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Pellegri C, Bouveret E, Houot L. Protein-Protein Interactions: Oxidative Bacterial Two Hybrid. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2715:225-233. [PMID: 37930531 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3445-5_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein interaction studies are essential to understand how proteins organize themselves into interaction networks and thus influence cellular processes. Protein binding specificity depends on the correct three-dimensional folding of the polypeptide sequences. One of the forces involved in the structuring and stability of proteins is the formation of disulfide bonds. These covalent bonds are formed posttranscriptionally by the oxidation of a pair of cysteine residues and can serve structural, catalytic, or signaling roles. Here, we describe an engineered E. coli adenylate cyclase mutant strain with an oxidative cytoplasm that promotes correct folding of proteins with disulfide bonds. This genetic background expands the set of host strains suitable for studying protein-protein interactions in vivo by the adenylate cyclase two-hybrid approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callypso Pellegri
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Bouveret
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Microbiology, Unit Stress, Adaptation and Metabolism in enterobacteria, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 6047, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Houot
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille, France.
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2
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Karimova G, Gauliard E, Davi M, Ouellette SP, Ladant D. Protein-Protein Interaction: Bacterial Two Hybrid. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2715:207-224. [PMID: 37930530 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3445-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial two-hybrid (BACTH, for "Bacterial Adenylate Cyclase-based Two-Hybrid") system is a simple and fast genetic approach to detect and characterize protein-protein interactions in vivo. This system is based on the interaction-mediated reconstitution of a cAMP signaling cascade in Escherichia coli. As BACTH uses a diffusible cAMP messenger molecule, the physical association between the two interacting chimeric proteins can be spatially separated from the transcription activation readout, and therefore, it is possible to analyze protein-protein interactions that occur either in the cytosol or at the inner membrane level as well as those that involve DNA-binding proteins. Moreover, proteins from bacterial origin can be studied in an environment similar (or identical) to their native one. The BACTH system may thus permit a simultaneous functional analysis of the proteins of interest-provided the hybrid proteins retain their activity-and their association state. This chapter describes the principle of the BACTH genetic system and the general procedures to study protein-protein interactions in vivo in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gouzel Karimova
- Unité de Biochimie des Interactions Macromoléculaires, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Emilie Gauliard
- Unité de Biochimie des Interactions Macromoléculaires, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 3528, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Marilyne Davi
- Unité de Biochimie des Interactions Macromoléculaires, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Scot P Ouellette
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Daniel Ladant
- Unité de Biochimie des Interactions Macromoléculaires, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, UMR 3528, Paris, France.
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3
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Pellegri C, Moreau A, Duché D, Houot L. Direct interaction between fd phage pilot protein pIII and the TolQ-TolR proton-dependent motor provides new insights into the import of filamentous phages. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105048. [PMID: 37451481 PMCID: PMC10424213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous phages are one of the simplest examples of viruses with a protein capsid that protects a circular single-stranded DNA genome. The infection is very specific, nonlytic, and can strongly affect the physiology or provide new pathogenic factors to its bacterial host. The infection process is proposed to rely on a pore-forming mechanism similar to that of certain nonenveloped eukaryotic viruses. The Ff coliphages (including M13, fd, and f1) have been intensively studied and were used to establish the sequence of events taking place for efficient crossing of the host envelope structure. However, the mechanism involved in the penetration of the cell inner membrane is not well understood. Here, we identify new host players involved in the phage translocation mechanism. Interaction studies by a combination of in vivo biochemical methods demonstrate that the adhesion protein pIII located at the tip of the phage binds to TolQ and TolR, two proteins that form a conserved proton-dependent molecular motor in the inner membrane of the host cell. Moreover, in vivo cysteine cross-linking studies reveal that the interactions between the pIII and TolQ or TolR occur between their transmembrane helix domains and may be responding to the proton motive force status of the cell. These results allow us to propose a model for the late stage of filamentous phage translocation mediated by multiple interactions with each individual component of the host TolQRA complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callypso Pellegri
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Ambre Moreau
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Denis Duché
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Laetitia Houot
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex, France.
