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Rissone P, Severino A, Pastor I, Ritort F. Universal cold RNA phase transitions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2408313121. [PMID: 39150781 PMCID: PMC11348302 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2408313121] [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: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA's diversity of structures and functions impacts all life forms since primordia. We use calorimetric force spectroscopy to investigate RNA folding landscapes in previously unexplored low-temperature conditions. We find that Watson-Crick RNA hairpins, the most basic secondary structure elements, undergo a glass-like transition below [Formula: see text]C where the heat capacity abruptly changes and the RNA folds into a diversity of misfolded structures. We hypothesize that an altered RNA biochemistry, determined by sequence-independent ribose-water interactions, outweighs sequence-dependent base pairing. The ubiquitous ribose-water interactions lead to universal RNA phase transitions below TG, such as maximum stability at [Formula: see text]C where water density is maximum, and cold denaturation at [Formula: see text]C. RNA cold biochemistry may have a profound impact on RNA function and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Rissone
- Small Biosystems Lab, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Aurélien Severino
- Small Biosystems Lab, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Isabel Pastor
- Small Biosystems Lab, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Felix Ritort
- Small Biosystems Lab, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
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2
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Lê-Bury P, Echenique-Rivera H, Pizarro-Cerdá J, Dussurget O. Determinants of bacterial survival and proliferation in blood. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae013. [PMID: 38734892 PMCID: PMC11163986 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae013] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Bloodstream infection is a major public health concern associated with high mortality and high healthcare costs worldwide. Bacteremia can trigger fatal sepsis whose prevention, diagnosis, and management have been recognized as a global health priority by the World Health Organization. Additionally, infection control is increasingly threatened by antimicrobial resistance, which is the focus of global action plans in the framework of a One Health response. In-depth knowledge of the infection process is needed to develop efficient preventive and therapeutic measures. The pathogenesis of bloodstream infection is a dynamic process resulting from the invasion of the vascular system by bacteria, which finely regulate their metabolic pathways and virulence factors to overcome the blood immune defenses and proliferate. In this review, we highlight our current understanding of determinants of bacterial survival and proliferation in the bloodstream and discuss their interactions with the molecular and cellular components of blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Lê-Bury
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Yersinia Research Unit, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Autoimmune, Hematological and Bacterial Diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), 18 route du Panorama, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Hebert Echenique-Rivera
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Yersinia Research Unit, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Javier Pizarro-Cerdá
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Yersinia Research Unit, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Yersinia National Reference Laboratory, WHO Collaborating Research & Reference Centre for Plague FRA-146, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Dussurget
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Yersinia Research Unit, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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3
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Zhong L, Zhang M, Sun L, Yang Y, Wang B, Yang H, Shen Q, Xia Y, Cui J, Hang H, Ren Y, Pang B, Deng X, Zhan Y, Li H, Zhou Z. Distributed genotyping and clustering of Neisseria strains reveal continual emergence of epidemic meningococcus over a century. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7706. [PMID: 38001084 PMCID: PMC10673917 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43528-0] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) is commonly used to classify bacterial strains into different types, for taxonomical and epidemiological applications. However, cgMLST schemes require central databases for the nomenclature of new alleles and sequence types, which must be synchronized worldwide and involve increasingly intensive calculation and storage demands. Here, we describe a distributed cgMLST (dcgMLST) scheme that does not require a central database of allelic sequences and apply it to study evolutionary patterns of epidemic and endemic strains of the genus Neisseria. We classify 69,994 worldwide Neisseria strains into multi-level clusters that assign species, lineages, and local disease outbreaks. We divide Neisseria meningitidis into 168 endemic lineages and three epidemic lineages responsible for at least 9 epidemics in the past century. According to our analyses, the epidemic and endemic lineages experienced very different population dynamics in the past 100 years. Epidemic lineages repetitively emerged from endemic lineages, disseminated worldwide, and apparently disappeared rapidly afterward. We propose a stepwise model for the evolutionary trajectory of epidemic lineages in Neisseria, and expect that the development of similar dcgMLST schemes will facilitate epidemiological studies of other bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhong
- Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
- Key Laboratory of Alkene-Carbon Fibers-Based Technology & Application for Detection of Major Infectious Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Menghan Zhang
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Libing Sun
- Department of Pathology, East District of Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Haibing Yang
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Qiang Shen
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Jiarui Cui
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Hui Hang
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Yi Ren
- Iotabiome Biotechnology Inc, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Bo Pang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Deng
- Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA
| | - Yahui Zhan
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| | - Heng Li
- Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- Key Laboratory of Alkene-Carbon Fibers-Based Technology & Application for Detection of Major Infectious Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-infective Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Zhemin Zhou
- Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- Key Laboratory of Alkene-Carbon Fibers-Based Technology & Application for Detection of Major Infectious Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
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4
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Yee WX, Barnes G, Lavender H, Tang CM. Meningococcal factor H-binding protein: implications for disease susceptibility, virulence, and vaccines. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:805-815. [PMID: 36941192 PMCID: PMC10914675 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a human-adapted pathogen that causes meningitis and sepsis worldwide. N. meningitidis factor H-binding protein (fHbp) provides a mechanism for immune evasion by binding human complement factor H (CFH) to protect it from complement-mediated killing. Here, we discuss features of fHbp which enable it to engage human CFH (hCFH), and the regulation of fHbp expression. Studies of host susceptibility and bacterial genome-wide association studies (GWAS) highlight the importance of the interaction between fHbp and CFH and other complement factors, such as CFHR3, on the development of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Understanding the basis of fHbp:CFH interactions has also informed the design of next-generation vaccines as fHbp is a protective antigen. Structure-informed refinement of fHbp vaccines will help to combat the threat posed by the meningococcus, and accelerate the elimination of IMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wearn-Xin Yee
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Grace Barnes
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Hayley Lavender
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
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5
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Chen J, Jiao Z, Liang Z, Ma J, Xu M, Biswal S, Ramanathan M, Sun S, Zhang Z. Association between temperature variability and global meningitis incidence. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107649. [PMID: 36470121 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningitis can cause devastating epidemics and is susceptible to climate change. It is unclear how temperature variability, an indicator of climate change, is associated with meningitis incidence. METHODS We used global meningitis incidence data along with meteorological and demographic data over 1990-2019 to identify the association between temperature variability and meningitis. We also employed future (2020-2100) climate data to predict meningitis incidence under different emission levels (SSPs: Shared Socioeconomic Pathways). RESULTS We found that the mean temperature variability increased by almost 3 folds in the past 30 years. The largest changes occurred in Australasia, Tropical Latin America, and Central Sub-Saharan Africa. With a logarithmic unit increase in temperature variability, the overall global meningitis risk increases by 4.8 %. Australasia, Central Sub-Saharan Africa, and High-income North America are the most at-risk regions. Higher statistical differences were identified in males, children, and the elderly population. Compared to high-emission (SSP585) scenario, we predicted a median reduction of 85.8 % in meningitis incidence globally under the low-emission (SSP126) climate change scenario by 2100. CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence for temperature variability being in association with meningitis incidence, which suggests that global actions are urgently needed to address climate change and to prevent meningitis occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhihua Jiao
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhisheng Liang
- Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Junxiong Ma
- Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China; Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shyam Biswal
- Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, US
| | - Murugappan Ramanathan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China; Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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6
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Liang H, Yang K, Yang Y, Hong Z, Li S, Chen Q, Li J, Song X, Yang H. A Lanthanide Upconversion Nanothermometer for Precise Temperature Mapping on Immune Cell Membrane. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:9045-9053. [PMID: 36326607 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell temperature monitoring is of great importance to uncover temperature-dependent intracellular events and regulate cellular functions. However, it remains a great challenge to precisely probe the localized temperature status in living cells. Herein, we report a strategy for in situ temperature mapping on an immune cell membrane for the first time, which was achieved by using the lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles. The nanothermometer was designed to label the cell membrane by combining metabolic labeling and click chemistry and can leverage ratiometric upconversion luminescence signals to in situ sensitively monitor temperature variation (1.4% K-1). Moreover, a purpose-built upconversion hyperspectral microscope was utilized to synchronously map temperature changes on T cell membrane and visualize intracellular Ca2+ influx. This strategy was able to identify a suitable temperature status for facilitating thermally stimulated calcium influx in T cells, thus enabling high-efficiency activation of immune cells. Such findings might advance understandings on thermally dependent biological processes and their regulation methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyu Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Kaidong Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Yating Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Zhongzhu Hong
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Shihua Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Qiushui Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
- Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Juan Li
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Xiaorong Song
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
- Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center on Reagent and Instrument for Rapid Detection of Product Quality and Food Safety, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Huanghao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
- Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
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7
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Developing New Tools to Fight Human Pathogens: A Journey through the Advances in RNA Technologies. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112303. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A long scientific journey has led to prominent technological advances in the RNA field, and several new types of molecules have been discovered, from non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) to riboswitches, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and CRISPR systems. Such findings, together with the recognition of the advantages of RNA in terms of its functional performance, have attracted the attention of synthetic biologists to create potent RNA-based tools for biotechnological and medical applications. In this review, we have gathered the knowledge on the connection between RNA metabolism and pathogenesis in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We further discuss how RNA techniques have contributed to the building of this knowledge and the development of new tools in synthetic biology for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Infectious diseases are still a world-leading cause of death and morbidity, and RNA-based therapeutics have arisen as an alternative way to achieve success. There are still obstacles to overcome in its application, but much progress has been made in a fast and effective manner, paving the way for the solid establishment of RNA-based therapies in the future.
