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Rosochowicz MA, Kulcenty K, Suchorska WM. Exploring the Role of HtrA Family Genes in Cancer: A Systematic Review. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:347-377. [PMID: 38717523 PMCID: PMC11211202 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE HtrA1, HtrA2, HtrA3 and HtrA4 appear to be involved in the development of pathologies such as cancer. This systematic review reports the results of a literature search performed to compare the expression of HtrA family genes and proteins in cancer versus non-cancer tissues and cell lines, assess relationships between HtrA expression and cancer clinical features in cancer, and analyse the molecular mechanism, by which HtrA family affects cancer. METHODS The literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA statement among four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus). RESULTS A total of 38 articles met the inclusion criteria and involved the expression of HtrA family members and concerned the effect of HtrA expression on cancer and metastasis development or on the factor that influences it. Additionally, 31 reports were retrieved manually. Most articles highlighted that HtrA1 and HtrA3 exhibited tumour suppressor activity, while HtrA2 was associated with tumour growth and metastasis. There were too few studies to clearly define the role of the HtrA4 protease in tumours. CONCLUSION Although the expression of serine proteases of the HtrA family was dependent on tumour type, stage and the presence of metastases, most articles indicated that HtrA1 and HtrA3 expression in tumours was downregulated compared with healthy tissue or cell lines. The expression of HtrA2 was completely study dependent. The limited number of studies on HtrA4 expression made it impossible to draw conclusions about differences in expression between healthy and tumour tissue. The conclusions drawn from the study suggest that HtrA1 and HtrA3 act as tumour suppressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Anna Rosochowicz
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland.
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | | | - Wiktoria Maria Suchorska
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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2
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Canadas-Ortega M, Mühlbacher I, Posselt G, Diechler S, Ferner CD, Boccellato F, Koch OO, Neureiter D, Weitzendorfer M, Emmanuel K, Wessler S. HtrA-Dependent E-Cadherin Shedding Impairs the Epithelial Barrier Function in Primary Gastric Epithelial Cells and Gastric Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7083. [PMID: 39000189 PMCID: PMC11241449 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Impaired E-cadherin (Cdh1) functions are closely associated with cellular dedifferentiation, infiltrative tumor growth and metastasis, particularly in gastric cancer. The class-I carcinogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonizes gastric epithelial cells and induces Cdh1 shedding, which is primarily mediated by the secreted bacterial protease high temperature requirement A (HtrA). In this study, we used human primary epithelial cell lines derived from gastroids and mucosoids from different healthy donors to investigate HtrA-mediated Cdh1 cleavage and the subsequent impact on bacterial pathogenesis in a non-neoplastic context. We found a severe impairment of Cdh1 functions by HtrA-induced ectodomain cleavage in 2D primary cells and mucosoids. Since mucosoids exhibit an intact apico-basal polarity, we investigated bacterial transmigration across the monolayer, which was partially depolarized by HtrA, as indicated by microscopy, the analyses of the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and colony forming unit (cfu) assays. Finally, we investigated CagA injection and observed efficient CagA translocation and tyrosine phosphorylation in 2D primary cells and, to a lesser extent, similar effects in mucosoids. In summary, HtrA is a crucially important factor promoting the multistep pathogenesis of H. pylori in non-transformed primary gastric epithelial cells and organoid-based epithelial models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Canadas-Ortega
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Iris Mühlbacher
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gernot Posselt
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (CTBI), Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sebastian Diechler
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (CTBI), Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian Daniel Ferner
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (CTBI), Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Francesco Boccellato
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford OX37DQ, UK
| | - Oliver Owen Koch
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University/University Hospital Salzburg (SALK), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Klaus Emmanuel
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Silja Wessler
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (CTBI), Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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3
