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Alam MZ, Madan R. Clostridioides difficile Toxins: Host Cell Interactions and Their Role in Disease Pathogenesis. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:241. [PMID: 38922136 PMCID: PMC11209539 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, is the leading cause of hospital-acquired antibiotic-associated diarrhea worldwide. The severity of C. difficile infection (CDI) varies, ranging from mild diarrhea to life-threatening conditions such as pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon. Central to the pathogenesis of the infection are toxins produced by C. difficile, with toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) as the main virulence factors. Additionally, some strains produce a third toxin known as C. difficile transferase (CDT). Toxins damage the colonic epithelium, initiating a cascade of cellular events that lead to inflammation, fluid secretion, and further tissue damage within the colon. Mechanistically, the toxins bind to cell surface receptors, internalize, and then inactivate GTPase proteins, disrupting the organization of the cytoskeleton and affecting various Rho-dependent cellular processes. This results in a loss of epithelial barrier functions and the induction of cell death. The third toxin, CDT, however, functions as a binary actin-ADP-ribosylating toxin, causing actin depolymerization and inducing the formation of microtubule-based protrusions. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the interaction between C. difficile toxins and host cells, elucidating the functional consequences of their actions. Furthermore, we will outline how this knowledge forms the basis for developing innovative, toxin-based strategies for treating and preventing CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zahidul Alam
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Rajat Madan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
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2
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Jia J, Zoeschg M, Barth H, Pulliainen AT, Ernst K. The Chaperonin TRiC/CCT Inhibitor HSF1A Protects Cells from Intoxication with Pertussis Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:36. [PMID: 38251252 PMCID: PMC10819386 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pertussis toxin (PT) is a bacterial AB5-toxin produced by Bordetella pertussis and a major molecular determinant of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease. In this study, we investigate the protective effects of the chaperonin TRiC/CCT inhibitor, HSF1A, against PT-induced cell intoxication. TRiC/CCT is a chaperonin complex that facilitates the correct folding of proteins, preventing misfolding and aggregation, and maintaining cellular protein homeostasis. Previous research has demonstrated the significance of TRiC/CCT in the functionality of the Clostridioides difficile TcdB AB-toxin. Our findings reveal that HSF1A effectively reduces the levels of ADP-ribosylated Gαi, the specific substrate of PT, in PT-treated cells, without interfering with enzyme activity in vitro or the cellular binding of PT. Additionally, our study uncovers a novel interaction between PTS1 and the chaperonin complex subunit CCT5, which correlates with reduced PTS1 signaling in cells upon HSF1A treatment. Importantly, HSF1A mitigates the adverse effects of PT on cAMP signaling in cellular systems. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of PT uptake and suggest a promising starting point for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to counteract pertussis toxin-mediated pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfang Jia
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Manuel Zoeschg
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Katharina Ernst
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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3
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Papatheodorou P, Minton NP, Aktories K, Barth H. An Updated View on the Cellular Uptake and Mode-of-Action of Clostridioides difficile Toxins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1435:219-247. [PMID: 38175478 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42108-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Research on the human gut pathogen Clostridioides (C.) difficile and its toxins continues to attract much attention as a consequence of the threat to human health posed by hypervirulent strains. Toxin A (TcdA) and Toxin B (TcdB) are the two major virulence determinants of C. difficile. Both are single-chain proteins with a similar multidomain architecture. Certain hypervirulent C. difficile strains also produce a third toxin, namely binary toxin CDT (C. difficile transferase). C. difficile toxins are the causative agents of C. difficile-associated diseases (CDADs), such as antibiotics-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. For that reason, considerable efforts have been expended to unravel their molecular mode-of-action and the cellular mechanisms responsible for their uptake. Many of these studies have been conducted in European laboratories. Here, we provide an update on our previous review (Papatheodorou et al. Adv Exp Med Biol, 2018) on important advances in C. difficile toxins research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Papatheodorou
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Nigel P Minton
- BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Klaus Aktories
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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4
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Li J, Liu B, Wu H, Zhang S, Liang Z, Guo S, Jiang H, Song Y, Lei X, Gao Y, Cheng P, Li D, Wang J, Liu Y, Wang D, Zhan N, Xu J, Wang L, Xiao G, Yang L, Pei G. Sensory nerves directly promote osteoclastogenesis by secreting peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase D (Cyp40). Bone Res 2023; 11:64. [PMID: 38097598 PMCID: PMC10721806 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-023-00300-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Given afferent functions, sensory nerves have recently been found to exert efferent effects and directly alter organ physiology. Additionally, several studies have highlighted the indirect but crucial role of sensory nerves in the regulation of the physiological function of osteoclasts. Nonetheless, evidence regarding the direct sensory nerve efferent influence on osteoclasts is lacking. In the current study, we found that high levels of efferent signals were transported directly from the sensory nerves into osteoclasts. Furthermore, sensory hypersensitivity significantly increased osteoclastic bone resorption, and sensory neurons (SNs) directly promoted osteoclastogenesis in an in vitro coculture system. Moreover, we screened a novel neuropeptide, Cyp40, using an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). We observed that Cyp40 is the efferent signal from sensory nerves, and it plays a critical role in osteoclastogenesis via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-Ras/Raf-p-Erk-NFATc1 pathway. These findings revealed a novel mechanism regarding the influence of sensory nerves on bone regulation, i.e., a direct promoting effect on osteoclastogenesis by the secretion of Cyp40. Therefore, inhibiting Cyp40 could serve as a strategy to improve bone quality in osteoporosis and promote bone repair after bone injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqin Li
- Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, No. 6019 Liuxian Street, Xili Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 710038, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Shuaishuai Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhuowen Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shuo Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Huijie Jiang
- Lingtong Rehabilitation and Recuperation Center, Xi'an, 710600, China
| | - Yue Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100048, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xing Lei
- Department of Orthopedics, Linyi People's Hospital, LinYi, 276000, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, No. 6019 Liuxian Street, Xili Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Pengzhen Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Donglin Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jimeng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, 81 Army Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Zhangjiakou, 075000, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Nazhi Zhan
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, No. 6019 Liuxian Street, Xili Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, No. 6019 Liuxian Street, Xili Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - GuoXian Pei
- Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, No. 6019 Liuxian Street, Xili Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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5
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Buddle JE, Fagan RP. Pathogenicity and virulence of Clostridioides difficile. Virulence 2023; 14:2150452. [PMID: 36419222 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and is responsible for a spectrum of diseases characterized by high levels of recurrence, morbidity, and mortality. Treatment is complex, since antibiotics constitute both the main treatment and the major risk factor for infection. Worryingly, resistance to multiple antibiotics is becoming increasingly widespread, leading to the classification of this pathogen as an urgent threat to global health. As a consummate opportunist, C. difficile is well equipped for promoting disease, owing to its arsenal of virulence factors: transmission of this anaerobe is highly efficient due to the formation of robust endospores, and an array of adhesins promote gut colonization. C. difficile produces multiple toxins acting upon gut epithelia, resulting in manifestations typical of diarrheal disease, and severe inflammation in a subset of patients. This review focuses on such virulence factors, as well as the importance of antimicrobial resistance and genome plasticity in enabling pathogenesis and persistence of this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Buddle
- Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robert P Fagan
- Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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6
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Lisboa J, Pereira C, Pinto RD, Rodrigues IS, Pereira LMG, Pinheiro B, Oliveira P, Pereira PJB, Azevedo JE, Durand D, Benz R, do Vale A, Dos Santos NMS. Unconventional structure and mechanisms for membrane interaction and translocation of the NF-κB-targeting toxin AIP56. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7431. [PMID: 37973928 PMCID: PMC10654918 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43054-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial AB toxins are secreted key virulence factors that are internalized by target cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis, translocating their enzymatic domain to the cytosol from endosomes (short-trip) or the endoplasmic reticulum (long-trip). To accomplish this, bacterial AB toxins evolved a multidomain structure organized into either a single polypeptide chain or non-covalently associated polypeptide chains. The prototypical short-trip single-chain toxin is characterized by a receptor-binding domain that confers cellular specificity and a translocation domain responsible for pore formation whereby the catalytic domain translocates to the cytosol in an endosomal acidification-dependent way. In this work, the determination of the three-dimensional structure of AIP56 shows that, instead of a two-domain organization suggested by previous studies, AIP56 has three-domains: a non-LEE encoded effector C (NleC)-like catalytic domain associated with a small middle domain that contains the linker-peptide, followed by the receptor-binding domain. In contrast to prototypical single-chain AB toxins, AIP56 does not comprise a typical structurally complex translocation domain; instead, the elements involved in translocation are scattered across its domains. Thus, the catalytic domain contains a helical hairpin that serves as a molecular switch for triggering the conformational changes necessary for membrane insertion only upon endosomal acidification, whereas the middle and receptor-binding domains are required for pore formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Lisboa
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Cassilda Pereira
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rute D Pinto
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês S Rodrigues
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana M G Pereira
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Pinheiro
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Doctoral Program in Molecular and Cell Biology (MCbiology), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar - Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Oliveira
- EPIUnit, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro José Barbosa Pereira
- Biomolecular Structure Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Macromolecular Structure Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge E Azevedo
- ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Organelle Biogenesis and Function, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Organelle Biogenesis and Function, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dominique Durand
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Roland Benz
- Science Faculty, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ana do Vale
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno M S Dos Santos
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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7
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Jia J, Braune-Yan M, Lietz S, Wahba M, Pulliainen AT, Barth H, Ernst K. Domperidone Inhibits Clostridium botulinum C2 Toxin and Bordetella pertussis Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:412. [PMID: 37505681 PMCID: PMC10467066 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bordetella pertussis toxin (PT) and Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin are ADP-ribosylating toxins causing severe diseases in humans and animals. They share a common translocation mechanism requiring the cellular chaperones Hsp90 and Hsp70, cyclophilins, and FK506-binding proteins to transport the toxins' enzyme subunits into the cytosol. Inhibitors of chaperone activities have been shown to reduce the amount of transported enzyme subunits into the cytosol of cells, thus protecting cells from intoxication by these toxins. Recently, domperidone, an approved dopamine receptor antagonist drug, was found to inhibit Hsp70 activity. Since Hsp70 is required for cellular toxin uptake, we hypothesized that domperidone also protects cells from intoxication with PT and C2. The inhibition of intoxication by domperidone was demonstrated by analyzing the ADP-ribosylation status of the toxins' specific substrates. Domperidone had no inhibitory effect on the receptor-binding or enzyme activity of the toxins, but it inhibited the pH-driven membrane translocation of the enzyme subunit of the C2 toxin and reduced the amount of PTS1 in cells. Taken together, our results indicate that domperidone is a potent inhibitor of PT and C2 toxins in cells and therefore might have therapeutic potential by repurposing domperidone to treat diseases caused by bacterial toxins that require Hsp70 for their cellular uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfang Jia
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Maria Braune-Yan
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Lietz
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Mary Wahba
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Katharina Ernst
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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8
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Braune-Yan M, Jia J, Wahba M, Schmid J, Papatheodorou P, Barth H, Ernst K. Domperidone Protects Cells from Intoxication with Clostridioides difficile Toxins by Inhibiting Hsp70-Assisted Membrane Translocation. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:384. [PMID: 37368685 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060384] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infections cause severe symptoms ranging from diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis due to the secretion of AB-toxins, TcdA and TcdB. Both toxins are taken up into cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis, autoproteolytic processing and translocation of their enzyme domains from acidified endosomes into the cytosol. The enzyme domains glucosylate small GTPases such as Rac1, thereby inhibiting processes such as actin cytoskeleton regulation. Here, we demonstrate that specific pharmacological inhibition of Hsp70 activity protected cells from TcdB intoxication. In particular, the established inhibitor VER-155008 and the antiemetic drug domperidone, which was found to be an Hsp70 inhibitor, reduced the number of cells with TcdB-induced intoxication morphology in HeLa, Vero and intestinal CaCo-2 cells. These drugs also decreased the intracellular glucosylation of Rac1 by TcdB. Domperidone did not inhibit TcdB binding to cells or enzymatic activity but did prevent membrane translocation of TcdB's glucosyltransferase domain into the cytosol. Domperidone also protected cells from intoxication with TcdA as well as CDT toxin produced by hypervirulent strains of Clostridioides difficile. Our results reveal Hsp70 requirement as a new aspect of the cellular uptake mechanism of TcdB and identified Hsp70 as a novel drug target for potential therapeutic strategies required to combat severe Clostridioides difficile infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Braune-Yan
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jinfang Jia
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Mary Wahba
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Schmid
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Papatheodorou
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Katharina Ernst
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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9
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Ernst K. Requirement of Peptidyl-Prolyl Cis/Trans isomerases and chaperones for cellular uptake of bacterial AB-type toxins. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:938015. [PMID: 35992160 PMCID: PMC9387773 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.938015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial AB-type toxins are proteins released by the producing bacteria and are the causative agents for several severe diseases including cholera, whooping cough, diphtheria or enteric diseases. Their unique AB-type structure enables their uptake into mammalian cells via sophisticated mechanisms exploiting cellular uptake and transport pathways. The binding/translocation B-subunit facilitates binding of the toxin to a specific receptor on the cell surface. This is followed by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Then the enzymatically active A-subunit either escapes from endosomes in a pH-dependent manner or the toxin is further transported through the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum from where the A-subunit translocates into the cytosol. In the cytosol, the A-subunits enzymatically modify a specific substrate which leads to cellular reactions resulting in clinical symptoms that can be life-threatening. Both intracellular uptake routes require the A-subunit to unfold to either fit through a pore formed by the B-subunit into the endosomal membrane or to be recognized by the ER-associated degradation pathway. This led to the hypothesis that folding helper enzymes such as chaperones and peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases are required to assist the translocation of the A-subunit into the cytosol and/or facilitate their refolding into an enzymatically active conformation. This review article gives an overview about the role of heat shock proteins Hsp90 and Hsp70 as well as of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases of the cyclophilin and FK506 binding protein families during uptake of bacterial AB-type toxins with a focus on clostridial binary toxins Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin, Clostridium perfringens iota toxin, Clostridioides difficile CDT toxin, as well as diphtheria toxin, pertussis toxin and cholera toxin.