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8
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Sharma P, Mondal K, Kumar S, Tamang S, Najar IN, Das S, Thakur N. RNA thermometers in bacteria: Role in thermoregulation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA (BBA) - GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194871. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
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9
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Sabarathinam C, Mohan Viswanathan P, Senapathi V, Karuppannan S, Samayamanthula DR, Gopalakrishnan G, Alagappan R, Bhattacharya P. SARS-CoV-2 phase I transmission and mutability linked to the interplay of climatic variables: a global observation on the pandemic spread. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:72366-72383. [PMID: 35028838 PMCID: PMC8758228 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17481-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The study aims to determine the impact of global meteorological parameters on SARS-COV-2, including population density and initiation of lockdown in twelve different countries. The daily trend of these parameters and COVID-19 variables from February 15th to April 25th, 2020, were considered. Asian countries show an increasing trend between infection rate and population density. A direct relationship between the time-lapse of the first infected case and the period of suspension of movement controls the transmissivity of COVID-19 in Asian countries. The increase in temperature has led to an increase in COVID-19 spread, while the decrease in humidity is consistent with the trend in daily deaths during the peak of the pandemic in European countries. Countries with 65°F temperature and 5 mm rainfall have a negative impact on COVID-19 spread. Lower oxygen availability in the atmosphere, fine droplets of submicron size together with infectious aerosols, and low wind speed have contributed to the increase in total cases and mortality in Germany and France. The onset of the D614G mutation and subsequent changes to D614 before March, later G614 in mid-March, and S943P, A831V, D839/Y/N/E in April were observed in Asian and European countries. The results of the correlation and factor analysis show that the COVID-19 cases and the climatic factors are significantly correlated with each other. The optimum meteorological conditions for the prevalence of G614 were identified. It was observed that the complex interaction of global meteorological factors and changes in the mutational form of CoV-2 phase I influenced the daily mortality rate along with other comorbid factors. The results of this study could help the public and policymakers to create awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidambaram Sabarathinam
- Water Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat, P.O. Box 24885, 13109, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Prasanna Mohan Viswanathan
- Department of Applied Geology, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Malaysia, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Venkatramanan Senapathi
- Department of Disaster Management, Alagappa University, Karikudi, 630003, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Shankar Karuppannan
- Department of Applied Geology, School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Dhanu Radha Samayamanthula
- Water Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat, P.O. Box 24885, 13109, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Gnanachandrasamy Gopalakrishnan
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat -Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
- Center for Earth, Environment and Resources, Sun Yat -Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Prosun Bhattacharya
- Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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van Beek AE, Pouw RB, Wright VJ, Sallah N, Inwald D, Hoggart C, Brouwer MC, Galassini R, Thomas J, Calvo-Bado L, Fink CG, Jongerius I, Hibberd M, Wouters D, Levin M, Kuijpers TW. Low Levels of Factor H Family Proteins During Meningococcal Disease Indicate Systemic Processes Rather Than Specific Depletion by Neisseria meningitidis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:876776. [PMID: 35720329 PMCID: PMC9204383 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.876776] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningococcal disease (MD), evades complement-mediated clearance upon infection by ‘hijacking’ the human complement regulator factor H (FH). The FH protein family also comprises the homologous FH-related (FHR) proteins, hypothesized to act as antagonists of FH, and FHR-3 has recently been implicated to play a major role in MD susceptibility. Here, we show that the circulating levels of all FH family proteins, not only FH and FHR-3, are equally decreased during the acute illness. We did neither observe specific consumption of FH or FHR-3 by N. meningitidis, nor of any of the other FH family proteins, suggesting that the globally reduced levels are due to systemic processes including dilution by fluid administration upon admission and vascular leakage. MD severity associated predominantly with a loss of FH rather than FHRs. Additionally, low FH levels associated with renal failure, suggesting insufficient protection of host tissue by the active protection by the FH protein family, which is reminiscent of reduced FH activity in hemolytic uremic syndrome. Retaining higher levels of FH may thus limit tissue injury during MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E van Beek
- Sanquin Research, Department of Immunopathology, and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Richard B Pouw
- Sanquin Research, Department of Immunopathology, and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Victoria J Wright
- Section for Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neneh Sallah
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Inwald
- Section for Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clive Hoggart
- Section for Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mieke C Brouwer
- Sanquin Research, Department of Immunopathology, and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rachel Galassini
- Section for Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Thomas
- Micropathology Ltd., University of Warwick, Warwick, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Calvo-Bado
- Micropathology Ltd., University of Warwick, Warwick, United Kingdom
| | - Colin G Fink
- Micropathology Ltd., University of Warwick, Warwick, United Kingdom
| | - Ilse Jongerius
- Sanquin Research, Department of Immunopathology, and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin Hibberd
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Wouters
- Sanquin Research, Department of Immunopathology, and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michael Levin
- Section for Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Taco W Kuijpers
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Sanquin Research, Department of Blood Cell Research, and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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11
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Rhodes KA, Ma MC, Rendón MA, So M. Neisseria genes required for persistence identified via in vivo screening of a transposon mutant library. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010497. [PMID: 35580146 PMCID: PMC9140248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms used by human adapted commensal Neisseria to shape and maintain a niche in their host are poorly defined. These organisms are common members of the mucosal microbiota and share many putative host interaction factors with Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Evaluating the role of these shared factors during host carriage may provide insight into bacterial mechanisms driving both commensalism and asymptomatic infection across the genus. We identified host interaction factors required for niche development and maintenance through in vivo screening of a transposon mutant library of Neisseria musculi, a commensal of wild-caught mice which persistently and asymptomatically colonizes the oral cavity and gut of CAST/EiJ and A/J mice. Approximately 500 candidate genes involved in long-term host interaction were identified. These included homologs of putative N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae virulence factors which have been shown to modulate host interactions in vitro. Importantly, many candidate genes have no assigned function, illustrating how much remains to be learned about Neisseria persistence. Many genes of unknown function are conserved in human adapted Neisseria species; they are likely to provide a gateway for understanding the mechanisms allowing pathogenic and commensal Neisseria to establish and maintain a niche in their natural hosts. Validation of a subset of candidate genes confirmed a role for a polysaccharide capsule in N. musculi persistence but not colonization. Our findings highlight the potential utility of the Neisseria musculi-mouse model as a tool for studying the pathogenic Neisseria; our work represents a first step towards the identification of novel host interaction factors conserved across the genus. The Neisseria genus contains many genetically related commensals of animals and humans, and two human pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis. The mechanisms allowing commensal Neisseria to maintain a niche in their host is little understood. To identify genes required for persistence, we screened a library of transposon mutants of Neisseria musculi, a commensal of wild-caught mice, in CAST/EiJ mice, which persistently and asymptomatically colonizes. Approximately 500 candidate host interaction genes were identified. A subset of these are homologs of N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae genes known to modulate pathogen-host interactions in vitro. Many candidate genes have no known function, demonstrating how much remains to be learned about N. musculi niche maintenance. As many genes of unknown function are conserved in human adapted Neisseria, they provide a gateway for understanding Neisseria persistence mechanisms in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Rhodes
- Immunobiology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Man Cheong Ma
- Immunobiology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - María A. Rendón
- Immunobiology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Magdalene So
- Immunobiology Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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12
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Mikucki A, McCluskey NR, Kahler CM. The Host-Pathogen Interactions and Epicellular Lifestyle of Neisseria meningitidis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:862935. [PMID: 35531336 PMCID: PMC9072670 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.862935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative diplococcus and a transient commensal of the human nasopharynx. It shares and competes for this niche with a number of other Neisseria species including N. lactamica, N. cinerea and N. mucosa. Unlike these other members of the genus, N. meningitidis may become invasive, crossing the epithelium of the nasopharynx and entering the bloodstream, where it rapidly proliferates causing a syndrome known as Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD). IMD progresses rapidly to cause septic shock and meningitis and is often fatal despite aggressive antibiotic therapy. While many of the ways in which meningococci survive in the host environment have been well studied, recent insights into the interactions between N. meningitidis and the epithelial, serum, and endothelial environments have expanded our understanding of how IMD develops. This review seeks to incorporate recent work into the established model of pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on the competition that N. meningitidis faces in the nasopharynx from other Neisseria species, and how the genetic diversity of the meningococcus contributes to the wide range of inflammatory and pathogenic potentials observed among different lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Mikucki
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nicolie R. McCluskey
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Telethon Kids Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Charlene M. Kahler
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Charlene M. Kahler,
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13
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Borghi S, Antunes A, Haag AF, Spinsanti M, Brignoli T, Ndoni E, Scarlato V, Delany I. Multilayer Regulation of Neisseria meningitidis NHBA at Physiologically Relevant Temperatures. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040834. [PMID: 35456883 PMCID: PMC9031163 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis colonizes the nasopharynx of humans, and pathogenic strains can disseminate into the bloodstream, causing septicemia and meningitis. NHBA is a surface-exposed lipoprotein expressed by all N. meningitidis strains in different isoforms. Diverse roles have been reported for NHBA in heparin-mediated serum resistance, biofilm formation, and adherence to host tissues. We determined that temperature controls the expression of NHBA in all strains tested, with increased levels at 30−32 °C compared to 37 °C. Higher NHBA expression at lower temperatures was measurable both at mRNA and protein levels, resulting in higher surface exposure. Detailed molecular analysis indicated that multiple molecular mechanisms are responsible for the thermoregulated NHBA expression. The comparison of mRNA steady-state levels and half-lives at 30 °C and 37 °C demonstrated an increased mRNA stability/translatability at lower temperatures. Protein stability was also impacted, resulting in higher NHBA stability at lower temperatures. Ultimately, increased NHBA expression resulted in higher susceptibility to complement-mediated killing. We propose that NHBA regulation in response to temperature downshift might be physiologically relevant during transmission and the initial step(s) of interaction within the host nasopharynx. Together these data describe the importance of NHBA both as a virulence factor and as a vaccine antigen during neisserial colonization and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Borghi
- Immune Monitoring Laboratory, NYU Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Vaccines, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Ana Antunes
- MabDesign, 69007 Lyon, France;
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Vaccines, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Andreas F. Haag
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, North-Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9TF, UK;
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Vaccines, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | | | - Tarcisio Brignoli
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK;
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Vaccines, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Enea Ndoni
- Lonza Group AG, 4057 Basel, Switzerland;
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Vaccines, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Scarlato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Isabel Delany
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Vaccines, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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14