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Bhattacharjee A, Sahoo OS, Sarkar A, Bhattacharya S, Chowdhury R, Kar S, Mukherjee O. Infiltration to infection: key virulence players of Helicobacter pylori pathogenicity. Infection 2024; 52:345-384. [PMID: 38270780 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02159-9] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to comprehensively review the multifaceted factors underlying the successful colonization and infection process of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a prominent Gram-negative pathogen in humans. The focus is on elucidating the functions, mechanisms, genetic regulation, and potential cross-interactions of these elements. METHODS Employing a literature review approach, this study examines the intricate interactions between H. pylori and its host. It delves into virulence factors like VacA, CagA, DupA, Urease, along with phase variable genes, such as babA, babC, hopZ, etc., giving insights about the bacterial perspective of the infection The association of these factors with the infection has also been added in the form of statistical data via Funnel and Forest plots, citing the potential of the virulence and also adding an aspect of geographical biasness to the virulence factors. The biochemical characteristics and clinical relevance of these factors and their effects on host cells are individually examined, both comprehensively and statistically. RESULTS H. pylori is a Gram-negative, spiral bacterium that successfully colonises the stomach of more than half of the world's population, causing peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, MALT lymphoma, and other gastro-duodenal disorders. The clinical outcomes of H. pylori infection are influenced by a complex interplay between virulence factors and phase variable genes produced by the infecting strain and the host genetic background. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of all the major virulence factors has also been appended. CONCLUSION This study illuminates the diverse elements contributing to H. pylori's colonization and infection. The interplay between virulence factors, phase variable genes, and host genetics determines the outcome of the infection. Despite biochemical insights into many factors, their comprehensive regulation remains an understudied area. By offering a panoramic view of these factors and their functions, this study enhances understanding of the bacterium's perspective, i.e. H. pylori's journey from infiltration to successful establishment within the host's stomach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arghyadeep Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, 713209, India
- Department of Microbiology, Kingston College of Science, Beruanpukuria, Barasat, West Bengal, 700219, India
| | - Om Saswat Sahoo
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, 713209, India
| | - Ahana Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, 713209, India
| | - Saurabh Bhattacharya
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12272, 9112001, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rukhsana Chowdhury
- School of Biological Sciences, RKM Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute Narendrapur, Kolkata, India
| | - Samarjit Kar
- Department of Mathematics, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, 713209, India
| | - Oindrilla Mukherjee
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, 713209, India.
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Jian T, Su Q, Liu Y, Seoh HK, Houghton JE, Tai PC, Huang X. Structure-Based Virtual Screening of Helicobacter pylori SecA Inhibitors. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2023; 22:933-942. [PMID: 37030876 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2023.3259946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
The human bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori causes a range of gastric diseases. The killing rate of Helicobacter pylori is declining year by year because of high antibiotics resistance. It is urgent to develop new target and novel anti- Helicobacter pylori drugs. As an "energy pump" for bacterial cells, SecA is essential for bacterial growth and drives bacterial protein transmembrane transport, moreover SecA is absent in mammals, all of which nominate SecA as an attractive antimicrobial target. Here, we provided a structure-based virtual screening method to screen the 3D-diversity natural-product-like screening library against SecA for novel anti- Helicobacter pylori inhibitors with novel scaffolds. In this study, homology modeling was used to construct the three-dimensional structure of Helicobacter pylori SecA. Two rounds of molecular docking were then used to find new small-molecule inhibitors of SecA, identifying six lead candidates that maintained key interactions with the binding pocket. After that, molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore more accurate ligand-receptor binding modes in states close to natural conditions. Encouragingly, all six compounds were relatively stable during the simulation. Apart from that the binding free energy calculation based on MM/PBSA demonstrated favorable results of < -13.642 kcal/mol. Finally, ADME-T analysis indicated that these compounds were also sufficiently druggable. All six compounds can be well combined with the crystal structure, which further facilitate the development of SecA inhibitors and lead compounds against Helicobacter pylori.
