1
|
Evseev P, Gutnik D, Evpak A, Kasimova A, Miroshnikov K. Origin, Evolution and Diversity of φ29-like Phages-Review and Bioinformatic Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10838. [PMID: 39409167 PMCID: PMC11476376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251910838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2024] [Revised: 10/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage φ29 and related bacteriophages are currently the smallest known tailed viruses infecting various representatives of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They are characterised by genomic content features and distinctive properties that are unique among known tailed phages; their characteristics include protein primer-driven replication and a packaging process characteristic of this group. Searches conducted using public genomic databases revealed in excess of 2000 entries, including bacteriophages, phage plasmids and sequences identified as being archaeal that share the characteristic features of phage φ29. An analysis of predicted proteins, however, indicated that the metagenomic sequences attributed as archaeal appear to be misclassified and belong to bacteriophages. An analysis of the translated polypeptides of major capsid proteins (MCPs) of φ29-related phages indicated the dissimilarity of MCP sequences to those of almost all other known Caudoviricetes groups and a possible distant relationship to MCPs of T7-like (Autographiviridae) phages. Sequence searches conducted using HMM revealed the relatedness between the main structural proteins of φ29-like phages and an unusual lactococcal phage, KSY1 (Chopinvirus KSY1), whose genome contains two genes of RNA polymerase that are similar to the RNA polymerases of phages of the Autographiviridae and Schitoviridae (N4-like) families. An analysis of the tail tube proteins of φ29-like phages indicated their dissimilarity of the lower collar protein to tail proteins of all other viral groups, but revealed its possible distant relatedness with proteins of toxin translocation complexes. The combination of the unique features and distinctive origin of φ29-related phages suggests the categorisation of this vast group in a new order or as a new taxon of a higher rank.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Evseev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Street 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova Street 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria Gutnik
- Limnological Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ulan-Batorsakaya Street, 3, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Alena Evpak
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Street 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Kasimova
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospekt, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Miroshnikov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Street 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang X, Wang Y, Zheng J. Structural insights into autoinhibition and activation of defense-associated sirtuin protein. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134145. [PMID: 39059542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134145] [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] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial defense-associated sirtuin 2 (DSR2) proteins harbor an N-terminal sirtuin (SIR2) domain degrading NAD+. DSR2 from Bacillus subtilis 29R is autoinhibited and unable to hydrolyze NAD+ in the absence of phage infection. A tail tube protein (TTP) of phage SPR activates the DSR2 while a DSR2-inhibiting protein of phage SPbeta, known as DSAD1 (DSR anti-defense 1), inactivates the DSR2. Although DSR2 structures in complexed with TTP and DSAD1, respectively, have been reported recently, the autoinhibition and activation mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of the DSR2-NAD+ complex in autoinhibited state and the in vitro assembled DSR2-TFD (TTP tube-forming domain) complex in activated state. The DSR2-NAD+ complex reveals that the autoinhibited DSR2 assembles into an inactive tetramer, binding NAD+ through a distinct pocket situated outside active site. Binding of TFD into cavities within the sensor domains of DSR2 triggers a conformational change in SIR2 regions, activating its NADase activity, whereas the TTP β-sandwich domain (BSD) is flexible and does not contribute to the activation process. The activated form of DSR2 exists as tetramers and dimers, with the tetramers exhibiting more NADase activity. Overall, our results extend the current understanding of autoinhibition and activation of DSR2 immune proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yiqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jianting Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Valentová L, Füzik T, Nováček J, Hlavenková Z, Pospíšil J, Plevka P. Structure and replication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage JBD30. EMBO J 2024; 43:4384-4405. [PMID: 39143239 PMCID: PMC11445458 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00195-1] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, but our understanding of many aspects of their lifecycles is still incomplete. Here, we have structurally analysed the infection cycle of the siphophage Casadabanvirus JBD30. Using its baseplate, JBD30 attaches to Pseudomonas aeruginosa via the bacterial type IV pilus, whose subsequent retraction brings the phage to the bacterial cell surface. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of the baseplate-pilus complex show that the tripod of baseplate receptor-binding proteins attaches to the outer bacterial membrane. The tripod and baseplate then open to release three copies of the tape-measure protein, an event that is followed by DNA ejection. JBD30 major capsid proteins assemble into procapsids, which expand by 7% in diameter upon filling with phage dsDNA. The DNA-filled heads are finally joined with 180-nm-long tails, which bend easily because flexible loops mediate contacts between the successive discs of major tail proteins. It is likely that the structural features and replication mechanisms described here are conserved among siphophages that utilize the type IV pili for initial cell attachment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Valentová
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tibor Füzik
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Nováček
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Hlavenková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Pospíšil
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Plevka
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peng Y, Tang H, Xiao H, Chen W, Song J, Zheng J, Liu H. Structures of Mature and Urea-Treated Empty Bacteriophage T5: Insights into Siphophage Infection and DNA Ejection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8479. [PMID: 39126049 PMCID: PMC11313276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158479] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
T5 is a siphophage that has been extensively studied by structural and biochemical methods. However, the complete in situ structures of T5 before and after DNA ejection remain unknown. In this study, we used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the structures of mature T5 (a laboratory-adapted, fiberless T5 mutant) and urea-treated empty T5 (lacking the tip complex) at near-atomic resolutions. Atomic models of the head, connector complex, tail tube, and tail tip were built for mature T5, and atomic models of the connector complex, comprising the portal protein pb7, adaptor protein p144, and tail terminator protein p142, were built for urea-treated empty T5. Our findings revealed that the aforementioned proteins did not undergo global conformational changes before and after DNA ejection, indicating that these structural features were conserved among most myophages and siphophages. The present study elucidates the underlying mechanisms of siphophage infection and DNA ejection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Peng
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410082, China; (Y.P.); (H.X.); (W.C.)
