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Cozzi M, Failla M, Gianquinto E, Kovachka S, Buoli Comani V, Compari C, De Bei O, Giaccari R, Marchesani F, Marchetti M, Ronda L, Rolando B, Baroni M, Cruciani G, Campanini B, Bettati S, Faggiano S, Lazzarato L, Spyrakis F. Identification of small molecules affecting the interaction between human hemoglobin and Staphylococcus aureus IsdB hemophore. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8272. [PMID: 38594253 PMCID: PMC11003968 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55931-8] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Human hemoglobin (Hb) is the preferred iron source of Staphylococcus aureus. This pathogenic bacterium exploits a sophisticated protein machinery called Iron-regulated surface determinant (Isd) system to bind Hb, extract and internalize heme, and finally degrade it to complete iron acquisition. IsdB, the surface exposed Hb receptor, is a proven virulence factor of S. aureus and the inhibition of its interaction with Hb can be pursued as a strategy to develop new classes of antimicrobials. To identify small molecules able to disrupt IsdB:Hb protein-protein interactions (PPIs), we carried out a structure-based virtual screening campaign and developed an ad hoc immunoassay to screen the retrieved set of commercially available compounds. Saturation-transfer difference (STD) NMR was applied to verify specific interactions of a sub-set of molecules, chosen based on their efficacy in reducing the amount of Hb bound to IsdB. Among molecules for which direct binding was verified, the best hit was submitted to ITC analysis to measure the binding affinity to Hb, which was found to be in the low micromolar range. The results demonstrate the viability of the proposed in silico/in vitro experimental pipeline to discover and test IsdB:Hb PPI inhibitors. The identified lead compound will be the starting point for future SAR and molecule optimization campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cozzi
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Gianquinto
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sandra Kovachka
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Omar De Bei
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Luca Ronda
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Rolando
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Baroni
- Molecular Discovery Ltd, Kisnetic Business Centre, Elstree, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Bettati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Faggiano
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Loretta Lazzarato
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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Olczak T, Śmiga M, Antonyuk SV, Smalley JW. Hemophore-like proteins of the HmuY family in the oral and gut microbiome: unraveling the mystery of their evolution. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0013123. [PMID: 38305743 PMCID: PMC10966948 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00131-23] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Heme (iron protoporphyrin IX, FePPIX) is the main source of iron and PPIX for host-associated pathogenic bacteria, including members of the Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) phylum. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone oral pathogen, uses a unique heme uptake (Hmu) system, comprising a hemophore-like protein, designated as the first member of the novel HmuY family. Compared to classical, secreted hemophores utilized by Gram-negative bacteria or near-iron transporter domain-based hemophores utilized by Gram-positive bacteria, the HmuY family comprises structurally similar proteins that have undergone diversification during evolution. The best characterized are P. gingivalis HmuY and its homologs from Tannerella forsythia (Tfo), Prevotella intermedia (PinO and PinA), Bacteroides vulgatus (Bvu), and Bacteroides fragilis (BfrA, BfrB, and BfrC). In contrast to the two histidine residues coordinating heme iron in P. gingivalis HmuY, Tfo, PinO, PinA, Bvu, and BfrA preferentially use two methionine residues. Interestingly, BfrB, despite conserved methionine residue, binds the PPIX ring without iron coordination. BfrC binds neither heme nor PPIX in keeping with the lack of conserved histidine or methionine residues used by other members of the HmuY family. HmuY competes for heme binding and heme sequestration from host hemoproteins with other members of the HmuY family to increase P. gingivalis competitiveness. The participation of HmuY in the host immune response confirms its relevance in relation to the survival of P. gingivalis and its ability to induce dysbiosis not only in the oral microbiome but also in the gut microbiome or other host niches, leading to local injuries and involvement in comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Olczak
- Laboratory of Medical Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Michał Śmiga
- Laboratory of Medical Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Svetlana V. Antonyuk
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John W. Smalley
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, School of Dentistry, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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3
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Jelinski J, Cortez M, Terwilliger A, Clark J, Maresso A. Loss of Dihydroxyacid Dehydratase Induces Auxotrophy in Bacillus anthracis. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0041521. [PMID: 34570623 PMCID: PMC8604071 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00415-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax disease is caused by infection with the bacteria Bacillus anthracis which, if left untreated, can result in fatal bacteremia and toxemia. Current treatment for infection requires prolonged administration of antibiotics. Despite this, inhalational and gastrointestinal anthrax still result in lethal disease. By identifying key metabolic steps that B. anthracis uses to grow in host-like environments, new targets for antibacterial strategies can be identified. Here, we report that the ilvD gene, which encodes dihydroxyacid dehydratase in the putative pathway for synthesizing branched chain amino acids, is necessary for B. anthracis to synthesize isoleucine de novo in an otherwise limiting microenvironment. We observed that ΔilvD B. anthracis cannot grow in media lacking isoleucine, but growth is restored when exogenous isoleucine is added. In addition, ΔilvD bacilli are unable to utilize human hemoglobin or serum albumin to overcome isoleucine auxotrophy, but can when provided with the murine forms. This species-specific effect is due to the lack of isoleucine in human hemoglobin. Furthermore, even when supplemented with physiological levels of human serum albumin, apotransferrin, fibrinogen, and IgG, the ilvD knockout strain grew poorly relative to nonsupplemented wild type. In addition, comparisons upon infecting humanized mice suggest that murine hemoglobin is a key source of isoleucine for both WT and ΔilvD bacilli. Further growth comparisons in murine and human blood show that the auxotrophy is detrimental for growth in human blood, not murine. This report identifies ilvD as necessary for isoleucine production in B. anthracis, and that it plays a key role in allowing the bacilli to effectively grow in isoleucine poor hosts. IMPORTANCE Anthrax disease, caused by B. anthracis, can cause lethal bacteremia and toxemia, even following treatment with antibiotics. This report identifies the ilvD gene, which encodes a dihydroxyacid dehydratase, as necessary for B. anthracis to synthesize the amino acid isoleucine in a nutrient-limiting environment, such as its mammalian host. The use of this strain further demonstrated a unique species-dependent utilization of hemoglobin as an exogenous source of extracellular isoleucine. By identifying mechanisms that B. anthracis uses to grow in host-like environments, new targets for therapeutic intervention are revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Jelinski
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Madeline Cortez
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Austen Terwilliger
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Justin Clark
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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4
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The Corynebacterium diphtheriae HbpA hemoglobin-binding protein contains a domain that is critical for hemoprotein-binding, cellular localization and function. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0019621. [PMID: 34370560 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00196-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of hemin-iron from hemoglobin-haptoglobin (Hb-Hp) by Corynebacterium diphtheriae requires the iron-regulated surface proteins HtaA, ChtA, ChtC, and the recently identified Hb-Hp binding protein HbpA. We previously showed that a purified form of HbpA (HbpA-S), lacking the C-terminal region, was able to bind Hb-Hp. In this study, we show that the C-terminal region of HbpA significantly enhances binding to Hb-Hp. A purified form of HbpA that includes the C-terminal domain (HbpA-FL) exhibits much stronger binding to Hb-Hp than HbpA-S. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) showed that HbpA-FL as well as HtaA-FL, ChtA-FL, and ChtC-FL exist as high molecular weight complexes, while HbpA-S is present as a monomer, indicating that the C-terminal region is required for formation of large aggregates. Growth studies showed that expression of HbpA-FL in the ΔhbpA mutant restored wild-type levels of growth in low-iron medium that contained Hb-Hp as the sole iron source, while HbpA-S failed to complement the ΔhbpA mutant. Protein localization studies in C. diphtheriae showed that HbpA-FL is present in both in the supernatant and in the membrane fractions, and that the C-terminal region is required for membrane anchoring. Purified HbpA-FL was able to enhance growth of the ΔhbpA mutant when added to culture medium that contained Hb-Hp as a sole iron source, suggesting that secreted HbpA is involved in the use of hemin-iron from Hb-Hp. These studies extend our understanding of this novel Hb-Hp binding protein in this important human pathogen. IMPORTANCE Hemoproteins, such as Hb, are an abundant source of iron in humans and are proposed to be required by numerous pathogens to cause disease. In this report, we expand on our previous studies in further defining the role of HbpA in hemin-iron acquisition in C. diphtheriae. HbpA is unique to C. diphtheriae, and appears to function unlike any previously described bacterial iron-regulated Hb- or Hb-Hp-binding protein. HbpA is both secreted and present in the membrane, and exists as a large aggregate that enhances its ability to bind Hb-Hp and promote hemin-iron uptake. Current studies with HbpA will increase our understanding of iron transport systems in C. diphtheriae.