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The emerging role of bacterial regulatory RNAs in disease. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:959-972. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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15
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Whaley MJ, Vuong JT, Topaz N, Chang HY, Thomas JD, Jenkins LT, Hu F, Schmink S, Steward-Clark E, Mathis M, Rodriguez-Rivera LD, Retchless AC, Joseph SJ, Chen A, Acosta AM, McNamara L, Soeters HM, Mbaeyi S, Marjuki H, Wang X. Genomic Insights on Variation Underlying Capsule Expression in Meningococcal Carriage Isolates From University Students, United States, 2015-2016. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:815044. [PMID: 35250931 PMCID: PMC8893959 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.815044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In January and February 2015, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (NmB) outbreaks occurred at two universities in the United States, and mass vaccination campaigns using MenB vaccines were initiated as part of a public health response. Meningococcal carriage evaluations were conducted concurrently with vaccination campaigns at these two universities and at a third university, where no NmB outbreak occurred. Meningococcal isolates (N = 1,514) obtained from these evaluations were characterized for capsule biosynthesis by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Functional capsule polysaccharide synthesis (cps) loci belonging to one of seven capsule genogroups (B, C, E, W, X, Y, and Z) were identified in 122 isolates (8.1%). Approximately half [732 (48.4%)] of isolates could not be genogrouped because of the lack of any serogroup-specific genes. The remaining 660 isolates (43.5%) contained serogroup-specific genes for genogroup B, C, E, W, X, Y, or Z, but had mutations in the cps loci. Identified mutations included frameshift or point mutations resulting in premature stop codons, missing or fragmented genes, or disruptions due to insertion elements. Despite these mutations, 49/660 isolates expressed capsule as observed with slide agglutination, whereas 45/122 isolates with functional cps loci did not express capsule. Neither the variable capsule expression nor the genetic variation in the cps locus was limited to a certain clonal complex, except for capsule null isolates (predominantly clonal complex 198). Most of the meningococcal carriage isolates collected from student populations at three US universities were non-groupable as a result of either being capsule null or containing mutations within the capsule locus. Several mutations inhibiting expression of the genes involved with the synthesis and transport of the capsule may be reversible, allowing the bacteria to switch between an encapsulated and non-encapsulated state. These findings are particularly important as carriage is an important component of the transmission cycle of the pathogen, and understanding the impact of genetic variations on the synthesis of capsule, a meningococcal vaccine target and an important virulence factor, may ultimately inform strategies for control and prevention of disease caused by this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Whaley
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jeni T. Vuong
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nadav Topaz
- CDC Foundation Field Employee assigned to the Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - How-Yi Chang
- IHRC Inc., Contractor to Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jennifer Dolan Thomas
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Laurel T. Jenkins
- IHRC Inc., Contractor to Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Fang Hu
- IHRC Inc., Contractor to Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Susanna Schmink
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Evelene Steward-Clark
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Marsenia Mathis
- IHRC Inc., Contractor to Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lorraine D. Rodriguez-Rivera
- IHRC Inc., Contractor to Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Adam C. Retchless
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sandeep J. Joseph
- IHRC Inc., Contractor to Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alexander Chen
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Anna M. Acosta
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lucy McNamara
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Heidi M. Soeters
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sarah Mbaeyi
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Henju Marjuki
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Xin Wang
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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16
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Qi Y, Zhang Y, Mu Q, Zheng G, Zhang M, Chen B, Huang J, Ma C, Wang X. RNA Secondary Structurome Revealed Distinct Thermoregulation in Plasmodium falciparum. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:766532. [PMID: 35059397 PMCID: PMC8763798 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.766532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of Plasmodium parasites, a causative agent of malaria, requests two hosts and the completion of 11 different parasite stages during development. Therefore, an efficient and fast response of parasites to various complex environmental changes, such as ambient temperature, pH, ions, and nutrients, is essential for parasite development and survival. Among many of these environmental changes, temperature is a decisive factor for parasite development and pathogenesis, including the thermoregulation of rRNA expression, gametogenesis, and parasite sequestration in cerebral malaria. However, the exact mechanism of how Plasmodium parasites rapidly respond and adapt to temperature change remains elusive. As a fundamental and pervasive regulator of gene expression, RNA structure can be a specific mechanism for fine tuning various biological processes. For example, dynamic and temperature-dependent changes in RNA secondary structures can control the expression of different gene programs, as shown by RNA thermometers. In this study, we applied the in vitro and in vivo transcriptomic-wide secondary structurome approach icSHAPE to measure parasite RNA structure changes with temperature alteration at single-nucleotide resolution for ring and trophozoite stage parasites. Among 3,000 probed structures at different temperatures, our data showed structural changes in the global transcriptome, such as S-type rRNA, HRPII gene, and the erythrocyte membrane protein family. When the temperature drops from 37°C to 26°C, most of the genes in the trophozoite stage cause significantly more changes to the RNA structure than the genes in the ring stage. A multi-omics analysis of transcriptome data from RNA-seq and RNA structure data from icSHAPE reveals that the specific RNA secondary structure plays a significant role in the regulation of transcript expression for parasites in response to temperature changes. In addition, we identified several RNA thermometers (RNATs) that responded quickly to temperature changes. The possible thermo-responsive RNAs in Plasmodium falciparum were further mapped. To this end, we identified dynamic and temperature-dependent RNA structural changes in the P. falciparum transcriptome and performed a comprehensive characterization of RNA secondary structures over the course of temperature stress in blood stage development. These findings not only contribute to a better understanding of the function of the RNA secondary structure but may also provide novel targets for efficient vaccines or drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Qi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quankai Mu
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Guixing Zheng
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengxin Zhang
- The Third Clinical School, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingxia Chen
- The Third Clinical School, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changling Ma
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Sharma A, Alajangi HK, Pisignano G, Sood V, Singh G, Barnwal RP. RNA thermometers and other regulatory elements: Diversity and importance in bacterial pathogenesis. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1711. [PMID: 35037405 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Survival of microorganisms depends to a large extent on environmental conditions and the occupied host. By adopting specific strategies, microorganisms can thrive in the surrounding environment and, at the same time, preserve their viability. Evading the host defenses requires several mechanisms compatible with the host survival which include the production of RNA thermometers to regulate the expression of genes responsible for heat or cold shock as well as of those involved in virulence. Microorganisms have developed a variety of molecules in response to the environmental changes in temperature and even more specifically to the host they invade. Among all, RNA-based regulatory mechanisms are the most common ones, highlighting the importance of such molecules in gene expression control and novel drug development by suitable structure-based alterations. This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.,University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Hema Kumari Alajangi
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.,University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Vikas Sood
- Department of Biochemistry, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Gurpal Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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18
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Callaghan MM, Koch B, Hackett KT, Klimowicz AK, Schaub RE, Krasnogor N, Dillard JP. Expression, Localization, and Protein Interactions of the Partitioning Proteins in the Gonococcal Type IV Secretion System. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:784483. [PMID: 34975804 PMCID: PMC8716806 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.784483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Partitioning proteins are well studied as molecular organizers of chromosome and plasmid segregation during division, however little is known about the roles partitioning proteins can play within type IV secretion systems. The single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-secreting gonococcal T4SS has two partitioning proteins, ParA and ParB. These proteins work in collaboration with the relaxase TraI as essential facilitators of type IV secretion. Bacterial two-hybrid experiments identified interactions between each partitioning protein and the relaxase. Subcellular fractionation demonstrated that ParA is found in the cellular membrane, whereas ParB is primarily in the membrane, but some of the protein is in the soluble fraction. Since TraI is known to be membrane-associated, these data suggest that the gonococcal relaxosome is a membrane-associated complex. In addition, we found that translation of ParA and ParB is controlled by an RNA switch. Different mutations within the stem-loop sequence predicted to alter folding of this RNA structure greatly increased or decreased levels of the partitioning proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie M. Callaghan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Birgit Koch
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS), Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kathleen T. Hackett
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Amy K. Klimowicz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ryan E. Schaub
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Natalio Krasnogor
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS), Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph P. Dillard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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19
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Pienkoß S, Javadi S, Chaoprasid P, Nolte T, Twittenhoff C, Dersch P, Narberhaus F. The gatekeeper of Yersinia type III secretion is under RNA thermometer control. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009650. [PMID: 34767606 PMCID: PMC8612567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial pathogens use a type III secretion system (T3SS) as molecular syringe to inject effector proteins into the host cell. In the foodborne pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, delivery of the secreted effector protein cocktail through the T3SS depends on YopN, a molecular gatekeeper that controls access to the secretion channel from the bacterial cytoplasm. Here, we show that several checkpoints adjust yopN expression to virulence conditions. A dominant cue is the host body temperature. A temperature of 37°C is known to induce the RNA thermometer (RNAT)-dependent synthesis of LcrF, a transcription factor that activates expression of the entire T3SS regulon. Here, we uncovered a second layer of temperature control. We show that another RNAT silences translation of the yopN mRNA at low environmental temperatures. The long and short 5’-untranslated region of both cellular yopN isoforms fold into a similar secondary structure that blocks ribosome binding. The hairpin structure with an internal loop melts at 37°C and thereby permits formation of the translation initiation complex as shown by mutational analysis, in vitro structure probing and toeprinting methods. Importantly, we demonstrate the physiological relevance of the RNAT in the faithful control of type III secretion by using a point-mutated thermostable RNAT variant with a trapped SD sequence. Abrogated YopN production in this strain led to unrestricted effector protein secretion into the medium, bacterial growth arrest and delayed translocation into eukaryotic host cells. Cumulatively, our results show that substrate delivery by the Yersinia T3SS is under hierarchical surveillance of two RNATs. Temperature serves as reliable external cue for pathogenic bacteria to recognize the entry into or exit from a warm-blooded host. At the molecular level, a temperature of 37°C induces various virulence-related processes that manipulate host cell physiology. Here, we demonstrate the temperature-dependent synthesis of the secretion regulator YopN in the foodborne pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, a close relative of Yersinia pestis. YopN blocks secretion of effector proteins through the type III secretion system unless host cell contact is established. Temperature-specific regulation relies on an RNA structure in the 5’-untranslated region of the yopN mRNA, referred to as RNA thermometer, which allows ribosome binding and thus translation initiation only at an infection-relevant temperature of 37°C. A mutated variant of the thermosensor resulting in a closed conformation prevented synthesis of the molecular gatekeeper YopN and led to permanent secretion and defective translocation of virulence factors into host cells. We suggest that the RNA thermometer plays a critical role in adjusting the optimal cellular concentration of a surveillance factor that maintains the controlled translocation of virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soheila Javadi
- Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Paweena Chaoprasid
- Institute of Infectiology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Nolte
- Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Twittenhoff
- Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Rottendorf Pharma GmbH, Ennigerloh, Germany
| | - Petra Dersch
- Institute of Infectiology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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20
