Type III secretion: The bacteria-eukaryotic cell express

Cultured Bacteria Provide Insight into the Functional Potential of the Coral-Associated Microbiome

Improving the availability of representative isolates from the coral microbiome is essential for investigating symbiotic mechanisms and applying beneficial microorganisms to improve coral health. However, few studies have explored the diversity of bacteria which can be isolated from a single species. Here, we isolated a total of 395 bacterial strains affiliated with 49 families across nine classes from the coral Pocillopora damicornis. Identification results showed that most of the strains represent potential novel bacterial species or genera. We also sequenced and assembled the genomes of 118 of these isolates, and then the putative functions of these isolates were identified based on genetic signatures derived from the genomes and this information was combined with isolate-specific phenotypic data. Genomic information derived from the isolates identified putative functions including nitrification and denitrification, dimethylsulfoniopropionate transformation, and supply of fixed carbon, amino acids, and B vitamins which may support their eukaryotic partners. Furthermore, the isolates contained genes associated with chemotaxis, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, membrane transport, signal transduction, and eukaryote-like repeat-containing and cell-cell attachment proteins, all of which potentially help the bacterium establish association with the coral host. Our work expands on the existing culture collection of coral-associated bacteria and provides important information on the metabolic potential of these isolates which can be used to refine understanding of the role of bacteria in coral health and are now available to be applied to novel strategies aimed at improving coral resilience through microbiome manipulation. IMPORTANCE Microbes underpin the health of corals which are the building blocks of diverse and productive reef ecosystems. Studying the culturable fraction of coral-associated bacteria has received less attention in recent times than using culture-independent molecular methods. However, the genomic and phenotypic characterization of isolated strains allows assessment of their functional role in underpinning coral health and identification of beneficial microbes for microbiome manipulation. Here, we isolated 395 bacterial strains from tissues of Pocillopora damicornis with many representing potentially novel taxa and therefore providing a significant contribution to coral microbiology through greatly enlarging the existing cultured coral-associated bacterial bank. Through analysis of the genomes obtained in this study for the coral-associated bacteria and coral host, we elucidate putative metabolic linkages and symbiotic establishment. The results of this study will help to elucidate the role of specific isolates in coral health and provide beneficial microbes for efforts aimed at improving coral health.

The Type III Effectome of the Symbiotic Bradyrhizobium vignae Strain ORS3257

Many Bradyrhizobium strains are able to establish a Nod factor-independent symbiosis with the leguminous plant Aeschynomene indica by the use of a type III secretion system (T3SS). Recently, an important advance in the understanding of the molecular factors supporting this symbiosis has been achieved by the in silico identification and functional characterization of 27 putative T3SS effectors (T3Es) of Bradyrhizobium vignae ORS3257. In the present study, we experimentally extend this catalog of T3Es by using a multi-omics approach. Transcriptome analysis under non-inducing and inducing conditions in the ORS3257 wild-type strain and the ttsI mutant revealed that the expression of 18 out of the 27 putative effectors previously identified, is under the control of TtsI, the global transcriptional regulator of T3SS and T3Es. Quantitative shotgun proteome analysis of culture supernatant in the wild type and T3SS mutant strains confirmed that 15 of the previously determined candidate T3Es are secreted by the T3SS. Moreover, the combined approaches identified nine additional putative T3Es and one of them was experimentally validated as a novel effector. Our study underscores the power of combined proteome and transcriptome analyses to complement in silico predictions and produce nearly complete effector catalogs. The establishment of the ORS3257 effectome will form the basis for a full appraisal of the symbiotic properties of this strain during its interaction with various host legumes via different processes.

The extended structure of the periplasmic region of CdsD, a structural protein of the type III secretion system of Chlamydia trachomatis

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is required for the virulence of many gram-negative bacterial human pathogens. It is composed of several structural proteins, forming the secretion needle and its basis, the basal body. In Chlamydia spp., the T3SS inner membrane ring (IM-ring) of the basal body is formed by the periplasmic part of CdsD (outer ring) and CdsJ (inner ring). Here we describe the crystal structure of the C-terminal, periplasmic part of CdsD, not including the last 60 residues. Two crystal forms were obtained, grown in three different crystallization conditions. In both crystal forms there is one molecule per asymmetric unit adopting a similar extended structure. The structures consist of three periplasmic domains (PDs) of similar αββαβ topology as seen also in the structures of the homologous PrgH (Salmonella typhimurium) and YscD (Yersinia enterocolitica). Only in the C2 crystal form, there is a C-terminal additional helix after the PD3 domain. The relative orientation of the three subsequent CdsD PD domains with respect to each other is more extended than in PrgH but less extended than in YscD. Small-angle X-ray scattering data show that also in solution this CdsD construct adopts the same elongated shape. In both crystal forms the CdsD molecules are packed in a parallel fashion, using translational crystallographic symmetry. The most extensive crystal contacts are preserved in both crystal forms, suggesting a possible mode of assembly of the CdsD periplasmic part into a 24-mer complex forming the outer ring of the IM-ring of the T3SS.

Cross-talk between a regulatory small RNA, cyclic-di-GMP signalling and flagellar regulator FlhDC for virulence and bacterial behaviours

Dickeya dadantii is a globally dispersed phytopathogen which causes diseases on a wide range of host plants. This pathogen utilizes the type III secretion system (T3SS) to suppress host defense responses, and secretes pectate lyase (Pel) to degrade the plant cell wall. Although the regulatory small RNA (sRNA) RsmB, cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) and flagellar regulator have been reported to affect the regulation of these two virulence factors or multiple cell behaviours such as motility and biofilm formation, the linkage between these regulatory components that coordinate the cell behaviours remain unclear. Here, we revealed a sophisticated regulatory network that connects the sRNA, c-di-GMP signalling and flagellar master regulator FlhDC. We propose multi-tiered regulatory mechanisms that link the FlhDC to the T3SS through three distinct pathways including the FlhDC-FliA-YcgR3937 pathway; the FlhDC-EcpC-RpoN-HrpL pathway; and the FlhDC-rsmB-RsmA-HrpL pathway. Among these, EcpC is the most dominant factor for FlhDC to positively regulate T3SS expression.

The pathogenesis, detection, and prevention of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a Gram-negative motile bacterium that inhabits marine and estuarine environments throughout the world, is a major food-borne pathogen that causes life-threatening diseases in humans after the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. The global occurrence of V. parahaemolyticus accentuates the importance of investigating its virulence factors and their effects on the human host. This review describes the virulence factors of V. parahaemolyticus reported to date, including hemolysin, urease, two type III secretion systems and two type VI secretion systems, which both cause both cytotoxicity in cultured cells and enterotoxicity in animal models. We describe various types of detection methods, based on virulence factors, that are used for quantitative detection of V. parahaemolyticus in seafood. We also discuss some useful preventive measures and therapeutic strategies for the diseases mediated by V. parahaemolyticus, which can reduce, to some extent, the damage to humans and aquatic animals attributable to V. parahaemolyticus. This review extends our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of V. parahaemolyticus mediated by virulence factors and the diseases it causes in its human host. It should provide new insights for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of V. parahaemolyticus infection.