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10
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Novel Strategies to Inhibit Pertussis Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030187. [PMID: 35324684 PMCID: PMC8951090 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory disease caused by infection with Bordetella pertussis, which releases several virulence factors, including the AB-type pertussis toxin (PT). The characteristic symptom is severe, long-lasting paroxysmal coughing. Especially in newborns and infants, pertussis symptoms, such as leukocytosis, can become life-threatening. Despite an available vaccination, increasing case numbers have been reported worldwide, including Western countries such as Germany and the USA. Antibiotic treatment is available and important to prevent further transmission. However, antibiotics only reduce symptoms if administered in early stages, which rarely occurs due to a late diagnosis. Thus, no causative treatments against symptoms of whooping cough are currently available. The AB-type protein toxin PT is a main virulence factor and consists of a binding subunit that facilitates transport of an enzyme subunit into the cytosol of target cells. There, the enzyme subunit ADP-ribosylates inhibitory α-subunits of G-protein coupled receptors resulting in disturbed cAMP signaling. As an important virulence factor associated with severe symptoms, such as leukocytosis, and poor outcomes, PT represents an attractive drug target to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, chaperone inhibitors, human peptides, small molecule inhibitors, and humanized antibodies are discussed as novel strategies to inhibit PT.
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11
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Kellner A, Cherubin P, Harper JK, Teter K. Proline Isomerization as a Key Determinant for Hsp90-Toxin Interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:771653. [PMID: 34746036 PMCID: PMC8569296 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.771653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The A chains of ADP-ribosylating toxins exploit Hsp90 for translocation into the host cytosol. Here, we hypothesize that cis proline residues play a key role in toxin recognition by Hsp90. Our model is largely derived from studies on the unusual interplay between Hsp90 and the catalytic A1 subunit of cholera toxin (CTA1), including the recent identification of an RPPDEI-like binding motif for Hsp90 in CTA1 and several other bacterial toxins. Cis/trans proline isomerization is known to influence protein-protein interactions and protein structure/function, but it has not yet been proposed to affect Hsp90-toxin interactions. Our model thus provides a new framework to understand the molecular basis for Hsp90 chaperone function and Hsp90-driven toxin translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Kellner
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Patrick Cherubin
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - James K Harper
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Ken Teter
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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12
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Ernst K, Landenberger M, Nieland J, Nørgaard K, Frick M, Fois G, Benz R, Barth H. Characterization and Pharmacological Inhibition of the Pore-Forming Clostridioides difficile CDTb Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060390. [PMID: 34071730 PMCID: PMC8226936 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinically highly relevant Clostridioides (C.) difficile releases several AB-type toxins that cause diseases such as diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. In addition to the main virulence factors Rho/Ras-glycosylating toxins TcdA and TcdB, hypervirulent strains produce the binary AB-type toxin CDT. CDT consists of two separate proteins. The binding/translocation B-component CDTb facilitates uptake and translocation of the enzyme A-component CDTa to the cytosol of cells. Here, CDTa ADP-ribosylates G-actin, resulting in depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton. We previously showed that CDTb exhibits cytotoxicity in the absence of CDTa, which is most likely due to pore formation in the cytoplasmic membrane. Here, we further investigated this cytotoxic effect and showed that CDTb impairs CaCo-2 cell viability and leads to redistribution of F-actin without affecting tubulin structures. CDTb was detected at the cytoplasmic membrane in addition to its endosomal localization if CDTb was applied alone. Chloroquine and several of its derivatives, which were previously identified as toxin pore blockers, inhibited intoxication of Vero, HCT116, and CaCo-2 cells by CDTb and CDTb pores in vitro. These results further strengthen pore formation by CDTb in the cytoplasmic membrane as the underlying cytotoxic mechanism and identify pharmacological pore blockers as potent inhibitors of cytotoxicity induced by CDTb and CDTa plus CDTb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ernst
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.L.); (J.N.); (K.N.)
- Correspondence: (K.E.); (H.B.)
| | - Marc Landenberger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.L.); (J.N.); (K.N.)
| | - Julian Nieland
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.L.); (J.N.); (K.N.)
| | - Katharina Nørgaard
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.L.); (J.N.); (K.N.)
| | - Manfred Frick
- Institute of General Physiology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Giorgio Fois
- Institute of General Physiology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Roland Benz
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs-University Bremen, 28759 Bremen, Germany;
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.L.); (J.N.); (K.N.)
- Correspondence: (K.E.); (H.B.)