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Ellis-Guardiola K, Mahoney BJ, Clubb RT. NEAr Transporter (NEAT) Domains: Unique Surface Displayed Heme Chaperones That Enable Gram-Positive Bacteria to Capture Heme-Iron From Hemoglobin. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:607679. [PMID: 33488548 PMCID: PMC7815599 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.607679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is an important micronutrient that is required by bacteria to proliferate and to cause disease. Many bacterial pathogens forage iron from human hemoglobin (Hb) during infections, which contains this metal within heme (iron-protoporphyrin IX). Several clinically important pathogenic species within the Firmicutes phylum scavenge heme using surface-displayed or secreted NEAr Transporter (NEAT) domains. In this review, we discuss how these versatile proteins function in the Staphylococcus aureus Iron-regulated surface determinant system that scavenges heme-iron from Hb. S. aureus NEAT domains function as either Hb receptors or as heme-binding chaperones. In vitro studies have shown that heme-binding NEAT domains can rapidly exchange heme amongst one another via transiently forming transfer complexes, leading to the interesting hypothesis that they may form a protein-wire within the peptidoglycan layer through which heme flows from the microbial surface to the membrane. In Hb receptors, recent studies have revealed how dedicated heme- and Hb-binding NEAT domains function synergistically to extract Hb's heme molecules, and how receptor binding to the Hb-haptoglobin complex may block its clearance by macrophages, prolonging microbial access to Hb's iron. The functions of NEAT domains in other Gram-positive bacteria are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Ellis-Guardiola
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brendan J. Mahoney
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Robert T. Clubb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Progress towards the Development of a NEAT Vaccine for Anthrax II: Immunogen Specificity and Alum Effectiveness in an Inhalational Model. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00082-20. [PMID: 32393506 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00082-20] [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: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax disease, presents with high mortality, and has been at the center of bioweapon efforts. The only currently U.S. FDA-approved vaccine to prevent anthrax in humans is anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA), which is protective in several animal models and induces neutralizing antibodies against protective antigen (PA), the cell-binding component of anthrax toxin. However, AVA requires a five-course regimen to induce immunity, along with an annual booster, and is composed of undefined culture supernatants from a PA-secreting strain. In addition, it appears to be ineffective against strains that lack anthrax toxin. Here, we investigated a vaccine formulation consisting of recombinant proteins from a surface-localized heme transport system containing near-iron transporter (NEAT) domains and its efficacy as a vaccine for anthrax disease. The cocktail of five NEAT domains was protective against a lethal challenge of inhaled bacillus spores at 3 and 28 weeks after vaccination. The reduction of the formulation to three NEATs (IsdX1, IsdX2, and Bslk) was as effective as a five-NEAT domain cocktail. The adjuvant alum, approved for use in humans, was as protective as Freund's Adjuvant, and protective vaccination correlated with increased anti-NEAT antibody reactivity and reduced bacterial levels in organs. Finally, the passive transfer of anti-NEAT antisera reduced mortality and disease severity, suggesting the protective component is comprised of antibodies. Collectively, these results provide evidence that a vaccine based upon recombinant NEAT proteins should be considered in the development of a next-generation anthrax vaccine.
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7
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Macdonald R, Mahoney BJ, Ellis-Guardiola K, Maresso A, Clubb RT. NMR experiments redefine the hemoglobin binding properties of bacterial NEAr-iron Transporter domains. Protein Sci 2019; 28:1513-1523. [PMID: 31120610 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Iron is a versatile metal cofactor that is used in a wide range of essential cellular processes. During infections, many bacterial pathogens acquire iron from human hemoglobin (Hb), which contains the majority of the body's total iron content in the form of heme (iron protoporphyrin IX). Clinically important Gram-positive bacterial pathogens scavenge heme using an array of secreted and cell-wall-associated receptors that contain NEAr-iron Transporter (NEAT) domains. Experimentally defining the Hb binding properties of NEAT domains has been challenging, limiting our understanding of their function in heme uptake. Here we show that solution-state NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool to define the Hb binding properties of NEAT domains. The utility of this method is demonstrated using the NEAT domains from Bacillus anthracis and Listeria monocytogenes. Our results are compatible with the existence of at least two types of NEAT domains that are capable of interacting with either Hb or heme. These binding properties can be predicted from their primary sequences, with Hb- and heme-binding NEAT domains being distinguished by the presence of (F/Y)YH(Y/F) and S/YXXXY motifs, respectively. The results of this work should enable the functions of a wide range of NEAT domain containing proteins in pathogenic bacteria to be reliably predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsay Macdonald
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095.,UCLA-DOE Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095
| | - Brendan J Mahoney
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095.,UCLA-DOE Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095
| | - Ken Ellis-Guardiola
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095.,UCLA-DOE Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095
| | - Anthony Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Robert T Clubb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095.,UCLA-DOE Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095
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Chao A, Sieminski PJ, Owens CP, Goulding CW. Iron Acquisition in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chem Rev 2018; 119:1193-1220. [PMID: 30474981 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The highly contagious disease tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which has been evolving drug resistance at an alarming rate. Like all human pathogens, Mtb requires iron for growth and virulence. Consequently, Mtb iron transport is an emerging drug target. However, the development of anti-TB drugs aimed at these metabolic pathways has been restricted by the dearth of information on Mtb iron acquisition. In this Review, we describe the multiple strategies utilized by Mtb to acquire ferric iron and heme iron. Mtb iron uptake is a complex process, requiring biosynthesis and subsequent export of Mtb siderophores, followed by ferric iron scavenging and ferric-siderophore import into Mtb. Additionally, Mtb possesses two possible heme uptake pathways and an Mtb-specific mechanism of heme degradation that yields iron and novel heme-degradation products. We conclude with perspectives for potential therapeutics that could directly target Mtb heme and iron uptake machineries. We also highlight how hijacking Mtb heme and iron acquisition pathways for drug import may facilitate drug transport through the notoriously impregnable Mtb cell wall.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cedric P Owens
- Schmid College of Science and Technology , Chapman University , Orange , California 92866 , United States
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9
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Macdonald R, Cascio D, Collazo MJ, Phillips M, Clubb RT. The Streptococcus pyogenes Shr protein captures human hemoglobin using two structurally unique binding domains. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:18365-18377. [PMID: 30301765 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to proliferate and mount an infection, many bacterial pathogens need to acquire iron from their host. The most abundant iron source in the body is the oxygen transporter hemoglobin (Hb). Streptococcus pyogenes, a potentially lethal human pathogen, uses the Shr protein to capture Hb on the cell surface. Shr is an important virulence factor, yet the mechanism by which it captures Hb and acquires its heme is not well-understood. Here, we show using NMR and biochemical methods that Shr binds Hb using two related modules that were previously defined as domains of unknown function (DUF1533). These hemoglobin-interacting domains (HIDs), called HID1 and HID2, are autonomously folded and independently bind Hb. The 1.5 Å resolution crystal structure of HID2 revealed that it is a structurally unique Hb-binding domain. Mutagenesis studies revealed a conserved tyrosine in both HIDs that is essential for Hb binding. Our biochemical studies indicate that HID2 binds Hb with higher affinity than HID1 and that the Hb tetramer is engaged by two Shr receptors. NMR studies reveal the presence of a third autonomously folded domain between HID2 and a heme-binding NEAT1 domain, suggesting that this linker domain may position NEAT1 near Hb for heme capture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsay Macdonald
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,; UCLA-DOE Institute of Genomics and Proteomics and
| | | | | | | | - Robert T Clubb
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,; UCLA-DOE Institute of Genomics and Proteomics and; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095.
