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Norouzalinia F, Asadpour L, Mokhtary M. Anti-microbial, anti-biofilm, and efflux pump inhibitory effects of ellagic acid-bonded magnetic nanoparticles against Escherichia coli isolates. Int Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s10123-024-00560-4. [PMID: 39105888 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-024-00560-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The spread of microbial resistance is a threat to public health. In this study, the anti-microbial, anti-biofilm, and efflux pump inhibitory effects of ellagic acid-loaded magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs@EA) against beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolates have been investigated. The effects of Fe3O4 NPs@EA on the growth inhibition of E. coli isolates were determined by disc diffusion method and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration was done using broth micro-dilution method. The anti-biofilm effect of nanoparticles was investigated using the microplate method. The efflux pump inhibitory effect of nanoparticles was investigated using cart-wheel method and by investigating the effect of nanoparticles on acrB and tolC genes expression levels. Fe3O4 NPs@EA showed anti-bacterial effects against test bacteria, and the MIC of these nanoparticles varied from 0.19 to 1.56 mg/mL. These nanoparticles caused a 43-62% reduction in biofilm formation of test bacteria compared to control. Furthermore, efflux pump inhibitory effect of these nanoparticles was confirmed at a concentration of 1/8 MIC, and the expression of acrB and tolC genes decreased in bacteria treated with 1/4 MIC Fe3O4 NPs@EA. According to the results, the use of nanoparticles containing ellagic acid can provide a basis for the development of new treatments against drug-resistant E. coli. This substance may improve the concentration of antibiotics in the bacterial cell and increase their effectiveness by inhibiting the efflux in E. coli isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leila Asadpour
- Department of Biology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Masoud Mokhtary
- Department of Chemistry, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
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2
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Guan J, Jakob U. The Protein Scaffolding Functions of Polyphosphate. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168504. [PMID: 38423453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168504] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), one of the first high-energy compound on earth, defies its extreme compositional and structural simplicity with an astoundingly wide array of biological activities across all domains of life. However, the underlying mechanism of such functional pleiotropy remains largely elusive. In this review, we will summarize recent studies demonstrating that this simple polyanion stabilizes protein folding intermediates and scaffolds select native proteins. These functions allow polyP to act as molecular chaperone that protects cells against protein aggregation, as pro-amyloidogenic factor that accelerates both physiological and disease-associated amyloid formation, and as a modulator of liquid-liquid phase separation processes. These activities help to explain polyP's known roles in bacterial stress responses and pathogenicity, provide the mechanistic foundation for its potential role in human neurodegenerative diseases, and open a new direction regarding its influence on gene expression through condensate formation. We will highlight critical unanswered questions and point out potential directions that will help to further understand the pleiotropic functions of this ancient and ubiquitous biopolymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Guan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ursula Jakob
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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3
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Borghi F, Azevedo C, Johnson E, Burden JJ, Saiardi A. A mammalian model reveals inorganic polyphosphate channeling into the nucleolus and induction of a hyper-condensate state. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100814. [PMID: 38981472 PMCID: PMC11294840 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a ubiquitous polymer that controls fundamental processes. To overcome the absence of a genetically tractable mammalian model, we developed an inducible mammalian cell line expressing Escherichia coli polyphosphate kinase 1 (EcPPK1). Inducing EcPPK1 expression prompted polyP synthesis, enabling validation of polyP analytical methods. Virtually all newly synthesized polyP accumulates within the nucleus, mainly in the nucleolus. The channeled polyP within the nucleolus results in the redistribution of its markers, leading to altered rRNA processing. Ultrastructural analysis reveals electron-dense polyP structures associated with a hyper-condensed nucleolus resulting from an exacerbation of the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) phenomena controlling this membraneless organelle. The selective accumulation of polyP in the nucleoli could be interpreted as an amplification of polyP channeling to where its physiological function takes place. Indeed, quantitative analysis of several mammalian cell lines confirms that endogenous polyP accumulates within the nucleolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipy Borghi
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Cristina Azevedo
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Errin Johnson
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Jemima J Burden
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Adolfo Saiardi
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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4
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Dai S, Wang B, Ye R, Zhang D, Xie Z, Yu N, Cai C, Huang C, Zhao J, Zhang F, Hua Y, Zhao Y, Zhou R, Tian B. Structural Evolution of Bacterial Polyphosphate Degradation Enzyme for Phosphorus Cycling. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309602. [PMID: 38682481 PMCID: PMC11234463 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Living organisms ranging from bacteria to animals have developed their own ways to accumulate and store phosphate during evolution, in particular as the polyphosphate (polyP) granules in bacteria. Degradation of polyP into phosphate is involved in phosphorus cycling, and exopolyphosphatase (PPX) is the key enzyme for polyP degradation in bacteria. Thus, understanding the structure basis of PPX is crucial to reveal the polyP degradation mechanism. Here, it is found that PPX structure varies in the length of ɑ-helical interdomain linker (ɑ-linker) across various bacteria, which is negatively correlated with their enzymatic activity and thermostability - those with shorter ɑ-linkers demonstrate higher polyP degradation ability. Moreover, the artificial DrPPX mutants with shorter ɑ-linker tend to have more compact pockets for polyP binding and stronger subunit interactions, as well as higher enzymatic efficiency (kcat/Km) than that of DrPPX wild type. In Deinococcus-Thermus, the PPXs from thermophilic species possess a shorter ɑ-linker and retain their catalytic ability at high temperatures (70 °C), which may facilitate the thermophilic species to utilize polyP in high-temperature environments. These findings provide insights into the interdomain linker length-dependent evolution of PPXs, which shed light on enzymatic adaption for phosphorus cycling during natural evolution and rational design of enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Dai
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Study of Zhejiang UniversityShanghai201203China
| | - Binqiang Wang
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy UtilizationZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
- Zhejiang Baima Lake Laboratory Co., LtdHangzhou310029China
| | - Rui Ye
- School of PhysicsInstitute of Quantitative BiologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
- School of PhysicsInstitute of Quantitative BiologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Zhenming Xie
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Ning Yu
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Chunhui Cai
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Furong Zhang
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Yuejin Hua
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Study of Zhejiang UniversityShanghai201203China
- School of PhysicsInstitute of Quantitative BiologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
| | - Bing Tian
- Institute of BiophysicsCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310029China
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5
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Harita D, Matsukawa H, Kimura Y. Polyphosphate Plays a Significant Role in the Maturation of Spores in Myxococcus xanthus. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:248. [PMID: 38951187 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03778-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Myxococcus xanthus synthesizes polyphosphates (polyPs) with polyphosphate kinase 1 (Ppk1) and degrades short- and long-chain polyPs with the exopolyphosphatases, Ppx1 and Ppx2, respectively. M. xanthus polyP:AMP phosphotransferase (Pap) generates ADP from AMP and polyPs. Pap expression is induced by an elevation in intracellular polyP concentration. M. xanthus synthesized polyPs during the stationary phase; the ppk1 mutant died earlier than the wild-type strain after the stationary phase. In addition, M. xanthus cells cultured in phosphate-starved medium, H2O2-supplemented medium, or amino acid-deficient medium increased the intracellular polyP levels by six- to ninefold after 6 h of incubation. However, the growth of ppk1 and ppx2 mutants in phosphate-starved medium and H2O2-supplemented medium was not significantly different from that of wild-type strain, nor was there a significant difference in fruiting body formation and sporulation in starvation condition. During development, no difference was observed in the adenylate energy charge (AEC) values in the wild-type, ppk1 mutant, and pap mutant strains until the second day of development. However, after day 3, the ppk1 and pap mutants had a lower ADP ratio and a higher AMP ratio compared to wild-type strain, and as a result, the AEC values of these mutants were lower than those of the wild-type strain. Spores of ppk1 and pap mutants in the nutrient medium germinated later than those of the wild-type strain. These results suggested that polyPs produced during development may play an important role in cellular energy homeostasis of the spores by being used to convert AMP to ADP via Pap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Harita
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroka Matsukawa
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kimura
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, Japan.
