1
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Weimann A, Dinan AM, Ruis C, Bernut A, Pont S, Brown K, Ryan J, Santos L, Ellison L, Ukor E, Pandurangan AP, Krokowski S, Blundell TL, Welch M, Blane B, Judge K, Bousfield R, Brown N, Bryant JM, Kukavica-Ibrulj I, Rampioni G, Leoni L, Harrison PT, Peacock SJ, Thomson NR, Gauthier J, Fothergill JL, Levesque RC, Parkhill J, Floto RA. Evolution and host-specific adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Science 2024; 385:eadi0908. [PMID: 38963857 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi0908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The major human bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes multidrug-resistant infections in people with underlying immunodeficiencies or structural lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). We show that a few environmental isolates, driven by horizontal gene acquisition, have become dominant epidemic clones that have sequentially emerged and spread through global transmission networks over the past 200 years. These clones demonstrate varying intrinsic propensities for infecting CF or non-CF individuals (linked to specific transcriptional changes enabling survival within macrophages); have undergone multiple rounds of convergent, host-specific adaptation; and have eventually lost their ability to transmit between different patient groups. Our findings thus explain the pathogenic evolution of P. aeruginosa and highlight the importance of global surveillance and cross-infection prevention in averting the emergence of future epidemic clones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Weimann
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adam M Dinan
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher Ruis
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Audrey Bernut
- Laboratory of Pathogens and Host Immunity (LPHI), UMR5235, CNRS/Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphane Pont
- Laboratory of Pathogens and Host Immunity (LPHI), UMR5235, CNRS/Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Karen Brown
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for Lung Infection, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Judy Ryan
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lúcia Santos
- Department of Physiology, Bioscience Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Louise Ellison
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emem Ukor
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for Lung Infection, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Arun P Pandurangan
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sina Krokowski
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Welch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Beth Blane
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kim Judge
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Rachel Bousfield
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Irena Kukavica-Ibrulj
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Giordano Rampioni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrick T Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Bioscience Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sharon J Peacock
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jeff Gauthier
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jo L Fothergill
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Roger C Levesque
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - R Andres Floto
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for Lung Infection, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, Cambridge, UK
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2
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Swart AL, Laventie BJ, Sütterlin R, Junne T, Lauer L, Manfredi P, Jakonia S, Yu X, Karagkiozi E, Okujava R, Jenal U. Pseudomonas aeruginosa breaches respiratory epithelia through goblet cell invasion in a microtissue model. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1725-1737. [PMID: 38858595 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01718-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a leading cause of severe hospital-acquired pneumonia, causes infections with up to 50% mortality rates in mechanically ventilated patients. Despite some knowledge of virulence factors involved, it remains unclear how P. aeruginosa disseminates on mucosal surfaces and invades the tissue barrier. Using infection of human respiratory epithelium organoids, here we observed that P. aeruginosa colonization of apical surfaces is promoted by cyclic di-GMP-dependent asymmetric division. Infection with mutant strains revealed that Type 6 Secretion System activities promote preferential invasion of goblet cells. Type 3 Secretion System activity by intracellular bacteria induced goblet cell death and expulsion, leading to epithelial rupture which increased bacterial translocation and dissemination to the basolateral epithelium. These findings show that under physiological conditions, P. aeruginosa uses coordinated activity of a specific combination of virulence factors and behaviours to invade goblet cells and breach the epithelial barrier from within, revealing mechanistic insight into lung infection dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tina Junne
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luisa Lauer
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Xiao Yu
- Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (CMI2O), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evdoxia Karagkiozi
- Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (CMI2O), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rusudan Okujava
- Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (CMI2O), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Urs Jenal
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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3
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Guo X, Yu H, Xiong J, Dai Q, Li Y, Zhang W, Liao X, He X, Zhou H, Zhang K. Pseudomonas aeruginosa two-component system LadS/PA0034 regulates macrophage phagocytosis via fimbrial protein cupA1. mBio 2024; 15:e0061624. [PMID: 38771052 PMCID: PMC11237798 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00616-24] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common nosocomial pathogens worldwide, known for its virulence, drug resistance, and elaborate sensor-response network. The primary challenge encountered by pathogens during the initial stages of infection is the immune clearance arising from the host. The resident macrophages of barrier organs serve as the frontline defense against these pathogens. Central to our understanding is the mechanism by which bacteria modify their behavior to circumvent macrophage-mediated clearance, ensuring their persistence and colonization. To successfully evade macrophage-mediated phagocytosis, bacteria must possess an adaptive response mechanism. Two-component systems provide bacteria the agility to navigate diverse environmental challenges, translating external stimuli into cellular adaptive responses. Here, we report that the well-documented histidine kinase, LadS, coupled to a cognate two-component response regulator, PA0034, governs the expression of a vital adhesin called chaperone-usher pathway pilus cupA. The LadS/PA0034 system is susceptible to interference from the reactive oxygen species likely to be produced by macrophages and further lead to a poor adhesive phenotype with scantily cupA pilus, impairing the phagocytosis efficiency of macrophages during acute infection. This dynamic underscores the intriguing interplay: as macrophages deploy reactive oxygen species to combat bacterial invasion, the bacteria recalibrate their exterior to elude these defenses. IMPORTANCE The notoriety of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is underscored by its virulence, drug resistance, and elaborate sensor-response network. Yet, the mechanisms by which P. aeruginosa maneuvers to escape phagocytosis during acute infections remain elusive. This study pinpoints a two-component response regulator, PA0034, coupled with the histidine kinase LadS, and responds to macrophage-derived reactive oxygen species. The macrophage-derived reactive oxygen species can impair the LadS/PA0034 system, resulting in reduced expression of cupA pilus in the exterior of P. aeruginosa. Since the cupA pilus is an important adhesin of P. aeruginosa, its deficiency reduces bacterial adhesion and changes their behavior to adopt a planktonic lifestyle, subsequently inhibiting the phagocytosis of macrophages by interfering with bacterial adhesion. Briefly, reactive oxygen species may act as environmental cues for the LadS/PA0034 system. Upon recognition, P. aeruginosa may transition to a poorly adhesive state, efficiently avoiding engulfment by macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Guo
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junzhi Xiong
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Dai
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiping Liao
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomei He
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongli Zhou
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kebin Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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4
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Manisha Y, Srinivasan M, Jobichen C, Rosenshine I, Sivaraman J. Sensing for survival: specialised regulatory mechanisms of Type III secretion systems in Gram-negative pathogens. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:837-863. [PMID: 38217090 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13047] [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: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
For centuries, Gram-negative pathogens have infected the human population and been responsible for numerous diseases in animals and plants. Despite advancements in therapeutics, Gram-negative pathogens continue to evolve, with some having developed multi-drug resistant phenotypes. For the successful control of infections caused by these bacteria, we need to widen our understanding of the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions. Gram-negative pathogens utilise an array of effector proteins to hijack the host system to survive within the host environment. These proteins are secreted into the host system via various secretion systems, including the integral Type III secretion system (T3SS). The T3SS spans two bacterial membranes and one host membrane to deliver effector proteins (virulence factors) into the host cell. This multifaceted process has multiple layers of regulation and various checkpoints. In this review, we highlight the multiple strategies adopted by these pathogens to regulate or maintain virulence via the T3SS, encompassing the regulation of small molecules to sense and communicate with the host system, as well as master regulators, gatekeepers, chaperones, and other effectors that recognise successful host contact. Further, we discuss the regulatory links between the T3SS and other systems, like flagella and metabolic pathways including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, anaerobic metabolism, and stringent cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadav Manisha
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Mahalashmi Srinivasan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Chacko Jobichen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Ilan Rosenshine
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - J Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
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5
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Li Z, Li Y, Cheng W. Determination of cinnamaldehyde, thymol and eugenol in essential oils by LC-MS/MS and antibacterial activity of them against bacteria. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12424. [PMID: 38816435 PMCID: PMC11139912 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63114-8] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant essential oils contain many secondary metabolites, some of which can effectively inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, so it is a very promising antibacterial agent. In this study, a qualitative and quantitative method based on high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of three bioactive substances, cinnamaldehyde (CNM), thymol (THY), and eugenol (EUG), in the essential oils of plants. Necessary tests for linearity, limit of quantification, recovery, carryover contamination and precision of the method were carried out. Then, the antibacterial activity of 3 bioactive compounds against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was evaluated by minimal inhibitory concentration and the synergistic antimicrobial effect. The results indicated that CNM, THY and EUG had good antibacterial activity. According to the results of fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), it is considered that CNM + THY and CNM + THY + EUG has obvious synergistic inhibitory effect on E. coli, and CNM + THY and CNM + EUG has obvious synergistic inhibitory effect on S. aureus. Finally, we analyzed the effect of the bioactive compounds on trace elements in bacteria and found significant changes in magnesium, calcium, copper and iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- Tianjin Guoke Medical Technology Development Co., LTD, Tianjin, 300399, China
| | - Yan Li
- Tianjin Guoke Medical Technology Development Co., LTD, Tianjin, 300399, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215163, China
| | - Wenbo Cheng
- Tianjin Guoke Medical Technology Development Co., LTD, Tianjin, 300399, China.
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215163, China.