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13
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Ernst K, Mittler AK, Winkelmann V, Kling C, Eberhardt N, Anastasia A, Sonnabend M, Lochbaum R, Wirsching J, Sakari M, Pulliainen AT, Skerry C, Carbonetti NH, Frick M, Barth H. Pharmacological targeting of host chaperones protects from pertussis toxin in vitro and in vivo. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5429. [PMID: 33686161 PMCID: PMC7940712 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84817-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis that releases pertussis toxin (PT) which comprises enzyme A-subunit PTS1 and binding/transport B-subunit. After receptor-mediated endocytosis, PT reaches the endoplasmic reticulum from where unfolded PTS1 is transported to the cytosol. PTS1 ADP-ribosylates G-protein α-subunits resulting in increased cAMP signaling. Here, a role of target cell chaperones Hsp90, Hsp70, cyclophilins and FK506-binding proteins for cytosolic PTS1-uptake is demonstrated. PTS1 specifically and directly interacts with chaperones in vitro and in cells. Specific pharmacological chaperone inhibition protects CHO-K1, human primary airway basal cells and a fully differentiated airway epithelium from PT-intoxication by reducing intracellular PTS1-amounts without affecting cell binding or enzyme activity. PT is internalized by human airway epithelium secretory but not ciliated cells and leads to increase of apical surface liquid. Cyclophilin-inhibitors reduced leukocytosis in infant mouse model of pertussis, indicating their promising potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies against whooping cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ernst
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Ann-Katrin Mittler
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Carolin Kling
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nina Eberhardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Anastasia
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Sonnabend
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Robin Lochbaum
- Institute of General Physiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Wirsching
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Moona Sakari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Unit for Infection and Immunity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arto T Pulliainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Unit for Infection and Immunity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ciaran Skerry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas H Carbonetti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Manfred Frick
- Institute of General Physiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
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14
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Landenberger M, Nieland J, Roeder M, Nørgaard K, Papatheodorou P, Ernst K, Barth H. The cytotoxic effect of Clostridioides difficile pore-forming toxin CDTb. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2021; 1863:183603. [PMID: 33689753 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides (C.) difficile is clinically highly relevant and produces several AB-type protein toxins, which are the causative agents for C. difficile-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Treatment with antibiotics can lead to C. difficile overgrowth in the gut of patients due to the disturbed microbiota. C. difficile releases large Rho/Ras-GTPase glucosylating toxins TcdA and TcdB, which are considered as the major virulence factors for C. difficile-associated diseases. In addition to TcdA and TcdB, C. difficile strains isolated from severe cases of colitis produce a third toxin called CDT. CDT is a member of the family of clostridial binary actin ADP-ribosylating toxins and consists of two separate protein components. The B-component, CDTb, binds to the receptor and forms a complex with and facilitates transport and translocation of the enzymatically active A-component, CDTa, into the cytosol of target cells by forming trans-membrane pores through which CDTa translocates. In the cytosol, CDTa ADP-ribosylates G-actin causing depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton and, eventually, cell death. In the present study, we report that CDTb exhibits a cytotoxic effect in the absence of CDTa. We show that CDTb causes cell rounding and impairs cell viability and the epithelial integrity of CaCo-2 monolayers in the absence of CDTa. CDTb-induced cell rounding depended on the presence of LSR, the specific cellular receptor of CDT. The isolated receptor-binding domain of CDTb was not sufficient to cause cell rounding. CDTb-induced cell rounding was inhibited by enzymatically inactive CDTa or a pore-blocker, implying that CDTb pores in cytoplasmic membranes contribute to cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Landenberger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julian Nieland
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maurice Roeder
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katharina Nørgaard
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Katharina Ernst
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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15
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Ernst K, Sailer J, Braune M, Barth H. Intoxication of mammalian cells with binary clostridial enterotoxins is inhibited by the combination of pharmacological chaperone inhibitors. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2020; 394:941-954. [PMID: 33284399 PMCID: PMC8102464 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-02029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Binary enterotoxins Clostridioides difficile CDT toxin, Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin, and Clostridium perfringens iota toxin consist of two separate protein components. The B-components facilitate receptor-mediated uptake into mammalian cells and form pores into endosomal membranes through which the enzymatic active A-components translocate into the cytosol. Here, the A-components ADP-ribosylate G-actin which leads to F-actin depolymerization followed by rounding of cells which causes clinical symptoms. The protein folding helper enzymes Hsp90, Hsp70, and peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases of the cyclophilin (Cyp) and FK506 binding protein (FKBP) families are required for translocation of A-components of CDT, C2, and iota toxins from endosomes to the cytosol. Here, we demonstrated that simultaneous inhibition of these folding helpers by specific pharmacological inhibitors protects mammalian, including human, cells from intoxication with CDT, C2, and iota toxins, and that the inhibitor combination displayed an enhanced effect compared to application of the individual inhibitors. Moreover, combination of inhibitors allowed a concentration reduction of the individual compounds as well as decreasing of the incubation time with inhibitors to achieve a protective effect. These results potentially have implications for possible future therapeutic applications to relieve clinical symptoms caused by bacterial toxins that depend on Hsp90, Hsp70, Cyps, and FKBPs for their membrane translocation into the cytosol of target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ernst
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Judith Sailer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maria Braune
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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16
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Stiles BG. Clostridial Binary Toxins: Basic Understandings that Include Cell Surface Binding and an Internal "Coup de Grâce". Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2019; 406:135-162. [PMID: 27380267 DOI: 10.1007/82_2016_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium species can make a remarkable number of different protein toxins, causing many diverse diseases in humans and animals. The binary toxins of Clostridium botulinum, C. difficile, C. perfringens, and C. spiroforme are one group of enteric-acting toxins that attack the actin cytoskeleton of various cell types. These enterotoxins consist of A (enzymatic) and B (cell binding/membrane translocation) components that assemble on the targeted cell surface or in solution, forming a multimeric complex. Once translocated into the cytosol via endosomal trafficking and acidification, the A component dismantles the filamentous actin-based cytoskeleton via mono-ADP-ribosylation of globular actin. Knowledge of cell surface receptors and how these usurped, host-derived molecules facilitate intoxication can lead to novel ways of defending against these clostridial binary toxins. A molecular-based understanding of the various steps involved in toxin internalization can also unveil therapeutic intervention points that stop the intoxication process. Furthermore, using these bacterial proteins as medicinal shuttle systems into cells provides intriguing possibilities in the future. The pertinent past and state-of-the-art present, regarding clostridial binary toxins, will be evident in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley G Stiles
- Biology Department, Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA, 17201, USA.
