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Schulz LM, Konrath A, Rismondo J. Characterisation of the growth behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes in Listeria synthetic media. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 15:669-683. [PMID: 37864319 PMCID: PMC10667646 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can grow in a wide range of environmental conditions. For the study of the physiology of this organism, several chemically defined media have been developed over the past decades. Here, we examined the ability of L. monocytogenes wildtype strains EGD-e and 10403S to grow under salt and pH stress in Listeria synthetic medium (LSM). Furthermore, we determined that a wide range of carbon sources could support the growth of both wildtype strains in LSM. However, for hexose phosphate sugars such as glucose-1-phosphate, both L. monocytogenes strains need to be pre-grown under conditions, where the major virulence regulator PrfA is active. In addition, growth of both L. monocytogenes strains was observed when LSM was supplemented with the amino acid sugar N-acetylmannosamine (ManNAc). We were able to show that some of the proteins encoded in the operon lmo2795-nanE, such as the ManNAc-6-phosphate epimerase NanE, are required for growth in the presence of ManNAc. The first gene of the operon, lmo2795, encodes a transcriptional regulator of the RpiR family. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and quantitative real-time PCR analysis, we were able to show that Lmo2795 binds to the promoter region of the operon lmo2795-nanE and activates its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Maria Schulz
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and GeneticsGZMB, Georg‐August University GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Alicia Konrath
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and GeneticsGZMB, Georg‐August University GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Jeanine Rismondo
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and GeneticsGZMB, Georg‐August University GöttingenGöttingenGermany
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2
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Schulz LM, Dreier F, de Sousa Miranda LM, Rismondo J. Adaptation mechanisms of Listeria monocytogenes to quaternary ammonium compounds. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0144123. [PMID: 37695041 PMCID: PMC10580936 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01441-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is ubiquitously found in nature and can easily enter food-processing facilities due to contaminations of raw materials. Several countermeasures are used to combat contamination of food products, for instance, the use of disinfectants that contain quaternary ammonium compounds, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). In this study, we assessed the potential of the commonly used wild-type strain EGD-e to adapt to BAC and CTAB under laboratory growth conditions. All BAC-tolerant suppressors exclusively carried mutations in fepR, encoding a TetR-like transcriptional regulator, or its promoter region, likely resulting in the overproduction of the efflux pump FepA. In contrast, CTAB tolerance was associated with mutations in sugR, which regulates the expression of the efflux pumps SugE1 and SugE2. L. monocytogenes strains lacking either FepA or SugE1/2 could still acquire tolerance toward BAC and CTAB. Genomic analysis revealed that the overproduction of the remaining efflux system could compensate for the deleted one, and even in the absence of both efflux systems, tolerant strains could be isolated, which all carried mutations in the diacylglycerol kinase-encoding gene lmo1753 (dgkB). DgkB converts diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid, which is subsequently reused for the synthesis of phospholipids, suggesting that alterations in membrane composition could be the third adaptation mechanism. IMPORTANCE Survival and proliferation of Listeria monocytogenes in the food industry are ongoing concerns, and while there are various countermeasures to combat contamination of food products, the pathogen still successfully manages to withstand the harsh conditions present in food-processing facilities, resulting in reoccurring outbreaks, subsequent infection, and disease. To counteract the spread of L. monocytogenes, it is crucial to understand and elucidate the underlying mechanism that permits their successful evasion. We present various adaptation mechanisms of L. monocytogenes to withstand two important quaternary ammonium compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Maria Schulz
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Fabienne Dreier
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie de Sousa Miranda
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jeanine Rismondo
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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3
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Gangwal A, Kumar N, Sangwan N, Dhasmana N, Dhawan U, Sajid A, Arora G, Singh Y. Giving a signal: how protein phosphorylation helps Bacillus navigate through different life stages. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad044. [PMID: 37533212 PMCID: PMC10465088 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is a universal mechanism regulating a wide range of cellular responses across all domains of life. The antagonistic activities of kinases and phosphatases can orchestrate the life cycle of an organism. The availability of bacterial genome sequences, particularly Bacillus species, followed by proteomics and functional studies have aided in the identification of putative protein kinases and protein phosphatases, and their downstream substrates. Several studies have established the role of phosphorylation in different physiological states of Bacillus species as they pass through various life stages such as sporulation, germination, and biofilm formation. The most common phosphorylation sites in Bacillus proteins are histidine, aspartate, tyrosine, serine, threonine, and arginine residues. Protein phosphorylation can alter protein activity, structural conformation, and protein-protein interactions, ultimately affecting the downstream pathways. In this review, we summarize the knowledge available in the field of Bacillus signaling, with a focus on the role of protein phosphorylation in its physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakriti Gangwal
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Faculty of Science, Delhi- 110007, India
| | - Nishant Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Faculty of Science, Delhi- 110007, India
| | - Nitika Sangwan
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Faculty of Science, Delhi- 110007, India
- Department of Biomedical Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi-110075, India
| | - Neha Dhasmana
- School of Medicine, New York University, 550 First Avenue New York-10016, New York, United States
| | - Uma Dhawan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi-110075, India