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6
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Huang J, Xu Z, Zhou T, Zhang LH, Xu Z. Suppression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system by a novel calcium-responsive signaling pathway. iScience 2024; 27:109690. [PMID: 38660402 PMCID: PMC11039405 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109690] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Expression of the type III secretion system (T3SS) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is exquisitely controlled by diverse environmental or host-related signals such as calcium (Ca2+), however, the signal transduction pathways remain largely elusive. In this study, we reported that FleR, the response regulator of the two-component system FleS/FleR, inhibits T3SS gene expression and virulence of P. aeruginosa uncoupled from its cognate histidine kinase FleS. Interestingly, FleR was found to repress T3SS gene expression under Ca2+-rich conditions independently of its DNA-binding domain. FleR activates the elevation of intracellular c-di-GMP contents and FleQ serves as the c-di-GMP effector to repress T3SS gene expression through the Gac/Rsm pathway. Remarkably, we found that AmrZ, a member of the FleR regulon, inhibits T3SS gene expression by directly targeting the promoter of exsCEBA in an expression level-dependent manner. This study revealed an intricate regulatory network that connects P. aeruginosa T3SS gene expression to the Ca2+ signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Huang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zirui Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lian-Hui Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeling Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Kaczmarczyk A, van Vliet S, Jakob RP, Teixeira RD, Scheidat I, Reinders A, Klotz A, Maier T, Jenal U. A genetically encoded biosensor to monitor dynamic changes of c-di-GMP with high temporal resolution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3920. [PMID: 38724508 PMCID: PMC11082216 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48295-0] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring changes of signaling molecules and metabolites with high temporal resolution is key to understanding dynamic biological systems. Here, we use directed evolution to develop a genetically encoded ratiometric biosensor for c-di-GMP, a ubiquitous bacterial second messenger regulating important biological processes like motility, surface attachment, virulence and persistence. The resulting biosensor, cdGreen2, faithfully tracks c-di-GMP in single cells and with high temporal resolution over extended imaging times, making it possible to resolve regulatory networks driving bimodal developmental programs in different bacterial model organisms. We further adopt cdGreen2 as a simple tool for in vitro studies, facilitating high-throughput screens for compounds interfering with c-di-GMP signaling and biofilm formation. The sensitivity and versatility of cdGreen2 could help reveal c-di-GMP dynamics in a broad range of microorganisms with high temporal resolution. Its design principles could also serve as a blueprint for the development of similar, orthogonal biosensors for other signaling molecules, metabolites and antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kaczmarczyk
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Simon van Vliet
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roman Peter Jakob
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Inga Scheidat
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Reinders
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Klotz
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Timm Maier
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Urs Jenal
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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8
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Burch-Konda J, Kayastha BB, Kubo A, Achour M, Hull M, Braga R, Winton L, Rogers RR, McCoy J, Lutter EI, Patrauchan MA. EF-Hand Calcium Sensor, EfhP, Controls Transcriptional Regulation of Iron Uptake by Calcium in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.09.574892. [PMID: 38260268 PMCID: PMC10802428 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.09.574892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a major risk for a range of severe infections, particularly lung infections in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). As previously reported, the virulent behavior of this pathogen is enhanced by elevated levels of Ca 2+ that are commonly present in CF nasal and lung fluids. In addition, a Ca 2+ -binding EF-hand protein, EfhP (PA4107), was partially characterized and shown to be critical for the Ca 2+ -regulated virulence in P. aeruginosa . Here we describe the rapid (10 min, 60 min), and adaptive (12 h) transcriptional responses of PAO1 to elevated Ca 2+ detected by genome-wide RNA sequencing and show that efhP deletion significantly hindered both rapid and adaptive Ca 2+ regulation. The most differentially regulated genes included multiple Fe sequestering mechanisms, a large number of extracytoplasmic function sigma factors (ECFσ) and several virulence factors, such as production of pyocins. The Ca 2+ regulation of Fe uptake was also observed in CF clinical isolates and appeared to involve the global regulator Fur. In addition, we showed that the efhP transcription is controlled by Ca 2+ and Fe, and this regulation required Ca 2+ -dependent two-component regulatory system CarSR. Furthermore, the efhP expression is significantly increased in CF clinical isolates and upon pathogen internalization into epithelial cells. Overall, the results established for the first time that Ca 2+ controls Fe sequestering mechanisms in P. aeruginosa and that EfhP plays a key role in the regulatory interconnectedness between Ca 2+ and Fe signaling pathways, the two distinct and important signaling pathways that guide the pathogen's adaptation to host. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( Pa ) poses a major risk for severe infections, particularly in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). For the first time, kinetic RNA sequencing analysis identified Pa rapid and adaptive transcriptional responses to Ca 2+ levels consistent with those present in CF respiratory fluids. The most highly upregulated processes include iron sequestering, iron starvation sigma factors, and self-lysis factors pyocins. An EF-hand Ca 2+ sensor, EfhP, is required for at least 1/3 of the Ca 2+ response, including all the iron uptake mechanisms and production of pyocins. Transcription of efhP itself is regulated by Ca 2+ , Fe, and increases during interactions with host epithelial cells, suggesting the protein's important role in Pa infections. The findings establish the regulatory interconnectedness between Ca 2+ and iron signaling pathways that shape Pa transcriptional responses. Therefore, understanding Pa's transcriptional response to Ca 2+ and associated regulatory mechanisms will serve the development of future therapeutics targeting Pa dangerous infections.
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9
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Lyng M, Jørgensen JPB, Schostag MD, Jarmusch SA, Aguilar DKC, Lozano-Andrade CN, Kovács ÁT. Competition for iron shapes metabolic antagonism between Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas marginalis. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrad001. [PMID: 38365234 PMCID: PMC10811728 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrad001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Siderophores have long been implicated in sociomicrobiology as determinants of bacterial interrelations. For plant-associated genera, like Bacillus and Pseudomonas, siderophores are well known for their biocontrol functions. Here, we explored the functional role of the Bacillus subtilis siderophore bacillibactin (BB) in an antagonistic interaction with Pseudomonas marginalis. The presence of BB strongly influenced the outcome of the interaction in an iron-dependent manner. The BB producer B. subtilis restricts colony spreading of P. marginalis by repressing the transcription of histidine kinase-encoding gene gacS, thereby abolishing production of secondary metabolites such as pyoverdine and viscosin. By contrast, lack of BB restricted B. subtilis colony growth. To explore the specificity of the antagonism, we cocultured B. subtilis with a collection of fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. and found that the Bacillus-Pseudomonas interaction is conserved, expanding our understanding of the interplay between two of the most well-studied genera of soil bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lyng
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Johan P B Jørgensen
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Morten D Schostag
- Bacterial Ecophysiology & Biotechnology, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Scott A Jarmusch
- Natural Product Discovery, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Diana K C Aguilar
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Carlos N Lozano-Andrade
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Ákos T Kovács
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby 2800, Denmark
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 BE, The Netherlands
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10
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Kolodkin-Gal I, Parsek MR, Patrauchan MA. The roles of calcium signaling and calcium deposition in microbial multicellularity. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:1225-1237. [PMID: 37429751 PMCID: PMC10772221 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Calcium signaling is an essential mediator of signal-controlling gene expression in most developmental systems. In addition, calcium has established extracellular functions as a structural component of biogenic minerals found in complex tissues. In bacteria, the formation of calcium carbonate structures is associated with complex colony morphology. Genes promoting the formation of biogenic minerals are essential for proper biofilm development and protection against antimicrobial solutes and toxins. Here we review recent findings on the role of calcium and calcium signaling as emerging regulators of biofilm formation in beneficial bacteria, as well as essential mediators of biofilm formation and virulence in human pathogens. The presented analysis concludes that the new understanding of calcium signaling may help to improve the performance of beneficial strains for sustainable agriculture, microbiome manipulation, and sustainable construction. Unraveling the roles of calcium may also promote the development of novel therapies against biofilm infections that target calcium uptake, calcium sensors, and calcium carbonate deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Kolodkin-Gal
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Marianna A Patrauchan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
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11
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Agaras BC, Grossi CEM, Ulloa RM. Unveiling the Secrets of Calcium-Dependent Proteins in Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria: An Abundance of Discoveries Awaits. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3398. [PMID: 37836138 PMCID: PMC10574481 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The role of Calcium ions (Ca2+) is extensively documented and comprehensively understood in eukaryotic organisms. Nevertheless, emerging insights, primarily derived from studies on human pathogenic bacteria, suggest that this ion also plays a pivotal role in prokaryotes. In this review, our primary focus will be on unraveling the intricate Ca2+ toolkit within prokaryotic organisms, with particular emphasis on its implications for plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). We undertook an in silico exploration to pinpoint and identify some of the proteins described in the existing literature, including prokaryotic Ca2+ channels, pumps, and exchangers that are responsible for regulating intracellular Calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), along with the Calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) that play a pivotal role in sensing and transducing this essential cation. These investigations were conducted in four distinct PGPR strains: Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca SMMP3, P. donghuensis SVBP6, Pseudomonas sp. BP01, and Methylobacterium sp. 2A, which have been isolated and characterized within our research laboratories. We also present preliminary experimental data to evaluate the influence of exogenous Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]ex) on the growth dynamics of these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betina Cecilia Agaras
- Laboratory of Physiology and Genetics of Plant Probiotic Bacteria (LFGBBP), Centre of Biochemistry and Microbiology of Soils, National University of Quilmes, Bernal B1876BXD, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina;
| | - Cecilia Eugenia María Grossi
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina;
- Laboratory of Plant Signal Transduction, Institute of Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology (INGEBI), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Rita María Ulloa
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina;
- Laboratory of Plant Signal Transduction, Institute of Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology (INGEBI), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
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12
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Zhou J, Ma H, Zhang L. Mechanisms of Virulence Reprogramming in Bacterial Pathogens. Annu Rev Microbiol 2023; 77:561-581. [PMID: 37406345 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-032521-025954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that carry a comparatively small set of genetic information, typically consisting of a few thousand genes that can be selectively activated or repressed in an energy-efficient manner and transcribed to encode various biological functions in accordance with environmental changes. Research over the last few decades has uncovered various ingenious molecular mechanisms that allow bacterial pathogens to sense and respond to different environmental cues or signals to activate or suppress the expression of specific genes in order to suppress host defenses and establish infections. In the setting of infection, pathogenic bacteria have evolved various intelligent mechanisms to reprogram their virulence to adapt to environmental changes and maintain a dominant advantage over host and microbial competitors in new niches. This review summarizes the bacterial virulence programming mechanisms that enable pathogens to switch from acute to chronic infection, from local to systemic infection, and from infection to colonization. It also discusses the implications of these findings for the development of new strategies to combat bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianuan Zhou
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China;
| | - Hongmei Ma
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China;
| | - Lianhui Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China;
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13