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100052, China;
| | - Huanrong Tang
- School of Computer Science, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China;
| | - Hao Xiao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410082, China; (Y.P.); (H.X.); (W.C.)
| | - Wenyuan Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410082, China; (Y.P.); (H.X.); (W.C.)
| | - Jingdong Song
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100052, China;
| | - Jing Zheng
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410082, China; (Y.P.); (H.X.); (W.C.)
| | - Hongrong Liu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410082, China; (Y.P.); (H.X.); (W.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sonani RR, Esteves NC, Scharf BE, Egelman EH. Cryo-EM structure of flagellotropic bacteriophage Chi. Structure 2024; 32:856-865.e3. [PMID: 38614087 PMCID: PMC11246221 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
The flagellotropic bacteriophage χ (Chi) infects bacteria via the flagellar filament. Despite years of study, its structural architecture remains partly characterized. Through cryo-EM, we unveil χ's nearly complete structure, encompassing capsid, neck, tail, and tail tip. While the capsid and tail resemble phage YSD1, the neck and tail tip reveal new proteins and their arrangement. The neck shows a unique conformation of the tail tube protein, forming a socket-like structure for attachment to the neck. The tail tip comprises four proteins, including distal tail protein (DTP), two baseplate hub proteins (BH1P and BH2P), and tail tip assembly protein (TAP) exhibiting minimal organization compared to other siphophages. Deviating from the consensus in other siphophages, DTP in χ forms a trimeric assembly, reducing tail symmetry from 6-fold to 3-fold at the tip. These findings illuminate the previously unexplored structural organization of χ's neck and tail tip.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi R Sonani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | | | - Birgit E Scharf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Edward H Egelman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He Y, Miao C, Yang S, Xu C, Liu Y, Zhu X, Wen Y, Wu R, Zhao Q, Huang X, Yan Q, Lang Y, Zhao S, Wang Y, Han X, Cao S, Hu Y, Du S. Sialic acids as attachment factors in mosquitoes mediating Japanese encephalitis virus infection. J Virol 2024; 98:e0195923. [PMID: 38634598 PMCID: PMC11092328 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01959-23] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of Culex mosquitoes in the transmission of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is crucial, yet the mechanisms of JEV infection in these vectors remain unclear. Previous research has indicated that various host factors participate in JEV infection. Herein, we present evidence that mosquito sialic acids enhance JEV infection both in vivo and in vitro. By treating mosquitoes and C6/36 cells with neuraminidase or lectin, the function of sialic acids is effectively blocked, resulting in significant inhibition of JEV infection. Furthermore, knockdown of the sialic acid biosynthesis genes in Culex mosquitoes also leads to a reduction in JEV infection. Moreover, our research revealed that sialic acids play a role in the attachment of JEV to mosquito cells, but not in its internalization. To further explore the mechanisms underlying the promotion of JEV attachment by sialic acids, we conducted immunoprecipitation experiments to confirm the direct binding of sialic acids to the last α-helix in JEV envelope protein domain III. Overall, our study contributes to a molecular comprehension of the interaction between mosquitoes and JEV and offers potential strategies for preventing the dissemination of flavivirus in natural environments.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of glycoconjugate sialic acids on mosquito infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Our findings demonstrate that sialic acids play a crucial role in enhancing JEV infection by facilitating the attachment of the virus to the cell membrane. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that sialic acids directly bind to the final α-helix in the JEV envelope protein domain III, thereby accelerating virus adsorption. Collectively, our results highlight the significance of mosquito sialic acids in JEV infection within vectors, contributing to a better understanding of the interaction between mosquitoes and JEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chang Miao
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiping Yang
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changhao Xu
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Zhu
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Wen
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qigui Yan
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifei Lang
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinfeng Han
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Sanjie Cao
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yajie Hu
- Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
| | - Senyan Du
- Research Center for Swine Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Science-Observation Experimental Station for Veterinary Drugs and Veterinary Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang JT, Liu XY, Li Z, Wei XY, Song XY, Cui N, Zhong J, Li H, Jia N. Structural basis for phage-mediated activation and repression of bacterial DSR2 anti-phage defense system. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2797. [PMID: 38555355 PMCID: PMC10981675 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47177-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) proteins typically catalyze NAD+-dependent protein deacetylation. The recently identified bacterial Sir2 domain-containing protein, defense-associated sirtuin 2 (DSR2), recognizes the phage tail tube and depletes NAD+ to abort phage propagation, which is counteracted by the phage-encoded DSR anti-defense 1 (DSAD1), but their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we determine cryo-EM structures of inactive DSR2 in its apo form, DSR2-DSAD1 and DSR2-DSAD1-NAD+, as well as active DSR2-tube and DSR2-tube-NAD+ complexes. DSR2 forms a tetramer with its C-terminal sensor domains (CTDs) in two distinct conformations: CTDclosed or CTDopen. Monomeric, rather than oligomeric, tail tube proteins preferentially bind to CTDclosed and activate Sir2 for NAD+ hydrolysis. DSAD1 binding to CTDopen allosterically inhibits tube binding and tube-mediated DSR2 activation. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into DSR2 assembly, tube-mediated DSR2 activation, and DSAD1-mediated inhibition and NAD+ substrate catalysis in bacterial DSR2 anti-phage defense systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Tao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhuolin Li
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin-Yang Wei
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin-Yi Song