The structure of the Slrp-Trx1 complex sheds light on the autoinhibition mechanism of the type III secretion system effectors of the NEL family

Salmonella infections are a leading cause of bacterial foodborne illness in the U.S.A. and the European Union Antimicrobial therapy is often administered to treat the infection, but increasingly isolates are being detected that demonstrate resistance to multiple antibiotics. Salmonella enterica contains two virulence-related T3SS (type III secretion systems): one promotes invasion of the intestine and the other one mediates systemic disease. Both of them secrete the SlrP protein acting as E3 ubiquitin ligase in human host cells where it targets Trx1 (thioredoxin-1). SlrP belongs to the NEL family of bacterial E3 ubiquitin ligases that have been observed in two distinct autoinhibitory conformations. We solved the 3D structure of the SlrP-Trx1 complex and determined the Trx1 ubiquitination site. The description of the substrate-binding mode sheds light on the first step of the activation mechanism of SlrP. Comparison with the available structural data of other NEL effectors allowed us to gain new insights into their autoinhibitory mechanism. We propose a molecular mechanism for the regulation of SlrP in which structural constraints sequestrating the NEL domain would be sequentially released. This work thus constitutes a new milestone in the understanding of how these T3SS effectors influence pathogen virulence. It also provides the fundamental basis for future development of new antimicrobials.

Recombinant Cpn 0810 stimulates proinflammatory cytokine expression and apoptosis in human monocytes

The aim of the present study was to express the recombinant Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) protein, Cpn 0810, in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21, and investigate the effects of Cpn 0810 on inflammatory and apoptotic processes in human monocytic (THP-1) cells. An ELISA was performed to detect the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. In addition, Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V binding analyses were performed to measure the rates of apoptosis. Purified glutathione S-transferase (GST)-Cpn 0810 recombinant proteins were obtained from the E. coli BL21 cells carrying the pGEX6p-2/Cpn 0810 plasmid, and were shown to stimulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in the THP-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. TNF-α and IL-6 levels peaked at 24 h after GST-Cpn 0810 stimulation. Furthermore, GST-Cpn 0810 significantly promoted the apoptosis of THP-1 cells. In conclusion, recombinant GST-Cpn 0810 was shown to stimulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-6, inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in THP-1 cells. Therefore, Cpn 0810 may interact with host cells following C. pneumoniae infection, functioning as an important pathogenic factor.

Assembly of the bacterial type III secretion machinery

Many bacteria that live in contact with eukaryotic hosts, whether as symbionts or as pathogens, have evolved mechanisms that manipulate host cell behaviour to their benefit. One such mechanism, the type III secretion system, is employed by Gram-negative bacterial species to inject effector proteins into host cells. This function is reflected by the overall shape of the machinery, which resembles a molecular syringe. Despite the simplicity of the concept, the type III secretion system is one of the most complex known bacterial nanomachines, incorporating one to more than hundred copies of up to twenty different proteins into a multi-MDa transmembrane complex. The structural core of the system is the so-called needle complex that spans the bacterial cell envelope as a tripartite ring system and culminates in a needle protruding from the bacterial cell surface. Substrate targeting and translocation are accomplished by an export machinery consisting of various inner membrane embedded and cytoplasmic components. The formation of such a multimembrane-spanning machinery is an intricate task that requires precise orchestration. This review gives an overview of recent findings on the assembly of type III secretion machines, discusses quality control and recycling of the system and proposes an integrated assembly model.

Generation and Characterization of a scFv Antibody Against T3SS Needle of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a halophilic gram-negative bacterium, is a food-borne pathogen that largely inhabits marine and estuarine environments, and poses a serious threat to human and animal health all over the world. The hollow "needle" channel, a specific assemble of T3SS which exists in most of gram-negative bacteria, plays a key role in the transition of virulence effectors to host cells. In this study, needle protein VP1694 was successfully expressed and purified, and the fusion protein Trx-VP1694 was used to immunize Balb/c mice. Subsequently, a phage single-chain fragment variable antibody (scFv) library was constructed, and a specific scFv against VP1694 named scFv-FA7 was screened by phage display panning. To further identify the characters of scFv, the soluble expression vector pACYC-scFv-skp was constructed and the soluble scFv was purified by Ni(2+) affinity chromatography. ELISA analysis showed that the scFv-FA7 was specific to VP1694 antigen, and its affinity constant was 1.07 × 10(8 )L/mol. These results offer a molecular basis to prevent and cure diseases by scFv, and also provide a new strategy for further research on virulence mechanism of T3SS in V. parahaemolyticus by scFv.

The structural organization of the N-terminus domain of SopB, a virulence factor of Salmonella, depends on the nature of its protein partners

The TTSS is used by Salmonella and many bacterial pathogens to inject virulence factors directly into the cytoplasm of target eukaryotic cells. Once translocated these so-called effector proteins hijack a vast array of crucial cellular functions to the benefit of the bacteria. In the bacterial cytoplasm, some effectors are stabilized and maintained in a secretion competent state by interaction with specific type III chaperones. In this work we studied the conformation of the Chaperone Binding Domain of the effector named Salmonella Outer protein B (SopB) alone and in complex with its cognate chaperone SigE by a combination of biochemical, biophysical and structural approaches. Our results show that the N-terminus part of SopB is mainly composed by α-helices and unfolded regions whose organization/stabilization depends on their interaction with the different partners. This suggests that the partially unfolded state of this N-terminal region, which confers the adaptability of the effector to bind very different partners during the infection cycle, allows the bacteria to modulate numerous host cells functions limiting the number of translocated effectors.

Substrate-activated conformational switch on chaperones encodes a targeting signal in type III secretion

The targeting of type III secretion (TTS) proteins at the injectisome is an important process in bacterial virulence. Nevertheless, how the injectisome specifically recognizes TTS substrates among all bacterial proteins is unknown. A TTS peripheral membrane ATPase protein located at the base of the injectisome has been implicated in the targeting process. We have investigated the targeting of the EspA filament protein and its cognate chaperone, CesAB, to the EscN ATPase of the enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). We show that EscN selectively engages the EspA-loaded CesAB but not the unliganded CesAB. Structure analysis revealed that the targeting signal is encoded in a disorder-order structural transition in CesAB that is elicited only upon the binding of its physiological substrate, EspA. Abrogation of the interaction between the CesAB-EspA complex and EscN resulted in severe secretion and infection defects. Additionally, we show that the targeting and secretion signals are distinct and that the two processes are likely regulated by different mechanisms.

The type III secretion system is necessary for the development of a pathogenic and endophytic interaction between Herbaspirillum rubrisubalbicans and Poaceae

Background

Herbaspirillum rubrisubalbicans was first identified as a bacterial plant pathogen, causing the mottled stripe disease in sugarcane. H. rubrisubalbicans can also associate with various plants of economic interest in a non pathogenic manner.

