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Lindsay CV, Potter JA, Grimshaw AA, Abrahams VM, Tong M. Endometrial responses to bacterial and viral infection: a scoping review. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:675-693. [PMID: 37290428 PMCID: PMC10477945 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endometrium is a highly dynamic tissue that undergoes dramatic proliferation and differentiation monthly in order to prepare the uterus for implantation and pregnancy. Intrauterine infection and inflammation are being increasingly recognized as potential causes of implantation failure and miscarriage, as well as obstetric complications later in gestation. However, the mechanisms by which the cells of the endometrium respond to infection remain understudied and recent progress is slowed in part owing to similar overlapping studies being performed in different species. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this scoping review is to systematically summarize all published studies in humans and laboratory animals that have investigated the innate immune sensing and response of the endometrium to bacteria and viruses, and the signaling mechanisms involved. This will enable gaps in our knowledge to be identified to inform future studies. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Library, Ovid Embase/Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched using a combination of controlled and free text terms for uterus/endometrium, infections, and fertility to March 2022. All primary research papers that have reported on endometrial responses to bacterial and viral infections in the context of reproduction were included. To focus the scope of the current review, studies in domesticated animals, included bovine, porcine, caprine, feline, and canine species were excluded. OUTCOMES This search identified 42 728 studies for screening and 766 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. Data was extracted from 76 studies. The majority of studies focused on endometrial responses to Escherichia coli and Chlamydia trachomatis, with some studies of Neisseria gonorrhea, Staphylococcus aureus, and the Streptococcus family. Endometrial responses have only been studied in response to three groups of viruses thus far: HIV, Zika virus, and the herpesvirus family. For most infections, both cellular and animal models have been utilized in vitro and in vivo, focusing on endometrial production of cytokines, chemokines, and antiviral/antimicrobial factors, and the expression of innate immune signaling pathway mediators after infection. This review has identified gaps for future research in the field as well as highlighted some recent developments in organoid systems and immune cell co-cultures that offer new avenues for studying endometrial responses to infection in more physiologically relevant models that could accelerate future findings in this area. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This scoping review provides an overarching summary and benchmark of the current state of research on endometrial innate immune responses to bacterial and viral infection. This review also highlights some exciting recent developments that enable future studies to be designed to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms utilized by the endometrium to respond to infection and their downstream effects on uterine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina V Lindsay
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julie A Potter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alyssa A Grimshaw
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mancy Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Walker E, van Niekerk S, Hanning K, Kelton W, Hicks J. Mechanisms of host manipulation by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1119834. [PMID: 36819065 PMCID: PMC9935845 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1119834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (also known as gonococcus) has been causing gonorrhoea in humans since ancient Egyptian times. Today, global gonorrhoea infections are rising at an alarming rate, in concert with an increasing number of antimicrobial-resistant strains. The gonococcus has concurrently evolved several intricate mechanisms that promote pathogenesis by evading both host immunity and defeating common therapeutic interventions. Central to these adaptations is the ability of the gonococcus to manipulate various host microenvironments upon infection. For example, the gonococcus can survive within neutrophils through direct regulation of both the oxidative burst response and maturation of the phagosome; a concerning trait given the important role neutrophils have in defending against invading pathogens. Hence, a detailed understanding of how N. gonorrhoeae exploits the human host to establish and maintain infection is crucial for combating this pathogen. This review summarizes the mechanisms behind host manipulation, with a central focus on the exploitation of host epithelial cell signaling to promote colonization and invasion of the epithelial lining, the modulation of the host immune response to evade both innate and adaptive defenses, and the manipulation of host cell death pathways to both assist colonization and combat antimicrobial activities of innate immune cells. Collectively, these pathways act in concert to enable N. gonorrhoeae to colonize and invade a wide array of host tissues, both establishing and disseminating gonococcal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Walker