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Facchetti A, Wheeler JX, Vipond C, Whiting G, Lavender H, Feavers IM, Maiden MCJ, Maharjan S. Factor H binding protein (fHbp)-mediated differential complement resistance of a serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis isolate from cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with invasive meningococcal disease. Access Microbiol 2021; 3:000255. [PMID: 34712903 PMCID: PMC8549389 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
During an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) at the University of Southampton, UK, in 1997, two Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C isolates were retrieved from a student ('Case'), who died of IMD, and a close contact ('Carrier') who, after mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the deceased, did not contract the disease. Genomic comparison of the isolates demonstrated extensive nucleotide sequence identity, with differences identified in eight genes. Here, comparative proteomics was used to measure differential protein expression between the isolates and investigate whether the differences contributed to the clinical outcomes. A total of six proteins were differentially expressed: four proteins (methylcitrate synthase, PrpC; hypothetical integral membrane protein, Imp; fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, Fba; aldehyde dehydrogenase A, AldA) were upregulated in the Case isolate, while one protein (Type IV pilus-associated protein, PilC2) was downregulated. Peptides for factor H binding protein (fHbp), a major virulence factor and antigenic protein, were only detected in the Case, with a single base deletion (ΔT366) in the Carrier fHbp causing lack of its expression. Expression of fHbp resulted in an increased resistance of the Case isolate to complement-mediated killing in serum. Complementation of fHbp expression in the Carrier increased its serum resistance by approximately 8-fold. Moreover, a higher serum bactericidal antibody titre was seen for the Case isolate when using sera from mice immunized with Bexsero (GlaxoSmithKline), a vaccine containing fHbp as an antigenic component. This study highlights the role of fHbp in the differential complement resistance of the Case and the Carrier isolates. Expression of fHbp in the Case resulted in its increased survival in serum, possibly leading to active proliferation of the bacteria in blood and death of the student through IMD. Moreover, enhanced killing of the Case isolate by sera raised against an fHbp-containing vaccine, Bexsero, underlines the role and importance of fHbp in infection and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Facchetti
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Jun X Wheeler
- Division of Analytical Biological Sciences, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Caroline Vipond
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Gail Whiting
- Division of Analytical Biological Sciences, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Hayley Lavender
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Ian M Feavers
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Martin C J Maiden
- Department of Zoology, Peter Medawar Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Sunil Maharjan
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
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21
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Earle SG, Lobanovska M, Lavender H, Tang C, Exley RM, Ramos-Sevillano E, Browning DF, Kostiou V, Harrison OB, Bratcher HB, Varani G, Tang CM, Wilson DJ, Maiden MCJ. Genome-wide association studies reveal the role of polymorphisms affecting factor H binding protein expression in host invasion by Neisseria meningitidis. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009992. [PMID: 34662348 PMCID: PMC8553145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many invasive bacterial diseases are caused by organisms that are ordinarily harmless components of the human microbiome. Effective interventions against these microbes require an understanding of the processes whereby symbiotic or commensal relationships transition into pathology. Here, we describe bacterial genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of Neisseria meningitidis, a common commensal of the human respiratory tract that is nevertheless a leading cause of meningitis and sepsis. An initial GWAS discovered bacterial genetic variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), associated with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) versus carriage in several loci across the meningococcal genome, encoding antigens and other extracellular components, confirming the polygenic nature of the invasive phenotype. In particular, there was a significant peak of association around the fHbp locus, encoding factor H binding protein (fHbp), which promotes bacterial immune evasion of human complement by recruiting complement factor H (CFH) to the meningococcal surface. The association around fHbp with IMD was confirmed by a validation GWAS, and we found that the SNPs identified in the validation affected the 5' region of fHbp mRNA, altering secondary RNA structures, thereby increasing fHbp expression and enhancing bacterial escape from complement-mediated killing. This finding is consistent with the known link between complement deficiencies and CFH variation with human susceptibility to IMD. These observations demonstrate the importance of human and bacterial genetic variation across the fHbp:CFH interface in determining IMD susceptibility, the transition from carriage to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G. Earle
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mariya Lobanovska
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Lavender
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Changyan Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington United States of America
| | - Rachel M. Exley
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Douglas F. Browning
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Vasiliki Kostiou
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Experimental Medicine Division, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Gabriele Varani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington United States of America
- * E-mail: (GV); (CMT); (DJW); (MCJM)
| | - Christoph M. Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (GV); (CMT); (DJW); (MCJM)
| | - Daniel J. Wilson
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (GV); (CMT); (DJW); (MCJM)
| | - Martin C. J. Maiden
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (GV); (CMT); (DJW); (MCJM)
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22
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Karlsson J, Eichner H, Loh E. Invasive meningococcal disease and genome databases. THE LANCET MICROBE 2021; 2:e421-e422. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00172-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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23
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Yu Y, Wang J, Han R, Wang L, Zhang L, Zhang AY, Xin J, Li S, Zeng Y, Shao G, Feng Z, Xiong Q. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae evades complement activation by binding to factor H via elongation factor thermo unstable (EF-Tu). Virulence 2021; 11:1059-1074. [PMID: 32815770 PMCID: PMC7549910 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1806664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas persist in the host for a long time, suggesting that they possess mechanisms for immune evasion. Factor H is a negative regulator of the complement system, which binds to host cells to avoid unexpected complement activation. In this study, we revealed that many mycoplasmas, such as Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma flocculare, and Mycoplasma bovis could hijack factor H such that they present themselves as a host tissue and thus escape from complement attack. Furthermore, the mechanism of recruiting factor H was identified in M. hyopneumoniae. M. hyopneumoniae binds factor H via factor H binding proteins, such as elongation factor thermo unstable (EF-Tu), P146, pyruvate dehydrogenase (acetyl-transferring) E1 component subunit alpha (PdhA), P46, Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 component subunit beta (PdhB), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and three different hypothetical proteins. The binding of factor H by EF-Tu further contributes to decreased C3 deposition on the M. hyopneumoniae surface and ultimately blocks further complement activation. In fact, binding of factor H occurs in a multifactorial manner; factor H is not only exploited by M. hyopneumoniae via its regulator activity to help mycoplasmas escape from complement killing, but also increases M. hyopneumoniae adhesion to swine tracheal epithelial cells, partially through EF-Tu. Meanwhile, the high sequence identity among EF-Tu proteins in the above-mentioned mycoplasmas implied the universality of the mechanism. This is the first report that mycoplasmas can escape complement killing by binding to factor H.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bioproducts, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Nanjing, China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bioproducts, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Nanjing, China.,College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban, South Africa
| | - Rui Han
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bioproducts, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Nanjing, China.,High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bioproducts, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bioproducts, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Nanjing, China
| | - Amy Yimin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University , Cornell, NY, USA
| | - Jiuqing Xin
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Harbin, China
| | - Shaoli Li
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics , Beijing, China
| | - Yanhua Zeng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China , Hengyang, China
| | - Guoqing Shao
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bioproducts, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Nanjing, China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhixin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bioproducts, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Nanjing, China
| | - Qiyan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bioproducts, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Nanjing, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang, China
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24
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Clark SA, Gray S, Finn A, Borrow R. Colistin Sensitivity and Factor H-Binding Protein Expression among Commensal Neisseria Species. mSphere 2021; 6:e0017521. [PMID: 34133203 PMCID: PMC8265630 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00175-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial carriage studies utilize colistin-containing media to select for Neisseria meningitidis among the diverse human pharyngeal milieu. These studies commonly report the isolation of Neisseria commensal species, with carriage rates of around 1% or less typically observed. Here, we describe the isolation of N. cinerea and N. polysaccharea from pharyngeal swabs using nonselective agar and confirm they are unable to grow on colistin-containing media. We also demonstrated colistin sensitivity among archived Neisseria commensal strains, including N. cinerea, N. polysaccharea, N. mucosa, and N. subflava. The distribution of lptA among these strains indicated that, while the phosphoethanolamine (PEA) transferase encoded by this gene confers colistin resistance, other mechanisms may lead to reduced susceptibility in some lptA-deficient strains. The majority of the N. cinerea and N. polysaccharea isolates expressed medium to very high levels of factor H-binding protein (fHbp), an important meningococcal vaccine antigen. Sequence analysis showed that the commensal fHbp peptide variants were similar in sequence to fHbp variants typically observed among invasive meningococci. Altogether, these results not only suggest that Neisseria commensal strains could be carried at much higher rates than previously reported but also raise questions about the impact of protein-based meningococcal vaccines on these unencapsulated commensals. IMPORTANCE This study highlights the need for further work to accurately determine the pharyngeal carriage prevalence of Neisseria commensal bacteria (e.g., N. cinerea and N. polysaccharea) among the general population. Previous studies have clearly demonstrated the suppressive effect these commensal species can have on meningococcal colonization, and so the carriage prevalence of these species could be an important factor in the spread of meningococci through the population. Furthermore, the surface expression of the meningococcal vaccine antigen factor H-binding protein by many of these commensal strains could have important implications for the use of fHbp-containing vaccines. Carriage of these commensal species may influence the immune response to these vaccines, or conversely, the immune response elicited by vaccination may induce clearance of these potentially important members of the pharyngeal niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A. Clark
- Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU), Public Health England (PHE), Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Gray
- Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU), Public Health England (PHE), Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Finn
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU), Public Health England (PHE), Manchester, United Kingdom
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25
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Lactate-induced dispersal of Neisseria meningitidis microcolonies is mediated by changes in cell density and pilus retraction and is influenced by temperature change. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0029621. [PMID: 34125601 PMCID: PMC8445170 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00296-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is the etiologic agent of meningococcal meningitis and sepsis. Initial colonization of meningococci to the upper respiratory tract epithelium is crucial for disease development. The colonization occurs in several steps and expression of type IV pili (Tfp) is essential for both attachment and microcolony formation of encapsulated bacteria. Previously, we have shown that host-derived lactate induces synchronized dispersal of meningococcal microcolonies. In this study, we demonstrated that lactate-induced dispersal is dependent on bacterial concentration but not on the quorum sensing system autoinducer-2 or the two-component systems NarP/NarQ, PilR/PilS, NtrY/NtrX, and MisR/MisS. Further, there were no changes in expression of genes related to assembly, elongation, retraction, and modification of Tfp throughout the time course of lactate induction. By using pilT and pptB mutants, however, we found that lactate-induced dispersal was dependent on PilT-retraction but not on phosphoglycerol-modification of Tfp even though the PptB activity was important for preventing re-aggregation post-dispersal. Furthermore, protein synthesis was required for lactate-induced dispersal. Finally, we found that at a lower temperature, lactate-induced dispersal was delayed and unsynchronized, and bacteria reformed microcolonies. We conclude that lactate-induced microcolony dispersal is dependent on bacterial concentration, PilT-dependent Tfp retraction, and protein synthesis and influenced by environmental temperature.
