Pasteurella multocida Toxin-induced Activation of RhoA Is Mediated via Two Families of Gα Proteins, Gαq and Gα12/13

Gαq modulates the energy metabolism of osteoclasts

Introduction

The bacterial protein toxin Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) mediates RANKL-independent osteoclast differentiation. Although these osteoclasts are smaller, their resorptive activity is high which helps in efficient destruction of nasal turbinate bones of pigs.

Methods

The proteome of bone marrow-derived macrophages differentiated into osteoclasts with either RANKL or PMT was analysed. The results were verified by characterizing the metabolic activity using Seahorse analysis, a protein translation assay, immunoblots, real-time PCR as well as flow cytometry-based monitoring of mitochondrial activity and ROS production. A Gαq overexpression system using ER-Hoxb8 cells was used to identify Gαq-mediated metabolic effects on osteoclast differentiation and function.

Results

PMT induces the upregulation of metabolic pathways, which included strong glycolytic activity, increased expression of GLUT1 and upregulation of the mTOR pathway. As OxPhos components were expressed more efficiently, cells also displayed increased mitochondrial respiration. The heterotrimeric G protein Gαq plays a central role in this hypermetabolic cell activation as it triggers mitochondrial relocalisation of pSerSTAT3 and an increase in OPA1 expression. This seems to be caused by a direct interaction between STAT3 and OPA1 resulting in enhanced mitochondrial respiration. Overexpression of Gαq mimicked the hypermetabolic phenotype observed for PMT-induced osteoclasts and resulted in higher glycolytic and mitochondrial activity as well as increased bone resorptive activity. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients showed an increase in GNAQ expression, especially in the synovial fluid.

Discussion

Our study suggests that Gαq plays a key role in PMT-induced osteoclastogenesis. Enhanced expression of GNAQ at the site of inflammation in RA patients indicates its pathophysiological relevance in the context of inflammatory bone disorders.

Genome wide CRISPR screen for Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) binding proteins reveals LDL Receptor Related Protein 1 (LRP1) as crucial cellular receptor

PMT is a protein toxin produced by Pasteurella multocida serotypes A and D. As causative agent of atrophic rhinitis in swine, it leads to rapid degradation of the nasal turbinate bone. The toxin acts as a deamidase to modify a crucial glutamine in heterotrimeric G proteins, which results in constitutive activation of the G proteins and permanent stimulation of numerous downstream signaling pathways. Using a lentiviral based genome wide CRISPR knockout screen in combination with a lethal toxin chimera, consisting of full length inactive PMT and the catalytic domain of diphtheria toxin, we identified the LRP1 gene encoding the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related protein 1 as a critical host factor for PMT function. Loss of LRP1 reduced PMT binding and abolished the cellular response and deamidation of heterotrimeric G proteins, confirming LRP1 to be crucial for PMT uptake. Expression of LRP1 or cluster 4 of LRP1 restored intoxication of the knockout cells. In summary our data demonstrate LRP1 as crucial host entry factor for PMT intoxication by acting as its primary cell surface receptor.

Bacterial protein MakA causes suppression of tumour cell proliferation via inhibition of PIP5K1α/Akt signalling

Recently, we demonstrated that a novel bacterial cytotoxin, the protein MakA which is released by Vibrio cholerae, is a virulence factor, causing killing of Caenorhabditis elegans when the worms are grazing on the bacteria. Studies with mammalian cell cultures in vitro indicated that MakA could affect eukaryotic cell signalling pathways involved in lipid biosynthesis. MakA treatment of colon cancer cells in vitro caused inhibition of growth and loss of cell viability. These findings prompted us to investigate possible signalling pathways that could be targets of the MakA-mediated inhibition of tumour cell proliferation. Initial in vivo studies with MakA producing V. cholerae and C. elegans suggested that the MakA protein might target the PIP5K1α phospholipid-signalling pathway in the worms. Intriguingly, MakA was then found to inhibit the PIP5K1α lipid-signalling pathway in cancer cells, resulting in a decrease in PIP5K1α and pAkt expression. Further analyses revealed that MakA inhibited cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and induced p27 expression, resulting in G2/M cell cycle arrest. Moreover, MakA induced downregulation of Ki67 and cyclin D1, which led to inhibition of cell proliferation. This is the first report about a bacterial protein that may target signalling involving the cancer cell lipid modulator PIP5K1α in colon cancer cells, implying an anti-cancer effect.

Discovery of anti-inflammatory physiological peptides that promote tissue repair by reinforcing epithelial barrier formation

Epithelial barriers that prevent dehydration and pathogen invasion are established by tight junctions (TJs), and their disruption leads to various inflammatory diseases and tissue destruction. However, a therapeutic strategy to overcome TJ disruption in diseases has not been established because of the lack of clinically applicable TJ-inducing molecules. Here, we found TJ-inducing peptides (JIPs) in mice and humans that corresponded to 35 to 42 residue peptides of the C terminus of alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT), an acute-phase anti-inflammatory protein. JIPs were inserted into the plasma membrane of epithelial cells, which promoted TJ formation by directly activating the heterotrimeric G protein G13. In a mouse intestinal epithelial injury model established by dextran sodium sulfate, mouse or human JIP administration restored TJ integrity and strongly prevented colitis. Our study has revealed TJ-inducing anti-inflammatory physiological peptides that play a critical role in tissue repair and proposes a previously unidentified therapeutic strategy for TJ-disrupted diseases.

In Vivo Targets of Pasteurella Multocida Toxin

Many Pasteurella multocida strains are carried as commensals, while some cause disease in animals and humans. Some type D strains cause atrophic rhinitis in pigs, where the causative agent is known to be the Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT). PMT activates three families of G-proteins—G_q/11, G_12/13, and G_i/o—leading to cellular mitogenesis and other sequelae. The effects of PMT on whole animals in vivo have been investigated previously, but only at the level of organ-specific pathogenesis. We report here the first study to screen all the organs targeted by the toxin by using the QE antibody that recognizes only PMT-modified G-proteins. Under our experimental conditions, short-term treatment of PMT is shown to have multiple in vivo targets, demonstrating G-alpha protein modification, stimulation of proliferation markers and expression of active β-catenin in a tissue- and cell-specific manner. This highlights the usefulness of PMT as an important tool for dissecting the specific roles of different G-alpha proteins in vivo.

Heterotrimeric G Proteins as Therapeutic Targets in Drug Discovery

Heterotrimeric G proteins are molecular switches in GPCR signaling pathways and regulate a plethora of physiological and pathological processes. GPCRs are efficient drug targets, and more than 30% of the drugs in use target them. However, selectively targeting an individual GPCR may be undesirable in various multifactorial diseases in which multiple receptors are involved. In addition, abnormal activation or expression of G proteins is frequently associated with diseases. Furthermore, G proteins harboring mutations often result in malignant diseases. Thus, targeting G proteins instead of GPCRs might provide alternative approaches for combating these diseases. In this review, we discuss the biochemistry of heterotrimeric G proteins, describe the G protein-associated diseases, and summarize the currently known modulators that can regulate the activities of G proteins. The outlook for targeting G proteins to treat diverse diseases is also included in this manuscript.