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- 300 Cedar St, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, New Haven CT, United States
| | - Gunjan Arora
- 300 Cedar St, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, New Haven CT, United States
| | - Yogendra Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Faculty of Science, Delhi- 110007, India
- Delhi School of Public Health, Institution of Eminence, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
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Ongpipattanakul C, Desormeaux EK, DiCaprio A, van der Donk WA, Mitchell DA, Nair SK. Mechanism of Action of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-Translationally Modified Peptides. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14722-14814. [PMID: 36049139 PMCID: PMC9897510 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a natural product class that has undergone significant expansion due to the rapid growth in genome sequencing data and recognition that they are made by biosynthetic pathways that share many characteristic features. Their mode of actions cover a wide range of biological processes and include binding to membranes, receptors, enzymes, lipids, RNA, and metals as well as use as cofactors and signaling molecules. This review covers the currently known modes of action (MOA) of RiPPs. In turn, the mechanisms by which these molecules interact with their natural targets provide a rich set of molecular paradigms that can be used for the design or evolution of new or improved activities given the relative ease of engineering RiPPs. In this review, coverage is limited to RiPPs originating from bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayanid Ongpipattanakul
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Emily K. Desormeaux
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Adam DiCaprio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Wilfred A. van der Donk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Department of Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Departments of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Corresponding authors Wilfred A. van der Donk, , 217-244-5360, Douglas A. Mitchell, , 217-333-1345, Satish K. Nair, , 217-333-0641
| | - Douglas A. Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Departments of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Corresponding authors Wilfred A. van der Donk, , 217-244-5360, Douglas A. Mitchell, , 217-333-1345, Satish K. Nair, , 217-333-0641
| | - Satish K. Nair
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Departments of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Corresponding authors Wilfred A. van der Donk, , 217-244-5360, Douglas A. Mitchell, , 217-333-1345, Satish K. Nair, , 217-333-0641
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RclS Sensor Kinase Modulates Virulence of Pseudomonas capeferrum. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158232. [PMID: 35897798 PMCID: PMC9331949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction systems are the key players of bacterial adaptation and survival. The orthodox two-component signal transduction systems perceive diverse environmental stimuli and their regulatory response leads to cellular changes. Although rarely described, the unorthodox three-component systems are also implemented in the regulation of major bacterial behavior such as the virulence of clinically relevant pathogen P. aeruginosa. Previously, we described a novel three-component system in P. capeferrum WCS358 (RclSAR) where the sensor kinase RclS stimulates the intI1 transcription in stationary growth phase. In this study, using rclS knock-out mutant, we identified RclSAR regulon in P. capeferrum WCS358. The RNA sequencing revealed that activity of RclSAR signal transduction system is growth phase dependent with more pronounced regulatory potential in early stages of growth. Transcriptional analysis emphasized the role of RclSAR in global regulation and indicated the involvement of this system in regulation of diverse cellular activities such as RNA binding and metabolic and biocontrol processes. Importantly, phenotypic comparison of WCS358 wild type and ΔrclS mutant showed that RclS sensor kinase contributes to modulation of antibiotic resistance, production of AHLs and siderophore as well as host cell adherence and cytotoxicity. Finally, we proposed the improved model of interplay between RclSAR, RpoS and LasIR regulatory systems in P. capeferrum WCS358.
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6
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The WalRK Two-Component System Is Essential for Proper Cell Envelope Biogenesis in Clostridioides difficile. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0012122. [PMID: 35575581 PMCID: PMC9210968 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00121-22] [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
The WalR-WalK two-component regulatory system (TCS) is found in all Firmicutes, in which it regulates the expression of multiple genes required for remodeling the cell envelope during growth and division. Unlike most TCSs, WalRK is essential for viability, so it has attracted interest as a potential antibiotic target. In this study, we used overexpression of WalR and CRISPR interference to investigate the Wal system of Clostridioides difficile, a major cause of hospital-associated diarrhea in high-income countries. We confirmed that the wal operon is essential and identified morphological defects and cell lysis as the major terminal phenotypes of altered wal expression. We also used transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify over 150 genes whose expression changes in response to WalR levels. This gene set is enriched in cell envelope genes and includes genes encoding several predicted PG hydrolases and proteins that could regulate PG hydrolase activity. A distinct feature of the C. difficile cell envelope is the presence of an S-layer, and we found that WalR affects expression of several genes which encode S-layer proteins. An unexpected finding was that some Wal-associated phenotypic defects were inverted in comparison to what has been reported for other Firmicutes. For example, downregulation of Wal signaling caused C. difficile cells to become longer rather than shorter, as in Bacillus subtilis. Likewise, downregulation of Wal rendered C. difficile more sensitive to vancomycin, whereas reduced Wal activity is linked to increased vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. IMPORTANCE The WalRK two-component system (TCS) is essential for coordinating synthesis and turnover of peptidoglycan in Firmicutes. We investigated the WalRK TCS in Clostridioides difficile, an important bacterial pathogen with an atypical cell envelope. We confirmed that WalRK is essential and regulates cell envelope biogenesis, although several of the phenotypic changes we observed were opposite to what has been reported for other Firmicutes. We also identified over 150 genes whose expression is controlled either directly or indirectly by WalR. Overall, our findings provide a foundation for future investigations of an important regulatory system and potential antibiotic target in C. difficile.
