XpsG, the major pseudopilin in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, forms a pilus-like structure between cytoplasmic and outer membranes

Refining the Dynamic Network of T2SS Endopilus Tip Heterocomplex Combining cw-EPR and Nitroxide-GdIII Distance Measurements

The type 2 secretion system (T2SS) is a bacterial nanomachine composed of an inner membrane assembly platform, an outer membrane pore and a dynamic endopilus. T2SS endopili are organized into a homo-multimeric body formed by the major pilin capped by a heterocomplex of four minor pilins. The first model of the T2SS endopilus was recently released, even if structural dynamics insights are still required to decipher the role of each protein in the full tetrameric complex. Here, we applied continuous-wave and pulse EPR spectroscopy using nitroxide-gadolinium orthogonal labelling strategies to investigate the hetero-oligomeric assembly of the minor pilins. Overall, our data are in line with the endopilus model even if they evidenced conformational flexibility and alternative orientations at local scale of specific regions of minor pilins. The integration of different labelling strategies and EPR experiments demonstrates the pertinence of this approach to investigate protein-protein interactions in such multiprotein heterocomplexes.

Structural interactions define assembly adapter function of a type II secretion system pseudopilin

The type IV filament superfamily comprises widespread membrane-associated polymers in prokaryotes. The type II secretion system (T2SS), a virulence pathway in many pathogens, belongs to this superfamily. A knowledge gap in understanding of the T2SS is the molecular role of a small "pseudopilin" protein. Using multiple biophysical techniques, we have deciphered how this missing component of the Xcp T2SS architecture is structurally integrated, and thereby unlocked its function. We demonstrate that low-abundance XcpH is the adapter that bridges a trimeric initiating tip complex, XcpIJK, with a periplasmic filament of XcpG subunits. Each pseudopilin protein caps an XcpG protofilament in an overall pseudopilus compatible with dimensions of the periplasm and the outer membrane-spanning secretin through which substrates pass. Unexpectedly, to fulfill its adapter function, the XcpH N-terminal helix must be unwound, a property shared with XcpG subunits. We provide an experimentally validated three-dimensional structural model of a complete type IV filament.

Secrete or perish: The role of secretion systems in Xanthomonas biology

Bacteria of the Xanthomonas genus are mainly phytopathogens of a large variety of crops of economic importance worldwide. Xanthomonas spp. rely on an arsenal of protein effectors, toxins and adhesins to adapt to the environment, compete with other microorganisms and colonize plant hosts, often causing disease. These protein effectors are mainly delivered to their targets by the action of bacterial secretion systems, dedicated multiprotein complexes that translocate proteins to the extracellular environment or directly into eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Type I to type VI secretion systems have been identified in Xanthomonas genomes. Recent studies have unravelled the diverse roles played by the distinct types of secretion systems in adaptation and virulence in xanthomonads, unveiling new aspects of their biology. In addition, genome sequence information from a wide range of Xanthomonas species and pathovars have become available recently, uncovering a heterogeneous distribution of the distinct families of secretion systems within the genus. In this review, we describe the architecture and mode of action of bacterial type I to type VI secretion systems and the distribution and functions associated with these important nanoweapons within the Xanthomonas genus.

GspD, The Type II Secretion System Secretin of Leptospira, Protects Hamsters against Lethal Infection with a Virulent L. interrogans Isolate

The wide variety of pathogenic Leptospira serovars and the weak protection offered by the available vaccines encourage the search for protective immunogens against leptospirosis. We found that the secretin GspD of the type II secretion system (T2S) of Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola was highly conserved amongst pathogenic serovars and was expressed in vivo during infection, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Convalescent sera of hamsters, dogs, and cows showed the presence of IgG antibodies, recognizing a recombinant version of this protein expressed in Escherichia coli (rGspDLC) in Western blot assays. In a pilot vaccination study, a group of eight hamsters was immunized on days zero and 14 with 50 µg of rGspDLC mixed with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant (FIA). On day 28 of the study, 1,000 LD50 (Lethal Dose 50%) of a virulent strain of Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola (LOCaS46) were inoculated by an intraoral submucosal route (IOSM). Seventy-five percent protection against disease (p = 0.017573, Fisher’s exact test) and 50% protection against infection were observed in this group of vaccinated hamsters. In contrast, 85% of non-vaccinated hamsters died six to nine days after the challenge. These results suggest the potential usefulness of the T2S secretin GspD of Leptospira as a protective recombinant vaccine against leptospirosis.