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6
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Benyamini P. Phylogenetic Tracing of Evolutionarily Conserved Zonula Occludens Toxin Reveals a "High Value" Vaccine Candidate Specific for Treating Multi-Strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:271. [PMID: 38922165 PMCID: PMC11209546 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060271] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are emerging as a significant threat associated with adverse patient outcomes. Due to this organism's inherent properties of developing antibiotic resistance, we sought to investigate alternative strategies such as identifying "high value" antigens for immunotherapy-based purposes. Through extensive database mining, we discovered that numerous Gram-negative bacterial (GNB) genomes, many of which are known multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including P. aeruginosa, horizontally acquired the evolutionarily conserved gene encoding Zonula occludens toxin (Zot) with a substantial degree of homology. The toxin's genomic footprint among so many different GNB stresses its evolutionary importance. By employing in silico techniques such as proteomic-based phylogenetic tracing, in conjunction with comparative structural modeling, we discovered a highly conserved intermembrane associated stretch of 70 amino acids shared among all the GNB strains analyzed. The characterization of our newly identified antigen reveals it to be a "high value" vaccine candidate specific for P. aeruginosa. This newly identified antigen harbors multiple non-overlapping B- and T-cell epitopes exhibiting very high binding affinities and can adopt identical tertiary structures among the least genetically homologous P. aeruginosa strains. Taken together, using proteomic-driven reverse vaccinology techniques, we identified multiple "high value" vaccine candidates capable of eliciting a polarized immune response against all the P. aeruginosa genetic variants tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Benyamini
- Department of Health Sciences at Extension, University of California Los Angeles, 1145 Gayley Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
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Lapointe A, Kocademir M, Bergman P, Ragupathy IC, Laumann M, Underwood GJC, Zumbusch A, Spiteller D, Kroth PG. Characterization of polyphosphate dynamics in the widespread freshwater diatom Achnanthidium minutissimum under varying phosphorus supplies. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2024; 60:624-638. [PMID: 38163284 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Polyphosphates (polyP) are ubiquitous biomolecules that play a multitude of physiological roles in many cells. We have studied the presence and role of polyP in a unicellular alga, the freshwater diatom Achnanthidium minutissimum. This diatom stores up to 2.0 pg·cell-1 of polyP, with chain lengths ranging from 130 to 500 inorganic phosphate units (Pi). We applied energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman/fluorescence microscopy, and biochemical assays to localize and characterize the intracellular polyP granules that were present in large apical vacuoles. We investigated the fate of polyP in axenic A. minutissimum cells grown under phosphorus (P), replete (P(+)), or P deplete (P(-)) cultivation conditions and observed that in the absence of exogenous P, A. minutissimum rapidly utilizes their internal polyP reserves, maintaining their intrinsic growth rates for up to 8 days. PolyP-depleted A. minutissimum cells rapidly took up exogenous P a few hours after Pi resupply and generated polyP three times faster than cells that were not initially subjected to P limitation. Accordingly, we propose that A. minutissimum deploys a succession of acclimation strategies regarding polyP dynamics where the production or consumption of polyP plays a central role in the homeostasis of the diatom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Lapointe
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Paavo Bergman
- Electron-Microscopy Centre, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Michael Laumann
- Electron-Microscopy Centre, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Zumbusch
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Dieter Spiteller
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Peter G Kroth
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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8
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Corrales D, Alcántara C, Zúñiga M, Monedero V. Ppx1 putative exopolyphosphatase is essential for polyphosphate accumulation in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0229023. [PMID: 38619267 PMCID: PMC11107151 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02290-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The linear polymer polyphosphate (poly-P) is present across all three domains of life and serves diverse physiological functions. The enzyme polyphosphate kinase (Ppk) is responsible for poly-P synthesis, whereas poly-P degradation is carried out by the enzyme exopolyphosphatase (Ppx). In many Lactobacillaceae, the Ppk-encoding gene (ppk) is found clustered together with two genes encoding putative exopolyphosphatases (ppx1 and ppx2) each having different domain compositions, with the gene order ppx1-ppk-ppx2. However, the specific function of these ppx genes remains unexplored. An in-frame deletion of ppx1 in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BL23 resulted in bacteria unable to accumulate poly-P, whereas the disruption of ppx2 did not affect poly-P synthesis. The expression of ppk was not altered in the Δppx1 strain, and poly-P synthesis in this strain was only restored by expressing ppx1 in trans. Moreover, no poly-P synthesis was observed when ppk was expressed from a plasmid in the Δppx1 strain. Purified Ppx2 exhibited in vitro exopolyphosphatase activity, whereas no in vitro enzymatic activity could be demonstrated for Ppx1. This observation corresponds with the absence in Ppx1 of conserved motifs essential for catalysis found in characterized exopolyphosphatases. Furthermore, assays with purified Ppk and Ppx1 evidenced that Ppx1 enhanced Ppk activity. These results demonstrate that Ppx1 is essential for poly-P synthesis in Lc. paracasei and have unveiled, for the first time, an unexpected role of Ppx1 exopolyphosphatase in poly-P synthesis.IMPORTANCEPoly-P is a pivotal molecular player in bacteria, participating in a diverse array of processes ranging from stress resilience to pathogenesis while also serving as a functional component in probiotic bacteria. The synthesis of poly-P is tightly regulated, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Our study sheds light on the distinctive role played by the two exopolyphosphatases (Ppx) found in the Lactobacillaceae bacterial group, of relevance in food and health. This particular group is noteworthy for possessing two Ppx enzymes, supposedly involved in poly-P degradation. Remarkably, our investigation uncovers an unprecedented function of Ppx1 in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, where its absence leads to the total cessation of poly-P synthesis, paralleling the impact observed upon eliminating the poly-P forming enzyme, poly-P kinase. Unlike the anticipated role as a conventional exopolyphosphatase, Ppx1 demonstrates an unexpected function. Our results added a layer of complexity to our understanding of poly-P dynamics in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Corrales
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Cristina Alcántara
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Manuel Zúñiga
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Vicente Monedero
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
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9
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Rijal R, Gomer RH. Gallein potentiates isoniazid's ability to suppress Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1369763. [PMID: 38690363 PMCID: PMC11060752 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1369763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), can be difficult to treat because of drug tolerance. Increased intracellular polyphosphate (polyP) in Mtb enhances tolerance to antibiotics, and capsular polyP in Neisseria gonorrhoeae potentiates resistance to antimicrobials. The mechanism by which bacteria utilize polyP to adapt to antimicrobial pressure is not known. In this study, we found that Mtb adapts to the TB frontline antibiotic isoniazid (INH) by enhancing the accumulation of cellular, extracellular, and cell surface polyP. Gallein, a broad-spectrum inhibitor of the polyphosphate kinase that synthesizes polyP, prevents this INH-induced increase in extracellular and cell surface polyP levels. Gallein and INH work synergistically to attenuate Mtb's ability to grow in in vitro culture and within human macrophages. Mtb when exposed to INH, and in the presence of INH, gallein inhibits cell envelope formation in most but not all Mtb cells. Metabolomics indicated that INH or gallein have a modest impact on levels of Mtb metabolites, but when used in combination, they significantly reduce levels of metabolites involved in cell envelope synthesis and amino acid, carbohydrate, and nucleoside metabolism, revealing a synergistic effect. These data suggest that gallein represents a promising avenue to potentiate the treatment of TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Rijal
- Gomer Lab, Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Richard H. Gomer
- Gomer Lab, Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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10
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Magkiriadou S, Stepp WL, Newman DK, Manley S, Racki LR. Polyphosphate affects cytoplasmic and chromosomal dynamics in nitrogen-starved Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313004121. [PMID: 38564631 PMCID: PMC11009631 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313004121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyphosphate (polyP) synthesis is a ubiquitous stress and starvation response in bacteria. In diverse species, mutants unable to make polyP have a wide variety of physiological defects, but the mechanisms by which this simple polyanion exerts its effects remain unclear. One possibility is that polyP's many functions stem from global effects on the biophysical properties of the cell. We characterize the effect of polyphosphate on cytoplasmic mobility under nitrogen-starvation conditions in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using fluorescence microscopy and particle tracking, we quantify the motion of chromosomal loci and cytoplasmic tracer particles. In the absence of polyP and upon starvation, we observe a 2- to 10-fold increase in mean cytoplasmic diffusivity. Tracer particles reveal that polyP also modulates the partitioning between a "more mobile" and a "less mobile" population: Small particles in cells unable to make polyP are more likely to be "mobile" and explore more of the cytoplasm, particularly during starvation. Concomitant with this larger freedom of motion in polyP-deficient cells, we observe decompaction of the nucleoid and an increase in the steady-state concentration of ATP. The dramatic polyP-dependent effects we observe on cytoplasmic transport properties occur under nitrogen starvation, but not carbon starvation, suggesting that polyP may have distinct functions under different types of starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Magkiriadou
- Laboratory of Experimental Biophysics, Institute of Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, LausanneCH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Willi L. Stepp
- Laboratory of Experimental Biophysics, Institute of Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, LausanneCH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Dianne K. Newman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - Suliana Manley
- Laboratory of Experimental Biophysics, Institute of Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, LausanneCH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Lisa R. Racki
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA92037
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11
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González-Madrid G, Navarro CA, Acevedo-López J, Orellana LH, Jerez CA. Possible Role of CHAD Proteins in Copper Resistance. Microorganisms 2024; 12:409. [PMID: 38399813 PMCID: PMC10892726 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Conserved Histidine Alpha-helical Domain (CHAD) proteins attached to the surface of polyphosphate (PolyP) have been studied in some bacteria and one archaeon. However, the activity of CHAD proteins is unknown beyond their interaction with PolyP granules. By using bioinformatic analysis, we report that several species of the biomining acidophilic bacteria contain orthologs of CHAD proteins with high sequence identity. Furthermore, the gene coding for the CHAD protein is in the same genetic context of the enzyme polyphosphate kinase (PPK), which is in charge of PolyP synthesis. Particularly, the group of ppk and CHAD genes is highly conserved. Metallosphaera sedula and other acidophilic archaea used in biomining also contain CHAD proteins. These archaea show high levels of identity in genes coding for a cluster having the same organization. Amongst these genes are chad and ppx. In general, both biomining bacteria and archaea contain high PolyP levels and are highly resistant to heavy metals. Therefore, the presence of this conserved genetic organization suggests a high relevance for their metabolism. It has been formerly reported that a crystallized CHAD protein contains a copper-binding site. Based on this previous knowledge, in the present report, it was determined that all analyzed CHAD proteins are very conserved at their structural level. In addition, it was found that the lack of YgiF, an Escherichia coli CHAD-containing protein, decreases copper resistance in this bacterium. This phenotype was not only complemented by transforming E. coli with YgiF but also by expressing CHAD from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in it. Interestingly, the strains in which the possible copper-binding sites were mutated were also more metal sensitive. Based on these results, we propose that CHAD proteins are involved in copper resistance in microorganisms. These findings are very interesting and may eventually improve biomining operations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carlos A. Jerez
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile; (G.G.-M.); (C.A.N.); (J.A.-L.); (L.H.O.)
