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Gong H, Yan D, Cui Y, Li Y, Yang J, Yang W, Zhan R, Wan Q, Wang X, He H, Chen X, Lutkenhaus J, Yang X, Du S. The divisome is a self-enhancing machine in Escherichia coli and Caulobacter crescentus. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8198. [PMID: 39294118 PMCID: PMC11410940 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
During bacterial cytokinesis, polymers of the bacterial tubulin FtsZ coalesce into the Z ring to orchestrate divisome assembly and septal cell wall synthesis. Previous studies have found that Z ring condensation and stability is critical for successful cell division. However, how FtsZ filaments condense into a Z ring remains enigmatic and whether septal cell wall synthesis can feedback to the Z ring has not been investigated. Here, we show that FtsZ-associated proteins (Zaps) play important roles in Z ring condensation and stability, and discover septal cell wall synthesis as a novel player for Z ring condensation and stabilization in Escherichia coli and Caulobacter crescentus. Moreover, we find that the interaction between the Z ring membrane anchor, FtsA, and components of the septal cell wall synthetic complex are critical for septal cell wall synthesis-mediated Z ring condensation. Altogether, these findings suggest that the divisome is a self-enhancing machine in these two gram-negative bacteria, where the Z ring and the septal cell wall synthetic complex communicate with and reinforce each other to ensure robustness of cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Gong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Polar Environment Monitoring and Public Governance (Ministry of Education), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Yan
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cui
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jize Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenjie Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Zhan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qianqian Wan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xinci Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haofeng He
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangdong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Joe Lutkenhaus
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Xinxing Yang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Shishen Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Polar Environment Monitoring and Public Governance (Ministry of Education), Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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2
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Pelech P, Navarro PP, Vettiger A, Chao LH, Allolio C. Stress-mediated growth determines E. coli division site morphogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.11.612282. [PMID: 39314472 PMCID: PMC11419054 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.11.612282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
In order to proliferate, bacteria must remodel their cell wall at the division site. The division process is driven by the enzymatic activity of peptidoglycan (PG) synthases and hydrolases around the constricting Z-ring. PG remodelling is reg-ulated by de-and re-crosslinking enzymes, and the directing constrictive force of the Z-ring. We introduce a model that is able to reproduce correctly the shape of the division site during the constriction and septation phase of E. coli . The model represents mechanochemical coupling within the mathematical framework of morphoelasticity. It contains only two parameters, associated with volumet-ric growth and PG remodelling, that are coupled to the mechanical stress in the bacterial wall. Different morphologies, corresponding either to mutant or wild type cells were recovered as a function of the remodeling parameter. In addition, a plausible range for the cell stiffness and turgor pressure was determined by comparing numerical simulations with bacterial cell lysis data.
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3
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Krusenstjerna AC, Jusufovic N, Saylor TC, Stevenson B. DnaA modulates the gene expression and morphology of the Lyme disease spirochete. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.08.598065. [PMID: 38895450 PMCID: PMC11185795 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.08.598065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
All bacteria encode a multifunctional DNA-binding protein, DnaA, which initiates chromosomal replication. Despite having the most complex, segmented bacterial genome, little is known about Borrelia burgdorferi DnaA and its role in maintaining the spirochete's physiology. In this work we utilized inducible CRISPR-interference and overexpression to modulate cellular levels of DnaA to better understand this essential protein. Dysregulation of DnaA, either up or down, increased or decreased cell lengths, respectively, while also significantly slowing replication rates. Using fluorescent microscopy, we found the DnaA CRISPRi mutants had increased numbers of chromosomes with irregular spacing patterns. DnaA-depleted spirochetes also exhibited a significant defect in helical morphology. RNA-seq of the conditional mutants showed significant changes in the levels of transcripts involved with flagellar synthesis, elongation, cell division, virulence, and other functions. These findings demonstrate that the DnaA plays a commanding role in maintaining borrelial growth dynamics and protein expression, which are essential for the survival of the Lyme disease spirochete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Krusenstjerna