Distinct docking and stabilization steps of the Pseudopilus conformational transition path suggest rotational assembly of type IV pilus-like fibers

The closely related bacterial type II secretion (T2S) and type IV pilus (T4P) systems are sophisticated machines that assemble dynamic fibers promoting protein transport, motility, or adhesion. Despite their essential role in virulence, the molecular mechanisms underlying helical fiber assembly remain unknown. Here, we use electron microscopy and flexible modeling to study conformational changes of PulG pili assembled by the Klebsiella oxytoca T2SS. Neural network analysis of 3,900 pilus models suggested a transition path toward low-energy conformations driven by progressive increase in fiber helical twist. Detailed predictions of interprotomer contacts along this path were tested by site-directed mutagenesis, pilus assembly, and protein secretion analyses. We demonstrate that electrostatic interactions between adjacent protomers (P-P+1) in the membrane drive pseudopilin docking, while P-P+3 and P-P+4 contacts determine downstream fiber stabilization steps. These results support a model of a spool-like assembly mechanism for fibers of the T2SS-T4P superfamily.

Type IV pilin proteins: versatile molecular modules

Type IV pili (T4P) are multifunctional protein fibers produced on the surfaces of a wide variety of bacteria and archaea. The major subunit of T4P is the type IV pilin, and structurally related proteins are found as components of the type II secretion (T2S) system, where they are called pseudopilins; of DNA uptake/competence systems in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive species; and of flagella, pili, and sugar-binding systems in the archaea. This broad distribution of a single protein family implies both a common evolutionary origin and a highly adaptable functional plan. The type IV pilin is a remarkably versatile architectural module that has been adopted widely for a variety of functions, including motility, attachment to chemically diverse surfaces, electrical conductance, acquisition of DNA, and secretion of a broad range of structurally distinct protein substrates. In this review, we consider recent advances in this research area, from structural revelations to insights into diversity, posttranslational modifications, regulation, and function.

On the path to uncover the bacterial type II secretion system

Gram-negative bacteria have evolved several secretory pathways to release enzymes or toxins into the surrounding environment or into the target cells. The type II secretion system (T2SS) is conserved in Gram-negative bacteria and involves a set of 12 to 16 different proteins. Components of the T2SS are located in both the inner and outer membranes where they assemble into a supramolecular complex spanning the bacterial envelope, also called the secreton. The T2SS substrates transiently go through the periplasm before they are translocated across the outer membrane and exposed to the extracellular milieu. The T2SS is unique in its ability to promote secretion of large and sometimes multimeric proteins that are folded in the periplasm. The present review describes recently identified protein-protein interactions together with structural and functional advances in the field that have contributed to improve our understanding on how the type II secretion apparatus assembles and on the role played by individual proteins of this highly sophisticated system.

The type II secretion system: biogenesis, molecular architecture and mechanism

Many gram-negative bacteria use the sophisticated type II secretion system (T2SS) to translocate a wide range of proteins from the periplasm across the outer membrane. The inner-membrane platform of the T2SS is the nexus of the system and orchestrates the secretion process through its interactions with the periplasmic filamentous pseudopilus, the dodecameric outer-membrane complex and a cytoplasmic secretion ATPase. Here, recent structural and biochemical information is reviewed to describe our current knowledge of the biogenesis and architecture of the T2SS and its mechanism of action.

Deciphering the Xcp Pseudomonas aeruginosa type II secretion machinery through multiple interactions with substrates

The type II secretion system enables gram-negative bacteria to secrete exoproteins into the extracellular milieu. We performed biophysical and biochemical experiments to identify systematic interactions between Pseudomonas aeruginosa Xcp type II secretion system components and their substrates. We observed that three Xcp components, XcpP(C), the secretin XcpQ(D), and the pseudopilus tip, directly and specifically interact with secreted exoproteins. We established that XcpP(C), in addition to its interaction with the substrate, likely shields the entire periplasmic portion of the secreton. It can therefore be considered as the recruiter of the machinery. Moreover, the direct interaction observed between the substrate and the pseudopilus tip validates the piston model hypothesis, in which the pseudopilus pushes the substrate through the secretin pore during the secretion process. All together, our results allowed us to propose a model of the different consecutive steps followed by the substrate during the type II secretion process.