Results

A 21 kb DNA region of the H. rubrisubalbicans genome contains a cluster of 26 hrp/hrc genes encoding for the type three secretion system (T3SS) proteins. To investigate the contribution of T3SS to the plant-bacterial interaction process we generated mutant strains of H. rubrisubalbicans M1 carrying a Tn5 insertion in both the hrcN and hrpE genes. H. rubrisulbalbicans hrpE and hrcN mutant strains of the T3SS system failed to cause the mottled stripe disease in the sugarcane susceptible variety B-4362. These mutant strains also did not produce lesions on Vigna unguiculata leaves. Oryza sativa and Zea mays colonization experiments showed that mutations in hrpE and hrcN genes reduced the capacity of H. rubrisulbalbicans to colonize these plants, suggesting that hrpE and hrcN genes are involved in the endophytic colonization.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the T3SS of H. rubrisubalbicans is necessary for the development of the mottled stripe disease and endophytic colonization of rice.

The complete genome sequence of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', the bacterium associated with potato zebra chip disease

Zebra Chip (ZC) is an emerging plant disease that causes aboveground decline of potato shoots and generally results in unusable tubers. This disease has led to multi-million dollar losses for growers in the central and western United States over the past decade and impacts the livelihood of potato farmers in Mexico and New Zealand. ZC is associated with 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', a fastidious alpha-proteobacterium that is transmitted by a phloem-feeding psyllid vector, Bactericera cockerelli Sulc. Research on this disease has been hampered by a lack of robust culture methods and paucity of genome sequence information for 'Ca. L. solanacearum'. Here we present the sequence of the 1.26 Mbp metagenome of 'Ca. L. solanacearum', based on DNA isolated from potato psyllids. The coding inventory of the 'Ca. L. solanacearum' genome was analyzed and compared to related Rhizobiaceae to better understand 'Ca. L. solanacearum' physiology and identify potential targets to develop improved treatment strategies. This analysis revealed a number of unique transporters and pathways, all potentially contributing to ZC pathogenesis. Some of these factors may have been acquired through horizontal gene transfer. Taxonomically, 'Ca. L. solanacearum' is related to 'Ca. L. asiaticus', a suspected causative agent of citrus huanglongbing, yet many genome rearrangements and several gene gains/losses are evident when comparing these two Liberibacter. species. Relative to 'Ca. L. asiaticus', 'Ca. L. solanacearum' probably has reduced capacity for nucleic acid modification, increased amino acid and vitamin biosynthesis functionalities, and gained a high-affinity iron transport system characteristic of several pathogenic microbes.

Genome-wide identification of HrpL-regulated genes in the necrotrophic phytopathogen Dickeya dadantii 3937

Background

Dickeya dadantii is a necrotrophic pathogen causing disease in many plants. Previous studies have demonstrated that the type III secretion system (T3SS) of D. dadantii is required for full virulence. HrpL is an alternative sigma factor that binds to the hrp box promoter sequence of T3SS genes to up-regulate their expression.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To explore the inventory of HrpL-regulated genes of D. dadantii 3937 (3937), transcriptome profiles of wild-type 3937 and a hrpL mutant grown in a T3SS-inducing medium were examined. Using a cut-off value of 1.5, significant differential expression was observed in sixty-three genes, which are involved in various cellular functions such as type III secretion, chemotaxis, metabolism, regulation, and stress response. A hidden Markov model (HMM) was used to predict candidate hrp box binding sites in the intergenic regions of 3937, including the promoter regions of HrpL-regulated genes identified in the microarray assay. In contrast to biotrophic phytopathgens such as Pseudomonas syringae, among the HrpL up-regulated genes in 3937 only those within the T3SS were found to contain a hrp box sequence. Moreover, direct binding of purified HrpL protein to the hrp box was demonstrated for hrp box-containing DNA fragments of hrpA and hrpN using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). In this study, a putative T3SS effector DspA/E was also identified as a HrpL-upregulated gene, and shown to be translocated into plant cells in a T3SS-dependent manner.

Conclusion/Significances

We provide the genome-wide study of HrpL-regulated genes in a necrotrophic phytopathogen (D. dadantii 3937) through a combination of transcriptomics and bioinformatics, which led to identification of several effectors. Our study indicates the extent of differences for T3SS effector protein inventory requirements between necrotrophic and biotrophic pathogens, and may allow the development of different strategies for disease control for these different groups of pathogens.

T3SEdb: data warehousing of virulence effectors secreted by the bacterial Type III Secretion System

Background

Effectors of Type III Secretion System (T3SS) play a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining pathogenicity in the host and therefore the identification of these effectors is important in understanding virulence. However, the effectors display high level of sequence diversity, therefore making the identification a difficult process. There is a need to collate and annotate existing effector sequences in public databases to enable systematic analyses of these sequences for development of models for screening and selection of putative novel effectors from bacterial genomes that can be validated by a smaller number of key experiments.

Results

Herein, we present T3SEdb http://effectors.bic.nus.edu.sg/T3SEdb, a specialized database of annotated T3SS effector (T3SE) sequences containing 1089 records from 46 bacterial species compiled from the literature and public protein databases. Procedures have been defined for i) comprehensive annotation of experimental status of effectors, ii) submission and curation review of records by users of the database, and iii) the regular update of T3SEdb existing and new records. Keyword fielded and sequence searches (BLAST, regular expression) are supported for both experimentally verified and hypothetical T3SEs. More than 171 clusters of T3SEs were detected based on sequence identity comparisons (intra-cluster difference up to ~60%). Owing to this high level of sequence diversity of T3SEs, the T3SEdb provides a large number of experimentally known effector sequences with wide species representation for creation of effector predictors. We created a reliable effector prediction tool, integrated into the database, to demonstrate the application of the database for such endeavours.

Conclusions

T3SEdb is the first specialised database reported for T3SS effectors, enriched with manual annotations that facilitated systematic construction of a reliable prediction model for identification of novel effectors. The T3SEdb represents a platform for inclusion of additional annotations of metadata for future developments of sophisticated effector prediction models for screening and selection of putative novel effectors from bacterial genomes/proteomes that can be validated by a small number of key experiments.