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ning Cui
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jirui Zhong
- Research Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055, Shenzhen, China
- Biomedicial Department, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Hongchun Li
- Research Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055, Shenzhen, China
- Biomedicial Department, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Jia
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dicks LMT, Vermeulen W. Bacteriophage-Host Interactions and the Therapeutic Potential of Bacteriophages. Viruses 2024; 16:478. [PMID: 38543843 PMCID: PMC10975011 DOI: 10.3390/v16030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Healthcare faces a major problem with the increased emergence of antimicrobial resistance due to over-prescribing antibiotics. Bacteriophages may provide a solution to the treatment of bacterial infections given their specificity. Enzymes such as endolysins, exolysins, endopeptidases, endosialidases, and depolymerases produced by phages interact with bacterial surfaces, cell wall components, and exopolysaccharides, and may even destroy biofilms. Enzymatic cleavage of the host cell envelope components exposes specific receptors required for phage adhesion. Gram-positive bacteria are susceptible to phage infiltration through their peptidoglycan, cell wall teichoic acid (WTA), lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), and flagella. In Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), pili, and capsules serve as targets. Defense mechanisms used by bacteria differ and include physical barriers (e.g., capsules) or endogenous mechanisms such as clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein (Cas) systems. Phage proteins stimulate immune responses against specific pathogens and improve antibiotic susceptibility. This review discusses the attachment of phages to bacterial cells, the penetration of bacterial cells, the use of phages in the treatment of bacterial infections, and the limitations of phage therapy. The therapeutic potential of phage-derived proteins and the impact that genomically engineered phages may have in the treatment of infections are summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leon M. T. Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa;
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sonani RR, Palmer LK, Esteves NC, Horton AA, Sebastian AL, Kelly RJ, Wang F, Kreutzberger MAB, Russell WK, Leiman PG, Scharf BE, Egelman EH. An extensive disulfide bond network prevents tail contraction in Agrobacterium tumefaciens phage Milano. Nat Commun 2024; 15:756. [PMID: 38272938 PMCID: PMC10811340 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44959-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A contractile sheath and rigid tube assembly is a widespread apparatus used by bacteriophages, tailocins, and the bacterial type VI secretion system to penetrate cell membranes. In this mechanism, contraction of an external sheath powers the motion of an inner tube through the membrane. The structure, energetics, and mechanism of the machinery imply rigidity and straightness. The contractile tail of Agrobacterium tumefaciens bacteriophage Milano is flexible and bent to varying degrees, which sets it apart from other contractile tail-like systems. Here, we report structures of the Milano tail including the sheath-tube complex, baseplate, and putative receptor-binding proteins. The flexible-to-rigid transformation of the Milano tail upon contraction can be explained by unique electrostatic properties of the tail tube and sheath. All components of the Milano tail, including sheath subunits, are crosslinked by disulfides, some of which must be reduced for contraction to occur. The putative receptor-binding complex of Milano contains a tailspike, a tail fiber, and at least two small proteins that form a garland around the distal ends of the tailspikes and tail fibers. Despite being flagellotropic, Milano lacks thread-like tail filaments that can wrap around the flagellum, and is thus likely to employ a different binding mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi R Sonani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Lee K Palmer
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Nathaniel C Esteves
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Abigail A Horton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Amanda L Sebastian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Rebecca J Kelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Fengbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Mark A B Kreutzberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - William K Russell
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Petr G Leiman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | - Birgit E Scharf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Edward H Egelman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rūmnieks J, Füzik T, Tārs K. Structure of the Borrelia Bacteriophage φBB1 Procapsid. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168323. [PMID: 37866476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages of Borrelia burgdorferi are a biologically important but under-investigated feature of the Lyme disease-causing spirochete. No virulent borrelial viruses have been identified, but all B. burgdorferi isolates carry a prophage φBB1 as resident circular plasmids. Like its host, the φBB1 phage is quite distinctive and shares little sequence similarity with other known bacteriophages. We expressed φBB1 head morphogenesis proteins in Escherichia coli which resulted in assembly of homogeneous prolate procapsid structures and used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the three-dimensional structure of these particles. The φBB1 procapsids consist of 415 copies of the major capsid protein and an equal combined number of three homologous capsid decoration proteins that form trimeric knobs on the outside of the particle. One of the end vertices of the particle is occupied by a portal assembled from twelve copies of the portal protein. The φBB1 scaffolding protein is entirely α-helical and has an elongated shape with a small globular domain in the middle. Within the tubular section of the procapsid, the internal scaffold is built of stacked rings, each composed of 32 scaffolding protein molecules, which run in opposite directions from both caps with a heterogeneous part in the middle. Inside the portal-containing cap, the scaffold is organized asymmetrically with ten scaffolding protein molecules bound to the portal. The φBB1 procapsid structure provides better insight into the vast structural diversity of bacteriophages and presents clues of how elongated bacteriophage particles might be assembled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jānis Rūmnieks
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center, Rātsupītes 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia.