Monodisperse domains by proteolytic control of the coarsening instability

The coarsening instability typically disrupts steady-state cluster-size distributions. We show that degradation coupled to the cluster size, such as arising from biological proteolysis, leads to a fixed-point cluster size. Stochastic evaporative and condensative fluxes determine the width of the fixed-point size distribution. At the fixed point, we show how the peak size and width depend on number, interactions, and proteolytic rate. This proteolytic size-control mechanism is consistent with the phenomenology of pseudopilus length control in the general secretion pathway of bacteria.

The assembly mode of the pseudopilus: a hallmark to distinguish a novel secretion system subtype

In gram-negative bacteria, type II secretion systems assemble a piston-like structure, called pseudopilus, which expels exoproteins out of the cell. The pseudopilus is constituted by a major pseudopilin that when overproduced multimerizes into a long cell surface structure named hyper-pseudopilus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses two type II secretion systems, Xcp and Hxc. Although major pseudopilins are exchangeable among type II secretion systems, we show that XcpT and HxcT are not. We demonstrate that HxcT does not form a hyper-pseudopilus and is different in amino acid sequence and multimerization properties. Using structure-based mutagenesis, we observe that five mutations are sufficient to revert HxcT into a functional XcpT-like protein, which also becomes capable of forming a hyper-pseudopilus. Phylogenetic and experimental analysis showed that the whole Hxc system was acquired by P. aeruginosa PAO1 and other Pseudomonas species through horizontal gene transfer. We thus identified a new type II secretion subfamily, of which the P. aeruginosa Hxc system is the archetype. This finding demonstrates how similar bacterial machineries evolve toward distinct mechanisms that may contribute specific functions.

In vivo cross-linking of EpsG to EpsL suggests a role for EpsL as an ATPase-pseudopilin coupling protein in the Type II secretion system of Vibrio cholerae

The type II secretion system is a multi-protein complex that spans the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria and promotes the secretion of proteins, including several virulence factors. This system is homologous to the type IV pilus biogenesis machinery and contains five proteins, EpsG-K, termed the pseudopilins that are structurally homologous to the type IV pilins. The major pseudopilin EpsG has been proposed to form a pilus-like structure in an energy-dependent process that requires the ATPase, EpsE. A key remaining question is how the membrane-bound EpsG interacts with the cytoplasmic ATPase, and if this is a direct or indirect interaction. Previous studies have established an interaction between the bitopic inner membrane protein EpsL and EpsE; therefore, in this study we used in vivo cross-linking to test the hypothesis that EpsG interacts with EpsL. Our findings suggest that EpsL may function as a scaffold to link EpsG and EpsE and thereby transduce the energy generated by ATP hydrolysis to support secretion. The recent discovery of structural homology between EpsL and a protein in the type IV pilus system implies that this interaction may be conserved and represent an important functional interaction for both the type II secretion and type IV pilus systems.

Involvement of the GspAB complex in assembly of the type II secretion system secretin of Aeromonas and Vibrio species

The type II secretion system (T2SS) functions as a transport mechanism to translocate proteins from the periplasm to the extracellular environment. The ExeA homologue in Aeromonas hydrophila, GspA(Ah), is an ATPase that interacts with peptidoglycan and forms an inner membrane complex with the ExeB homologue (GspB(Ah)). The complex may be required to generate space in the peptidoglycan mesh that is necessary for the transport and assembly of the megadalton-sized ExeD homologue (GspD(Ah)) secretin multimer in the outer membrane. In this study, the requirement for GspAB in the assembly of the T2SS secretin in Aeromonas and Vibrio species was investigated. We have demonstrated a requirement for GspAB in T2SS assembly in Aeromonas salmonicida, similar to that previously observed in A. hydrophila. In the Vibrionaceae species Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, gspA mutations significantly decreased assembly of the secretin multimer but had minimal effects on the secretion of T2SS substrates. The lack of effect on secretion of the mutant of gspA of V. cholerae (gspA(Vc)) was explained by the finding that native secretin expression greatly exceeds the level needed for efficient secretion in V. cholerae. In cross-complementation experiments, secretin assembly and secretion in an A. hydrophila gspA mutant were partially restored by the expression of GspAB from V. cholerae in trans, further suggesting that GspAB(Vc) performs the same role in Vibrio species as GspAB(Ah) does in the aeromonads. These results indicate that the GspAB complex is functional in the assembly of the secretin in Vibrio species but that a redundancy of GspAB function may exist in this genus.