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Corynebacterium diphtheriae Iron-Regulated Surface Protein HbpA Is Involved in the Utilization of the Hemoglobin-Haptoglobin Complex as an Iron Source. J Bacteriol 2018; 200:JB.00676-17. [PMID: 29311283 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00676-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae utilizes various heme-containing proteins, including hemoglobin (Hb) and the hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex (Hb-Hp), as iron sources during growth in iron-depleted environments. The ability to utilize Hb-Hp as an iron source requires the surface-anchored proteins HtaA and either ChtA or ChtC. The ability to bind hemin, Hb, and Hb-Hp by each of these C. diphtheriae proteins requires the previously characterized conserved region (CR) domain. In this study, we identified an Hb-Hp binding protein, HbpA (38.5 kDa), which is involved in the acquisition of hemin iron from Hb-Hp. HbpA was initially identified from total cell lysates as an iron-regulated protein that binds to both Hb and Hb-Hp in situ HbpA does not contain a CR domain and has sequence similarity only to homologous proteins present in a limited number of C. diphtheriae strains. Transcription of hbpA is regulated in an iron-dependent manner that is mediated by DtxR, a global iron-dependent regulator. Deletion of hbpA from C. diphtheriae results in a reduced ability to utilize Hb-Hp as an iron source but has little or no effect on the ability to use Hb or hemin as an iron source. Cell fractionation studies showed that HbpA is both secreted into the culture supernatant and associated with the membrane, where its exposure on the bacterial surface allows HbpA to bind Hb and Hb-Hp. The identification and analysis of HbpA enhance our understanding of iron uptake in C. diphtheriae and indicate that the acquisition of hemin iron from Hb-Hp may involve a complex mechanism that requires multiple surface proteins.IMPORTANCE The ability to utilize host iron sources, such as heme and heme-containing proteins, is essential for many bacterial pathogens to cause disease. In this study, we have identified a novel factor (HbpA) that is crucial for the use of hemin iron from the hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex (Hb-Hp). Hb-Hp is considered one of the primary sources of iron for certain bacterial pathogens. HbpA has no similarity to the previously identified Hb-Hp binding proteins, HtaA and ChtA/C, and is found only in a limited group of C. diphtheriae strains. Understanding the function of HbpA may significantly increase our knowledge of how this important human pathogen can acquire host iron that allows it to survive and cause disease in the human respiratory tract.
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Abstract
Iron is an essential micronutrient for both microbes and humans alike. For well over half a century we have known that this element, in particular, plays a pivotal role in health and disease and, most especially, in shaping host-pathogen interactions. Intracellular iron concentrations serve as a critical signal in regulating the expression not only of high-affinity iron acquisition systems in bacteria, but also of toxins and other noted virulence factors produced by some major human pathogens. While we now are aware of many strategies that the host has devised to sequester iron from invading microbes, there are as many if not more sophisticated mechanisms by which successful pathogens overcome nutritional immunity imposed by the host. This review discusses some of the essential components of iron sequestration and scavenging mechanisms of the host, as well as representative Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens, and highlights recent advances in the field. Last, we address how the iron acquisition strategies of pathogenic bacteria may be exploited for the development of novel prophylactics or antimicrobials.
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Abstract
Bacterial pathogens have evolved to exploit humans as a rich source of nutrients to support survival and replication. The pathways of bacterial metabolism that permit successful colonization are surprisingly varied and highlight remarkable metabolic flexibility. The constraints and immune pressures of distinct niches within the human body set the stage for understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria acquire critical nutrients. In this article we discuss how different bacterial pathogens carry out carbon and energy metabolism in the host and how they obtain or use key nutrients for replication and immune evasion.