Activation of Gq signaling by Pasteurella multocida toxin inhibits the osteoblastogenic-like actions of Activin A in C2C12 myoblasts, a cell model of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

The human disease fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare and highly disabling disorder of extensive heterotopic bone growth that is caused by a point mutation (R206H) in the activation domain of Alk2, a BMP (bone morphogenic protein) type 1 receptor. The mutation leads to extensive BMP-signaling induced by Activin A, which is normally an antagonist for wildtype receptors, resulting in excessive and uncontrolled bone formation. Here, we studied the effects of Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT), which activates osteoclasts and inhibits osteoblast activity, in C2C12 myoblasts expressing the mutant Alk2(R206H) receptor as model of FOP. In our study, we mainly used alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as marker to determine osteoblast differentiation. BMP-4 stimulated an increase in ALP activity in C2C12-Alk2wt and C2C12-Alk2(R206H) cells. By contrast, Activin A only induced ALP activity in C2C12-Alk2(R206H) cells. In both cases, PMT acted as a potent inhibitor of ALP activity. PMT-induced inhibition of ALP activity was paralleled by a constitutive activation of the heterotrimeric G_q protein. Expression of a permanently active Gα_q blocked Activin A/Alk2(R206H)-dependent increase in ALP activity. Inactivation of G_q by specific inhibitor FR900359 blocked the PMT effect. Similarly, canonical second messengers and effectors of Gα_q (e.g. ionophore A23187-induced increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ and activation of PKC by PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate)) inhibited Alk2(R206H)-mediated induction of ALP activity. Notably, Activin A-induced increase in ALP activity in C2C12-Alk2(R206H) cells was also inhibited by stimulation of the α_1A-adrenoceptor, which couples to Gα_q, by phenylephrine. PMT did not alter tail phosphorylation of the major downstream effectors of the Alk2 receptor, Smad1/5/9; neither did the toxin affect nuclear translocation of the Smad-complex. However, PMT diminished BMP responsive element-induced gene expression. The data indicate that PMT potently inhibits the induction of osteoblast markers in a FOP model via activation of G proteins. Moreover, our findings indicate that activation of G protein-coupled receptors and of G protein signaling might be a rationale for pharmacological therapy of FOP.

G-Alpha Subunit Abundance and Activity Differentially Regulate β-Catenin Signaling

Heterotrimeric G proteins are signal transduction proteins involved in regulating numerous signaling events. In particular, previous studies have demonstrated a role for G-proteins in regulating β-catenin signaling. However, the link between G-proteins and β-catenin signaling is controversial and appears to depend on G-protein specificity. We describe a detailed analysis of a link between specific G-alpha subunits and β-catenin using G-alpha subunit genetic knockout and knockdown approaches. The Pasteurella multocida toxin was utilized as a unique tool to activate G-proteins, with LiCl treatment serving as a β-catenin signaling agonist. The results show that Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) significantly enhanced LiCl-induced active β-catenin levels in HEK293T cells and mouse embryo fibroblasts. Evaluation of the effect of specific G-alpha proteins on the regulation of β-catenin showed that G_q/11 and G_12/13 knockout cells had significantly higher levels of active and total β-catenin than wild-type cells. The stimulation of active β-catenin by PMT and LiCl was lost upon both constitutive and transient knockdown of G₁₂ and G₁₃ but not G_q Based on our results, we conclude that endogenous G-alpha proteins are negative regulators of active β-catenin; however, PMT-activated G-alpha subunits positively regulate LiCl-induced β-catenin expression in a G_12/13-dependent manner. Hence, G-alpha subunit regulation of β-catenin is context dependent.

Rational design of a heterotrimeric G protein α subunit with artificial inhibitor sensitivity

Transmembrane signals initiated by a range of extracellular stimuli converge on members of the Gq family of heterotrimeric G proteins, which relay these signals in target cells. Gq family G proteins comprise Gq, G11, G14, and G16, which upon activation mediate their cellular effects via inositol lipid–dependent and –independent signaling to control fundamental processes in mammalian physiology. To date, highly specific inhibition of Gq/11/14 signaling can be achieved only with FR900359 (FR) and YM-254890 (YM), two naturally occurring cyclic depsipeptides. To further development of FR or YM mimics for other Gα subunits, we here set out to rationally design Gα16 proteins with artificial FR/YM sensitivity by introducing an engineered depsipeptide-binding site. Thereby we permit control of G16 function through ligands that are inactive on the WT protein. Using CRISPR/Cas9-generated Gαq/Gα11-null cells and loss- and gain-of-function mutagenesis along with label-free whole-cell biosensing, we determined the molecular coordinates for FR/YM inhibition of Gq and transplanted these to FR/YM-insensitive G16. Intriguingly, despite having close structural similarity, FR and YM yielded biologically distinct activities: it was more difficult to perturb Gq inhibition by FR and easier to install FR inhibition onto G16 than perturb or install inhibition with YM. A unique hydrophobic network utilized by FR accounted for these unexpected discrepancies. Our results suggest that non-Gq/11/14 proteins should be amenable to inhibition by FR scaffold–based inhibitors, provided that these inhibitors mimic the interaction of FR with Gα proteins harboring engineered FR-binding sites.

Involvement of Osteocytes in the Action of Pasteurella multocida Toxin

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) causes progressive atrophic rhinitis with severe turbinate bone degradation in pigs. It has been reported that the toxin deamidates and activates heterotrimeric G proteins, resulting in increased differentiation of osteoclasts and blockade of osteoblast differentiation. So far, the action of PMT on osteocytes, which is the most abundant cell type in bone tissue, is not known. In MLO-Y4 osteocytes, PMT deamidated heterotrimeric G proteins, resulting in loss of osteocyte dendritic processes, stress fiber formation, cell spreading and activation of RhoC but not of RhoA. Moreover, the toxin caused processing of membrane-bound receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) to release soluble RANKL and enhanced the secretion of osteoclastogenic TNF-α. In a co-culture model of osteocytes and bone marrow cells, PMT-induced osteoclastogenesis was largely increased as compared to the mono-culture model. The enhancement of osteoclastogenesis observed in the co-culture was blocked by sequestering RANKL with osteoprotegerin and by an antibody against TNF-α indicating involvement of release of the osteoclastogenic factors from osteocytes. Data support the crucial role of osteocytes in bone metabolism and osteoclastogenesis and identify osteocytes as important target cells of PMT in progressive atrophic rhinitis.

Cytosolic Delivery of Multidomain Cargos by the N Terminus of Pasteurella multocida Toxin

The zoonotic pathogen Pasteurella multocida produces a 146-kDa modular toxin (PMT) that enters host cells and manipulates intracellular signaling through action on its Gα protein targets. The N terminus of PMT (PMT-N) mediates cellular uptake through receptor-mediated endocytosis, followed by the delivery of the C-terminal catalytic domain from acidic endosomes into the cytosol. The putative native cargo of PMT consists of a 710-residue polypeptide with three distinct modular subdomains (C1-C2-C3), where C1 contains a membrane localization domain (MLD), C2 has an as-yet-undefined function, and C3 catalyzes the deamidation of a specific active-site glutamine residue in Gα protein targets. However, whether the three cargo subdomains are delivered intact or undergo further proteolytic processing during or after translocation from the late endosome is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that PMT-N mediates the delivery of its native C-terminal cargo as a single polypeptide, corresponding to C1-C2-C3, including the MLD, with no evidence of cleavage between subdomains. We show that PMT-N also delivers nonnative green fluorescent protein (GFP) cargo into the cytosol, further supporting that the receptor-binding and translocation functions reside within PMT-N. Our findings further show that PMT-N can deliver C1-C2 alone but that the presence of C1-C2 is important for the cytosolic delivery of the catalytic C3 subdomain by PMT-N. In addition, we further refine the minimum C3 domain required for intracellular activity as comprising residues 1105 to 1278. These findings reinforce that PMT-N serves as the cytosolic delivery vehicle for C-terminal cargo and demonstrate that its native cargo is delivered intact as C1-C2-C3.