Near-atomic resolution analysis of BipD, a component of the type III secretion system of Burkholderia pseudomallei

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, possesses a type III protein secretion apparatus that is similar to those found in Salmonella and Shigella. A major function of these secretion systems is to inject virulence-associated proteins into target cells of the host organism. The bipD gene of B. pseudomallei encodes a secreted virulence factor that is similar in sequence and is most likely to be functionally analogous to IpaD from Shigella and SipD from Salmonella. Proteins in this family are thought to act as extracellular chaperones at the tip of the secretion needle to help the hydrophobic translocator proteins enter the target cell membrane, where they form a pore and may also link the translocon pore with the secretion needle. BipD has been crystallized in a monoclinic crystal form that diffracted X-rays to 1.5 A resolution and the structure was refined to an R factor of 16.1% and an Rfree of 19.8% at this resolution. The putative dimer interface that was observed in previous crystal structures was retained and a larger surface area was buried in the new crystal form.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the ADP-ribosyltransferase HopU1

Several Gram-negative pathogens of plants and animals and some eukaryotic associated bacteria use type III protein-secretion systems (T3SSs) to deliver bacterial virulence-associated ;effector' proteins directly into host cells. HopU1 is a type III effector protein from the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, which causes plant bacterial speck disease. HopU1 quells host immunity through ADP-ribosylation of GRP7 as a substrate. HopU1 has been reported as the first ADP-ribosyltransferase virulence protein to be identified in a plant pathogen. Although several structures of ADP-ribosyltransferases have been determined to date, no structure of an ADP-ribosyltransferase from a plant pathogen has been determined. Here, the protein expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of HopU1 are reported. Diffracting crystals were grown by hanging-drop vapour diffusion using polyethylene glycol 10,000 as a precipitant. Native and SAD data sets were collected using native and selenomethionine-derivative HopU1 crystals. The diffraction pattern of the crystal extended to 2.7 A resolution using synchrotron radiation. The crystals belonged to space group P4(3), with unit-cell parameters a=92.6, b=92.6, c=101.6 A.

ClpXP protease regulates the type III secretion system of Dickeya dadantii 3937 and is essential for the bacterial virulence

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is considered one of the major virulence factors in many bacterial pathogens. This report demonstrates that RssB, ClpXP, and RpoS play a role in T3SS regulation of Dickeya dadantii 3937. ClpP is a serine-type protease which associates with the ClpX chaperone to form a functional Clp proteolytic complex for degradation of proteins. With the assistance of recognition factor RssB, ClpXP degrades the RpoS sigma factor. RpoS positively regulates the expression of the rsmA gene encoding an RNA-binding regulatory protein. By interacting with the hrpL mRNA, RsmA reduces HrpL production and downregulates the T3SS genes in the HrpL regulon. In addition, ClpXP, RssB, and RpoS affect pectinolytic enzyme production in D. dadantii 3937, probably through RsmA. The ClpXP and RssB proteins are essential for bacterial virulence.

Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) type III secretion of SopD involves N- and C-terminal signals and direct binding to the InvC ATPase

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is an important pathogen and a causative agent of gastroenteritis. During infection, S. Typhimurium assembles molecular-needle complexes termed type III secretion (T3S) systems to translocate effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm directly into the host cell. The T3S signals that direct the secretion of effectors still remain enigmatic. SopD is a key T3S effector contributing to the systemic virulence of S. Typhimurium and the development of gastroenteritis. We have scrutinized the distribution of the SopD T3S signals using in silico analysis and a targeted deletion approach. We show that amino acid residues 6–10 act as the N-terminal secretion signal for Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) T3S. Furthermore, we show that two putative C-terminal helical regions of SopD are essential for its secretion and also help prevent erroneous secretion through the flagellar T3S machinery. In addition, using protein–protein interaction assays, we have identified an association between SopD and the SPI-1 T3S system ATPase, InvC. These findings demonstrate that T3S of SopD involves multiple signals and protein interactions, providing important mechanistic insights into effector protein secretion.

EtpB is a pore-forming outer membrane protein showing TpsB protein features involved in the two-partner secretion system

Attachment to host tissues is a critical step in the pathogenesis of most bacterial infections. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) remains one of the principal causes of infectious diarrhea in humans. The recent identification of additional ETEC surface molecules suggests that new targets may be exploited in vaccine development. The EtpA protein identified in ETEC H10407 is a large glycosylated adhesin secreted via the two-partner secretion system. EtpA requires its putative partner EtpB for translocation across the outer membrane (OM). We investigated the biochemical and electrophysiological properties of purified EtpB. We showed that EtpB is 65-kDa heat-modifiable protein localized to the OM. Electrophysiological experiments indicated that EtpB is able to form pores in planar lipid bilayer membranes with an asymmetric current, suggesting its functional asymmetry. The pore of EtpB frequently assumes an opened conformation and fluctuates between three well-defined conductance states. In silico analysis of the EtpB amino acid sequence and molecular modeling suggest that EtpB is similar to the well-known TpsB protein FhaC from Bordetella pertussis and has a C-terminal transmembrane beta-barrel domain that is occluded by an N-terminal alpha-helix, an extracellular loop, and two periplasmic polypeptide-transport-associated (POTRA) domains. Together, these data confirm that EtpB is a pore-forming protein mainly folded into a beta-barrel conformation and indicate that EtpB presents typical features of the OM TpsB proteins.

Matrix metalloproteases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with type III Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia

OBJECTIVES

In patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III (TTSS) secreting isolates have been linked to poor clinical outcomes. Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) induced by type III effector proteins may herald an irreversible lung injury.

METHODS

Serial bronchoalveolar lavage fluids collected from 41 patients with P. aeruginosa at onset of VAP, day 4, and day 8 after antibiotic therapy were assayed for MMP-8, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and alpha-2 macroglobulin levels.

RESULTS

At the onset of VAP, isolates secreting ExoU had the highest MMP-9 levels. The response to antimicrobial therapy showed a differential drop in MMPs with significant decrease in MMP-8 and MMP-9 levels on days 4 and 8 in patients with TTSS(-) compared to TTSS(+) phenotype. The ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 was significantly associated with alpha-2 macroglobulin at end of therapy (r=0.4, p=0.02). Patients who survived had a lower MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio than those who died (p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

VAP linked to P. aeruginosa Type III phenotype portrays a divergent antibiotic treatment response in regards to the concentrations of metalloproteinases in the alveolar space. The imbalance between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may determine the intensity of alveolocapillary damage and ultimate outcome of P. aeruginosa VAP.

Sequence-based prediction of type III secreted proteins

The type III secretion system (TTSS) is a key mechanism for host cell interaction used by a variety of bacterial pathogens and symbionts of plants and animals including humans. The TTSS represents a molecular syringe with which the bacteria deliver effector proteins directly into the host cell cytosol. Despite the importance of the TTSS for bacterial pathogenesis, recognition and targeting of type III secreted proteins has up until now been poorly understood. Several hypotheses are discussed, including an mRNA-based signal, a chaperon-mediated process, or an N-terminal signal peptide. In this study, we systematically analyzed the amino acid composition and secondary structure of N-termini of 100 experimentally verified effector proteins. Based on this, we developed a machine-learning approach for the prediction of TTSS effector proteins, taking into account N-terminal sequence features such as frequencies of amino acids, short peptides, or residues with certain physico-chemical properties. The resulting computational model revealed a strong type III secretion signal in the N-terminus that can be used to detect effectors with sensitivity of approximately 71% and selectivity of approximately 85%. This signal seems to be taxonomically universal and conserved among animal pathogens and plant symbionts, since we could successfully detect effector proteins if the respective group was excluded from training. The application of our prediction approach to 739 complete bacterial and archaeal genome sequences resulted in the identification of between 0% and 12% putative TTSS effector proteins. Comparison of effector proteins with orthologs that are not secreted by the TTSS showed no clear pattern of signal acquisition by fusion, suggesting convergent evolutionary processes shaping the type III secretion signal. The newly developed program EffectiveT3 (http://www.chlamydiaedb.org) is the first universal in silico prediction program for the identification of novel TTSS effectors. Our findings will facilitate further studies on and improve our understanding of type III secretion and its role in pathogen-host interactions.