| | - Tibor Füzik
- Structural Virology, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kaspars Tārs
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center, Rātsupītes 1, 1067 Riga, Latvia; Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas 1, 1004 Riga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xiao H, Tan L, Tan Z, Zhang Y, Chen W, Li X, Song J, Cheng L, Liu H. Structure of the siphophage neck-Tail complex suggests that conserved tail tip proteins facilitate receptor binding and tail assembly. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002441. [PMID: 38096144 PMCID: PMC10721106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002441] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Siphophages have a long, flexible, and noncontractile tail that connects to the capsid through a neck. The phage tail is essential for host cell recognition and virus-host cell interactions; moreover, it serves as a channel for genome delivery during infection. However, the in situ high-resolution structure of the neck-tail complex of siphophages remains unknown. Here, we present the structure of the siphophage lambda "wild type," the most widely used, laboratory-adapted fiberless mutant. The neck-tail complex comprises a channel formed by stacked 12-fold and hexameric rings and a 3-fold symmetrical tip. The interactions among DNA and a total of 246 tail protein molecules forming the tail and neck have been characterized. Structural comparisons of the tail tips, the most diversified region across the lambda and other long-tailed phages or tail-like machines, suggest that their tail tip contains conserved domains, which facilitate tail assembly, receptor binding, cell adsorption, and DNA retaining/releasing. These domains are distributed in different tail tip proteins in different phages or tail-like machines. The side tail fibers are not required for the phage particle to orient itself vertically to the surface of the host cell during attachment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xiao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Le Tan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhixue Tan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yewei Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenyuan Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaowu Li
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China
| | - Jingdong Song
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lingpeng Cheng
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongrong Liu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Key Laboratory for Matter Microstructure and Function of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Low-dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sonani RR, Esteves NC, Horton AA, Kelly RJ, Sebastian AL, Wang F, Kreutzberger MAB, Leiman PG, Scharf BE, Egelman EH. Neck and capsid architecture of the robust Agrobacterium phage Milano. Commun Biol 2023; 6:921. [PMID: 37684529 PMCID: PMC10491603 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05292-1] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Large gaps exist in our understanding of how bacteriophages, the most abundant biological entities on Earth, assemble and function. The structure of the "neck" region, where the DNA-filled capsid is connected to the host-recognizing tail remains poorly understood. We describe cryo-EM structures of the neck, the neck-capsid and neck-tail junctions, and capsid of the Agrobacterium phage Milano. The Milano neck 1 protein connects the 12-fold symmetrical neck to a 5-fold vertex of the icosahedral capsid. Comparison of Milano neck 1 homologs leads to four proposed classes, likely evolved from the simplest one in siphophages to more complex ones in myo- and podophages. Milano neck is surrounded by the atypical collar, which covalently crosslinks the tail sheath to neck 1. The Milano capsid is decorated with three types of proteins, a minor capsid protein (mCP) and two linking proteins crosslinking the mCP to the major capsid protein. The extensive network of disulfide bonds within and between neck, collar, capsid and tail provides an exceptional structural stability to Milano.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi R Sonani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Nathaniel C Esteves
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Abigail A Horton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Rebecca J Kelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Amanda L Sebastian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Fengbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Mark A B Kreutzberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Petr G Leiman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | - Birgit E Scharf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Edward H Egelman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dunstan RA, Bamert RS, Tan KS, Imbulgoda U, Barlow CK, Taiaroa G, Pickard DJ, Schittenhelm RB, Dougan G, Short FL, Lithgow T. Epitopes in the capsular polysaccharide and the porin OmpK36 receptors are required for bacteriophage infection of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112551. [PMID: 37224021 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112551] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To kill bacteria, bacteriophages (phages) must first bind to a receptor, triggering the release of the phage DNA into the bacterial cell. Many bacteria secrete polysaccharides that had been thought to shield bacterial cells from phage attack. We use a comprehensive genetic screen to distinguish that the capsule is not a shield but is instead a primary receptor enabling phage predation. Screening of a transposon library to select phage-resistant Klebsiella shows that the first receptor-binding event docks to saccharide epitopes in the capsule. We discover a second step of receptor binding, dictated by specific epitopes in an outer membrane protein. This additional and necessary event precedes phage DNA release to establish a productive infection. That such discrete epitopes dictate two essential binding events for phages has profound implications for understanding the evolution of phage resistance and what dictates host range, two issues critically important to translating knowledge of phage biology into phage therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhys A Dunstan
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Rebecca S Bamert
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kher Shing Tan
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Uvini Imbulgoda
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher K Barlow
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - George Taiaroa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Derek J Pickard
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Gordon Dougan
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesca L Short
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Trevor Lithgow
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Huang Y, Sun H, Wei S, Cai L, Liu L, Jiang Y, Xin J, Chen Z, Que Y, Kong Z, Li T, Yu H, Zhang J, Gu Y, Zheng Q, Li S, Zhang R, Xia N. Structure and proposed DNA delivery mechanism of a marine roseophage. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3609. [PMID: 37330604 PMCID: PMC10276861 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39220-y] [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] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tailed bacteriophages (order, Caudovirales) account for the majority of all phages. However, the long flexible tail of siphophages hinders comprehensive investigation of the mechanism of viral gene delivery. Here, we report the atomic capsid and in-situ structures of the tail machine of the marine siphophage, vB_DshS-R4C (R4C), which infects Roseobacter. The R4C virion, comprising 12 distinct structural protein components, has a unique five-fold vertex of the icosahedral capsid that allows genome delivery. The specific position and interaction pattern of the tail tube proteins determine the atypical long rigid tail of R4C, and further provide negative charge distribution within the tail tube. A ratchet mechanism assists in DNA transmission, which is initiated by an absorption device that structurally resembles the phage-like particle, RcGTA. Overall, these results provide in-depth knowledge into the intact structure and underlining DNA delivery mechanism for the ecologically important siphophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Shuzhen Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Carbon Sequestration, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Lanlan Cai