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nerina Jusufovic
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Timothy C Saylor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Brian Stevenson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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4
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Li Y, Shao K, Li Z, Zhu K, Gan BK, Shi J, Xiao Y, Luo M. Mechanistic insights into lanthipeptide modification by a distinct subclass of LanKC enzyme that forms dimers. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7090. [PMID: 39154050 PMCID: PMC11330476 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51600-6] [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] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring lanthipeptides, peptides post-translationally modified by various enzymes, hold significant promise as antibiotics. Despite extensive biochemical and structural studies, the events preceding peptide modification remain poorly understood. Here, we identify a distinct subclass of lanthionine synthetase KC (LanKC) enzymes with distinct structural and functional characteristics. We show that PneKC, a member of this subclass, forms a dimer and possesses GTPase activity. Through three cryo-EM structures of PneKC, we illustrate different stages of peptide PneA binding, from initial recognition to full binding. Our structures show the kinase domain complexed with the PneA core peptide and GTPγS, a phosphate-bound lyase domain, and an unconventional cyclase domain. The leader peptide of PneA interact with a gate loop, transitioning from an extended to a helical conformation. We identify a dimerization hot spot and propose a "negative cooperativity" mechanism toggling the enzyme between tense and relaxed conformation. Additionally, we identify an important salt bridge in the cyclase domain, differing from those in in conventional cyclase domains. These residues are highly conserved in the LanKC subclass and are part of two signature motifs. These results unveil potential differences in lanthipeptide modification enzymes assembly and deepen our understanding of allostery in these multifunctional enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Li
- Department of Biological sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kai Shao
- Department of Biological sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhaoxing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kongfu Zhu
- Department of Biological sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bee Koon Gan
- Department of Biological sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jian Shi
- Center for Bioimaging Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Biological sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Center for Bioimaging Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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5
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Avila‐Cobian LF, De Benedetti S, Hoshino H, Nguyen VT, El‐Araby AM, Sader S, Hu DD, Cole SL, Kim C, Fisher JF, Champion MM, Mobashery S. Lytic transglycosylase Slt of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a periplasmic hub protein. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5038. [PMID: 38864725 PMCID: PMC11168074 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5038] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Peptidoglycan is a major constituent of the bacterial cell wall. Its integrity as a polymeric edifice is critical for bacterial survival and, as such, it is a preeminent target for antibiotics. The peptidoglycan is a dynamic crosslinked polymer that undergoes constant biosynthesis and turnover. The soluble lytic transglycosylase (Slt) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a periplasmic enzyme involved in this dynamic turnover. Using amber-codon-suppression methodology in live bacteria, we incorporated a fluorescent chromophore into the structure of Slt. Fluorescent microscopy shows that Slt populates the length of the periplasmic space and concentrates at the sites of septation in daughter cells. This concentration persists after separation of the cells. Amber-codon-suppression methodology was also used to incorporate a photoaffinity amino acid for the capture of partner proteins. Mass-spectrometry-based proteomics identified 12 partners for Slt in vivo. These proteomics experiments were complemented with in vitro pulldown analyses. Twenty additional partners were identified. We cloned the genes and purified to homogeneity 22 identified partners. Biophysical characterization confirmed all as bona fide Slt binders. The identities of the protein partners of Slt span disparate periplasmic protein families, inclusive of several proteins known to be present in the divisome. Notable periplasmic partners (KD < 0.5 μM) include PBPs (PBP1a, KD = 0.07 μM; PBP5 = 0.4 μM); other lytic transglycosylases (SltB2, KD = 0.09 μM; RlpA, KD = 0.4 μM); a type VI secretion system effector (Tse5, KD = 0.3 μM); and a regulatory protease for alginate biosynthesis (AlgO, KD < 0.4 μM). In light of the functional breadth of its interactome, Slt is conceptualized as a hub protein within the periplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F. Avila‐Cobian
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Stefania De Benedetti