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17
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Rodrigues IS, Pereira LMG, Lisboa J, Pereira C, Oliveira P, Dos Santos NMS, do Vale A. Involvement of Hsp90 and cyclophilins in intoxication by AIP56, a metalloprotease toxin from Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9019. [PMID: 31227743 PMCID: PMC6588550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45240-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIP56 (apoptosis inducing protein of 56 kDa) is a key virulence factor secreted by virulent strains of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp), a Gram-negative bacterium that causes septicemic infections in several warm water marine fish species. AIP56 is systemically disseminated during infection and induces massive apoptosis of host macrophages and neutrophils, playing a decisive role in the disease outcome. AIP56 is a single-chain AB-type toxin, being composed by a metalloprotease A domain located at the N-terminal region connected to a C-terminal B domain, required for internalization of the toxin into susceptible cells. After binding to a still unidentified surface receptor, AIP56 is internalised through clathrin-mediated endocytosis, reaches early endosomes and translocates into the cytosol through a mechanism requiring endosomal acidification and involving low pH-induced unfolding of the toxin. At the cytosol, the catalytic domain of AIP56 cleaves NF-κB p65, leading to the apoptotic death of the intoxicated cells. It has been reported that host cytosolic factors, including host cell chaperones such as heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases), namely cyclophilin A/D (Cyp) and FK506-binding proteins (FKBP) are involved in the uptake of several bacterial AB toxins with ADP-ribosylating activity, but are dispensable for the uptake of other AB toxins with different enzymatic activities, such as Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (a metalloprotease) or the large glycosylating toxins A and B of Clostridium difficile. Based on these findings, it has been proposed that the requirement for Hsp90/PPIases is a common and specific characteristic of ADP-ribosylating toxins. In the present work, we demonstrate that Hsp90 and the PPIases cyclophilin A/D are required for efficient intoxication by the metalloprotease toxin AIP56. We further show that those host cell factors interact with AIP56 in vitro and that the interactions increase when AIP56 is unfolded. The interaction with Hsp90 was also demonstrated in intact cells, at 30 min post-treatment with AIP56, suggesting that it occurs during or shortly after translocation of the toxin from endosomes into the cytosol. Based on these findings, we propose that the participation of Hsp90 and Cyp in bacterial toxin entry may be more disseminated than initially expected, and may include toxins with different catalytic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês S Rodrigues
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana M G Pereira
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Johnny Lisboa
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cassilda Pereira
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Oliveira
- EPIUnit, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno M S Dos Santos
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana do Vale
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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18
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Ernst K, Kling C, Landenberger M, Barth H. Combined Pharmacological Inhibition of Cyclophilins, FK506-Binding Proteins, Hsp90, and Hsp70 Protects Cells From Clostridium botulinum C2 Toxin. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1287. [PMID: 30483129 PMCID: PMC6243138 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin is an exotoxin causing severe enterotoxic symptoms. The C2 toxin consists of the binding/translocation component C2II, and the enzymatic active component C2I. After proteolytic activation, C2IIa forms heptamers that bind C2I. The C2IIa/C2I complex is taken up into mammalian target cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Acidification of endosomes leads to conformational changes in both components. C2IIa heptamers form a pore into the endosomal membrane, and C2I becomes unfolded and translocates through the narrow C2IIa pores into the cytosol of the cell. Here, C2I covalently transfers an ADP-ribose moiety from its co-substrate NAD+ onto G-actin, which leads to depolymerization of F-actin resulting in rounding up of adherent cells. Translocation of C2I into the cytosol depends on the activity of the chaperones Hsp90 and Hsp70 and peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases of the cyclophilin (Cyp) and FK506-binding protein (FKBP) families. Here, we demonstrated that C2I is detected in close proximity with Hsp90, Cyp40, and FKBP51 in cells, indicating their interaction. This interaction was dependent on the concentration of C2 toxin and detected in mammalian Vero and human HeLa cells. Moreover, the present study reveals that combination of radicicol, VER-155008, cyclosporine A, and FK506, which are specific pharmacological inhibitors of Hsp90, Hsp70, Cyps, and FKBPs, respectively, resulted in a stronger inhibition of intoxication of cells with C2 toxin compared to application of the single inhibitors. Thus, the combination of inhibitors showed enhanced protection of cells against the cytotoxic effects of C2 toxin. Cell viability was not significantly impaired by application of the inhibitor combination. Moreover, we confirmed that the combination of radicicol, VER-155008, CsA, and FK506 in particular inhibit the membrane translocation step of C2I into the cytosol whereas receptor binding and enzyme activity of the toxin were not affected. Our findings further characterize the mode of action of Hsp90, Hsp70, Cyps, and FKBPs during membrane translocation of bacterial toxins and furthermore supply starting points for developing of novel therapeutic strategies against diseases caused by bacterial toxins that depend on Hsp90, Hsp70, Cyps, and FKBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ernst
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Carolin Kling
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marc Landenberger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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19
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Fischer S, Popoff MR, Barth H. Human alpha-defensin-1 protects cells from intoxication with Clostridium perfringens iota toxin. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:4931056. [PMID: 29635426 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Iota toxin is produced by Clostridium perfringens type E strains and associated with diarrhea in cattle and lambs. This binary protein toxin comprises the enzyme component iota a (Ia), which ADP-ribosylates G-actin, and the separate transport component iota b (Ib), which delivers Ia into the cytosol of target cells. Ib binds to cell receptors and forms biologically active toxin complexes with Ia, which cause rounding of adherent cells due to the destruction of the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we report that the human peptide α-defensin-1 protects cultured cells including human colon cells from intoxication with iota toxin. In contrast, the related ß-defensin-1 had no effect, indicating a specific mode of action. The α-defensin-1 did not inhibit ADP-ribosylation of actin by Ia in vitro. Pretreatment of Ib with α-defensin-1 prior to addition of Ia prevented intoxication. Additionally, α-defensin-1 protected cells from cytotoxic effects mediated by Ib in the absence of Ia, implicating that α-defensin-1 interacts with Ib to prevent the formation of biologically active iota toxin on cells. In conclusion, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the functions of α-defensin-1 and suggest that this human peptide might be an attractive starting point to develop novel pharmacological options to treat/prevent diseases associated with iota toxin-producing Clostridium perfringens strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Fischer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Michel R Popoff
- Department of Anaerobic Bacteria, Pasteur Institute, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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20
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Wei X, Zhu D, Feng C, Chen G, Mao X, Wang Q, Wang J, Liu C. Inhibition of peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase B mediates cyclosporin A-induced apoptosis of islet β cells. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:3959-3964. [PMID: 30344674 PMCID: PMC6176207 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclosporin A (CsA) is widely used as an immunosuppressor in the context of organ transplantation or autoimmune disorders. Recent studies have revealed the detrimental effects of CsA on insulin resistance and pancreatic β cell failure; however, the molecular mechanisms are unknown. The present study sought to confirm the associations between CsA and β cell failure, and to investigate the roles of proinsulin folding and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in CsA-induced β cell failure. The viability of MIN6 cells treated with CsA was evaluated with MTT assay. Expression levels of insulin, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase B (PPIB), cleaved caspase-3, phospho-protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), binding immunoglobulin protein (BIP), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were detected via reducing western blot assay. Non-reducing western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression of misfolded proinsulin peptides. The proliferation of MIN6 cells was not inhibited by CsA at concentrations <1 µmol/l. CsA treatment resulted in the decreased expression of insulin and PPIB; however, it also increased the phosphorylation of PERK, and upregulated the expression of PERK, BIP, CHOP and cleaved caspase-3. The results indicated that CsA could induce pancreatic β cell dysfunction and the potential mechanism underlying this phenomenon may be PPIB-associated proinsulin misfolding, which in turn induces ER stress in β cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wei