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Sharafutdinov I, Tegtmeyer N, Linz B, Rohde M, Vieth M, Tay ACY, Lamichhane B, Tuan VP, Fauzia KA, Sticht H, Yamaoka Y, Marshall BJ, Backert S. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in Helicobacter pylori promotes gastric cancer development. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1345-1358.e6. [PMID: 37490912 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in various human genes are key factors in carcinogenesis. However, whether SNPs in bacterial pathogens are similarly crucial in cancer development is unknown. Here, we analyzed 1,043 genomes of the stomach pathogen Helicobacter pylori and pinpointed a SNP in the serine protease HtrA (position serine/leucine 171) that significantly correlates with gastric cancer. Our functional studies reveal that the 171S-to-171L mutation triggers HtrA trimer formation and enhances proteolytic activity and cleavage of epithelial junction proteins occludin and tumor-suppressor E-cadherin. 171L-type HtrA, but not 171S-HtrA-possessing H. pylori, inflicts severe epithelial damage, enhances injection of oncoprotein CagA into epithelial cells, increases NF-κB-mediated inflammation and cell proliferation through nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, and promotes host DNA double-strand breaks, collectively triggering malignant changes. These findings highlight the 171S/L HtrA mutation as a unique bacterial cancer-associated SNP and as a potential biomarker for risk predictions in H. pylori infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Sharafutdinov
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicole Tegtmeyer
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bodo Linz
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Vieth
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Klinikum Bayreuth, 95445 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Alfred Chin-Yen Tay
- Helicobacter Research Laboratory, Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia
| | - Binit Lamichhane
- Helicobacter Research Laboratory, Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia
| | - Vo Phuoc Tuan
- Department of Endoscopy, Choray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Oita, Japan
| | - Kartika Afrida Fauzia
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Oita, Japan; Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yoshio Yamaoka
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Oita, Japan; Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Barry J Marshall
- Helicobacter Research Laboratory, Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia; University of Western Australia, Marshall Centre, M504, Crawley, WA, Australia; Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Steffen Backert
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
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6
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Zarzecka U, Tegtmeyer N, Sticht H, Backert S. Trimer stability of Helicobacter pylori HtrA is regulated by a natural mutation in the protease domain. Med Microbiol Immunol 2023:10.1007/s00430-023-00766-9. [PMID: 37183214 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-023-00766-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The human pathogen Helicobacter pylori is a major risk factor for gastric disease development. Serine protease HtrA is an important bacterial virulence factor that cleaves the cell junction proteins occludin, claudin-8 and E-cadherin, which causes gastric tissue damage. Using casein zymography, we discovered that HtrA trimer stability varies in clinical H. pylori strains. Subsequent sequence analyses revealed that HtrA trimer stability correlated with the presence of leucine or serine residue at position 171. The importance of these amino acids in determining trimer stability was confirmed by leucine-to-serine swapping experiments using isogenic H. pylori mutant strains as well as recombinant HtrA proteins. In addition, this sequence position displays a high sequence variability among various bacterial species, but generally exhibits a preference for hydrophilic amino acids. This natural L/S171 polymorphism in H. pylori may affect the protease activity of HtrA during infection, which could be of clinical importance and may determine gastric disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Zarzecka
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Nicole Tegtmeyer
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steffen Backert
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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7
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Wessler S, Posselt G. Bacterial Proteases in Helicobacter pylori Infections and Gastric Disease. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 444:259-277. [PMID: 38231222 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-47331-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) proteases have become a major focus of research in recent years, because they not only have an important function in bacterial physiology, but also directly alter host cell functions. In this review, we summarize recent findings on extracellular H. pylori proteases that target host-derived substrates to facilitate bacterial pathogenesis. In particular, the secreted H. pylori collagenase (Hp0169), the metalloprotease Hp1012, or the serine protease High temperature requirement A (HtrA) are of great interest. Specifically, various host cell-derived substrates were identified for HtrA that directly interfere with the gastric epithelial barrier allowing full pathogenesis. In light of increasing antibiotic resistance, the development of inhibitory compounds for extracellular proteases as potential targets is an innovative field that offers alternatives to existing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silja Wessler
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg and Allergy-Cancer-BioNano Research Centre, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Gernot Posselt
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg and Allergy-Cancer-BioNano Research Centre, Salzburg, Austria
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8