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12
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Rojas D, Marcoleta AE, Gálvez-Silva M, Varas MA, Díaz M, Hernández M, Vargas C, Nourdin-Galindo G, Koch E, Saldivia P, Vielma J, Gan YH, Chen Y, Guiliani N, Chávez FP. Inorganic Polyphosphate Affects Biofilm Assembly, Capsule Formation, and Virulence of Hypervirulent ST23 Klebsiella pneumoniae. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:606-623. [PMID: 38205780 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00509] [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: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) strains poses a significant threat to public health due to high mortality rates and propensity to cause severe community-acquired infections in healthy individuals. The ability to form biofilms and produce a protective capsule contributes to its enhanced virulence and is a significant challenge to effective antibiotic treatment. Polyphosphate kinase 1 (PPK1) is an enzyme responsible for inorganic polyphosphate synthesis and plays a vital role in regulating various physiological processes in bacteria. In this study, we investigated the impact of polyP metabolism on the biofilm and capsule formation and virulence traits in hvKP using Dictyostelium discoideum amoeba as a model host. We found that the PPK1 null mutant was impaired in biofilm and capsule formation and showed attenuated virulence in D. discoideum compared to the wild-type strain. We performed a proteomic analysis to gain further insights into the underlying molecular mechanism. The results revealed that the PPK1 mutant had a differential expression of proteins involved in capsule synthesis (Wzi-Ugd), biofilm formation (MrkC-D-H), synthesis of the colibactin genotoxin precursor (ClbB), as well as proteins associated with the synthesis and modification of lipid A (ArnB-LpxC-PagP). These proteomic findings corroborate the phenotypic observations and indicate that the PPK1 mutation is associated with impaired biofilm and capsule formation and attenuated virulence in hvKP. Overall, our study highlights the importance of polyP synthesis in regulating extracellular biomolecules and virulence in K. pneumoniae and provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating K. pneumoniae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rojas
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Andrés E Marcoleta
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Matías Gálvez-Silva
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Macarena A Varas
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Mauricio Díaz
- Laboratorio de Comunicación Microbiana, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Mauricio Hernández
- División Biotecnología, Instituto Melisa, San Pedro de la Paz CP 9660000, Chile
| | - Cristian Vargas
- División Biotecnología, Instituto Melisa, San Pedro de la Paz CP 9660000, Chile
| | | | - Elard Koch
- División Biotecnología, Instituto Melisa, San Pedro de la Paz CP 9660000, Chile
| | - Pablo Saldivia
- División Biotecnología, Instituto Melisa, San Pedro de la Paz CP 9660000, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción CP 4070389, Chile
| | - Jorge Vielma
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Yunn-Hwen Gan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore CP 119077, Singapore
| | - Yahua Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore CP 119077, Singapore
| | - Nicolás Guiliani
- Laboratorio de Comunicación Microbiana, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Francisco P Chávez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
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Rijal R, Gomer RH. Gallein and isoniazid act synergistically to attenuate Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth in human macrophages. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.574965. [PMID: 38260681 PMCID: PMC10802476 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.574965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), can be difficult to treat because of drug resistance. Increased intracellular polyphosphate (polyP) in Mtb enhances resistance to antibiotics, and capsular polyP in Neisseria gonorrhoeae potentiates resistance to antimicrobials. The mechanism by which bacteria utilize polyP to adapt to antimicrobial pressure is not known. In this study, we found that Mtb adapts to the TB frontline antibiotic isoniazid (INH) by enhancing the accumulation of cellular, extracellular, and cell surface polyP. Gallein, a broad-spectrum inhibitor of the polyphosphate kinase that synthesizes polyP, prevents this INH-induced increase in extracellular and cell surface polyP levels. Gallein and INH work synergistically to attenuate Mtb's ability to grow in in vitro culture and within human macrophages. Mtb when exposed to INH, and in the presence of INH, gallein inhibits cell envelope formation in most but not all Mtb cells. Metabolomics indicated that INH or gallein have a modest impact on levels of Mtb metabolites, but when used in combination, they significantly reduce levels of metabolites involved in cell envelope synthesis and amino acid, carbohydrate, and nucleoside metabolism, revealing a synergistic effect. These data suggest that gallein represents a promising avenue to potentiate the treatment of TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Rijal
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3474, USA
| | - Richard H. Gomer
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3474, USA
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14
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Shah R, Jankiewicz O, Johnson C, Livingston B, Dahl JU. Pseudomonas aeruginosa kills Staphylococcus aureus in a polyphosphate-dependent manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.05.570291. [PMID: 38106195 PMCID: PMC10723280 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.05.570291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Due to their frequent coexistence in many polymicrobial infections, including in patients with burn or chronic wounds or cystic fibrosis, recent studies have started to investigate the mechanistic details of the interaction between the opportunistic pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. P. aeruginosa rapidly outcompetes S. aureus under in vitro co-cultivation conditions, which is mediated by several of P. aeruginosa's virulence factors. Here, we report that polyphosphate (polyP), an efficient stress defense system and virulence factor in P. aeruginosa, plays a role for the pathogen's ability to inhibit and kill S. aureus in a contact-independent manner. We show that P. aeruginosa cells characterized by low polyP level are less detrimental to S. aureus growth and survival while the gram-positive pathogen is significantly more compromised by the presence of P. aeruginosa cells that produce high level of polyP. We show that the polyP-dependent phenotype could be a direct effect by the biopolymer, as polyP is present in the spent media and causes significant damage to the S. aureus cell envelope. However, more likely is that polyP's effects are indirect through the regulation of one of P. aeruginosa's virulence factors, pyocyanin. We show that pyocyanin production in P. aeruginosa occurs polyP-dependent and harms S. aureus through membrane damage and the generation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in increased expression of antioxidant enzymes. In summary, our study adds a new component to the list of biomolecules that the gram-negative pathogen P. aeruginosa generates to compete with S. aureus for resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Shah
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, IL, USA
| | - Olivia Jankiewicz
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, IL, USA
| | - Colton Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, IL, USA
| | - Barry Livingston
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, IL, USA
| | - Jan-Ulrik Dahl
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, IL, USA
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15
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Bhatt P, Bhatt K, Huang Y, Li J, Wu S, Chen S. Biofilm formation in xenobiotic-degrading microorganisms. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2023; 43:1129-1149. [PMID: 36170978 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2022.2106417] [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: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The increased presence of xenobiotics affects living organisms and the environment at large on a global scale. Microbial degradation is effective for the removal of xenobiotics from the ecosystem. In natural habitats, biofilms are formed by single or multiple populations attached to biotic/abiotic surfaces and interfaces. The attachment of microbial cells to these surfaces is possible via the matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). However, the molecular machinery underlying the development of biofilms differs depending on the microbial species. Biofilms act as biocatalysts and degrade xenobiotic compounds, thereby removing them from the environment. Quorum sensing (QS) helps with biofilm formation and is linked to the development of biofilms in natural contaminated sites. To date, scant information is available about the biofilm-mediated degradation of toxic chemicals from the environment. Therefore, we review novel insights into the impact of microbial biofilms in xenobiotic contamination remediation, the regulation of biofilms in contaminated sites, and the implications for large-scale xenobiotic compound treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Bhatt
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Kalpana Bhatt
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yaohua Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jiayi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Siyi Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
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16
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Rahman RJ, Rijal R, Jing S, Chen TA, Ismail I, Gomer RH. Polyphosphate uses mTOR, pyrophosphate, and Rho GTPase components to potentiate bacterial survival in Dictyostelium. mBio 2023; 14:e0193923. [PMID: 37754562 PMCID: PMC10653871 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01939-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although most bacteria are quickly killed after phagocytosis by a eukaryotic cell, some pathogenic bacteria escape death after phagocytosis. Pathogenic Mycobacterium species secrete polyP, and the polyP is necessary for the bacteria to prevent their killing after phagocytosis. Conversely, exogenous polyP prevents the killing of ingested bacteria that are normally killed after phagocytosis by human macrophages and the eukaryotic microbe Dictyostelium discoideum. This suggests the possibility that in these cells, a signal transduction pathway is used to sense polyP and prevent killing of ingested bacteria. In this report, we identify key components of the polyP signal transduction pathway in D. discoideum. In cells lacking these components, polyP is unable to inhibit killing of ingested bacteria. The pathway components have orthologs in human cells, and an exciting possibility is that pharmacologically blocking this pathway in human macrophages would cause them to kill ingested pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Rahman
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ramesh Rijal
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Shiyu Jing
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Te-An Chen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Issam Ismail