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4
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Borg RE, Ozbakir HF, Xu B, Li E, Fang X, Peng H, Chen IA, Mukherjee A. Genetically engineered filamentous phage for bacterial detection using magnetic resonance imaging. SENSORS & DIAGNOSTICS 2023; 2:948-955. [PMID: 38405385 PMCID: PMC10888512 DOI: 10.1039/d3sd00026e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Detecting bacterial cells with high specificity in deep tissues is challenging. Optical probes provide specificity, but are limited by the scattering and absorption of light in biological tissues. Conversely, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows unfettered access to deep tissues, but lacks contrast agents for detecting specific bacterial strains. Here, we introduce a biomolecular platform that combines both capabilities by exploiting the modularity of M13 phage to target bacteria with tunable specificity and allow deep-tissue imaging using T1-weighted MRI. We engineered two types of phage probes: one for detecting the phage's natural host, viz., F-pilus expressing E. coli; and the other for detecting a different (F-negative) bacterial target, V. cholerae. We show that these phage sensors generate 3-9-fold stronger T1 relaxation upon recognizing target cells relative to non-target bacteria. We further establish a preliminary proof-of-concept for in vivo applications, by demonstrating that phage-labeled bacteria can be detected in mice using MRI. The framework developed in this study may have potential utility in a broad range of applications, from basic biomedical research to in situ diagnostics, which require methods to detect and track specific bacteria in the context of intact living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond E Borg
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Harun F Ozbakir
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Binzhi Xu
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Eugene Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Xiwen Fang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Huan Peng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Irene A Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Biological Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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5
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Molina-Quiroz RC, Camilli A, Silva-Valenzuela CA. Role of Bacteriophages in the Evolution of Pathogenic Vibrios and Lessons for Phage Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1404:149-173. [PMID: 36792875 PMCID: PMC10587905 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-22997-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Viruses of bacteria, i.e., bacteriophages (or phages for short), were discovered over a century ago and have played a major role as a model system for the establishment of the fields of microbial genetics and molecular biology. Despite the relative simplicity of phages, microbiologists are continually discovering new aspects of their biology including mechanisms for battling host defenses. In turn, novel mechanisms of host defense against phages are being discovered at a rapid clip. A deeper understanding of the arms race between bacteria and phages will continue to reveal novel molecular mechanisms and will be important for the rational design of phage-based prophylaxis and therapies to prevent and treat bacterial infections, respectively. Here we delve into the molecular interactions of Vibrio species and phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto C Molina-Quiroz
- Stuart B. Levy Center for Integrated Management of Antimicrobial Resistance (Levy CIMAR), Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Camilli
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Ladant D. A Bacterial Two-Hybrid System for In Vivo Assays of Protein-Protein Interactions and Drug Discovery. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2548:145-167. [PMID: 36151497 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2581-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial adenylate cyclase-based two-hybrid (BACTH) system is a robust and simple genetic assay used to monitor protein-protein interactions in vivo. This system is based on functional complementation between two fragments from the catalytic domain of Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase (AC) to reconstitute a cyclic AMP (cAMP)-signaling cascade in Escherichia coli. Interactions between two chimeric proteins result in the synthesis of cAMP, which activates the transcription of various catabolite operons, leading to selectable phenotypes. One advantageous feature of this signaling cascade is that the physical association between the two interacting hybrid proteins is spatially separated from the transcriptional activation readout. Consequently, the BACTH system can detect protein-protein interactions occurring at various subcellular localizations. The system has been used to characterize interactions between soluble or membrane proteins of prokaryotic, eukaryotic, or viral origin. The BACTH assay can be used to uncover the region(s), domain(s), or amino acid residue(s) of a protein involved in an interaction with a specific partner. The BACTH system can also be adapted for the high-throughput screening of small molecules able to interfere with protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ladant
- Unité de Biochimie des Interactions Macromoléculaires, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, CNRS UMR 3528, Institut Pasteur, Paris Cedex 15, France.
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Bioengineering of Bordetella pertussis Adenylate Cyclase Toxin for Vaccine Development and Other Biotechnological Purposes. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13020083. [PMID: 33499260 PMCID: PMC7911819 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The adenylate cyclase toxin, CyaA, is one of the key virulent factors produced by Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough. This toxin primarily targets innate immunity to facilitate bacterial colonization of the respiratory tract. CyaA exhibits several remarkable characteristics that have been exploited for various applications in vaccinology and other biotechnological purposes. CyaA has been engineered as a potent vaccine vehicle to deliver antigens into antigen-presenting cells, while the adenylate cyclase catalytic domain has been used to design a robust genetic assay for monitoring protein-protein interactions in bacteria. These two biotechnological applications are briefly summarized in this chapter.
