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Stocke KS, Lamont RJ. One-carbon metabolism and microbial pathogenicity. Mol Oral Microbiol 2024; 39:156-164. [PMID: 37224274 PMCID: PMC10667567 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism (OCM) pathways are responsible for several functions, producing a number of one-carbon unit intermediates (formyl, methylene, methenyl, methyl) that are required for the synthesis of various amino acids and other biomolecules such as purines, thymidylate, redox regulators, and, in most microbes, folate. As humans must acquire folate from the diet, folate production is a target for antimicrobials such as sulfonamides. OCM impacts the regulation of microbial virulence such that in a number of instances, limiting the availability of para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA), an essential OCM precursor, causes a reduction in pathogenicity. Porphyromonas gingivalis, however, displays increased pathogenicity in response to lower pABA levels, and exogenous pABA exerts a calming influence on heterotypic communities of P. gingivalis with pABA-producing partner species. Differential responses to pABA may reflect both the physiology of the organisms and their host microenvironment. OCM plays an integral role in regulating the global rate of protein translation, where the alarmones ZMP and ZTP sense insufficient stores of intracellular folate and coordinate adaptive responses to compensate and restore folate to sufficient levels. The emerging interconnections between OCM, protein synthesis, and context-dependent pathogenicity provide novel insights into the dynamic host-microbe interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall S. Stocke
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Richard J. Lamont
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
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2
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Pichaiyotinkul P, Leksingto J, Sukkasam N, In-Na P, Incharoensakdi A, Monshupanee T. Erythromycin mediates co-flocculation between cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and filamentous fungi in liquid cultivation without organic compounds. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9640. [PMID: 38671026 PMCID: PMC11053131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60016-7] [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: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Photoautotrophic cyanobacteria assimilate the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as their sole carbon source for producing useful bioproducts. However, harvesting the cells from their liquid media is a major bottleneck in the process. Thus, an easy-to-harvest method, such as auto-flocculation, is desirable. Here, we found that cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 co-flocculated with a natural fungal contamination in the presence of the antibiotic erythromycin (EM) but not without EM. The fungi in the co-flocculated biomass were isolated and found to consist of five species with the filamentous Purpureocillium lilacinum and Aspergillus protuberus making up 71% of the overall fungal population. The optimal co-cultivation for flocculation was an initial 5 mg (fresh weight) of fungi, an initial cell density of Synechocystis of 0.2 OD730, 10 µM EM, and 14 days of cultivation in 100 mL of BG11 medium with no organic compound. This yielded 248 ± 28 mg/L of the Synechocystis-fungi flocculated biomass from 560 ± 35 mg/L of total biomass, a 44 ± 2% biomass flocculation efficiency. Furthermore, the EM treated Synechocystis cells in the Synechocystis-fungi flocculate had a normal cell color and morphology, while those in the axenic suspension exhibited strong chlorosis. Thus, the occurrence of the Synechocystis-fungi flocculation was mediated by EM, and the co-flocculation with the fungi protected Synechocystis against the development of chlorosis. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the EM-mediated co-flocculation was a result of down-regulation of the minor pilin genes and up-regulation of several genes including the chaperone gene for pilin regulation, the S-layer protein genes, the exopolysaccharide-polymerization gene, and the genes for signaling proteins involved in cell attachment and abiotic-stress responses. The CuSO4 stress can also mediate Synechocystis-fungi flocculation but at a lower flocculation efficiency than that caused by EM. The EM treatment may be applied in the co-culture between other cyanobacteria and fungi to mediate cell bio-flocculation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jidapa Leksingto
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Nannaphat Sukkasam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Pichaya In-Na
- Research Unit on Sustainable Algal Cultivation and Applications, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Academy of Science, Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand
| | - Tanakarn Monshupanee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Research Unit on Sustainable Algal Cultivation and Applications, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Contreras FU, Camacho MI, Pannuri A, Romeo T, Alvarez AF, Georgellis D. Spatiotemporal regulation of the BarA/UvrY two-component signaling system. J Biol Chem 2023:104835. [PMID: 37201582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The BarA/UvrY two-component signal transduction system mediates adaptive responses of Escherichia coli to changes in growth stage. At late exponential growth phase, the BarA sensor kinase auto-phosphorylates and transphosphorylates UvrY, which activates transcription of the CsrB and CsrC noncoding RNAs. CsrB and CsrC, in turn, sequester and antagonize the RNA binding protein CsrA, which post-transcriptionally regulates translation and/or stability of its target mRNAs. Here, we provide evidence that, during stationary phase of growth, the HflKC complex recruits BarA to the poles of the cells, and silences its kinase activity. Moreover, we show that, during the exponential phase of growth, CsrA inhibits hflK and hflC expression, thereby enabling BarA activation upon encountering its stimulus. Thus, in addition to temporal control of BarA activity, spatial regulation is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Urias Contreras
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México D.F., México
| | - Martha I Camacho
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México D.F., México
| | - Archana Pannuri
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, PO Box 110700, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0700, USA
| | | | - Adrian F Alvarez
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México D.F., México
| | - Dimitris Georgellis
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México D.F., México.