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Richard H. Gomer
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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17
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Rijal R, Ismail I, Jing S, Gomer RH. Starvation Induces Extracellular Accumulation of Polyphosphate in Dictyostelium discoideum to Inhibit Macropinocytosis, Phagocytosis, and Exocytosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5923. [PMID: 36982997 PMCID: PMC10056890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Dictyostelium discoideum is a soil-dwelling unicellular eukaryote that accumulates extracellular polyphosphate (polyP). At high cell densities, when the cells are about to overgrow their food supply and starve, the corresponding high extracellular concentrations of polyP allow the cells to preemptively anticipate starvation, inhibit proliferation, and prime themselves to begin development. In this report, we show that starved D. discoideum cells accumulate cell surface and extracellular polyP. Starvation reduces macropinocytosis, exocytosis, and phagocytosis, and we find that these effects require the G protein-coupled polyP receptor (GrlD) and two enzymes, Polyphosphate kinase 1 (Ppk1), which is required for synthesizing intracellular polyP, cell surface polyP, and some of the extracellular polyP, and Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase (I6kA), which is required for cell surface polyP and polyP binding to cells, and some of the extracellular polyP. PolyP reduces membrane fluidity, and we find that starvation reduces membrane fluidity; this effect requires GrlD and Ppk1, but not I6kA. Together, these data suggest that in starved cells, extracellular polyP decreases membrane fluidity, possibly as a protective measure. In the starved cells, sensing polyP appears to decrease energy expenditure from ingestion, and decrease exocytosis, and to both decrease energy expenditures and retain nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Rijal
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3474, USA
| | | | | | - Richard H. Gomer
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3474, USA
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18
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Rijal R, Ismail I, Jing S, Gomer RH. Starvation induces extracellular accumulation of polyphosphate in Dictyostelium discoideum to inhibit macropinocytosis, phagocytosis, and exocytosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.16.528874. [PMID: 36824815 PMCID: PMC9949037 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.16.528874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Dictyostelium discoideum is a soil-dwelling unicellular eukaryote that accumulates extracellular polyphosphate (polyP). At high cell densities, when the cells are about to overgrow their food supply and starve, the corresponding high extracellular concentrations of polyP allow the cells to preemptively anticipate starvation, inhibit proliferation, and prime themselves to begin development. In this report, we show that starved D. discoideum cells accumulate cell surface and extracellular polyP. Starvation reduces macropinocytosis, exocytosis, and phagocytosis, and we find that these effects require the G protein-coupled polyP receptor (GrlD) and two enzymes, Polyphosphate kinase 1 (Ppk1), which is required for synthesizing intracellular polyP, cell surface polyP, and some of the extracellular polyP, and Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase (I6kA), which is required for cell surface polyP and polyP binding to cells, and some of the extracellular polyP. PolyP reduces membrane fluidity, and we find that starvation reduces membrane fluidity, and this effect requires GrlD and Ppk1 but not I6kA. Together, these data suggest that in starved cells, extracellular polyP decreases membrane fluidity, possibly as a protective measure. In the starved cells, sensing polyP appears to decrease energy expenditure from ingestion, and decrease exocytosis, to both decrease energy expenditures and retain nutrients.
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19
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Guan Z, Chen J, Liu R, Chen Y, Xing Q, Du Z, Cheng M, Hu J, Zhang W, Mei W, Wan B, Wang Q, Zhang J, Cheng P, Cai H, Cao J, Zhang D, Yan J, Yin P, Hothorn M, Liu Z. The cytoplasmic synthesis and coupled membrane translocation of eukaryotic polyphosphate by signal-activated VTC complex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:718. [PMID: 36759618 PMCID: PMC9911596 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is an ancient energy metabolite and phosphate store that occurs ubiquitously in all organisms. The vacuolar transporter chaperone (VTC) complex integrates cytosolic polyP synthesis from ATP and polyP membrane translocation into the vacuolar lumen. In yeast and in other eukaryotes, polyP synthesis is regulated by inositol pyrophosphate (PP-InsP) nutrient messengers, directly sensed by the VTC complex. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of signal-activated VTC complex at 3.0 Å resolution. Baker's yeast VTC subunits Vtc1, Vtc3, and Vtc4 assemble into a 3:1:1 complex. Fifteen trans-membrane helices form a novel membrane channel enabling the transport of newly synthesized polyP into the vacuolar lumen. PP-InsP binding orients the catalytic polymerase domain at the entrance of the trans-membrane channel, both activating the enzyme and coupling polyP synthesis and membrane translocation. Together with biochemical and cellular studies, our work provides mechanistic insights into the biogenesis of an ancient energy metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyuan Guan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Juan Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ruiwen Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yanke Chen
- Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qiong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Zhangmeng Du
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Meng Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jianjian Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wenhui Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wencong Mei
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Beijing Wan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Huanyu Cai
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jianbo Cao
- Public Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Delin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Junjie Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ping Yin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Michael Hothorn
- Structural Plant Biology Laboratory, Department of Plant Scienes, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Zhu Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Exopolyphosphatases PPX1 and PPX2 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis regulate dormancy response and pathogenesis. Microb Pathog 2022; 173:105885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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21
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Liao C, Huang X, Wang Q, Yao D, Lu W. Virulence Factors of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Antivirulence Strategies to Combat Its Drug Resistance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:926758. [PMID: 35873152 PMCID: PMC9299443 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.926758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections in severely ill and immunocompromised patients. Ubiquitously disseminated in the environment, especially in hospitals, it has become a major threat to human health due to the constant emergence of drug-resistant strains. Multiple resistance mechanisms are exploited by P. aeruginosa, which usually result in chronic infections difficult to eradicate. Diverse virulence factors responsible for bacterial adhesion and colonization, host immune suppression, and immune escape, play important roles in the pathogenic process of P. aeruginosa. As such, antivirulence treatment that aims at reducing virulence while sparing the bacterium for its eventual elimination by the immune system, or combination therapies, has significant advantages over traditional antibiotic therapy, as the former imposes minimal selective pressure on P. aeruginosa, thus less likely to induce drug resistance. In this review, we will discuss the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa, their pathogenic roles, and recent advances in antivirulence drug discovery for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongbing Liao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Education (MOE)/National Health Commission (NHC)/Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)), School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Education (MOE)/National Health Commission (NHC)/Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)), School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingxia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Education (MOE)/National Health Commission (NHC)/Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)), School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Education (MOE)/National Health Commission (NHC)/Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)), School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Education (MOE)/National Health Commission (NHC)/Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)), School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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22
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The production of preconditioned freeze-dried Oenococcus oeni primes its metabolism to withstand environmental stresses encountered upon inoculation into wine. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 369:109617. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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23
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Kus F, Smolenski RT, Tomczyk M. Inorganic Polyphosphate—Regulator of Cellular Metabolism in Homeostasis and Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040913. [PMID: 35453663 PMCID: PMC9031883 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040913] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a simple anionic polymer consisting of even hundreds of orthophosphate units, is a universal molecule present in both simple and complex organisms. PolyP controls homeostatic processes in animals, such as blood coagulation, tissue regeneration, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, this polymer is a potent regulator of inflammation and influences host immune response in bacterial and viral infections. Disturbed polyP systems have been related to several pathological conditions, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer, but we lack a full understanding of polyP biogenesis and mechanistic insights into the pathways through which polyP may act. This review summarizes recent studies that describe the role of polyP in cell homeostasis and show how disturbances in polyP levels may lead to disease. Based on the collected findings, we highlight the possible usage of this polymer as a promising therapeutic tool in multiple pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Kus
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland;
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ryszard T. Smolenski
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (R.T.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Marta Tomczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (R.T.S.); (M.T.)