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Hidekazu Hoshino
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Van T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Amr M. El‐Araby
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Safaa Sader
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Daniel D. Hu
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Sara L. Cole
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Choon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Jed F. Fisher
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Matthew M. Champion
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Shahriar Mobashery
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
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6
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Alcorlo M, Martínez-Caballero S, Li J, Sham LT, Luo M, Hermoso JA. Modulation of the lytic apparatus by the FtsEX complex within the bacterial division machinery. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38849310 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14953] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The FtsEX membrane complex constitutes an essential component of the ABC transporter superfamily, widely distributed among bacterial species. It governs peptidoglycan degradation for cell division, acting as a signal transmitter rather than a substrate transporter. Through the ATPase activity of FtsE, it facilitates signal transmission from the cytosol across the membrane to the periplasm, activating associated peptidoglycan hydrolases. This review concentrates on the latest structural advancements elucidating the architecture of the FtsEX complex and its interplay with lytic enzymes or regulatory counterparts. The revealed three-dimensional structures unveil a landscape wherein a precise array of intermolecular interactions, preserved across diverse bacterial species, afford meticulous spatial and temporal control over the cell division process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Alcorlo
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Blas Cabrera", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Siseth Martínez-Caballero
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Blas Cabrera", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jianwei Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lok-To Sham
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Juan A Hermoso
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Blas Cabrera", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Alcorlo M, Abdullah MR, Steil L, Sotomayor F, López-de Oro L, de Castro S, Velázquez S, Kohler TP, Jiménez E, Medina A, Usón I, Keller LE, Bradshaw JL, McDaniel LS, Camarasa MJ, Völker U, Hammerschmidt S, Hermoso JA. Molecular and structural basis of oligopeptide recognition by the Ami transporter system in pneumococci. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011883. [PMID: 38838057 PMCID: PMC11192437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport systems are crucial for bacteria to ensure sufficient uptake of nutrients that are not produced de novo or improve the energy balance. The cell surface of the pathobiont Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is decorated with a substantial array of ABC transporters, critically influencing nasopharyngeal colonization and invasive infections. Given the auxotrophic nature of pneumococci for certain amino acids, the Ami ABC transporter system, orchestrating oligopeptide uptake, becomes indispensable in host compartments lacking amino acids. The system comprises five exposed Oligopeptide Binding Proteins (OBPs) and four proteins building the ABC transporter channel. Here, we present a structural analysis of all the OBPs in this system. Multiple crystallographic structures, capturing both open and closed conformations along with complexes involving chemically synthesized peptides, have been solved at high resolution providing insights into the molecular basis of their diverse peptide specificities. Mass spectrometry analysis of oligopeptides demonstrates the unexpected remarkable promiscuity of some of these proteins when expressed in Escherichia coli, displaying affinity for a wide range of peptides. Finally, a model is proposed for the complete Ami transport system in complex with its various OBPs. We further disclosed, through in silico modelling, some essential structural changes facilitating oligopeptide transport into the cellular cytoplasm. Thus, the structural analysis of the Ami system provides valuable insights into the mechanism and specificity of oligopeptide binding by the different OBPs, shedding light on the intricacies of the uptake mechanism and the in vivo implications for this human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Alcorlo
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry “Blas Cabrera”, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid; Spain
| | - Mohammed R. Abdullah
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Greifswald; Germany
| | - Leif Steil
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald; Germany
| | - Francisco Sotomayor
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry “Blas Cabrera”, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid; Spain
| | - Laura López-de Oro
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry “Blas Cabrera”, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid; Spain
| | | | | | - Thomas P. Kohler
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Greifswald; Germany
| | - Elisabet Jiménez
