1
|
North H, McLaughlin M, Fiebig A, Crosson S. The Caulobacter NtrB-NtrC two-component system bridges nitrogen assimilation and cell development. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0018123. [PMID: 37791753 PMCID: PMC10601693 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00181-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A suite of molecular sensory systems enables Caulobacter to control growth, development, and reproduction in response to levels of essential elements. The bacterial enhancer-binding protein (bEBP) NtrC and its cognate sensor histidine kinase, NtrB, are key regulators of nitrogen assimilation in many bacteria, but their roles in Caulobacter metabolism and development are not well defined. Notably, Caulobacter NtrC is an unconventional bEBP that lacks the σ54-interacting loop commonly known as the GAFTGA motif. Here we show that deletion of Caulobacter crescentus ntrC slows cell growth in complex medium and that ntrB and ntrC are essential when ammonium is the sole nitrogen source due to their requirement for glutamine synthetase expression. Random transposition of a conserved IS3-family mobile genetic element frequently rescued the growth defect of ntrC mutant strains by restoring transcription of the glnBA operon, revealing a possible role for IS3 transposition in shaping the evolution of Caulobacter populations during nutrient limitation. We further identified dozens of direct NtrC-binding sites on the C. crescentus chromosome, with a large fraction located near genes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis. The majority of binding sites align with those of the essential nucleoid-associated protein, GapR, or the cell cycle regulator, MucR1. NtrC is therefore predicted to directly impact the regulation of cell cycle and cell development. Indeed, loss of NtrC function led to elongated polar stalks and elevated synthesis of cell envelope polysaccharides. This study establishes regulatory connections between NtrC, nitrogen metabolism, polar morphogenesis, and envelope polysaccharide synthesis in Caulobacter. IMPORTANCE Bacteria balance cellular processes with the availability of nutrients in their environment. The NtrB-NtrC two-component signaling system is responsible for controlling nitrogen assimilation in many bacteria. We have characterized the effect of ntrB and ntrC deletion on Caulobacter growth and development and uncovered a role for spontaneous IS element transposition in the rescue of transcriptional and nutritional deficiencies caused by ntrC mutation. We further defined the regulon of Caulobacter NtrC, a bacterial enhancer-binding protein, and demonstrate that it shares specific binding sites with essential proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and chromosome organization. Our work provides a comprehensive view of transcriptional regulation mediated by a distinctive NtrC protein, establishing its connection to nitrogen assimilation and developmental processes in Caulobacter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hunter North
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Maeve McLaughlin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Aretha Fiebig
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Sean Crosson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
North H, McLaughlin M, Fiebig A, Crosson S. The Caulobacter NtrB-NtrC two-component system bridges nitrogen assimilation and cell development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.06.543975. [PMID: 37333394 PMCID: PMC10274813 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.543975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
A suite of molecular sensory systems enables Caulobacter to control growth, development, and reproduction in response to levels of essential elements. The bacterial enhancer binding protein (bEBP) NtrC, and its cognate sensor histidine kinase NtrB, are key regulators of nitrogen assimilation in many bacteria, but their roles in Caulobacter metabolism and development are not well defined. Notably, Caulobacter NtrC is an unconventional bEBP that lacks the σ54-interacting loop commonly known as the GAFTGA motif. Here we show that deletion of C. crescentus ntrC slows cell growth in complex medium, and that ntrB and ntrC are essential when ammonium is the sole nitrogen source due to their requirement for glutamine synthetase (glnA) expression. Random transposition of a conserved IS3-family mobile genetic element frequently rescued the growth defect of ntrC mutant strains by restoring transcription of the glnBA operon, revealing a possible role for IS3 transposition in shaping the evolution of Caulobacter populations during nutrient limitation. We further identified dozens of direct NtrC binding sites on the C. crescentus chromosome, with a large fraction located near genes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis. The majority of binding sites align with those of the essential nucleoid associated protein, GapR, or the cell cycle regulator, MucR1. NtrC is therefore predicted to directly impact the regulation of cell cycle and cell development. Indeed, loss of NtrC function led to elongated polar stalks and elevated synthesis of cell envelope polysaccharides. This study establishes regulatory connections between NtrC, nitrogen metabolism, polar morphogenesis, and envelope polysaccharide synthesis in Caulobacter .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hunter North
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan USA
| | - Maeve McLaughlin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan USA
| | - Aretha Fiebig
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan USA