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liqin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yanan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jiabao Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhenqin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yuqiong Que
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhibo Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Tingting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Hai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Ying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Qingbing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Shaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Carbon Sequestration, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
- Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zaki BM, Mohamed AA, Dawoud A, Essam K, Hammouda ZK, Abdelsattar AS, El-Shibiny A. Isolation, screening and characterization of phage. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 200:13-60. [PMID: 37739553 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial resistance threatens public health due to a lack of novel antibacterial classes since the 21st century. Bacteriophages, the most ubiquitous microorganism on Earth and natural predators of bacteria, have the potential to save the world from the post-antibiotic era. Therefore, phage isolation and characterization are in high demand to find suitable phages for therapeutic and bacterial control applications. The chapter presents brief guidance supported by recommendations on the isolation of phages, and initial screening of phage antimicrobial efficacy, in addition to, conducting comprehensive characterization addressing morphological, biological, genomic, and taxonomic features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bishoy Maher Zaki
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Amira A Mohamed
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Kareem Essam
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Zainab K Hammouda
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Abdallah S Abdelsattar
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ayman El-Shibiny
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Faculty of Environmental Agricultural Sciences, Arish University, Arish, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Podgorski JM, Freeman K, Gosselin S, Huet A, Conway JF, Bird M, Grecco J, Patel S, Jacobs-Sera D, Hatfull G, Gogarten JP, Ravantti J, White SJ. A structural dendrogram of the actinobacteriophage major capsid proteins provides important structural insights into the evolution of capsid stability. Structure 2023; 31:282-294.e5. [PMID: 36649709 PMCID: PMC10071307 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.12.012] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Many double-stranded DNA viruses, including tailed bacteriophages (phages) and herpesviruses, use the HK97-fold in their major capsid protein to make the capsomers of the icosahedral viral capsid. After the genome packaging at near-crystalline densities, the capsid is subjected to a major expansion and stabilization step that allows it to withstand environmental stresses and internal high pressure. Several different mechanisms for stabilizing the capsid have been structurally characterized, but how these mechanisms have evolved is still not understood. Using cryo-EM structure determination of 10 capsids, structural comparisons, phylogenetic analyses, and Alphafold predictions, we have constructed a detailed structural dendrogram describing the evolution of capsid structural stability within the actinobacteriophages. We show that the actinobacteriophage major capsid proteins can be classified into 15 groups based upon their HK97-fold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Podgorski
- Biology/Physics Building, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Unit-3125, Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA
| | - Krista Freeman
- Clapp Hall, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Sophia Gosselin
- Biology/Physics Building, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Unit-3125, Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA
| | - Alexis Huet
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James F Conway
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary Bird
- Biology/Physics Building, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Unit-3125, Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA
| | - John Grecco
- Biology/Physics Building, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Unit-3125, Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA
| | - Shreya Patel
- Biology/Physics Building, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Unit-3125, Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA
| | - Deborah Jacobs-Sera
- Clapp Hall, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Graham Hatfull
- Clapp Hall, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Johann Peter Gogarten
- Biology/Physics Building, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Unit-3125, Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA; Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268-3125, USA
| | - Janne Ravantti
- University of Helsinki, Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Simon J White
- Biology/Physics Building, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Unit-3125, Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Agnello E, Pajak J, Liu X, Kelch BA. Conformational dynamics control assembly of an extremely long bacteriophage tail tube. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103021. [PMID: 36791911 PMCID: PMC10034513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tail tube assembly is an essential step in the lifecycle of long-tailed bacteriophages. Limited structural and biophysical information has impeded an understanding of assembly and stability of their long, flexible tail tubes. The hyperthermophilic phage P74-26 is particularly intriguing as it has the longest tail of any known virus (nearly 1 μm) and is the most thermostable known phage. Here, we use structures of the P74-26 tail tube along with an in vitro system for studying tube assembly kinetics to propose the first molecular model for the tail tube assembly of long-tailed phages. Our high-resolution cryo-EM structure provides insight into how the P74-26 phage assembles through flexible loops that fit into neighboring rings through tight "ball-and-socket"-like interactions. Guided by this structure, and in combination with mutational, light scattering, and molecular dynamics simulations data, we propose a model for the assembly of conserved tube-like structures across phage and other entities possessing tail tube-like proteins. We propose that formation of a full ring promotes the adoption of a tube elongation-competent conformation among the flexible loops and their corresponding sockets, which is further stabilized by an adjacent ring. Tail assembly is controlled by the cooperative interaction of dynamic intraring and interring contacts. Given the structural conservation among tail tube proteins and tail-like structures, our model can explain the mechanism of high-fidelity assembly of long, stable tubes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Agnello
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua Pajak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xingchen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian A Kelch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
A Capsid Structure of Ralstonia solanacearum podoviridae GP4 with a Triangulation Number T = 9. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112431. [PMID: 36366529 PMCID: PMC9698820 DOI: 10.3390/v14112431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
GP4, a new Ralstonia solanacearum phage, is a short-tailed phage. Few structures of Ralstonia solanacearum phages have been resolved to near-atomic resolution until now. Here, we present a 3.7 Å resolution structure of the GP4 head by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The GP4 head contains 540 copies of major capsid protein (MCP) gp2 and 540 copies of cement protein (CP) gp1 arranged in an icosahedral shell with a triangulation number T = 9. The structures of gp2 and gp1 show a canonical HK97-like fold and an Ig-like fold, respectively. The trimeric CPs stick on the surface of the head along the quasi-threefold axis of the icosahedron generating a sandwiched three-layer electrostatic complementary potential, thereby enhancing the head stability. The assembly pattern of the GP4 head provides a platform for the further exploration of the interaction between Ralstonia solanacearum and corresponding phages.