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Naumann M, Ferino L, Sharafutdinov I, Backert S. Gastric Epithelial Barrier Disruption, Inflammation and Oncogenic Signal Transduction by Helicobacter pylori. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 444:207-238. [PMID: 38231220 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-47331-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori exemplifies one of the most favourable bacterial pathogens worldwide. The bacterium colonizes the gastric mucosa in about half of the human population and constitutes a major risk factor for triggering gastric diseases such as stomach cancer. H. pylori infection represents a prime example of chronic inflammation and cancer-inducing bacterial pathogens. The microbe utilizes a remarkable set of virulence factors and strategies to control cellular checkpoints of inflammation and oncogenic signal transduction. This chapter emphasizes on the pathogenicity determinants of H. pylori such as the cytotoxin-associated genes pathogenicity island (cagPAI)-encoded type-IV secretion system (T4SS), effector protein CagA, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) metabolite ADP-glycero-β-D-manno-heptose (ADP-heptose), cytotoxin VacA, serine protease HtrA, and urease, and how they manipulate various key host cell signaling networks in the gastric epithelium. In particular, we highlight the H. pylori-induced disruption of cell-to-cell junctions, pro-inflammatory activities, as well as proliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic responses. Here we review these hijacked signal transduction events and their impact on gastric disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Naumann
- Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, Otto Von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Lorena Ferino
- Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, Otto Von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Irshad Sharafutdinov
- Dept. Biology, Division of Microbiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steffen Backert
- Dept. Biology, Division of Microbiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
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9
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Sharafutdinov I, Ekici A, Vieth M, Backert S, Linz B. Early and late genome-wide gastric epithelial transcriptome response during infection with the human carcinogen Helicobacterpylori. CELL INSIGHT 2022; 1:100032. [PMID: 37193047 PMCID: PMC10120309 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Infection of the stomach by Helicobacter pylori is a major risk factor for the development of gastric cancer. Colonization of the gastric epithelium leads to the activation of multiple disease-related signaling pathways. Serine protease HtrA represents an important secreted virulence factor that mediates cleavage of cellular junctions. However, its potential role in nuclear responses is unknown. Here, we performed a genome-wide RNA-seq analysis of polarized gastric epithelial cells infected by wild-type (wt) and ΔhtrA mutant bacteria. Fluorescence microscopy showed that H. pylori wt, but not ΔhtrA bacteria, preferably localized at cellular junctions. Our results pinpointed early (2 h) and late (6 h) transcriptional responses, with most differentially expressed genes at 6 h post infection. The transcriptomes revealed HtrA-dependent targeting of genes associated with inflammation and apoptosis (e.g. IL8, ZFP36, TNF). Accordingly, infection with the ΔhtrA mutant induced increased apoptosis rates in host cells, which was associated with reduced H. pylori CagA expression. In contrast, transcription of various carcinogenesis-associated genes (e.g. DKK1, DOCK8) was affected by H. pylori independent of HtrA. These findings suggest that H. pylori disturbs previously unknown molecular pathways in an HtrA-dependent and HtrA-independent manner, and provide valuable new insights of this significant pathogen in humans and thus potential targets for better controlling the risk of malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Sharafutdinov
- Department of Biology, Division of Microbiology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arif Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 10, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Vieth
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Klinikum Bayreuth, Preuschwitzer Str 101, D-95445, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Steffen Backert
- Department of Biology, Division of Microbiology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bodo Linz
- Department of Biology, Division of Microbiology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
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10
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Bernegger S, Hutterer E, Zarzecka U, Schmidt TP, Huemer M, Widlroither I, Posselt G, Skorko-Glonek J, Wessler S. E-Cadherin Orthologues as Substrates for the Serine Protease High Temperature Requirement A (HtrA). Biomolecules 2022; 12:356. [PMID: 35327548 PMCID: PMC8945801 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) expresses the serine protease and chaperone High temperature requirement A (HtrA) that is involved in periplasmic unfolded protein stress response. Additionally, H. pylori-secreted HtrA directly cleaves the human cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin leading to a local disruption of intercellular adhesions during pathogenesis. HtrA-mediated E-cadherin cleavage has been observed in response to a broad range of pathogens, implying that it is a prevalent mechanism in humans. However, less is known whether E-cadherin orthologues serve as substrates for bacterial HtrA. Here, we compared HtrA-mediated cleavage of human E-cadherin with murine, canine, and simian E-cadherin in vitro and during bacterial infection. We found that HtrA targeted mouse and dog E-cadherin equally well, whereas macaque E-cadherin was less fragmented in vitro. We stably re-expressed orthologous E-cadherin (Cdh1) in a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated cdh1 knockout cell line to investigate E-cadherin shedding upon infection using H. pylori wildtype, an isogenic htrA deletion mutant, or complemented mutants as bacterial paradigms. In Western blot analyses and super-resolution microscopy, we demonstrated that H. pylori efficiently cleaved E-cadherin orthologues in an HtrA-dependent manner. These data extend previous knowledge to HtrA-mediated E-cadherin release in mammals, which may shed new light on bacterial infections in non-human organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Bernegger
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.B.); (E.H.); (T.P.S.); (M.H.); (I.W.); (G.P.)
| | - Evelyn Hutterer
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.B.); (E.H.); (T.P.S.); (M.H.); (I.W.); (G.P.)