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13
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Carter EL, Ramirez Y, Ragsdale SW. The heme-regulatory motif of nuclear receptor Rev-erbβ is a key mediator of heme and redox signaling in circadian rhythm maintenance and metabolism. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:11280-11299. [PMID: 28500133 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.783118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rev-erbβ is a heme-responsive transcription factor that regulates genes involved in circadian rhythm maintenance and metabolism, effectively bridging these critical cellular processes. Heme binding to Rev-erbβ indirectly facilitates its interaction with the nuclear receptor co-repressor (NCoR1), resulting in repression of Rev-erbβ target genes. Fe3+-heme binds in a 6-coordinate complex with axial His and Cys ligands, the latter provided by a heme-regulatory motif (HRM). Rev-erbβ was thought to be a heme sensor based on a weak Kd value for the Rev-erbβ·heme complex of 2 μm determined with isothermal titration calorimetry. However, our group demonstrated with UV-visible difference titrations that the Kd value is in the low nanomolar range, and the Fe3+-heme off-rate is on the order of 10-6 s-1 making Rev-erbβ ineffective as a sensor of Fe3+-heme. In this study, we dissected the kinetics of heme binding to Rev-erbβ and provided a Kd for Fe3+-heme of ∼0.1 nm Loss of the HRM axial thiolate via redox processes, including oxidation to a disulfide with a neighboring cysteine or dissociation upon reduction of Fe3+- to Fe2+-heme, decreased binding affinity by >20-fold. Furthermore, as measured in a co-immunoprecipitation assay, substitution of the His or Cys heme ligands in Rev-erbβ was accompanied by a significant loss of NCoR1 binding. These results demonstrate the importance of the Rev-erbβ HRM in regulating interactions with heme and NCoR1 and advance our understanding of how signaling through HRMs affects the major cellular processes of circadian rhythm maintenance and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Carter
- From the Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Yanil Ramirez
- From the Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Stephen W Ragsdale
- From the Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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14
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Brewitz HH, Hagelueken G, Imhof D. Structural and functional diversity of transient heme binding to bacterial proteins. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:683-697. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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15
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Uluisik RC, Akbas N, Lukat-Rodgers GS, Adrian SA, Allen CE, Schmitt MP, Rodgers KR, Dixon DW. Characterization of the second conserved domain in the heme uptake protein HtaA from Corynebacterium diphtheriae. J Inorg Biochem 2017; 167:124-133. [PMID: 27974280 PMCID: PMC5199035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2016.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
HtaA is a heme-binding protein that is part of the heme uptake system in Corynebacterium diphtheriae. HtaA contains two conserved regions (CR1 and CR2). It has been previously reported that both domains can bind heme; the CR2 domain binds hemoglobin more strongly than the CR1 domain. In this study, we report the biophysical characteristics of HtaA-CR2. UV-visible spectroscopy and resonance Raman experiments are consistent with this domain containing a single heme that is bound to the protein through an axial tyrosine ligand. Mutants of conserved tyrosine and histidine residues (Y361, H412, and Y490) have been studied. These mutants are isolated with very little heme (≤5%) in comparison to the wild-type protein (~20%). Reconstitution after removal of the heme with butanone gave an alternative form of the protein. The HtaA-CR2 fold is very stable; it was necessary to perform thermal denaturation experiments in the presence of guanidinium hydrochloride. HtaA-CR2 unfolds extremely slowly; even in 6.8M GdnHCl at 37°C, the half-life was 5h. In contrast, the apo forms of WT HtaA-CR2 and the aforementioned mutants unfolded at much lower concentrations of GdnHCl, indicating the role of heme in stabilizing the structure and implying that heme transfer is effected only to a partner protein in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizvan C Uluisik
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3965, United States
| | - Neval Akbas
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3965, United States
| | - Gudrun S Lukat-Rodgers
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, United States
| | - Seth A Adrian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, United States
| | - Courtni E Allen
- Laboratory of Respiratory and Special Pathogens, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation, and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Michael P Schmitt
- Laboratory of Respiratory and Special Pathogens, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation, and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Kenton R Rodgers
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, United States.
| | - Dabney W Dixon
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3965, United States.
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16
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Progress toward the Development of a NEAT Protein Vaccine for Anthrax Disease. Infect Immun 2016; 84:3408-3422. [PMID: 27647868 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00755-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a sporulating Gram-positive bacterium that is the causative agent of anthrax and a potential weapon of bioterrorism. The U.S.-licensed anthrax vaccine is made from an incompletely characterized culture supernatant of a nonencapsulated, toxigenic strain (anthrax vaccine absorbed [AVA]) whose primary protective component is thought to be protective antigen (PA). AVA is effective in protecting animals and elicits toxin-neutralizing antibodies in humans, but enthusiasm is dampened by its undefined composition, multishot regimen, recommended boosters, and potential for adverse reactions. Improving next-generation anthrax vaccines is important to safeguard citizens and the military. Here, we report that vaccination with recombinant forms of a conserved domain (near-iron transporter [NEAT]), common in Gram-positive pathogens, elicits protection in a murine model of B. anthracis infection. Protection was observed with both Freund's and alum adjuvants, given subcutaneously and intramuscularly, respectively, with a mixed composite of NEATs. Protection correlated with an antibody response against the NEAT domains and a decrease in the numbers of bacteria in major organs. Anti-NEAT antibodies promote opsonophagocytosis of bacilli by alveolar macrophages. To guide the development of inactive and safe NEAT antigens, we also report the crystal structure of one of the NEAT domains (Hal) and identify critical residues mediating its heme-binding and acquisition activity. These results indicate that we should consider NEAT proteins in the development of an improved antianthrax vaccine.
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17
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Choo JM, Cheung JK, Wisniewski JA, Steer DL, Bulach DM, Hiscox TJ, Chakravorty A, Smith AI, Gell DA, Rood JI, Awad MM. The NEAT Domain-Containing Proteins of Clostridium perfringens Bind Heme. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162981. [PMID: 27637108 PMCID: PMC5026354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of a pathogenic bacterium to scavenge iron from its host is important for its growth and survival during an infection. Our studies on C. perfringens gas gangrene strain JIR325, a derivative of strain 13, showed that it is capable of utilizing both human hemoglobin and ferric chloride, but not human holo-transferrin, as an iron source for in vitro growth. Analysis of the C. perfringens strain 13 genome sequence identified a putative heme acquisition system encoded by an iron-regulated surface gene region that we have named the Cht (Clostridium perfringensheme transport) locus. This locus comprises eight genes that are co-transcribed and includes genes that encode NEAT domain-containing proteins (ChtD and ChtE) and a putative sortase (Srt). The ChtD, ChtE and Srt proteins were shown to be expressed in JIR325 cells grown under iron-limited conditions and were localized to the cell envelope. Moreover, the NEAT proteins, ChtD and ChtE, were found to bind heme. Both chtDE and srt mutants were constructed, but these mutants were not defective in hemoglobin or ferric chloride utilization. They were, however, attenuated for virulence when tested in a mouse myonecrosis model, although the virulence phenotype could not be restored via complementation and, as is common with such systems, secondary mutations were identified in these strains. In summary, this study provides evidence for the functional redundancies that occur in the heme transport pathways of this life threatening pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M. Choo
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jackie K. Cheung
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jessica A. Wisniewski
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - David L. Steer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dieter M. Bulach
- Victorian Bioinformatics Consortium, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas J. Hiscox
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Anjana Chakravorty
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - A. Ian Smith
- Victorian Bioinformatics Consortium, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David A. Gell
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Julian I. Rood
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Milena M. Awad
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- * E-mail:
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18
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Choby JE, Skaar EP. Heme Synthesis and Acquisition in Bacterial Pathogens. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:3408-28. [PMID: 27019298 PMCID: PMC5125930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens require the iron-containing cofactor heme to cause disease. Heme is essential to the function of hemoproteins, which are involved in energy generation by the electron transport chain, detoxification of host immune effectors, and other processes. During infection, bacterial pathogens must synthesize heme or acquire heme from the host; however, host heme is sequestered in high-affinity hemoproteins. Pathogens have evolved elaborate strategies to acquire heme from host sources, particularly hemoglobin, and both heme acquisition and synthesis are important for pathogenesis. Paradoxically, excess heme is toxic to bacteria and pathogens must rely on heme detoxification strategies. Heme is a key nutrient in the struggle for survival between host and pathogen, and its study has offered significant insight into the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Choby
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Eric P Skaar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, USA.