Selective Membrane Redistribution and Depletion of Gαq-Protein by Pasteurella multocida Toxin

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT), the major virulence factor responsible for zoonotic atrophic rhinitis, is a protein deamidase that activates the alpha subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins. Initial activation of G alpha-q-coupled phospholipase C-beta-1 signaling by PMT is followed by uncoupling of G alpha-q-dependent signaling, causing downregulation of downstream calcium and mitogenic signaling pathways. Here, we show that PMT decreases endogenous and exogenously expressed G alpha-q protein content in host cell plasma membranes and in detergent resistant membrane (DRM) fractions. This membrane depletion of G alpha-q protein was dependent upon the catalytic activity of PMT. Results indicate that PMT-modified G alpha-q redistributes within the host cell membrane from the DRM fraction into the soluble membrane and cytosolic fractions. In contrast, PMT had no affect on G alpha-s or G beta protein levels, which are not substrate targets of PMT. PMT also had no affect on G alpha-11 levels, even though G alpha-11 can serve as a substrate for deamidation by PMT, suggesting that membrane depletion of PMT-modified G-alpha-q has specificity.

The GNA13-RhoA signaling axis suppresses expression of tumor protective Kallikreins

Gα13 (encoded by GNA13 gene) is the alpha subunit of a heterotrimeric G-protein that mediates signaling through specific G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Increased GNA13 expression has been observed in metastatic breast cancer cells. Recently, we have shown that enhanced GNA13 signaling in MCF-10a cells, a benign breast cancer cell line increased its invasiveness. Previous studies have reported that Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs 1-15) are down-regulated in breast tumors and may have a tumor protective function. However, the mechanisms that lead to the down-regulation of KLK genes in breast cancer are yet to be elucidated. We found that enhanced GNA13 signaling represses KLK gene expression in breast cancer, and undertook examination of the mechanisms involved. A microarray analysis revealed down-regulation of several members of the Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLK) gene family, namely KLK5, KLK6, KLK7, KLK8 and KLK10, in MCF-10a lines with enhanced GNA13 protein expression. Using real-time PCR and promoter analysis, we identified that the mRNA expression and promoter activities of these KLKs are suppressed upon enforced expression of GNA13 in MCF-10a cells. Using Rhotekin pull-down assays, we identified that GNA13 suppressed Rho-A activation and protein levels in MCF-10a cells. Blocking Rho-A activation using C3-toxin or by inhibiting its down-stream effector, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), reduced the above-mentioned KLK mRNAs in MCF-10A cells. Importantly, in a metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-157, knock down of GNA13 alone was sufficient to induce the expression KLK mRNAs. Taken together, our findings suggested that enhanced GNA13 signaling down-regulates KLK gene transcription. The ability of enhanced GNA13 signaling to suppress KLK gene expression appears at least in part due to the ability of enhanced GNA13 signaling to negatively impact Rho/ROCK-signaling.

Cardiac cAMP: production, hydrolysis, modulation and detection

Cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) modulates a broad range of biological processes including the regulation of cardiac myocyte contractile function where it constitutes the main second messenger for β-adrenergic receptors' signaling to fulfill positive chronotropic, inotropic and lusitropic effects. A growing number of studies pinpoint the role of spatial organization of the cAMP signaling as an essential mechanism to regulate cAMP outcomes in cardiac physiology. Here, we will briefly discuss the complexity of cAMP synthesis and degradation in the cardiac context, describe the way to detect it and review the main pharmacological arsenal to modulate its availability.

Noncanonical G-protein-dependent modulation of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption mediated by Pasteurella multocida toxin

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) induces atrophic rhinitis in animals, which is characterized by a degradation of nasal turbinate bones, indicating an effect of the toxin on bone cells such as osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The underlying molecular mechanism of PMT was defined as a persistent activation of heterotrimeric G proteins by deamidation of a specific glutamine residue. Here, we show that PMT acts directly on osteoclast precursor cells such as bone marrow-derived CD14⁺ monocytes and RAW246.7 cells to induce osteoclastogenesis as measured by expression of osteoclast-specific markers such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and bone resorption activity. Treatment performed solely with PMT stimulates osteoclast differentiation, showing a receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-independent action of the toxin. The underlying signal transduction pathway was defined as activation of the heterotrimeric G proteins Gα_q/11 leading to the transactivation of Ras and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Gα_q/11 transactivates Ras via its effector phospholipase Cβ-protein kinase C (PKC) involving proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2). PMT-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway results in stimulation of the osteoclastogenic transcription factors AP-1, NF-κB, and NFATc1. In addition, Ca²⁺-dependent calcineurin activation of NFAT is crucial for PMT-induced osteoclastogenesis. The data not only elucidate a rationale for PMT-dependent bone loss during atrophic rhinitis but also highlight a noncanonical, G-protein-dependent pathway toward bone resorption that is distinct from the RANKL-RANK pathway but mimics it. We define heterotrimeric G proteins as as-yet-underestimated entities/players in the maturation of osteoclasts which might be of pharmacological relevance.

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) induces degradation of nasal turbinate bones, leading to the syndrome of atrophic rhinitis. Recently, the molecular mechanism and substrate specificity of PMT were identified. The toxin activates heterotrimeric G proteins by a covalent modification. However, the mechanism by which PMT induces bone degradation is poorly understood. Our report demonstrates a direct effect of PMT on osteoclast precursor cells, leading to maturation of bone-degrading osteoclasts. Interestingly, PMT stimulates osteoclastogenesis independently of the cytokine RANKL, which is a key factor in induction of osteoclast differentiation. This implicates a noncanonical osteoclastogenic signaling pathway induced by PMT. The elucidated Gα_q/11-dependent osteoclastogenic signal transduction pathway ends in osteoclastogenic NFAT signaling. The noncanonical, heterotrimeric G protein-dependent osteoclast differentiation process may be of pharmacological relevance, as members of this pathway are highly druggable. In particular, modulation of G protein-coupled receptor activity in osteoclast progenitors by small molecules might be of specific interest.

What a difference a Dalton makes: bacterial virulence factors modulate eukaryotic host cell signaling systems via deamidation

Pathogenic bacteria commonly deploy enzymes to promote virulence. These enzymes can modulate the functions of host cell targets. While the actions of some enzymes can be very obvious (e.g., digesting plant cell walls), others have more subtle activities. Depending on the lifestyle of the bacteria, these subtle modifications can be crucially important for pathogenesis. In particular, if bacteria rely on a living host, subtle mechanisms to alter host cellular function are likely to dominate. Several bacterial virulence factors have evolved to use enzymatic deamidation as a subtle posttranslational mechanism to modify the functions of host protein targets. Deamidation is the irreversible conversion of the amino acids glutamine and asparagine to glutamic acid and aspartic acid, respectively. Interestingly, all currently characterized bacterial deamidases affect the function of the target protein by modifying a single glutamine residue in the sequence. Deamidation of target host proteins can disrupt host signaling and downstream processes by either activating or inactivating the target. Despite the subtlety of this modification, it has been shown to cause dramatic, context-dependent effects on host cells. Several crystal structures of bacterial deamidases have been solved. All are members of the papain-like superfamily and display a cysteine-based catalytic triad. However, these proteins form distinct structural subfamilies and feature combinations of modular domains of various functions. Based on the diverse pathogens that use deamidation as a mechanism to promote virulence and the recent identification of multiple deamidases, it is clear that this enzymatic activity is emerging as an important and widespread feature in bacterial pathogenesis.