Collapse
|
19
|
Davis CR, Backos D, Morais MC, Churchill MEA, Catalano CE. Characterization of a Primordial Major Capsid-Scaffolding Protein Complex in Icosahedral Virus Shell Assembly. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167719. [PMID: 35820453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167719] [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: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Capsid assembly pathways are strongly conserved in the complex dsDNA viruses, where major capsid proteins (MCP) self-assemble into icosahedral procapsid shells, chaperoned by a scaffolding protein. Without a scaffold, the capsid proteins aggregate and form aberrant structures. This, coupled with the rapid co-polymerization of MCP and scaffolding proteins, has thwarted characterization of the earliest steps in shell assembly. Here we interrogate the structure and biophysical properties of a soluble, assembly-deficient phage lambda major capsid protein, MCP(W308A). The mutant protein is folded, soluble to high concentrations and binds to the scaffolding protein in an apparent SP2:MCP(W308A)1 stoichiometry but does not assemble beyond this initiating complex. The MCP(W308A) crystal structure was solved to 2.7 Å revealing the canonical HK97 fold in a "pre-assembly" conformation featuring the conserved N-arm and E-loops folded into the body of the protein. Structural, biophysical and computational analyses suggest that MCP(W308A) is thermodynamically trapped in this pre-assembly conformation precluding self-association interactions required for shell assembly. A model is described wherein dynamic interactions between MCP proteins play an essential role in high fidelity viral shell assembly. Scaffold-chaperoned MCP polymerization is a strongly conserved process in all the large dsDNA viruses and our results provide insight into this primordial complex in solution and have broad biological significance in our understanding of virus assembly mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christal R Davis
- Program in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Donald Backos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marc C Morais
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mair E A Churchill
- Program in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carlos E Catalano
- Program in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Casjens SR, Davidson AR, Grose JH. The small genome, virulent, non-contractile tailed bacteriophages that infect Enterobacteriales hosts. Virology 2022; 573:151-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
21
|
Tall tails: cryo-electron microscopy of phage tail DNA ejection conduits. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:459-22W. [PMID: 35129586 PMCID: PMC9022992 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The majority of phages, viruses that infect prokaryotes, inject their genomic material into their host through a tubular assembly known as a tail. Despite the genomic diversity of tailed phages, only three morphological archetypes have been described: contractile tails of Myoviridae-like phages; short non-contractile tails of Podoviridae-like phages; and long and flexible non-contractile tails of Siphoviridae-like phages. While early cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) work elucidated the organisation of the syringe-like injection mechanism of contractile tails, the intrinsic flexibility of the long non-contractile tails prevented high-resolution structural determination. In 2020, four cryo-EM structures of Siphoviridae-like tail tubes were solved and revealed common themes and divergences. The central tube is structurally conserved and homologous to the hexameric rings of the tail tube protein (TTP) also found in contractile tails, bacterial pyocins, and type VI secretion systems. The interior surface of the tube presents analogous motifs of negatively charged amino acids proposed to facilitate ratcheting of the DNA during genome ejection. The lack of a conformational change upon genome ejection implicates the tape measure protein in triggering genome release. A distinctive feature of Siphoviridae-like tails is their flexibility. This results from loose inter-ring connections that can asymmetrically stretch on one side to allow bending and flexing of the tube without breaking. The outer surface of the tube differs greatly and may be smooth or rugged due to additional Ig-like domains in TTP. Some of these variable domains may contribute to adsorption of the phage to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell surfaces affecting tropism and virulence.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang C, Zeng J, Wang J. Structural basis of bacteriophage lambda capsid maturation. Structure 2022; 30:637-645.e3. [PMID: 35026161 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophage lambda is an excellent model system for studying capsid assembly of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) bacteriophages, some dsDNA archaeal viruses, and herpesviruses. HK97 fold coat proteins initially assemble into a precursor capsid (procapsid) and subsequent genome packaging triggers morphological expansion of the shell. An auxiliary protein is required to stabilize the expanded capsid structure. To investigate the capsid maturation mechanism, we determined the cryo-electron microscopy structures of the bacteriophage lambda procapsid and mature capsid at 3.88 Å and 3.76 Å resolution, respectively. Besides primarily rigid body movements of common features of the major capsid protein gpE, large-scale structural rearrangements of other domains occur simultaneously. Assembly of intercapsomers within the procapsid is facilitated by layer-stacking effects at 3-fold vertices. Upon conformational expansion of the capsid shell, the missing top layer is fulfilled by cementing the gpD protein against the internal pressure of DNA packaging. Our structures illuminate the assembly mechanisms of dsDNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Jiawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Major tail proteins of bacteriophages of the order Caudovirales. J Biol Chem 2021; 298:101472. [PMID: 34890646 PMCID: PMC8718954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Technological advances in cryo-EM in recent years have given rise to detailed atomic structures of bacteriophage tail tubes-a class of filamentous protein assemblies that could previously only be studied on the atomic scale in either their monomeric form or when packed within a crystal lattice. These hollow elongated protein structures, present in most bacteriophages of the order Caudovirales, connect the DNA-containing capsid with a receptor function at the distal end of the tail and consist of helical and polymerized major tail proteins. However, the resolution of cryo-EM data for these systems differs enormously between different tail tube types, partly inhibiting the building of high-fidelity models and barring a combination with further structural biology methods. Here, we review the structural biology efforts within this field and highlight the role of integrative structural biology approaches that have proved successful for some of these systems. Finally, we summarize the structural elements of major tail proteins and conceptualize how different amounts of tail tube flexibility confer heterogeneity within cryo-EM maps and, thus, limit high-resolution reconstructions.
Collapse
|
24
|
Structural Studies of the Phage G Tail Demonstrate an Atypical Tail Contraction. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102094. [PMID: 34696524 PMCID: PMC8570332 DOI: 10.3390/v13102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage G is recognized as having a remarkably large genome and capsid size among isolated, propagated phages. Negative stain electron microscopy of the host–phage G interaction reveals tail sheaths that are contracted towards the distal tip and decoupled from the head–neck region. This is different from the typical myophage tail contraction, where the sheath contracts upward, while being linked to the head–neck region. Our cryo-EM structures of the non-contracted and contracted tail sheath show that: (1) The protein fold of the sheath protein is very similar to its counterpart in smaller, contractile phages such as T4 and phi812; (2) Phage G’s sheath structure in the non-contracted and contracted states are similar to phage T4’s sheath structure. Similarity to other myophages is confirmed by a comparison-based study of the tail sheath’s helical symmetry, the sheath protein’s evolutionary timetree, and the organization of genes involved in tail morphogenesis. Atypical phase G tail contraction could be due to a missing anchor point at the upper end of the tail sheath that allows the decoupling of the sheath from the head–neck region. Explaining the atypical tail contraction requires further investigation of the phage G sheath anchor points.