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Fiedoruk K, Zakrzewska M, Daniluk T, Piktel E, Chmielewska S, Bucki R. Two Lineages of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Filamentous Phages: Structural Uniformity over Integration Preferences. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:1765-1781. [PMID: 32658245 PMCID: PMC7549136 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa filamentous (Pf) bacteriophages are important factors contributing to the pathogenicity of this opportunistic bacterium, including biofilm formation and suppression of bacterial phagocytosis by macrophages. In addition, the capacity of Pf phages to form liquid crystal structures and their high negative charge density makes them potent sequesters of cationic antibacterial agents, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics or host antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, Pf phages have been proposed as a potential biomarker for risk of antibiotic resistance development. The majority of studies describing biological functions of Pf viruses have been performed with only three of them: Pf1, Pf4, and Pf5. However, our analysis revealed that Pf phages exist as two evolutionary lineages (I and II), characterized by substantially different structural/morphogenesis properties, despite sharing the same integration sites in the host chromosomes. All aforementioned model Pf phages are members of the lineage I. Hence, it is reasonable to speculate that their interactions with P. aeruginosa and impact on its pathogenicity may be not completely extrapolated to the lineage II members. Furthermore, in order to organize the present numerical nomenclature of Pf phages, we propose a more informative approach based on the insertion sites, that is, Pf-tRNA-Gly, -Met, -Sec, -tmRNA, and -DR (direct repeats), which are fully compatible with one of five types of tyrosine integrases/recombinases XerC/D carried by these viruses. Finally, we discuss possible evolutionary mechanisms behind this division and consequences from the perspective of virus-virus, virus-bacterium, and virus-human interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zakrzewska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
| | - Tamara Daniluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
| | - Sylwia Chmielewska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
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Decoupling Filamentous Phage Uptake and Energy of the TolQRA Motor in Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00428-19. [PMID: 31636109 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00428-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous phages are nonlytic viruses that specifically infect bacteria, establishing a persistent association with their host. The phage particle has no machinery for generating energy and parasitizes its host's existing structures in order to cross the bacterial envelope and deliver its genetic material. The import of filamentous phages across the bacterial periplasmic space requires some of the components of a macrocomplex of the envelope known as the Tol system. This complex uses the energy provided by the proton motive force (pmf) of the inner membrane to perform essential and highly energy-consuming functions of the cell, such as envelope integrity maintenance and cell division. It has been suggested that phages take advantage of pmf-driven conformational changes in the Tol system to transit across the periplasm. However, this hypothesis has not been formally tested. In order to decouple the role of the Tol system in cell physiology and during phage parasitism, we used mutations on conserved essential residues known for inactivating pmf-dependent functions of the Tol system. We identified impaired Tol complexes that remain fully efficient for filamentous phage uptake. We further demonstrate that the TolQ-TolR homologous motor ExbB-ExbD, normally operating with the TonB protein, is able to promote phage infection along with full-length TolA.IMPORTANCE Filamentous phages are widely distributed symbionts of Gram-negative bacteria, with some of them being linked to genome evolution and virulence of their host. However, the precise mechanism that permits their uptake across the cell envelope is poorly understood. The canonical phage model Fd requires the TolQRA protein complex in the host envelope, which is suspected to translocate protons across the inner membrane. In this study, we show that phage uptake proceeds in the presence of the assembled but nonfunctional TolQRA complex. Moreover, our results unravel an alternative route for phage import that relies on the ExbB-ExbD proteins. This work provides new insights into the fundamental mechanisms of phage infection and might be generalized to other filamentous phages responsible for pathogen emergence.
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Gutierrez-Rodarte M, Kolappan S, Burrell BA, Craig L. The Vibrio cholerae minor pilin TcpB mediates uptake of the cholera toxin phage CTXφ. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:15698-15710. [PMID: 31471320 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Virulent strains of the bacterial pathogen Vibrio cholerae cause the diarrheal disease cholera by releasing cholera toxin into the small intestine. V. cholerae acquired its cholera toxin genes by lysogenic infection with the filamentous bacteriophage CTXφ. CTXφ uses its minor coat protein pIII, located in multiple copies at the phage tip, to bind to the V. cholerae toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP). However, the molecular details of this interaction and the mechanism of phage internalization are not well-understood. The TCP filament is a polymer of major pilins, TcpA, and one or more minor pilin, TcpB. TCP are retractile, with both retraction and assembly initiated by TcpB. Consistent with these roles in pilus dynamics, we hypothesized that TcpB controls both binding and internalization of CTXφ. To test this hypothesis, we determined the crystal structure of the C-terminal half of TcpB and characterized its interactions with CTXφ pIII. We show that TcpB is a homotrimer in its crystallographic form as well as in solution and is present in multiple copies at the pilus tip, which likely facilitates polyvalent binding to pIII proteins at the phage tip. We further show that recombinant forms of TcpB and pIII interact in vitro, and both TcpB and anti-TcpB antibodies block CTXφ infection of V. cholerae Finally, we show that CTXφ uptake requires TcpB-mediated retraction. Our data support a model whereby CTXφ and TCP bind in a tip-to-tip orientation, allowing the phage to be drawn into the V. cholerae periplasm as an extension of the pilus filament.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Gutierrez-Rodarte
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Subramania Kolappan
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Bailey A Burrell
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Lisa Craig
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