Type II Secretion in Escherichia coli

The type II secretion system (T2SS) is used by Escherichia coli and other gram-negative bacteria to translocate many proteins, including toxins and proteases, across the outer membrane of the cell and into the extracellular space. Depending on the bacterial species, between 12 and 15 genes have been identified that make up a T2SS operon. T2SSs are widespread among gram-negative bacteria, and most E. coli appear to possess one or two complete T2SS operons. Once expressed, the multiple protein components that form the T2S system are localized in both the inner and outer membranes, where they assemble into an apparatus that spans the cell envelope. This apparatus supports the secretion of numerous virulence factors; and therefore secretion via this pathway is regarded in many organisms as a major virulence mechanism. Here, we review several of the known E. coli T2S substrates that have proven to be critical for the survival and pathogenicity of these bacteria. Recent structural and biochemical information is also reviewed that has improved our current understanding of how the T2S apparatus functions; also reviewed is the role that individual proteins play in this complex system.

The XcpV/GspI pseudopilin has a central role in the assembly of a quaternary complex within the T2SS pseudopilus

Gram-negative bacteria use the sophisticated type II secretion system (T2SS) to secrete a large number of exoproteins into the extracellular environment. Five proteins of the T2SS, the pseudopilins GspG-H-I-J-K, are proposed to assemble into a pseudopilus involved in the extrusion of the substrate through the outer membrane channel. Recent structural data have suggested that the three pseudopilins GspI-J-K are organized in a trimeric complex located at the tip of the GspG-containing pseudopilus. In the present work we combined two biochemical techniques to investigate the protein-protein interaction network between the five Pseudomonas aeruginosa Xcp pseudopilins. The soluble domains of XcpT-U-V-W-X (respectively homologous to GspG-H-I-J-K) were purified, and the interactions were tested by surface plasmon resonance and affinity co-purification in all possible combinations. We found an XcpV(I)-W(J)-X(K) complex, which demonstrates that the crystallized trimeric complex also exists in the P. aeruginosa T2SS. Interestingly, our systematic approach revealed an additional and yet uncharacterized interaction between XcpU(H) and XcpW(J). This observation suggested the existence of a quaternary, rather than ternary, complex (XcpU(H)-V(I)-W(J)-X(K)) at the tip of the pseudopilus. The assembly of this quaternary complex was further demonstrated by co-purification using affinity chromatography. Moreover, by testing various combinations of pseudopilins by surface plasmon resonance and affinity chromatography, we were able to dissect the different possible successive steps occurring during the formation of the quaternary complex. We propose a model in which XcpV(I) is the nucleator that first binds XcpX(K) and XcpW(J) at different sites. Then the ternary complex recruits XcpU(H) through a direct interaction with XcpW(J).

Structure of the GspK-GspI-GspJ complex from the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli type 2 secretion system

Gram-negative bacteria translocate various proteins including virulence factors across their outer membrane via type 2 secretion systems (T2SSs). T2SSs are thought to contain a pseudopilus, a subcomplex formed by one major and several minor pseudopilins. We report the crystal structure of the complex formed by three minor pseudopilins from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The GspK-GspI-GspJ complex has quasihelical characteristics and an architecture consistent with a localization at the pseudopilus tip. The alpha-domain of GspK has a previously unobserved fold with an unexpected dinuclear metal binding site. The area surrounding its disulfide bridge is conserved and might interact with other T2SS components or with secreted proteins.

Towards a systems biology approach to study type II/IV secretion systems

Many gram-negative bacteria produce thin protein filaments, named pili, which extend beyond the confines of the outer membrane. The importance of these pili is illustrated by the fact that highly complex, multi-protein pilus-assembly machines have evolved, not once, but several times. Their many functions include motility, adhesion, secretion, and DNA transfer, all of which can contribute to the virulence of bacterial pathogens or to the spread of virulence factors by horizontal gene transfer. The medical importance has stimulated extensive biochemical and genetic studies but the assembly and function of pili remains an enigma. It is clear that progress in this field requires a more holistic approach where the entire molecular apparatus that forms the pilus is studied as a system. In recent years systems biology approaches have started to complement classical studies of pili and their assembly. Moreover, continued progress in structural biology is building a picture of the components that make up the assembly machine. However, the complexity and multiple-membrane spanning nature of these secretion systems pose formidable technical challenges, and it will require a concerted effort before we can create comprehensive and predictive models of these remarkable molecular machines.