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7
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Pi H, Weiss A, Laut CL, Grunenwald CM, Lin HK, Yi XI, Stauff DL, Skaar EP. An RNA-binding protein acts as a major post-transcriptional modulator in Bacillus anthracis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1491. [PMID: 35314695 PMCID: PMC8938561 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29209-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
HitRS is a two-component system that responds to cell envelope damage in the human pathogen Bacillus anthracis. Here we identify an RNA-binding protein, KrrA, that regulates HitRS function by modulating the stability of the hitRS mRNA. In addition to hitRS, KrrA binds to over 70 RNAs and, directly or indirectly, affects the expression of over 150 genes involved in multiple processes, including genetic competence, sporulation, RNA turnover, DNA repair, transport, and cellular metabolism. KrrA does not exhibit detectable nuclease activity in vitro, and thus the mechanism by which it modulates mRNA stability remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualiang Pi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andy Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Clare L Laut
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Caroline M Grunenwald
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hannah K Lin
- Department of Biology, Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
| | - Xinjie I Yi
- Department of Biology, Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
| | - Devin L Stauff
- Department of Biology, Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
| | - Eric P Skaar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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8
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Li W, Yang L, Nan W, Lu J, Zhang S, Ujiroghene OJ, Pang X, Lv J. Whole-genome sequencing and genomic-based acid tolerance mechanisms of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LJJ. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:7631-7642. [PMID: 32715364 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10788-5] [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: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The probiotic efficacy and fermentative ability of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus), a widely used probiotic, is majorly affected by its acid tolerance. Here, we conducted whole-genome sequencing of the high acid-tolerant L. bulgaricus LJJ stored in the laboratory. Compared with the whole genome of low acid-tolerant strain L. bulgaricus ATCC11842, the results show that 16 candidate acid-tolerant genes may be involved in the regulation of the acid tolerance of L. bulgaricus LJJ. Association analysis of candidate acid-tolerant genes and acid-tolerant traits of different L. bulgaricus strains revealed that the three genes dapA, dapH, and lysC are the main reasons for the strong acid tolerance of L. bulgaricus LJJ. The results of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) supported this conclusion. KEGG pathway analysis showed that these three acid-tolerant genes are involved in the synthesis of lysine; the synthesis of lysine may confer L. bulgaricus LJJ strong acid tolerance. This study successfully revealed the acid tolerance mechanism of L. bulgaricus LJJ and provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent selection of strains with high acid tolerance for improved probiotic functions. KEY POINTS: • Three genes are identified as acid-tolerant genes, respectively, lysC, dapA, and dapH. • LysC and dapA are the major key genes in the synthesis of lysine. • The synthesis of lysine may confer L. bulgaricus LJJ strong acid tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixun Li
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wenlong Nan
- China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, 266032, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Obaroakpo Joy Ujiroghene
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Xiaoyang Pang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Jiaping Lv
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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9
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Cambronel M, Nilly F, Mesguida O, Boukerb AM, Racine PJ, Baccouri O, Borrel V, Martel J, Fécamp F, Knowlton R, Zimmermann K, Domann E, Rodrigues S, Feuilloley M, Connil N. Influence of Catecholamines (Epinephrine/Norepinephrine) on Biofilm Formation and Adhesion in Pathogenic and Probiotic Strains of Enterococcus faecalis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1501. [PMID: 32849320 PMCID: PMC7396564 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis has controversial status due to its emerging role in nosocomial infections, while some strains with beneficial effects are used as probiotics and starter cultures in dairy industry. These bacteria can be found as resident or transient germs in the gut or on skin, where they are continually exposed to various eukaryotic molecules. In this context, the aim of our work was to evaluate the effect of the catecholamine stress hormones, epinephrine (Epi), and norepinephrine (NE) on some Enterococcus strains. Four E. faecalis strains were included in this study: E. faecalis MMH594 and E. faecalis V583, pathogenic strains of clinical origin, E. faecalis Symbioflor 1 clone DSM 16431, a pharmaceutical probiotic, and E. faecalis OB15, a probiotic strain previously isolated from Tunisian rigouta (Baccouri et al., 2019). Epi was found to modulate the formation of biofilm (biovolume and thickness) in E. faecalis, whether pathogens or probiotics. NE had less effect on biofilm formation of these bacteria. We also investigated the effect of Epi and NE on adhesion of E. faecalis to eukaryotic cells as it is the first step of colonization of the host. Epi was found to significantly enhance the adhesion of MMH594 and OB15 to Caco-2/TC7 intestinal cells and HaCaT keratinocyte cells, whereas NE significantly increased the adhesion of V583 and Symbioflor 1 DSM 16431 to Caco-2/TC7 cells, the adhesion of MMH594, Symbioflor 1 DSM 16431, and OB15 to HaCaT cells. Analysis of a putative adrenergic sensor of Epi/NE in E. faecalis, compared to QseC, the Escherichia coli adrenergic receptor, allowed the identification of VicK as the nearest protein to QseC with 29% identity and 46% similarity values. Structure modeling and molecular docking of VicK corroborated the hypothesis of possible interactions of this putative adrenergic sensor with Epi and NE, with binding energies of -4.08 and -4.49 kcal/mol, respectively. In conclusion, this study showed for the first time that stress hormones could increase biofilm formation and adhesion to eukaryotic cells in E. faecalis. Future experiments will aim to confirm by in vivo studies the role of VicK as adrenergic sensor in E. faecalis probiotic and pathogen strains. This may help to develop new strategies of antagonism/competition in the gut or skin ecological niches, and to prevent the colonization by opportunistic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélyssa Cambronel