| | - Urszula Zarzecka
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (U.Z.); (J.S.-G.)
| | - Thomas P. Schmidt
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.B.); (E.H.); (T.P.S.); (M.H.); (I.W.); (G.P.)
| | - Markus Huemer
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.B.); (E.H.); (T.P.S.); (M.H.); (I.W.); (G.P.)
| | - Isabella Widlroither
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.B.); (E.H.); (T.P.S.); (M.H.); (I.W.); (G.P.)
| | - Gernot Posselt
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.B.); (E.H.); (T.P.S.); (M.H.); (I.W.); (G.P.)
| | - Joanna Skorko-Glonek
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (U.Z.); (J.S.-G.)
| | - Silja Wessler
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Division of Microbial Infection and Cancer, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.B.); (E.H.); (T.P.S.); (M.H.); (I.W.); (G.P.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg and Allergy Cancer BioNano Research Centre, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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11
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Hwang J, Mros S, Gamble AB, Tyndall JDA, McDowell A. Improving Antibacterial Activity of a HtrA Protease Inhibitor JO146 against Helicobacter pylori: A Novel Approach Using Microfluidics-Engineered PLGA Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020348. [PMID: 35214080 PMCID: PMC8875321 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticle drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy for overcoming limitations of antimicrobial drugs such as stability, bioavailability, and insufficient exposure to the hard-to-reach bacterial drug targets. Although size is a vital colloidal feature of nanoparticles that governs biological interactions, the absence of well-defined size control technology has hampered the investigation of optimal nanoparticle size for targeting bacterial cells. Previously, we identified a lead antichlamydial compound JO146 against the high temperature requirement A (HtrA) protease, a promising antibacterial target involved in protein quality control and virulence. Here, we reveal that JO146 was active against Helicobacter pylori with a minimum bactericidal concentration of 18.8–75.2 µg/mL. Microfluidic technology using a design of experiments approach was utilized to formulate JO146-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles and explore the effect of the nanoparticle size on drug delivery. JO146-loaded nanoparticles of three different sizes (90, 150, and 220 nm) were formulated with uniform particle size distribution and drug encapsulation efficiency of up to 25%. In in vitro microdilution inhibition assays, 90 nm nanoparticles improved the minimum bactericidal concentration of JO146 two-fold against H. pylori compared to the free drug alone, highlighting that controlled engineering of nanoparticle size is important in drug delivery optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Hwang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (J.H.); (A.B.G.); (J.D.A.T.)
| | - Sonya Mros
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand;
| | - Allan B. Gamble
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (J.H.); (A.B.G.); (J.D.A.T.)
| | - Joel D. A. Tyndall
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (J.H.); (A.B.G.); (J.D.A.T.)
| | - Arlene McDowell
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (J.H.); (A.B.G.); (J.D.A.T.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Ali MQ, Kohler TP, Schulig L, Burchhardt G, Hammerschmidt S. Pneumococcal Extracellular Serine Proteases: Molecular Analysis and Impact on Colonization and Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:763152. [PMID: 34790590 PMCID: PMC8592123 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.763152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathobiont Streptococcus pneumoniae causes life-threatening diseases, including pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, or non-invasive infections such as otitis media. Serine proteases are enzymes that have been emerged during evolution as one of the most abundant and functionally diverse group of proteins in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. S. pneumoniae expresses up to four extracellular serine proteases belonging to the category of trypsin-like or subtilisin-like family proteins: HtrA, SFP, PrtA, and CbpG. These serine proteases have recently received increasing attention because of their immunogenicity and pivotal role in the interaction with host proteins. This review is summarizing and focusing on the molecular and functional analysis of pneumococcal serine proteases, thereby discussing their contribution to pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtadha Q Ali
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas P Kohler
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lukas Schulig
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gerhard Burchhardt
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sven Hammerschmidt
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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13
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Bernegger S, Vidmar R, Fonovic M, Posselt G, Turk B, Wessler S. Identification of Desmoglein-2 as a novel target of Helicobacter pylori HtrA in epithelial cells. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:108. [PMID: 34742300 PMCID: PMC8571890 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00788-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High temperature requirement A (HtrA) is an active serine protease secreted by the group-I carcinogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The human cell adhesion protein and tumor suppressor E-cadherin (hCdh1) expressed on the surface of gastric epithelial cells was identified as the first HtrA substrate. HtrA-mediated hCdh1 cleavage and subsequent disruption of intercellular adhesions are considered as important steps in H. pylori pathogenesis. In this study, we performed a proteomic profiling of H. pylori HtrA (HpHtrA) to decipher the complex mechanism of H. pylori interference with the epithelial barrier integrity. RESULTS Using a proteomic approach we identified human desmoglein-2 (hDsg2), neuropilin-1, ephrin-B2, and semaphorin-4D as novel extracellular HpHtrA substrates and confirmed the well characterized target hCdh1. HpHtrA-mediated hDsg2 cleavage was further analyzed by in vitro cleavage assays using recombinant proteins. In infection experiments, we demonstrated hDsg2 shedding from H. pylori-colonized MKN28 and NCI-N87 cells independently of pathogen-induced matrix-metalloproteases or ADAM10 and ADAM17. CONCLUSIONS Characterizing the substrate specificity of HpHtrA revealed efficient hDsg2 cleavage underlining the importance of HpHtrA in opening intercellular junctions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Bernegger