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Anantharaman S, Guercio D, Mendoza AG, Withorn JM, Boon EM. Negative regulation of biofilm formation by nitric oxide sensing proteins. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1447-1458. [PMID: 37610010 PMCID: PMC10625800 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm-based infections pose a serious threat to public health. Biofilms are surface-attached communities of microorganisms, most commonly bacteria and yeast, residing in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). The EPS is composed of several secreted biomolecules that shield the microorganisms from harsh environmental stressors and promote antibiotic resistance. Due to the increasing prominence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms and a decreased development of bactericidal agents in clinical production, there is an increasing need to discover alternative targets and treatment regimens for biofilm-based infections. One promising strategy to combat antibiotic resistance in biofilm-forming bacteria is to trigger biofilm dispersal, which is a natural part of the bacterial biofilm life cycle. One signal for biofilm dispersal is the diatomic gas nitric oxide (NO). Low intracellular levels of NO have been well documented to rapidly disperse biofilm macrostructures and are sensed by a widely conserved NO-sensory protein, NosP, in many pathogenic bacteria. When bound to heme and ligated to NO, NosP inhibits the autophosphorylation of NosP's associated histidine kinase, NahK, reducing overall biofilm formation. This reduction in biofilm formation is regulated by the decrease in secondary metabolite bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP). The NosP/NahK signaling pathway is also associated with other major regulatory systems in the maturation of bacterial biofilms, including virulence and quorum sensing. In this review, we will focus on recent discoveries investigating NosP, NahK and NO-mediated biofilm dispersal in pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Anantharaman
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, U.S.A
| | - Danielle Guercio
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, U.S.A
| | - Alicia G Mendoza
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, U.S.A
| | - Jason M Withorn
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, U.S.A
| | - Elizabeth M Boon
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, U.S.A
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14
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Manner C, Dias Teixeira R, Saha D, Kaczmarczyk A, Zemp R, Wyss F, Jaeger T, Laventie BJ, Boyer S, Malone JG, Qvortrup K, Andersen JB, Givskov M, Tolker-Nielsen T, Hiller S, Drescher K, Jenal U. A genetic switch controls Pseudomonas aeruginosa surface colonization. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:1520-1533. [PMID: 37291227 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01403-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Efficient colonization of mucosal surfaces is essential for opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but how bacteria collectively and individually adapt to optimize adherence, virulence and dispersal is largely unclear. Here we identified a stochastic genetic switch, hecR-hecE, which is expressed bimodally and generates functionally distinct bacterial subpopulations to balance P. aeruginosa growth and dispersal on surfaces. HecE inhibits the phosphodiesterase BifA and stimulates the diguanylate cyclase WspR to increase c-di-GMP second messenger levels and promote surface colonization in a subpopulation of cells; low-level HecE-expressing cells disperse. The fraction of HecE+ cells is tuned by different stress factors and determines the balance between biofilm formation and long-range cell dispersal of surface-grown communities. We also demonstrate that the HecE pathway represents a druggable target to effectively counter P. aeruginosa surface colonization. Exposing such binary states opens up new ways to control mucosal infections by a major human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dibya Saha
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Fabian Wyss
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tina Jaeger
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department Biomedizin, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Sebastien Boyer
- sciCORE, Centre for Scientific Computing, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jacob G Malone
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Katrine Qvortrup
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jens Bo Andersen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Givskov
- Costerton Biofilm Center, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Urs Jenal
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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15
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Park S, Dingemans J, Sauer K. Manganese Acts as an Environmental Inhibitor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Development by Inducing Dispersion and Modulating c-di-GMP and Exopolysaccharide Production via RbdA. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0000323. [PMID: 37199658 PMCID: PMC10294637 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00003-23] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes chronic infections that involve multicellular aggregates called biofilms. Biofilm formation is modulated by the host environment and the presence of cues and/or signals, likely affecting the pool of the bacterial second messenger cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP). The manganese ion Mn2+ is a divalent metal cation that is essential for pathogenic bacterial survival and replication during the infection in a host organism. In this study, we investigated how Mn2+ alters P. aeruginosa biofilm formation via the regulation of c-di-GMP levels. Exposure to Mn2+ was found to temporally enhance attachment but impair subsequent biofilm development, apparent by reduced biofilm biomass accumulation and lack of microcolony formation due to the induction of dispersion. Moreover, exposure to Mn2+ coincided with reduced production of the exopolysaccharides Psl and Pel, decreased transcriptional abundance of pel and psl, and decreased levels of c-di-GMP. To determine whether the effect of Mn2+ was linked to the activation of phosphodiesterases (PDEs), we screened several PDE mutants for Mn2+-dependent phenotypes (attachment and polysaccharide production) as well as PDE activity. The screen revealed that the PDE RbdA is activated by Mn2+ and is responsible for Mn2+-dependent attachment, inhibition of Psl production, and dispersion. Taken together, our findings suggest Mn2+ is an environmental inhibitor of P. aeruginosa biofilm development that acts through the PDE RbdA to modulate c-di-GMP levels, thereby impeding polysaccharide production and biofilm formation but enhancing dispersion. IMPORTANCE While diverse environmental conditions such as the availability of metal ions have been shown to affect biofilm development, little is known about the mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that Mn2+ affects Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development by stimulating phosphodiesterase RbdA activity to reduce the signaling molecule c-di-GMP levels, thereby hindering polysaccharide production and biofilm formation but enhancing dispersion. Our findings demonstrate that Mn2+ acts as an environmental inhibitor of P. aeruginosa biofilms, further suggesting manganese to be a promising new antibiofilm factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jozef Dingemans
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Karin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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16
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Cao P, Fleming D, Moustafa DA, Dolan SK, Szymanik KH, Redman WK, Ramos A, Diggle FL, Sullivan CS, Goldberg JB, Rumbaugh KP, Whiteley M. A Pseudomonas aeruginosa small RNA regulates chronic and acute infection. Nature 2023; 618:358-364. [PMID: 37225987 PMCID: PMC10247376 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06111-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The ability to switch between different lifestyles allows bacterial pathogens to thrive in diverse ecological niches1,2. However, a molecular understanding of their lifestyle changes within the human host is lacking. Here, by directly examining bacterial gene expression in human-derived samples, we discover a gene that orchestrates the transition between chronic and acute infection in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The expression level of this gene, here named sicX, is the highest of the P. aeruginosa genes expressed in human chronic wound and cystic fibrosis infections, but it is expressed at extremely low levels during standard laboratory growth. We show that sicX encodes a small RNA that is strongly induced by low-oxygen conditions and post-transcriptionally regulates anaerobic ubiquinone biosynthesis. Deletion of sicX causes P. aeruginosa to switch from a chronic to an acute lifestyle in multiple mammalian models of infection. Notably, sicX is also a biomarker for this chronic-to-acute transition, as it is the most downregulated gene when a chronic infection is dispersed to cause acute septicaemia. This work solves a decades-old question regarding the molecular basis underlying the chronic-to-acute switch in P. aeruginosa and suggests oxygen as a primary environmental driver of acute lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Cao
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory-Children's Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Derek Fleming
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Burn Center of Research Excellence, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Dina A Moustafa
- Emory-Children's Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen K Dolan
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory-Children's Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kayla H Szymanik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Whitni K Redman
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Burn Center of Research Excellence, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Anayancy Ramos
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory-Children's Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Frances L Diggle
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory-Children's Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Joanna B Goldberg
- Emory-Children's Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kendra P Rumbaugh
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Burn Center of Research Excellence, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Marvin Whiteley
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory-Children's Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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17
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Thompson CMA, Hall JPJ, Chandra G, Martins C, Saalbach G, Panturat S, Bird SM, Ford S, Little RH, Piazza A, Harrison E, Jackson RW, Brockhurst MA, Malone JG. Plasmids manipulate bacterial behaviour through translational regulatory crosstalk. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001988. [PMID: 36787297 PMCID: PMC9928087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Beyond their role in horizontal gene transfer, conjugative plasmids commonly encode homologues of bacterial regulators. Known plasmid regulator homologues have highly targeted effects upon the transcription of specific bacterial traits. Here, we characterise a plasmid translational regulator, RsmQ, capable of taking global regulatory control in Pseudomonas fluorescens and causing a behavioural switch from motile to sessile lifestyle. RsmQ acts as a global regulator, controlling the host proteome through direct interaction with host mRNAs and interference with the host's translational regulatory network. This mRNA interference leads to large-scale proteomic changes in metabolic genes, key regulators, and genes involved in chemotaxis, thus controlling bacterial metabolism and motility. Moreover, comparative analyses found RsmQ to be encoded on a large number of divergent plasmids isolated from multiple bacterial host taxa, suggesting the widespread importance of RsmQ for manipulating bacterial behaviour across clinical, environmental, and agricultural niches. RsmQ is a widespread plasmid global translational regulator primarily evolved for host chromosomal control to manipulate bacterial behaviour and lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona M. A. Thompson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - James P. J. Hall
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Govind Chandra
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Martins
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Gerhard Saalbach
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Supakan Panturat
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Susannah M. Bird
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Ford
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Richard H. Little
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Ainelen Piazza
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie Harrison
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Robert W. Jackson
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A. Brockhurst
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob G. Malone
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
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18
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Abstract
Living systems are built from a small subset of the atomic elements, including the bulk macronutrients (C,H,N,O,P,S) and ions (Mg,K,Na,Ca) together with a small but variable set of trace elements (micronutrients). Here, we provide a global survey of how chemical elements contribute to life. We define five classes of elements: those that are (i) essential for all life, (ii) essential for many organisms in all three domains of life, (iii) essential or beneficial for many organisms in at least one domain, (iv) beneficial to at least some species, and (v) of no known beneficial use. The ability of cells to sustain life when individual elements are absent or limiting relies on complex physiological and evolutionary mechanisms (elemental economy). This survey of elemental use across the tree of life is encapsulated in a web-based, interactive periodic table that summarizes the roles chemical elements in biology and highlights corresponding mechanisms of elemental economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleigh A Remick
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - John D Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States.
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19
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Genome-wide screen in human plasma identifies multifaceted complement evasion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011023. [PMID: 36696456 PMCID: PMC9901815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen, is a leading cause of bacteremia with a high mortality rate. We recently reported that P. aeruginosa forms a persister-like sub-population of evaders in human plasma. Here, using a gain-of-function transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) screen in plasma, we identified and validated previously unknown factors affecting bacterial persistence in plasma. Among them, we identified a small periplasmic protein, named SrgA, whose expression leads to up to a 100-fold increase in resistance to killing. Additionally, mutants in pur and bio genes displayed higher tolerance and persistence, respectively. Analysis of several steps of the complement cascade and exposure to an outer-membrane-impermeable drug, nisin, suggested that the mutants impede membrane attack complex (MAC) activity per se. Electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed the formation of polyphosphate (polyP) granules upon incubation in plasma of different size in purD and wild-type strains, implying the bacterial response to a stress signal. Indeed, inactivation of ppk genes encoding polyP-generating enzymes lead to significant elimination of persisting bacteria from plasma. Through this study, we shed light on a complex P. aeruginosa response to the plasma conditions and discovered the multifactorial origin of bacterial resilience to MAC-induced killing.