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26
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Scheller D, Twittenhoff C, Becker F, Holler M, Narberhaus F. OmpA, a Common Virulence Factor, Is Under RNA Thermometer Control in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:687260. [PMID: 34220779 PMCID: PMC8245352 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.687260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane protein OmpA is a virulence factor in many mammalian pathogens. In previous global RNA structure probing studies, we found evidence for a temperature-modulated RNA structure in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ompA transcript suggesting that opening of the structure at host-body temperature might relieve translational repression. Here, we support this hypothesis by quantitative reverse transcription PCR, translational reporter gene fusions, enzymatic RNA structure probing, and toeprinting assays. While ompA transcript levels decreased at 37°C compared to 25°C, translation of the transcript increased with increasing temperature. Biochemical experiments show that this is due to melting of the RNA structure, which permits ribosome binding to the 5'-UTR. A point mutation that locks the RNA structure in a closed conformation prevents translation by impairing ribosome access. Our findings add another common virulence factor to the growing list of pathogen-associated genes that are under RNA thermometer control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Scheller
- Department of Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Franziska Becker
- Department of Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marcel Holler
- Department of Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Franz Narberhaus
- Department of Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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27
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Catalan-Moreno A, Cela M, Menendez-Gil P, Irurzun N, Caballero CJ, Caldelari I, Toledo-Arana A. RNA thermoswitches modulate Staphylococcus aureus adaptation to ambient temperatures. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:3409-3426. [PMID: 33660769 PMCID: PMC8034633 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermoregulation of virulence genes in bacterial pathogens is essential for environment-to-host transition. However, the mechanisms governing cold adaptation when outside the host remain poorly understood. Here, we found that the production of cold shock proteins CspB and CspC from Staphylococcus aureus is controlled by two paralogous RNA thermoswitches. Through in silico prediction, enzymatic probing and site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrated that cspB and cspC 5′UTRs adopt alternative RNA structures that shift from one another upon temperature shifts. The open (O) conformation that facilitates mRNA translation is favoured at ambient temperatures (22°C). Conversely, the alternative locked (L) conformation, where the ribosome binding site (RBS) is sequestered in a double-stranded RNA structure, is folded at host-related temperatures (37°C). These structural rearrangements depend on a long RNA hairpin found in the O conformation that sequesters the anti-RBS sequence. Notably, the remaining S. aureus CSP, CspA, may interact with a UUUGUUU motif located in the loop of this long hairpin and favour the folding of the L conformation. This folding represses CspB and CspC production at 37°C. Simultaneous deletion of the cspB/cspC genes or their RNA thermoswitches significantly decreases S. aureus growth rate at ambient temperatures, highlighting the importance of CspB/CspC thermoregulation when S. aureus transitions from the host to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arancha Catalan-Moreno
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, IdAB, CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra, Avda. de Pamplona 123, 31192 Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
| | - Marta Cela
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, IdAB, CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra, Avda. de Pamplona 123, 31192 Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
| | - Pilar Menendez-Gil
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, IdAB, CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra, Avda. de Pamplona 123, 31192 Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
| | - Naiara Irurzun
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, IdAB, CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra, Avda. de Pamplona 123, 31192 Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
| | - Carlos J Caballero
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, IdAB, CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra, Avda. de Pamplona 123, 31192 Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
| | - Isabelle Caldelari
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UPR 9002, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alejandro Toledo-Arana
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, IdAB, CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra, Avda. de Pamplona 123, 31192 Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
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28
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Eichner H, Karlsson J, Spelmink L, Pathak A, Sham LT, Henriques-Normark B, Loh E. RNA thermosensors facilitate Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae immune evasion. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009513. [PMID: 33914847 PMCID: PMC8084184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis is a major cause of death and disability in children worldwide. Two human restricted respiratory pathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, are the major causative agents of bacterial meningitis, attributing to 200,000 deaths annually. These pathogens are often part of the nasopharyngeal microflora of healthy carriers. However, what factors elicit them to disseminate and cause invasive diseases, remain unknown. Elevated temperature and fever are hallmarks of inflammation triggered by infections and can act as warning signals to pathogens. Here, we investigate whether these respiratory pathogens can sense environmental temperature to evade host complement-mediated killing. We show that productions of two vital virulence factors and vaccine components, the polysaccharide capsules and factor H binding proteins, are temperature dependent, thus influencing serum/opsonophagocytic killing of the bacteria. We identify and characterise four novel RNA thermosensors in S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, responsible for capsular biosynthesis and production of factor H binding proteins. Our data suggest that these bacteria might have independently co-evolved thermosensing abilities with different RNA sequences but distinct secondary structures to evade the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Eichner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jens Karlsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Laura Spelmink
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anuj Pathak
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Lok-To Sham
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Birgitta Henriques-Normark
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Clinical Microbiology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edmund Loh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Clinical Microbiology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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29
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Abstract
Purpose of review Community-acquired bacterial meningitis is a continually changing disease. This review summarises both dynamic epidemiology and emerging data on pathogenesis. Updated clinical guidelines are discussed, new agents undergoing clinical trials intended to reduce secondary brain damage are presented. Recent findings Conjugate vaccines are effective against serotype/serogroup-specific meningitis but vaccine escape variants are rising in prevalence. Meningitis occurs when bacteria evade mucosal and circulating immune responses and invade the brain: directly, or across the blood–brain barrier. Tissue damage is caused when host genetic susceptibility is exploited by bacterial virulence. The classical clinical triad of fever, neck stiffness and headache has poor diagnostic sensitivity, all guidelines reflect the necessity for a low index of suspicion and early Lumbar puncture. Unnecessary cranial imaging causes diagnostic delays. cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and PCR are diagnostic, direct next-generation sequencing of CSF may revolutionise diagnostics. Administration of early antibiotics is essential to improve survival. Dexamethasone partially mitigates central nervous system inflammation in high-income settings. New agents in clinical trials include C5 inhibitors and daptomycin, data are expected in 2025. Summary Clinicians must remain vigilant for bacterial meningitis. Constantly changing epidemiology and emerging pathogenesis data are increasing the understanding of meningitis. Prospects for better treatments are forthcoming.