Implications of non-canonical G-protein signaling for the immune system

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), which consist of three subunits α, β, and γ, function as molecular switches to control downstream effector molecules activated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The GTP/GDP binding status of Gα transmits information about the ligand binding state of the GPCR to intended signal transduction pathways. In immune cells heterotrimeric G proteins impact signal transduction pathways that directly, or indirectly, regulate cell migration, activation, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. The cells of the innate and adaptive immune system abundantly express chemoattractant receptors and lesser amounts of many other types of GPCRs. But heterotrimeric G-proteins not only function in classical GPCR signaling, but also in non-canonical signaling. In these pathways the guanine exchange factor (GEF) exerted by a GPCR in the canonical pathway is replaced or supplemented by another protein such as Ric-8A. In addition, other proteins such as AGS3-6 can compete with Gβγ for binding to GDP bound Gα. This competition can promote Gβγ signaling by freeing Gβγ from rapidly rebinding GDP bound Gα. The proteins that participate in these non-canonical signaling pathways will be briefly described and their role, or potential one, in cells of the immune system will be highlighted.

Signaling cascades of Pasteurella multocida toxin in immune evasion

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is a protein toxin found in toxigenic strains of Pasteurella multocida. PMT is the causative agent for atrophic rhinitis in pigs, a disease characterized by loss of nasal turbinate bones due to an inhibition of osteoblast function and an increase in osteoclast activity and numbers. Apart from this, PMT acts as a strong mitogen, protects from apoptosis and has an impact on the differentiation and function of immune cells. Many signaling pathways have been elucidated, however, the effect of these signaling cascades as a means to subvert the host’s immune system are just beginning to unravel.

Pasteurella multocida: from zoonosis to cellular microbiology

In a world where most emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in nature and our contacts with both domestic and wild animals abound, there is growing awareness of the potential for human acquisition of animal diseases. Like other Pasteurellaceae, Pasteurella species are highly prevalent among animal populations, where they are often found as part of the normal microbiota of the oral, nasopharyngeal, and upper respiratory tracts. Many Pasteurella species are opportunistic pathogens that can cause endemic disease and are associated increasingly with epizootic outbreaks. Zoonotic transmission to humans usually occurs through animal bites or contact with nasal secretions, with P. multocida being the most prevalent isolate observed in human infections. Here we review recent comparative genomics and molecular pathogenesis studies that have advanced our understanding of the multiple virulence mechanisms employed by Pasteurella species to establish acute and chronic infections. We also summarize efforts being explored to enhance our ability to rapidly and accurately identify and distinguish among clinical isolates and to control pasteurellosis by improved development of new vaccines and treatment regimens.

Pasteurella multocida toxin prevents osteoblast differentiation by transactivation of the MAP-kinase cascade via the Gα(q/11)--p63RhoGEF--RhoA axis

The 146-kDa Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is the main virulence factor to induce P. multocida-associated progressive atrophic rhinitis in various animals. PMT leads to a destruction of nasal turbinate bones implicating an effect of the toxin on osteoblasts and/or osteoclasts. The toxin induces constitutive activation of Gα proteins of the G_q/11-, G_12/13- and G_i-family by deamidating an essential glutamine residue. To study the PMT effect on bone cells, we used primary osteoblasts derived from rat calvariae and stromal ST-2 cells as differentiation model. As marker of functional osteoblasts the expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase, formation of mineralization nodules or expression of specific transcription factors as osterix was determined. Here, we show that the toxin inhibits differentiation and/or function of osteoblasts by activation of Gα_q/11. Subsequently, Gα_q/11 activates RhoA via p63RhoGEF, which specifically interacts with Gα_q/11 but not with other G proteins like Gα_12/13 and Gα_i. Activated RhoA transactivates the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade via Rho kinase, involving Ras, MEK and ERK, resulting in inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. PMT-induced inhibition of differentiation was selective for the osteoblast lineage as adipocyte-like differentiation of ST-2 cells was not hampered. The present work provides novel insights, how the bacterial toxin PMT can control osteoblastic development by activating heterotrimeric G proteins of the Gα_q/11-family and is a molecular pathogenetic basis for understanding the role of the toxin in bone loss during progressive atrophic rhinitis induced by Pasteurella multocida.

Pasteurella multocida causes as a facultative pathogen various diseases in men and animals. One induced syndrome is atrophic rhinitis, which is a form of osteopenia, mainly characterized by facial distortion due to degradation of nasal turbinate bones. Strains, which especially affect bone tissue, produce the protein toxin P. multocida toxin (PMT). Importantly, PMT alone is capable to induce all symptoms of atrophic rhinitis. To cause osteopenia PMT influences the development and/or activity of specialized bone cells like osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Recently, we could identify the molecular mechanism of PMT. The toxin constitutively activates certain heterotrimeric G proteins by deamidation. Here, we studied the effect of PMT on the differentiation of osteoblasts. We demonstrate the direct action of PMT on osteoblasts and osteoblast-like cells and as a consequence inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation. Moreover, we revealed the underlying signal transduction pathway to impair proper osteoblast development. We show that PMT activates small GTPases in a Gα_q/11 dependent manner via a non-ubiquitously expressed RhoGEF. In turn the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is transactivated leading to inhibition of osteoblastogenesis. Our findings present a mechanism how PMT hijacks host cell signaling pathways to hinder osteoblast development, which contributes to the syndrome of atrophic rhinitis.

Pasteurella multocida toxin as a transporter of non-cell-permeating proteins

The protein toxin Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is the causative agent of atrophic rhinitis in pigs, leading to atrophy of the nasal turbinate bones by affecting osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The mechanism of PMT-induced intoxication is a deamidation of α-subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins, including Gαq, Gα13, and Gαi, thereby causing persistent activation of the G proteins. Here we utilized PMT as a transporter of the non-cell-permeating A domain of diphtheria toxin (DTa). Fusion proteins of PMT and DTa ADP-ribosylated elongation factor 2, the natural target of diphtheria toxin, leading to cell toxicity. PMT-DTa effects were competed by PMT, indicating binding to the same cell surface receptor. Fluorescently labeled PMT-DTa and PMT colocalized with specific markers of early and late endosomes. Bafilomycin A, which inhibits vacuolar H(+)-ATPase, blocked PMT-DTa-induced intoxication of HEK-293 cells. By constructing various PMT-DTa chimeras, we identified a minimal region of PMT necessary for uptake of DTa. The data suggest that PMT is able to transport cargo proteins into eukaryotic cells by utilizing the PMT-specific uptake route.

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) upregulates CTGF which leads to mTORC1 activation in Swiss 3T3 cells

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is a mitogenic protein that hijacks cellular signal transduction pathways via deamidation of heterotrimeric G proteins. We previously showed that rPMT activates mTOR signaling via a Gαq/11/PLCβ/PKC mediated pathway, leading in part to cell proliferation and migration. Herein, we show that mTOR and MAPK, but not membrane-associated tyrosine kinases, are activated in serum-starved 3T3 cells by an autocrine/paracrine substance(s) secreted into the conditioned medium following rPMT treatment. Surprisingly, this diffusible factor(s) is capable of activating mTOR and MAPK pathways even in MEF Gαq/11 double knockout cells. Microarray analysis identified connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA as the most upregulated gene in rPMT-treated serum-starved 3T3 cells relative to untreated cells. These results were further confirmed using RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. In accord with rPMT-induced mTOR activation, upregulation of CTGF protein was observed in WT MEF, but not in Gαq/11 double knockout MEF cells. Although CTGF expression is regulated by TGFβ, rPMT did not activate TGFβ pathway. In addition, MEK inhibitors U0126 or PD98059, but not mTOR specific inhibitors, rapamycin and Torin 1, inhibited rPMT-induced upregulation of CTGF. Importantly, CTGF overexpression in serum-starved 3T3 cells using adenovirus led to phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6, a downstream target of mTOR. However, despite the ability of CTGF to activate the mTOR pathway, upregulation of CTGF alone could not induce morphological changes as those observed in rPMT-treated cells. Our findings reveal that CTGF plays an important role, but there are additional factors involved in the mitogenic action of PMT.

