface association, which is necessary for many of the same group behaviors as QS, promotes stronger QS responses. We show that lasR is upregulated upon surface association, and that surface-associated bacteria induce LasR targets more strongly in response to autoinducer than planktonic cultures. This increased sensitivity may be due to surface-dependent lasR induction initiating a positive feedback loop through the small RNA, Lrs1. The increased sensitivity of surface-associated cells to QS is affected by the type IV pilus (TFP) retraction motors and the minor pilins. The coupling of physical surface responses and chemical QS responses could enable these bacteria to trigger community behaviors more robustly when they are more beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Chuang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Vrla
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Kathrin S Fröhlich
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
- Department of Biology I, Microbiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, D-82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Zemer Gitai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA.
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46
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Meng X, Meng X, Wang J, Wang H, Zhu C, Ni J, Zhu G. Small non-coding RNA STnc640 regulates expression of fimA fimbrial gene and virulence of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:319. [PMID: 31488137 PMCID: PMC6727533 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2066-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) regulate bacterial gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. STnc640 is a type of sRNA that was identified in Salmonella Typhimurium. Results In this study, STnc640 in Salmonella Enteritidis was confirmed to be an Hfq-dependent sRNA. TargetRNA software analysis showed that fimbrial genes fimA and bcfA were likely to be the target genes of STnc640. To investigate the target mRNAs and function of STnc640 in pathogenicity, we constructed the deletion mutant strain 50336△stnc640 and the complemented strain 50336△stnc640/pstnc640 in Salmonella Enteritidis 50336. The RT-qPCR results showed that the mRNA level of fimA was decreased, while bcfA was unchanged in 50336△stnc640 compared with that in the wild type (WT) strain. The adhesion ability of 50336△stnc640 to Caco-2 cells was increased compared to the 50336 WT strain. The virulence of 50336△stnc640 was enhanced in a one-day-old chicken model of S. Enteritidis disease as determined by quantifying the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of the bacterial strains. Conclusions The results demonstrate that STnc640 contributes to the virulence of Salmonella Enteritidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Xianchen Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Jinqiu Wang
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Vocational College of Agriculture, Beijing, 102442, China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Chunhong Zhu
- Jiangsu provincial key lab for genetics and breeding of poultry, Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Yangzhou, 225125, China
| | - Jie Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Taneja S, Dutta T. On a stake-out: Mycobacterial small RNA identification and regulation. Noncoding RNA Res 2019; 4:86-95. [PMID: 32083232 PMCID: PMC7017587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistence of mycobacteria in the hostile environment of human macrophage is pivotal for its successful pathogenesis. Rapid adaptation to diverse stresses is the key aspect for their survival in the host cells. A range of heterogeneous mechanisms operate in bacteria to retaliate stress conditions. Small RNAs (sRNA) have been implicated in many of those mechanisms in either a single or multiple regulatory networks to post-transcriptionally modulate bacterial gene expression. Although small RNA profiling in mycobacteria by advanced technologies like deep sequencing, tilling microarray etc. have identified hundreds of sRNA, however, a handful of those small RNAs have been unearthed with precise regulatory mechanism. Extensive investigations on sRNA-mediated gene regulations in eubacteria like Escherichia coli revealed the existence of a plethora of distinctive sRNA mechanisms e.g. base pairing, protein sequestration, RNA decoy etc. Increasing studies on mycobacterial sRNA also discovered several eccentric mechanisms where sRNAs act at the posttranscriptional stage to either activate or repress target gene expression that lead to promote mycobacterial survival in stresses. Several intrinsic features like high GC content, absence of any homologue of abundant RNA chaperones, Hfq and ProQ, isolate sRNA mechanisms of mycobacteria from that of other bacteria. An insightful approach has been taken in this review to describe sRNA identification and its regulations in mycobacterial species especially in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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Key Words
- Anti-antisense
- Antisense
- Base pairing
- CDS, coding sequence
- Gene regulation by sRNA
- IGR, intergenic region
- ORF, open reading frame
- RBS, Ribosome binding site
- RNAP, RNA polymerase
- SD, Shine Dalgarno sequence
- Small RNAs
- TF, transcription factor
- TIR, translation initiation region
- UTR, untranslated region
- nt, nucleotide
- sRNA, small RNA
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanmay Dutta
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
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48
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Coordinate regulation of the expression of SdsR toxin and its downstream pphA gene by RyeA antitoxin in Escherichia coli. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9627. [PMID: 31270363 PMCID: PMC6610125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45998-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In Escherichia coli, SdsR and RyeA, a unique pair of mutually cis-encoded small RNAs (sRNAs), act as toxin and antitoxin, respectively. SdsR and RyeA expression are reciprocally regulated; however, how each regulates the synthesis of the other remains unclear. Here, we characterized the biosynthesis of the two sRNAs during growth and investigated their coordinate regulation using sdsR and ryeA promoter mutant strains. We found that RyeA transcription occurred even upon entry of cells into the stationary phase, but its apparent expression was restricted to exponentially growing cells because of its degradation by SdsR. Likewise, the appearance of SdsR was delayed owing to its RyeA-mediated degradation. We also found that the sdsR promoter was primarily responsible for transcription of the downstream pphA gene encoding a phosphatase and that pphA mRNA was synthesized by transcriptional read-through over the sdsR terminator. Transcription from the σ70-dependent ryeA promoter inhibited transcription from the σS-dependent sdsR promoter through transcriptional interference. This transcriptional inhibition also downregulated pphA expression, but RyeA itself did not downregulate pphA expression.