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Suess PM. Effects of Polyphosphate on Leukocyte Function. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 61:131-143. [PMID: 35697939 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-01237-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Leukocytes are immune cells derived from hematopoietic stem cells of the bone marrow which play essential roles in inflammatory and immune responses. In contrast to anucleate platelets and erythrocytes, leukocytes are differentiated from other blood cells by the presence of a nucleus, and consist of monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, and eosinophils. Factors released from platelets mediate immune responses in part by recruitment and regulation of leukocyte activity. Platelet dense granules contain the highly anionic polymer polyphosphate (polyP) with monomer chain lengths of approximately 60-100 phosphates long, which are released into the microenvironment upon platelet activation. Recent studies suggest that polyP released from platelets plays roles in leukocyte migration, recruitment, accumulation, differentiation, and activation. Furthermore, bacterial-derived polyphosphate, generally consisting of phosphate monomer lengths in the hundreds to thousands, appear to play a role in pathogenic evasion of the host immune response. This review will discuss the effects of host and pathogenic-derived polyphosphate on leukocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Suess
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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25
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Sheng Y, Narayanan M, Basha S, Elfasakhany A, Brindhadevi K, Xia C, Pugazhendhi A. In vitro and in vivo efficacy of green synthesized AgNPs against Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial pathogens. Process Biochem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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26
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Changes in BNR Microbial Community in Response to Different Selection Pressure. NITROGEN 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/nitrogen2040032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated structural changes in microbial community of biological nutrient removal (BNR) in response to changes in substrate composition (ammonium and phosphate), redox condition, and morphological characteristics (flocs to granules), with a focus on nitrification and phosphate removal. Analyzing treatment performance and 16S rRNA phylogenetic gene sequencing data suggested that heterotrophic nitrification (HN) and autotrophic nitrification (AN) potentially happened in aerobic organic-rich (HN_AS) and aerobic organic-deficient (AN_AS) activated sludge batch reactors, respectively. However, phosphate release and uptake were not observed under alternating anaerobic/aerobic regime. Phosphate release could not be induced even when anaerobic phase was extended, although Accumulibacter existed in the inoculum (5.1% of total bacteria). Some potential HN (e.g., Thauera, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium), AN (e.g., Nitrosomonas (3.2%) and Nitrospira), and unconventional phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) were identified. Putative HN bacteria (i.e., Thauera (29–36%) and Flavobacterium (18–25%)) were enriched in aerobic granular sludge (AGS) regardless of the granular reactor operation mode. Enrichment of HN organisms in the AGS was suspected to be mainly due to granulation, possibly due to the floc-forming ability of HN species. Thus, HN is likely to play a role in nitrogen removal in AGS reactors. This study is supposed to serve as a starting point for the investigation of the microbial communities of AS- and AGS-based BNR processes. It is recommended that the identified roles for the isolated bacteria are further investigated in future works.
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27
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Roberge N, Neville N, Douchant K, Noordhof C, Boev N, Sjaarda C, Sheth PM, Jia Z. Broad-Spectrum Inhibitor of Bacterial Polyphosphate Homeostasis Attenuates Virulence Factors and Helps Reveal Novel Physiology of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:764733. [PMID: 34764949 PMCID: PMC8576328 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.764733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae currently rank amongst the most antibiotic-resistant pathogens, responsible for millions of infections each year. In the wake of this crisis, anti-virulence therapeutics targeting bacterial polyphosphate (polyP) homeostasis have been lauded as an attractive alternative to traditional antibiotics. In this work, we show that the small molecule gallein, a known G-protein βγ subunit modulator, also recently proven to have dual-specificity polyphosphate kinase (PPK) inhibition in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in turn exhibits broad-spectrum PPK inhibition in other priority pathogens. Gallein treatment successfully attenuated virulence factors of K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii including biofilm formation, surface associated motility, and offered protection against A. baumannii challenge in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of infection. This was highlighted most importantly in the critically understudied A. baumannii, where gallein treatment phenocopied a ppk1 knockout strain of a previously uncharacterized PPK1. Subsequent analysis revealed a unique instance of two functionally and phenotypically distinct PPK1 isoforms encoded by a single bacterium. Finally, gallein was administered to a defined microbial community comprising over 30 commensal species of the human gut microbiome, demonstrating the non-disruptive properties characteristic of anti-virulence treatments as microbial biodiversity was not adversely influenced. Together, these results emphasize that gallein is a promising avenue for the development of broad-spectrum anti-virulence therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Roberge
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Nolan Neville
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Katya Douchant
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Gastrointestinal Disease Research Unit (GIDRU), Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Curtis Noordhof
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Gastrointestinal Disease Research Unit (GIDRU), Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Nadejda Boev
- Queen's Genomics Lab at Ongwanada (Q-GLO), Ongwanada Resource Center, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Calvin Sjaarda
- Queen's Genomics Lab at Ongwanada (Q-GLO), Ongwanada Resource Center, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Prameet M Sheth
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Gastrointestinal Disease Research Unit (GIDRU), Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Division of Microbiology, Kingston Health Science Center, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Zongchao Jia
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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28
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Lewis AM, Recalde A, Bräsen C, Counts JA, Nussbaum P, Bost J, Schocke L, Shen L, Willard DJ, Quax TEF, Peeters E, Siebers B, Albers SV, Kelly RM. The biology of thermoacidophilic archaea from the order Sulfolobales. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa063. [PMID: 33476388 PMCID: PMC8557808 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermoacidophilic archaea belonging to the order Sulfolobales thrive in extreme biotopes, such as sulfuric hot springs and ore deposits. These microorganisms have been model systems for understanding life in extreme environments, as well as for probing the evolution of both molecular genetic processes and central metabolic pathways. Thermoacidophiles, such as the Sulfolobales, use typical microbial responses to persist in hot acid (e.g. motility, stress response, biofilm formation), albeit with some unusual twists. They also exhibit unique physiological features, including iron and sulfur chemolithoautotrophy, that differentiate them from much of the microbial world. Although first discovered >50 years ago, it was not until recently that genome sequence data and facile genetic tools have been developed for species in the Sulfolobales. These advances have not only opened up ways to further probe novel features of these microbes but also paved the way for their potential biotechnological applications. Discussed here are the nuances of the thermoacidophilic lifestyle of the Sulfolobales, including their evolutionary placement, cell biology, survival strategies, genetic tools, metabolic processes and physiological attributes together with how these characteristics make thermoacidophiles ideal platforms for specialized industrial processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Lewis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Alejandra Recalde
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Bräsen
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - James A Counts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Phillip Nussbaum
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Bost
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Schocke
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel J Willard
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Tessa E F Quax
- Archaeal Virus–Host Interactions, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eveline Peeters
- Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bettina Siebers
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert M Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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The PPIP5K Family Member Asp1 Controls Inorganic Polyphosphate Metabolism in S. pombe. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080626. [PMID: 34436165 PMCID: PMC8397176 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) which is ubiquitously present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, consists of up to hundreds of orthophosphate residues linked by phosphoanhydride bonds. The biological role of this polymer is manifold and diverse and in fungi ranges from cell cycle control, phosphate homeostasis and virulence to post-translational protein modification. Control of polyP metabolism has been studied extensively in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this yeast, a specific class of inositol pyrophosphates (IPPs), named IP7, made by the IP6K family member Kcs1 regulate polyP synthesis by associating with the SPX domains of the vacuolar transporter chaperone (VTC) complex. To assess if this type of regulation was evolutionarily conserved, we determined the elements regulating polyP generation in the distantly related fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Here, the VTC machinery is also essential for polyP generation. However, and in contrast to S. cerevisiae, a different IPP class generated by the bifunctional PPIP5K family member Asp1 control polyP metabolism. The analysis of Asp1 variant S. pombe strains revealed that cellular polyP levels directly correlate with Asp1-made IP8 levels, demonstrating a dose-dependent regulation. Thus, while the mechanism of polyP synthesis in yeasts is conserved, the IPP player regulating polyP metabolism is diverse.
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30
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Zhang A, Lu Z, Xu Y, Qi T, Li W, Zhang L, Cui Z. The structure of exopolyphosphatase (PPX) from Porphyromonas gingivalis in complex with substrate analogs and magnesium ions reveals the basis for polyphosphate processivity. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107767. [PMID: 34214602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The enzymes exopolyphosphatase/guanosine pentaphosphate phosphohydrolase (PPX/GppA) play important roles in the bacterial stringent response. PPX degrades inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a polymer composed of a few to hundreds of phosphate residues supporting cell survival in the stationary phase. The crystal structure of PPX from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgPPX) in complex with catalytic magnesium ions and several sulfate ions was solved. PgPPX contained two domains and represented a "closed" configuration. Four sulfate ions forming a linear dispersed chain were observed in the aqueduct of the PPX dimer, which the long polyP chain most likely occupied. The side chain of R255 stretched into the cavity where polyP could be located, obstructing the entrance of larger substrates such as NTP and NDP. This study provided the first view into the structure of the PPX/GppA homolog in complex with magnesium ions and substrate analogs and explained how PgPPX implemented its functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aili Zhang
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, China; Key Laboratory of Biomarker Based Rapid-detection Technology for Food Safety of Henan Province, Xuchang University, China
| | - Zuokun Lu
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, China; Key Laboratory of Biomarker Based Rapid-detection Technology for Food Safety of Henan Province, Xuchang University, China.
