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Jin T. Exploring the role of bacterial virulence factors and host elements in septic arthritis: insights from animal models for innovative therapies. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1356982. [PMID: 38410388 PMCID: PMC10895065 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1356982] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Septic arthritis, characterized as one of the most aggressive joint diseases, is primarily attributed to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and often results from hematogenous dissemination. Even with prompt treatment, septic arthritis frequently inflicts irreversible joint damage, leading to sustained joint dysfunction in a significant proportion of patients. Despite the unsatisfactory outcomes, current therapeutic approaches for septic arthritis have remained stagnant for decades. In the clinical context, devising innovative strategies to mitigate joint damage necessitates a profound comprehension of the pivotal disease mechanisms. This entails unraveling how bacterial virulence factors interact with host elements to facilitate bacterial invasion into the joint and identifying the principal drivers of joint damage. Leveraging animal models of septic arthritis emerges as a potent tool to achieve these objectives. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution and recent advancements in septic arthritis models. Additionally, we address practical considerations regarding experimental protocols. Furthermore, we delve into the utility of these animal models, such as their contribution to the discovery of novel bacterial virulence factors and host elements that play pivotal roles in the initiation and progression of septic arthritis. Finally, we summarize the latest developments in novel therapeutic strategies against septic arthritis, leveraging insights gained from these unique animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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2
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Martens CP, Peetermans M, Vanassche T, Verhamme P, Jacquemin M, Martinod K. Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 and ADAMTS13 activity in Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20230042. [PMID: 37778390 PMCID: PMC10542450 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus infection is associated with increased levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and von Willebrand factor (VWF), and with reduced activity of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs, member 13). Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) contributes to NET formation and inactivates ADAMTS13 in vitro. The role of PADs in the dynamics of NETs, VWF and ADAMTS13 has not yet been studied. We thus aimed to assess the longitudinal evolution of NETs, PADs, VWF and ADAMTS13 activity in S. aureus infection. Plasma samples from S. aureus bacteraemia patients were longitudinally collected and analysed for NETs, PAD4/PAD2, VWF and ADAMTS13 activity. Correlation analyses with clinical data were performed. Recombinant PAD4 and S. aureus were assessed in vitro for their potential to modulate ADAMTS13 activity. Sixty-seven patients were included. Plasma levels of NETs, VWF, PAD4 and PAD2 were increased and ADAMTS13 activity was decreased. Levels of PADs were negatively correlated with ADAMTS13 activity. NETs were positively correlated with PADs, and negatively with ADAMTS13 activity. In vitro, recombinant PAD4 but not S. aureus reduced ADAMTS13 activity in plasma. Levels of PAD4 and PAD2 correlate with reduced ADAMTS13 activity, with neutrophils as the likely source of PAD activity in S. aureus bacteraemia. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'The virtues and vices of protein citrullination'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline P. Martens
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Marijke Peetermans
- Laboratory for Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Thomas Vanassche
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Peter Verhamme
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Marc Jacquemin
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Kimberly Martinod
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
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3
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Wittekind MA, Briaud P, Smith JL, Tennant JR, Carroll RK. The Small Protein ScrA Influences Staphylococcus aureus Virulence-Related Processes via the SaeRS System. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0525522. [PMID: 37154710 PMCID: PMC10269730 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05255-22] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive commensal and opportunistic pathogen able to cause diseases ranging from mild skin infections to life-threatening endocarditis and toxic shock syndrome. The ability to cause such an array of diseases is due to the complex S. aureus regulatory network controlling an assortment of virulence factors, including adhesins, hemolysins, proteases, and lipases. This regulatory network is controlled by both protein and RNA elements. We previously identified a novel regulatory protein called ScrA, which, when overexpressed, leads to the increased activity and expression of the SaeRS regulon. In this study, we further explore the role of ScrA and examine the consequences to the bacterial cell of scrA gene disruption. These results demonstrate that scrA is required for several virulence-related processes, and in many cases, the phenotypes of the scrA mutant are inverse to those observed in cells overexpressing ScrA. Interestingly, while the majority of ScrA-mediated phenotypes appear to rely on the SaeRS system, our results also indicate that ScrA may also act independently of SaeRS when regulating hemolytic activity. Finally, using a murine model of infection, we demonstrate that scrA is required for virulence, potentially in an organ-specific manner. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus is the cause of several potentially life-threatening infections. An assortment of toxins and virulence factors allows such a wide range of infections. However, an assortment of toxins or virulence factors requires complex regulation to control expression under all of the different conditions encountered by the bacterium. Understanding the intricate web of regulatory systems allows the development of novel approaches to combat S. aureus infections. Here, we have shown that the small protein ScrA, which was previously identified by our laboratory, influences several virulence-related functions through the SaeRS global regulatory system. These findings add ScrA to the growing list of virulence regulators in S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Briaud
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Jayanna L. Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Julia R. Tennant
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Ronan K. Carroll
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
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4
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Risser F, López-Morales J, Nash MA. Adhesive Virulence Factors of Staphylococcus aureus Resist Digestion by Coagulation Proteases Thrombin and Plasmin. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 2:586-599. [PMID: 36573096 PMCID: PMC9782320 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an invasive and life-threatening pathogen that has undergone extensive coevolution with its mammalian hosts. Its molecular adaptations include elaborate mechanisms for immune escape and hijacking of the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. These capabilities are enacted by virulence factors including microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs) and the plasminogen-activating enzyme staphylokinase (SAK). Despite the ability of S. aureus to modulate coagulation, until now the sensitivity of S. aureus virulence factors to digestion by proteases of the coagulation system was unknown. Here, we used protein engineering, biophysical assays, and mass spectrometry to study the susceptibility of S. aureus MSCRAMMs to proteolytic digestion by human thrombin, plasmin, and plasmin/SAK complexes. We found that MSCRAMMs were highly resistant to proteolysis, and that SAK binding to plasmin enhanced this resistance. We mapped thrombin, plasmin, and plasmin/SAK cleavage sites of nine MSCRAMMs and performed biophysical, bioinformatic, and stability analysis to understand structural and sequence features common to protease-susceptible sites. Overall, our study offers comprehensive digestion patterns of S. aureus MSCRAMMs by thrombin, plasmin, and plasmin/SAK complexes and paves the way for new studies into this resistance and virulence mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Risser
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland,Department
of Biosystems Sciences and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joanan López-Morales
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland,Department
of Biosystems Sciences and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael A. Nash
- Institute
of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland,Department
of Biosystems Sciences and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland,E-mail:
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5
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Morales-Laverde L, Trobos M, Echeverz M, Solano C, Lasa I. Functional analysis of intergenic regulatory regions of genes encoding surface adhesins in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from periprosthetic joint infections. Biofilm 2022; 4:100093. [PMID: 36408060 PMCID: PMC9667196 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of prosthetic joint infections (PJI). Surface adhesins play an important role in the primary attachment to plasma proteins that coat the surface of prosthetic devices after implantation. Previous efforts to identify a genetic component of the bacterium that confers an enhanced capacity to cause PJI have focused on gene content, kmers, or single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coding sequences. Here, using a collection of S. aureus strains isolated from PJI and wounds, we investigated whether genetic variations in the regulatory region of genes encoding surface adhesins lead to differences in their expression levels and modulate the capacity of S. aureus to colonize implanted prosthetic devices. The data revealed that S. aureus isolates from the same clonal complex (CC) contain a specific pattern of SNPs in the regulatory region of genes encoding surface adhesins. As a consequence, each clonal lineage shows a specific profile of surface proteins expression. Co-infection experiments with representative isolates of the most prevalent CCs demonstrated that some lineages have a higher capacity to colonize implanted catheters in a murine infection model, which correlated with a greater ability to form a biofilm on coated surfaces with plasma proteins. Together, results indicate that differences in the expression level of surface adhesins may modulate the propensity of S. aureus strains to cause PJI. Given the high conservation of surface proteins among staphylococci, our work lays the framework for investigating how diversification at intergenic regulatory regions affects the capacity of S. aureus to colonize the surface of medical implants.