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19
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Passalacqua KD, Charbonneau ME, O'Riordan MXD. Bacterial Metabolism Shapes the Host-Pathogen Interface. Microbiol Spectr 2016; 4:10.1128/microbiolspec.VMBF-0027-2015. [PMID: 27337445 PMCID: PMC4922512 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.vmbf-0027-2015+10.1128/microbiolspec.vmbf-0027-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens have evolved to exploit humans as a rich source of nutrients to support survival and replication. The pathways of bacterial metabolism that permit successful colonization are surprisingly varied and highlight remarkable metabolic flexibility. The constraints and immune pressures of distinct niches within the human body set the stage for understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria acquire critical nutrients. In this article we discuss how different bacterial pathogens carry out carbon and energy metabolism in the host and how they obtain or use key nutrients for replication and immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla D Passalacqua
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Marie-Eve Charbonneau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Mary X D O'Riordan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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20
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Passalacqua KD, Charbonneau ME, O'Riordan MXD. Bacterial Metabolism Shapes the Host-Pathogen Interface. Microbiol Spectr 2016; 4:10.1128/microbiolspec.VMBF-0027-2015. [PMID: 27337445 PMCID: PMC4922512 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.vmbf-0027-2015 10.1128/microbiolspec.vmbf-0027-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens have evolved to exploit humans as a rich source of nutrients to support survival and replication. The pathways of bacterial metabolism that permit successful colonization are surprisingly varied and highlight remarkable metabolic flexibility. The constraints and immune pressures of distinct niches within the human body set the stage for understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria acquire critical nutrients. In this article we discuss how different bacterial pathogens carry out carbon and energy metabolism in the host and how they obtain or use key nutrients for replication and immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla D Passalacqua
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Marie-Eve Charbonneau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Mary X D O'Riordan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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21
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Animal Models for the Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention of Infection by Bacillus anthracis. Microbiol Spectr 2016; 3:TBS-0001-2012. [PMID: 26104551 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.tbs-0001-2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the characteristics of the major animal models utilized for studies on Bacillus anthracis and highlights their contributions to understanding the pathogenesis and host responses to anthrax and its treatment and prevention. Advantages and drawbacks associated with each model, to include the major models (murine, guinea pig, rabbit, nonhuman primate, and rat), and other less frequently utilized models, are discussed. Although the three principal forms of anthrax are addressed, the main focus of this review is on models for inhalational anthrax. The selection of an animal model for study is often not straightforward and is dependent on the specific aims of the research or test. No single animal species provides complete equivalence to humans; however, each species, when used appropriately, can contribute to a more complete understanding of anthrax and its etiologic agent.
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22
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Dickson CF, Jacques DA, Clubb RT, Guss JM, Gell DA. The structure of haemoglobin bound to the haemoglobin receptor IsdH from Staphylococcus aureus shows disruption of the native α-globin haem pocket. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA. SECTION D, BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2015; 71:1295-306. [PMID: 26057669 PMCID: PMC8518021 DOI: 10.1107/s1399004715005817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a common and serious cause of infection in humans. The bacterium expresses a cell-surface receptor that binds to, and strips haem from, human haemoglobin (Hb). The binding interface has previously been identified; however, the structural changes that promote haem release from haemoglobin were unknown. Here, the structure of the receptor-Hb complex is reported at 2.6 Å resolution, which reveals a conformational change in the α-globin F helix that disrupts the haem-pocket structure and alters the Hb quaternary interactions. These features suggest potential mechanisms by which the S. aureus Hb receptor induces haem release from Hb.
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23
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Sheldon JR, Heinrichs DE. Recent developments in understanding the iron acquisition strategies of gram positive pathogens. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2015; 39:592-630. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuv009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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24
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Ascenzi P, di Masi A, Leboffe L, Frangipani E, Nardini M, Verde C, Visca P. Structural Biology of Bacterial Haemophores. Adv Microb Physiol 2015; 67:127-76. [PMID: 26616517 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Iron plays a key role in a wide range of metabolic and signalling functions representing an essential nutrient for almost all forms of life. However, the ferric form is hardly soluble, whereas the ferrous form is highly toxic. Thus, in biological fluids, most of the iron is sequestered in iron- or haem-binding proteins and the level of free iron is low, making haem and iron acquisition a challenge for pathogenic bacteria during infections. Although toxic to the host, free haem is a major and readily available source of iron for several pathogenic microorganisms. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have developed several strategies to acquire free haem-Fe and protein-bound haem-Fe. Haemophores are a class of secreted and cell surface-exposed proteins promoting free-haem uptake, haem extraction from host haem proteins, and haem presentation to specific outer-membrane receptors that internalize the metal-porphyrins. Here, structural biology of bacterial haemophores is reviewed focusing on haem acquisition, haem internalization, and haem-degrading systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ascenzi
- Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, Università Roma Tre, Roma, Italy; Istituto di Bioscienze e BioRisorse, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy.
| | | | - Loris Leboffe
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Marco Nardini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Cinzia Verde
- Istituto di Bioscienze e BioRisorse, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Visca
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
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25
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Malmirchegini GR, Sjodt M, Shnitkind S, Sawaya MR, Rosinski J, Newton SM, Klebba PE, Clubb RT. Novel mechanism of hemin capture by Hbp2, the hemoglobin-binding hemophore from Listeria monocytogenes. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:34886-99. [PMID: 25315777 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.583013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential nutrient that is required for the growth of the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. In cell cultures, this microbe secretes hemin/hemoglobin-binding protein 2 (Hbp2; Lmo2185) protein, which has been proposed to function as a hemophore that scavenges heme from the environment. Based on its primary sequence, Hbp2 contains three NEAr transporter (NEAT) domains of unknown function. Here we show that each of these domains mediates high affinity binding to ferric heme (hemin) and that its N- and C-terminal domains interact with hemoglobin (Hb). The results of hemin transfer experiments are consistent with Hbp2 functioning as an Hb-binding hemophore that delivers hemin to other Hbp2 proteins that are attached to the cell wall. Surprisingly, our work reveals that the central NEAT domain in Hbp2 binds hemin even though its primary sequence lacks a highly conserved YXXXY motif that is used by all other previously characterized NEAT domains to coordinate iron in the hemin molecule. To elucidate the mechanism of hemin binding by Hbp2, we determined crystal structures of its central NEAT domain (Hbp2(N2); residues 183-303) in its free and hemin-bound states. The structures reveal an unprecedented mechanism of hemin binding in which Hbp2(N2) undergoes a major conformational rearrangement that facilitates metal coordination by a non-canonical tyrosine residue. These studies highlight previously unrecognized plasticity in the hemin binding mechanism of NEAT domains and provide insight into how L. monocytogenes captures heme iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Reza Malmirchegini
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the UCLA-Department of Energy Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and
| | - Megan Sjodt
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the UCLA-Department of Energy Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and
| | - Sergey Shnitkind
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the UCLA-Department of Energy Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and
| | - Michael R Sawaya
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the UCLA-Department of Energy Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and
| | - Justin Rosinski
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the UCLA-Department of Energy Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and
| | - Salete M Newton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502
| | - Phillip E Klebba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502
| | - Robert T Clubb
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the UCLA-Department of Energy Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and
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26
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Molecular and evolutionary analysis of NEAr-iron Transporter (NEAT) domains. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104794. [PMID: 25153520 PMCID: PMC4143258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is essential for bacterial survival, being required for numerous biological processes. NEAr-iron Transporter (NEAT) domains have been studied in pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria to understand how their proteins obtain heme as an iron source during infection. While a 2002 study initially discovered and annotated the NEAT domain encoded by the genomes of several Gram-positive bacteria, there remains a scarcity of information regarding the conservation and distribution of NEAT domains throughout the bacterial kingdom, and whether these domains are restricted to pathogenic bacteria. This study aims to expand upon initial bioinformatics analysis of predicted NEAT domains, by exploring their evolution and conserved function. This information was used to identify new candidate domains in both pathogenic and nonpathogenic organisms. We also searched metagenomic datasets, specifically sequence from the Human Microbiome Project. Here, we report a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of 343 NEAT domains, encoded by Gram-positive bacteria, mostly within the phylum Firmicutes, with the exception of Eggerthella sp. (Actinobacteria) and an unclassified Mollicutes bacterium (Tenericutes). No new NEAT sequences were identified in the HMP dataset. We detected specific groups of NEAT domains based on phylogeny of protein sequences, including a cluster of novel clostridial NEAT domains. We also identified environmental and soil organisms that encode putative NEAT proteins. Biochemical analysis of heme binding by a NEAT domain from a protein encoded by the soil-dwelling organism Paenibacillus polymyxa demonstrated that the domain is homologous in function to NEAT domains encoded by pathogenic bacteria. Together, this study provides the first global bioinformatics analysis and phylogenetic evidence that NEAT domains have a strong conservation of function, despite group-specific differences at the amino acid level. These findings will provide information useful for future projects concerning the structure and function of NEAT domains, particularly in pathogens where they have yet to be studied.