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20
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Li W, Xiao X, Qi Y, Lin X, Hu H, Shi M, Zhou M, Jiang W, Liu L, Chen K, Wang K, Liu R, Zhou M. Host-Defense-Peptide-Mimicking β-Peptide Polymer Acting as a Dual-Modal Antibacterial Agent by Interfering Quorum Sensing and Killing Individual Bacteria Simultaneously. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0051. [PMID: 36930779 PMCID: PMC10014070 DOI: 10.34133/research.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are one of the potentially promising agents for infection diseases due to their broad spectrum and low resistance rate, but their clinical applications are limited by proteolytic instability, high-cost, and complicated synthesis process. Here, we report a host-defense-peptide-mimicking β-peptide polymer that resists proteolysis to have enhanced the activity under physiological conditions, excellent antimicrobial efficiency even at high density of bacteria, and low cost for preparation. The β-peptide polymer demonstrated quorum sensing (QS) interference and bactericidal effect against both bacterial communities and individual bacterium to simultaneously block bacterial communication and disrupt bacterial membranes. The hierarchical QS network was suppressed, and main QS signaling systems showed considerably down-regulated gene expression, resulting in excellent biofilm eradication and virulence reduction effects. The dual-modal antibacterial ability possessed excellent therapeutic effects in Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, which could inhibit biofilm formation and exhibit better antibacterial and anti-inflammatory efficiency than clinically used antibiotics, levofloxacin. Furthermore, the β-peptide polymer also showed excellent therapeutic effect Escherichia coli pyogenic liver abscess. Together, we believed that the β-peptide polymer had a feasible clinical potential to treat bacterial infection diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 223300, China.,University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China
| | - Ximian Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuchen Qi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Xiuhui Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huiqun Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Minqi Shi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Weinan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Longqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Kang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Kai Wang
- University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China
| | - Runhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 223300, China.,University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China.,State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentations, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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21
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Lin Q, Huang J, Liu Z, Chen Q, Wang X, Yu G, Cheng P, Zhang LH, Xu Z. tRNA modification enzyme MiaB connects environmental cues to activation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1011027. [PMID: 36469533 PMCID: PMC9754610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major inhabitant of numerous environmental reservoirs, is a momentous opportunistic human pathogen associated with severe infections even death in the patients suffering from immune deficiencies or metabolic diseases. Type III secretion system (T3SS) employed by P. aeruginosa to inject effector proteins into host cells is one of the pivotal virulence factors pertaining to acute infections caused by this pathogen. Previous studies showed that P. aeruginosa T3SS is regulated by various environmental cues such as calcium concentration and the host signal spermidine. However, how T3SS is regulated and expressed particularly under the ever-changing environmental conditions remains largely elusive. In this study, we reported that a tRNA modification enzyme PA3980, designated as MiaB, positively regulated T3SS gene expression in P. aeruginosa and was essential for the induced cytotoxicity of human lung epithelial cells. Further genetic assays revealed that MiaB promoted T3SS gene expression by repressing the LadS-Gac/Rsm signaling pathway and through the T3SS master regulator ExsA. Interestingly, ladS, gacA, rsmY and rsmZ in the LadS-Gac/Rsm signaling pathway seemed potential targets under the independent regulation of MiaB. Moreover, expression of MiaB was found to be induced by the cAMP-dependent global regulator Vfr as well as the spermidine transporter-dependent signaling pathway and thereafter functioned to mediate their regulation on the T3SS gene expression. Together, these results revealed a novel regulatory mechanism for MiaB, with which it integrates different environmental cues to modulate T3SS gene expression in this important bacterial pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Food Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zhao Qing University, Zhaoqing, China
| | - Jiahui Huang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunyi Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinbo Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Yu
- Institute of Plant Health, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- Institute of Plant Health, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lian-Hui Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (L-HZ); (ZX)
| | - Zeling Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (L-HZ); (ZX)
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22
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A truncated mutation of MucA in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from a bronchiectasis patient affects T3SS expression and inflammasome activation. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1740-1747. [PMID: 36604139 PMCID: PMC9828237 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes chronic airway infection in bronchiectasis patients and is closely associated with poor prognosis. Strains isolated from chronically infected patients typically have a mucoid phenotype due to the overproduction of alginate. In this study, we isolate a P. aeruginosa strain from the sputum of a patient with bronchiectasis and find that a truncated mutation occurred in mucA, which is named mucA117. mucA117 causes the strain to transform into a mucoid phenotype, downregulates the expression of T3SS and inflammasome ligands such as fliC and allows it to avoid inflammasome activation. The truncated mutation of the MucA protein may help P. aeruginosa escape clearance by the immune system, enabling long-term colonization.
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23
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Dela Ahator S, Liu Y, Wang J, Zhang LH. The virulence factor regulator and quorum sensing regulate the type I-F CRISPR-Cas mediated horizontal gene transfer in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:987656. [PMID: 36246261 PMCID: PMC9563714 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.987656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is capable of thriving in diverse environments due to its network of regulatory components for effective response to stress factors. The survival of the bacteria is also dependent on the ability to discriminate between the acquisition of beneficial and non-beneficial genetic materials via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Thus, bacteria have evolved the CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system for defense against the deleterious effect of phage infection and HGT. By using the transposon mutagenesis approach, we identified the virulence factor regulator (Vfr) as a key regulator of the type I-F CRISPR-Cas system in P. aeruginosa. We showed that Vfr influences the expression of the CRISPR-Cas system through two signaling pathways in response to changes in calcium levels. Under calcium-rich conditions, Vfr indirectly regulates the CRISPR-Cas system via modulation of the AHL-QS gene expression, which could be vital for defense against phage infection at high cell density. When encountering calcium deficiency, however, Vfr can directly regulate the CRISPR-Cas system via a cAMP-dependent pathway. Furthermore, we provide evidence that mutation of vfr reduces the CRISPR-Cas spacer acquisition and interference of HGT. The results from this study add to the regulatory network of factors controlling the CRISPR-Cas system in response to abiotic factors in the environment. The findings may facilitate the design of effective and reliable phage therapies against P. aeruginosa infections, as targeting Vfr could prevent the development of the CRISPR-Cas mediated phage resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Dela Ahator
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Research Group for Host Microbe Interactions, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Yang Liu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jianhe Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lian-Hui Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lian-Hui Zhang,
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24
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Boeck L, Burbaud S, Skwark M, Pearson WH, Sangen J, Wuest AW, Marshall EKP, Weimann A, Everall I, Bryant JM, Malhotra S, Bannerman BP, Kierdorf K, Blundell TL, Dionne MS, Parkhill J, Andres Floto R. Mycobacterium abscessus pathogenesis identified by phenogenomic analyses. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1431-1441. [PMID: 36008617 PMCID: PMC9418003 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01204-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The medical and scientific response to emerging and established pathogens is often severely hampered by ignorance of the genetic determinants of virulence, drug resistance and clinical outcomes that could be used to identify therapeutic drug targets and forecast patient trajectories. Taking the newly emergent multidrug-resistant bacteria Mycobacterium abscessus as an example, we show that combining high-dimensional phenotyping with whole-genome sequencing in a phenogenomic analysis can rapidly reveal actionable systems-level insights into bacterial pathobiology. Through phenotyping of 331 clinical isolates, we discovered three distinct clusters of isolates, each with different virulence traits and associated with a different clinical outcome. We combined genome-wide association studies with proteome-wide computational structural modelling to define likely causal variants, and employed direct coupling analysis to identify co-evolving, and therefore potentially epistatic, gene networks. We then used in vivo CRISPR-based silencing to validate our findings and discover clinically relevant M. abscessus virulence factors including a secretion system, thus illustrating how phenogenomics can reveal critical pathways within emerging pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Boeck
- Molecular Immunity Unit, University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Burbaud
- Molecular Immunity Unit, University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marcin Skwark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Will H Pearson
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jasper Sangen
- Molecular Immunity Unit, University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andreas W Wuest
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eleanor K P Marshall
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Aaron Weimann
- Molecular Immunity Unit, University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Josephine M Bryant
- Molecular Immunity Unit, University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sony Malhotra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Scientific Computing Department, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Harwell, UK
| | - Bridget P Bannerman
- Molecular Immunity Unit, University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marc S Dionne
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - R Andres Floto
- Molecular Immunity Unit, University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, Cambridge, UK.
- Cambridge Centre for Lung Infection, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
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25
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Singkham-In U, Phuengmaung P, Makjaroen J, Saisorn W, Bhunyakarnjanarat T, Chatsuwan T, Chirathaworn C, Chancharoenthana W, Leelahavanichkul A. Chlorhexidine Promotes Psl Expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa That Enhances Cell Aggregation with Preserved Pathogenicity Demonstrates an Adaptation against Antiseptic. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158308. [PMID: 35955437 PMCID: PMC9368580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently in contact with Chlorhexidine (a regular antiseptic), bacterial adaptations are possible. In comparison with the parent strain, the Chlorhexidine-adapted strain formed smaller colonies with metabolic downregulation (proteomic analysis) with the cross-resistance against colistin (an antibiotic for several antibiotic-resistant bacteria), partly through the modification of L-Ara4N in the lipopolysaccharide at the outer membrane. Chlorhexidine-adapted strain formed dense liquid–solid interface biofilms with enhanced cell aggregation partly due to the Chlorhexidine-induced overexpression of psl (exopolysaccharide-encoded gene) through the LadS/GacSA pathway (c-di-GMP-independence) in 12 h biofilms and maintained the aggregation with SiaD-mediated c-di-GMP dependence in 24 h biofilms as evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The addition of Ca2+ in the Chlorhexidine-adapted strain facilitated several Psl-associated genes, indicating an impact of Ca2+ in Psl production. The activation by Chlorhexidine-treated sessile bacteria demonstrated a lower expression of IL-6 and IL-8 on fibroblasts and macrophages than the activation by the parent strain, indicating the less inflammatory reactions from Chlorhexidine-exposed bacteria. However, the 14-day severity of the wounds in mouse caused by Chlorhexidine-treated bacteria versus the parent strain was similar, as indicated by wound diameters and bacterial burdens. In conclusion, Chlorhexidine induced psl over-expression and colistin cross-resistance that might be clinically important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uthaibhorn Singkham-In
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (U.S.-I.); (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Pornpimol Phuengmaung
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (U.S.-I.); (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Jiradej Makjaroen
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Wilasinee Saisorn
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (W.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Thansita Bhunyakarnjanarat
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (W.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Tanittha Chatsuwan
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Chintana Chirathaworn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (U.S.-I.); (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Wiwat Chancharoenthana
- Tropical Nephrology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (A.L.); Tel.: +66-2-306-9130 (W.C.); +66-2-256-4251 (A.L.); Fax: +66-2-354-9150 (W.C.); +66-2-252-6920 (A.L.)