| | - Yanhao Xu
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, China
| | - Tiantian Qi
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, China; Key Laboratory of Biomarker Based Rapid-detection Technology for Food Safety of Henan Province, Xuchang University, China
| | - Zhaohui Cui
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, China; Key Laboratory of Biomarker Based Rapid-detection Technology for Food Safety of Henan Province, Xuchang University, China
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31
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An Autocrine Negative Feedback Loop Inhibits Dictyostelium discoideum Proliferation through Pathways Including IP3/Ca 2. mBio 2021; 12:e0134721. [PMID: 34154396 PMCID: PMC8262924 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01347-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about how eukaryotic cells can sense their number or spatial density and stop proliferating when the local density reaches a set value. We previously found that Dictyostelium discoideum accumulates extracellular polyphosphate to inhibit its proliferation, and this requires the G protein-coupled receptor GrlD and the small GTPase RasC. Here, we show that cells lacking the G protein component Gβ, the Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor GefA, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), phospholipase C (PLC), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor-like protein A (IplA), polyphosphate kinase 1 (Ppk1), or the TOR complex 2 component PiaA have significantly reduced sensitivity to polyphosphate-induced proliferation inhibition. Polyphosphate upregulates IP3, and this requires GrlD, GefA, PTEN, PLC, and PiaA. Polyphosphate also upregulates cytosolic Ca2+, and this requires GrlD, Gβ, GefA, RasC, PLC, IplA, Ppk1, and PiaA. Together, these data suggest that polyphosphate uses signal transduction pathways including IP3/Ca2+ to inhibit the proliferation of D. discoideum. IMPORTANCE Many mammalian tissues such as the liver have the remarkable ability to regulate their size and have their cells stop proliferating when the tissue reaches the correct size. One possible mechanism involves the cells secreting a signal that they all sense, and a high level of the signal tells the cells that there are enough of them and to stop proliferating. Although regulating such mechanisms could be useful to regulate tissue size to control cancer or birth defects, little is known about such systems. Here, we use a microbial system to study such a mechanism, and we find that key elements of the mechanism have similarities to human proteins. This then suggests the possibility that we may eventually be able to regulate the proliferation of selected cell types in humans and animals.
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32
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A Dual-Specificity Inhibitor Targets Polyphosphate Kinase 1 and 2 Enzymes To Attenuate Virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mBio 2021; 12:e0059221. [PMID: 34126765 PMCID: PMC8262977 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00592-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. Polyphosphate (polyP) plays a key role in P. aeruginosa virulence, stress response, and antibiotic tolerance, suggesting an attractive drug target. Here, we show that the small molecule gallein disrupts polyphosphate homeostasis by inhibiting all members of both polyphosphate kinase (PPK) families (PPK1 and PPK2) encoded by P. aeruginosa, demonstrating dual-specificity PPK inhibition for the first time. Inhibitor treatment phenocopied ppk deletion to reduce cellular polyP accumulation and attenuate biofilm formation, motility, and pyoverdine and pyocyanin production. Most importantly, gallein attenuated P. aeruginosa virulence in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model and synergized with antibiotics while exhibiting negligible toxicity toward the nematodes or HEK293T cells, suggesting our discovery of dual-specificity PPK inhibitors as a promising starting point for the development of new antivirulence therapeutics.
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33
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Cui C, Kong M, Wang Y, Zhou C, Ming H. Characterization of polyphosphate kinases for the synthesis of GSH with ATP regeneration from AMP. Enzyme Microb Technol 2021; 149:109853. [PMID: 34311890 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2021.109853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Polyphosphate kinase (PPK) is important for industrial processes involving ATP regeneration. While a variety of methods have been reported for regenerating ATP from ADP, few have explored enzyme catalyzed ATP regeneration from cheaper and stable AMP. In this work, PPKs from different sources were expressed and their catalytic activity were tested at different reaction temperatures, reaction pH and with different polyphosphate (polyPn) types. The ATP regeneration system for glutathione (GSH) synthesis was established using a single PPK capable of phosphorylating AMP to synthesize ATP from AMP and short chain polyPn. GSH yield was obtained using adenosine mono-, di- and triphosphates, which confirmed the flexibility of our constructed ATP regeneration system coupled with GSH synthesis via bifunctional GSH synthase. Finally, optimization of the GSH synthesis yielded conversion value above 80 %. Overall, these results illustrate that PPK is suitable for a broader range of substrates than previously expected, and has great untapped potential for applications involving ATP regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Cui
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China.
| | - Mengyuan Kong
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Chenyan Zhou
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Hong Ming
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China.
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34
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Harita D, Kanie K, Kimura Y. Enzymatic properties of Myxococcus xanthus exopolyphosphatases mxPpx1 and mxPpx2. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2021; 1869:140660. [PMID: 33857634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2021.140660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Myxococcus xanthus possesses two exopolyphosphatases, mxPpx1 and mxPpx2, which belong to the family of Ppx/GppA phosphatases; however, their catalytic properties have not been described. mxPpx1 and mxPpx2 contain 311 and 505 amino acid residues, respectively; mxPpx2 has an additional C-terminal region, which corresponds to the metal-dependent HDc phosphohydrolase domain. mxPpx1 mainly hydrolyzed short-chain polyPs (polyP3 and polyP4), whereas mxPpx2 preferred long-chain polyP60-70 and polyP700-1000. mxPpx2 was activated by 25-50 mM KCl, but mxPpx1 did not significantly depend on K+. In addition, mxPpx1 and mxPpx2 showed weak hydrolysis of ATP and GTP in the absence of K+, and mxPpx2 could also hydrolyze guanosine pentaphosphate (pppGpp) in the presence of K+. The exopolyphosphatase activity of mxPpx1 toward polyP3 was inhibited by polyP700-1000 and that of mxPpx2 toward polyP60-70 and polyP700-1000, by pyrophosphate. To clarify the function of the mxPpx2 C-terminal domain, it was fused to mxPpx1 (mxPpx1-2C) and deleted from mxPpx2 (mxPpx2∆C). Compared to wild-type mxPpx2, mxPpx2∆C had significantly reduced exopolyphosphatase activity toward long-chain polyPs (by 90%), whereas that toward polyP3 and polyP4 was much less affected; furthermore, the phosphohydrolase activity toward pppGpp, ATP, and GTP was also decreased (by 30-75%). In contrast, mxPpx1-2C had increased hydrolytic activity compared to mxPpx1. Furthermore, mxPpx2∆C lost the requirement for K+ characteristic for the wild-type enzyme, whereas mxPpx1-2C acquired it. These results suggest that the C-terminal domain of mxPpx2 is necessary for its maximum hydrolytic activity, especially toward long-chain polyPs, and defines mxPpx2 dependency on K+ for activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Harita
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kousei Kanie
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kimura
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, Japan.
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35
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Inorganic Polyphosphate in Host and Microbe Biology. Trends Microbiol 2021; 29:1013-1023. [PMID: 33632603 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is produced by both bacteria and their eukaryotic hosts, and it appears to play multiple important roles in the interactions between those organisms. However, the detailed mechanisms of how polyP synthesis is regulated in bacteria, and how it influences both bacterial and host biology, remain largely unexplored. In this review, we examine recent developments in the understanding of how bacteria regulate the synthesis of polyP, what roles polyP plays in controlling virulence in pathogenic bacteria, and the effects of polyP on the mammalian immune system, as well as progress on developing drugs that may be able to target bacterial polyP synthesis as novel means of treating infectious disease.
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36
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Peng L, Zeng L, Jin H, Yang L, Xiao Y, Lan Z, Yu Z, Ouyang S, Zhang L, Sun N. Discovery and antibacterial study of potential PPK1 inhibitors against uropathogenic E. coli. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 35:1224-1232. [PMID: 32420773 PMCID: PMC7301697 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1766453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel antibacterial agents are urgently needed to address the infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Urinary tract infections are common infectious diseases in clinical. Most of these infections are caused by drug-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli. PPK1 is an essential kinase for bacterial motility, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and virulence factors in the expression of uropathogenic E. coli. In the present study, two small molecules potentially targeting PPK1 were discovered through virtual screening and biological assays. The in vitro and in vivo results suggested that the interaction of these compounds with PPK1 can disrupt biofilm formation of uropathogenic E. coli and reduce invasive ability and resistance to oxidative stress of this strain. Moreover, the compounds exhibit good antibacterial bacterial activity in the mice with urinary tract infection. Taken together, our findings could provide a new chemotype for the development of antibacterials targeting PPK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liting Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziquan Lan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanpeng Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi Ouyang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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37
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The Role of Polyphosphate in Motility, Adhesion, and Biofilm Formation in Sulfolobales. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010193. [PMID: 33477546 PMCID: PMC7831078 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyphosphates (polyP) are polymers of orthophosphate residues linked by high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds that are important in all domains of life and function in many different processes, including biofilm development. To study the effect of polyP in archaeal biofilm formation, our previously described Sa. solfataricus polyP (−) strain and a new polyP (−) S. acidocaldarius strain generated in this report were used. These two strains lack the polymer due to the overexpression of their respective exopolyphosphatase gene (ppx). Both strains showed a reduction in biofilm formation, decreased motility on semi-solid plates and a diminished adherence to glass surfaces as seen by DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining using fluorescence microscopy. Even though arlB (encoding the archaellum subunit) was highly upregulated in S. acidocardarius polyP (−), no archaellated cells were observed. These results suggest that polyP might be involved in the regulation of the expression of archaellum components and their assembly, possibly by affecting energy availability, phosphorylation or other phenomena. This is the first evidence indicating polyP affects biofilm formation and other related processes in archaea.