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangdu People's Hospital of Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225200, P.R. China
| | - Chenchen Feng
- Central Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, P.R. China
| | - Guofang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Qifeng Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
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21
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Pharmacological Cyclophilin Inhibitors Prevent Intoxication of Mammalian Cells with Bordetella pertussis Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10050181. [PMID: 29723951 PMCID: PMC5983237 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10050181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bordetella pertussis toxin (PT) is one important virulence factor causing the severe childhood disease whooping cough which still accounted for approximately 63,000 deaths worldwide in children in 2013. PT consists of PTS1, the enzymatically active (A) subunit and a non-covalently linked pentameric binding/transport (B) subunit. After endocytosis, PT takes a retrograde route to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where PTS1 is released into the cytosol. In the cytosol, PTS1 ADP-ribosylates inhibitory alpha subunits of trimeric GTP-binding proteins (Giα) leading to increased cAMP levels and disturbed signalling. Here, we show that the cyclophilin (Cyp) isoforms CypA and Cyp40 directly interact with PTS1 in vitro and that Cyp inhibitors cyclosporine A (CsA) and its tailored non-immunosuppressive derivative VK112 both inhibit intoxication of CHO-K1 cells with PT, as analysed in a morphology-based assay. Moreover, in cells treated with PT in the presence of CsA, the amount of ADP-ribosylated Giα was significantly reduced and less PTS1 was detected in the cytosol compared to cells treated with PT only. The results suggest that the uptake of PTS1 into the cytosol requires Cyps. Therefore, CsA/VK112 represent promising candidates for novel therapeutic strategies acting on the toxin level to prevent the severe, life-threatening symptoms caused by PT.
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Aktories K, Papatheodorou P, Schwan C. Binary Clostridium difficile toxin (CDT) - A virulence factor disturbing the cytoskeleton. Anaerobe 2018. [PMID: 29524654 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection causes antibiotics-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Major virulence factors of C. difficile are the Rho-glucosylating toxins TcdA and TcdB. In addition, many, so-called hypervirulent C. difficile strains produce the binary actin-ADP-ribosylating toxin CDT. CDT causes depolymerization of F-actin and rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Thereby, many cellular functions, which depend on actin, are altered. CDT disturbs the dynamic balance between actin and microtubules in target cells. The toxin increases microtubule polymerization and induces the formation of microtubule-based protrusions at the plasma membrane of target cells. Moreover, CDT causes a redistribution of vesicles from the basolateral side to the apical side, where extracellular matrix proteins are released. These processes may increase the adherence of clostridia to target cells. Here, we review the effects of the action of CDT on the actin cytoskeleton and on the microtubule system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Aktories
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Panagiotis Papatheodorou
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Carsten Schwan
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Cellular Uptake and Mode-of-Action of Clostridium difficile Toxins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1050:77-96. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72799-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Chandrasekaran R, Lacy DB. The role of toxins in Clostridium difficile infection. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2017; 41:723-750. [PMID: 29048477 PMCID: PMC5812492 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fux048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a bacterial pathogen that is the leading cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis worldwide. The incidence, severity, mortality and healthcare costs associated with C. difficile infection (CDI) are rising, making C. difficile a major threat to public health. Traditional treatments for CDI involve use of antibiotics such as metronidazole and vancomycin, but disease recurrence occurs in about 30% of patients, highlighting the need for new therapies. The pathogenesis of C. difficile is primarily mediated by the actions of two large clostridial glucosylating toxins, toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB). Some strains produce a third toxin, the binary toxin C. difficile transferase, which can also contribute to C. difficile virulence and disease. These toxins act on the colonic epithelium and immune cells and induce a complex cascade of cellular events that result in fluid secretion, inflammation and tissue damage, which are the hallmark features of the disease. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the structure and mechanism of action of the C. difficile toxins and their role in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramyavardhanee Chandrasekaran
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - D. Borden Lacy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- The Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Abstract
Clostridium difficile is the cause of antibiotics-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. The pathogen produces three protein toxins: C. difficile toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB), and C. difficile transferase toxin (CDT). The single-chain toxins TcdA and TcdB are the main virulence factors. They bind to cell membrane receptors and are internalized. The N-terminal glucosyltransferase and autoprotease domains of the toxins translocate from low-pH endosomes into the cytosol. After activation by inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6), the autoprotease cleaves and releases the glucosyltransferase domain into the cytosol, where GTP-binding proteins of the Rho/Ras family are mono-O-glucosylated and, thereby, inactivated. Inactivation of Rho proteins disturbs the organization of the cytoskeleton and affects multiple Rho-dependent cellular processes, including loss of epithelial barrier functions, induction of apoptosis, and inflammation. CDT, the third C. difficile toxin, is a binary actin-ADP-ribosylating toxin that causes depolymerization of actin, thereby inducing formation of the microtubule-based protrusions. Recent progress in understanding of the toxins' actions include insights into the toxin structures, their interaction with host cells, and functional consequences of their actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Aktories
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; , ,
| | - Carsten Schwan
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; , ,
| | - Thomas Jank
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; , ,
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Hsp70 facilitates trans-membrane transport of bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins into the cytosol of mammalian cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2724. [PMID: 28578412 PMCID: PMC5457432 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Binary enterotoxins Clostridium (C.) botulinum C2 toxin, C. perfringens iota toxin and C. difficile toxin CDT are composed of a transport (B) and a separate non-linked enzyme (A) component. Their B-components mediate endocytic uptake into mammalian cells and subsequently transport of the A-components from acidic endosomes into the cytosol, where the latter ADP-ribosylate G-actin resulting in cell rounding and cell death causing clinical symptoms. Protein folding enzymes, including Hsp90 and peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases facilitate transport of the A-components across endosomal membranes. Here, we identified Hsp70 as a novel host cell factor specifically interacting with A-components of C2, iota and CDT toxins to facilitate their transport into the cell cytosol. Pharmacological Hsp70-inhibition specifically prevented pH-dependent trans-membrane transport of A-components into the cytosol thereby protecting living cells and stem cell-derived human miniguts from intoxication. Thus, Hsp70-inhibition might lead to development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat diseases associated with bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins.