The plant phenolic compound p-coumaric acid represses gene expression in the Dickeya dadantii type III secretion system

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a major virulence factor in many gram-negative bacterial pathogens. This secretion system translocates effectors directly into the cytosol of eukaryotic host cells, where the effector proteins facilitate bacterial pathogenesis by interfering with host cell signal transduction and other cellular processes. Plants defend themselves against bacterial pathogens by recognizing either the type 3 effectors or their actions and initiating a cascade of defense responses that often results in programmed cell death of the plant cell being attacked. Here we show that a plant phenolic compound, p-coumaric acid (PCA), represses the expression of T3SS genes of the plant pathogen Dickeya dadantii, suggesting that plants can also defend against bacterial pathogens by manipulating the expression of the T3SS. PCA repressed the expression of T3SS regulatory genes through the HrpX/Y two-component system, a core regulator of the T3SS, rather than through the global regulator GacS/A, which indirectly regulates the T3SS. A further analysis of several PCA analogs suggests that the para positioning of the hydroxyl group in the phenyl ring and the double bond of PCA may be important for its biological activity.

GEF-H1 mediated control of NOD1 dependent NF-kappaB activation by Shigella effectors

Shigella flexneri has evolved the ability to modify host cell function with intracellular active effectors to overcome the intestinal barrier. The detection of these microbial effectors and the initiation of innate immune responses are critical for rapid mucosal defense activation. The guanine nucleotide exchange factor H1 (GEF-H1) mediates RhoA activation required for cell invasion by the enteroinvasive pathogen Shigella flexneri. Surprisingly, GEF-H1 is requisite for NF-κB activation in response to Shigella infection. GEF-H1 interacts with NOD1 and is required for RIP2 dependent NF-κB activation by H-Ala-D-γGlu-DAP (γTriDAP). GEF-H1 is essential for NF-κB activation by the Shigella effectors IpgB2 and OspB, which were found to signal in a NOD1 and RhoA Kinase (ROCK) dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that GEF-H1 is a critical component of cellular defenses forming an intracellular sensing system with NOD1 for the detection of microbial effectors during cell invasion by pathogens.

Shigella is a bacterium that causes food poisoning and serious intestinal infections with diarrheal illness. Pathogens like Shigella utilize intracellular active effectors to overcome the intestinal barrier and invade the host. We demonstrate that intestinal epithelial cells can sense the disturbance of the tight junctional seal, which normally prevents access of microbes to the circulation. A signaling molecule, which is required for cell invasion by Shigella, also activates messengers that activate immune defenses. This pathway of intestinal pathogen detection is activated by Shigella products, which are injected into host cells by the pathogen and depends on intracellular microbial recognition receptors. The detection of altered cellular function by bacterial effectors may be important for the ability to rapidly respond to barrier disruption in the intestine with the attraction and activation of immune cells to defend against the intruders.

Streptolysin O promotes group A Streptococcus immune evasion by accelerated macrophage apoptosis

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a leading human bacterial pathogen capable of producing invasive infections even in previously healthy individuals. As frontline components of host innate defense, macrophages play a key role in control and clearance of GAS infections. We find GAS induces rapid, dose-dependent apoptosis of primary and cultured macrophages and neutrophils. The cell death pathway involves apoptotic caspases, is partly dependent on caspase-1, and requires GAS internalization by the phagocyte. Analysis of GAS virulence factor mutants, heterologous expression, and purified toxin studies identified the pore-forming cytolysin streptolysin O (SLO) as necessary and sufficient for the apoptosis-inducing phenotype. SLO-deficient GAS mutants induced less macrophage apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, allowed macrophage cytokine secretion, and were less virulent in a murine systemic infection model. Ultrastructural evidence of mitochondrial membrane remodeling, coupled with loss of mitochondrial depolarization and cytochrome c release, suggests a direct attack of the toxin initiates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. A general caspase inhibitor blocked SLO-induced apoptosis and enhanced macrophage killing of GAS. We conclude that accelerated, caspase-dependent macrophage apoptosis induced by the pore-forming cytolysin SLO contributes to GAS immune evasion and virulence.

Type III secretion system genes of Dickeya dadantii 3937 are induced by plant phenolic acids

Background

Dickeya dadantii is a broad-host range phytopathogen. D. dadantii 3937 (Ech3937) possesses a type III secretion system (T3SS), a major virulence factor secretion system in many Gram-negative pathogens of plants and animals. In Ech3937, the T3SS is regulated by two major regulatory pathways, HrpX/HrpY-HrpS-HrpL and GacS/GacA-rsmB-RsmA pathways. Although the plant apoplast environment, low pH, low temperature, and absence of complex nitrogen sources in media have been associated with the induction of T3SS genes of phytobacteria, no specific inducer has yet been identified.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this work, we identified two novel plant phenolic compounds, o-coumaric acid (OCA) and t-cinnamic acid (TCA), that induced the expression of T3SS genes dspE (a T3SS effector), hrpA (a structural protein of the T3SS pilus), and hrpN (a T3SS harpin) in vitro. Assays by qRT-PCR showed higher amounts of mRNA of hrpL (a T3SS alternative sigma factor) and rsmB (an untranslated regulatory RNA), but not hrpS (a σ⁵⁴-enhancer binding protein) of Ech3937 when these two plant compounds were supplemented into minimal medium (MM). However, promoter activity assays using flow cytometry showed similar promoter activities of hrpN in rsmB mutant Ech148 grown in MM and MM supplemented with these phenolic compounds. Compared with MM alone, only slightly higher promoter activities of hrpL were observed in bacterial cells grown in MM supplemented with OCA/TCA.

Conclusion/Significance

The induction of T3SS expression by OCA and TCA is moderated through the rsmB-RsmA pathway. This is the first report of plant phenolic compounds that induce the expression T3SS genes of plant pathogenic bacteria.