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Billroth Str. 11, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Robert Vidmar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Fonovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gernot Posselt
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Billroth Str. 11, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Silja Wessler
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Billroth Str. 11, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg and Allergy-Cancer-BioNano Research Centre, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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14
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Peters K, Schweizer I, Hakenbeck R, Denapaite D. New Insights into Beta-Lactam Resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae: Serine Protease HtrA Degrades Altered Penicillin-Binding Protein 2x. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081685. [PMID: 34442764 PMCID: PMC8400419 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081685] [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: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced amounts of the essential penicillin-binding protein 2x (PBP2x) were detected in two cefotaxime-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae laboratory mutants C405 and C606. These mutants contain two or four mutations in the penicillin-binding domain of PBP2x, respectively. The transcription of the pbp2x gene was not affected in both mutants; thus, the reduced PBP2x amounts were likely due to post-transcriptional regulation. The mutants carry a mutation in the histidine protein kinase gene ciaH, resulting in enhanced gene expression mediated by the cognate response regulator CiaR. Deletion of htrA, encoding a serine protease regulated by CiaR, or inactivation of HtrA proteolytic activity showed that HtrA is indeed responsible for PBP2x degradation in both mutants, and that this affects β-lactam resistance. Depletion of the PBP2xC405 in different genetic backgrounds confirmed that HtrA degrades PBP2xC405. A GFP-PBP2xC405 fusion protein still localized at the septum in the absence of HtrA. The complementation studies in HtrA deletion strains showed that HtrA can be overexpressed in pneumococcal cells to specific levels, depending on the genetic background. Quantitative Western blotting revealed that the PBP2x amount in C405 strain was less than 20% compared to parental strain, suggesting that PBP2x is an abundant protein in S. pneumoniae R6 strain.
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15
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HtrA family proteases of bacterial pathogens: pros and cons for their therapeutic use. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:559-564. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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16
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Baj J, Forma A, Sitarz M, Portincasa P, Garruti G, Krasowska D, Maciejewski R. Helicobacter pylori Virulence Factors-Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenicity in the Gastric Microenvironment. Cells 2020; 10:E27. [PMID: 33375694 PMCID: PMC7824444 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer constitutes one of the most prevalent malignancies in both sexes; it is currently the fourth major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The pathogenesis of gastric cancer is associated with the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, among which infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is of major importance. The invasion, survival, colonization, and stimulation of further inflammation within the gastric mucosa are possible due to several evasive mechanisms induced by the virulence factors that are expressed by the bacterium. The knowledge concerning the mechanisms of H. pylori pathogenicity is crucial to ameliorate eradication strategies preventing the possible induction of carcinogenesis. This review highlights the current state of knowledge and the most recent findings regarding H. pylori virulence factors and their relationship with gastric premalignant lesions and further carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-400 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Alicja Forma
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Monika Sitarz
- Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “Augusto Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Garruti
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantations, University of Bari “Aldo Moro” Medical School, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Danuta Krasowska
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology of Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
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17