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Stacy van Niekerk
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Kyrin Hanning
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - William Kelton
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand,Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Joanna Hicks
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand,*Correspondence: Joanna Hicks,
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Micronutrient Improvement of Epithelial Barrier Function in Various Disease States: A Case for Adjuvant Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062995. [PMID: 35328419 PMCID: PMC8951934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The published literature makes a very strong case that a wide range of disease morbidity associates with and may in part be due to epithelial barrier leak. An equally large body of published literature substantiates that a diverse group of micronutrients can reduce barrier leak across a wide array of epithelial tissue types, stemming from both cell culture as well as animal and human tissue models. Conversely, micronutrient deficiencies can exacerbate both barrier leak and morbidity. Focusing on zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin D, this review shows that at concentrations above RDA levels but well below toxicity limits, these micronutrients can induce cell- and tissue-specific molecular-level changes in tight junctional complexes (and by other mechanisms) that reduce barrier leak. An opportunity now exists in critical care—but also medical prophylactic and therapeutic care in general—to consider implementation of select micronutrients at elevated dosages as adjuvant therapeutics in a variety of disease management. This consideration is particularly pointed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Heydarian M, Rühl E, Rawal R, Kozjak-Pavlovic V. Tissue Models for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Research—From 2D to 3D. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:840122. [PMID: 35223556 PMCID: PMC8873371 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.840122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen that causes gonorrhea, the second most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disease progression, drug discovery, and basic host-pathogen interactions are studied using different approaches, which rely on models ranging from 2D cell culture to complex 3D tissues and animals. In this review, we discuss the models used in N. gonorrhoeae research. We address both in vivo (animal) and in vitro cell culture models, discussing the pros and cons of each and outlining the recent advancements in the field of three-dimensional tissue models. From simple 2D monoculture to complex advanced 3D tissue models, we provide an overview of the relevant methodology and its application. Finally, we discuss future directions in the exciting field of 3D tissue models and how they can be applied for studying the interaction of N. gonorrhoeae with host cells under conditions closely resembling those found at the native sites of infection.
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In Vitro Analysis of Matched Isolates from Localized and Disseminated Gonococcal Infections Suggests That Opa Expression Impacts Clinical Outcome. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020217. [PMID: 35215160 PMCID: PMC8880309 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted infection, which is primarily localized but can be disseminated systemically. The mechanisms by which a localized infection becomes a disseminated infection are unknown. We used five pairs of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from the cervix/urethra (localized) and the blood (disseminated) of patients with disseminated gonococcal infection to examine the mechanisms that confine gonococci to the genital tract or enable them to disseminate to the blood. Multilocus sequence analysis found that the local and disseminated isolates from the same patients were isogenic. When culturing in vitro, disseminated isolates aggregated significantly less and transmigrated across a polarized epithelial monolayer more efficiently than localized isolates. While localized cervical isolates transmigrated across epithelial monolayers inefficiently, those transmigrated bacteria self-aggregated less and transmigrated more than cervical isolates but comparably to disseminating isolates. The local cervical isolates recruited the host receptors of gonococcal Opa proteins carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) on epithelial cells. However, the transmigrated cervical isolate and the disseminated blood isolates recruit CEACAMs significantly less often. Our results collectively suggest that switching off the expression of CEACAM-binding Opa(s), which reduces self-aggregation, promotes gonococcal dissemination.