The bacterial type VI secretion machine: yet another player for protein transport across membranes

Several secretion systems have evolved that are widespread among Gram-negative bacteria. Recently, a new secretion system was recognized, which is named the type VI secretion system (T6SS). The T6SS components are encoded within clusters of genes initially identified as IAHP for IcmF-associated homologous proteins, since they were all found to contain a gene encoding an IcmF-like component. IcmF was previously reported as a component of the type IV secretion system (T4SS). However, with the exception of DotU, other T4SS components are not encoded within T6SS loci. Thus, the T6SS is probably a novel kind of complex multi-component secretion machine, which is often involved in interaction with eukaryotic hosts, be it a pathogenic or a symbiotic relationship. The expression of T6SS genes has been reported to be mostly induced in vivo. Interestingly, expression and assembly of T6SSs are tightly controlled at both the transcriptional and the post-translational level. This may allow a timely control of T6SS assembly and function. Two types of proteins, generically named Hcp and VgrG, are secreted via these systems, but it is not entirely clear whether they are truly secreted effector proteins or are actually components of the T6SS. The precise role and mode of action of the T6SS is still unknown. This review describes current knowledge about the T6SS and summarizes its hallmarks and its differences from other secretion systems.

HrpN of Erwinia amylovora functions in the translocation of DspA/E into plant cells

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is required by plant pathogenic bacteria for the translocation of certain bacterial proteins to the cytoplasm of plant cells or secretion of some proteins to the apoplast. The T3SS of Erwinia amylovora, which causes fire blight of pear, apple and other rosaceous plants, secretes DspA/E, which is an indispensable pathogenicity factor. Several other proteins, including HrpN, a critical virulence factor, are also secreted by the T3SS. Using a CyaA reporter system, we demonstrated that DspA/E is translocated into the cells of Nicotiana tabacum'Xanthi'. To determine if other T3-secreted proteins are needed for translocation of DspA/E, we examined its translocation in several mutants of E. amylovora strain Ea321. DspA/E was translocated by both hrpW and hrpK mutants, although with some delay, indicating that these two proteins are dispensable in the translocation of DspA/E. Remarkably, translocation of DspA/E was essentially abolished in both hrpN and hrpJ mutants; however, secretion of DspA/E into medium was not affected in any of the mentioned mutants. In contrast to the more virulent strain Ea273, secretion of HrpN was abolished in a hrpJ mutant of strain Ea321. In addition, HrpN was weakly translocated into plant cytoplasm. These results suggest that HrpN plays a significant role in the translocation of DspA/E, and HrpJ affects the translocation of DspA/E by affecting secretion or stability of HrpN. Taken together, these results explain the critical importance of HrpN and HrpJ to the development of fire blight.

The TpsB translocator HMW1B of haemophilus influenzae forms a large conductance channel

The Haemophilus influenzae HMW1 adhesin is secreted via the two-partner secretion pathway and requires HMW1B for translocation across the outer membrane. HMW1B belongs to the Omp85-TpsB superfamily of transporters and consists of two structural domains, a C-terminal transmembrane beta-barrel and an N-terminal periplasmic domain. We investigated the electrophysiological properties of the purified full-length HMW1B and the C-terminal domain using planar lipid bilayers. Both the full-length and the truncated proteins formed conductive pores with a low open probability, two well defined conductance states, and other substates. The kinetic patterns of the two conductance states were distinct, with rapid and frequent transitions to the small conductance state and occasional and more prolonged openings to the large conductance state. The channel formed by the full-length HMW1B showed selectivity for cations, which decreased when measured at pH 5.2, suggesting the presence of acidic residues in the pore. The C-terminal domain of HMW1B was less stable and required reconstitution into liposomes prior to insertion in the bilayer. It formed a channel of smaller conductance but a similar gating pattern as the full-length protein, demonstrating the ability of the last 312 C-terminal amino acids to form a pore and suggesting that the periplasmic domain is not involved in occluding the pore, nor in controlling the inherent basal kinetics of the channel. The HMW1 pro-piece containing the secretion domain, although binding to the channel with high affinity, did not induce channel opening.

Structures of the Shigella flexneri type 3 secretion system protein MxiC reveal conformational variability amongst homologues

Many Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria use a complex macromolecular machine, known as the type 3 secretion system (T3SS), to transfer virulence proteins into host cells. The T3SS is composed of a cytoplasmic bulb, a basal body spanning the inner and outer bacterial membranes, and an extracellular needle. Secretion is regulated by both cytoplasmic and inner membrane proteins that must respond to specific signals in order to ensure that virulence proteins are not secreted before contact with a eukaryotic cell. This negative regulation is mediated, in part, by a family of proteins that are thought to physically block the entrance to the secretion apparatus until an appropriate signal is received following host cell contact. Despite weak sequence homology between proteins of this family, the crystal structures of Shigella flexneri MxiC we present here confirm the conservation of domain topology with the homologue from Yersinia sp. Interestingly, comparison of the Shigella and Yersinia structures reveals a significant structural change that results in substantial domain re-arrangement and opening of one face of the molecule. The conservation of a negatively charged patch on this face suggests it may have a role in binding other components of the T3SS.

Secreted proteins of Uromyces fabae: similarities and stage specificity

Uromyces fabae on Vicia faba is a model system for obligate biotrophic interactions. Searching for potential effector proteins we investigated the haustorial secretome of U. fabae (biotrophic stage) and compared it with the secretome of in vitro grown infection structures, which represent the pre-biotrophic stage. Using the yeast signal sequence trap method we identified 62 genes encoding proteins secreted from haustoria and 42 genes encoding proteins secreted from in vitro grown infection structures. Four of these genes were identical in both libraries, giving a total of 100 genes coding for secreted proteins. This finding indicates a strong stage-specific regulation of protein secretion. Similarity with previously identified proteins was found for 39 of the sequences analysed, 28 of which showed similarity to proteins identified among members of the order Uredinales only. This might be taken as an indication for possible roles in virulence and host specificity unique to the Uredinales.

Modelling of the regulation of the hilA promoter of type three secretion system of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

One of the most common modes of secretion of toxins in gram-negative bacteria is via the type three secretion system (TTSS), which enables the toxins to be specifically exported into the host cell. The hilA gene product is a key regulator of the expression of the TTSS located on the pathogenicity island (SPI-1) of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. It has been proposed earlier that the regulation of HilA expression is via a complex feedforward loop involving the transactivators HilD, HilC and RtsA. In this paper, we have constructed a mathematical model of regulation of hilA-promoter by all the three activators using two feedforward loops. We have modified the model to include additional complexities in regulation such as the proposed positive feedback and cross regulations of the three transactivators. Results of the various models indicate that the basic model involving two Type I coherent feedforward loops with an OR gate is sufficient to explain the published experimental observations. We also discuss two scenarios where the regulation can occur via monomers or heterodimers of the transactivators and propose experiments that can be performed to distinguish the two modes of regulator function.