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27
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Dickson CF, Kumar KK, Jacques DA, Malmirchegini GR, Spirig T, Mackay JP, Clubb RT, Guss JM, Gell DA. Structure of the hemoglobin-IsdH complex reveals the molecular basis of iron capture by Staphylococcus aureus. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:6728-6738. [PMID: 24425866 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.545566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus causes life-threatening disease in humans. The S. aureus surface protein iron-regulated surface determinant H (IsdH) binds to mammalian hemoglobin (Hb) and extracts heme as a source of iron, which is an essential nutrient for the bacteria. However, the process of heme transfer from Hb is poorly understood. We have determined the structure of IsdH bound to human Hb by x-ray crystallography at 4.2 Å resolution, revealing the structural basis for heme transfer. One IsdH molecule is bound to each α and β Hb subunit, suggesting that the receptor acquires iron from both chains by a similar mechanism. Remarkably, two near iron transporter (NEAT) domains in IsdH perform very different functions. An N-terminal NEAT domain binds α/β globin through a site distant from the globin heme pocket and, via an intervening structural domain, positions the C-terminal heme-binding NEAT domain perfectly for heme transfer. These data, together with a 2.3 Å resolution crystal structure of the isolated N-terminal domain bound to Hb and small-angle x-ray scattering of free IsdH, reveal how multiple domains of IsdH cooperate to strip heme from Hb. Many bacterial pathogens obtain iron from human hemoglobin using proteins that contain multiple NEAT domains and other domains whose functions are poorly understood. Our results suggest that, rather than acting as isolated units, NEAT domains may be integrated into higher order architectures that employ multiple interaction interfaces to efficiently extract heme from host proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire F Dickson
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Kaavya Krishna Kumar
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - David A Jacques
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Spirig
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Joel P Mackay
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Robert T Clubb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - J Mitchell Guss
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - David A Gell
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
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28
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Ouattara M, Pennati A, Devlin DJ, Huang YS, Gadda G, Eichenbaum Z. Kinetics of heme transfer by the Shr NEAT domains of Group A Streptococcus. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 538:71-9. [PMID: 23993953 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The hemolytic Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a notorious human pathogen. Shr protein of GAS participates in iron acquisition by obtaining heme from host hemoglobin and delivering it to the adjacent receptor on the surface, Shp. Heme is then conveyed to the SiaABC proteins for transport across the membrane. Using rapid kinetic studies, we investigated the role of the two heme binding NEAT modules of Shr. Stopped-flow analysis showed that holoNEAT1 quickly delivered heme to apoShp. HoloNEAT2 did not exhibit such activity; only little and slow transfer of heme from NEAT2 to apoShp was seen, suggesting that Shr NEAT domains have distinctive roles in heme transport. HoloNEAT1 also provided heme to apoNEAT2, by a fast and reversible process. To the best of our knowledge this is the first transfer observed between isolated NEAT domains of the same receptor. Sequence alignment revealed that Shr NEAT domains belong to two families of NEAT domains that are conserved in Shr orthologs from several species. Based on the heme transfer kinetics, we propose that Shr proteins modulate heme uptake according to heme availability by a mechanism where NEAT1 facilitates fast heme delivery to Shp, whereas NEAT2 serves as a temporary storage for heme on the bacterial surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahamoudou Ouattara
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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29
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Vu NT, Moriwaki Y, Caaveiro JMM, Terada T, Tsutsumi H, Hamachi I, Shimizu K, Tsumoto K. Selective binding of antimicrobial porphyrins to the heme-receptor IsdH-NEAT3 of Staphylococcus aureus. Protein Sci 2013; 22:942-53. [PMID: 23649633 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Isd (iron-regulated surface determinant) system of the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for the acquisition of heme from the host organism. We recently reported that the extracellular heme receptor IsdH-NEAT3 captures and transfers noniron antimicrobial porphyrins containing metals in oxidation state (III). However, it is unclear if geometric factors such as the size of the metal (ionic radius) affect binding and transfer of metalloporphyrins. We carried out an ample structural, functional, and thermodynamic analysis of the binding properties of antimicrobial indium(III)-porphyrin, which bears a much larger metal ion than the iron(III) of the natural ligand heme. The results demonstrate that the NEAT3 receptor recognizes the In(III)-containing PPIX in a manner very similar to that of heme. Site-directed mutagenesis identifies Tyr642 as the central element in the recognition mechanism as suggested from the crystal structures. Importantly, the NEAT3 receptor possesses the remarkable ability to capture dimers of metalloporphyrin. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that IsdH-NEAT3 does not require conformational changes, or large rearrangements of the residues within its binding site, to accommodate the much larger (heme)2 ligand. We discuss the implications of these findings for the design of potent inhibitors against this family of key receptors of S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhuan T Vu
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
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Honsa ES, Owens CP, Goulding CW, Maresso AW. The near-iron transporter (NEAT) domains of the anthrax hemophore IsdX2 require a critical glutamine to extract heme from methemoglobin. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:8479-8490. [PMID: 23364793 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.430009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several gram-positive pathogenic bacteria employ near-iron transporter (NEAT) domains to acquire heme from hemoglobin during infection. However, the structural requirements and mechanism of action for NEAT-mediated heme extraction remains unknown. Bacillus anthracis exhibits a rapid growth rate during systemic infection, suggesting that the bacterium expresses efficient iron acquisition systems. To understand how B. anthracis acquires iron from heme sources, which account for 80% of mammalian iron stores, we investigated the properties of the five-NEAT domain hemophore IsdX2. Using a combination of bioinformatics and site-directed mutagenesis, we determined that the heme extraction properties of IsdX2 are dependent on an amino acid with an amide side chain within the 310-helix of the NEAT domain. Additionally, we used a spectroscopic analysis to show that IsdX2 NEAT domains only scavenge heme from methemoglobin (metHb) and that autoxidation of oxyhemoglobin to metHb must occur prior to extraction. We also report the crystal structures of NEAT5 wild type and a Q29T mutant and present surface plasmon resonance data that indicate that the loss of this amide side chain reduces the affinity of the NEAT domain for metHb. We propose a model whereby the amide side chain is first required to drive an interaction with metHb that destabilizes heme, which is subsequently extracted and coordinated in the aliphatic heme-binding environment of the NEAT domain. Because an amino acid with an amide side chain in this position is observed in NEAT domains of several genera of gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, these results suggest that specific targeting of this or nearby residues may be an entry point for inhibitor development aimed at blocking bacterial iron acquisition during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin S Honsa
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Cedric P Owens
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92617
| | - Celia W Goulding
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92617
| | - Anthony W Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
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Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are of profound importance in food production and infection medicine. LAB do not rely on heme (protoheme IX) for growth and are unable to synthesize this cofactor but are generally able to assemble a small repertoire of heme-containing proteins if heme is provided from an exogenous source. These features are in contrast to other bacteria, which synthesize their heme or depend on heme for growth. We here present the cellular function of heme proteins so far identified in LAB and discuss their biogenesis as well as applications of the extraordinary heme physiology of LAB.