Structure of the minor pseudopilin EpsH from the Type 2 secretion system of Vibrio cholerae

Many Gram-negative bacteria use the multi-protein type II secretion system (T2SS) to selectively translocate virulence factors from the periplasmic space into the extracellular environment. In Vibrio cholerae the T2SS is called the extracellular protein secretion (Eps) system,which translocates cholera toxin and several enzymes in their folded state across the outer membrane. Five proteins of the T2SS, the pseudopilins, are thought to assemble into a pseudopilus, which may control the outer membrane pore EpsD, and participate in the active export of proteins in a "piston-like" manner. We report here the 2.0 A resolution crystal structure of an N-terminally truncated variant of EpsH, a minor pseudopilin from Vibrio cholerae. While EpsH maintains an N-terminal alpha-helix and C-terminal beta-sheet consistent with the type 4a pilin fold, structural comparisons reveal major differences between the minor pseudopilin EpsH and the major pseudopilin GspG from Klebsiella oxytoca: EpsH contains a large beta-sheet in the variable domain, where GspG contains an alpha-helix. Most importantly, EpsH contains at its surface a hydrophobic crevice between its variable and conserved beta-sheets, wherein a majority of the conserved residues within the EpsH family are clustered. In a tentative model of a T2SS pseudopilus with EpsH at its tip, the conserved crevice faces away from the helix axis. This conserved surface region may be critical for interacting with other proteins from the T2SS machinery.

PilB and PilT are ATPases acting antagonistically in type IV pilus function in Myxococcus xanthus

Type IV pili (T4P) are dynamic surface structures that undergo cycles of extension and retraction. T4P dynamics center on the PilB and PilT proteins, which are members of the secretion ATPase superfamily of proteins. Here, we show that PilB and PilT of the T4P system in Myxococcus xanthus have ATPase activity in vitro. Using a structure-guided approach, we systematically mutagenized PilB and PilT to resolve whether both ATP binding and hydrolysis are important for PilB and PilT function in vivo. PilB as well as PilT ATPase activity was abolished in vitro by replacement of conserved residues in the Walker A and Walker B boxes that are involved in ATP binding and hydrolysis, respectively. PilB proteins containing mutant Walker A or Walker B boxes were nonfunctional in vivo and unable to support T4P extension. PilT proteins containing mutant Walker A or Walker B boxes were also nonfunctional in vivo and unable to support T4P retraction. These data provide genetic evidence that both ATP binding and hydrolysis by PilB are essential for T4P extension and that both ATP binding and hydrolysis by PilT are essential for T4P retraction. Thus, PilB and PilT are ATPases that act at distinct steps in the T4P extension/retraction cycle in vivo.

The crystal structure of a binary complex of two pseudopilins: EpsI and EpsJ from the type 2 secretion system of Vibrio vulnificus

Type II secretion systems (T2SS) translocate virulence factors from the periplasmic space of many pathogenic bacteria into the extracellular environment. The T2SS of Vibrio cholerae and related species is called the extracellular protein secretion (Eps) system that consists of a core of multiple copies of 11 different proteins. The pseudopilins, EpsG, EpsH, EpsI, EpsJ and EpsK, are five T2SS proteins that are thought to assemble into a pseudopilus, which is assumed to interact with the outer membrane pore, and may actively participate in the export of proteins. We report here biochemical evidence that the minor pseudopilins EpsI and EpsJ from Vibrio species interact directly with one another. Moreover, the 2.3 A resolution crystal structure of a complex of EspI and EpsJ from Vibrio vulnificus represents the first atomic resolution structure of a complex of two different pseudopilin components from the T2SS. Both EpsI and EpsJ appear to be structural extremes within the family of type 4a pilin structures solved to date, with EpsI having the smallest, and EpsJ the largest, "variable pilin segment" seen thus far. A high degree of sequence conservation in the EpsI:EpsJ interface indicates that this heterodimer occurs in the T2SS of a large number of bacteria. The arrangement of EpsI and EpsJ in the heterodimer would correspond to a right-handed helical character of proteins assembled into a pseudopilus.