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (W.S.); (T.B.)
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (A.L.); Tel.: +66-2-306-9130 (W.C.); +66-2-256-4251 (A.L.); Fax: +66-2-354-9150 (W.C.); +66-2-252-6920 (A.L.)
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26
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Qin S, Xiao W, Zhou C, Pu Q, Deng X, Lan L, Liang H, Song X, Wu M. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: pathogenesis, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, interaction with host, technology advances and emerging therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:199. [PMID: 35752612 PMCID: PMC9233671 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 139.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that infects patients with cystic fibrosis, burn wounds, immunodeficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cancer, and severe infection requiring ventilation, such as COVID-19. P. aeruginosa is also a widely-used model bacterium for all biological areas. In addition to continued, intense efforts in understanding bacterial pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa including virulence factors (LPS, quorum sensing, two-component systems, 6 type secretion systems, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), CRISPR-Cas and their regulation), rapid progress has been made in further studying host-pathogen interaction, particularly host immune networks involving autophagy, inflammasome, non-coding RNAs, cGAS, etc. Furthermore, numerous technologic advances, such as bioinformatics, metabolomics, scRNA-seq, nanoparticles, drug screening, and phage therapy, have been used to improve our understanding of P. aeruginosa pathogenesis and host defense. Nevertheless, much remains to be uncovered about interactions between P. aeruginosa and host immune responses, including mechanisms of drug resistance by known or unannotated bacterial virulence factors as well as mammalian cell signaling pathways. The widespread use of antibiotics and the slow development of effective antimicrobials present daunting challenges and necessitate new theoretical and practical platforms to screen and develop mechanism-tested novel drugs to treat intractable infections, especially those caused by multi-drug resistance strains. Benefited from has advancing in research tools and technology, dissecting this pathogen's feature has entered into molecular and mechanistic details as well as dynamic and holistic views. Herein, we comprehensively review the progress and discuss the current status of P. aeruginosa biophysical traits, behaviors, virulence factors, invasive regulators, and host defense patterns against its infection, which point out new directions for future investigation and add to the design of novel and/or alternative therapeutics to combat this clinically significant pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuanmin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P.R. China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Qinqin Pu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lefu Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haihua Liang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, 710069, China
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA.
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27
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Sionov RV, Steinberg D. Targeting the Holy Triangle of Quorum Sensing, Biofilm Formation, and Antibiotic Resistance in Pathogenic Bacteria. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1239. [PMID: 35744757 PMCID: PMC9228545 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic and recurrent bacterial infections are frequently associated with the formation of biofilms on biotic or abiotic materials that are composed of mono- or multi-species cultures of bacteria/fungi embedded in an extracellular matrix produced by the microorganisms. Biofilm formation is, among others, regulated by quorum sensing (QS) which is an interbacterial communication system usually composed of two-component systems (TCSs) of secreted autoinducer compounds that activate signal transduction pathways through interaction with their respective receptors. Embedded in the biofilms, the bacteria are protected from environmental stress stimuli, and they often show reduced responses to antibiotics, making it difficult to eradicate the bacterial infection. Besides reduced penetration of antibiotics through the intricate structure of the biofilms, the sessile biofilm-embedded bacteria show reduced metabolic activity making them intrinsically less sensitive to antibiotics. Moreover, they frequently express elevated levels of efflux pumps that extrude antibiotics, thereby reducing their intracellular levels. Some efflux pumps are involved in the secretion of QS compounds and biofilm-related materials, besides being important for removing toxic substances from the bacteria. Some efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) have been shown to both prevent biofilm formation and sensitize the bacteria to antibiotics, suggesting a relationship between these processes. Additionally, QS inhibitors or quenchers may affect antibiotic susceptibility. Thus, targeting elements that regulate QS and biofilm formation might be a promising approach to combat antibiotic-resistant biofilm-related bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Vogt Sionov
- The Biofilm Research Laboratory, The Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, The Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel;
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28
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Kayastha BB, Kubo A, Burch-Konda J, Dohmen RL, McCoy JL, Rogers RR, Mares S, Bevere J, Huckaby A, Witt W, Peng S, Chaudhary B, Mohanty S, Barbier M, Cook G, Deng J, Patrauchan MA. EF-hand protein, EfhP, specifically binds Ca 2+ and mediates Ca 2+ regulation of virulence in a human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8791. [PMID: 35614085 PMCID: PMC9132961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12584-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) is well known as a second messenger in eukaryotes, where Ca2+ signaling controls life-sustaining cellular processes. Although bacteria produce the components required for Ca2+ signaling, little is known about the mechanisms of bacterial Ca2+ signaling. Previously, we have identified a putative Ca2+-binding protein EfhP (PA4107) with two canonical EF-hand motifs and reported that EfhP mediates Ca2+ regulation of virulence factors production and infectivity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a human pathogen causing life-threatening infections. Here, we show that EfhP selectively binds Ca2+ with 13.7 µM affinity, and that mutations at the +X and -Z positions within each or both EF-hand motifs abolished Ca2+ binding. We also show that the hydrophobicity of EfhP increased in a Ca2+-dependent manner, however no such response was detected in the mutated proteins. 15 N-NMR showed Ca2+-dependent chemical shifts in EfhP confirming Ca2+-binding triggered structural rearrangements in the protein. Deletion of efhP impaired P. aeruginosa survival in macrophages and virulence in vivo. Disabling EfhP Ca2+ binding abolished Ca2+ induction of pyocyanin production in vitro. These data confirm that EfhP selectively binds Ca2+, which triggers its structural changes required for the Ca2+ regulation of P. aeruginosa virulence, thus establishing the role of EfhP as a Ca2+ sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biraj B Kayastha
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Aya Kubo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Jacob Burch-Konda
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Rosalie L Dohmen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Jacee L McCoy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Rendi R Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Sergio Mares
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Justin Bevere
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Annalisa Huckaby
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - William Witt
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Shuxia Peng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Bharat Chaudhary
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Smita Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Mariette Barbier
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Gabriel Cook
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Junpeng Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Marianna A Patrauchan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
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29
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Direct Inhibition of RetS Synthesis by RsmA Contributes to Homeostasis of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gac/Rsm Signaling System. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0058021. [PMID: 35041497 PMCID: PMC8923221 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00580-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gac/Rsm system is a global regulator of Pseudomonas aeruginosa gene expression. The primary effectors are RsmA and RsmF. Both are RNA-binding proteins that interact with target mRNAs to modulate protein synthesis. RsmA/RsmF recognize GGA sequences presented in the loop portion of stem-loop structures. For repressed targets, the GGA sites usually overlap the ribosome binding site (RBS) and RsmA/RsmF binding inhibits translation initiation. RsmA/RsmF activity is controlled by several small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) that sequester RsmA/RsmF from target mRNAs. The most important sequestering sRNAs are RsmY and RsmZ. Transcription of rsmY/rsmZ is directly controlled by the GacSA two-component regulatory system. GacSA activity is antagonized by RetS, a hybrid sensor kinase. In the absence of retS, rsmY/rsmZ transcription is derepressed and RsmA/RsmF are sequestered by RsmY/RsmZ. Gac/Rsm system homeostasis is tightly controlled by at least two mechanisms. First, direct binding of RsmA to the rsmA and rsmF mRNAs inhibits further synthesis of both proteins. Second, RsmA stimulates rsmY/rsmZ transcription through an undefined mechanism. In this study we demonstrate that RsmA stimulates rsmY/rsmZ transcription by directly inhibiting RetS synthesis. RetS protein levels are elevated 2.5-fold in an rsmA mutant. Epistasis experiments demonstrate that the rsmA requirement for rsmY/rsmZ transcription is entirely suppressed in an rsmA, retS double mutant. RsmA directly interacts with the retS mRNA and requires two distinct GGA sites, one of which overlaps the RBS. We propose a model wherein RsmA inhibits RetS synthesis to promote rsmY/rsmZ transcription and that this acts as a checkpoint to limit RsmA/RsmF availability. IMPORTANCE The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gac/Rsm system controls ∼500 genes and governs a critical lifestyle switch by inversely regulating factors that favor acute or chronic colonization. Control of gene expression by the Gac/Rsm system is mediated through RsmA and RsmF, small RNA-binding proteins that interact with target mRNAs to inhibit or promote protein synthesis and/or mRNA stability. RsmA/RsmF activity is governed by two small non-coding RNAs (RsmY and RsmZ) that sequester RsmA/RsmF from target mRNAs. The GacSA two-component regulatory system plays a pivotal role in the Gac/Rsm system by controlling rsmYZ transcription. This study provides insight into the control of homeostasis by demonstrating that RsmA directly targets and inhibits expression of RetS, an orphan sensor kinase critical for rsmYZ transcription.