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Schuster M, Schnell L, Feigl P, Birkhofer C, Mohr K, Roeder M, Carle S, Langer S, Tippel F, Buchner J, Fischer G, Hausch F, Frick M, Schwan C, Aktories K, Schiene-Fischer C, Barth H. The Hsp90 machinery facilitates the transport of diphtheria toxin into human cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:613. [PMID: 28377614 PMCID: PMC5429619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00780-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diphtheria toxin kills human cells because it delivers its enzyme domain DTA into their cytosol where it inhibits protein synthesis. After receptor-mediated uptake of the toxin, DTA translocates from acidic endosomes into the cytosol, which might be assisted by host cell factors. Here we investigated the role of Hsp90 and its co-chaperones during the uptake of native diphtheria toxin into human cells and identified the components of the Hsp90 machinery including Hsp90, Hsp70, Cyp40 and the FK506 binding proteins FKBP51 and FKBP52 as DTA binding partners. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of the chaperone activity of Hsp90 and Hsp70 and of the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity of Cyps and FKBPs protected cells from intoxication with diphtheria toxin and inhibited the pH-dependent trans-membrane transport of DTA into the cytosol. In conclusion, these host cell factors facilitate toxin uptake into human cells, which might lead to development of novel therapeutic strategies against diphtheria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Schuster
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Leonie Schnell
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Feigl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Carina Birkhofer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katharina Mohr
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maurice Roeder
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Carle
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simon Langer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Franziska Tippel
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science and Department Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Buchner
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science and Department Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gunter Fischer
- Max Planck Research Unit for Enzymology of Protein Folding Halle, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Felix Hausch
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.,Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Frick
- Institute of General Physiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Carsten Schwan
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Aktories
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cordelia Schiene-Fischer
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
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Azarnia Tehran D, Pirazzini M, Leka O, Mattarei A, Lista F, Binz T, Rossetto O, Montecucco C. Hsp90 is involved in the entry of clostridial neurotoxins into the cytosol of nerve terminals. Cell Microbiol 2016; 19. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Azarnia Tehran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Padova; Via Ugo Bassi 58/B 35121 Padova Italy
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Padova; Via Ugo Bassi 58/B 35121 Padova Italy
| | - Oneda Leka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Padova; Via Ugo Bassi 58/B 35121 Padova Italy
| | - Andrea Mattarei
- Department of Chemical Sciences; University of Padova; Via F. Marzolo 1 35131 Padova Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Histology and Molecular Biology Section; Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center; Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4 00184 Rome Italy
| | - Thomas Binz
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover; Institut für Physiologische Chemie OE4310; 30625 Hannover Germany
| | - Ornella Rossetto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Padova; Via Ugo Bassi 58/B 35121 Padova Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Padova; Via Ugo Bassi 58/B 35121 Padova Italy
- National Research Institute of Neuroscience; University of Padova; Via Ugo Bassi 58/B 35121 Padova Italy
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EGA Protects Mammalian Cells from Clostridium difficile CDT, Clostridium perfringens Iota Toxin and Clostridium botulinum C2 Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:101. [PMID: 27043629 PMCID: PMC4848627 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8040101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic bacteria Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium botulinum produce the binary actin ADP-ribosylating toxins CDT, iota and C2, respectively. These toxins are composed of a transport component (B) and a separate enzyme component (A). When both components assemble on the surface of mammalian target cells, the B components mediate the entry of the A components via endosomes into the cytosol. Here, the A components ADP-ribosylate G-actin, resulting in depolymerization of F-actin, cell-rounding and eventually death. In the present study, we demonstrate that 4-bromobenzaldehyde N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)semicarbazone (EGA), a compound that protects cells from multiple toxins and viruses, also protects different mammalian epithelial cells from all three binary actin ADP-ribosylating toxins. In contrast, EGA did not inhibit the intoxication of cells with Clostridium difficile toxins A and B, indicating a possible different entry route for this toxin. EGA does not affect either the binding of the C2 toxin to the cells surface or the enzyme activity of the A components of CDT, iota and C2, suggesting that this compound interferes with cellular uptake of the toxins. Moreover, for C2 toxin, we demonstrated that EGA inhibits the pH-dependent transport of the A component across cell membranes. EGA is not cytotoxic, and therefore, we propose it as a lead compound for the development of novel pharmacological inhibitors against clostridial binary actin ADP-ribosylating toxins.
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A novel Hsp70 inhibitor prevents cell intoxication with the actin ADP-ribosylating Clostridium perfringens iota toxin. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20301. [PMID: 26839186 PMCID: PMC4738285 DOI: 10.1038/srep20301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hsp70 family proteins are folding helper proteins involved in a wide variety of cellular pathways. Members of this family interact with key factors in signal transduction, transcription, cell-cycle control, and stress response. Here, we developed the first Hsp70 low molecular weight inhibitor specifically targeting the peptide binding site of human Hsp70. After demonstrating that the inhibitor modulates the Hsp70 function in the cell, we used the inhibitor to show for the first time that the stress-inducible chaperone Hsp70 functions as molecular component for entry of a bacterial protein toxin into mammalian cells. Pharmacological inhibition of Hsp70 protected cells from intoxication with the binary actin ADP-ribosylating iota toxin from Clostridium perfringens, the prototype of a family of enterotoxins from pathogenic Clostridia and inhibited translocation of its enzyme component across cell membranes into the cytosol. This finding offers a starting point for novel therapeutic strategies against certain bacterial toxins.