The TadV protein of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a novel aspartic acid prepilin peptidase required for maturation of the Flp1 pilin and TadE and TadF pseudopilins

The tad locus of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans encodes genes for the biogenesis of Flp pili, which allow the bacterium to adhere tenaciously to surfaces and form strong biofilms. Although tad (tight adherence) loci are widespread among bacterial and archaeal species, very little is known about the functions of the individual components of the Tad secretion apparatus. Here we characterize the mechanism by which the pre-Flp1 prepilin is processed to the mature pilus subunit. We demonstrate that the tadV gene encodes a prepilin peptidase that is both necessary and sufficient for proteolytic maturation of Flp1. TadV was also found to be required for maturation of the TadE and TadF pilin-like proteins, which we term pseudopilins. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we show that processing of pre-Flp1, pre-TadE, and pre-TadF is required for biofilm formation. Mutation of a highly conserved glutamic acid residue at position +5 of Flp1, relative to the cleavage site, resulted in a processed pilin that was blocked in assembly. In contrast, identical mutations in TadE or TadF had no effect on biofilm formation, indicating that the mechanisms by which Flp1 pilin and the pseudopilins function are distinct. We also determined that two conserved aspartic acid residues in TadV are critical for function of the prepilin peptidase. Together, our results indicate that the A. actinomycetemcomitans TadV protein is a member of a novel subclass of nonmethylating aspartic acid prepilin peptidases.

XpsE oligomerization triggered by ATP binding, not hydrolysis, leads to its association with XpsL

GspE belongs to a secretion NTPase superfamily, members of which are involved in type II/IV secretion, type IV pilus biogenesis and DNA transport in conjugation or natural transformation. Predicted to be a cytoplasmic protein, GspE has nonetheless been shown to be membrane-associated by interacting with the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of GspL. By taking biochemical and genetic approaches, we observed that ATP binding triggers oligomerization of Xanthomonas campestris XpsE (a GspE homolog) as well as its association with the N-terminal domain of XpsL (a GspL homolog). While isolated XpsE exhibits very low intrinsic ATPase activity, association with XpsL appears to stimulate ATP hydrolysis. Mutation at a conserved lysine residue in the XpsE Walker A motif causes reduction in its ATPase activity without significantly influencing its interaction with XpsL, congruent with the notion that XpsE-XpsL association precedes ATP hydrolysis. For the first time, functional significance of ATP binding to GspE in type II secretion system is clearly demonstrated. The implications may also be applicable to type IV pilus biogenesis.

The ins and outs of DNA transfer in bacteria

Transformation and conjugation permit the passage of DNA through the bacterial membranes and represent dominant modes for the transfer of genetic information between bacterial cells or between bacterial and eukaryotic cells. As such, they are responsible for the spread of fitness-enhancing traits, including antibiotic resistance. Both processes usually involve the recognition of double-stranded DNA, followed by the transfer of single strands. Elaborate molecular machines are responsible for negotiating the passage of macromolecular DNA through the layers of the cell surface. All or nearly all the machine components involved in transformation and conjugation have been identified, and here we present models for their roles in DNA transport.

Towards the identification of type II secretion signals in a nonacylated variant of pullulanase from Klebsiella oxytoca

Pullulanase (PulA) from the gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella oxytoca is a 116-kDa surface-anchored lipoprotein of the isoamylase family that allows growth on branched maltodextrin polymers. PulA is specifically secreted via a type II secretion system. PelBsp-PulA, a nonacylated variant of PulA made by replacing the lipoprotein signal peptide (sp) with the signal peptide of pectate lyase PelB from Erwinia chrysanthemi, was efficiently secreted into the medium. Two 80-amino-acid regions of PulA, designated A and B, were previously shown to promote secretion of beta-lactamase (BlaM) and endoglucanase CelZ fused to the C terminus. We show that A and B fused to the PelB signal peptide can also promote secretion of BlaM and CelZ but not that of nuclease NucB or several other reporter proteins. However, the deletion of most of region A or all of region B, either individually or together, had only a minor effect on PelBsp-PulA secretion. Four independent linker insertions between amino acids 234 and 324 in PelBsp-PulA abolished secretion. This part of PulA, region C, could contain part of the PulA secretion signal or be important for its correct presentation. Deletion of region C abolished PelBsp-PulA secretion without dramatically affecting its stability. PelBsp-PulA-NucB chimeras were secreted only if the PulA-NucB fusion point was located downstream from region C. The data show that at least three regions of PulA contain information that influences its secretion, depending on their context, and that some reporter proteins might contribute to the secretion of chimeras of which they are a part.