Listeriolysin O secreted by Listeria monocytogenes into the host cell cytosol is degraded by the N-end rule pathway

The intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes escapes from a phagosomal compartment into the cytosol by secreting the pore-forming cytolysin listeriolysin O (LLO). During the proliferation of L. monocytogenes bacteria in the mammalian cell cytosol, the secreted LLO is targeted for degradation by the ubiquitin system. We report here that LLO is a substrate of the ubiquitin-dependent N-end rule pathway, which recognizes LLO through its N-terminal Lys residue. Specifically, we demonstrated by reverse-genetic and pharmacological methods that LLO was targeted for degradation by the N-end rule pathway in reticulocyte extracts and mouse NIH 3T3 cells and after its secretion by intracellular bacteria into the mouse cell cytosol. Replacing the N-terminal Lys of LLO with a stabilizing residue such as Val increased the in vivo half-life of LLO but did not strongly affect the intracellular growth or virulence of L. monocytogenes. Nevertheless, this replacement decreased the virulence of L. monocytogenes by nearly twofold, suggesting that a destabilizing N-terminal residue of LLO may stem from positive selection during the evolution of this and related bacteria. A double mutant strain of L. monocytogenes in which upregulated secretion of LLO was combined with a stabilizing N-terminal residue was severely toxic to infected mammalian cells, resulting in reduced intracellular growth of bacteria and an approximately 100-fold-lower level of virulence. In summary, we showed that LLO is degraded by the N-end rule pathway and that the degradation of LLO can reduce the toxicity of L. monocytogenes during infection, a property of LLO that may have been selected for its positive effects on fitness during the evolution of L. monocytogenes.

A functional two-partner secretion system contributes to adhesion of Neisseria meningitidis to epithelial cells

Neisseria meningitidis is a frequent commensal of the human nasopharynx causing severe invasive infections in rare cases. A functional two-partner secretion (TPS) system in N. meningitidis, composed of the secreted effector protein HrpA and its cognate transporter HrpB, is identified and characterized in this study. Although all meningococcal strains harbor at least one TPS system, the hrpA genes display significant C-terminal sequence variation. Meningococcal genes encoding the TPS effector proteins and their transporters are closely associated and transcribed into a single mRNA. HrpA proteins are translocated across the meningococcal outer membrane by their cognate transporters HrpB and mainly released into the environment. During this process, HrpA is proteolytically processed to a mature 180-kDa form. In contrast to other known TPS systems, immature HrpA proteins are stable in the absence of HrpB and accumulate within the bacterial cell. A small percentage of mature HrpA remains associated with the bacteria and contributes to the interaction of meningococci with epithelial cells.

The role of the inflammasome in cellular responses to toxins and bacterial effectors

Invading pathogens are recognized by mammalian cells through dedicated receptors found either at the cell surface or in the cytoplasm. These receptors, like the trans-membrane Toll-like Receptors (TLR) or the cytosolic Nod-like Receptors (NLR), initiate innate immunity after recognition of molecular patterns found in bacteria or viruses, such as LPS, flagellin, or double-stranded RNA. Recognition of molecules produced only by a specific pathogen, such as a viral envelop protein or a bacterial adhesin does not appear to occur. Bacterial protein toxins, however, might compose an intermediate class. Considering the diversity of toxins in terms of structure, it is unlikely that cells respond to them via specific molecular recognition. It rather appears that different classes of toxins trigger cellular changes that are sensed by the cells as danger signals, such as changes in cellular ion composition after membrane perforation by pore-forming toxins or type III secretion systems. The signaling pathways triggered through toxin-induced cell alterations will likely play a role in modulating host responses to virulent bacteria. We will here describe the few studied cases in which detection of the toxin by the host cell was addressed. The review will include not only toxins but also bacteria effectors secreted by the bacterium in to the host cell cytoplasm.

Solution Structure and Dynamics of the N-terminal Cytosolic Domain of Rhomboid Intramembrane Protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Insights into a Functional Role in Intramembrane Proteolysis

Rhomboids are ubiquitous integral membrane proteases that release cellular signals from membrane-bound substrates through a general signal transduction mechanism known as regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). We present the NMR structure of the cytosolic N-terminal domain (NRho) of P. aeruginosa Rhomboid. NRho consists of a novel alpha/beta fold and represents the first detailed structural insight into this class of intramembrane proteases. We find evidence that NRho is capable of strong and specific association with detergent micelles that mimic the membrane/water interface. Relaxation measurements on NRho reveal structural fluctuations on the microseconds-milliseconds timescale in regions including and contiguous to those implicated in membrane interaction. This structural plasticity may facilitate the ability of NRho to recognize and associate with membranes. We suggest that NRho plays a role in scissile peptide bond selectivity by optimally positioning the Rhomboid active site relative to the membrane plane.

Thermo-responsive expression and differential secretion of the extracellular enzyme levansucrase in the plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea

In the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, production of the exopolysaccharide levan is mediated by extracellular levansucrase (Lsc), which is encoded by two functional genes, lscB and lscC. Comparison of extracellular protein profiles of P. syringae pv. glycinea PG4180 grown at 18 and 28 degrees C and Western blots revealed that Lsc was predominantly found in the supernatant at 18 degrees C, a temperature fostering virulence of this pathogen. Northern blot analysis indicated that transcription of lscB and lscC was temperature-dependent. Quantification of Lsc in supernatants and cellular protein samples of mutants defective in either lscB or lscC confirmed that LscB secretion at low temperature was due to a combination of thermo-regulated transcription and secretion. In contrast, LscC accumulated in the periplasmic space. LscB and LscC differ in only five amino acid residues, one of which is a cysteine residue. Temperature shift experiments suggested that de novo synthesized protein(s) at 18 degrees C might be responsible for differential LscB secretion and that the presumed secretory machinery was stable when cells were shifted to 28 degrees C. Our results imply that Lsc export and secretion may occur by yet-to-be identified novel mechanism(s).

OspF and OspC1 are Shigella flexneri type III secretion system effectors that are required for postinvasion aspects of virulence

Shigella flexneri is the causative agent of dysentery, and its pathogenesis is mediated by a type III secretion system (T3SS). S. flexneri secretes effector proteins into the eukaryotic cell via the T3SS, and these proteins usurp host cellular functions to the benefit of the bacteria. OspF and OspC1 are known to be secreted by S. flexneri, but their functions are unknown. We transformed S. flexneri with a plasmid that expresses a two-hemagglutinin tag (2HA) in frame with OspF or OspC1 and verified that these proteins are secreted in a T3SS-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence of HeLa cells infected with S. flexneri expressing OspF-2HA or OspC1-2HA revealed that both proteins localize in the nucleus and cytoplasm of host cells. To elucidate the function of these T3SS effectors, we constructed DeltaospF and DeltaospC1 deletion mutants by allelic exchange. We found that DeltaospF and DeltaospC1 mutants invade host cells and form plaques in confluent monolayers similar to wild-type S. flexneri. However, in the polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell migration assay, a decrease in neutrophil migration was observed for both mutants in comparison to the migration of wild-type bacteria. Moreover, infection of polarized T84 intestinal cells infected with DeltaospF and DeltaospC1 mutants resulted in decreased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in comparison to that of T84 cells infected with wild-type S. flexneri. To date, these are the first examples of T3SS effectors implicated in mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway activation. Ultimately, OspF and OspC1 are essential for PMN transepithelial migration, a phenotype associated with increased inflammation and bacterial access to the submucosa, which are fundamental aspects of S. flexneri pathogenesis.