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Denoncourt A, Downey M. Model systems for studying polyphosphate biology: a focus on microorganisms. Curr Genet 2021; 67:331-346. [PMID: 33420907 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-020-01148-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Polyphosphates (polyP) are polymers of inorganic phosphates joined by high-energy bonds to form long chains. These chains are present in all forms of life but were once disregarded as 'molecular fossils'. PolyP has gained attention in recent years following new links to diverse biological roles ranging from energy storage to cell signaling. PolyP research in humans and other higher eukaryotes is limited by a lack of suitable tools and awaits the identification of enzymatic players that would enable more comprehensive studies. Therefore, many of the most important insights have come from single-cell model systems. Here, we review determinants of polyP metabolism, regulation, and function in major microbial systems, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and algae. We highlight key similarities and differences that may aid in our understanding of how polyP impacts cell physiology at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Denoncourt
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Ottawa, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Michael Downey
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1H 8M5, Canada. .,Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Ottawa, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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Polyphosphate is an extracellular signal that can facilitate bacterial survival in eukaryotic cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:31923-31934. [PMID: 33268492 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012009117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyphosphate is a linear chain of phosphate residues and is present in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. Pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis accumulate polyphosphate, and reduced expression of the polyphosphate kinase that synthesizes polyphosphate decreases their survival. How polyphosphate potentiates pathogenicity is poorly understood. Escherichia coli K-12 do not accumulate detectable levels of extracellular polyphosphate and have poor survival after phagocytosis by Dictyostelium discoideum or human macrophages. In contrast, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis accumulate detectable levels of extracellular polyphosphate, and have relatively better survival after phagocytosis by D. discoideum or macrophages. Adding extracellular polyphosphate increased E. coli survival after phagocytosis by D. discoideum and macrophages. Reducing expression of polyphosphate kinase 1 in M. smegmatis reduced extracellular polyphosphate and reduced survival in D. discoideum and macrophages, and this was reversed by the addition of extracellular polyphosphate. Conversely, treatment of D. discoideum and macrophages with recombinant yeast exopolyphosphatase reduced the survival of phagocytosed M. smegmatis or M. tuberculosis D. discoideum cells lacking the putative polyphosphate receptor GrlD had reduced sensitivity to polyphosphate and, compared to wild-type cells, showed increased killing of phagocytosed E. coli and M. smegmatis Polyphosphate inhibited phagosome acidification and lysosome activity in D. discoideum and macrophages and reduced early endosomal markers in macrophages. Together, these results suggest that bacterial polyphosphate potentiates pathogenicity by acting as an extracellular signal that inhibits phagosome maturation.
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Vesga P, Flury P, Vacheron J, Keel C, Croll D, Maurhofer M. Transcriptome plasticity underlying plant root colonization and insect invasion by Pseudomonas protegens. THE ISME JOURNAL 2020; 14:2766-2782. [PMID: 32879461 PMCID: PMC7784888 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-0729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas protegens shows a high degree of lifestyle plasticity since it can establish both plant-beneficial and insect-pathogenic interactions. While P. protegens protects plants against soilborne pathogens, it can also invade insects when orally ingested leading to the death of susceptible pest insects. The mechanism whereby pseudomonads effectively switch between lifestyles, plant-beneficial or insecticidal, and the specific factors enabling plant or insect colonization are poorly understood. We generated a large-scale transcriptomics dataset of the model P. protegens strain CHA0 which includes data from the colonization of wheat roots, the gut of Plutella xylostella after oral uptake and the Galleria mellonella hemolymph after injection. We identified extensive plasticity in transcriptomic profiles depending on the environment and specific factors associated to different hosts or different stages of insect infection. Specifically, motor-activity and Reb toxin-related genes were highly expressed on wheat roots but showed low expression within insects, while certain antimicrobial compounds (pyoluteorin), exoenzymes (a chitinase and a polyphosphate kinase), and a transposase exhibited insect-specific expression. We further identified two-partner secretion systems as novel factors contributing to pest insect invasion. Finally, we use genus-wide comparative genomics to retrace the evolutionary origins of cross-kingdom colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Vesga
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Flury
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Crop Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Frick, Switzerland
| | - Jordan Vacheron
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Keel
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel Croll
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
| | - Monika Maurhofer
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Suess PM, Smith SA, Morrissey JH. Platelet polyphosphate induces fibroblast chemotaxis and myofibroblast differentiation. J Thromb Haemost 2020; 18:3043-3052. [PMID: 32808449 PMCID: PMC7719587 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelets secrete many pro-wound healing molecules such as growth factors and cytokines. We found that releasates from activated human platelets induced the differentiation of cultured murine and human fibroblasts into a myofibroblast phenotype. Surprisingly, most of this differentiation-inducing activity was heat-stable, suggesting it was not due to the protein component of the releasates. Inorganic polyphosphate is a major constituent of platelet-dense granules and promotes blood coagulation and inflammation. OBJECTIVES We aim to investigate the contribution of polyphosphate on myofibroblast differentiating activity of platelet releasates. METHODS Using NIH-3T3 cells and primary human fibroblasts, we examined the effect of human platelet releasates and chemically synthesized polyphosphate on fibroblast differentiation and migration. RESULTS We found that the myofibroblast-inducing activity of platelet releasates was severely attenuated after incubation with a polyphosphate-degrading enzyme, and that fibroblasts responded to platelet-sized polyphosphate by increased levels of α-smooth muscle actin, stress fibers, and collagen. Furthermore, fibroblasts were chemotactic toward polyphosphate. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that platelet-derived polyphosphate acts as a cell signaling molecule by inducing murine and human fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts, a cell type known to drive both wound healing and fibrosing diseases. Polyphosphate therefore not only promotes early wound responses through enhancing fibrin clot formation, but also may play roles in the later stages of wound healing, and, potentially, progression of fibrotic diseases, by recruiting fibroblasts and inducing their differentiation into myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M. Suess
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Stephanie A. Smith
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - James H. Morrissey
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
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Catalytic activity profile of polyP:AMP phosphotransferase from Myxococcus xanthus. J Biosci Bioeng 2020; 131:147-152. [PMID: 33132038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2020.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Myxococcus xanthus generates polyphosphates (polyPs) during starvation and forms fruiting bodies through the activity of polyphosphate kinase (Ppk). M. xanthus polyP:AMP phosphotransferase (Pap), a class II Ppk2, catalyzes the transfer of the terminal phosphate from polyP to AMP to yield ADP, but its enzymatic properties have not been investigated in detail. In this study, we found that Pap was activated by Mn2+ or Mg2+ and required higher concentrations of these ions in reactions with longer polyPs to demonstrate maximum activity. The Km of Pap for polyP700-1000 was significantly lower than that for shorter polyPs, but the highest catalytic constant (kcat) was observed for polyP60-70. When Pap was incubated with polyP60-70 and AMP for 3 h, it first generated ADP and then gradually produced ATP, suggesting that M. xanthus Pap also has polyP:ADP phosphotransferase activity similar to that of class III Ppk2 enzymes. During starvation, the specific activity of Pap in M. xanthus was increased by 2.3-2.4-fold at days 1 and 2 of incubation. In addition, recombinant Pap in combination with M. xanthus recombinant enzymes Ppk1 or adenylate kinase (AdkA) could generate ATP from AMP and polyP60-70. These results suggest a functional role of Pap during M. xanthus starvation, when it might act in cooperation with Ppk1 and/or AdkA to produce ATP from AMP, ADP, and polyP.