- Crystallographic Methods, Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, Barcelona; Spain
| | - Ana Medina
- Crystallographic Methods, Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, Barcelona; Spain
| | - Isabel Usón
- Crystallographic Methods, Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, Barcelona; Spain
- ICREA, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona; Spain
| | - Lance E. Keller
- Center for Immunology and Microbial Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; United States of America
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; United States of America
| | - Jessica L. Bradshaw
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; United States of America
| | - Larry S. McDaniel
- Center for Immunology and Microbial Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; United States of America
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; United States of America
| | | | - Uwe Völker
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald; Germany
| | - Sven Hammerschmidt
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Greifswald; Germany
| | - Juan A. Hermoso
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry “Blas Cabrera”, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid; Spain
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8
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Jandu RS, Yu H, Zhao Z, Le HT, Kim S, Huan T, Duong van Hoa F. Capture of endogenous lipids in peptidiscs and effect on protein stability and activity. iScience 2024; 27:109382. [PMID: 38577106 PMCID: PMC10993126 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared to protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions, our knowledge of protein-lipid interactions remains limited. This is primarily due to the inherent insolubility of membrane proteins (MPs) in aqueous solution. The traditional use of detergents to overcome the solubility barrier destabilizes MPs and strips away certain lipids that are increasingly recognized as crucial for protein function. Recently, membrane mimetics have been developed to circumvent the limitations. In this study, using the peptidisc, we find that MPs in different lipid states can be isolated based on protein purification and reconstitution methods, leading to observable effects on MP activity and stability. Peptidisc also enables re-incorporating specific lipids to fine-tune the protein microenvironment and assess the impact on downstream protein associations. This study offers a first look at the illusive protein-lipid interaction specificity, laying the path for a systematic evaluation of lipid identity and contributions to membrane protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupinder Singh Jandu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Huaxu Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Zhiyu Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hai Tuong Le
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sehyeon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Tao Huan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Franck Duong van Hoa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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9
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Modi M, Thambiraja M, Cherukat A, Yennamalli RM, Priyadarshini R. Structure predictions and functional insights into Amidase_3 domain containing N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidases from Deinococcus indicus DR1. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:101. [PMID: 38532329 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03225-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidases are cell wall modifying enzymes that cleave the amide bond between the sugar residues and stem peptide in peptidoglycan. Amidases play a vital role in septal cell wall cleavage and help separate daughter cells during cell division. Most amidases are zinc metalloenzymes, and E. coli cells lacking amidases grow as chains with daughter cells attached to each other. In this study, we have characterized two amidase enzymes from Deinococcus indicus DR1. D. indicus DR1 is known for its high arsenic tolerance and unique cell envelope. However, details of their cell wall biogenesis remain largely unexplored. RESULTS We have characterized two amidases Ami1Di and Ami2Di from D. indicus DR1. Both Ami1Di and Ami2Di suppress cell separation defects in E. coli amidase mutants, suggesting that these enzymes are able to cleave septal cell wall. Ami1Di and Ami2Di proteins possess the Amidase_3 catalytic domain with conserved -GHGG- motif and Zn2+ binding sites. Zn2+- binding in Ami1Di is crucial for amidase activity. AlphaFold2 structures of both Ami1Di and Ami2Di were predicted, and Ami1Di was a closer homolog to AmiA of E. coli. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that Ami1Di and Ami2Di enzymes can cleave peptidoglycan, and structural prediction studies revealed insights into the activity and regulation of these enzymes in D. indicus DR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvika Modi
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India
| | - Menaka Thambiraja
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India
| | - Archana Cherukat
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Wake Forest University, 1834 Wake Forest Rd, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Ragothaman M Yennamalli
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India
| | - Richa Priyadarshini
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India.