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Zarzecka U, Matkowska D, Backert S, Skorko-Glonek J. Importance of two PDZ domains for the proteolytic and chaperone activities of Helicobacter pylori serine protease HtrA. Cell Microbiol 2020; 23:e13299. [PMID: 33277762 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Helicobacter pylori HtrA protein (HtrAHp ) is an important virulence factor involved in the infection process by proteolysis of components of the tight (claudin-8 and occludin) and adherens junctions (E-cadherin) between epithelial cells. As a protease and chaperone, HtrAHp is involved in protein quality control, which is particularly important under stress conditions. HtrAHp contains a protease domain and two C-terminal PDZ domains (PDZ1 and PDZ2). In the HtrA protein family, the PDZ domains are proposed to play important roles, including regulation of proteolytic activity. We therefore mutated the PDZ1 and PDZ2 domains in HtrAHp and studied the maintenance of proteolytic activity, assembly and rearrangement of the corresponding oligomeric forms. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that at least PDZ1 is important for efficient substrate cleavage, while both PDZ domains are dispensable for the chaperone-like activity. However, in living H. pylori cells, only the mutant containing at least PDZ1, but not PDZ2, ensured bacterial growth under stressful conditions. Moreover, we can demonstrate that PDZ1 is crucial for HtrAHp oligomerization. Interestingly, all truncated proteolytically active HtrAHp variants were functional in the in vitro infection assay and caused damage to the E-cadherin-based adherens junctions. These findings provide valuable new insights into the function of HtrAHp in an important pathogen of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Zarzecka
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.,Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dorota Matkowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Steffen Backert
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joanna Skorko-Glonek
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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18
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Zarzecka U, Grinzato A, Kandiah E, Cysewski D, Berto P, Skorko-Glonek J, Zanotti G, Backert S. Functional analysis and cryo-electron microscopy of Campylobacterjejuni serine protease HtrA. Gut Microbes 2020; 12:1-16. [PMID: 32960677 PMCID: PMC7524362 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1810532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is a predominant zoonotic pathogen causing gastroenteritis and other diseases in humans. An important bacterial virulence factor is the secreted serine protease HtrA (HtrA Cj ), which targets tight and adherens junctional proteins in the gut epithelium. Here we have investigated the function and structure of HtrA Cj using biochemical assays and cryo-electron microscopy. Mass spectrometry analysis identified differences and similarities in the cleavage site specificity for HtrA Cj by comparison to the HtrA counterparts from Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli. We defined the architecture of HtrA Cj at 5.8 Å resolution as a dodecamer, built of four trimers. The contacts between the trimers are quite loose, a fact that explains the flexibility and mobility of the dodecameric assembly. This flexibility has also been studied through molecular dynamics simulation, which revealed opening of the dodecamer to expose the proteolytically active site of the protease. Moreover, we examined the rearrangements at the level of oligomerization in the presence or absence of substrate using size exclusion chromatography, which revealed hexamers, dodecamers and larger oligomeric forms, as well as remarkable stability of higher oligomeric forms (> 12-mers) compared to previously tested homologs from other bacteria. Extremely dynamic decay of the higher oligomeric forms into lower forms was observed after full cleavage of the substrate by the proteolytically active variant of HtrA Cj . Together, this is the first report on the in-depth functional and structural analysis of HtrA Cj , which may allow the construction of therapeutically relevant HtrA Cj inhibitors in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Zarzecka
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany,Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | - Dominik Cysewski
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paola Berto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Joanna Skorko-Glonek
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Giuseppe Zanotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy,Giuseppe Zanotti Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Steffen Backert
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany,CONTACT Steffen Backert Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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19
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A novel FRET peptide assay reveals efficient Helicobacter pylori HtrA inhibition through zinc and copper binding. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10563. [PMID: 32601479 PMCID: PMC7324608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) secretes the chaperone and serine protease high temperature requirement A (HtrA) that cleaves gastric epithelial cell surface proteins to disrupt the epithelial integrity and barrier function. First inhibitory lead structures have demonstrated the essential role of HtrA in H. pylori physiology and pathogenesis. Comprehensive drug discovery techniques allowing high-throughput screening are now required to develop effective compounds. Here, we designed a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptide derived from a gel-based label-free proteomic approach (direct in-gel profiling of protease specificity) as a valuable substrate for H. pylori HtrA. Since serine proteases are often sensitive to metal ions, we investigated the influence of different divalent ions on the activity of HtrA. We identified Zn++ and Cu++ ions as inhibitors of H. pylori HtrA activity, as monitored by in vitro cleavage experiments using casein or E-cadherin as substrates and in the FRET peptide assay. Putative binding sites for Zn++ and Cu++ were then analyzed in thermal shift and microscale thermophoresis assays. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of novel metal ion-dependent protease inhibitors, which might help to fight bacterial infections.