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Monteagudo-Cascales E, Santero E, Canosa I. The Regulatory Hierarchy Following Signal Integration by the CbrAB Two-Component System: Diversity of Responses and Functions. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020375. [PMID: 35205417 PMCID: PMC8871633 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CbrAB is a two-component system, unique to bacteria of the family Pseudomonaceae, capable of integrating signals and involved in a multitude of physiological processes that allow bacterial adaptation to a wide variety of varying environmental conditions. This regulatory system provides a great metabolic versatility that results in excellent adaptability and metabolic optimization. The two-component system (TCS) CbrA-CbrB is on top of a hierarchical regulatory cascade and interacts with other regulatory systems at different levels, resulting in a robust output. Among the regulatory systems found at the same or lower levels of CbrAB are the NtrBC nitrogen availability adaptation system, the Crc/Hfq carbon catabolite repression cascade in Pseudomonas, or interactions with the GacSA TCS or alternative sigma ECF factor, such as SigX. The interplay between regulatory mechanisms controls a number of physiological processes that intervene in important aspects of bacterial adaptation and survival. These include the hierarchy in the use of carbon sources, virulence or resistance to antibiotics, stress response or definition of the bacterial lifestyle. The multiple actions of the CbrAB TCS result in an important competitive advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo Santero
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CSIC, Junta de Andalucía, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - Inés Canosa
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CSIC, Junta de Andalucía, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-954349052
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Iron Homeostasis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Targeting Iron Acquisition and Storage as an Antimicrobial Strategy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1386:29-68. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08491-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Park S, Sauer K. SagS and its unorthodox contributions to Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development. Biofilm 2021; 3:100059. [PMID: 34729470 PMCID: PMC8543379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2021.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa orphan sensor SagS (PA2824) was initially reported as one of three orphan sensor kinases capable of activating HptB, a component of the HptB signaling pathway that intersects with the Gac/Rsm signaling pathway and fine-tunes P. aeruginosa motility and pathogenesis. Since then, this orphan sensor has been reported to be involved in other, unorthodox signaling pathways serving additional functions. The present review is aimed at summarizing the various functions of SagS, with an emphasis on its toggle or dual switch functions, and highlighting the role of SagS as a hub at which the various signaling pathways intersect, to regulate the transition from the planktonic to the sessile mode of growth, as well as the transition of surface-associated cells to a drug tolerant state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Karin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
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Genomic and Metabolic Characteristics of the Pathogenicity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312892. [PMID: 34884697 PMCID: PMC8657582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the effectiveness of antimicrobials in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections has gradually decreased. This pathogen can be observed in several clinical cases, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sepsis, in immunocompromised hosts, such as neutropenic cancer, burns, and AIDS patients. Furthermore, Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes diseases in both livestock and pets. The highly flexible and versatile genome of P. aeruginosa allows it to have a high rate of pathogenicity. The numerous secreted virulence factors, resulting from its numerous secretion systems, the multi-resistance to different classes of antibiotics, and the ability to produce biofilms are pathogenicity factors that cause numerous problems in the fight against P. aeruginosa infections and that must be better understood for an effective treatment. Infections by P. aeruginosa represent, therefore, a major health problem and, as resistance genes can be disseminated between the microbiotas associated with humans, animals, and the environment, this issue needs be addressed on the basis of an One Health approach. This review intends to bring together and describe in detail the molecular and metabolic pathways in P. aeruginosa's pathogenesis, to contribute for the development of a more targeted therapy against this pathogen.
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The two-component system FleS/FleR represses H1-T6SS via c-di-GMP signaling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 88:e0165521. [PMID: 34731046 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01655-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is an important translocation apparatus that is widely employed by Gram-negative bacteria to deliver toxic effectors into eukaryotic and prokaryotic target cells, causing host damage and providing competitive advantages in polymicrobial environments. The genome of P. aeruginosa harbors three T6SS clusters (H1-T6SS, H2-T6SS, H3-T6SS). Activities of these systems are tightly regulated by a complicated signaling network which remains largely elusive. In this study, we focused on a previously characterized two-component system FleS/FleR and performed comparative transcriptome analysis between the PAO1 wild-type strain and its isogenic ΔfleR mutant, which revealed the important role of FleS/FleR in regulating multiple physiological pathways including T6SS. Gene expression and bacterial killing assays showed that the expression and activity of H1-T6SS are repressed in the wild-type strain owing to the high intracellular c-di-GMP content. Further explorations demonstrated that c-di-GMP relies on the transcription factor FleQ to repress H1-T6SS and its synthesis is controlled by a global regulator AmrZ which is induced by the active FleS/FleR. Interestingly, FleS/FleR regulates H1-T6SS in PAO1 is independent of RetS which is known to regulate H1-T6SS by controlling the central post-transcriptional factor RsmA. Together, our results identified a novel regulator of H1-T6SS and provided detailed mechanisms of this signaling pathway in PAO1. IMPORTANCE P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen distributed widely in the environment. The genome of this pathogen contains three T6SS clusters which contribute significantly to its virulence. Understanding the complex regulatory network that controls the activity of T6SS is essential for the development of effective therapeutic treatments for P. aeruginosa infections. In this study, transcriptome analysis led to the identification of a novel regulator FleS/FleR which inversely regulates H1-T6SS and H2-T6SS in P. aeruginosa PAO1. We further revealed a detailed FleS/FleR-mediated regulatory pathway of H1-T6SS in PAO1 which involves two additional transcriptional regulators AmrZ and FleQ and the second messenger c-di-GMP, providing important implications to develop novel anti-infective strategies and antimicrobial drugs.
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Matilla MA, Velando F, Martín-Mora D, Monteagudo-Cascales E, Krell T. A catalogue of signal molecules that interact with sensor kinases, chemoreceptors and transcriptional regulators. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 46:6356564. [PMID: 34424339 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved many different signal transduction systems that sense signals and generate a variety of responses. Generally, most abundant are transcriptional regulators, sensor histidine kinases and chemoreceptors. Typically, these systems recognize their signal molecules with dedicated ligand-binding domains (LBDs), which, in turn, generate a molecular stimulus that modulates the activity of the output module. There are an enormous number of different LBDs that recognize a similarly diverse set of signals. To give a global perspective of the signals that interact with transcriptional regulators, sensor kinases and chemoreceptors, we manually retrieved information on the protein-ligand interaction from about 1,200 publications and 3D structures. The resulting 811 proteins were classified according to the Pfam family into 127 groups. These data permit a delineation of the signal profiles of individual LBD families as well as distinguishing between families that recognize signals in a promiscuous manner and those that possess a well-defined ligand range. A major bottleneck in the field is the fact that the signal input of many signaling systems is unknown. The signal repertoire reported here will help the scientific community design experimental strategies to identify the signaling molecules for uncharacterised sensor proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Matilla
- Department of Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Prof. Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Félix Velando
- Department of Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Prof. Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - David Martín-Mora
- Department of Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Prof. Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Elizabet Monteagudo-Cascales
- Department of Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Prof. Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Tino Krell
- Department of Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Prof. Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
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A Primed Subpopulation of Bacteria Enables Rapid Expression of the Type 3 Secretion System in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mBio 2021; 12:e0083121. [PMID: 34154400 PMCID: PMC8262847 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00831-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 3 secretion systems (T3SS) are complex nanomachines that span the cell envelope and play a central role in the biology of Gram-negative pathogens and symbionts. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, T3SS expression is strongly associated with human disease severity and with mortality in murine acute pneumonia models. Uniform exposure of isogenic cells to T3SS-activating signal results in heterogeneous expression of this critical virulence trait. To understand the function of such diversity, we measured the production of the T3SS master regulator ExsA and the expression of T3SS genes using fluorescent reporters. We found that heterogeneous expression of ExsA in the absence of activating signal generates a "primed" subpopulation of cells that can rapidly induce T3SS gene expression in response to signal. T3SS expression is accompanied by a reproductive trade-off as measured by increased division time of T3SS-expressing cells. Although T3SS-primed cells are a minority of the population, they compose the majority of T3SS-expressing cells for several hours following activation. The primed state therefore allows P. aeruginosa to maximize reproductive fitness while maintaining the capacity to quickly express the T3SS. As T3SS effectors can serve as shared public goods for nonproducing cells, this division of labor benefits the population as a whole. IMPORTANCE The expression of specific virulence traits is strongly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa's success in establishing acute infections but is thought to carry a cost for bacteria. Producing multiprotein secretion systems or motility organelles is metabolically expensive and can target a cell for recognition by innate immune system receptors that recognize structural components of the type 3 secretion system (T3SS) or flagellum. These acute virulence factors are also negatively selected when P. aeruginosa establishes chronic infections in the lung. We demonstrate a regulatory mechanism by which only a minority subpopulation of genetically identical P. aeruginosa cells is "primed" to respond to signals that turn on T3SS expression. This phenotypic heterogeneity allows the population to maximize the benefit of rapid T3SS effector production while maintaining a rapidly growing and nonexpressing reservoir of cells that perpetuates this genotype within the population.
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Galera-Laporta L, Comerci CJ, Garcia-Ojalvo J, Süel GM. IonoBiology: The functional dynamics of the intracellular metallome, with lessons from bacteria. Cell Syst 2021; 12:497-508. [PMID: 34139162 PMCID: PMC8570674 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Metal ions are essential for life and represent the second most abundant constituent (after water) of any living cell. While the biological importance of inorganic ions has been appreciated for over a century, we are far from a comprehensive understanding of the functional roles that ions play in cells and organisms. In particular, recent advances are challenging the traditional view that cells maintain constant levels of ion concentrations (ion homeostasis). In fact, the ionic composition (metallome) of cells appears to be purposefully dynamic. The scientific journey that started over 60 years ago with the seminal work by Hodgkin and Huxley on action potentials in neurons is far from reaching its end. New evidence is uncovering how changes in ionic composition regulate unexpected cellular functions and physiology, especially in bacteria, thereby hinting at the evolutionary origins of the dynamic metallome. It is an exciting time for this field of biology, which we discuss and refer to here as IonoBiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Galera-Laporta
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Colin J Comerci
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Gürol M Süel
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; San Diego Center for Systems Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093- 0380, USA; Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0380, USA.