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) plays a role in Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT)-induced protein synthesis and proliferation in Swiss 3T3 cells

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is a potent mitogen known to activate several signaling pathways via deamidation of a conserved glutamine residue in the α subunit of heterotrimeric G-proteins. However, the detailed mechanism behind mitogenic properties of PMT is unknown. Herein, we show that PMT induces protein synthesis, cell migration, and proliferation in serum-starved Swiss 3T3 cells. Concomitantly PMT induces phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K1) and its substrate, ribosomal S6 protein (rpS6), in quiescent 3T3 cells. The extent of the phosphorylation is time and PMT concentration dependent, and is inhibited by rapamycin and Torin1, the two specific inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Interestingly, PMT-mediated mTOR signaling activation was observed in MEF WT but not in Gα(q/11) knock-out cells. These observations are consistent with the data indicating that PMT-induced mTORC1 activation proceeds via the deamidation of Gα(q/11), which leads to the activation of PLCβ to generate diacylglycerol and inositol trisphosphate, two known activators of the PKC pathway. Exogenously added diacylglycerol or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, known activators of PKC, leads to rpS6 phosphorylation in a rapamycin-dependent manner. Furthermore, PMT-induced rpS6 phosphorylation is inhibited by PKC inhibitor, Gö6976. Although PMT induces epidermal growth factor receptor activation, it exerts no effect on PMT-induced rpS6 phosphorylation. Together, our findings reveal for the first time that PMT activates mTORC1 through the Gα(q/11)/PLCβ/PKC pathway. The fact that PMT-induced protein synthesis and cell migration is partially inhibited by rapamycin indicates that these processes are in part mediated by the mTORC1 pathway.

Substrate specificity of Pasteurella multocida toxin for α subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins

Pasteurella multocida is the causative agent of a number of epizootic and zoonotic diseases. Its major virulence factor associated with atrophic rhinitis in animals and dermonecrosis in bite wounds is P. multocida toxin (PMT). PMT stimulates signal transduction pathways downstream of heterotrimeric G proteins, leading to effects such as mitogenicity, blockade of apoptosis, or inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. On the basis of Gα(i2), it was demonstrated that the toxin deamidates an essential glutamine residue of the Gα(i2) subunit, leading to constitutive activation of the G protein. Here, we studied the specificity of PMT for its G-protein targets by mass spectrometric analyses and by utilizing a monoclonal antibody, which recognizes specifically G proteins deamidated by PMT. The studies revealed deamidation of 3 of 4 families of heterotrimeric G proteins (Gα(q/11), Gα(i1,2,3), and Gα(12/13) of mouse or human origin) by PMT but not by a catalytic inactive toxin mutant. With the use of G-protein fragments and chimeras of responsive or unresponsive G proteins, the structural basis for the discrimination of heterotrimeric G proteins was studied. Our results elucidate substrate specificity of PMT on the molecular level and provide evidence for the underlying structural reasons of substrate discrimination.

Modification of heterotrimeric G-proteins in Swiss 3T3 cells stimulated with Pasteurella multocida toxin

Many bacterial toxins covalently modify components of eukaryotic signalling pathways in a highly specific manner, and can be used as powerful tools to decipher the function of their molecular target(s). The Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) mediates its cellular effects through the activation of members of three of the four heterotrimeric G-protein families, G(q), G(12) and G(i). PMT has been shown by others to lead to the deamidation of recombinant Gα(i) at Gln-205 to inhibit its intrinsic GTPase activity. We have investigated modification of native Gα subunits mediated by PMT in Swiss 3T3 cells using 2-D gel electrophoresis and antibody detection. An acidic change in the isoelectric point was observed for the Gα subunit of the G(q) and G(i) families following PMT treatment of Swiss 3T3 cells, which is consistent with the deamidation of these Gα subunits. Surprisingly, PMT also induced a similar modification of Gα(11), a member of the G(q) family of G-proteins that is not activated by PMT. Furthermore, an alkaline change in the isoelectric point of Gα(13) was observed following PMT treatment of cells, suggesting differential modification of this Gα subunit by PMT. G(s) was not affected by PMT treatment. Prolonged treatment with PMT led to a reduction in membrane-associated Gα(i), but not Gα(q). We also show that PMT inhibits the GTPase activity of G(q).

Regulation of Toll-like receptor 4-mediated immune responses through Pasteurella multocida toxin-induced G protein signalling

Background

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-signalling belongs to the key innate defence mechanisms upon infection with Gram-negative bacteria and triggers the subsequent activation of adaptive immunity. There is an active crosstalk between TLR4-mediated and other signalling cascades to secure an effective immune response, but also to prevent excessive inflammation. Many pathogens induce signalling cascades via secreted factors that interfere with TLR signalling to modify and presumably escape the host response. In this context heterotrimeric G proteins and their coupled receptors have been recognized as major cellular targets. Toxigenic strains of Gram-negative Pasteurella multocida produce a toxin (PMT) that constitutively activates the heterotrimeric G proteins Gα_q, Gα₁₃ and Gα_i independently of G protein-coupled receptors through deamidation. PMT is known to induce signalling events involved in cell proliferation, cell survival and cytoskeleton rearrangement.

Results

Here we show that the activation of heterotrimeric G proteins through PMT suppresses LPS-stimulated IL-12p40 production and eventually impairs the T cell-activating ability of LPS-treated monocytes. This inhibition of TLR4-induced IL-12p40 expression is mediated by Gα_i-triggered signalling as well as by Gβγ-dependent activation of PI3kinase and JNK.

Taken together we propose the following model: LPS stimulates TLR4-mediated activation of the NFĸB-pathway and thereby the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12p40. PMT inhibits the production of IL-12p40 by Gα_i-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase and cAMP accumulation and by Gβγ-mediated activation of PI3kinase and JNK activation.

Conclusions

On the basis of the experiments with PMT this study gives an example of a pathogen-induced interaction between G protein-mediated and TLR4-triggered signalling and illustrates how a bacterial toxin is able to interfere with the host’s immune response.

Rho/ROCK-dependent inhibition of 3T3-L1 adipogenesis by G-protein-deamidating dermonecrotic toxins: differential regulation of Notch1, Pref1/Dlk1, and β-catenin signaling

The dermonecrotic toxins from Pasteurella multocida (PMT), Bordetella (DNT), Escherichia coli (CNF1-3), and Yersinia (CNFY) modulate their G-protein targets through deamidation and/or transglutamination of an active site Gln residue, which results in activation of the G protein and its cognate downstream signaling pathways. Whereas DNT and the CNFs act on small Rho GTPases, PMT acts on the α subunit of heterotrimeric G_q, G_i, and G_12/13 proteins. We previously demonstrated that PMT potently blocks adipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation in a calcineurin-independent manner through downregulation of Notch1 and stabilization of β-catenin and Pref1/Dlk1, key proteins in signaling pathways strongly linked to cell fate decisions, including fat and bone development. Here, we report that similar to PMT, DNT, and CNF1 completely block adipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation by preventing upregulation of adipocyte markers, PPARγ and C/EBPα, while stabilizing the expression of Pref1/Dlk1 and β-catenin. We show that the Rho/ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 prevented or reversed these toxin-mediated effects, strongly supporting a role for Rho/ROCK signaling in dermonecrotic toxin-mediated inhibition of adipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation. Toxin treatment was also accompanied by downregulation of Notch1 expression, although this inhibition was independent of Rho/ROCK signaling. We further show that PMT-mediated downregulation of Notch1 expression occurs primarily through G_12/13 signaling. Our results reveal new details of the pathways involved in dermonecrotic toxin action on adipocyte differentiation, and the role of Rho/ROCK signaling in mediating toxin effects on Wnt/β-catenin and Notch1 signaling, and in particular the role of G_q and G_12/13 in mediating PMT effects on Rho/ROCK and Notch1 signaling.