Collapse
|
25
|
High Resolution Structure of the Mature Capsid of Ralstonia solanacearum Bacteriophage ϕRSA1 by Cryo-Electron Microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011053. [PMID: 34681713 PMCID: PMC8538268 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ϕRSA1 bacteriophage has been isolated from Ralstonia solanacearum, a gram negative bacteria having a significant economic impact on many important crops. We solved the three-dimensional structure of the ϕRSA1 mature capsid to 3.9 Å resolution by cryo-electron microscopy. The capsid shell, that contains the 39 kbp of dsDNA genome, has an icosahedral symmetry characterized by an unusual triangulation number of T = 7, dextro. The ϕRSA1 capsid is composed solely of the polymerization of the major capsid protein, gp8, which exhibits the typical “Johnson” fold first characterized in E. coli bacteriophage HK97. As opposed to the latter, the ϕRSA1 mature capsid is not stabilized by covalent crosslinking between its subunits, nor by the addition of a decoration protein. We further describe the molecular interactions occurring between the subunits of the ϕRSA1 capsid and their relationships with the other known bacteriophages.
Collapse
|
26
|
Dunstan RA, Bamert RS, Belousoff MJ, Short FL, Barlow CK, Pickard DJ, Wilksch JJ, Schittenhelm RB, Strugnell RA, Dougan G, Lithgow T. Mechanistic Insights into the Capsule-Targeting Depolymerase from a Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteriophage. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0102321. [PMID: 34431721 PMCID: PMC8552709 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01023-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of capsular polysaccharides by Klebsiella pneumoniae protects the bacterial cell from harmful environmental factors such as antimicrobial compounds and infection by bacteriophages (phages). To bypass this protective barrier, some phages encode polysaccharide-degrading enzymes referred to as depolymerases to provide access to cell surface receptors. Here, we characterized the phage RAD2, which infects K. pneumoniae strains that produce the widespread, hypervirulence-associated K2-type capsular polysaccharide. Using transposon-directed insertion sequencing, we have shown that the production of capsule is an absolute requirement for efficient RAD2 infection by serving as a first-stage receptor. We have identified the depolymerase responsible for recognition and degradation of the capsule, determined that the depolymerase forms globular appendages on the phage virion tail tip, and present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the RAD2 capsule depolymerase at 2.7-Å resolution. A putative active site for the enzyme was identified, comprising clustered negatively charged residues that could facilitate the hydrolysis of target polysaccharides. Enzymatic assays coupled with mass spectrometric analyses of digested oligosaccharide products provided further mechanistic insight into the hydrolase activity of the enzyme, which, when incubated with K. pneumoniae, removes the capsule and sensitizes the cells to serum-induced killing. Overall, these findings expand our understanding of how phages target the Klebsiella capsule for infection, providing a framework for the use of depolymerases as antivirulence agents against this medically important pathogen. IMPORTANCE Klebsiella pneumoniae is a medically important pathogen that produces a thick protective capsule that is essential for pathogenicity. Phages are natural predators of bacteria, and many encode diverse "capsule depolymerases" which specifically degrade the capsule of their hosts, an exploitable trait for potential therapies. We have determined the first structure of a depolymerase that targets the clinically relevant K2 capsule and have identified its putative active site, providing hints to its mechanism of action. We also show that Klebsiella cells treated with a recombinant form of the depolymerase are stripped of capsule, inhibiting their ability to grow in the presence of serum, demonstrating the anti-infective potential of these robust and readily producible enzymes against encapsulated bacterial pathogens such as K. pneumoniae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhys A. Dunstan
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Rebecca S. Bamert
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Belousoff
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Francesca L. Short
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher K. Barlow
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Derek J. Pickard
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan J. Wilksch
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ralf B. Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Richard A. Strugnell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Gordon Dougan
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor Lithgow
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Liang J, Qin S, Duan R, Zhang H, Wu W, Li X, Tang D, Fu G, Lu X, Lv D, He Z, Mu H, Xiao M, Yang J, Jing H, Wang X. A Lytic Yersina pestis Bacteriophage Obtained From the Bone Marrow of Marmota himalayana in a Plague-Focus Area in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:700322. [PMID: 34307197 PMCID: PMC8297710 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.700322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A lytic Yersinia pestis phage vB_YpP-YepMm (also named YepMm for briefly) was first isolated from the bone marrow of a Marmota himalayana who died of natural causes on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in China. Based on its morphologic (isometric hexagonal head and short non-contractile conical tail) and genomic features, we classified it as belonging to the Podoviridae family. At the MOI of 10, YepMm reached maximum titers; and the one-step growth curve showed that the incubation period of the phage was about 10 min, the rise phase was about 80 min, and the lysis amount of the phage during the lysis period of 80 min was about 187 PFU/cell. The genome of the bacteriophage YepMm had nucleotide-sequence similarity of 99.99% to that of the Y. pestis bacteriophage Yep-phi characterized previously. Analyses of the biological characters showed that YepMm has a short latent period, strong lysis, and a broader lysis spectrum. It could infect Y. pestis, highly pathogenic bioserotype 1B/O:8 Y. enterocolitica, as well as serotype O:1b Y. pseudotuberculosis—the ancestor of Y. pestis. It could be further developed as an important biocontrol agent in pathogenic Yersinia spp. infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junrong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,Sanitary Inspection Center, Xuzhou Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xu Li
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Deming Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Guoming Fu
- Sanitary Inspection Center, Subei Mongolian Autonomous County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiuquan, China
| | - Xinmin Lu
- Sanitary Inspection Center, Akesai Kazakh Autonomous County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiuquan, China
| | - Dongyue Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaokai He
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jinchuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huaiqi Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The Carbapenemase BKC-1 from Klebsiella pneumoniae Is Adapted for Translocation by Both the Tat and Sec Translocons. mBio 2021; 12:e0130221. [PMID: 34154411 PMCID: PMC8262980 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01302-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria consists of two membranes surrounding the periplasm and peptidoglycan layer. β-Lactam antibiotics target the periplasmic penicillin-binding proteins that synthesize peptidoglycan, resulting in cell death. The primary means by which bacterial species resist the effects of β-lactam drugs is to populate the periplasmic space with β-lactamases. Resistance to β-lactam drugs is spread by lateral transfer of genes encoding β-lactamases from one species of bacteria to another. However, the resistance phenotype depends in turn on these “alien” protein sequences being recognized and exported across the cytoplasmic membrane by either the Sec or Tat protein translocation machinery of the new bacterial host. Here, we examine BKC-1, a carbapenemase from an unknown bacterial source that has been identified in a single clinical isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae. BKC-1 was shown to be located in the periplasm, and functional in both K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of an unusual signal peptide with a twin arginine motif and a duplicated hydrophobic region. Biochemical assays showed this signal peptide directs BKC-1 for translocation by both Sec and Tat translocons. This is one of the few descriptions of a periplasmic protein that is functionally translocated by both export pathways in the same organism, and we suggest it represents a snapshot of evolution for a β-lactamase adapting to functionality in a new host.