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30
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Spinsanti M, Brignoli T, Bodini M, Fontana LE, De Chiara M, Biolchi A, Muzzi A, Scarlato V, Delany I. Deconvolution of intergenic polymorphisms determining high expression of Factor H binding protein in meningococcus and their association with invasive disease. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009461. [PMID: 33770146 PMCID: PMC8026042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a strictly human pathogen and is the major cause of septicemia and meningitis worldwide. Factor H binding protein (fHbp) is a meningococcal surface-exposed lipoprotein that binds the human Complement factor H allowing the bacterium to evade the host innate immune response. FHbp is also a key antigen in two vaccines against N. meningitidis serogroup B. Although the fHbp gene is present in most circulating meningococcal strains, level of fHbp expression varies among isolates and has been correlated to differences in promoter sequences upstream of the gene. Here we elucidated the sequence determinants that control fHbp expression in globally circulating strains. We analyzed the upstream fHbpintergenic region (fIR) of more than 5800 strains representative of the UK circulating isolates and we identified eleven fIR sequence alleles which represent 88% of meningococcal strains. By engineering isogenic recombinant strains where fHbp expression was under the control of each of the eleven fIR alleles, we confirmed that the fIR sequence determines a specific and distinct level of expression. Moreover, we identified the molecular basis for variation in expression through polymorphisms within key regulatory regions that are known to affect fHbp expression. We experimentally established three expression groups, high–medium–low, that correlated directly with the susceptibility to killing mediated by anti-fHbp antibodies and the ability of the meningococcal strain to survive within human serum. By using this sequence classification and information about the variant, we predicted fHbp expression in the panel of UK strains and we observed that strains with higher expressing fIR alleles are more likely associated with invasive disease. Overall, our findings can contribute to understand and predict vaccine coverage mediated by fHbp as well as to shed light on the role of this virulence factor in determining an invasive phenotype. Complement plays a key role in the immunity against Neisseria meningitidis. The meningococcus uses the Factor H binding protein (fHbp), to bind a negative regulator of the alternative complement pathway, factor H, to its surface thus preventing complement deposition and lysis. The use of fHbp as an antigen in two licensed vaccines highlights its public health relevance. Therefore the levels of this antigen produced by the bacterium are pivotal on the one hand for the survival of N. meningitidis in blood and on the other hand for the susceptibility to vaccine-induced killing antibodies. Here, we identify the predominant nucleotide sequences that drive distinct levels of the fHbp antigen in circulating meningococcal strains. We cluster them into distinct groups with increasing levels and observe that strains expressing higher fHbp amounts are associated with invasive disease. Our findings show that the nucleotide sequence of the fHbp promoter can be used for the prediction of antigen levels of any given strain and consequently for both the assessment of its sensitivity to killing by fHbp antibodies and its likelihood to cause invasive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarcisio Brignoli
- GSK, Siena, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Vincenzo Scarlato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Moore SR, Menon SS, Cortes C, Ferreira VP. Hijacking Factor H for Complement Immune Evasion. Front Immunol 2021; 12:602277. [PMID: 33717083 PMCID: PMC7947212 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.602277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is an essential player in innate and adaptive immunity. It consists of three pathways (alternative, classical, and lectin) that initiate either spontaneously (alternative) or in response to danger (all pathways). Complement leads to numerous outcomes detrimental to invaders, including direct killing by formation of the pore-forming membrane attack complex, recruitment of immune cells to sites of invasion, facilitation of phagocytosis, and enhancement of cellular immune responses. Pathogens must overcome the complement system to survive in the host. A common strategy used by pathogens to evade complement is hijacking host complement regulators. Complement regulators prevent attack of host cells and include a collection of membrane-bound and fluid phase proteins. Factor H (FH), a fluid phase complement regulatory protein, controls the alternative pathway (AP) both in the fluid phase of the human body and on cell surfaces. In order to prevent complement activation and amplification on host cells and tissues, FH recognizes host cell-specific polyanionic markers in combination with complement C3 fragments. FH suppresses AP complement-mediated attack by accelerating decay of convertases and by helping to inactivate C3 fragments on host cells. Pathogens, most of which do not have polyanionic markers, are not recognized by FH. Numerous pathogens, including certain bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminths, and fungi, can recruit FH to protect themselves against host-mediated complement attack, using either specific receptors and/or molecular mimicry to appear more like a host cell. This review will explore pathogen complement evasion mechanisms involving FH recruitment with an emphasis on: (a) characterizing the structural properties and expression patterns of pathogen FH binding proteins, as well as other strategies used by pathogens to capture FH; (b) classifying domains of FH important in pathogen interaction; and (c) discussing existing and potential treatment strategies that target FH interactions with pathogens. Overall, many pathogens use FH to avoid complement attack and appreciating the commonalities across these diverse microorganisms deepens the understanding of complement in microbiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Moore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Smrithi S Menon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Claudio Cortes
- Department of Foundational Medical Sciences, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
| | - Viviana P Ferreira
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
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32
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Zhang H, Hall I, Nissley AJ, Abdallah K, Keane SC. A Tale of Two Transitions: The Unfolding Mechanism of the prfA RNA Thermosensor. Biochemistry 2020; 59:4533-4545. [PMID: 33231432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RNA thermosensors (RNATs), found in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of some bacterial messenger RNAs (mRNAs), control the translation of the downstream gene in a temperature-dependent manner. In Listeria monocytogenes, the expression of a key transcription factor, PrfA, is mediated by an RNAT in its 5' UTR. PrfA functions as a master regulator of virulence in L. monocytogenes, controlling the expression of many virulence factors. The temperature-regulated expression of PrfA by its RNAT element serves as a signal of successful host invasion for the bacteria. Structurally, the prfA RNAT bears little resemblance to known families of RNATs, and prior studies demonstrated that the prfA RNAT is highly responsive over a narrow temperature range. Herein, we have undertaken a comprehensive mutational and thermodynamic analysis to ascertain the molecular determinants of temperature sensitivity. We provide evidence to support the idea that the prfA RNAT unfolding is different from that of cssA, a well-characterized RNAT, suggesting that these RNATs function via distinct mechanisms. Our data show that the unfolding of the prfA RNAT occurs in two distinct events and that the internal loops play an important role in mediating the cooperativity of RNAT unfolding. We further demonstrated that regions distal to the ribosome binding site (RBS) not only contribute to RNAT structural stability but also impact translation of the downstream message. Our collective results provide insight connecting the thermal stability of the prfA RNAT structure, unfolding energetics, and translational control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqun Zhang
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Ian Hall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Amos J Nissley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Kyrillos Abdallah
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Sarah C Keane
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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33
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Novel hypercapsulation RNA thermosensor variants in Neisseria meningitidis and their association with invasive meningococcal disease: a genetic and phenotypic investigation and molecular epidemiological study. THE LANCET MICROBE 2020; 1:e319-e327. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(20)30146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Mandin P, Johansson J. Feeling the heat at the millennium: Thermosensors playing with fire. Mol Microbiol 2020; 113:588-592. [PMID: 31971637 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
An outstanding question regards the ability of organisms to sense their environments and respond in a suitable way. Pathogenic bacteria in particular exploit host-temperature sensing as a cue for triggering virulence gene expression. This micro-review does not attempt to fully cover the field of bacterial thermosensors and in detail describe each identified case. Instead, the review focus on the time-period at the end of the 1990's and beginning of the 2000's when several key discoveries were made, identifying protein, DNA and RNA as potential thermosensors controlling gene expression in several different bacterial pathogens in general and on the prfA thermosensor of Listeria monocytogenes in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Mandin
- Aix Marseille Univ-CNRS, UMR 7243, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Jörgen Johansson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Molecular Infection Medicine, Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Gaudenzi G, Kumbakumba E, Rasti R, Nanjebe D, Réu P, Nyehangane D, Mårtensson A, Nassejje M, Karlsson J, Mzee J, Nilsson P, Businge S, Loh E, Boum Ii Y, Andersson-Svahn H, Gantelius J, Mwanga-Amumpaire J, Alfvén T. Point-of-Care Approaches for Meningitis Diagnosis in a Low-Resource Setting (Southwestern Uganda): Observational Cohort Study Protocol of the "PI-POC" Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e21430. [PMID: 33146628 PMCID: PMC7690656 DOI: 10.2196/21430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A timely differential diagnostic is essential to identify the etiology of central nervous system (CNS) infections in children, in order to facilitate targeted treatment, manage patients, and improve clinical outcome. OBJECTIVE The Pediatric Infection-Point-of-Care (PI-POC) trial is investigating novel methods to improve and strengthen the differential diagnostics of suspected childhood CNS infections in low-income health systems such as those in Southwestern Uganda. This will be achieved by evaluating (1) a novel DNA-based diagnostic assay for CNS infections, (2) a commercially available multiplex PCR-based meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel for clinical use in a facility-limited laboratory setting, (3) proteomics profiling of blood from children with severe CNS infection as compared to outpatient controls with fever yet not severely ill, and (4) Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) as a biomarker in blood for viral CNS infection. Further changes in the etiology of childhood CNS infections after the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae will be investigated. In addition, the carriage and invasive rate of Neisseria meningitidis will be recorded and serotyped, and the expression of its major virulence factor (polysaccharide capsule) will be investigated. METHODS The PI-POC trial is a prospective observational study of children including newborns up to 12 years of age with clinical features of CNS infection, and age-/sex-matched outpatient controls with fever yet not severely ill. Participants are recruited at 2 Pediatric clinics in Mbarara, Uganda. Cerebrospinal fluid (for cases only), blood, and nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs (for both cases and controls) sampled at both clinics are analyzed at the Epicentre Research Laboratory through gold-standard methods for CNS infection diagnosis (microscopy, biochemistry, and culture) and a commercially available ME panel for multiplex PCR analyses of the cerebrospinal fluid. An additional blood sample from cases is collected on day 3 after admission. After initial clinical analyses in Mbarara, samples will be transported to Stockholm, Sweden for (1) validation analyses of a novel nucleic acid-based POC test, (2) biomarker research, and (3) serotyping and molecular characterization of S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis. RESULTS A pilot study was performed from January to April 2019. The PI-POC trial enrollment of patients begun in April 2019 and will continue until September 2020, to include up to 300 cases and controls. Preliminary results from the PI-POC study are expected by the end of 2020. CONCLUSIONS The findings from the PI-POC study can potentially facilitate rapid etiological diagnosis of CNS infections in low-resource settings and allow for novel methods for determination of the severity of CNS infection in such environment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03900091; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03900091. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/21430.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gaudenzi
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elias Kumbakumba
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Reza Rasti
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Pedro Réu
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Andreas Mårtensson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Milly Nassejje
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jens Karlsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Mzee
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Holy Innocents Children's Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Peter Nilsson
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephen Businge
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Holy Innocents Children's Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Edmund Loh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- SCELSE, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yap Boum Ii
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- MSF Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Helene Andersson-Svahn
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jesper Gantelius
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- MSF Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Barnawi H, Masri N, Hussain N, Al-Lawati B, Mayasari E, Gulbicka A, Jervis AJ, Huang MH, Cavet JS, Linton D. RNA-based thermoregulation of a Campylobacter jejuni zinc resistance determinant. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009008. [PMID: 33064782 PMCID: PMC7592916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA thermometers (RNATs) trigger bacterial virulence factor expression in response to the temperature shift on entering a warm-blooded host. At lower temperatures these secondary structures sequester ribosome-binding sites (RBSs) to prevent translation initiation, whereas at elevated temperatures they "melt" allowing translation. Campylobacter jejuni is the leading bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis worldwide yet little is known about how it interacts with the host including host induced gene regulation. Here we demonstrate that an RNAT regulates a C. jejuni gene, Cj1163c or czcD, encoding a member of the Cation Diffusion Facilitator family. The czcD upstream untranslated region contains a predicted stem loop within the mRNA that sequesters the RBS to inhibit translation at temperatures below 37°C. Mutations that disrupt or enhance predicted secondary structure have significant and predictable effects on temperature regulation. We also show that in an RNAT independent manner, CzcD expression is induced by Zn(II). Mutants lacking czcD are hypersensitive to Zn(II) and also over-accumulate Zn(II) relative to wild-type, all consistent with CzcD functioning as a Zn(II) exporter. Importantly, we demonstrate that C. jejuni Zn(II)-tolerance at 32°C, a temperature at which the RNAT limits CzcD production, is increased by RNAT disruption. Finally we show that czcD inactivation attenuates larval killing in a Galleria infection model and that at 32°C disrupting RNAT secondary structure to allow CzcD production can enhance killing. We hypothesise that CzcD regulation by metals and temperature provides a mechanism for C. jejuni to overcome innate immune system-mediated Zn(II) toxicity in warm-blooded animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Barnawi
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nader Masri
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha Hussain
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Bushra Al-Lawati
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Evita Mayasari
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
| | - Aleksandra Gulbicka
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J. Jervis
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Min-Hsuan Huang
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer S. Cavet
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JSC); (DL)
| | - Dennis Linton
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JSC); (DL)