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Yang T, Heydarian M, Kozjak-Pavlovic V, Urban M, Harbottle RP, Rudel T. Folliculin Controls the Intracellular Survival and Trans-Epithelial Passage of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:422. [PMID: 33014885 PMCID: PMC7499807 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a Gram-negative obligate human pathogenic bacterium, infects human epithelial cells and causes sexually transmitted diseases. Emerging multi-antibiotic resistant gonococci and increasing numbers of infections complicate the treatment of infected patients. Here, we used an shRNA library screen and next-generation sequencing to identify factors involved in epithelial cell infection. Folliculin (FLCN), a 64 kDa protein with a tumor repressor function was identified as a novel host factor important for N. gonorrhoeae survival after uptake. We further determined that FLCN did not affect N. gonorrhoeae adherence and invasion but was essential for its survival in the cells by modulating autophagy. In addition, FLCN was also required to maintain cell to cell contacts in the epithelial layer. In an infection model with polarized cells, FLCN inhibited the polarized localization of E-cadherin and the transcytosis of gonococci across polarized epithelial cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate here the connection between FLCN and bacterial infection and in particular the role of FLCN in the intracellular survival and transcytosis of gonococci across polarized epithelial cell layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Manuela Urban
- DNA Vector Lab, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Rudel
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Matrix Metalloproteinases Expressed in Response to Bacterial Vaginosis Disrupt the Endocervical Epithelium, Increasing Transmigration of HIV. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00041-20. [PMID: 32094253 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00041-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a disorder of the female reproductive tract (FRT) in which a healthy Lactobacillus-dominant microflora is replaced by BV-associated bacteria (BVAB), can significantly increase the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Discerning the effect of BV on the mucosal epithelium of the FRT may yield novel preventatives and therapeutics for HIV infection. Here, we investigated barrier dysfunction of the endocervix by host-derived factors, secreted in response to BV, as a potential cause of HIV infection. Using a polarized endocervical cell culture system, we determined that conditioned media (CM) from endocervical cells cocultured with BVAB (endocervical+BVAB CM), as well as cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) from women with BV, disrupted epithelial polarization. We assessed host matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as the BV-associated secreted factors which disrupt the endocervical epithelium. MMPs were overexpressed in endocervical+BVAB CM and CVF from women with BV and were capable of disrupting endocervical epithelial polarization. When we cocultured polarized endocervical cells with HIV-1-infected lymphocyte-derived cells, we discovered endocervical+BVAB CM and MMPs significantly increased the transmigration of virus through the epithelium, and treatment with an MMP inhibitor decreased these effects. When we examined the effect of CVF on HIV-1 transmigration through endocervical epithelium, we demonstrated that CVF samples with greater concentrations of BV-associated MMPs increased viral transmigration. Our results suggest MMPs increase HIV-1 infection by disrupting the endocervical epithelium, permitting transmigration of virus through the epithelium to infect underlying target cells.
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Heydarian M, Yang T, Schweinlin M, Steinke M, Walles H, Rudel T, Kozjak-Pavlovic V. Biomimetic Human Tissue Model for Long-Term Study of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1740. [PMID: 31417529 PMCID: PMC6685398 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted infection in the world and is caused by Gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Since N. gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen, animal infection models are only of limited use. Therefore, a suitable in vitro cell culture model for studying the complete infection including adhesion, transmigration and transport to deeper tissue layers is required. In the present study, we generated three independent 3D tissue models based on porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffold by co-culturing human dermal fibroblasts with human colorectal carcinoma, endometrial epithelial, and male uroepithelial cells. Functional analyses such as transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran assay indicated the high barrier integrity of the created monolayer. The histological, immunohistochemical, and ultra-structural analyses showed that the 3D SIS scaffold-based models closely mimic the main characteristics of the site of gonococcal infection in human host including the epithelial monolayer, the underlying connective tissue, mucus production, tight junction, and microvilli formation. We infected the established 3D tissue models with different N. gonorrhoeae strains and derivatives presenting various phenotypes regarding adhesion and invasion. The results indicated that the disruption of tight junctions and increase in interleukin production in response to the infection is strain and cell type-dependent. In addition, the models supported bacterial survival and proved to be better suitable for studying infection over the course of several days in comparison to commonly used Transwell® models. This was primarily due to increased resilience of the SIS scaffold models to infection in terms of changes in permeability, cell destruction and bacterial transmigration. In summary, the SIS scaffold-based 3D tissue models of human mucosal tissues represent promising tools for investigating N. gonorrhoeae infections under close-to-natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tao Yang
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schweinlin
- Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maria Steinke
- Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heike Walles
- Research Center "Dynamic Systems: Systems Engineering" (CDS), Otto von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Rudel
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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9
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Sanyal A, Shen C, Ding M, Reinhart TA, Chen Y, Sankapal S, Gupta P. Neisseria gonorrhoeae uses cellular proteins CXCL10 and IL8 to enhance HIV-1 transmission across cervical mucosa. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 81:e13111. [PMID: 30903720 PMCID: PMC6540971 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Problem Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection has been shown to increase sexual transmission of HIV‐1. However, the mechanism of NG‐induced enhanced HIV‐1 transmission is unknown. Methods (a) The cervical tissues were exposed to NG, and cytokine induction was monitored by measuring cytokine proteins in culture supernatants and cytokine mRNAs in tissues. (b) Transcription and replication of HIV‐1 in TZM‐bl, U1, and ACH2 cells were measured by Beta‐Gal activity and p24 proteins in the supernatant, respectively. (c) HIV‐1 transmission was assayed in an organ culture system by measuring transmitted HIV‐1 in supernatant and HIV‐1 gag mRNA in the tissues. (d) Transcriptome analysis was done using second generation sequencing. Results (a) NG induced membrane ruffling of epithelial layer, caused migration of CD3+ cells to the intraepithelial region, and induced high levels of inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and TNF‐α. (b) NG‐induced supernatants (NGIS) increased HIV‐1 transcription, induced HIV‐1 from latently infected cells, and increased transmission of HIV‐1 across cervical mucosa. (c) Transcriptome analysis of the epithelial layer of the tissues exposed to NG, and HIV‐1 showed significant upregulation of CXCL10 and IL8. IL‐1β increased the induction of CXCL10 and IL‐8 expression in cervical mucosa with a concomitant increase in HIV‐1 transmission. Conclusion We present a model in which IL‐1β produced from cervical epithelium during NG exposure increases CXCL10 and IL8 in epithelia. This in turn causes upon HIV‐1 infection, the migration of HIV‐1 target cells toward the subepithelium, resulting in increased HIV‐1 transcription in the sub‐mucosa and subsequent enhancement of transmission across cervical mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Sanyal
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Chengli Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ming Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Yue Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Soni Sankapal
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Phalguni Gupta
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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10
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Pérez-Stuardo D, Morales-Reyes J, Tapia S, Ahumada DE, Espinoza A, Soto-Herrera V, Brianson B, Ibaceta V, Sandino AM, Spencer E, Vallejos-Vidal E, Reyes-López FE, Valdés J, Reyes-Cerpa S. Non-lysosomal Activation in Macrophages of Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar) After Infection With Piscirickettsia salmonis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:434. [PMID: 30941123 PMCID: PMC6433878 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Piscirickettsia salmonis is a facultative intracellular pathogen and etiological agent of the systemic disease salmonid rickettsial septicemia. It has been suggested that P. salmonis is able to survive in host macrophages, localized within a vacuole like-compartment which prevents lysosomal degradation. However, the relevant aspects of the pathogenesis of P. salmonis as the host modulation that allow its intracellular survival have been poorly characterized. In this study, we evaluated the role of lysosomes in the response to P. salmonis infection in macrophage-enriched cell cultures established from Atlantic salmon head kidneys. Bacterial infection was confirmed using confocal microscopy. A gentamicin protection assay was performed to recover intracellular bacteria and the 16S rDNA copy number was quantified through quantitative polymerase chain reaction in order to determine the replication of P. salmonis within macrophages. Lysosomal activity in Atlantic salmon macrophage-enriched cell cultures infected with P. salmonis was evaluated by analyzing the lysosomal pH and proteolytic ability through confocal microscopy. The results showed that P. salmonis can survive ≥120 h in Atlantic salmon macrophage-enriched cell cultures, accompanied by an increase in the detection of the 16S rDNA copy number/cell. The latter finding suggests that P. salmonis also replicates in Atlantic salmon macrophage-enriched cell cultures. Moreover, this bacterial survival and replication appears to be favored by a perturbation of the lysosomal degradation system. We observed a modulation in the total number of lysosomes and lysosomal acidification following infection with P. salmonis. Collectively, the results of this study showed that infection of Atlantic salmon macrophages with P. salmonis induced limited lysosomal response which may be associated with host immune evasion mechanisms of P. salmonis that have not been previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Pérez-Stuardo
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Sebastián Tapia
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego E Ahumada
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Allison Espinoza
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Bernardo Brianson
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Valentina Ibaceta
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana M Sandino
- Consorcio de Sanidad Acuícola, Ictio Biotechnologies S.A., Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eugenio Spencer
- Consorcio de Sanidad Acuícola, Ictio Biotechnologies S.A., Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eva Vallejos-Vidal