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49
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Dienstbier A, Amman F, Štipl D, Petráčková D, Večerek B. Comparative Integrated Omics Analysis of the Hfq Regulon in Bordetella pertussis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123073. [PMID: 31238496 PMCID: PMC6627887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bordetella pertussis is a Gram-negative strictly human pathogen of the respiratory tract and the etiological agent of whooping cough (pertussis). Previously, we have shown that RNA chaperone Hfq is required for virulence of B. pertussis. Furthermore, microarray analysis revealed that a large number of genes are affected by the lack of Hfq. This study represents the first attempt to characterize the Hfq regulon in bacterial pathogen using an integrative omics approach. Gene expression profiles were analyzed by RNA-seq and protein amounts in cell-associated and cell-free fractions were determined by LC-MS/MS technique. Comparative analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed solid correlation (r2 = 0.4) considering the role of Hfq in post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Importantly, our study confirms and further enlightens the role of Hfq in pathogenicity of B. pertussis as it shows that Δhfq strain displays strongly impaired secretion of substrates of Type III secretion system (T3SS) and substantially reduced resistance to serum killing. On the other hand, significantly increased production of proteins implicated in transport of important metabolites and essential nutrients observed in the mutant seems to compensate for the physiological defect introduced by the deletion of the hfq gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dienstbier
- Institute of Microbiology v.v.i., Laboratory of post-transcriptional control of gene expression, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Fabian Amman
- University of Vienna, Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, Währinger Straße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Medical University of Vienna, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Daniel Štipl
- Institute of Microbiology v.v.i., Laboratory of post-transcriptional control of gene expression, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Denisa Petráčková
- Institute of Microbiology v.v.i., Laboratory of post-transcriptional control of gene expression, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Branislav Večerek
- Institute of Microbiology v.v.i., Laboratory of post-transcriptional control of gene expression, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic.
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50
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Prats-Ejarque G, Li J, Ait-Ichou F, Lorente H, Boix E. Testing a Human Antimicrobial RNase Chimera Against Bacterial Resistance. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1357. [PMID: 31275278 PMCID: PMC6594349 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of bacterial resistance to the most commonly used antibiotics encourages the design of novel antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPs) are the key players in host innate immunity. They exert a rapid and multifaceted action that reduces the development of bacterial adaptation mechanisms. Human antimicrobial RNases belonging to the vertebrate specific RNase A superfamily participate in the maintenance of tissue and body fluid sterility. Among the eight human canonical RNases, RNase 3 stands out as the most cationic and effective bactericidal protein against Gram-negative species. Its enhanced ability to disrupt the bacterial cell wall has evolved in detriment of its catalytic activity. Based on structure-functional studies we have designed an RNase 3/1 hybrid construct that combines the high catalytic activity of RNase 1 with RNase 3 bactericidal properties. Next, we have explored the ability of this hybrid RNase to target the development of bacterial resistance on an Acinetobacter baumannii cell culture. Synergy assays were performed in combination with colistin, a standard antimicrobial peptide used as an antibiotic to treat severe infections. Positive synergism was observed between colistin and the RNase 3/1 hybrid protein. Subsequently, using an in vitro experimental evolution assay, by exposure of a bacterial culture to colistin at incremental doses, we demonstrated the ability of the RNase 3/1 construct to reduce the emergence of bacterial antimicrobial resistance. The results advance the potential applicability of RNase-based drugs as antibiotic adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ester Boix
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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