| | - Sean Crosson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yan XF, Yang C, Wang M, Yong Y, Deng Y, Gao YG. Structural analyses of the AAA+ ATPase domain of the transcriptional regulator GtrR in the BDSF quorum-sensing system in Burkholderia cenocepacia. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:71-80. [PMID: 34837384 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Global transcriptional regulator downstream RpfR (GtrR) is a key downstream regulator for quorum-sensing signaling molecule cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF). As a bacterial enhancer-binding protein (bEBP), GtrR is composed of an N-terminal receiver domain, a central ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA+) ATPase σ54 -interaction domain, and a C-terminal helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain. In this work, we solved its AAA+ ATPase domain in both apo and GTP-bound forms. The structure revealed how GtrR specifically recognizes GTP. In addition, we also revealed that GtrR has moderate GTPase activity in vitro in the absence of its activation signal. Finally, we found the residues K170, D236, R311, and R357 in GtrR that are crucial to its biological function, any single mutation leading to completely abolishing GtrR activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Fu Yan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chunxi Yang
- Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Mingfang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yonlada Yong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yinyue Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gui Gao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bacterial Enhancer Binding Proteins-AAA + Proteins in Transcription Activation. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030351. [PMID: 32106553 PMCID: PMC7175178 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial enhancer-binding proteins (bEBPs) are specialised transcriptional activators. bEBPs are hexameric AAA+ ATPases and use ATPase activities to remodel RNA polymerase (RNAP) complexes that contain the major variant sigma factor, σ54 to convert the initial closed complex to the transcription competent open complex. Earlier crystal structures of AAA+ domains alone have led to proposals of how nucleotide-bound states are sensed and propagated to substrate interactions. Recently, the structure of the AAA+ domain of a bEBP bound to RNAP-σ54-promoter DNA was revealed. Together with structures of the closed complex, an intermediate state where DNA is partially loaded into the RNAP cleft and the open promoter complex, a mechanistic understanding of how bEBPs use ATP to activate transcription can now be proposed. This review summarises current structural models and the emerging understanding of how this special class of AAA+ proteins utilises ATPase activities to allow σ54-dependent transcription initiation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Danson AE, Jovanovic M, Buck M, Zhang X. Mechanisms of σ 54-Dependent Transcription Initiation and Regulation. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:3960-3974. [PMID: 31029702 PMCID: PMC7057263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cellular RNA polymerase is a multi-subunit macromolecular assembly responsible for gene transcription, a highly regulated process conserved from bacteria to humans. In bacteria, sigma factors are employed to mediate gene-specific expression in response to a variety of environmental conditions. The major variant σ factor, σ54, has a specific role in stress responses. Unlike σ70-dependent transcription, which often can spontaneously proceed to initiation, σ54-dependent transcription requires an additional ATPase protein for activation. As a result, structures of a number of distinct functional states during the dynamic process of transcription initiation have been captured using the σ54 system with both x-ray crystallography and cryo electron microscopy, furthering our understanding of σ54-dependent transcription initiation and DNA opening. Comparisons with σ70 and eukaryotic polymerases reveal unique and common features during transcription initiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Danson
- Section of Structural Biology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Milija Jovanovic
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Martin Buck
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Section of Structural Biology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nie X, Dong W, Yang C. Genomic reconstruction of σ 54 regulons in Clostridiales. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:565. [PMID: 31288763 PMCID: PMC6615313 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5918-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The σ54 factor controls unique promoters and interacts with a specialized activator (enhancer binding proteins [EBP]) for transcription initiation. Although σ54 is present in many Clostridiales species that have great importance in human health and biotechnological applications, the cellular processes controlled by σ54 remain unknown. Results For systematic analysis of the regulatory functions of σ54, we performed comparative genomic reconstruction of transcriptional regulons of σ54 in 57 species from the Clostridiales order. The EBP-binding DNA motifs and regulated genes were identified for 263 EBPs that constitute 39 distinct groups. The reconstructed σ54 regulons contain the genes involved in fermentation and amino acid catabolism. The predicted σ54 binding sites in the genomes of Clostridiales spp. were verified by in vitro binding assays. To our knowledge, this is the first report about direct regulation of the Stickland reactions and butyrate and alcohols synthesis by σ54 and the respective EBPs. Considerable variations were demonstrated in the sizes and gene contents of reconstructed σ54 regulons between different Clostridiales species. It is proposed that σ54 controls butyrate and alcohols synthesis in solvent-producing species, regulates autotrophic metabolism in acetogenic species, and affects the toxin production in pathogenic species. Conclusions This study reveals previously unrecognized functions of σ54 and provides novel insights into the regulation of fermentation and amino acid metabolism in Clostridiales species, which could have potential applications in guiding the treatment and efficient utilization of these species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5918-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqun Nie