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Flore Nilly
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Ouiza Mesguida
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Amine Mohamed Boukerb
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Pierre-Jean Racine
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Olfa Baccouri
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Bioactive Molecules, National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Valérie Borrel
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Jérome Martel
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Florian Fécamp
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Rikki Knowlton
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | | | - Eugen Domann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, German Centre for Infection Research, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sophie Rodrigues
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Marc Feuilloley
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
| | - Nathalie Connil
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement EA 4312, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Évreux, France
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10
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Laut CL, Perry WJ, Metzger AL, Weiss A, Stauff DL, Walker S, Caprioli RM, Skaar EP. Bacillus anthracis Responds to Targocil-Induced Envelope Damage through EdsRS Activation of Cardiolipin Synthesis. mBio 2020; 11:e03375-19. [PMID: 32234818 PMCID: PMC7157781 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03375-19] [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: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming bacterium that causes devastating infections and has been used as a bioterror agent. This pathogen can survive hostile environments through the signaling activity of two-component systems, which couple environmental sensing with transcriptional activation to initiate a coordinated response to stress. In this work, we describe the identification of a two-component system, EdsRS, which mediates the B. anthracis response to the antimicrobial compound targocil. Targocil is a cell envelope-targeting compound that is toxic to B. anthracis at high concentrations. Exposure to targocil causes damage to the cellular barrier and activates EdsRS to induce expression of a previously uncharacterized cardiolipin synthase, which we have named ClsT. Both EdsRS and ClsT are required for protection against targocil-dependent damage. Induction of clsT by EdsRS during targocil treatment results in an increase in cardiolipin levels, which protects B. anthracis from envelope damage. Together, these results reveal that a two-component system signaling response to an envelope-targeting antimicrobial induces production of a phospholipid associated with stabilization of the membrane. Cardiolipin is then used to repair envelope damage and promote B. anthracis viability.IMPORTANCE Compromising the integrity of the bacterial cell barrier is a common action of antimicrobials. Targocil is an antimicrobial that is active against the bacterial envelope. We hypothesized that Bacillus anthracis, a potential weapon of bioterror, senses and responds to targocil to alleviate targocil-dependent cell damage. Here, we show that targocil treatment increases the permeability of the cellular envelope and is particularly toxic to B. anthracis spores during outgrowth. In vegetative cells, two-component system signaling through EdsRS is activated by targocil. This results in an increase in the production of cardiolipin via a cardiolipin synthase, ClsT, which restores the loss of barrier function, thereby reducing the effectiveness of targocil. By elucidating the B. anthracis response to targocil, we have uncovered an intrinsic mechanism that this pathogen employs to resist toxicity and have revealed therapeutic targets that are important for bacterial defense against structural damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Laut
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - William J Perry
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Andy Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Devin L Stauff
- Department of Biology, Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Suzanne Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard M Caprioli
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Eric P Skaar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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11
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Wu X, Song Q, Han A. Interacting proteins of the essential two-component system YycFG in Bacillus subtilis. J Basic Microbiol 2019; 59:950-959. [PMID: 31339578 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201800701] [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] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) play a major role in adaption and survival of microorganisms in a dynamic and sometimes dangerous environment. YycFG is an essential TCS for many Gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, which regulates many important biological processes. However, its functional essentiality remains largely unknown. Here, we report several YycFG interacting proteins through coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. We engineered the B. subtilis genome by a knock-in approach to express YycG with a C-terminal Flag and YycF with an N-terminal HA tag. Immunoprecipitated fractions using anti-Flag or anti-HA agarose were subjected to MS analyses. A total of 41 YycG interacting proteins and four YycF interacting proteins were identified, most of which are involved in cellular metabolic processes, including cell wall synthesis and modification. The interactions of YycG with AsnB and FabL, as examples, were further validated in vitro. This study provided a clue that YycFG may be directly involved in regulation of bacterial central metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, China
| | - Qi Song
- State Key Laboratory for Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, China
| | - Aidong Han
- State Key Laboratory for Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an, Xiamen, China
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12