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Ferreiro MD, Gallegos MT. Distinctive features of the Gac-Rsm pathway in plant-associated Pseudomonas. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:5670-5689. [PMID: 33939255 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Productive plant-bacteria interactions, either beneficial or pathogenic, require that bacteria successfully sense, integrate and respond to continuously changing environmental and plant stimuli. They use complex signal transduction systems that control a vast array of genes and functions. The Gac-Rsm global regulatory pathway plays a key role in controlling fundamental aspects of the apparently different lifestyles of plant beneficial and phytopathogenic Pseudomonas as it coordinates adaptation and survival while either promoting plant health (biocontrol strains) or causing disease (pathogenic strains). Plant-interacting Pseudomonas stand out for possessing multiple Rsm proteins and Rsm RNAs, but the physiological significance of this redundancy is not yet clear. Strikingly, the components of the Gac-Rsm pathway and the controlled genes/pathways are similar, but the outcome of its regulation may be opposite. Therefore, identifying the target mRNAs bound by the Rsm proteins and their mode of action (repression or activation) is essential to explain the resulting phenotype. Some technical considerations to approach the study of this system are also given. Overall, several important features of the Gac-Rsm cascade are now understood in molecular detail, particularly in Pseudomonas protegens CHA0, but further questions remain to be solved in other plant-interacting Pseudomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Dolores Ferreiro
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - María-Trinidad Gallegos
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
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King M, Kubo A, Kafer L, Braga R, McLeod D, Khanam S, Conway T, Patrauchan MA. Calcium-Regulated Protein CarP Responds to Multiple Host Signals and Mediates Regulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence by Calcium. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e00061-21. [PMID: 33674436 PMCID: PMC8117776 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00061-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing life-threatening infections. Previously, we showed that elevated calcium (Ca2+) levels increase the production of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa In an effort to characterize the Ca2+ regulatory network, we identified a Ca2+-regulated β-propeller protein, CarP, and showed that expression of the encoding gene is controlled by the Ca2+-regulated two-component system CarSR. Here, by using a Galleria melonella model, we showed that CarP plays a role in regulating P. aeruginosa virulence. By using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR), and promoter fusions, we determined that carP is transcribed into at least two transcripts and regulated by several bacterial and host factors. The transcription of carP is elevated in response to Ca2+ in P. aeruginosa cystic fibrosis isolates and PAO1 laboratory strain. Elevated Fe2+ also induces carP The simultaneous addition of Ca2+ and Fe2+ increased the carP promoter activity synergistically, which requires the presence of CarR. In silico analysis of the intergenic sequence upstream of carP predicted recognition sites of RhlR/LasR, OxyR, and LexA, suggesting regulation by quorum sensing (QS) and oxidative stress. In agreement, the carP promoter was activated in response to stationary-phase PAO1 supernatant and required the presence of elevated Ca2+ and CarR but remained silent in the triple mutant lacking rhlI, lasI, and pqsA synthases. We also showed that carP transcription is regulated by oxidative stress and that CarP contributes to P. aeruginosa Ca2+-dependent H2O2 tolerance. The multifactorial regulation of carP suggests that CarP plays an important role in P. aeruginosa adaptations to host environments.IMPORTANCEP. aeruginosa is a human pathogen causing life-threatening infections. It is particularly notorious for its ability to adapt to diverse environments within the host. Understanding the signals and the signaling pathways enabling P. aeruginosa adaptation is imperative for developing effective therapies to treat infections caused by this organism. One host signal of particular importance is calcium. Previously, we identified a component of the P. aeruginosa calcium-signaling network, CarP, whose expression is induced by elevated levels of calcium. Here, we show that carP plays an important role in P. aeruginosa virulence and is upregulated in P. aeruginosa strains isolated from sputa of patients with cystic fibrosis. We also identified several bacterial and host factors that regulate the transcription of carP Such multifactorial regulation highlights the interconnectedness between regulatory circuits and, together with the pleotropic effect of CarP on virulence, suggests the importance of this protein in P. aeruginosa adaptations to the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle King
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Aya Kubo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Leah Kafer
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Reygan Braga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Daniel McLeod
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Sharmily Khanam
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tyrrell Conway
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Marianna A Patrauchan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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Lee C, Klockgether J, Fischer S, Trcek J, Tümmler B, Römling U. Why? - Successful Pseudomonas aeruginosa clones with a focus on clone C. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 44:740-762. [PMID: 32990729 PMCID: PMC7685784 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa029] [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] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental species Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in a variety of habitats. Within the epidemic population structure of P. aeruginosa, occassionally highly successful clones that are equally capable to succeed in the environment and the human host arise. Framed by a highly conserved core genome, individual members of successful clones are characterized by a high variability in their accessory genome. The abundance of successful clones might be funded in specific features of the core genome or, although not mutually exclusive, in the variability of the accessory genome. In clone C, one of the most predominant clones, the plasmid pKLC102 and the PACGI-1 genomic island are two ubiquitous accessory genetic elements. The conserved transmissible locus of protein quality control (TLPQC) at the border of PACGI-1 is a unique horizontally transferred compository element, which codes predominantly for stress-related cargo gene products such as involved in protein homeostasis. As a hallmark, most TLPQC xenologues possess a core genome equivalent. With elevated temperature tolerance as a characteristic of clone C strains, the unique P. aeruginosa and clone C specific disaggregase ClpG is a major contributor to tolerance. As other successful clones, such as PA14, do not encode the TLPQC locus, ubiquitous denominators of success, if existing, need to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhan Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Biomedicum C8, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Klockgether
- Clinic for Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Clinical Research Group 'Pseudomonas Genomics', Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fischer
- Clinic for Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Clinical Research Group 'Pseudomonas Genomics', Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Janja Trcek
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology, University of Maribor, Maribor, 2000, Slovenia
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Clinic for Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Clinical Research Group 'Pseudomonas Genomics', Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ute Römling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Biomedicum C8, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Fan K, Cao Q, Lan L. Genome-Wide Mapping Reveals Complex Regulatory Activities of BfmR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microorganisms 2021; 9:485. [PMID: 33668961 PMCID: PMC8025907 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BfmR is a response regulator that modulates diverse pathogenic phenotypes and induces an acute-to-chronic virulence switch in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important human pathogen causing serious nosocomial infections. However, the mechanisms of action of BfmR remain largely unknown. Here, using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq), we showed that 174 chromosomal regions of P. aeruginosa MPAO1 genome were highly enriched by coimmunoprecipitation with a C-terminal Flag-tagged BfmR. Integration of these data with global transcriptome analyses revealed that 172 genes in 106 predicted transcription units are potential targets for BfmR. We determined that BfmR binds to and modulates the promoter activity of genes encoding transcriptional regulators CzcR, ExsA, and PhoB. Intriguingly, BfmR bound to the promoters of a number of genes belong to either CzcR or PhoB regulon, or both, indicating that CzcRS and PhoBR two-component systems (TCSs) deeply feed into the BfmR-mediated regulatory network. In addition, we demonstrated that phoB is required for BfmR to promote the biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa. These results delineate the direct BfmR regulon and exemplify the complexity of BfmR-mediated regulation of cellular functions in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Fan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China;
| | - Qiao Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China;
| | - Lefu Lan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China;
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Testing Technology of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai 201203, China
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Zhou CM, Wu Q, Wang B, Lin P, Wu M, Yu XJ. Calcium-responsive kinase LadS modulates type I-F CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 546:155-161. [PMID: 33582559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.01.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas systems are recently discovered adaptive immune strategies in bacteria and archaea against foreign genetic elements. Although gene-editing enabled by CRISPR-Cas9 has shown great promise for clinical application, little is known about potential mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas systems for regulating their own gene expression and altering the virulence within bacteria. Here, Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 that contains a Type I-F CRISPR-Cas system was used to study the mechanism endogenous CRISPR-Cas of regulation mechanism. We delineated the role of calcium as a positive regulator of the transcription of cas/csy complex and CRISPR-Cas immunity through the two-component system (TCS) protein kinase LadS. Furthermore, we identified a LadS downstream post-transcriptional regulator, RsmA, which targeted translation region of cas mRNA via A(N)GGA motif. Importantly, calcium-mediated influencing of CRISPR-Cas system was dependent on LadS and RsmA. Altogether, our findings uncover the previously unrecognized role of LadS/RsmA in modulating Type I-F CRISPR-Cas system via sensing calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Min Zhou
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, P. R. China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203-9037, USA; Wuhan University School of Health Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Qun Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203-9037, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203-9037, USA
| | - Ping Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203-9037, USA
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203-9037, USA.
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- Wuhan University School of Health Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, P. R. China.
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Glucose-6-Phosphate Acts as an Extracellular Signal of SagS To Modulate Pseudomonas aeruginosa c-di-GMP Levels, Attachment, and Biofilm Formation. mSphere 2021; 6:6/1/e01231-20. [PMID: 33568456 PMCID: PMC8544897 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.01231-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the orphan two-component sensor SagS contributes both to transition to biofilm formation and to biofilm cells gaining their heightened tolerance to antimicrobials. However, little is known about the identity of the signals or conditions sensed by SagS to induce the switch to the sessile, drug-tolerant mode of growth. Using a modified Biolog phenotype assay to screen for compounds that modulate attachment in a SagS-dependent manner, we identified glucose-6-phosphate to enhance attachment in a manner dependent on the glucose-6-phosphate concentration and SagS. The stimulatory effect was not limited to the attachment since glucose-6-phosphate likewise enhanced biofilm formation and also enhanced the expression of select biofilm marker genes. Moreover, exposure to glucose-6-phosphate coincided with decreased swarming motility but increased cellular cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP) levels in biofilms. No such response was noted for compounds modulating attachment and biofilm formation in a manner independent of SagS. Modulation of c-di-GMP in response to glucose-6-phosphate was due to the diguanylate cyclase NicD, with NicD also being required for enhanced biofilm formation. The latter was independent of the sensory domain of NicD but dependent on NicD activity, SagS, and the interaction between NicD and SagS. Our findings indicate that glucose-6-phosphate likely mimics a signal or conditions sensed by SagS to activate its motile-sessile switch function. In addition, our findings provide new insight into the interfaces between the ligand-mediated two-component system signaling pathway and c-di-GMP levels.IMPORTANCE Pathogens sense and respond to signals and cues present in their environment, including host-derived small molecules to modulate the expression of their virulence repertoire. Here, we demonstrate that the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa responds to glucose-6-phosphate. Since glucose-6-phosphate is primarily made available due to cell lysis, it is likely that glucose-6-phosphate represents a cross-kingdom cell-to-cell signal that enables P. aeruginosa to adapt to the (nutrient-poor) host environment by enhancing biofilm formation, cyclic-di-GMP, and the expression of genes linked to biofilm formation in a concentration- and SagS-dependent manner.