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenyue Dong
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Yang
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mechanistic insights into c-di-GMP-dependent control of the biofilm regulator FleQ from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 113:E209-18. [PMID: 26712005 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1523148113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm formation during chronic infections confers increased fitness, antibiotic tolerance, and cytotoxicity. In many pathogens, the transition from a planktonic lifestyle to collaborative, sessile biofilms represents a regulated process orchestrated by the intracellular second-messenger c-di-GMP. A main effector for c-di-GMP signaling in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the transcription regulator FleQ. FleQ is a bacterial enhancer-binding protein (bEBP) with a central AAA+ ATPase σ(54)-interaction domain, flanked by a C-terminal helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motif and a divergent N-terminal receiver domain. Together with a second ATPase, FleN, FleQ regulates the expression of flagellar and exopolysaccharide biosynthesis genes in response to cellular c-di-GMP. Here we report structural and functional data that reveal an unexpected mode of c-di-GMP recognition that is associated with major conformational rearrangements in FleQ. Crystal structures of FleQ's AAA+ ATPase domain in its apo-state or bound to ADP or ATP-γ-S show conformations reminiscent of the activated ring-shaped assemblies of other bEBPs. As revealed by the structure of c-di-GMP-complexed FleQ, the second messenger interacts with the AAA+ ATPase domain at a site distinct from the ATP binding pocket. c-di-GMP interaction leads to active site obstruction, hexameric ring destabilization, and discrete quaternary structure transitions. Solution and cell-based studies confirm coupling of the ATPase active site and c-di-GMP binding, as well as the functional significance of crystallographic interprotomer interfaces. Taken together, our data offer unprecedented insight into conserved regulatory mechanisms of gene expression under direct c-di-GMP control via FleQ and FleQ-like bEBPs.
Collapse
|
8
|
Schaefer J, Engl C, Zhang N, Lawton E, Buck M. Genome wide interactions of wild-type and activator bypass forms of σ54. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:7280-91. [PMID: 26082500 PMCID: PMC4551910 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancer-dependent transcription involving the promoter specificity factor σ54 is widely distributed amongst bacteria and commonly associated with cell envelope function. For transcription initiation, σ54-RNA polymerase yields open promoter complexes through its remodelling by cognate AAA+ ATPase activators. Since activators can be bypassed in vitro, bypass transcription in vivo could be a source of emergent gene expression along evolutionary pathways yielding new control networks and transcription patterns. At a single test promoter in vivo bypass transcription was not observed. We now use genome-wide transcription profiling, genome-wide mutagenesis and gene over-expression strategies in Escherichia coli, to (i) scope the range of bypass transcription in vivo and (ii) identify genes which might alter bypass transcription in vivo. We find little evidence for pervasive bypass transcription in vivo with only a small subset of σ54 promoters functioning without activators. Results also suggest no one gene limits bypass transcription in vivo, arguing bypass transcription is strongly kept in check. Promoter sequences subject to repression by σ54 were evident, indicating loss of rpoN (encoding σ54) rather than creating rpoN bypass alleles would be one evolutionary route for new gene expression patterns. Finally, cold-shock promoters showed unusual σ54-dependence in vivo not readily correlated with conventional σ54 binding-sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorrit Schaefer
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Division of Cell & Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Christoph Engl
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Division of Cell & Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, UK
| | - Nan Zhang
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Division of Cell & Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Edward Lawton
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Division of Cell & Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Martin Buck
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Division of Cell & Molecular Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sysoeva TA, Chowdhury S, Guo L, Nixon BT. Nucleotide-induced asymmetry within ATPase activator ring drives σ54-RNAP interaction and ATP hydrolysis. Genes Dev 2014; 27:2500-11. [PMID: 24240239 PMCID: PMC3841738 DOI: 10.1101/gad.229385.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It is largely unknown how the typical homomeric ring geometry of ATPases associated with various cellular activities enables them to perform mechanical work. Small-angle solution X-ray scattering, crystallography, and electron microscopy (EM) reconstructions revealed that partial ATP occupancy caused the heptameric closed ring of the bacterial enhancer-binding protein (bEBP) NtrC1 to rearrange into a hexameric split ring of striking asymmetry. The highly conserved and functionally crucial GAFTGA loops responsible for interacting with σ54-RNA polymerase formed a spiral staircase. We propose that splitting of the ensemble directs ATP hydrolysis within the oligomer, and the ring's asymmetry guides interaction between ATPase and the complex of σ54 and promoter DNA. Similarity between the structure of the transcriptional activator NtrC1 and those of distantly related helicases Rho and E1 reveals a general mechanism in homomeric ATPases whereby complex allostery within the ring geometry forms asymmetric functional states that allow these biological motors to exert directional forces on their target macromolecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana A Sysoeva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sysoeva TA, Yennawar N, Allaire M, Nixon BT. Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the ATPase domain of the σ(54)-dependent transcription activator NtrC1 from Aquifex aeolicus bound to the ATP analog ADP-BeFx. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2013; 69:1384-8. [PMID: 24316836 PMCID: PMC3855726 DOI: 10.1107/s174430911302976x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