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felipe E Reyes-López
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Valdés
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián Reyes-Cerpa
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
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11
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Álamos-Musre AS, Escobar A, Tapia CV, Christodoulides M, Rodas PI. Use of Human Fallopian Tube Organ in Culture (FTOC) and Primary Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cells (FTEC) to Study the Biology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1997:377-402. [PMID: 31119635 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9496-0_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cells represent one of the most important physical barriers to many bacterial pathogens. In the case of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the epithelial cell response is critical because they are the main target of the tissue damage triggered by the pathogen, particularly when the organism reaches the Fallopian tube (FT). Although the irreversible damage triggered by N. gonorrhoeae in the FT has been previously reported (ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility), the mechanisms of gonococcal-induced tissue damage are not fully understood. In addition, the lack of animal models that efficiently mimic the human disease and the complexity of gonococcus-host interactions make studying gonococcal pathogenesis particularly difficult. The use of human immortalized cells is also limited, since a variety of commercial FT cell lines is not yet available. Finally, the phase and antigenic variation of many gonococcal surface molecules involved in attachment and invasion of epithelial tissues leads to a failure to reproduce results using different human cells lines used in previous studies. The FT organ in culture (FTOC) and primary human fallopian tube epithelial cell (FTEC) represent the closest ex vivo cell models to explore the biology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae during infection of the FT, since it is a natural host target of the gonococcus. In this chapter, we describe protocols to process human FT samples to obtain FTOC and FTEC and assess their response to infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Said Álamos-Musre
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Concepción, Región del Bío-Bío, Chile
| | - Alejandro Escobar
- Laboratorio Biología celular y molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Cecilia V Tapia
- Laboratorio de Especialidad, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paula I Rodas
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Concepción, Región del Bío-Bío, Chile.
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12
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Lenz JD, Dillard JP. Pathogenesis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the Host Defense in Ascending Infections of Human Fallopian Tube. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2710. [PMID: 30524442 PMCID: PMC6258741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an obligate human pathogen that causes mucosal surface infections of male and female reproductive tracts, pharynx, rectum, and conjunctiva. Asymptomatic or unnoticed infections in the lower reproductive tract of women can lead to serious, long-term consequences if these infections ascend into the fallopian tube. The damage caused by gonococcal infection and the subsequent inflammatory response produce the condition known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Infection can lead to tubal scarring, occlusion of the oviduct, and loss of critical ciliated cells. Consequences of the damage sustained on the fallopian tube epithelium include increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and tubal-factor infertility. Additionally, the resolution of infection can produce new adhesions between internal tissues, which can tear and reform, producing chronic pelvic pain. As a bacterium adapted to life in a human host, the gonococcus presents a challenge to the development of model systems for probing host-microbe interactions. Advances in small-animal models have yielded previously unattainable data on systemic immune responses, but the specificity of N. gonorrhoeae for many known (and unknown) host targets remains a constant hurdle. Infections of human volunteers are possible, though they present ethical and logistical challenges, and are necessarily limited to males due to the risk of severe complications in women. It is routine, however, that normal, healthy fallopian tubes are removed in the course of different gynecological surgeries (namely hysterectomy), making the very tissue most consequentially damaged during ascending gonococcal infection available for laboratory research. The study of fallopian tube organ cultures has allowed the opportunity to observe gonococcal biology and immune responses in a complex, multi-layered tissue from a natural host. Forty-five years since the first published example of human fallopian tube being infected ex vivo with N. gonorrhoeae, we review what modeling infections in human tissue explants has taught us about the gonococcus, what we have learned about the defenses mounted by the human host in the upper female reproductive tract, what other fields have taught us about ciliated and non-ciliated cell development, and ultimately offer suggestions regarding the next generation of model systems to help expand our ability to study gonococcal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Lenz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Joseph P Dillard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Kaufhold I, Osbahr S, Shima K, Marwitz S, Rohmann K, Drömann D, Goldmann T, Dalhoff K, Rupp J. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) directly interfere with the regulation of E-cadherin in lung epithelial cells. Microbes Infect 2017; 19:560-566. [PMID: 28802586 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Loss of epithelial barriers characterized by reduction of E-cadherin is a hallmark of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We investigated the effects of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) infections, associated with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, on the regulation of E-cadherin in host cells. NTHi infection decreased E-cadherin mRNA and protein-levels in lung epithelial cells. E-cadherin reduction was mediated by activation of the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Slug. These data indicate that epithelial integrity and barrier function is disturbed by NTHi infection. Mainly, the destruction of cell-cell contacts is a prominent feature in NTHi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Kaufhold