Roles of the minor pseudopilins, XpsH, XpsI and XpsJ, in the formation of XpsG-containing pseudopilus in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

Due to their similarity to type IV pilus (Tfp) subunits, the pseudopilins, XpsG, -H, -I, -J and -K, have been predicted to form a pilus-like structure in the type II secretion (T2S) pathway. While overexpression of GspG can result in the formation of bundle structures, the functions of other pseudopilin are not known yet. In this study, we investigate the mutual interaction among the pseudopilins and characterize the specialized minor pseudopilin, XpsJ. By using gel filtration and Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, a linearly ordered interactive relationship is revealed among the four pseudopilins, XpsG-XpsI-XpsH-XpsJ. Notably, unlike the mutant XpsJ194 staying in the inner membrane, wild type XpsJ stayed in the outer membrane and blocked the extension of overexpressed XpsG to outside of the cell. By analogy with the Type I pilus structures, we hypothesize that the XpsH and XpsI might act as an adaptor to connect XpsJ with the major pseudopilin XpsG, and XpsJ might act as a tip to restrict the out-growth of XpsG in the pilus-like structure of the T2S pathway.

Structure and function of the XpsE N-terminal domain, an essential component of the Xanthomonas campestris type II secretion system

Secretion of fully folded extracellular proteins across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is mainly assisted by the ATP-dependent type II secretion system (T2SS). Depending on species, 12-15 proteins are usually required for the function of T2SS by forming a trans-envelope multiprotein secretion complex. Here we report crystal structures of an essential component of the Xanthomonas campestris T2SS, the 21-kDa N-terminal domain of cytosolic secretion ATPase XpsE (XpsEN), in two conformational states. By mediating interaction between XpsE and the cytoplasmic membrane protein XpsL, XpsEN anchors XpsE to the membrane-associated secretion complex to allow the coupling between ATP utilization and exoprotein secretion. The structure of XpsEN observed in crystal form P4(3)2(1)2 is composed of a 90-residue alpha/beta sandwich core domain capped by a 62-residue N-terminal helical region. The core domain exhibits structural similarity with the NifU-like domain, suggesting that XpsE(N) may be involved in the regulation of XpsE ATPase activity. Surprisingly, although a similar core domain structure was observed in crystal form I4(1)22, the N-terminal 36 residues of the helical region undergo a large structural rearrangement. Deletion analysis indicates that these residues are required for exoprotein secretion by mediating the XpsE/XpsL interaction. Site-directed mutagenesis study further suggests the more compact conformation observed in the P4(3)2(1)2 crystal likely represents the XpsL binding-competent state. Based on these findings, we speculate that XpsE might function in T2SS by cycling between two conformational states. As a closely related protein to XpsE, secretion ATPase PilB may function similarly in the type IV pilus assembly.

Structure and assembly of the pseudopilin PulG

The pseudopilin PulG is one of several essential components of the type II pullulanase secretion machinery (the Pul secreton) of the Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella oxytoca. The sequence of the N-terminal 25 amino acids of the PulG precursor is hydrophobic and very similar to the corresponding region of type IV pilins. The structure of a truncated PulG (lacking the homologous region), as determined by X-ray crystallography, was found to include part of the long N-terminal alpha-helix and the four internal anti-parallel beta-strands that characterize type IV pilins, but PulG lacks the highly variable loop region with a disulphide bond that is found in the latter. When overproduced, PulG forms flexible pili whose structural features, as visualized by electron microscopy, are similar to those of bacterial type IV pili. The average helical repeat comprises 17 PulG subunits and four helical turns. Electron microscopy and molecular modelling show that PulG probably assembles into left-handed helical pili with the long N-terminal alpha-helix tightly packed in the centre of the pilus. As in the type IV pilins, the hydrophobic N-terminal part of the PulG alpha-helix is necessary for its assembly. Subtle sequence variations within this highly conserved segment seem to determine whether or not a type IV pilin can be assembled into pili by the Pul secreton.

Associations of the major pseudopilin XpsG with XpsN (GspC) and secretin XpsD of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris type II secretion apparatus revealed by cross-linking analysis