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Harrington NE, Sweeney E, Harrison F. Building a better biofilm - Formation of in vivo-like biofilm structures by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a porcine model of cystic fibrosis lung infection. Biofilm 2020; 2:100024. [PMID: 33381751 PMCID: PMC7762787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2020.100024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung are highly resistant to current antimicrobial treatments and are associated with increased mortality rates. The existing models for such infections are not able to reliably mimic the clinical biofilms observed. We aimed to further optimise an ex vivo pig lung (EVPL) model for P. aeruginosa CF lung infection that can be used to increase understanding of chronic CF biofilm infection. The EVPL model will facilitate discovery of novel infection prevention methods and treatments, and enhanced exploration of biofilm architecture. We investigated purine metabolism and biofilm formation in the model using transposon insertion mutants in P. aeruginosa PA14 for key genes: purD, gacA and pelA. Our results demonstrate that EVPL recapitulates a key aspect of in vivo P. aeruginosa infection metabolism, and that the pathogen forms a biofilm with a clinically realistic structure not seen in other in vitro studies. Two pathways known to be required for in vivo biofilm infection - the Gac regulatory pathway and production of the Pel exopolysaccharide - are essential to the formation of this mature, structured biofilm on EVPL tissue. We propose the high-throughput EVPL model as a validated biofilm platform to bridge the gap between in vitro work and CF lung infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh E. Harrington
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Sweeney
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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Latour X. The Evanescent GacS Signal. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111746. [PMID: 33172195 PMCID: PMC7695008 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The GacS histidine kinase is the membrane sensor of the major upstream two-component system of the regulatory Gac/Rsm signal transduction pathway. This pathway governs the expression of a wide range of genes in pseudomonads and controls bacterial fitness and motility, tolerance to stress, biofilm formation, and virulence or plant protection. Despite the importance of these roles, the ligands binding to the sensor domain of GacS remain unknown, and their identification is an exciting challenge in this domain. At high population densities, the GacS signal triggers a switch from primary to secondary metabolism and a change in bacterial lifestyle. It has been suggested, based on these observations, that the GacS signal is a marker of the emergence of nutritional stress and competition. Biochemical investigations have yet to characterize the GacS signal fully. However, they portray this cue as a low-molecular weight, relatively simple and moderately apolar metabolite possibly resembling, but nevertheless different, from the aliphatic organic acids acting as quorum-sensing signaling molecules in other Proteobacteria. Significant progress in the development of metabolomic tools and new databases dedicated to Pseudomonas metabolism should help to unlock some of the last remaining secrets of GacS induction, making it possible to control the Gac/Rsm pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Latour
- Laboratory of Microbiology Signals and Microenvironment (LMSM EA 4312), Normandy University (University of Rouen Normandy), 55 rue Saint-Germain, 27000 Evreux, France;
- Research Federation NORVEGE Fed4277, Normandy University, F-76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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Nava AR, Mauricio N, Sanca AJ, Domínguez DC. Evidence of Calcium Signaling and Modulation of the LmrS Multidrug Resistant Efflux Pump Activity by Ca 2 + Ions in S. aureus. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:573388. [PMID: 33193178 PMCID: PMC7642317 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.573388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium ions (Ca2+) play a pivotal role in eukaryote cell signaling and regulate many physiological functions. Although a similar role for Ca2+ in prokaryotes has been difficult to demonstrate, there is increasing evidence for Ca2+ as a cell regulator in bacteria. The purpose of this study was to investigate Ca2+ signaling and the effect of Ca2+ on the Staphylococcus aureus multidrug resistant efflux pump LmrS. We hypothesized that antibiotics act by increasing Ca2+ concentrations, which in turn enhance the efflux activity of LmrS. These Ca2+ transients were measured by luminometry in response to various antibiotics by using the photoprotein aequorin reconstituted within live bacterial cells. Efflux associated with LmrS was measured by the increase in fluorescence due to the loss of ethidium bromide (EtBr) from both S. aureus cells and from E. coli cells in which the lmrs gene of S. aureus was expressed. We found that addition of antibiotics to cells generated unique cytosolic Ca2+ transients and that addition of CaCl2 to cells enhanced EtBr efflux whereas addition of Ca2+ chelators or efflux pump inhibitors significantly decreased EtBr efflux from cells. We conclude that antibiotics induce a Ca2+ mediated response through transients in cytosolic Ca2+, which then stimulates LmrS efflux pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Nava
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Natalia Mauricio
- Biology Department, El Paso Community College, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Angel J Sanca
- Biological Sciences Department, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Delfina C Domínguez
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States.,Clinical Laboratory Science Program/Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
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Novel Functions and Signaling Specificity for the GraS Sensor Kinase of Staphylococcus aureus in Response to Acidic pH. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00219-20. [PMID: 32868405 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00219-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the GraS sensor kinase of Staphylococcus aureus is known for the sensing of and resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs), we recently established that it also signals in response to acidic pH, which is encountered on human skin concurrently with CAMPs, antimicrobial unsaturated free fatty acids (uFFA), and calcium. We therefore evaluated how these environmental signals would affect GraS function and resistance to antimicrobial uFFA. Growth at pH 5.5 promoted increased resistance of S. aureus USA300 to linoleic and arachidonic acids but not palmitoleic or sapienic acid. However, enhanced resistance to these C16:1 uFFA was achieved by supplementing acidic medium with 0.5 mM calcium or subinhibitory CAMPs. Enhanced resistance to uFFA at acidic pH was dependent on GraS and GraS-dependent expression of the lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol synthase enzyme MprF, through a mechanism that did not require the lysyl-transferase function of MprF. In addition to enhanced resistance to antimicrobial uFFA, acidic pH also promoted increased production of secreted proteases in a GraS-dependent manner. During growth at pH 5.5, downstream phenotypes of signaling through GraS, including resistance to uFFA, MprF-dependent addition of positive charge to the cell surface, and increased production of secreted proteases, all occurred independently of acidic amino acids in the extracytoplasmic sensor loop of GraS that were previously found to be required for sensing of CAMPs. Cumulatively, our data indicate that signaling through GraS at acidic pH occurs through a mechanism that is distinct from that described for CAMPs, leading to increased resistance to antimicrobial uFFA and production of secreted proteases.IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus asymptomatically colonizes 30% of humans but is also a leading cause of infectious morbidity and mortality. Since infections are typically initiated by the same strain associated with asymptomatic colonization of the nose or skin, it is important to understand how the microbe can endure exposure to harsh conditions that successfully restrict the growth of other bacteria, including a combination of acidic pH, antimicrobial peptides, and antimicrobial fatty acids. The significance of our research is in showing that acidic pH combined with antimicrobial peptide or environmental calcium can signal through a single membrane sensor protein to promote traits that may aid in survival, including modification of cell surface properties, increased resistance to antimicrobial fatty acids, and enhanced production of secreted proteases.
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Peng J, Chen G, Xu X, Wang T, Liang H. Iron facilitates the RetS-Gac-Rsm cascade to inversely regulate protease IV (piv) expression via the sigma factor PvdS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:5402-5413. [PMID: 33015962 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces several proteases, such as an elastase (LasB protease), a LasA protease, and protease IV (PIV), which are thought as significant virulence factors during infection. Regulators of LasA and LasB expression have been identified and well characterized; however, the molecular details of this regulation of protease IV (PIV) remained largely unknown. Here, we describe the interaction between protease IV and the RetS/Rsm signalling pathway, which plays a central role in controlling the production of multiple virulence factors and the switch from planktonic to biofilm lifestyle. We show that the expression of piv was reduced in ΔretS or ΔrsmA strain grown under restrictive conditions but was induced in ΔretS or ΔrsmA mutant grown under rich conditions as compared with wild-type parent. We compare the expression of piv under various conditions and found that iron facilitates RetS/Rsm system to lead this inverse regulation. Moreover, we reveal that the RetS/Rsm pathway regulates PIV production dependent on the alternative sigma factor PvdS. Collectively, this study extends the understanding of the RetS/Rsm regulatory cascade in response to environmental signals and provides insights into how P. aeruginosa adapts to the complex conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Peng
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, 710069, China
| | - Gukui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, 710069, China
| | - Xuejie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, 710069, China
| | - Tietao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, 710069, China
| | - Haihua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, 710069, China
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Shao X, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Ding Y, Wu M, Wang X, Deng X. Novel therapeutic strategies for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1403-1423. [PMID: 32880507 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1803274] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent infections caused by the superbug Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents are huge threats to patients with cystic fibrosis as well as those with compromised immune systems. Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa has posed a major challenge to conventional antibiotics and therapeutic approaches, which show limited efficacy and cause serious side effects. The public demand for new antibiotics is enormous; yet, drug development pipelines have started to run dry with limited targets available for inventing new antibacterial drugs. Consequently, it is important to uncover potential therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED The authors review the current state of drug development strategies that are promising in terms of the development of novel and potent drugs to treat P. aeruginosa infection. EXPERT OPINION The prevention of P. aeruginosa infection is increasingly challenging. Furthermore, targeting key virulence regulators has great potential for developing novel anti-P. aeruginosa drugs. Additional promising strategies include bacteriophage therapy, immunotherapies, and antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, the authors believe that in the coming years, the overall network of molecular regulatory mechanism of P. aeruginosa virulence will be fully elucidated, which will provide more novel and promising drug targets for treating P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Shao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingpeng Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingchao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingui Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiqing Ding
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota , Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen, China
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50
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Intercepting second-messenger signaling by rationally designed peptides sequestering c-di-GMP. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:17211-17220. [PMID: 32611811 PMCID: PMC7382256 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001232117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) regulates a wide range of bacterial cellular functions from biofilm formation to growth and survival. Based on the structural analysis of the complex of c-di-GMP with a bacterial effector protein followed by amino acid sequence optimization, we have developed a short peptide that binds c-di-GMP with nanomolar affinity and high specificity. This provides many opportunities for biotechnological and biomedical applications. In particular, we show that such an endogenously expressed peptide effectively reduces intracellular c-di-GMP and thereby inhibits and even disintegrates biofilms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacterial second messenger cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) regulates a wide range of cellular functions from biofilm formation to growth and survival. Targeting a second-messenger network is challenging because the system involves a multitude of components with often overlapping functions. Here, we present a strategy to intercept c-di-GMP signaling pathways by directly targeting the second messenger. For this, we developed a c-di-GMP–sequestering peptide (CSP) that was derived from a CheY-like c-di-GMP effector protein. CSP binds c-di-GMP with submicromolar affinity. The elucidation of the CSP⋅c-di-GMP complex structure by NMR identified a linear c-di-GMP–binding motif, in which a self-intercalated c-di-GMP dimer is tightly bound by a network of H bonds and π-stacking interactions involving arginine and aromatic residues. Structure-based mutagenesis yielded a variant with considerably higher, low-nanomolar affinity, which subsequently was shortened to 19 residues with almost uncompromised affinity. We demonstrate that endogenously expressed CSP intercepts c-di-GMP signaling and effectively inhibits biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the most widely used model for serious biofilm-associated medical implications.
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