Toxin-induced RhoA activity mediates CCL1-triggered signal transducers and activators of transcription protein signaling

RhoA is reportedly involved in signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-dependent transcription. However, the pathway connecting the GTPase and STAT signaling has not been characterized. Here, we made use of bacterial toxins, which directly activate Rho GTPases to analyze this pathway. Cytotoxic necrotizing factors (CNFs) are produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli strains and by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. They activate small GTPases of the Rho family by deamidation of a glutamine, which is crucial for GTP hydrolysis. We show that RhoA activation leads to phosphorylation and activation of STAT3 and identify signal proteins involved in this pathway. RhoA-dependent STAT3 stimulation requires ROCK and Jun kinase activation as well as AP1-induced protein synthesis. The secretion of one or more factors activates the JAK-STAT pathway in an auto/paracrine manner. We identify CCL1/I-309 as an essential cytokine, which is produced and secreted upon RhoA activation and which is able to activate STAT3-dependent signaling pathways.

Bacterial protein toxins and lipids: role in toxin targeting and activity

All bacterial toxins, which globally are hydrophilic proteins, interact first with their target cells by recognizing a surface receptor, which is either a lipid or a lipid derivative, or another compound but in a lipid environment. Intracellular active toxins follow various trafficking pathways, the sorting of which is greatly dependent on the nature of the receptor, notably lipidic receptor or receptor embedded into a distinct environment such as lipid microdomains. Numerous other toxins act locally on cell membrane. Indeed, phospholipase activity is a common mechanism shared by several membrane-damaging toxins. In addition, many toxins active intracellularly or on cell membrane modulate host cell phospholipid pathways. Unusually, a few bacterial toxins require a lipid post-translational modification to be active. Thereby, lipids are obligate partners of bacterial toxins.

The Pasteurella multocida toxin: a new paradigm for the link between bacterial infection and cancer

The concept that bacterial infection could cause cancer has only recently become accepted because of the strong epidemiological and molecular evidence for a major carcinogenic role played by Helicobacter pylori. However, information on other potential bacterial carcinogens is very limited and thereby unconvincing. A different approach is to assess bacteria for potentially pro-carcinogenic properties. The Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) has many properties that mark it out as a potential carcinogen. PMT is a highly potent mitogen and has been demonstrated to block apoptosis. PMT modifies and activates members of three of the four families of heterotrimeric G-proteins, all of which have potential roles in carcinogenesis. Many signalling components downstream of these G-proteins are known proto-oncogenes and have been shown to be activated by PMT. These include, amongst others, the Rho GTPase, focal adhesion kinase, cyclooxygenase-2, β-catenin signalling and calcium signalling. PMT action potentially influences many of the acquired Hanahan/Weinberg capabilities necessary for oncogenic transformation. Although there is little evidence that PMT might have a role in human cancer, it serves as an important and novel paradigm for a bacterial link to cancer.

Pasteurella multocida and immune cells

Pasteurella multocida was first discovered by Perroncito in 1878 and named after Louis Pasteur who first isolated and described this Gram-negative bacterium as the cause of fowl disease in 1880. Subsequently, P. multocida was also found to cause atrophic rhinitis in pigs, haemorrhagic septicaemia in cattle and respiratory diseases in many other animals. Among other factors such as lipopolysaccharide, outer membrane proteins and its capsule, the protein toxin (PMT) of P. multocida is an important virulence factor that determines the immunological response of the host's immune system. However, the exact molecular mechanisms taking place in cells of the innate and adaptive immune system are largely unknown for any of these virulence factors. Due to the obvious function of PMT on cells of the porcine skeletal system where it causes bone destruction, PMT was regarded as an osteolytic protein toxin. However, it remained unclear what the actual benefit for the bacteria would be. Recently, more attention was drawn to the osteoimmunological effects of PMT and the interplay between bone and immune cells. This review summarises the knowledge of effects of P. multocida virulence factors on the host's immune system.

Swine atrophic rhinitis caused by pasteurella multocida toxin and bordetella dermonecrotic toxin

Atrophic rhinitis is a widespread and economically important swine disease caused by Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica. The disease is characterized by atrophy of the nasal turbinate bones, which results in a shortened and deformed snout in severe cases. P. multocida toxin and B. bronchiseptica dermonecrotic toxin have been considered to independently or cooperatively disturb the osteogenesis of the turbinate bone by inhibiting osteoblastic differentiation and/or stimulating bone resorption by osteoclasts. Recently, the intracellular targets and molecular actions of both toxins have been clarified, enabling speculation on the intracellular signals leading to the inhibition of osteogenesis.

Pasteurella multocida toxin interaction with host cells: entry and cellular effects

The mitogenic dermonecrotic toxin from Pasteurella multocida (PMT) is a 1285-residue multipartite protein that belongs to the A-B family of bacterial protein toxins. Through its G-protein-deamidating activity on the α subunits of heterotrimeric G(q)-, G(i)- and G(12/13)-proteins, PMT potently stimulates downstream mitogenic, calcium, and cytoskeletal signaling pathways. These activities lead to pleiotropic effects in different cell types, which ultimately result in cellular proliferation, while inhibiting cellular differentiation, and account for the myriad of physiological outcomes observed during infection with toxinogenic strains of P. multocida.

Molecular biology of Pasteurella multocida toxin

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is the causative agent of progressive atrophic rhinitis in swine. The 146 kDa single-chain toxin harbours discrete domains important for receptor binding, internalisation and biological activity. The molecular basis of the toxin's activity is the deamidation of a specific glutamine residue in the α-subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins. This results in an inhibition of the inherent GTPase activity leading to a constitutively active phenotype of the G protein. Due to the ability of the toxin to act on various families of heterotrimeric G proteins, a large subset of signal transduction pathways is stimulated.

Membrane interaction of Pasteurella multocida toxin involves sphingomyelin

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is an AB toxin that causes pleiotropic effects in targeted host cells. The N-terminus of PMT (PMT-N) is considered to harbor the membrane receptor binding and translocation domains responsible for mediating cellular entry and delivery of the C-terminal catalytic domain into the host cytosol. Previous studies have implicated gangliosides as the host receptors for PMT binding. To gain further insight into the binding interactions involved in PMT binding to cell membranes, we explored the role of various membrane components in PMT binding, utilizing four different approaches: (a) TLC-overlay binding experiments with (125) I-labeled PMT, PMT-N or the C-terminus of PMT; (b) pull-down experiments using reconstituted membrane liposomes with full-length PMT; (c) surface plasmon resonance analysis of PMT-N binding to reconstituted membrane liposomes; (d) and surface plasmon resonance analysis of PMT-N binding to HEK-293T cell membranes without or with sphingomyelinase, phospholipase D or trypsin treatment. The results obtained revealed that, in our experimental system, full-length PMT and PMT-N did not bind to gangliosides, including monoasialogangliosides GM(1) , GM(2) or GM(3) , but instead bound to membrane phospholipids, primarily the abundant sphingophospholipid sphingomyelin or phosphatidylcholine with other lipid components. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the importance of sphingomyelin for PMT binding to membranes and suggest the involvement of a protein co-receptor.