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Bicalho Nogueira G, Dos Santos LV, de Queiroz CB, Ribeiro Corrêa TL, Pedrozo Menicucci R, Soares Bazzolli DM, de Araújo EF, de Queiroz MV. The histidine kinase slnCl1 of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum as a pathogenicity factor against Phaseolus vulgaris L. Microbiol Res 2018; 219:110-122. [PMID: 30642461 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, the causal agent of anthracnose, is responsible for significant damage in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Unraveling the genetic mechanisms involved in the plant/pathogen interaction is a powerful approach for devising efficient methods to control this disease. In the present study, we employed the Restriction Enzyme-Mediated Integration (REMI) methodology to identify the gene slnCl1, encoding a histidine kinase protein, as involved in pathogenicity. The mutant strain, MutCl1, generated by REMI, showed an insertion in the slnCl1 gene, deficiency of the production and melanization of appressoria, as well as the absence of pathogenicity on bean leaves when compared with the wild-type strain. The slnCl1 gene encodes a histidine kinase class IV called SlnCl1 showing identity of 97% and 83% with histidine kinases from Colletotrichum orbiculare and Colletotrichum gloesporioides, respectively. RNA interference was used for silencing the histidine kinase gene and confirm slnCl1 as a pathogenicity factor. Furthermore, we identified four major genes involved in the RNA interference-mediated gene silencing in Colletotrichum spp. and demonstrated the functionality of this process in C. lindemuthianum. Silencing of the EGFP reporter gene and slnCl1 were demonstrated using qPCR. This work reports for the first time the isolation and characterization of a HK in C. lindemuthianum and the occurrence of gene silencing mediated by RNA interference in this organism, demonstrating its potential use in the functional characterization of pathogenicity genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Bicalho Nogueira
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Fungos (LGMF)/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP: 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Leandro Vieira Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Fungos (LGMF)/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP: 36570-900, Brazil; Brazilian Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory (CTBE), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Casley Borges de Queiroz
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Fungos (LGMF)/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP: 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Thamy Lívia Ribeiro Corrêa
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Fungos (LGMF)/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP: 36570-900, Brazil; Brazilian Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory (CTBE), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato Pedrozo Menicucci
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Fungos (LGMF)/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP: 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Denise Mara Soares Bazzolli
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Fungos (LGMF)/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP: 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Elza Fernandes de Araújo
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Fungos (LGMF)/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP: 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Marisa Vieira de Queiroz
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Fungos (LGMF)/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP: 36570-900, Brazil.
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13
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Gupta V, Jain K, Garg R, Malik A, Gulati P, Bhatnagar R. Characterization of a two component system, Bas1213-1214, important for oxidative stress in Bacillus anthracis. J Cell Biochem 2018. [PMID: 29537101 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbial colonization is an outcome of appropriate sensing and regulation of its gene expression. Bacillus anthracis adapts and thrives in its environment through complex regulatory mechanisms, among them, the two component systems (TCS). Many bacteria respond to the oxygen fluctuations via TCS. In the present work, a previously uncharacterized TCS, Bas1213-1214, of B. anthracis with a probable role in oxygen sensing has been characterized as a functional TCS. A substantial increase in the expression of Bas1213 was observed during the stationary growth phase, in presence of bicarbonate ions, and under oxidative stress thereby speculating the role of Bas1213 in toxin production and adaptive responses. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and ANS assay highlighted autoregulation of the system. Identification of Bas1213 regulon further suggested its regulatory function in metabolism and adaptive responses. A marked reduction in sporulation was observed on overexpression of Bas1213 in B. anthracis which can be correlated with the augmented expression of sporulation kinase D. Additionally, Bas1213 was shown to regulate catalase, and ABC transporter (mntH) further implicating its essential role during oxidative stress. Finally, crucial residues involved in the DNA binding activity of Bas1213 were also identified. This study reports that the role of Bas1213-1214 in the regulation of metabolism and adaptive responses during oxidative stress. Both sporulation and response to environmental oxygen are important for the maintenance of B. anthracis lifecycle, therefore, characterization of Bas1213-1214 provides a step closer toward understanding the regulatory network governing in B. anthracis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vatika Gupta
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Medical Microbiology and Bioprocess Technology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Kanika Jain
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajni Garg
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, India
| | - Anshu Malik
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Pooja Gulati
- Medical Microbiology and Bioprocess Technology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Rakesh Bhatnagar
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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14
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Takada H, Yoshikawa H. Essentiality and function of WalK/WalR two-component system: the past, present, and future of research. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2018. [PMID: 29514560 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1444466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The WalK/WalR two-component system (TCS), originally identified in Bacillus subtilis, is very highly conserved in gram-positive bacteria, including several important pathogens. The WalK/WalR TCS appears to be involved in the growth of most bacterial species encoding it. Previous studies have indicated conserved functions of this system, defining this signal transduction pathway as a crucial regulatory system for cell wall metabolism. Because of such effects on essential functions, this system is considered a potential target for anti-infective therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the role of WalK/WalR TCS in different bacterial cells, focusing on the function of the genes in its regulon as well as the variations in walRK operon structure, its auxiliary proteins, and the composition of its regulon. We also discuss recent experimental data addressing its essential function and the potential type of signal being sensed by B. subtilis. This review also focuses on the potential future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiraku Takada