Measurement of effector protein injection by type III and type IV secretion systems by using a 13-residue phosphorylatable glycogen synthase kinase tag

Numerous bacterial pathogens use type III secretion systems (T3SSs) or T4SSs to inject or translocate virulence proteins into eukaryotic cells. Several different reporter systems have been developed to measure the translocation of these proteins. In this study, a peptide tag-based reporter system was developed and used to monitor the injection of T3S and T4S substrates. The glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) tag is a 13-residue phosphorylatable peptide tag derived from the human GSK-3beta kinase. Translocation of a GSK-tagged protein into a eukaryotic cell results in host cell protein kinase-dependent phosphorylation of the tag, which can be detected with phosphospecific GSK-3beta antibodies. A series of expression plasmids encoding Yop-GSK fusion proteins were constructed to evaluate the ability of the GSK tag to measure the injection of Yops by the Yersinia pestis T3SS. GSK-tagged YopE, YopH, LcrQ, YopK, YopN, and YopJ were efficiently phosphorylated when translocated into HeLa cells. Similarly, the injection of GSK-CagA by the Helicobacter pylori T4SS into different cell types was measured via phosphorylation of the GSK tag. The GSK tag provides a simple method to monitor the translocation of T3S and T4S substrates.

Caspase-1 activation of lipid metabolic pathways in response to bacterial pore-forming toxins promotes cell survival

Many pathogenic organisms produce pore-forming toxins as virulence factors. Target cells however mount a response to such membrane damage. Here we show that toxin-induced membrane permeabilization leads to a decrease in cytoplasmic potassium, which promotes the formation of a multiprotein oligomeric innate immune complex, called the inflammasome, and the activation of caspase-1. Further, we find that when rendered proteolytic in this context caspase-1 induces the activation of the central regulators of membrane biogenesis, the Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins (SREBPs), which in turn promote cell survival upon toxin challenge possibly by facilitating membrane repair. This study highlights that, in addition to its well-established role in triggering inflammation via the processing of the precursor forms of interleukins, caspase-1 has a broader role, in particular linking the intracellular ion composition to lipid metabolic pathways, membrane biogenesis, and survival.

Mutations in the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type III secretion system needle protein, YscF, that specifically abrogate effector translocation into host cells

The trafficking of effectors, termed Yops, from Yersinia spp. into host cells is a multistep process that requires the type III secretion system (TTSS). The TTSS has three main structural parts: a base, a needle, and a translocon, which work together to ensure the polarized movement of Yops directly from the bacterial cytosol into the host cell cytosol. To understand the interactions that take place at the interface between the tip of the TTSS needle and the translocon, we developed a screen to identify mutations in the needle protein YscF that separated its function in secretion from its role in translocation. We identified 25 translocation-defective (TD) yscF mutants, which fall into five phenotypic classes. Some classes exhibit aberrant needle structure and/or reduced levels of Yop secretion, consistent with known functions for YscF. Strikingly, two yscF TD classes formed needles and secreted Yops normally but displayed distinct translocation defects. Class I yscF TD mutants showed diminished pore formation, suggesting incomplete pore insertion and/or assembly. Class II yscF TD mutants formed pores but showed nonpolar translocation, suggesting unstable needle-translocon interactions. These results indicate that YscF functions in Yop secretion and translocation can be genetically separated. Furthermore, the identification of YscF residues that are required for the assembly of the translocon and/or productive interactions with the translocon has allowed us to initiate the mapping of the needle-translocon interface.

Flipping the switch: bringing order to flagellar assembly

The bacterial flagellum is a complex self-assembling nanomachine that contains its own type III protein export apparatus. Upon completion of early flagellar structure, this apparatus switches substrate specificity to export late structural subunits, thereby coupling sequential flagellar gene expression with flagellar assembly. The switch is achieved by a conformational change of the export apparatus component FlhB driven by the flagellar hook-length control protein FliK. Two basic models of FliK- and FlhB-based switching are currently being pursued, together with the investigation of another factor, Flk, which prevents premature export of late substrates. Here, we review in detail each of these three export switch components and present the current understanding of how they work in concert in the making of a flagellum.

Chlamydial type III secretion system is encoded on ten operons preceded by sigma 70-like promoter elements

Many gram-negative bacterial pathogens employ type III secretion systems for infectious processes. Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that encode a conserved type III secretion system that is likely requisite for growth. Typically, genes encoding type III secretion systems are located in a single locus; however, for chlamydiae these genes are scattered throughout the genome. Little is known regarding the gene regulatory mechanisms for this essential virulence determinant. To facilitate identification of cis-acting transcriptional regulatory elements, the operon structure was determined. This analysis revealed 10 operons that contained 37 genes associated with the type III secretion system. Linkage within these operons suggests a role in type III secretion for each of these genes, including 13 genes encoding proteins with unknown function. The transcriptional start site for each operon was determined. In conjunction with promoter activity assays, this analysis revealed that the type III secretion system operons encode sigma(70)-like promoter elements. Transcriptional initiation by a sigma factor responsible for constitutive gene expression indicates that undefined activators or repressors regulate developmental stage-specific expression of chlamydial type III secretion system genes.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III-secreted toxin ExoT inhibits host-cell division by targeting cytokinesis at multiple steps

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that requires preexisiting epithelial injury to cause acute infections. We report that P. aeruginosa inhibits mammalian cytokinesis in a type III secretion system and exotoxin T (ExoT)-dependent manner. ExoT is a bifunctional type III secretion system effector protein that contains an N-terminal GTPase-activating protein domain and a C-terminal ADP-ribosyl transferase domain. Each of its domains inhibits cytokinesis in a kinetically, morphologically, and mechanistically distinct manner. The GTPase-activating protein-mediated inhibition of cytokinesis occurs early, likely as a consequence of its inhibitory effect on RhoA. The ADP-ribosyl transferase domain inhibits late steps of cytokinesis by blocking syntaxin-2 localization to the midbody, an event essential for completion of cytokinesis. These findings provide an example of a bacterial pathogen targeting cytokinesis.

Characterization of the type III export signal of the flagellar hook scaffolding protein FlgD of Escherichia coli

Transport of flagellar structural proteins beyond the cytoplasmic membrane is accomplished by a type III secretory pathway [flagellar type III secretion system (fTTSS)]. The mechanism of substrate recognition by the fTTSS is still enigmatic. Using the hook scaffolding protein FlgD of Escherichia coli as a model substrate, it is demonstrated that the export signal is contained within the N-terminal 71 amino acids of FlgD. Analysis of frame-shift mutations and alterations of the nucleotide sequence suggest a proteinaceous nature of the signal. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of the first about eight amino acids are crucial for export.