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Bock SL, Hale MD, Leri FM, Wilkinson PM, Rainwater TR, Parrott BB. Post-Transcriptional Mechanisms Respond Rapidly to Ecologically Relevant Thermal Fluctuations During Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination. Integr Org Biol 2020; 2:obaa033. [PMID: 33791571 PMCID: PMC7715621 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obaa033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An organism's ability to integrate transient environmental cues experienced during development into molecular and physiological responses forms the basis for adaptive shifts in phenotypic trajectories. During temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), thermal cues during discrete periods in development coordinate molecular changes that ultimately dictate sexual fate and contribute to patterns of inter- and intra-sexual variation. How these mechanisms interface with dynamic thermal environments in nature remain largely unknown. By deploying thermal loggers in wild nests of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) over two consecutive breeding seasons, we observed that 80% of nests exhibit both male- and female-promoting thermal cues during the thermosensitive period, and of these nests, all exhibited both male- and female-promoting temperatures within the span of a single day. These observations raise a critical question-how are opposing environmental cues integrated into sexually dimorphic transcriptional programs across short temporal scales? To address this question, alligator embryos were exposed to fluctuating temperatures based on nest thermal profiles and sampled over the course of a daily thermal fluctuation. We examined the expression dynamics of upstream genes in the temperature-sensing pathway and find that post-transcriptional alternative splicing and transcript abundance of epigenetic modifier genes JARID2 and KDM6B respond rapidly to thermal fluctuations while transcriptional changes of downstream effector genes, SOX9 and DMRT1, occur on a delayed timescale. Our findings reveal how the basic mechanisms of TSD operate in an ecologically relevant context. We present a hypothetical hierarchical model based on our findings as well as previous studies, in which temperature-sensitive alternative splicing incrementally influences the epigenetic landscape to affect the transcriptional activity of key sex-determining genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Bock
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Matthew D Hale
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Faith M Leri
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | | | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, Georgetown, SC 29440, USA
- Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology & Forest Science, Clemson University, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA
| | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
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Ayanlade A, Nwayor IJ, Sergi C, Ayanlade OS, Di Carlo P, Jeje OD, Jegede MO. Early warning climate indices for malaria and meningitis in tropical ecological zones. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14303. [PMID: 32868821 PMCID: PMC7459128 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71094-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims at assessing the impacts of climate indices on the spatiotemporal distribution of malaria and meningitis in Nigeria. The primary focus of the research is to develop an Early Warning System (EWS) for assessing climate variability implications on malaria and meningitis spread in the study area. Both climate and health data were used in the study to determine the relationship between climate variability and the occurrence of malaria and meningitis. The assessment was based on variations in different ecological zones in Nigeria. Two specific sample locations were randomly selected in each ecological zone for the analysis. The climatic data used in this study are dekadal precipitation, minimum and maximum temperature between 2000 and 2018, monthly aerosol optical depth between 2000 and 2018. The results show that temperature is relatively high throughout the year because the country is located in a tropical region. The significant findings of this study are that rainfall has much influence on the occurrence of malaria, while temperature and aerosol have more impact on meningitis. We found the degree of relationship between precipitation and malaria, there is a correlation coefficient R2 ≥ 70.0 in Rainforest, Freshwater, and Mangrove ecological zones. The relationship between temperature and meningitis is accompanied by R2 ≥ 72.0 in both Sahel and Sudan, while aerosol and meningitis harbour R2 = 77.33 in the Sahel. The assessment of this initial data seems to support the finding that the occurrences of meningitis are higher in the northern region, especially the Sahel and Sudan. In contrast, malaria occurrence is higher in the southern part of the study area. In all, the multiple linear regression results revealed that rainfall was directly associated with malaria with β = 0.64, p = 0.001 but aerosol was directly associated with meningitis with β = 0.59, p < 0.001. The study concludes that variability in climatic elements such as low precipitation, high temperature, and aerosol may be the major drivers of meningitis occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayansina Ayanlade
- Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
| | - Isioma J Nwayor
- Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | - Oluwatoyin S Ayanlade
- African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Paola Di Carlo
- PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Olajumoke D Jeje
- Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Margaret O Jegede
- African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Principato S, Pizza M, Rappuoli R. Meningococcal factor H binding protein as immune evasion factor and vaccine antigen. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2657-2669. [PMID: 32298465 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Factor H binding protein (fHbp) is a key virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis and a main component of the two licensed vaccines against serogroup B meningococcus (Bexsero and Trumenba). fHbp is a surface-exposed lipoprotein that enables the bacterium to survive in human blood by binding the human complement regulator factor H (fH). When used as vaccine, the protein induces antibodies with potent bactericidal activity. While the fHbp gene is present in the majority of N. meningitidis serogroup B isolates, the expression level varies up to 15 times between different strains and more than 700 different sequence variants have been described. Antigenically, the protein has been divided into three variants or two subfamilies. The 3D structure of fHbp alone, in combination with fH or in complex with bactericidal antibodies, has been key to understanding the molecular details of the protein. In this article, we will review the biochemical and immunological properties of fHbp, and its key role in meningococcal pathogenesis, complement regulation, and immune evasion.
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40
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Righetti F, Materne SL, Boss J, Eichner H, Charpentier E, Loh E. Characterization of a transcriptional TPP riboswitch in the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis. RNA Biol 2020; 17:718-730. [PMID: 32079473 PMCID: PMC7237195 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1727188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that regulatory RNA elements such as riboswitches (RS) play a pivotal role in the fine-tuning of bacterial gene expression. In this study, we investigated and characterized a novel transcriptional thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) RS in the obligate human pathogen N. meningitidis MC58 (serogroup B). This RS is located in the 5´ untranslated region upstream of thiC gene, encoding a protein involved in TPP biosynthesis, an essential cofactor for all living beings. Primer extension revealed the transcriptional start site of thiC. Northern blot analysis of thiC mRNA and reporter gene studies confirmed the presence of an active TPP-sensing RS. Expression patterns of the wild-type RS and site-specific mutants showed that it is an OFF switch that controls transcription elongation of thiC mRNA. Interestingly, the regulatory mechanism of the meningococcal thiC RS resembles the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis thiC RS rather than the Gram-negative Escherichia coli thiC RS. Therefore, the meningococcal thiC RS represents a rare example of transcriptional RS in a Gram-negative bacterium. We further observed that the RS is actively involved in modulating gene expression in response to different growth media and to supplemented bacterial and eukaryotic cell lysates as possible sources of nutrients in the nasopharynx. Our results suggest that RS-mediated gene regulation could influence meningococcal fitness, through the fine-tuning of biosynthesis and scavenging of nutrients and cofactors, such as thiamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Righetti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor- and Cell Biology, BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Solange Lise Materne
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor- and Cell Biology, BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Boss
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor- and Cell Biology, BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hannes Eichner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor- and Cell Biology, BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emmanuelle Charpentier
- Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Regulation in Infection Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Regulation in Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.,The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Edmund Loh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor- and Cell Biology, BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,SCELSE, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Boeddha NP, Bycroft T, Nadel S, Hazelzet JA. The Inflammatory and Hemostatic Response in Sepsis and Meningococcemia. Crit Care Clin 2020; 36:391-399. [PMID: 32172820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Meningococcemia is notorious for evasion of the host immune system and its rapid progression to fulminant disease, and serves as a unique model for pediatric sepsis. Illness severity is determined by complex interplays among host, pathogen, and environment. The inflammatory host response, including proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in innate and adaptive immunity, skews toward a proinflammatory state. This leads to endothelial dysfunction and activation of the hemostatic response, which may lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation. This article reviews the pathogenesis of sepsis, in particular the inflammatory and hemostatic response in meningococcal sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navin P Boeddha
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Bycroft
- St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, W21NY London, UK
| | - Simon Nadel
- St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, W21NY London, UK; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jan A Hazelzet
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Twittenhoff C, Heroven AK, Mühlen S, Dersch P, Narberhaus F. An RNA thermometer dictates production of a secreted bacterial toxin. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008184. [PMID: 31951643 PMCID: PMC6992388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Frequent transitions of bacterial pathogens between their warm-blooded host and external reservoirs are accompanied by abrupt temperature shifts. A temperature of 37°C serves as reliable signal for ingestion by a mammalian host, which induces a major reprogramming of bacterial gene expression and metabolism. Enteric Yersiniae are Gram-negative pathogens accountable for self-limiting gastrointestinal infections. Among the temperature-regulated virulence genes of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is cnfY coding for the cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNFY), a multifunctional secreted toxin that modulates the host’s innate immune system and contributes to the decision between acute infection and persistence. We report that the major determinant of temperature-regulated cnfY expression is a thermo-labile RNA structure in the 5’-untranslated region (5’-UTR). Various translational gene fusions demonstrated that this region faithfully regulates translation initiation regardless of the transcription start site, promoter or reporter strain. RNA structure probing revealed a labile stem-loop structure, in which the ribosome binding site is partially occluded at 25°C but liberated at 37°C. Consistent with translational control in bacteria, toeprinting (primer extension inhibition) experiments in vitro showed increased ribosome binding at elevated temperature. Point mutations locking the 5’-UTR in its 25°C structure impaired opening of the stem loop, ribosome access and translation initiation at 37°C. To assess the in vivo relevance of temperature control, we used a mouse infection model. Y. pseudotuberculosis strains carrying stabilized RNA thermometer variants upstream of cnfY were avirulent and attenuated in their ability to disseminate into mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen. We conclude with a model, in which the RNA thermometer acts as translational roadblock in a two-layered regulatory cascade that tightly controls provision of the CNFY toxin during acute infection. Similar RNA structures upstream of various cnfY homologs suggest that RNA thermosensors dictate the production of secreted toxins in a wide range of pathogens. Bacterial pathogens closely survey the ambient conditions and induce virulence genes only at appropriate conditions. Upon host contact, many pathogens secrete toxins in order to subvert host defense systems. We find that such a secreted toxin in enteropathogenic Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is produced only at host body temperature. This regulation depends on a temperature-responsive RNA structure, an RNA thermometer, in the 5’-untranslated region of the toxin mRNA, which prevents translation at low temperatures when the bacterium is outside the host. Preventing melting of the RNA structure at 37°C by nucleotide substitutions that stabilize base pairing resulted in avirulent Yersinia strains unable to infect mice. Given that similar RNA thermometer-like structures exist upstream of related toxin genes in various bacterial pathogens, we propose that RNA thermometer-mediated toxin production is an evolutionary conserved mechanism. Interfering with opening of such regulatory structures might thus be a promising strategy targeting a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Kathrin Heroven
- Department of Molecular Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Mühlen
- Department of Molecular Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Infectiology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Petra Dersch
- Department of Molecular Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Infectiology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Franz Narberhaus
- Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Johansson J, Freitag NE. Regulation of Listeria monocytogenes Virulence. Microbiol Spectr 2019; 7:10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0064-2019. [PMID: 31441398 PMCID: PMC10957223 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0064-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Whereas obligate human and animal bacterial pathogens may be able to depend upon the warmth and relative stability of their chosen replication niche, environmental bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes that harbor the ability to replicate both within animal cells and in the outside environment must maintain the capability to manage life under a variety of disparate conditions. Bacterial life in the outside environment requires adaptation to wide ranges of temperature, available nutrients, and physical stresses such as changes in pH and osmolarity as well as desiccation. Following ingestion by a susceptible animal host, the bacterium must adapt to similar changes during transit through the gastrointestinal tract and overcome a variety of barriers associated with host innate immune responses. Rapid alteration of patterns of gene expression and protein synthesis represent one strategy for quickly adapting to a dynamic host landscape. Here, we provide an overview of the impressive variety of strategies employed by the soil-dwelling, foodborne, mammalian pathogen L. monocytogenes to straddle diverse environments and optimize bacterial fitness both inside and outside host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörgen Johansson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nancy E Freitag
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago IL
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Abstract
Bacterial regulatory RNAs are key players in adaptation to changing environmental conditions and response to diverse cellular stresses. However, while regulatory RNAs of bacterial pathogens have been intensely studied under defined conditions in vitro, characterization of their role during the infection of eukaryotic host organisms is lagging behind. This review summarizes our current understanding of the contribution of the different classes of regulatory RNAs and RNA-binding proteins to bacterial virulence and illustrates their role in infection by reviewing the mechanisms of some prominent representatives of each class. Emerging technologies are described that bear great potential for global, unbiased studies of virulence-related RNAs in bacterial model and nonmodel pathogens in the future. The review concludes by deducing common principles of RNA-mediated gene expression control of virulence programs in different pathogens, and by defining important open questions for upcoming research in the field.