- Department of Life Science and Research Center for Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Takada H, Shiwa Y, Takino Y, Osaka N, Ueda S, Watanabe S, Chibazakura T, Su'etsugu M, Utsumi R, Yoshikawa H. Essentiality of WalRK for growth in Bacillus subtilis and its role during heat stress. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2018; 164:670-684. [PMID: 29465029 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
WalRK is an essential two-component signal transduction system that plays a central role in coordinating cell wall synthesis and cell growth in Bacillus subtilis. However, the physiological role of WalRK and its essentiality for growth have not been elucidated. We investigated the behaviour of WalRK during heat stress and its essentiality for cell proliferation. We determined that the inactivation of the walHI genes which encode the negative modulator of WalK, resulted in growth defects and eventual cell lysis at high temperatures. Screening of suppressor mutations revealed that the inactivation of LytE, an dl-endopeptidase, restored the growth of the ΔwalHI mutant at high temperatures. Suppressor mutations that reduced heat induction arising from the walRK regulon were also mapped to the walK ORF. Therefore, we hypothesized that overactivation of LytE affects the phenotype of the ΔwalHI mutant. This hypothesis was corroborated by the overexpression of the negative regulator of LytE, IseA and PdaC, which rescued the growth of the ΔwalHI mutant at high temperatures. Elucidating the cause of the temperature sensitivity of the ΔwalHI mutant could explain the essentiality of WalRK. We proved that the constitutive expression of lytE or cwlO using a synthetic promoter uncouples these expressions from WalRK, and renders WalRK nonessential in the pdaC and iseA mutant backgrounds. We propose that the essentiality of WalRK is derived from the coordination of cell wall metabolism with cell growth by regulating dl-endopeptidase activity under various growth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiraku Takada
- Department of Life Science and Research Center for Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan.,Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Yuh Shiwa
- Genome Research Center, NODAI Research Institute, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Yuta Takino
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Natsuki Osaka
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Shuhei Ueda
- Department of Advanced Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, 3327-204 Nakamachi, Nara-shi, Nara 631-8505, Japan
| | - Satoru Watanabe
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Taku Chibazakura
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Masayuki Su'etsugu
- Department of Life Science and Research Center for Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Utsumi
- Department of Advanced Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, 3327-204 Nakamachi, Nara-shi, Nara 631-8505, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yoshikawa
- Genome Research Center, NODAI Research Institute, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan.,Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
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16
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Xu T, Wu Y, Lin Z, Bertram R, Götz F, Zhang Y, Qu D. Identification of Genes Controlled by the Essential YycFG Two-Component System Reveals a Role for Biofilm Modulation in Staphylococcus epidermidis. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:724. [PMID: 28491057 PMCID: PMC5405149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms play a crucial role in the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus epidermidis, while little is known about whether the essential YycFG two-component signal transduction system (TCS) is involved in biofilm formation. We used antisense RNA (asRNA) to silence the yycFG TCS in order to study its regulatory functions in S. epidermidis. Strain 1457 expressing asRNAyycF exhibited a significant delay (~4–5 h) in entry to log phase, which was partially complemented by overexpressing ssaA. The expression of asRNAyycF and asRNAyycG resulted in a 68 and 50% decrease in biofilm formation at 6 h, respectively, while they had no significant inhibitory effect on 12 h biofilm formation. The expression of asRNAyycF led to a ~5-fold increase in polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA) production, but it did not affect the expression of accumulation-associated protein (Aap) or the release of extracellular DNA. Consistently, quantitative real-time PCR showed that silencing yycF resulted in an increased transcription of biofilm-related genes, including icaA, arlR, sarA, sarX, and sbp. An in silico search of the YycF regulon for the conserved YycF recognition pattern and a modified motif in S. epidermidis, along with additional gel shift and DNase I footprinting assays, showed that arlR, sarA, sarX, and icaA are directly regulated by YycF. Our data suggests that YycFG modulates S. epidermidis biofilm formation in an ica-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Ralph Bertram
- Klinikum Nürnberg Medical School GmbH, Research Department, Paracelsus Medical UniversityNuremberg, Germany.,Department of Microbial Genetics, Faculty of Science, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Götz
- Department of Microbial Genetics, Faculty of Science, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan UniversityShanghai, China.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - Di Qu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
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17
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Dhiman A, Rahi A, Gopalani M, Bajpai S, Bhatnagar S, Bhatnagar R. Role of the recognition helix of response regulator WalR from Bacillus anthracis in DNA binding and specificity. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 96:257-264. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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18
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Aggarwal S, Somani VK, Gupta V, Kaur J, Singh D, Grover A, Bhatnagar R. Functional characterization of PhoPR two component system and its implication in regulating phosphate homeostasis in Bacillus anthracis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:2956-2970. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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19