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Host Cell Chaperones Hsp70/Hsp90 and Peptidyl-Prolyl Cis/Trans Isomerases Are Required for the Membrane Translocation of Bacterial ADP-Ribosylating Toxins. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2016; 406:163-198. [PMID: 27197646 DOI: 10.1007/82_2016_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins are the causative agents for several severe human and animal diseases such as diphtheria, cholera, or enteric diseases. They display an AB-type structure: The enzymatically active A-domain attaches to the binding/translocation B-domain which then binds to a receptor on the cell surface. After receptor-mediated endocytosis, the B-domain facilitates the membrane translocation of the unfolded A-domain into the host cell cytosol. Here, the A-domain transfers an ADP-ribose moiety onto its specific substrate which leads to characteristic cellular effects and thus to severe clinical symptoms. Since the A-domain has to reach the cytosol to achieve a cytotoxic effect, the membrane translocation represents a crucial step during toxin uptake. Host cell chaperones including Hsp90 and protein-folding helper enzymes of the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) type facilitate this membrane translocation of the unfolded A-domain for ADP-ribosylating toxins but not for toxins with a different enzyme activity. This review summarizes the uptake mechanisms of the ADP-ribosylating clostridial binary toxins, diphtheria toxin (DT) and cholera toxin (CT), with a special focus on the interaction of these toxins with the chaperones Hsp90 and Hsp70 and PPIases of the cyclophilin and FK506-binding protein families during the membrane translocation of their ADP-ribosyltransferase domains into the host cell cytosol. Moreover, the medical implications of host cell chaperones and PPIases as new drug targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against diseases caused by bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins are discussed.
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Ünal CM, Steinert M. Novel therapeutic strategies for Clostridium difficile infections. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 20:269-85. [PMID: 26565670 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2016.1090428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, Clostridium difficile has become the primary cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, resulting in long and complicated hospital stays that represent a serious burden for patients as well as health care systems. Currently, conservative treatment of C. difficile infection (CDI) relies on the antibiotics vancomycin, metronidazole or fidaxomicin, or in case of multiple recurrences, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). AREAS COVERED The fast-spreading, epidemic nature of this pathogen urgently necessitates the search for alternative treatment strategies as well as antibiotic targets. Accordingly, in this review, we highlight the recent findings regarding virulence associated traits of C. difficile, evaluate their potential as alternative drug targets, and present current efforts in designing inhibitory compounds, with the aim of pointing out possibilities for future treatment strategies. EXPERT OPINION Increased attention on systematic analysis of the virulence mechanisms of C. difficile has already led to the identification of several alternative drug targets. In the future, applying state of the art 'omics' and the development of novel infection models that mimic the human gut, a highly complex ecological niche, will unveil the genomic and metabolic plasticity of this pathogen and will certainly help dealing with future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can M Ünal
- a 1 Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Mikrobiologie , Spielmannstr. 7, D-38106, Braunschweig, Germany ; .,b 2 Türk-Alman Üniversitesi, Fen Fakültesi , Şahinkaya Cad. 86, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Michael Steinert
- a 1 Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Mikrobiologie , Spielmannstr. 7, D-38106, Braunschweig, Germany ; .,c 3 Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research , Mascheroder Weg 1, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
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Blackburn EA, Wear MA, Landré V, Narayan V, Ning J, Erman B, Ball KL, Walkinshaw MD. Cyclophilin40 isomerase activity is regulated by a temperature-dependent allosteric interaction with Hsp90. Biosci Rep 2015; 35:e00258. [PMID: 26330616 PMCID: PMC4721547 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20150124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclophilin 40 (Cyp40) comprises an N-terminal cyclophilin domain with peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) activity and a C-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain that binds to the C-terminal-EEVD sequence common to both heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and Hsp90. We show in the present study that binding of peptides containing the MEEVD motif reduces the PPIase activity by ∼30%. CD and fluorescence assays show that the TPR domain is less stable than the cyclophilin domain and is stabilized by peptide binding. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) shows that the affinity for the-MEEVD peptide is temperature sensitive in the physiological temperature range. Results from these biophysical studies fit with the MD simulations of the apo and holo (peptide-bound) structures which show a significant reduction in root mean square (RMS) fluctuation in both TPR and cyclophilin domains when-MEEVD is bound. The MD simulations of the apo-protein also highlight strong anti-correlated motions between residues around the PPIase-active site and a band of residues running across four of the seven helices in the TPR domain. Peptide binding leads to a distortion in the shape of the active site and a significant reduction in these strongly anti-correlated motions, providing an explanation for the allosteric effect of ligand binding and loss of PPIase activity. Together the experimental and MD results suggest that on heat shock, dissociation of Cyp40 from complexes mediated by the TPR domain leads to an increased pool of free Cyp40 capable of acting as an isomerase/chaperone in conditions of cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Blackburn
- Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, The King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, U.K
| | - Martin A Wear
- Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, The King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, U.K
| | - Vivian Landré
- IGMM-Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XR, U.K
| | - Vikram Narayan
- IGMM-Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XR, U.K
| | - Jia Ning
- Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, The King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, U.K
| | - Burak Erman
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Koc University, Istanbul 34415, Turkey
| | - Kathryn L Ball
- IGMM-Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XR, U.K
| | - Malcolm D Walkinshaw
- Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, The King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, U.K.
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On the translocation of botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins across the membrane of acidic intracellular compartments. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1858:467-74. [PMID: 26307528 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins are produced by anaerobic bacteria of the genus Clostridium and are the most poisonous toxins known, with 50% mouse lethal dose comprised within the range of 0.1-few nanograms per Kg, depending on the individual toxin. Botulinum neurotoxins are similarly toxic to humans and can therefore be considered for potential use in bioterrorism. At the same time, their neurospecificity and reversibility of action make them excellent therapeutics for a growing and heterogeneous number of human diseases that are characterized by a hyperactivity of peripheral nerve terminals. The complete crystallographic structure is available for some botulinum toxins, and reveals that they consist of four domains functionally related to the four steps of their mechanism of neuron intoxication: 1) binding to specific receptors of the presynaptic membrane; 2) internalization via endocytic vesicles; 3) translocation across the membrane of endocytic vesicles into the neuronal cytosol; 4) catalytic activity of the enzymatic moiety directed towards the SNARE proteins. Despite the many advances in understanding the structure-mechanism relationship of tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins, the molecular events involved in the translocation step have been only partially elucidated. Here we will review recent advances that have provided relevant insights on the process and discuss possible models that can be experimentally tested. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Pore-Forming Toxins edited by Mauro Dalla Serra and Franco Gambale.
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Editorial overview: elucidation of protein translocation pathways, part II. J Mol Biol 2015; 427:1133-4. [PMID: 25755004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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