Collapse
|
29
|
Component Parts of Bacteriophage Virions Accurately Defined by a Machine-Learning Approach Built on Evolutionary Features. mSystems 2021; 6:e0024221. [PMID: 34042467 PMCID: PMC8269216 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00242-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to evolve as a major threat to human health, and new strategies are required for the treatment of AMR infections. Bacteriophages (phages) that kill bacterial pathogens are being identified for use in phage therapies, with the intention to apply these bactericidal viruses directly into the infection sites in bespoke phage cocktails. Despite the great unsampled phage diversity for this purpose, an issue hampering the roll out of phage therapy is the poor quality annotation of many of the phage genomes, particularly for those from infrequently sampled environmental sources. We developed a computational tool called STEP3 to use the “evolutionary features” that can be recognized in genome sequences of diverse phages. These features, when integrated into an ensemble framework, achieved a stable and robust prediction performance when benchmarked against other prediction tools using phages from diverse sources. Validation of the prediction accuracy of STEP3 was conducted with high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of two novel phages, isolated from a watercourse in the Southern Hemisphere. STEP3 provides a robust computational approach to distinguish specific and universal features in phages to improve the quality of phage cocktails and is available for use at http://step3.erc.monash.edu/. IMPORTANCE In response to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance, there are moves to use bacteriophages (phages) as therapeutic agents. Selecting which phages will be effective therapeutics relies on interpreting features contributing to shelf-life and applicability to diagnosed infections. However, the protein components of the phage virions that dictate these properties vary so much in sequence that best estimates suggest failure to recognize up to 90% of them. We have utilized this diversity in evolutionary features as an advantage, to apply machine learning for prediction accuracy for diverse components in phage virions. We benchmark this new tool showing the accurate recognition and evaluation of phage component parts using genome sequence data of phages from undersampled environments, where the richest diversity of phage still lies.
Collapse
|
30
|
Architecture of the flexible tail tube of bacteriophage SPP1. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5759. [PMID: 33188213 PMCID: PMC7666168 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19611-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage SPP1 is a double-stranded DNA virus of the Siphoviridae family that infects the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. This family of phages features a long, flexible, non-contractile tail that has been difficult to characterize structurally. Here, we present the atomic structure of the tail tube of phage SPP1. Our hybrid structure is based on the integration of structural restraints from solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and a density map from cryo-EM. We show that the tail tube protein gp17.1 organizes into hexameric rings that are stacked by flexible linker domains and, thus, form a hollow flexible tube with a negatively charged lumen suitable for the transport of DNA. Additionally, we assess the dynamics of the system by combining relaxation measurements with variances in density maps. Bacteriophages of the Siphoviridae family have a long, flexible, non-contractile tail that has been difficult to characterize structurally. Here, the authors present the atomic structure of the tail tube of one of these phages, showing a hollow flexible tube formed by hexameric rings stacked by flexible linkers.
Collapse
|
31
|
Dedeo CL, Teschke CM, Alexandrescu AT. Keeping It Together: Structures, Functions, and Applications of Viral Decoration Proteins. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101163. [PMID: 33066635 PMCID: PMC7602432 DOI: 10.3390/v12101163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Decoration proteins are viral accessory gene products that adorn the surfaces of some phages and viral capsids, particularly tailed dsDNA phages. These proteins often play a "cementing" role, reinforcing capsids against accumulating internal pressure due to genome packaging, or environmental insults such as extremes of temperature or pH. Many decoration proteins serve alternative functions, including target cell recognition, participation in viral assembly, capsid size determination, or modulation of host gene expression. Examples that currently have structures characterized to high-resolution fall into five main folding motifs: β-tulip, β-tadpole, OB-fold, Ig-like, and a rare knotted α-helical fold. Most of these folding motifs have structure homologs in virus and target cell proteins, suggesting horizontal gene transfer was important in their evolution. Oligomerization states of decoration proteins range from monomers to trimers, with the latter most typical. Decoration proteins bind to a variety of loci on capsids that include icosahedral 2-, 3-, and 5-fold symmetry axes, as well as pseudo-symmetry sites. These binding sites often correspond to "weak points" on the capsid lattice. Because of their unique abilities to bind virus surfaces noncovalently, decoration proteins are increasingly exploited for technology, with uses including phage display, viral functionalization, vaccination, and improved nanoparticle design for imaging and drug delivery. These applications will undoubtedly benefit from further advances in our understanding of these versatile augmenters of viral functions.
Collapse
|