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Sharma AK, Arora D, Singh LK, Gangwal A, Sajid A, Molle V, Singh Y, Nandicoori VK. Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatase PstP of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Is Necessary for Accurate Cell Division and Survival of Pathogen. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:24215-24230. [PMID: 27758870 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.754531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatases play vital roles in phosphorylation-mediated cellular signaling. Although there are 11 serine/threonine protein kinases in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, only one serine/threonine phosphatase, PstP, has been identified. Although PstP has been biochemically characterized and multiple in vitro substrates have been identified, its physiological role has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we have investigated the impact of PstP on cell growth and survival of the pathogen in the host. Overexpression of PstP led to elongated cells and partially compromised survival. We find that depletion of PstP is detrimental to cell survival, eventually leading to cell death. PstP depletion results in elongated multiseptate cells, suggesting a role for PstP in regulating cell division events. Complementation experiments performed with PstP deletion mutants revealed marginally compromised survival, suggesting that all of the domains, including the extracellular domain, are necessary for complete rescue. On the other hand, the catalytic activity of PstP is absolutely essential for the in vitro growth. Mice infection experiments establish a definitive role for PstP in pathogen survival within the host. Depletion of PstP from established infections causes pathogen clearance, indicating that the continued presence of PstP is necessary for pathogen survival. Taken together, our data suggest an important role for PstP in establishing and maintaining infection, possibly via the modulation of cell division events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Sharma
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi-110007, India.,the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IGIB, Delhi-110025, India
| | - Divya Arora
- From the National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Lalit K Singh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi-110007, India
| | - Aakriti Gangwal
- the Department of Zoology, University of Delhi Delhi-110007, India
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi-110007, India
| | - Virginie Molle
- the Laboratoire de Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques, Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, UMR 5235, Montpellier, France, and
| | - Yogendra Singh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi-110007, India, .,the Department of Zoology, University of Delhi Delhi-110007, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Nandicoori
- From the National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India,
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20
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Gopalani M, Dhiman A, Rahi A, Kandari D, Bhatnagar R. Identification, Functional Characterization and Regulon Prediction of a Novel Two Component System Comprising BAS0540-BAS0541 of Bacillus anthracis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158895. [PMID: 27392063 PMCID: PMC4938410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Two component systems (TCSs) can be envisaged as complex molecular devices that help the bacteria to sense its environment and respond aptly. 41 TCSs are predicted in Bacillus anthracis, a potential bioterrorism agent, of which only four have been studied so far. Thus, the intricate signaling network contributed by TCSs remains largely unmapped in B. anthracis and needs comprehensive exploration. In this study, we functionally characterized one such system composed of BAS0540 (Response regulator) and BAS0541 (Histidine kinase). BAS0540-BAS0541, the closest homolog of CiaRH of Streptococcus in B. anthracis, forms a functional TCS with BAS0541 displaying autophosphorylation and subsequent phosphotransfer to BAS0540. BAS0540 was also found to accept phosphate from physiologically relevant small molecule phosphodonors like acetyl phosphate and carbamoyl phosphate. Results of qRT-PCR and immunoblotting demonstrated that BAS0540 exhibits a constitutive expression throughout the growth of B. anthracis. Regulon prediction for BAS0540 in B. anthracis was done in silico using the consensus DNA binding sequence of CiaR of Streptococcus. The predicted regulon of BAS0540 comprised of 23 genes, which could be classified into 8 functionally diverse categories. None of the proven virulence factors were a part of the predicted regulon, an observation contrasting with the regulon of CiaRH in Streptococci. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to show direct binding of purified BAS0540 to the upstream regions of 5 putative regulon candidates- BAS0540 gene itself; a gene predicted to encode cell division protein FtsA; a self–immunity gene; a RND family transporter gene and a gene encoding stress (heat) responsive protein. A significant enhancement in the DNA binding ability of BAS0540 was observed upon phosphorylation. Overexpression of response regulator BAS0540 in B. anthracis led to a prodigious increase of ~6 folds in the cell length, thereby conferring it a filamentous phenotype. Furthermore, the sporulation titer of the pathogen also decreased markedly by ~16 folds. Thus, this study characterizes a novel TCS of B. anthracis and elucidates its role in two of the most important physiological processes of the pathogen: cell division and sporulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monisha Gopalani
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Alisha Dhiman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Amit Rahi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Divya Kandari
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Rakesh Bhatnagar
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
- * E-mail:
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21