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Spirig T, Malmirchegini GR, Zhang J, Robson SA, Sjodt M, Liu M, Krishna Kumar K, Dickson CF, Gell DA, Lei B, Loo JA, Clubb RT. Staphylococcus aureus uses a novel multidomain receptor to break apart human hemoglobin and steal its heme. J Biol Chem 2012; 288:1065-78. [PMID: 23132864 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.419119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of life-threatening infections in the United States. It requires iron to grow, which must be actively procured from its host to successfully mount an infection. Heme-iron within hemoglobin (Hb) is the most abundant source of iron in the human body and is captured by S. aureus using two closely related receptors, IsdH and IsdB. Here we demonstrate that each receptor captures heme using two conserved near iron transporter (NEAT) domains that function synergistically. NMR studies of the 39-kDa conserved unit from IsdH (IsdH(N2N3), Ala(326)-Asp(660)) reveals that it adopts an elongated dumbbell-shaped structure in which its NEAT domains are properly positioned by a helical linker domain, whose three-dimensional structure is determined here in detail. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and heme transfer measurements indicate that IsdH(N2N3) extracts heme from Hb via an ordered process in which the receptor promotes heme release by inducing steric strain that dissociates the Hb tetramer. Other clinically significant Gram-positive pathogens capture Hb using receptors that contain multiple NEAT domains, suggesting that they use a conserved mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Spirig
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the UCLA-Department of Energy Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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Iron-regulated surface determinant (Isd) proteins of Staphylococcus lugdunensis. J Bacteriol 2012; 194:6453-67. [PMID: 23002220 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01195-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus lugdunensis is the only coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species with a locus encoding iron-regulated surface determinant (Isd) proteins. In Staphylococcus aureus, the Isd proteins capture heme from hemoglobin and transfer it across the wall to a membrane-bound transporter, which delivers it into the cytoplasm, where heme oxygenases release iron. The Isd proteins of S. lugdunensis are expressed under iron-restricted conditions. We propose that S. lugdunensis IsdB and IsdC proteins perform the same functions as those of S. aureus. S. lugdunensis IsdB is the only hemoglobin receptor within the isd locus. It specifically binds human hemoglobin with a dissociation constant (K(d)) of 23 nM and transfers heme on IsdC. IsdB expression promotes bacterial growth in an iron-limited medium containing human hemoglobin but not mouse hemoglobin. This correlates with weak binding of IsdB to mouse hemoglobin in vitro. Unlike IsdB and IsdC, the proteins IsdJ and IsdK are not sorted to the cell wall in S. lugdunensis. In contrast, IsdJ expressed in S. aureus and Lactococcus lactis is anchored to peptidoglycan, suggesting that S. lugdunensis sortases may differ in signal recognition or could be defective. IsdJ and IsdK are present in the culture supernatant, suggesting that they could acquire heme from the external milieu. The IsdA protein of S. aureus protects bacteria from bactericidal lipids due to its hydrophilic C-terminal domain. IsdJ has a similar region and protected S. aureus and L. lactis as efficiently as IsdA but, possibly due to its location, was less effective in its natural host.
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Abstract
The metal iron is a limiting nutrient for bacteria during infection. Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax and a potential weapon of bioterrorism, grows rapidly in mammalian hosts, which suggests that it efficiently attains iron during infection. Recent studies have uncovered both heme (isd) and siderophore-mediated (asb) iron transport pathways in this pathogen. Whereas deletion of the asb genes results in reduced virulence, the loss of three surface components from isd had no effect, thereby leaving open the question of what additional factors in B. anthracis are responsible for iron uptake from the most abundant iron source for mammals, heme. Here, we describe the first functional characterization of bas0520, a gene recently implicated in anthrax disease progression. bas0520 encodes a single near-iron transporter (NEAT) domain and several leucine-rich repeats. The NEAT domain binds heme, despite lacking a stabilizing tyrosine common to the NEAT superfamily of hemoproteins. The NEAT domain also binds hemoglobin and can acquire heme from hemoglobin in solution. Finally, deletion of bas0520 resulted in bacilli unable to grow efficiently on heme or hemoglobin as an iron source and yielded the most significant phenotype relative to that for other putative heme uptake systems, a result that suggests that this protein plays a prominent role in the replication of B. anthracis in hematogenous environments. Thus, we have assigned the name of Hal (heme-acquisition leucine-rich repeat protein) to BAS0520. These studies advance our understanding of heme acquisition by this dangerous pathogen and justify efforts to determine the mechanistic function of this novel protein for vaccine or inhibitor development.
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Abstract
Haem is the major iron source for bacteria that develop in higher organisms. In these hosts, bacteria have to cope with nutritional immunity imposed by the host, since haem and iron are tightly bound to carrier and storage proteins. Siderophores were the first recognized fighters in the battle for iron between bacteria and host. They are non-proteinaceus organic molecules having an extremely high affinity for Fe(3+) and able to extract it from host proteins. Haemophores, that display functional analogy with siderophores, were more recently discovered. They are a class of secreted proteins with a high affinity for haem; they are able to extract haem from host haemoproteins and deliver it to specific receptors that internalize haem. In the past few years, a wealth of data has accumulated on haem acquisition systems that are dependent on surface exposed/secreted bacterial proteins. They promote haem transfer from its initial source (in most cases, a eukaryotic haem binding protein) to the transporter that carries out the membrane crossing step. Here we review recent discoveries in this field, with particular emphasis on similar and dissimilar mechanisms in haemophores and siderophores, from the initial host source to the binding protein/receptor at the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Wandersman
- Unité des Membranes Bactériennes, Institut Pasteur, Département de Microbiologie, 25-28, rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France.