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Sünja Osbahr
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kensuke Shima
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sebastian Marwitz
- Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Parkallee 1-40, 23845 Borstel, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research, Wöhrendamm 80, 22927 Groβhansdorf, Germany
| | - Kristina Rohmann
- Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Daniel Drömann
- Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research, Wöhrendamm 80, 22927 Groβhansdorf, Germany
| | - Torsten Goldmann
- Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Parkallee 1-40, 23845 Borstel, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research, Wöhrendamm 80, 22927 Groβhansdorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Dalhoff
- Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research, Wöhrendamm 80, 22927 Groβhansdorf, Germany
| | - Jan Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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14
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Rodas PI, Álamos-Musre AS, Álvarez FP, Escobar A, Tapia CV, Osorio E, Otero C, Calderón IL, Fuentes JA, Gil F, Paredes-Sabja D, Christodoulides M. The NarE protein of Neisseria gonorrhoeae catalyzes ADP-ribosylation of several ADP-ribose acceptors despite an N-terminal deletion. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2016; 363:fnw181. [PMID: 27465490 PMCID: PMC5812539 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnw181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ADP-ribosylating enzymes are encoded in many pathogenic bacteria in order to affect essential functions of the host. In this study, we show that Neisseria gonorrhoeae possess a locus that corresponds to the ADP-ribosyltransferase NarE, a previously characterized enzyme in N. meningitidis The 291 bp coding sequence of gonococcal narE shares 100% identity with part of the coding sequence of the meningococcal narE gene due to a frameshift previously described, thus leading to a 49-amino-acid deletion at the N-terminus of gonococcal NarE protein. However, we found a promoter region and a GTG start codon, which allowed expression of the protein as demonstrated by RT-PCR and western blot analyses. Using a gonococcal NarE-6xHis fusion protein, we demonstrated that the gonococcal enzyme underwent auto-ADP-ribosylation but to a lower extent than meningococcal NarE. We also observed that gonoccocal NarE exhibited ADP-ribosyltransferase activity using agmatine and cell-free host proteins as ADP-ribose acceptors, but its activity was inhibited by human β-defensins. Taken together, our results showed that NarE of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a functional enzyme that possesses key features of bacterial ADP-ribosylating enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula I Rodas
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - A Said Álamos-Musre
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca P Álvarez
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Escobar
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia V Tapia
- Laboratorio Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Chile Laboratorio de Micología Médica, Programa de Microbiología y Micología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Osorio
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Otero
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván L Calderón
- Laboratorio de Genética y Patogénesis Bacteriana, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan A Fuentes
- Laboratorio de Genética y Patogénesis Bacteriana, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Gil
- Laboratorio de Genética y Patogénesis Bacteriana, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Paredes-Sabja
- Microbiota-Host Interactions and Clostridia Research Group, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, England
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15
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Maksimchuk KR, Alser KA, Mou R, Valdivia RH, McCafferty DG. The Chlamydia trachomatis Protease CPAF Contains a Cryptic PDZ-Like Domain with Similarity to Human Cell Polarity and Tight Junction PDZ-Containing Proteins. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147233. [PMID: 26829550 PMCID: PMC4734761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for more effective anti-chlamydial therapeutics has sparked research efforts geared toward further understanding chlamydial pathogenesis mechanisms. Recent studies have implicated the secreted chlamydial serine protease, chlamydial protease-like activity factor (CPAF) as potentially important for chlamydial pathogenesis. By mechanisms that remain to be elucidated, CPAF is directed to a discrete group of substrates, which are subsequently cleaved or degraded. While inspecting the previously solved CPAF crystal structure, we discovered that CPAF contains a cryptic N-terminal PSD95 Dlg ZO-1 (PDZ) domain spanning residues 106–212 (CPAF106-212). This PDZ domain is unique in that it bears minimal sequence similarity to canonical PDZ-forming sequences and displays little sequence and structural similarity to known chlamydial PDZ domains. We show that the CPAF106-212 sequence is homologous to PDZ domains of human tight junction proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R. Maksimchuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Katherine A. Alser
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rui Mou