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Barr SA, Kennedy EN, McKay LS, Johnson RM, Ohr RJ, Cotter PA, Bourret RB. Phosphorylation chemistry of the Bordetella PlrSR TCS and its contribution to bacterial persistence in the lower respiratory tract. Mol Microbiol 2023; 119:174-190. [PMID: 36577696 PMCID: PMC10313215 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15019] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bordetella species cause lower respiratory tract infections in mammals. B. pertussis and B. bronchiseptica are the causative agents of whooping cough and kennel cough, respectively. The current acellular vaccine for B. pertussis protects against disease but does not prevent transmission or colonization. Cases of pertussis are on the rise even in areas of high vaccination. The PlrSR two-component system, is required for persistence in the mouse lung. A partial plrS deletion strain and a plrS H521Q strain cannot survive past 3 days in the lung, suggesting PlrSR works in a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism. We characterized the biochemistry of B. bronchiseptica PlrSR and found that both proteins function as a canonical two-component system. His521 was essential and Glu522 was critical for PlrS autophosphorylation. Asn525 was essential for phosphatase activity. The PAS domain was critical for both PlrS autophosphorylation and phosphatase activities. PlrS could both phosphotransfer to and exert phosphatase activity toward PlrR. Unexpectedly, PlrR formed a tetramer when unphosphorylated and a dimer upon phosphorylation. Finally, we demonstrated the importance of PlrS phosphatase activity for persistence within the murine lung. By characterizing PlrSR we hope to guide future in vivo investigation for development of new vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Barr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily N. Kennedy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Liliana S. McKay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard M. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ryan J. Ohr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peggy A. Cotter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert B. Bourret
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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The role of sensory kinase proteins in two-component signal transduction. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1859-1873. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20220848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two-component systems (TCSs) are modular signaling circuits that regulate diverse aspects of microbial physiology in response to environmental cues. These molecular circuits comprise a sensor histidine kinase (HK) protein that contains a conserved histidine residue, and an effector response regulator (RR) protein with a conserved aspartate residue. HKs play a major role in bacterial signaling, since they perceive specific stimuli, transmit the message across the cytoplasmic membrane, and catalyze their own phosphorylation, and the trans-phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of their cognate response regulator. The molecular mechanisms by which HKs co-ordinate these functions have been extensively analyzed by genetic, biochemical, and structural approaches. Here, we describe the most common modular architectures found in bacterial HKs, and address the operation mode of the individual functional domains. Finally, we discuss the use of these signaling proteins as drug targets or as sensing devices in whole-cell biosensors with medical and biotechnological applications.
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Ogawa A, Kojima F, Miyake Y, Yoshimura M, Ishijima N, Iyoda S, Sekine Y, Yamanaka Y, Yamamoto K. Regulation of constant cell elongation and Sfm pili synthesis in Escherichia coli via two active forms of FimZ orphan response regulator. Genes Cells 2022; 27:657-674. [PMID: 36057789 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12982] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli) has multiple copies of the chaperone-usher (CU) pili operon in five fimbria groups: CU pili, curli, type IV pili, type III secretion pili, and type IV secretion pili. Commensal E. coli K-12 contains 12 CU pili operons. Among these operons, Sfm is expressed by the sfmACDHF operon. Transcriptome analyses, reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation PCR analyses reported that FimZ directly binds to and activates the sfmA promoter, transcribing sfmACDHF. In addition, FimZ regularly induces constant cell elongation in E. coli, which is required for F-type ATPase function. The bacterial two-hybrid system showed a specific interaction between FimZ and the α subunit of the cytoplasmic F1 domain of F-type ATPase. Studies performed using mutated FimZs have revealed two active forms, I and II. Active form I is required for constant cell elongation involving amino acid residues K106 and D109. Active form II additionally required D56, a putative phosphorylation site, to activate the sfmA promoter. The chromosomal fimZ was hardly expressed in parent strain but functioned in phoB and phoP double-gene knockout strains. These insights may help to understand bacterial invasion restricted host environments by the sfm γ-type pili.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano Ogawa
- Department of Frontier Bioscience, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumika Kojima
- Department of Frontier Bioscience, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukari Miyake
- Department of Frontier Bioscience, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
- Microbial Physiology Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Miho Yoshimura
- Department of Frontier Bioscience, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomi Ishijima
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sunao Iyoda
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Sekine
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamanaka
- Department of Frontier Bioscience, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
- Nippon Dental University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
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Alvarez AF, Rodríguez C, González-Chávez R, Georgellis D. The Escherichia coli two-component signal sensor BarA binds protonated acetate via a conserved hydrophobic-binding pocket. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101383. [PMID: 34743001 PMCID: PMC8639471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The BarA/UvrY two-component signal transduction system is widely conserved in γ-proteobacteria and provides a link between the metabolic state of the cells and the Csr posttranscriptional regulatory system. In Escherichia coli, the BarA/UvrY system responds to the presence of acetate and other short-chain carboxylic acids by activating transcription of the noncoding RNAs, CsrB and CsrC, which sequester the RNA-binding protein CsrA, a global regulator of gene expression. However, the state of the carboxyl group in the acetate molecule, which serves as the BarA stimulus, and the signal reception site of BarA remain unknown. In this study, we show that the deletion or replacement of the periplasmic domain of BarA and also the substitution of certain hydroxylated and hydrophobic amino acid residues in this region, result in a sensor kinase that remains unresponsive to its physiological stimulus, demonstrating that the periplasmic region of BarA constitutes a functional detector domain. Moreover, we provide evidence that the protonated state of acetate or formate serves as the physiological stimulus of BarA. In addition, modeling of the BarA sensor domain and prediction of the signal-binding site, by blind molecular docking, revealed a calcium channels and chemotaxis receptors domain with a conserved binding pocket, which comprised uncharged polar and hydrophobic amino acid residues. Based on the comparative sequence and phylogenetic analyses, we propose that, at least, two types of BarA orthologues diverged and evolved separately to acquire distinct signal-binding properties, illustrating the wide adaptability of the bacterial sensor kinase proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián F Alvarez
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Claudia Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Ricardo González-Chávez
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Dimitris Georgellis
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México.
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