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Abstract
Temperature variation is one of the multiple parameters a microbial pathogen encounters when it invades a warm-blooded host. To survive and thrive at host body temperature, human pathogens have developed various strategies to sense and respond to their ambient temperature. An instantaneous response is mounted by RNA thermometers (RNATs), which are integral sensory structures in mRNAs that modulate translation efficiency. At low temperatures outside the host, the folded RNA blocks access of the ribosome to the translation initiation region. The temperature shift upon entering the host destabilizes the RNA structure and thus permits ribosome binding. This reversible zipper-like mechanism of RNATs is ideally suited to fine-tune virulence gene expression when the pathogen enters or exits the body of its host. This review summarizes our present knowledge on virulence-related RNATs and discusses recent developments in the field.
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Clemence MEA, Maiden MCJ, Harrison OB. Characterization of capsule genes in non-pathogenic Neisseria species. Microb Genom 2018; 4. [PMID: 30074474 PMCID: PMC6202450 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Neisseria comprises a diverse group of commensal bacteria, which typically colonize the mucosal surfaces of humans and other animals. Neisseria meningitidis, the meningococcus, is notable for its potential to cause invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in humans; however, IMD is comparatively rare, and meningococci normally colonize the nasopharynx asymptomatically. Possession of a polysaccharide capsule has been shown to be a prerequisite for disease in almost all IMD cases, and was previously considered unique to N. meningitidis, and potentially acquired by horizontal genetic transfer (HGT). Nevertheless, the capsule must also have some role in asymptomatic colonization and/or transmission, consistent with the existence of six non-disease-associated meningococcal capsule serogroups. In this study, full complements of putative capsule genes were identified in non-pathogenic Neisseria species, including Neisseria subflava and Neisseria elongata. These species contained genes for capsule transport and translocation homologous to those of N. meningitidis, as well as novel putative capsule synthesis genes. Phylogenetic analyses were consistent with the proposal that these genes were acquired by the meningococcus through HGT. In contrast with previous evolutionary models, however, the most parsimonious explanation of these data was that capsule transport genes had been lost in the common ancestor of the meningococcus, gonococcus, and their close relatives, and then reacquired by some meningococci. The most likely donor of the meningococcal transport genes was another Neisseria species.
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Boltana S, Aguilar A, Sanhueza N, Donoso A, Mercado L, Imarai M, Mackenzie S. Behavioral Fever Drives Epigenetic Modulation of the Immune Response in Fish. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1241. [PMID: 29915591 PMCID: PMC5994863 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectotherms choose the best thermal conditions to mount a successful immune response, a phenomenon known as behavioral fever. The cumulative evidence suggests that behavioral fever impacts positively upon lymphocyte proliferation, inflammatory cytokine expression, and other immune functions. In this study, we have explored how thermal choice during infection impacts upon underpinning molecular processes and how temperature increase is coupled to the immune response. Our results show that behavioral fever results in a widespread, plastic imprint on gene regulation, and lymphocyte proliferation. We further explored the possible contribution of histone modification and identified global associations between temperature and histone changes that suggest epigenetic remodeling as a result of behavioral fever. Together, these results highlight the critical importance of thermal choice in mobile ectotherms, particularly in response to an infection, and demonstrate the key role of epigenetic modification to orchestrate the thermocoupling of the immune response during behavioral fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Boltana
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Department of Oceanography, Biotechnology Center, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Andrea Aguilar
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Department of Oceanography, Biotechnology Center, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nataly Sanhueza
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Department of Oceanography, Biotechnology Center, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Andrea Donoso
- Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Department of Oceanography, Biotechnology Center, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Luis Mercado
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Monica Imarai
- Laboratory of Immunology, Center of Aquatic Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Simon Mackenzie
- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Children with meningococcal sepsis are highly at risk for fulminant disease, multiple organ failure, and death. Recently, neutrophil extracellular traps levels have been indicated as a marker for severity in different kinds of sepsis. Our aim was to study the role of neutrophil extracellular traposis in meninogococcal sepsis in children. DESIGN We measured myeloperoxidase-DNA, a marker for neutrophil extracellular traps, in serum of meningococcal sepsis patients upon admission to PICU, at 24 hours, and at 1 month and studied the association with clinical outcome. Subsequently, we tested whether Neisseria meningitidis, isolated from children with meningococcal sepsis, were able to induce neutrophil extracellular traposis, using confocal microscopy live imaging. SETTING We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure myeloperoxidase-DNA in patient serum. We also included inflammatory markers that were previously measured in this group. PATIENTS We included exclusively children with meningococcal sepsis. INTERVENTIONS From each patient, serum was collected for analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Myeloperoxidase-DNA levels at admission (n = 35; median, 0.21 AU/mL; interquartile range, 0.12-0.27) and at 24 hours (n = 39; median, 0.14 AU/mL; interquartile range, 0.09-0.25) were significantly higher than the myeloperoxidase-DNA levels after 1 month (controls: n = 36; median, 0.07 AU/mL; interquartile range, 0.05-0.09; p < 0.001). We did not observe a correlation between myeloperoxidase-DNA levels and mortality, cell-free DNA, or other inflammatory markers. In addition, N. meningitidis are fast and strong inducers of neutrophil extracellular traposis. CONCLUSIONS Children admitted to PICU for meningococcal sepsis have higher neutrophil extracellular traps levels at admission and after 24 hours than controls. Neutrophil extracellular traps levels were not associated with outcome, cell-free DNA, or other inflammatory markers. These neutrophil extracellular traps may be induced by N. meningitidis, since these are strong neutrophil extracellular traposis inducers.
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Abduljalil JM. Bacterial riboswitches and RNA thermometers: Nature and contributions to pathogenesis. Noncoding RNA Res 2018; 3:54-63. [PMID: 30159440 PMCID: PMC6096418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens are always challenged by fluctuations of chemical and physical parameters that pose serious threats to cellular integrity and metabolic status. Sudden deprivation of nutrients or key metabolites, changes in surrounding pH, and temperature shifts are the most important examples of such parameters. To elicit a proper response to such fluctuations, bacterial cells coordinate the expression of parameter-relevant genes. Although protein-mediated control of gene expression is well appreciated since many decades, RNA-based regulation has been discovered in early 2000s as a parallel level of regulation. Small regulatory RNAs have emerged as one of the most widespread and important gene regulatory systems in bacteria with rare representatives found in Archaea and Eukarya. Riboswitches and thermosensors are cis-encoded RNA regulatory elements that employ different mechanisms to regulate the expression of related genes controlling key metabolic pathways and genes of temperature relevant proteins including virulence factors. The extent of RNA contributions to gene regulation is not completely known even in well-studied models such E. coli and B. subtilis. In depth understanding of riboswitches is promising for opportunity to discover a narrow spectrum antibacterial drugs that target riboswitches of essential metabolic pathways.
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Key Words
- 5ʹ-UTRs, 5ʹ-untranslated region
- AdoCbl, adenosylcobalamine
- Aptamer
- Bacterial pathogenicity
- CSPs, Cold Shock Proteins
- FMN, Flavin mononucleotide
- Gene expression
- ORFs, open reading frames
- RBS, Ribosomal Binding Site
- RNA thermometer
- RNAP, RNA polymerase
- RNAT, RNA thermometer
- Riboswitches
- SAH, S-adenosylhomocysteine
- SAM, S-adenosylmethionine
- SD, Shine-Dalgarno
- TPP, Thiamine pyrophosphate
- Transcription termination
- Virulence
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Zhou Y, Nie R, Liu X, Kong J, Wang X, Li J. GntR is involved in the expression of virulence in strain Streptococcus suis P1/7. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2018; 365:4964750. [DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fny091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruonan Nie
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghui Kong
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinquan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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