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Raphael H. Valdivia
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Dewey G. McCafferty
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Stein DC, LeVan A, Hardy B, Wang LC, Zimmerman L, Song W. Expression of Opacity Proteins Interferes with the Transmigration of Neisseria gonorrhoeae across Polarized Epithelial Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134342. [PMID: 26244560 PMCID: PMC4526573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) establishes infection at the mucosal surface of the human genital tract, most of which is lined with polarized epithelial cells. GC can cause localized as well as disseminated infections, leading to various complications. GC constantly change their surface structures via phase and antigenic variation, which has been implicated as a means for GC to establish infection at various anatomic locations of male and female genital tracks. However, the exact contribution of each surface molecule to bacterial infectivity remains elusive due to their phase variation. Using a GC derivative that is genetically devoid of all opa genes (MS11∆Opa), this study shows that Opa expression interferes with GC transmigration across polarized human epithelial cells. MS11∆Opa transmigrates across polarized epithelial cells much faster and to a greater extent than MS11Opa+, while adhering at a similar level as MS11Opa+. When MS11Opa+, able to phase vary Opa expression, was inoculated, only those bacteria that turn off Opa expression transmigrate across the polarized epithelial monolayer. Similar to bacteria alone or co-cultured with non-polarized epithelial cells, MS11∆Opa fails to form large microcolonies at the apical surface of polarized epithelial cells. Apical inoculation of MS11Opa+, but not MS11∆Opa, induces the recruitment of the Opa host-cell receptor carcinoembryonic antigen–related cell adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) to the apical junction and the vicinity of bacterial adherent sites. Our results suggest that Opa expression limits gonococcal ability to invade into subepithelial tissues by forming tight interactions with neighboring bacteria and by inducing CEACAM redistribution to cell junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C. Stein
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DCS); (WS)
| | - Adriana LeVan
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Britney Hardy
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Liang-Chun Wang
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lindsey Zimmerman
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wenxia Song
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DCS); (WS)
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Male infertility: a public health issue caused by sexually transmitted pathogens. Nat Rev Urol 2014; 11:672-87. [PMID: 25330794 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2014.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by several pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and protozoa, and can induce male infertility through multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. Additionally, horizontal transmission of STD pathogens to sexual partners or vertical transmission to fetuses and neonates is possible. Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma spp., human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, HIV-1 and human cytomegalovirus have all been detected in semen from symptomatic and asymptomatic men with testicular, accessory gland and urethral infections. These pathogens are associated with poor sperm quality and decreased sperm concentration and motility. However, the effects of these STD agents on semen quality are unclear, as are the effects of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma spp., Treponema pallidum and Trichomonas vaginalis, because few studies have evaluated the influence of these pathogens on male infertility. Chronic or inadequately treated infections seem to be more relevant to infertility than acute infections are, although in many cases the exact aetiological agents remain unknown.
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18
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Lu RY, Yang WX, Hu YJ. The role of epithelial tight junctions involved in pathogen infections. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:6591-610. [PMID: 24965148 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3543-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJs) are sealing complexes between adjacent epithelial cells, functioning by controlling paracellular passage and maintaining cell polarity. These functions of TJs are primarily based on structural integrity as well as dynamic regulatory balance, indicating plasticity of TJ in response to external stimuli. An indispensable role of TJs involved in pathogen infection has been widely demonstrated since disruption of TJs leads to a distinct increase in paracellular permeability and polarity defects which facilitate viral or bacterial entry and spread. In addition to pathological changes in TJ integrity, TJ proteins such as occludin and claudins can either function as receptors for pathogen entry or interact with viral/bacterial effector molecules as an essential step for characterizing an infective stage. This suggests a more complicated role for TJ itself and especially specific TJ components. Thus, this review surveys the role of the epithelial TJs involved in various pathogen infections, and extends TJ targeted therapeutic and pharmacological application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Yi Lu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
