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Duan J, Zhao Q, Wang Y, Chi Z, Li W, Wang X, Liu S, Bi S. The dCache Domain of the Chemoreceptor Tlp1 in Campylobacter jejuni Binds and Triggers Chemotaxis toward Formate. mBio 2023:e0356422. [PMID: 37052512 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03564-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotaxis is an important virulence factor in some enteric pathogens, and it is involved in the pathogenesis and colonization of the host. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the environmental signals that promote chemotactic behavior and the sensing of these signals by chemoreceptors. To date, there is no information on the ligand molecule that directly binds to and is sensed by Campylobacter jejuni Tlp1, which is a chemoreceptor with a dCache-type ligand-binding domain (LBD). dCache (double Calcium channels and chemotaxis receptor) is the largest group of sensory domains in bacteria, but the dCache-type chemoreceptor that directly binds to formate has not yet been discovered. In this study, formate was identified as a direct-binding ligand of C. jejuni Tlp1 with high sensing specificity. We used the strategy of constructing a functional hybrid receptor of C. jejuni Tlp1 and the Escherichia coli chemoreceptor Tar to screen for the potential ligand of Tlp1, with the binding of formate to Tlp1-LBD being verified using isothermal titration calorimetry. Molecular docking and experimental analyses indicated that formate binds to the membrane-proximal pocket of the dCache subdomain. Chemotaxis assays demonstrated that formate elicits robust attractant responses of the C. jejuni strain NCTC 11168, specifically via Tlp1. The chemoattraction effect of formate via Tlp1 promoted the growth of C. jejuni, especially when competing with Tlp1- or CheY-knockout strains. Our study reveals the molecular mechanisms by which C. jejuni mediates chemotaxis toward formate, and, to our knowledge, is the first report on the high-specificity binding of the dCache-type chemoreceptor to formate as well as the physiological role of chemotaxis toward formate. IMPORTANCE Chemotaxis is important for Campylobacter jejuni to colonize favorable niches in the gastrointestinal tract of its host. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the ligand molecules for C. jejuni chemoreceptors. The dCache-type chemoreceptor, namely, Tlp1, is the most conserved chemoreceptor in C. jejuni strains; however, the direct-binding ligand(s) triggering chemotaxis has not yet been discovered. In the present study, we found that the ligand that binds directly to Tlp1-LBD with high specificity is formate. C. jejuni exhibits robust chemoattraction toward formate, primarily via Tlp1. Tlp1 is the first reported dCache-type chemoreceptor that specifically binds formate and triggers strong chemotaxis. We further demonstrated that the formate-mediated promotion of C. jejuni growth is correlated with Tlp1-mediated chemotaxis toward formate. Our work provides important insights into the mechanism and physiological function of chemotaxis toward formate and will facilitate further investigations into the involvement of microbial chemotaxis in pathogen-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhe Chi
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuangjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, and Environmental Microbiology Research Center, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangyu Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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Semchenko EA, Mubaiwa TD, Day CJ, Seib KL. Role of the Gonococcal Neisserial Heparin Binding Antigen in Microcolony Formation, and Serum Resistance and Adherence to Epithelial Cells. J Infect Dis 2021; 221:1612-1622. [PMID: 31781772 PMCID: PMC7184908 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea is on the rise worldwide and an increased understanding of the mechanisms of colonization and pathogenesis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is required to aid development of new treatment and prevention strategies. In the current study, we investigate the neisserial heparin-binding antigen (NHBA) of N. gonorrhoeae and confirm its role in binding to several glycans, including heparin, and identify interactions of NHBA with both gonococcal and host cells. Furthermore, we report that a gonococcal nhba mutant displays decreased cell aggregation and microcolony formation, as well as reduced survival in human serum and reduced adherence to human cervical and urethral epithelial cells, relative to the wild-type strain. These data indicate that the gonococcal NHBA contributes to several aspects of the colonization and survival of N. gonorrhoeae and may be a target for new antimicrobial or vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny A Semchenko
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tsitsi D Mubaiwa
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher J Day