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Lu C, Xie G, Liu M, Zhu H, Lei B. Direct heme transfer reactions in the Group A Streptococcus heme acquisition pathway. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37556. [PMID: 22649539 PMCID: PMC3359286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The heme acquisition machinery in Group A Streptococcus (GAS) consists of the surface proteins Shr and Shp and ATP-binding cassette transporter HtsABC. Shp cannot directly acquire heme from methemoglobin (metHb) but directly transfers its heme to HtsA. It has not been previously determined whether Shr directly relays heme from metHb to Shp. Thus, the complete pathway for heme acquisition from metHb by the GAS heme acquisition machinery has remained unclear. In this study, the metHb-to-Shr and Shr-to-Shp heme transfer reactions were characterized by spectroscopy, kinetics and protein-protein interaction analyses. Heme is efficiently transferred from the β and α subunits of metHb to Shr with rates that are 7 and 60 times greater than those of the passive heme release from metHb, indicating that Shr directly acquires heme from metHb. The rapid heme transfer from Shr to Shp involves an initial heme donor/acceptor complex and a spectrally and kinetically detectable transfer intermediate, implying that heme is directly channeled from Shr to Shp. The present results show that Shr speeds up heme transfer from metHb to Shp, whereas Shp speeds up heme transfer from Shr to HtsA. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that Shr can interact with metHb and Shp but not HtsA. Taken together with our published results on the Shp/HtsA reaction, these findings establish a model of the heme acquisition pathway in GAS in which Shr directly extracts heme from metHb and Shp relays it from Shr to HtsA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Lu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Xie
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Mengyao Liu
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HZ); (BL)
| | - Benfang Lei
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HZ); (BL)
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Ekworomadu MT, Poor CB, Owens CP, Balderas MA, Fabian M, Olson JS, Murphy F, Balkabasi E, Honsa ES, He C, Goulding CW, Maresso AW. Differential function of lip residues in the mechanism and biology of an anthrax hemophore. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002559. [PMID: 22412371 PMCID: PMC3297588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To replicate in mammalian hosts, bacterial pathogens must acquire iron. The majority of iron is coordinated to the protoporphyrin ring of heme, which is further bound to hemoglobin. Pathogenic bacteria utilize secreted hemophores to acquire heme from heme sources such as hemoglobin. Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax disease, secretes two hemophores, IsdX1 and IsdX2, to acquire heme from host hemoglobin and enhance bacterial replication in iron-starved environments. Both proteins contain NEAr-iron Transporter (NEAT) domains, a conserved protein module that functions in heme acquisition in Gram-positive pathogens. Here, we report the structure of IsdX1, the first of a Gram-positive hemophore, with and without bound heme. Overall, IsdX1 forms an immunoglobin-like fold that contains, similar to other NEAT proteins, a 310-helix near the heme-binding site. Because the mechanistic function of this helix in NEAT proteins is not yet defined, we focused on the contribution of this region to hemophore and NEAT protein activity, both biochemically and biologically in cultured cells. Site-directed mutagenesis of amino acids in and adjacent to the helix identified residues important for heme and hemoglobin association, with some mutations affecting both properties and other mutations affecting only heme stabilization. IsdX1 with mutations that reduced the ability to associate with hemoglobin and bind heme failed to restore the growth of a hemophore-deficient strain of B. anthracis on hemoglobin as the sole iron source. These data indicate that not only is the 310-helix important for NEAT protein biology, but also that the processes of hemoglobin and heme binding can be both separate as well as coupled, the latter function being necessary for maximal heme-scavenging activity. These studies enhance our understanding of NEAT domain and hemophore function and set the stage for structure-based inhibitor design to block NEAT domain interaction with upstream ligands. Pathogenic bacteria need to acquire host iron to replicate during infection. Approximately 80% of mammalian iron is associated with a small molecule termed heme, most of which is bound to circulating hemoglobin and involved in O2 transport in red cells. Bacteria secrete proteins, termed hemophores, to acquire the heme from hemoglobin, a process thought to accelerate delivery of the heme to the bacterial surface for iron import into the cell. The mechanisms by which hemophores extract host heme from hemoglobin are not known. Here, we report that the IsdX1 hemophore from B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax disease, uses a conserved structural feature to link hemoglobin association with heme binding and extraction, thereby facilitating bacterial growth in low-iron environments. Such “molecular coupling” suggests that specific inhibition of the hemophore-hemoglobin interaction for this class of proteins may serve as a starting point for new anti-infective therapeutics aimed at short-circuiting iron uptake networks in bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- MarCia T. Ekworomadu
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Catherine B. Poor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Cedric P. Owens
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Miriam A. Balderas
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Marian Fabian
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - John S. Olson
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Frank Murphy
- Northeastern Collaborative Access Team, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Erol Balkabasi
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Erin S. Honsa
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Celia W. Goulding
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Anthony W. Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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38
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Owens CP, Du J, Dawson JH, Goulding CW. Characterization of heme ligation properties of Rv0203, a secreted heme binding protein involved in Mycobacterium tuberculosis heme uptake. Biochemistry 2012; 51:1518-31. [PMID: 22283334 DOI: 10.1021/bi2018305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The secreted Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) heme binding protein Rv0203 has been shown to play a role in Mtb heme uptake. In this work, we use spectroscopic (absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance, and magnetic circular dichrosim) methods to further characterize the heme coordination environments of His-tagged and native protein forms, Rv0203-His and Rv0203-notag, respectively. Rv0203-His binds the heme molecule through bis-His coordination and is low-spin in both ferric and ferrous oxidation states. Rv0203-notag is high-spin in both oxidation states and shares spectroscopic similarity with pentacoordinate oxygen-ligated heme proteins. Mutagenesis experiments determined that residues Tyr59, His63, and His89 are required for Rv0203-notag to efficiently bind heme, reinforcing the hypothesis based on our previous structural and mutagenesis studies of Rv0203-His. While Tyr59, His63, and His89 are required for the binding of heme to Rv0203-notag, comparison of the absorption spectra of the Rv0203-notag mutants suggests the heme ligand may be the hydroxyl group of Tyr59, although an exogenous hydroxide cannot be ruled out. Additionally, we measured the heme affinities of Rv0203-His and Rv0203-notag using stopped flow techniques. The rates for binding of heme to Rv0203-His and Rv0203-notag are similar, 115 and 133 μM(-1) s(-1), respectively. However, the heme off rates differ quite dramatically, whereby Rv0203-His gives biphasic dissociation kinetics with fast and slow rates of 0.0019 and 0.0002 s(-1), respectively, and Rv0203-notag has a single off rate of 0.082 s(-1). The spectral and heme binding affinity differences between Rv0203-His and Rv0203-notag suggest that the His tag interferes with heme binding. Furthermore, these results imply that the His tag has the ability to stabilize heme binding as well as alter heme ligand coordination of Rv0203 by providing an unnatural histidine ligand. Moreover, the heme affinity of Rv0203-notag is comparable to that of other heme transport proteins, implying that Rv0203 may act as an extracellular heme transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric P Owens
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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