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20
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Pachathundikandi SK, Blaser N, Bruns H, Backert S. Helicobacter pylori Avoids the Critical Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Production of Oncogenic Mature IL-1β in Human Immune Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E803. [PMID: 32230726 PMCID: PMC7226495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori persistently colonizes the human stomach, and is associated with inflammation-induced gastric cancer. Bacterial crosstalk with the host immune system produces various inflammatory mediators and subsequent reactions in the host, but not bacterial clearance. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is implicated in gastric cancer development and certain gene polymorphisms play a role in this scenario. Mature IL-1β production depends on inflammasome activation, and the NLRP3 inflammasome is a major driver in H. pylori-infected mice, while recent studies demonstrated the down-regulation of NLRP3 expression in human immune cells, indicating a differential NLRP3 regulation in human vs. mice. In addition to the formation of mature IL-1β or IL-18, inflammasome activation induces pyroptotic death in cells. We demonstrate that H. pylori infection indeed upregulated the expression of pro-IL-1β in human immune cells, but secreted only very low amounts of mature IL-1β. However, application of exogenous control activators such as Nigericin or ATP to infected cells readily induced NLRP3 inflammasome formation and secretion of high amounts of mature IL-1β. This suggests that chronic H. pylori infection in humans manipulates inflammasome activation and pyroptosis for bacterial persistence. This inflammasome deregulation during H. pylori infection, however, is prone to external stimulation by microbial, environmental or host molecules of inflammasome activators for the production of high amounts of mature IL-1β and signaling-mediated gastric tumorigenesis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneesh Kumar Pachathundikandi
- Department of Biology, Division of Microbiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Nicole Blaser
- Department of Biology, Division of Microbiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Heiko Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Steffen Backert
- Department of Biology, Division of Microbiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany;
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21
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Zarzecka U, Harrer A, Zawilak-Pawlik A, Skorko-Glonek J, Backert S. Chaperone activity of serine protease HtrA of Helicobacter pylori as a crucial survival factor under stress conditions. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:161. [PMID: 31796064 PMCID: PMC6892219 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0481-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serine protease HtrA exhibits both proteolytic and chaperone activities, which are involved in cellular protein quality control. Moreover, HtrA is an important virulence factor in many pathogens including Helicobacter pylori, for which the crucial stage of infection is the cleavage of E-cadherin and other cell-to-cell junction proteins. METHODS The in vitro study of H. pylori HtrA (HtrAHp) chaperone activity was carried out using light scattering assays and investigation of lysozyme protein aggregates. We produced H. pylori ∆htrA deletion and HtrAHp point mutants without proteolytic activity in strain N6 and investigated the survival of the bacteria under thermal, osmotic, acidic and general stress conditions as well as the presence of puromycin or metronidazole using serial dilution tests and disk diffusion method. The levels of cellular and secreted proteins were examined using biochemical fraction and Western blotting. We also studied the proteolytic activity of secreted HtrAHp using zymography and the enzymatic digestion of β-casein. Finally, the consequences of E-cadherin cleavage were determined by immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS We demonstrate that HtrAHp displays chaperone activity that inhibits the aggregation of lysozyme and is stable under various pH and temperature conditions. Next, we could show that N6 expressing only HtrA chaperone activity grow well under thermal, pH and osmotic stress conditions, and in the presence of puromycin or metronidazole. In contrast, in the absence of the entire htrA gene the bacterium was more sensitive to a number of stresses. Analysing the level of cellular and secreted proteins, we noted that H. pylori lacking the proteolytic activity of HtrA display reduced levels of secreted HtrA. Moreover, we compared the amounts of secreted HtrA from several clinical H. pylori strains and digestion of β-casein. We also demonstrated a significant effect of the HtrAHp variants during infection of human epithelial cells and for E-cadherin cleavage. CONCLUSION Here we identified the chaperone activity of the HtrAHp protein and have proven that this activity is important and sufficient for the survival of H. pylori under multiple stress conditions. We also pinpointed the importance of HtrAHp chaperone activity for E- cadherin degradation and therefore for the virulence of this eminent pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Zarzecka
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aileen Harrer
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Zawilak-Pawlik
- Department of Microbiology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Skorko-Glonek
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Steffen Backert
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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