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Gautam LK, Sharma P, Capalash N. Attenuation of Acinetobacter baumannii virulence by inhibition of polyphosphate kinase 1 with repurposed drugs. Microbiol Res 2020; 242:126627. [PMID: 33131985 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2020.126627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is clinically one of the most significant pathogens, especially in intensive care settings, because of its multidrug-resistance (MDR). Repurposing of high-affinity drugs is a faster and more plausible approach for combating the emergence of MDR and to tackle bacterial infections. This study was aimed to evaluate the approved drugs potentially inhibiting A. baumannii PPK1 (AbPPK1) mediated synthesis of polyphosphates (polyP). Based on virtual screening, molecular dynamic simulation, and CD spectroscopy for thermal stability, two stable ligands, etoposide and genistein, were found with promising contours for further investigation. Following in vitro inhibition of AbPPK1, the efficacy of selected drugs was further tested against virulence traits of A. baumannii. These drugs significantly reduced the biofilm formation, surface motility in A. baumannii and led to decreased survival under desiccation. In addition to inhibition of PPK1, both drugs increased the expression of polyP degrading enzyme, exopolyphosphatase (PPX), that might be responsible for the decrease in the total cellular polyP. Since polyP modulates the virulence factors in bacteria, destabilization of the polyP pool by these drugs seems particularly striking for their therapeutic applications against A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit Kumar Gautam
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, BMS Block-I, Sector- 25, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Prince Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, BMS Block-I, Sector- 25, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Neena Capalash
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, BMS Block-I, Sector- 25, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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Frank C, Teleki A, Jendrossek D. Characterization of Agrobacterium tumefaciens PPKs reveals the formation of oligophosphorylated products up to nucleoside nona-phosphates. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:9683-9692. [PMID: 33025129 PMCID: PMC7595981 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10891-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Agrobacterium tumefaciens synthesizes polyphosphate (polyP) in the form of one or two polyP granules per cell during growth. The A. tumefaciens genome codes for two polyphosphate kinase genes, ppk1AT and ppk2AT, of which only ppk1AT is essential for polyP granule formation in vivo. Biochemical characterization of the purified PPK1AT and PPK2AT proteins revealed a higher substrate specificity of PPK1AT (in particular for adenine nucleotides) than for PPK2AT. In contrast, PPK2AT accepted all nucleotides at comparable rates. Most interestingly, PPK2AT catalyzed also the formation of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, and octa-phosphorylated nucleosides from guanine, cytosine, desoxy-thymidine, and uridine nucleotides and even nona-phosphorylated adenosine. Our data-in combination with in vivo results-suggest that PPK1AT is important for the formation of polyP whereas PPK2AT has the function to replenish nucleoside triphosphate pools during times of enhanced demand. The potential physiological function(s) of the detected oligophosphorylated nucleotides await clarification. KEY POINTS: •PPK1AT and PPK2AT have different substrate specificities, •PPK2AT is a subgroup 1 member of PPK2s, •PPK2AT catalyzes the formation of polyphosphorylated nucleosides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Frank
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Attila Teleki
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dieter Jendrossek
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Hildenbrand JC, Teleki A, Jendrossek D. A universal polyphosphate kinase: PPK2c of Ralstonia eutropha accepts purine and pyrimidine nucleotides including uridine diphosphate. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6659-6667. [PMID: 32500270 PMCID: PMC7347700 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10706-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Polyphosphosphate kinases (PPKs) catalyse the reversible transfer of the γ-phosphate group of a nucleoside-triphosphate to a growing chain of polyphosphate. Most known PPKs are specific for ATP, but some can also use GTP as a phosphate donor. In this study, we describe the properties of a PPK2-type PPK of the β-proteobacterium Ralstonia eutropha. The purified enzyme (PPK2c) is highly unspecific and accepts purine nucleotides as well as the pyridine nucleotides including UTP as substrates. The presence of a polyP primer is not necessary for activity. The corresponding nucleoside diphosphates and microscopically detectable polyphosphate granules were identified as reaction products. PPK2c also catalyses the formation of ATP, GTP, CTP, dTTP and UTP from the corresponding nucleoside diphosphates, if polyP is present as a phosphate donor. Remarkably, the nucleoside-tetraphosphates AT(4)P, GT(4)P, CT(4)P, dTT(4)P and UT(4)P were also detected in substantial amounts. The low nucleotide specificity of PPK2c predestines this enzyme in combination with polyP to become a powerful tool for the regeneration of ATP and other nucleotides in biotechnological applications. As an example, PPK2c and polyP were used to replace ATP and to fuel the hexokinase-catalysed phosphorylation of glucose with only catalytic amounts of ADP. KEY POINTS: • PPK2c of R. eutropha can be used for regeneration of any NTP or dNTP. • PPK2c is highly unspecific and accepts all purine and pyrimidine nucleotides. • PPK2c forms polyphosphate granules in vitro from any NTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie C Hildenbrand
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Attila Teleki
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dieter Jendrossek
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Trøstrup H, Laulund ASB, Moser C. Insights into Host-Pathogen Interactions in Biofilm-Infected Wounds Reveal Possibilities for New Treatment Strategies. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E396. [PMID: 32664205 PMCID: PMC7400121 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9070396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal wound healing occurs in three phases-the inflammatory, the proliferative, and the remodeling phase. Chronic wounds are, for unknown reasons, arrested in the inflammatory phase. Bacterial biofilms may cause chronicity by arresting healing in the inflammatory state by mechanisms not fully understood. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common wound pathogen with remarkable abilities in avoiding host defense and developing microbial resistance by biofilm formation, is detrimental to wound healing in clinical studies. The host response towards P. aeruginosa biofilm-infection in chronic wounds and impact on wound healing is discussed and compared to our own results in a chronic murine wound model. The impact of P. aeruginosa biofilms can be described by determining alterations in the inflammatory response, growth factor profile, and count of leukocytes in blood. P. aeruginosa biofilms are capable of reducing the host response to the infection, despite a continuously sustained inflammatory reaction and resulting local tissue damage. A recent observation of in vivo synergism between immunomodulatory and antimicrobial S100A8/A9 and ciprofloxacin suggests its possible future therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Trøstrup
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Anne Sofie Boe Laulund
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.S.B.L.); (C.M.)
| | - Claus Moser
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.S.B.L.); (C.M.)
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Sanz-Luque E, Bhaya D, Grossman AR. Polyphosphate: A Multifunctional Metabolite in Cyanobacteria and Algae. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:938. [PMID: 32670331 PMCID: PMC7332688 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Polyphosphate (polyP), a polymer of orthophosphate (PO4 3-) of varying lengths, has been identified in all kingdoms of life. It can serve as a source of chemical bond energy (phosphoanhydride bond) that may have been used by biological systems prior to the evolution of ATP. Intracellular polyP is mainly stored as granules in specific vacuoles called acidocalcisomes, and its synthesis and accumulation appear to impact a myriad of cellular functions. It serves as a reservoir for inorganic PO4 3- and an energy source for fueling cellular metabolism, participates in maintaining adenylate and metal cation homeostasis, functions as a scaffold for sequestering cations, exhibits chaperone function, covalently binds to proteins to modify their activity, and enables normal acclimation of cells to stress conditions. PolyP also appears to have a role in symbiotic and parasitic associations, and in higher eukaryotes, low polyP levels seem to impact cancerous proliferation, apoptosis, procoagulant and proinflammatory responses and cause defects in TOR signaling. In this review, we discuss the metabolism, storage, and function of polyP in photosynthetic microbes, which mostly includes research on green algae and cyanobacteria. We focus on factors that impact polyP synthesis, specific enzymes required for its synthesis and degradation, sequestration of polyP in acidocalcisomes, its role in cellular energetics, acclimation processes, and metal homeostasis, and then transition to its potential applications for bioremediation and medical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Sanz-Luque
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Devaki Bhaya
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Arthur R. Grossman
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, United States
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Interactions between DksA and Stress-Responsive Alternative Sigma Factors Control Inorganic Polyphosphate Accumulation in Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00133-20. [PMID: 32341074 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00133-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria synthesize inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) in response to a variety of different stress conditions. polyP protects bacteria by acting as a protein-stabilizing chaperone, metal chelator, or regulator of protein function, among other mechanisms. However, little is known about how stress signals are transmitted in the cell to lead to increased polyP accumulation. Previous work in the model enterobacterium Escherichia coli has indicated that the RNA polymerase-binding regulatory protein DksA is required for polyP synthesis in response to nutrient limitation stress. In this work, I set out to characterize the role of DksA in polyP regulation in more detail. I found that overexpression of DksA increases cellular polyP content (explaining the long-mysterious phenotype of dksA overexpression rescuing growth of a dnaK mutant at high temperatures) and characterized the roles of known functional residues of DksA in this process, finding that binding to RNA polymerase is required but that none of the other functions of DksA appear to be necessary. Transcriptomics revealed genome-wide transcriptional changes upon nutrient limitation, many of which were affected by DksA, and follow-up experiments identified complex interactions between DksA and the stress-sensing alternative sigma factors FliA, RpoN, and RpoE that impact polyP production, indicating that regulation of polyP synthesis is deeply entwined in the multifactorial stress response network of E. coli IMPORTANCE Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is an evolutionarily ancient, widely conserved biopolymer required for stress resistance and pathogenesis in diverse bacteria, but we do not understand how its synthesis is regulated. In this work, I gained new insights into this process by characterizing the role of the transcriptional regulator DksA in polyP regulation in Escherichia coli and identifying previously unknown links between polyP synthesis and the stress-responsive alternative sigma factors FliA, RpoN, and RpoE.
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Redfern J, Enright MC. Further understanding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa’s ability to horizontally acquire virulence: possible intervention strategies. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:539-549. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1751610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Redfern
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark C. Enright
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Tram G, Day CJ, Korolik V. Bridging the Gap: A Role for Campylobacter jejuni Biofilms. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E452. [PMID: 32210099 PMCID: PMC7143964 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8030452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the developed world. Cases of Campylobacteriosis are common, as the organism is an avian commensal and is passed on to humans through contaminated poultry meat, water, and food preparation areas. Although typically a fastidious organism, C. jejuni can survive outside the avian intestinal tract until it is able to reach a human host. It has long been considered that biofilms play a key role in transmission of this pathogen. The aim of this review is to examine factors that trigger biofilm formation in C. jejuni. A range of environmental elements have been shown to initiate biofilm formation, which are then affected by a suite of intrinsic factors. We also aim to further investigate the role that biofilms may play in the life cycle of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher J. Day
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia;
| | - Victoria Korolik
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia;
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