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Tol Energy-Driven Localization of Pal and Anchoring to the Peptidoglycan Promote Outer-Membrane Constriction. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:3275-3288. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Lobo M, Balouz V, Melli L, Carlevaro G, Cortina ME, Cámara MDLM, Cánepa GE, Carmona SJ, Altcheh J, Campetella O, Ciocchini AE, Agüero F, Mucci J, Buscaglia CA. Molecular and antigenic characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi TolT proteins. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007245. [PMID: 30870417 PMCID: PMC6435186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background TolT was originally described as a Trypanosoma cruzi molecule that accumulated on the trypomastigote flagellum bearing similarity to bacterial TolA colicins receptors. Preliminary biochemical studies indicated that TolT resolved in SDS-PAGE as ~3–5 different bands with sizes between 34 and 45 kDa, and that this heterogeneity could be ascribed to differences in polypeptide glycosylation. However, the recurrent identification of TolT-deduced peptides, and variations thereof, in trypomastigote proteomic surveys suggested an intrinsic TolT complexity, and prompted us to undertake a thorough reassessment of this antigen. Methods/Principle findings Genome mining exercises showed that TolT constitutes a larger-than-expected family of genes, with at least 12 polymorphic members in the T. cruzi CL Brener reference strain and homologs in different trypanosomes. According to structural features, TolT deduced proteins could be split into three robust groups, termed TolT-A, TolT-B, and TolT-C, all of them showing marginal sequence similarity to bacterial TolA proteins and canonical signatures of surface localization/membrane association, most of which were herein experimentally validated. Further biochemical and microscopy-based characterizations indicated that this grouping may have a functional correlate, as TolT-A, TolT-B and TolT-C molecules showed differences in their expression profile, sub-cellular distribution, post-translational modification(s) and antigenic structure. We finally used a recently developed fluorescence magnetic beads immunoassay to validate a recombinant protein spanning the central and mature region of a TolT-B deduced molecule for Chagas disease serodiagnosis. Conclusion/Significance This study unveiled an unexpected genetic and biochemical complexity within the TolT family, which could be exploited for the development of novel T. cruzi biomarkers with diagnostic/therapeutic applications. Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a lifelong and debilitating neglected illness of major significance in Latin America, for which no vaccine or adequate drugs are yet available. Identification of novel biomarkers able to transcend the current limits of diagnostic and/or therapeutic assessment methods hence surfaces as a main priority in Chagas disease applied research. In this framework, we herein undertook a thorough biochemical and antigenic characterization of T. cruzi TolT surface antigens. Our results unveil an unexpected complexity within this family, with at least 12 polymorphic TolT genes in the T. cruzi CL Brener reference strain genome. According to structural features, TolT deduced molecules could be split into three robust groups that show differences in their structural features, expression profile, sub-cellular distribution, post-translational modification(s) and antigenic structure. Overall, we show that TolT molecules are conspicuously expressed by both major mammal-dwelling stages of the parasite, and that they are differentially recognized by the immune system in Chagasic patients and in T. cruzi-infected mammals. Our findings are discussed in terms of the evolution and possible structural/functional roles of TolT molecules, as well as in terms of their applicability in Chagas disease serodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Lobo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia Balouz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciano Melli
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Giannina Carlevaro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María E. Cortina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María de los Milagros Cámara
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gaspar E. Cánepa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago J. Carmona
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jaime Altcheh
- Servicio de Parasitología-Chagas, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Oscar Campetella
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrés E. Ciocchini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernán Agüero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Mucci
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail: (JM); (CAB)
| | - Carlos A. Buscaglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas “Dr Rodolfo Ugalde” (IIB-INTECh, Universidad Nacional de San Martín and CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail: (JM); (CAB)
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Duché D, Houot L. Similarities and Differences between Colicin and Filamentous Phage Uptake by Bacterial Cells. EcoSal Plus 2019; 8. [PMID: 30681066 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0030-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria have evolved a complex envelope to adapt and survive in a broad range of ecological niches. This physical barrier is the first line of defense against noxious compounds and viral particles called bacteriophages. Colicins are a family of bactericidal proteins produced by and toxic to Escherichia coli and closely related bacteria. Filamentous phages have a complex structure, composed of at least five capsid proteins assembled in a long thread-shaped particle, that protects the viral DNA. Despite their difference in size and complexity, group A colicins and filamentous phages both parasitize multiprotein complexes of their sensitive host for entry. They first bind to a receptor located at the surface of the target bacteria before specifically recruiting components of the Tol system to cross the outer membrane and find their way through the periplasm. The Tol system is thought to use the proton motive force of the inner membrane to maintain outer membrane integrity during the life cycle of the cell. This review describes the sequential docking mechanisms of group A colicins and filamentous phages during their uptake by their bacterial host, with a specific focus on the translocation step, promoted by interactions with the Tol system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Duché
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université-CNRS, 13402 Marseille, France
| | - Laetitia Houot
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université- CNRS, 13402 Marseille, France
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Egan AJF. Bacterial outer membrane constriction. Mol Microbiol 2018; 107:676-687. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. F. Egan
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences; Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clarke Building; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
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