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Šefcová M, Larrea-Álvarez M, Larrea-Álvarez C, Karaffová V, Revajová V, Gancarčíková S, Ševčíková Z, Herich R. Lactobacillus fermentum Administration Modulates Cytokine Expression and Lymphocyte Subpopulation Levels in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Campylobacter coli. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2020; 17:485-493. [PMID: 31977245 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2019.2739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This investigation was performed to assess the supplementation of probiotics on cytokine expression and lymphocyte subpopulation in Campylobacter coli challenged chickens. Thirty-six individuals were equally separated into four experimental treatments: C = untreated chickens, LB = probiotic control (Lactobacillus fermentum), Cc = Campylobacter-challenged control, LBCc = probiotic + Cc. All chicks were slaughtered and cecum samples were collected on day 4 postinfection. Gene expression analysis, using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), revealed significant differences in cytokine transcript expression between untreated and probiotic-treated chickens. In addition, flow cytometry was used to quantitate the levels of lymphocyte subpopulations. Principal component analysis showed that probiotic administration induced an overall downregulation of cytokine expression. C. coli exposure provoked a similar response to that of L. fermentum but to a lesser extent. Colonization of C. coli in the presence of the probiotic evoked a complex response with an upregulation of some type II cytokines, including interleukin IL-4 and IL-13, which could explain the increased presence of antibodies in both lamina propria and epithelium. Moreover, despite that the percentage of CD8 intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) was found to be higher, downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-15, IL-16, and interferon γ was observed. This suggests that the detected CD8 are not effector cells but induced IELs, which release antimicrobial peptides, and are ready to be primed upon encountering antigen. These outcomes demonstrate that probiotic administration promotes a humoral response to a C. coli infection while dampening any potential inflammation mediated by effector T cells in 1-week-old chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Šefcová
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Pathological Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Marco Larrea-Álvarez
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay-Tech University, Urcuquí-Imbabura, Ecuador
| | - César Larrea-Álvarez
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay-Tech University, Urcuquí-Imbabura, Ecuador
| | - Viera Karaffová
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Pathological Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Viera Revajová
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Pathological Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Soňa Gancarčíková
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Ševčíková
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Pathological Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Róbert Herich
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Pathological Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia
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Lye D, Struewing I, Gruber TM, Oshima K, Villegas EN, Lu J. A Gallus gallus Model for Determining Infectivity of Zoonotic Campylobacter. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2292. [PMID: 31695684 PMCID: PMC6817472 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
To better understand public health implications of waterfowl as reservoirs for zoonotic sources of Campylobacter in recreational waters, we developed a Gallus gallus (chick) model of infection to assess the pathogenicity of environmental isolates of Campylobacter. This method involved exposure of 1-day-old chicks through ingestion of water, the natural route of infection. Viable Campylobacter from laboratory-infected animals were monitored by using a modified non-invasive sampling of fresh chick excreta followed by a passive polycarbonate-filter migration culture assay. The method was used to evaluate the infectivities of three laboratory strains of Campylobacter spp. (Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Campylobacter lari), three clinical isolates of C. jejuni, and four environmental Campylobacter spp. isolated from California gulls (Larus californicus). The results revealed that chicks were successfully infected with all laboratory and clinical isolates of Campylobacter spp. through ingestion of Campylobacter-spiked water, with infection rates ranging from <10 to >90% in a dose-dependent manner. More importantly, exposure of chicks with Campylobacter spp. isolated from Gallus gallus excreta also resulted in successful establishment of infection (≤90%). Each monitored Campylobacter spp. contained ≥7.5 × 104 CFU⋅g–1 of feces 7 days post-exposure. These results suggest that a G. gallus model can be used to assess infectivity of Campylobacter isolates, including gull and human clinical isolates. Use of an avian animal model can be applied to assess the importance of birds, such as the G. gallus, as potential contributors of waterborne-associated outbreaks of campylobacteriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Lye