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Tossetta G, Paolinelli F, Avellini C, Salvolini E, Ciarmela P, Lorenzi T, Emanuelli M, Toti P, Giuliante R, Gesuita R, Crescimanno C, Voltolini C, Di Primio R, Petraglia F, Castellucci M, Marzioni D. IL-1β and TGF-β weaken the placental barrier through destruction of tight junctions: an in vivo and in vitro study. Placenta 2014; 35:509-16. [PMID: 24768095 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chorioamnionitis is a gestational pathological condition characterized by acute inflammation of the amniochorionic membranes and placentas leading to high concentrations of IL-1β, Il-6, Il-8 and TGF-β in the amniotic fluid. In normal conditions, the permeability of foeto-maternal barrier is due to the assembly and maintenance of different cellular junctional domains. METHODS In the present study, first we aimed to evaluate the protein expression (by immunohistochemistry and western blotting) and mRNA (by real time PCR) levels of the molecular components of tight junctions (Zonula occludens-1 and occludin), and of adherent junctions (VE-cadherin and β-catenin) in placentas from chorioamnionitis compared to that in normal pregnancies. RESULTS Western blotting results showed a significant down-regulation of occludin in placentas affected with chorioamnionitis. No differences were detected for the other proteins analysed. We evaluated whether occludin expression was regulated by IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TGF-β by means of in vitro studies using HUVEC cultures and demonstrated a key role of IL-1β and TGF-β in the disappearance of occludin at cellular border. CONCLUSIONS We conclude by suggesting a pivotal role of these two cytokines in facilitating intra-placental infection via para-cellular way due to the disassembly of tight junctions at trophoblastic and endothelial cells in placental tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
| | - F Paolinelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
| | - C Avellini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
| | - E Salvolini
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Sciences-Histology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
| | - P Ciarmela
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
| | - T Lorenzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
| | - M Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - P Toti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Pathology Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - R Giuliante
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - R Gesuita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Epidemiological and Bio-statistic Centre, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
| | - C Crescimanno
- Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Physical Education, Università Kore, 94100 Enna, Italy.
| | - C Voltolini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine-Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - R Di Primio
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Sciences-Histology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
| | - F Petraglia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine-Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - M Castellucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
| | - D Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
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Abstract
Type IV pili (T4P) are multifunctional protein fibers produced on the surfaces of a wide variety of bacteria and archaea. The major subunit of T4P is the type IV pilin, and structurally related proteins are found as components of the type II secretion (T2S) system, where they are called pseudopilins; of DNA uptake/competence systems in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive species; and of flagella, pili, and sugar-binding systems in the archaea. This broad distribution of a single protein family implies both a common evolutionary origin and a highly adaptable functional plan. The type IV pilin is a remarkably versatile architectural module that has been adopted widely for a variety of functions, including motility, attachment to chemically diverse surfaces, electrical conductance, acquisition of DNA, and secretion of a broad range of structurally distinct protein substrates. In this review, we consider recent advances in this research area, from structural revelations to insights into diversity, posttranslational modifications, regulation, and function.
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Edwards VL, Wang LC, Dawson V, Stein DC, Song W. Neisseria gonorrhoeae breaches the apical junction of polarized epithelial cells for transmigration by activating EGFR. Cell Microbiol 2013; 15:1042-57. [PMID: 23279089 PMCID: PMC5584544 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae initiates infection at the apical surface of columnar endocervical epithelial cells in the female reproductive tract. These cells provide a physical barrier against pathogens by forming continuous apical junctional complexes between neighbouring cells. This study examines the interaction of gonococci (GC) with polarized epithelial cells. We show that viable GC preferentially localize at the apical side of the cell-cell junction in polarized endometrial and colonic epithelial cells, HEC-1-B and T84. In GC-infected cells, continuous apical junctional complexes are disrupted, and the junction-associated protein β-catenin is redistributed from the apical junction to the cytoplasm and to GC adherent sites; however, overall cellular levels remain unchanged. This redistribution of junctional proteins is associated with a decrease in the 'fence' function of the apical junction but not its 'gate' function. Disruption of the apical junction by removing calcium increases GC transmigration across the epithelial monolayer. GC inoculation induces the phosphorylation of both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and β-catenin, while inhibition of EGFR kinase activity significantly reduces both GC-induced β-catenin redistribution and GC transmigration. Therefore, the gonococcus is capable of weakening the apical junction and polarity of epithelial cells by activating EGFR, which facilitates GC transmigration across the epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vonetta L. Edwards
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Liang-Chun Wang
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Valerie Dawson
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Daniel C. Stein
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Wenxia Song
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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