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Kim T, Choi J, Lee S, Yeo KJ, Cheong HK, Kim KK. Structural Studies on the Extracellular Domain of Sensor Histidine Kinase YycG from Staphylococcus aureus and Its Functional Implications. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:3074-89. [PMID: 27389096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial two-component signal transduction systems are used to adapt to fluctuations in the environment. YycG, a key two-component histidine kinase in Staphylococcus aureus, plays an essential role in cell viability and regulates cell wall metabolism, biofilm formation, virulence, and antibiotic resistance. For these reasons, YycG is considered a compelling target for the development of novel antibiotics. However, to date, the signaling mechanism of YycG and its stimulus are poorly understood mainly because of a lack of structural information on YycG. To address this deficiency, we determined the crystal structure of the extracellular domain of S. aureus YycG (YycGex) at 2.0-Å resolution. The crystal structure indicated two subunits with an extracellular Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) topology packed into a dimer with interloop interactions. Disulfide scanning using cysteine-substituted mutants revealed that YycGex possessed dimeric interfaces not only in the loop but also in the helix α1. Cross-linking studies using intact YycG demonstrated that it was capable of forming high molecular weight oligomers on the cell membrane. Furthermore, we also observed that two auxiliary proteins of YycG, YycH and YycI, cooperatively interfered with the multimerization of YycG. From these results, we propose that signaling through YycG is regulated by multimerization and binding of YycH and YycI. These structural studies, combined with biochemical analyses, provide a better understanding of the signaling mechanism of YycG, which is necessary for developing novel antibacterial drugs targeting S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Truc Kim
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongkeun Choi
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chungwoon University, San 29, Namjang, Hongsung, Chungnam 350-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangho Lee
- Departments of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon Joo Yeo
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), 162 Yeongudanji-Ro, Ochang, Chungbuk 363-883, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Kap Cheong
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), 162 Yeongudanji-Ro, Ochang, Chungbuk 363-883, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Kim JGY, Wilson AC. Loss of σI affects heat-shock response and virulence gene expression in Bacillus anthracis. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2016; 162:564-574. [PMID: 26744224 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Bacillus anthracis depends on several virulence factors, including the anthrax toxin. Loss of the alternative sigma factor σI results in a coordinate decrease in expression of all three toxin subunits. Our observations suggest that loss of σI alters the activity of the master virulence regulator AtxA, but atxA transcription is unaffected by loss of σI. σI-containing RNA polymerase does not appear to directly transcribe either atxA or the toxin gene pagA. As in Bacillus subtilis, loss of σI in B. anthracis results in increased sensitivity to heat shock and transcription of sigI, encoding σI, is induced by elevated temperature. Encoded immediately downstream of and part of a bicistronic message with sigI is an anti-sigma factor, RsgI, which controls σI activity. Loss of RsgI has no direct effect on virulence gene expression. sigI appears to be expressed from both the σI and σA promoters, and transcription from the σA promoter is likely more significant to virulence regulation. We propose a model in which σI can be induced in response to heat shock, whilst, independently, σI is produced under non-heat-shock, toxin-inducing conditions to indirectly regulate virulence gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Gi Yae Kim
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Adam C Wilson
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
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23
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Gopalani M, Dhiman A, Rahi A, Bhatnagar R. Overexpression of the pleiotropic regulator CodY decreases sporulation, attachment and pellicle formation in Bacillus anthracis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 469:672-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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24
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WalRK two component system of Bacillus anthracis responds to temperature and antibiotic stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 459:623-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.02.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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25
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Metelev M, Tietz JI, Melby JO, Blair PM, Zhu L, Livnat I, Severinov K, Mitchell DA. Structure, bioactivity, and resistance mechanism of streptomonomicin, an unusual lasso Peptide from an understudied halophilic actinomycete. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:241-50. [PMID: 25601074 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Natural products are the most historically significant source of compounds for drug development. However, unacceptably high rates of compound rediscovery associated with large-scale screening of common microbial producers have resulted in the abandonment of many natural product drug discovery efforts, despite the increasing prevalence of clinically problematic antibiotic resistance. Screening of underexplored taxa represents one strategy to avoid rediscovery. Herein we report the discovery, isolation, and structural elucidation of streptomonomicin (STM), an antibiotic lasso peptide from Streptomonospora alba, and report the genome for its producing organism. STM-resistant clones of Bacillus anthracis harbor mutations to walR, the gene encoding a response regulator for the only known widely distributed and essential two-component signal transduction system in Firmicutes. To the best of our knowledge, Streptomonospora had been hitherto biosynthetically and genetically uncharacterized, with STM being the first reported compound from the genus. Our results demonstrate that understudied microbes remain fruitful reservoirs for the rapid discovery of novel, bioactive natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Metelev
- Institute for Nanobiotechnologies, Saint Petersburg State Polytechnical University, Saint Petersburg 195251, Russia; Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jonathan I Tietz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joel O Melby
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Patricia M Blair
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lingyang Zhu
- NMR Laboratory, School of Chemical Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Itamar Livnat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Konstantin Severinov
- Institute for Nanobiotechnologies, Saint Petersburg State Polytechnical University, Saint Petersburg 195251, Russia; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Waksman Institute for Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Douglas A Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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