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6
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Berry KA, Verhoef MTA, Leonard AC, Cox G. Staphylococcus aureus adhesion to the host. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1515:75-96. [PMID: 35705378 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a pathobiont capable of colonizing and infecting most tissues within the human body, resulting in a multitude of different clinical outcomes. Adhesion of S. aureus to the host is crucial for both host colonization and the establishment of infections. Underlying the pathogen's success is a complex and diverse arsenal of adhesins. In this review, we discuss the different classes of adhesins, including a consideration of the various adhesion sites throughout the body and the clinical outcomes of each infection type. The development of therapeutics targeting the S. aureus host-pathogen interaction is a relatively understudied area. Due to the increasing global threat of antimicrobial resistance, it is crucial that innovative and alternative approaches are considered. Neutralizing virulence factors, through the development of antivirulence agents, could reduce bacterial pathogenicity and the ever-increasing burden of S. aureus infections. This review provides insight into potentially efficacious adhesion-associated targets for the development of novel decolonizing and antivirulence strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Berry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mackenzie T A Verhoef
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allison C Leonard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georgina Cox
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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7
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Nagy ÁG, Kanyó N, Vörös A, Székács I, Bonyár A, Horvath R. Population distributions of single-cell adhesion parameters during the cell cycle from high-throughput robotic fluidic force microscopy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7747. [PMID: 35546603 PMCID: PMC9095720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11770-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell adhesion plays an essential role in biological and biomedical sciences, but its precise measurement for a large number of cells is still a challenging task. At present, typical force measuring techniques usually offer low throughput, a few cells per day, and therefore are unable to uncover phenomena emerging at the population level. In this work, robotic fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM) was utilized to measure the adhesion parameters of cells in a high-throughput manner to study their population distributions in-depth. The investigated cell type was the genetically engineered HeLa Fucci construct with cell cycle-dependent expression of fluorescent proteins. This feature, combined with the high-throughput measurement made it possible for the first time to characterize the single-cell adhesion distributions at various stages of the cell cycle. It was found that parameters such as single-cell adhesion force and energy follow a lognormal population distribution. Therefore, conclusions based on adhesion data of a low number of cells or treating the population as normally distributed can be misleading. Moreover, we found that the cell area was significantly the smallest, and the area normalized maximal adhesion force was significantly the largest for the colorless cells (the mitotic (M) and early G1 phases). Notably, the parameter characterizing the elongation of the cells until the maximum level of force between the cell and its substratum was also dependent on the cell cycle, which quantity was the smallest for the colorless cells. A novel parameter, named the spring coefficient of the cell, was introduced as the fraction of maximal adhesion force and maximal cell elongation during the mechanical detachment, which was found to be significantly the largest for the colorless cells. Cells in the M phase adhere in atypical way, with so-called reticular adhesions, which are different from canonical focal adhesions. We first revealed that reticular adhesion can exert a higher force per unit area than canonical focal adhesions, and cells in this phase are significantly stiffer. The possible biological consequences of these findings were also discussed, together with the practical relevance of the observed population-level adhesion phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágoston G Nagy
- Nanobiosensorics Laboratory, Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Electronics Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nicolett Kanyó
- Nanobiosensorics Laboratory, Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Vörös
- Nanobiosensorics Laboratory, Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Inna Székács
- Nanobiosensorics Laboratory, Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Bonyár
- Department of Electronics Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Robert Horvath
- Nanobiosensorics Laboratory, Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Budapest, Hungary.
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8
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Fibronectin binding protein B binds to loricrin and promotes corneocyte adhesion by Staphylococcus aureus. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2517. [PMID: 35523796 PMCID: PMC9076634 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30271-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonisation of humans by Staphylococcus aureus is a major risk factor for infection, yet the bacterial and host factors involved are not fully understood. The first step during skin colonisation is adhesion of the bacteria to corneocytes in the stratum corneum where the cornified envelope protein loricrin is the main ligand for S. aureus. Here we report a novel loricrin-binding protein of S. aureus, the cell wall-anchored fibronectin binding protein B (FnBPB). Single-molecule force spectroscopy revealed both weak and ultra-strong (2 nN) binding of FnBPB to loricrin and that mechanical stress enhanced the strength of these bonds. Treatment with a peptide derived from fibrinogen decreased the frequency of strong interactions, suggesting that both ligands bind to overlapping sites within FnBPB. Finally, we show that FnBPB promotes adhesion to human corneocytes by binding strongly to loricrin, highlighting the relevance of this interaction to skin colonisation. The first step during skin colonization by is its adhesion to corneocytes. Da Costa et al. show that the cell wall-anchored fibronectin binding protein B (FnBPB) of S. aureus binds to loricrin. Applying single cell force spectroscopy, they demonstrate that this interaction promotes adhesion of S. aureus to human corneocytes.