The major pseudopilin XpsG is an essential component of type II secretion apparatus of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Along with other ancillary pseudopilins, it forms a pilus-like structure spanning between cytoplasmic and outer membranes. Associations of pseudopilins with non-pseudopilin members of type II secretion apparatus were not well documented, probably due to their dynamic or unstable nature. In this study, by treating intact cells with a cleavable cross-linker dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate) (DSP), followed by metal chelating chromatography and immunoblotting on secretion-positive strains of X. campestris pv. campestris, we discovered associations of XpsGh with XpsN (GspC), as well as XpsD. These associations were detectable in a strain missing all components, but XpsO, of the type II secretion apparatus. However, chromosomal non-polar mutation in each gene exerted different effects upon the association between the other two. The XpsGh/XpsD association is undetectable in xpsN mutant; however, it was restored to a limited extent by overproducing XpsD protein. The XpsGh/XpsN association is unaltered by a lack of XpsD protein or an elevation of its abundance. Co-immune precipitation between XpsN and XpsD, while being independent of XpsG, was nonetheless enhanced by raising XpsG protein level. These observations agree with the proposition that the type II secretion apparatus in a cell may exist as an integrated multiprotein complex with all components working in concert. Moreover, in functional machinery, the association of the major pseudopilin XpsG with secretin XpsD appears strongly dependent on the existence of XpsN, the GspC protein.

The inner membrane subassembly of the enteropathogenic Escherichia coli bundle-forming pilus machine

Type IV pili (Tfps) are filamentous surface appendages expressed by Gram-negative microorganisms and play numerous roles in bacterial cell biology. Tfp biogenesis machineries are highly conserved and resemble protein secretion and DNA uptake systems. Although components of Tfp biogenesis systems have been identified, it is not known how they interact to form these machineries. Using the bundle-forming pilus (BFP) of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli as a model Tfp system, we provide evidence of a cytoplasmic membrane subassembly of the Tfp assembly machine composed of putative cytoplasmic nucleotide-binding and cytoplasmic membrane proteins. A combination of genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches revealed interactions among putative cytoplasmic nucleotide-binding proteins BfpD and BfpF and cytoplasmic membrane proteins BfpC and BfpE of the BFP biogenesis machine. The polytopic membrane protein BfpE appears to be a central component of this subassembly as it interacts with BfpC, BfpD and BfpF. We report that BFP biogenesis probably requires interactions among BfpC, BfpD and BfpE, whereas BFP retraction requires interaction of the PilT-like putative ATPase BfpF with a conserved domain of BfpE. BfpE is the first protein that is not a member of the PilT family to be implicated in Tfp retraction. Furthermore, we found that the putative ATPases BfpD and BfpF play antagonistic roles in BFP biogenesis and retraction, respectively, by interacting with distinct domains of the BFP biogenesis machine.

Systematic analysis, by the yeast two-hybrid, of protein interaction between components of the type II secretory machinery of Erwinia chrysanthemi

Type II systems allow for the secretion of numerous enzymes and toxins in several Gram-negative pathogens. In Erwinia chrysanthemi, 14 Out proteins are necessary for building the type II apparatus. We performed a systematic two-hybrid analysis to test interactions between the periplasmic regions of the Out proteins. Results obtained using this approach suggested that OutJ (a pseudopilin) was able to interact with (i) OutD, the outer membrane secretin, (ii) OutI, mainly located in the periplasm, and (iii) OutL, an inner membrane protein. Taken together, these results suggest that OutJ is involved in multiple partnerships. Implications of these partnerships in the overall architecture of the type II secretion machinery are discussed.

Type II protein secretion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the pseudopilus is a multifibrillar and adhesive structure

The type II secretion pathway of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is involved in the extracellular release of various toxins and hydrolytic enzymes such as exotoxin A and elastase. This pathway requires the function of a macromolecular complex called the Xcp secreton. The Xcp secreton shares many features with the machinery involved in type IV pilus assembly. More specifically, it involves the function of five pilin-like proteins, the XcpT-X pseudopilins. We show that, upon overexpression, the XcpT pseudopilin can be assembled in a pilus, which we call a type II pseudopilus. Image analysis and filtering of electron micrographs indicated that these appendages are composed of individual fibrils assembled together in a bundle structure. Our observations thus revealed that XcpT has properties similar to those of type IV pilin subunits. Interestingly, the assembly of the type II pseudopilus is not exclusively dependent on the Xcp machinery but can be supported by other similar machineries, such as the Pil (type IV pilus) and Hxc (type II secretion) systems of P. aeruginosa. In addition, heterologous pseudopilins can be assembled by P. aeruginosa into a type II pseudopilus. Finally, we showed that assembly of the type II pseudopilus confers increased bacterial adhesive capabilities. These observations confirmed the ability of pseudopilins to form a pilus structure and raise questions with respect to their function in terms of secretion and adhesion, two crucial biological processes in the course of bacterial infections.