Cellular and molecular action of the mitogenic protein-deamidating toxin from Pasteurella multocida

The mitogenic toxin from Pasteurella multocida (PMT) is a member of the dermonecrotic toxin family, which includes toxins from Bordetella, Escherichia coli and Yersinia. Members of the dermonecrotic toxin family modulate G-protein targets in host cells through selective deamidation and/or transglutamination of a critical active site Gln residue in the G-protein target, which results in the activation of intrinsic GTPase activity. Structural and biochemical data point to the uniqueness of PMT among these toxins in its structure and action. Whereas the other dermonecrotic toxins act on small Rho GTPases, PMT acts on the α subunits of heterotrimeric G(q) -, G(i) - and G(12/13) -protein families. To date, experimental evidence supports a model in which PMT potently stimulates various mitogenic and survival pathways through the activation of G(q) and G(12/13) signaling, ultimately leading to cellular proliferation, whilst strongly inhibiting pathways involved in cellular differentiation through the activation of G(i) signaling. The resulting cellular outcomes account for the global physiological effects observed during infection with toxinogenic P. multocida, and hint at potential long-term sequelae that may result from PMT exposure.

Bacterial protein toxins that modify host regulatory GTPases

Many bacterial pathogens produce protein toxins to outmanoeuvre the immune system of the host. Some of these proteins target regulatory GTPases such as those belonging to the RHO family, which control the actin cytoskeleton of the host cell. In this Review, I discuss a diversity of mechanisms that are used by bacterial effectors and toxins to modulate the activity of host GTPases, with a focus on covalent modifications such as ADP-ribosylation, glucosylation, adenylylation, proteolysis, deamidation and transglutamination.

Enzymatic actions of Pasteurella multocida toxin detected by monoclonal antibodies recognizing the deamidated α subunit of the heterotrimeric GTPase Gq

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is a virulence factor responsible for the pathogenesis of some Pasteurellosis. PMT exerts its toxic effects through the activation of heterotrimeric GTPase (G(q), G(12/13) and G(i))-dependent pathways, by deamidating a glutamine residue in the α subunit of these GTPases. However, the enzymatic characteristics of PMT are yet to be analyzed in detail because the deamidation has only been observed in cell-based assays. In the present study, we developed rat monoclonal antibodies, specifically recognizing the deamidated Gα(q), to detect the actions of PMT by immunological techniques such as western blotting. Using the monoclonal antibodies, we found that the toxin deamidated Gα(q) only under reducing conditions. The C-terminal region of PMT, C-PMT, was more active than the full-length PMT. The C3 domain possessing the enzyme core catalyzed the deamidation in vitro without any other domains. These results not only support previous observations on toxicity, but also provide insights into the enzymatic nature of PMT. In addition, we present several lines of evidence that Gα(11), as well as Gα(q), could be a substrate for PMT.

Pasteurella multocida Toxin-induced Pim-1 expression disrupts suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-1 activity

Pasteurella multocida Toxin (PMT) is a mitogenic protein toxin that manipulates signal transduction cascades of mammalian host cells and upregulates Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducers of transcription (STAT) activity. Here we show that in the presence of PMT, increased levels of suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 (SOCS-1) proteins significantly enhance STAT activity. This occurs via PMT-induced expression of the serine/threonine kinase Pim-1 and subsequent threonine phosphorylation of SOCS-1. The ability of SOCS-1 to act as an E3 ubiquitin ligase is regulated by its phosphorylation status. Thus, the tyrosine kinase JAK2 cannot be marked for proteasomal degradation by threonine phosphorylated SOCS-1. Consequently, the expression levels of JAK2 are increased, eventually leading to hyperactivity of JAK2 and its target, the transcription factor STAT3. Eventually this causes increased anchorage-independent cell growth that correlates with the expression levels of SOCS-1. Interestingly, endogenous SOCS-1 production after Toll-like receptor activation also causes STAT3 hyperactivation. Thus we hypothesize that P. multocida Toxin alters host cell signalling using mechanisms that have so far only been known to be employed by oncogenic viral kinases to avoid host immune defence mechanisms.

Recent insights into Pasteurella multocida toxin and other G-protein-modulating bacterial toxins

Over the past few decades, our understanding of the bacterial protein toxins that modulate G proteins has advanced tremendously through extensive biochemical and structural analyses. This article provides an updated survey of the various toxins that target G proteins, ending with a focus on recent mechanistic insights in our understanding of the deamidating toxin family. The dermonecrotic toxin from Pasteurella multocida (PMT) was recently added to the list of toxins that disrupt G-protein signal transduction through selective deamidation of their targets. The C3 deamidase domain of PMT has no sequence similarity to the deamidase domains of the dermonecrotic toxins from Escherichia coli (cytotoxic necrotizing factor [CNF]1-3), Yersinia (CNFY) and Bordetella (dermonecrotic toxin). The structure of PMT-C3 belongs to a family of transglutaminase-like proteins, with active site Cys-His-Asp catalytic triads distinct from E. coli CNF1.

Pasteurella multocida toxin-stimulated osteoclast differentiation is B cell dependent

Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative bacillus that infects a number of wild and domestic animals, causing respiratory diseases. Toxigenic Pasteurella multocida strains produce a protein toxin (PMT) that leads to atrophic rhinitis in swine due to enhanced osteoclastogenesis and the inhibition of osteoblast function. We show that PMT-induced osteoclastogenesis is promoted by an as-yet-uncharacterized B-cell population. The toxin, however, is not acting at the level of hematopoietic stem cells, since purified CD117(+) cells from murine hematopoietic progenitor cells cultivated with PMT did not mature into osteoclasts. The early macrophages contained within this cell population (CD117(+)/CD11b(+)) did not further differentiate into osteoclasts but survived and were able to phagocytose. Within the CD117(-) population, however, we detected PMT-induced generation of a B220(+)/CD19(+) and B220(+)/IgM(+) B-cell population that was able to take up fluorescently labeled PMT. Using purified B-cell and macrophage populations, we show that these B cells are needed to efficiently generate osteoclasts from macrophages. Cells of the immune system are thought to affect osteoclast formation and function by secreting cytokines and growth factors. We show here that PMT-stimulated B cells produce elevated levels of the osteoclastogenic factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and receptor activator of nuclear factor receptor ligand (RANKL) compared to B cells generated through incubation with IL-7. These results suggest that the osteoclastic properties characteristic for PMT may result from a cross talk between bone cells and lymphoid cells and that B cells might be an important target of Pasteurella multocida.

Characterization of the membrane-targeting C1 domain in Pasteurella multocida toxin

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is a virulence factor responsible for the pathogenesis of some forms of pasteurellosis. The toxin activates G(q)- and G(12/13)-dependent pathways through the deamidation of a glutamine residue in the alpha-subunit of heterotrimeric GTPases. We recently reported the crystal structure of the C terminus (residues 575-1285) of PMT (C-PMT), which is composed of three domains (C1, C2, and C3), and that the C1 domain is involved in the localization of C-PMT to the plasma membrane, and the C3 domain possesses a cysteine protease-like catalytic triad. In this study, we analyzed the membrane-targeting function of the C1 domain in detail. The C1 domain consists of seven helices of which the first four (residues 590-670), showing structural similarity to the N terminus of Clostridium difficile toxin B, were found to be involved in the recruitment of C-PMT to the plasma membrane. C-PMT lacking these helices (C-PMT DeltaC1(4H)) neither localized to the plasma membrane nor stimulated the G(q/12/13)-dependent signaling pathways. When the membrane-targeting property was complemented by a peptide tag with an N-myristoylation motif, C-PMT DeltaC1(4H) recovered the PMT activity. Direct binding between the C1 domain and liposomes containing phospholipids was evidenced by surface plasmon resonance analyses. These results indicate that the C1 domain of C-PMT functions as a targeting signal for the plasma membrane.