- Office of Research and Development, USEPA, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ian Struewing
- Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Theresa M Gruber
- Office of Research and Development, USEPA, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kevin Oshima
- Office of Research and Development, USEPA, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Eric N Villegas
- Office of Research and Development, USEPA, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jingrang Lu
- Office of Research and Development, USEPA, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Igwaran A, Okoh AI. Human campylobacteriosis: A public health concern of global importance. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02814. [PMID: 31763476 PMCID: PMC6861584 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter species are among the leading cause of bacterial foodborne and waterborne infections. In addition, Campylobacter is one of the major causative agent of bacterial gastrointestinal infections and the rise in the incidence of Campylobacter infections have been reported worldwide. Also, the emergence of some Campylobacter species as one of the main causative agent of diarrhea and the propensity of these bacteria species to resist the actions of antimicrobial agents; position them as a serious threat to the public health. This paper reviews Campylobacter pathogenicity, infections, isolation and diagnosis, their reservoirs, transmission pathways, epidemiology of Campylobacter outbreaks, prevention and treatment option, antibiotics resistance and control of antibiotics use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aboi Igwaran
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa
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Chemoperception of Specific Amino Acids Controls Phytopathogenicity in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.01868-19. [PMID: 31575767 PMCID: PMC6775455 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01868-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There is substantive evidence that chemotaxis is a key requisite for efficient pathogenesis in plant pathogens. However, information regarding particular bacterial chemoreceptors and the specific plant signal that they sense is scarce. Our work shows that the phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato mediates not only chemotaxis but also the control of pathogenicity through the perception of the plant abundant amino acids Asp and Glu. We describe the specificity of the perception of l- and d-Asp and l-Glu by the PsPto-PscA chemoreceptor and the involvement of this perception in the regulation of pathogenicity-related traits. Moreover, a saturating concentration of d-Asp reduces bacterial virulence, and we therefore propose that ligand-mediated interference of key chemoreceptors may be an alternative strategy to control virulence. Chemotaxis has been associated with the pathogenicity of bacteria in plants and was found to facilitate bacterial entry through stomata and wounds. However, knowledge regarding the plant signals involved in this process is scarce. We have addressed this issue using Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, which is a foliar pathogen that causes bacterial speck in tomato. We show that the chemoreceptor P. syringae pv. tomato PscA (PsPto-PscA) recognizes specifically and with high affinity l-Asp, l-Glu, and d-Asp. The mutation of the chemoreceptor gene largely reduced chemotaxis to these ligands but also altered cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) levels, biofilm formation, and motility, pointing to cross talk between different chemosensory pathways. Furthermore, the PsPto-PscA mutant strain showed reduced virulence in tomato. Asp and Glu are the most abundant amino acids in plants and in particular in tomato apoplasts, and we hypothesize that this receptor may have evolved to specifically recognize these compounds to facilitate bacterial entry into the plant. Infection assays with the wild-type strain showed that the presence of saturating concentrations of d-Asp also reduced bacterial virulence.
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Korolik V. The role of chemotaxis during Campylobacter jejuni colonisation and pathogenesis. Curr Opin Microbiol 2018; 47:32-37. [PMID: 30476739 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is a ubiquitous gastrointestinal pathogen, transmitted to humans from birds and animals, where C. jejuni is part of normal intestinal flora. In C. jejuni, similar to other motile bacteria, chemotaxis pathway and the array of chemosensors sense and respond to external stimuli with unique precision and sensitivity and are considered to be critical for bacterial colonisation and pathogenicity. Disruption of any component of the signal transduction pathway consisting of receptor-CheA/CheW-CheY-flagella cascade, the signal adaptation system, and even a loss of a single chemosensory receptor, dramatically reduce the ability of C. jejuni to colonise various animal hosts and to cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Korolik
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, QLD, Australia.
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