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10
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Hao A, Suo Y, Lee SY. Structural insights into the FtsEX-EnvC complex regulation on septal peptidoglycan hydrolysis in Vibrio cholerae. Structure 2024; 32:188-199.e5. [PMID: 38070498 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.11.007] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
During bacterial cell division, hydrolysis of septal peptidoglycan (sPG) is crucial for cell separation. This sPG hydrolysis is performed by the enzyme amidases whose activity is regulated by the integral membrane protein complex FtsEX-EnvC. FtsEX is an ATP-binding cassette transporter, and EnvC is a long coiled-coil protein that interacts with and activates the amidases. The molecular mechanism by which the FtsEX-EnvC complex activates amidases remains largely unclear. We present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the FtsEX-EnvC complex from the pathogenic bacteria V. cholerae (FtsEX-EnvCVC). FtsEX-EnvCVC in the presence of ADP adopts a distinct conformation where EnvC is "horizontally extended" rather than "vertically extended". Subsequent structural studies suggest that EnvC can swing between these conformations in space in a nucleotide-dependent manner. Our structural analysis and functional studies suggest that FtsEX-EnvCVC employs spatial control of EnvC for amidase activation, providing mechanistic insights into the FtsEX-EnvC regulation on septal peptidoglycan hydrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aili Hao
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yang Suo
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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11
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Li J, Xu X, Shi J, Hermoso JA, Sham LT, Luo M. Regulation of the cell division hydrolase RipC by the FtsEX system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7999. [PMID: 38044344 PMCID: PMC10694151 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43770-6] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The FtsEX complex regulates, directly or via a protein mediator depending on bacterial genera, peptidoglycan degradation for cell division. In mycobacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, the FtsEX system directly activates peptidoglycan-hydrolases by a mechanism that remains unclear. Here we report our investigation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis FtsEX as a non-canonical regulator with high basal ATPase activity. The cryo-EM structures of the FtsEX system alone and in complex with RipC, as well as the ATP-activated state, unveil detailed information on the signal transduction mechanism, leading to the activation of RipC. Our findings indicate that RipC is recognized through a "Match and Fit" mechanism, resulting in an asymmetric rearrangement of the extracellular domains of FtsX and a unique inclined binding mode of RipC. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of FtsEX and RipC regulation in the context of a critical human pathogen, guiding the design of drugs targeting peptidoglycan remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jian Shi
- Center for Bioimaging Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Juan A Hermoso
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Blas Cabrera", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Lok-To Sham
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Center for Bioimaging Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Yu L, Xu X, Chua WZ, Feng H, Ser Z, Shao K, Shi J, Wang Y, Li Z, Sobota RM, Sham LT, Luo M. Structural basis of peptide secretion for Quorum sensing by ComA. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7178. [PMID: 37935699 PMCID: PMC10630487 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42852-9] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a crucial regulatory mechanism controlling bacterial signalling and holds promise for novel therapies against antimicrobial resistance. In Gram-positive bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, ComA is a conserved efflux pump responsible for the maturation and secretion of peptide signals, including the competence-stimulating peptide (CSP), yet its structure and function remain unclear. Here, we functionally characterize ComA as an ABC transporter with high ATP affinity and determined its cryo-EM structures in the presence or absence of CSP or nucleotides. Our findings reveal a network of strong electrostatic interactions unique to ComA at the intracellular gate, a putative binding pocket for two CSP molecules, and negatively charged residues facilitating CSP translocation. Mutations of these residues affect ComA's peptidase activity in-vitro and prevent CSP export in-vivo. We demonstrate that ATP-Mg2+ triggers the outward-facing conformation of ComA for CSP release, rather than ATP alone. Our study provides molecular insights into the QS signal peptide secretion, highlighting potential targets for QS-targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Wan-Zhen Chua
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Zheng Ser
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, SingMass National Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Kai Shao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Center for Bioimaging Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yumei Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zongli Li
- Harvard Cryo-EM Center for Structural Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Radoslaw M Sobota
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, SingMass National Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Lok-To Sham
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Singapore.
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
- Center for Bioimaging Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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13
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Kitahara Y, van Teeffelen S. Bacterial growth - from physical principles to autolysins. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 74:102326. [PMID: 37279609 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
For bacteria to increase in size, they need to enzymatically expand their cell envelopes, and more concretely their peptidoglycan cell wall. A major task of growth is to increase intracellular space for the accumulation of macromolecules, notably proteins, RNA, and DNA. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of how cells coordinate envelope growth with biomass growth, focusing on elongation of rod-like bacteria. We first describe the recent discovery that surface area, but not cell volume, increases in proportion to mass growth. We then discuss how this relation could possibly be implemented mechanistically, reviewing the role of envelope insertion for envelope growth. Since cell-wall expansion requires the well-controlled activity of autolysins, we finally review recent progress in our understanding of autolysin regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kitahara
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie, et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sven van Teeffelen
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie, et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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