Pasteurella multocida toxin activates various heterotrimeric G proteins by deamidation

Pasteurella multocida produces a 146-kDa protein toxin (Pasteurella multocida toxin, PMT), which stimulates diverse cellular signal transduction pathways by activating heterotrimeric G proteins. PMT deamidates a conserved glutamine residue of the α-subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins that is essential for GTP-hydrolysis, thereby arresting the G protein in the active state. The toxin substrates are Gα(q) Gα(13) and the Gα(i)-family proteins. Activation of these α-subunits causes stimulation of phospholipase Cβ, Rho-guanine nucleotide exchange factors or inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. This article provides the current knowledge on PMT concerning the structure-function analysis based on the crystal structure and recently elucidated molecular mode of action. Furthermore, the impact of PMT on cellular signaling is discussed.

Muscarinic receptor subtypes mediating Ca2+ sensitization of intestinal smooth muscle contraction: studies with receptor knockout mice

In the present study, we have characterized muscarinic receptor subtypes that mediate carbachol-induced Ca2+ sensitization of contraction in intestinal smooth muscle, using mutant mice lacking M(2) or M(3) muscarinic receptors or both receptor subtypes. In alpha-toxin-permeabilized muscle strips from wild-type (WT) mice, isometric tension responses to Ca2+ applied cumulatively (pCa 7.0-5.0) were increased when the muscarinic agonist carbachol (100 microM) was added to the medium, as judged from shifts of pCa-tension curves in both 50% effective concentration (EC(50)) and maximum response (E(max)) of pCa-tension curve. In preparations from M(2)-knockout (KO) mice, pCa-tension curves were also shifted by carbachol (100 microM), and the extents of the EC(50) and E(max) changes resembled those observed in preparations from WT mice. In preparations from M(3)-KO or M(2)/M(3)-double KO mice, however, no significant changes in pCa-tension curves were obtained after carbachol application. The G(q/11)-type G-protein inhibitor YM-254890 (1 microM) completely blocked the Ca2+ sensitization of contraction induced by carbachol in M(2)-KO or WT preparations. The results strongly support the idea that the muscarinic activation of Ca2+ sensitization in intestinal smooth muscles is mediated by the M(3) muscarinic receptor coupled to G(q/11)-type G-proteins, without any significant involvement of the other muscarinic receptor subtypes including M(2).

Protease activated receptor signaling is required for African trypanosome traversal of human brain microvascular endothelial cells

Background

Using human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) as an in vitro model for how African trypanosomes cross the human blood-brain barrier (BBB) we recently reported that the parasites cross the BBB by generating calcium activation signals in HBMECs through the activity of parasite cysteine proteases, particularly cathepsin L (brucipain). In the current study, we examined the possible role of a class of protease stimulated HBMEC G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) known as protease activated receptors (PARs) that might be implicated in calcium signaling by African trypanosomes.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Using RNA interference (RNAi) we found that in vitro PAR-2 gene (F2RL1) expression in HBMEC monolayers could be reduced by over 95%. We also found that the ability of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense to cross F2RL1-silenced HBMEC monolayers was reduced (39%–49%) and that HBMECs silenced for F2RL1 maintained control levels of barrier function in the presence of the parasite. Consistent with the role of PAR-2, we found that HBMEC barrier function was also maintained after blockade of Gα_q with Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT). PAR-2 signaling has been shown in other systems to have neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective roles and our data implicate a role for proteases (i.e. brucipain) and PAR-2 in African trypanosome/HBMEC interactions. Using gene-profiling methods to interrogate candidate HBMEC pathways specifically triggered by brucipain, several pathways that potentially link some pathophysiologic processes associated with CNS HAT were identified.

Conclusions/Significance

Together, the data support a role, in part, for GPCRs as molecular targets for parasite proteases that lead to the activation of Gα_q-mediated calcium signaling. The consequence of these events is predicted to be increased permeability of the BBB to parasite transmigration and the initiation of neuroinflammation, events precursory to CNS disease.

Human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, occurs when single-cell trypanosome protozoan parasites spread from the blood to brain over the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier is composed of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) especially designed to keep pathogens out. Safe drugs for treating sleeping sickness are lacking and alternative treatments are urgently required. Using our human BMEC BBB model, we previously found that a parasite protease, brucipain, induced calcium activation signals that allowed this barrier to open up to parasite crossing. Because human BMECs express protease-activated receptors (PARs) that trigger calcium signals in BMECs, we hypothesized a functional link between parasite brucipain and BMEC PARs. Utilizing RNA interference to block the production of one type of PAR called PAR-2, we hindered the ability of trypanosomes to both open up and cross human BMECs. Using gene-profiling methods to interrogate candidate BMEC pathways specifically triggered by brucipain, several pathways that potentially link brain inflammatory processes were identified, a finding congruent with the known role of PAR-2 as a mediator of inflammation. Overall, our data support a role for brucipain and BMEC PARs in trypanosome BBB transmigration, and as potential triggers for brain inflammation associated with the disease.

Drosophila embryos as model systems for monitoring bacterial infection in real time

Drosophila embryos are well studied developmental microcosms that have been used extensively as models for early development and more recently wound repair. Here we extend this work by looking at embryos as model systems for following bacterial infection in real time. We examine the behaviour of injected pathogenic (Photorhabdus asymbiotica) and non-pathogenic (Escherichia coli) bacteria and their interaction with embryonic hemocytes using time-lapse confocal microscopy. We find that embryonic hemocytes both recognise and phagocytose injected wild type, non-pathogenic E. coli in a Dscam independent manner, proving that embryonic hemocytes are phagocytically competent. In contrast, injection of bacterial cells of the insect pathogen Photorhabdus leads to a rapid 'freezing' phenotype of the hemocytes associated with significant rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. This freezing phenotype can be phenocopied by either injection of the purified insecticidal toxin Makes Caterpillars Floppy 1 (Mcf1) or by recombinant E. coli expressing the mcf1 gene. Mcf1 mediated hemocyte freezing is shibire dependent, suggesting that endocytosis is required for Mcf1 toxicity and can be modulated by dominant negative or constitutively active Rac expression, suggesting early and unexpected effects of Mcf1 on the actin cytoskeleton. Together these data show how Drosophila embryos can be used to track bacterial infection in real time and how mutant analysis can be used to genetically dissect the effects of specific bacterial virulence factors.

Pasteurella multocida toxin activation of heterotrimeric G proteins by deamidation

Pasteurella multocida toxin is a major virulence factor of Pasteurella multocida, which causes pasteurellosis in men and animals and atrophic rhinitis in rabbits and pigs. The approximately 145 kDa protein toxin stimulates various signal transduction pathways by activating heterotrimeric G proteins of the Galpha(q), Galpha(i), and Galpha(12/13) families by using an as yet unknown mechanism. Here, we show that Pasteurella multocida toxin deamidates glutamine-205 of Galpha(i2) to glutamic acid. Therefore, the toxin inhibits the intrinsic GTPase activity of Galpha(i) and causes persistent activation of the G protein. A similar modification is also evident for Galpha(q), but not for the closely related Galpha(11), which is not a substrate of Pasteurella multocida toxin. Our data identify the alpha-subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins as the direct molecular target of Pasteurella multocida toxin and indicate that the toxin does not act like a protease, which was suggested from its thiol protease-like catalytic triad, but instead causes constitutive activation of G proteins by deamidase activity.