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9
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Kember M, Grandy S, Raudonis R, Cheng Z. Non-Canonical Host Intracellular Niche Links to New Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanism. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020220. [PMID: 35215166 PMCID: PMC8876822 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, infectious diseases are one of the leading causes of death among people of all ages. The development of antimicrobials to treat infectious diseases has been one of the most significant advances in medical history. Alarmingly, antimicrobial resistance is a widespread phenomenon that will, without intervention, make currently treatable infections once again deadly. In an era of widespread antimicrobial resistance, there is a constant and pressing need to develop new antibacterial drugs. Unraveling the underlying resistance mechanisms is critical to fight this crisis. In this review, we summarize some emerging evidence of the non-canonical intracellular life cycle of two priority antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The bacterial factors that modulate this unique intracellular niche and its implications in contributing to resistance are discussed. We then briefly discuss some recent research that focused on the promises of boosting host immunity as a combination therapy with antimicrobials to eradicate these two particular pathogens. Finally, we summarize the importance of various strategies, including surveillance and vaccines, in mitigating the impacts of antimicrobial resistance in general.
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10
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Alfeo MJ, Pagotto A, Barbieri G, Foster TJ, Vanhoorelbeke K, De Filippis V, Speziale P, Pietrocola G. Staphylococcus aureus iron-regulated surface determinant B (IsdB) protein interacts with von Willebrand factor and promotes adherence to endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22799. [PMID: 34815454 PMCID: PMC8611056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02065-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is the cause of a spectrum of diseases in humans and animals. The molecular basis of this pathogenicity lies in the expression of a variety of virulence factors, including proteins that mediate adherence to the host plasma and extracellular matrix proteins. In this study, we discovered that the iron-regulated surface determinant B (IsdB) protein, besides being involved in iron transport and vitronectin binding, interacts with von Willebrand Factor (vWF). IsdB-expressing bacteria bound to both soluble and immobilized vWF. The binding of recombinant IsdB to vWF was blocked by heparin and reduced at high ionic strength. Furthermore, treatment with ristocetin, an allosteric agent that promotes the exposure of the A1 domain of vWF, potentiates the binding of IsdB to vWF. Both near-iron transporter motifs NEAT1 and NEAT2 of IsdB individually bound recombinant A1 domain with KD values in the micromolar range. The binding of IsdB and adhesion of S. aureus expressing IsdB to monolayers of activated endothelial cells was significantly inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against the A1 domain and by IsdB reactive IgG from patients with staphylococcal endocarditis. This suggests the importance of IsdB in adherence of S. aureus to the endothelium colonization and as potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela J Alfeo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Pagotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Timothy J Foster
- Microbiology Department, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Vanhoorelbeke
- Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Speziale
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giampiero Pietrocola
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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11
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Chantraine C, Mathelié-Guinlet M, Pietrocola G, Speziale P, Dufrêne YF. AFM Identifies a Protein Complex Involved in Pathogen Adhesion Which Ruptures at Three Nanonewtons. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:7595-7601. [PMID: 34469164 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococci bind to the blood protein von Willebrand Factor (vWF), thereby causing endovascular infections. Whether and how this interaction occurs with the medically important pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis is unknown. Using single-molecule experiments, we demonstrate that the S. epidermidis protein Aap binds vWF via an ultrastrong force, ∼3 nN, the strongest noncovalent biological bond ever reported, and we show that this interaction is activated by tensile loading, suggesting a catch-bond behavior. Aap-vWF binding involves exclusively the A1 domain of vWF but requires both the A and B domains of Aap, as revealed by inhibition assays using specific monoclonal antibodies. Collectively, our results point to a mechanism where force-induced unfolding of the B repeats activates the A domain of Aap, shifting it from a weak- to a strong-binding state, which then engages into an ultrastrong interaction with vWF A1. This shear-dependent function of Aap offers promise for innovative antistaphylococcal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Chantraine
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, bte L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marion Mathelié-Guinlet
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, bte L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Giampiero Pietrocola
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Pietro Speziale
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Yves F Dufrêne
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, bte L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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