One way that bacteria regulate the transcription of specific genes to adapt to environmental challenges is to use different σ factors that direct the RNA polymerase holoenzyme to distinct promoters. Unlike σ(70) RNA polymerase (RNAP), σ(54) RNAP is unable to initiate transcription without an activator: enhancer-binding protein (EBP). All EBPs contain one ATPase domain that belongs to the family of ATPases associated with various cellular activities (AAA+ ATPases). AAA+ ATPases use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to remodel different target macromolecules to perform distinct functions. These mechanochemical enzymes are known to form ring-shaped oligomers whose conformations strongly depend upon nucleotide status. Here, the crystallization of the AAA+ ATPase domain of an EBP from Aquifex aeolicus, NtrC1, in the presence of the non-hydrolyzable ATP analog ADP-BeFx is reported. X-ray diffraction data were collected from two crystals from two different protein fractions of the NtrC1 ATPase domain. Previously, this domain was co-crystallized with ADP and ATP, but the latter crystals were grown from the Walker B substitution variant E239A. Therefore, the new data sets are the first for a wild-type EBP ATPase domain co-crystallized with an ATP analog and they reveal a new crystal form. The resulting structure(s) will shed light on the mechanism of EBP-type transcription activators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana A. Sysoeva
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Neela Yennawar
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Marc Allaire
- NLSL, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - B. Tracy Nixon
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Joyet P, Bouraoui H, Aké FMD, Derkaoui M, Zébré AC, Cao TN, Ventroux M, Nessler S, Noirot-Gros MF, Deutscher J, Milohanic E. Transcription regulators controlled by interaction with enzyme IIB components of the phosphoenolpyruvate: sugar phosphotransferase system. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2013; 1834:1415-24. [PMID: 23318733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Numerous bacteria possess transcription activators and antiterminators composed of regulatory domains phosphorylated by components of the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS). These domains, called PTS regulation domains (PRDs), usually contain two conserved histidines as potential phosphorylation sites. While antiterminators possess two PRDs with four phosphorylation sites, transcription activators contain two PRDs plus two regulatory domains resembling PTS components (EIIA and EIIB). The activity of these transcription regulators is controlled by up to five phosphorylations catalyzed by PTS proteins. Phosphorylation by the general PTS components EI and HPr is usually essential for the activity of PRD-containing transcription regulators, whereas phosphorylation by the sugar-specific components EIIA or EIIB lowers their activity. For a specific regulator, for example the Bacillus subtilis mtl operon activator MtlR, the functional phosphorylation sites can be different in other bacteria and consequently the detailed mode of regulation varies. Some of these transcription regulators are also controlled by an interaction with a sugar-specific EIIB PTS component. The EIIBs are frequently fused to the membrane-spanning EIIC and EIIB-mediated membrane sequestration is sometimes crucial for the control of a transcription regulator. This is also true for the Escherichia coli repressor Mlc, which does not contain a PRD but nevertheless interacts with the EIIB domain of the glucose-specific PTS. In addition, some PRD-containing transcription activators interact with a distinct EIIB protein located in the cytoplasm. The phosphorylation state of the EIIB components, which changes in response to the presence or absence of the corresponding carbon source, affects their interaction with transcription regulators. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Inhibitors of Protein Kinases (2012).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Joyet
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR1319 Microbiologie de l'alimentation au service de la santé humaine Micalis, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; AgroParisTech, UMR Micalis, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
The role of bacterial enhancer binding proteins as specialized activators of σ54-dependent transcription. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2013; 76:497-529. [PMID: 22933558 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00006-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial enhancer binding proteins (bEBPs) are transcriptional activators that assemble as hexameric rings in their active forms and utilize ATP hydrolysis to remodel the conformation of RNA polymerase containing the alternative sigma factor σ(54). We present a comprehensive and detailed summary of recent advances in our understanding of how these specialized molecular machines function. The review is structured by introducing each of the three domains in turn: the central catalytic domain, the N-terminal regulatory domain, and the C-terminal DNA binding domain. The role of the central catalytic domain is presented with particular reference to (i) oligomerization, (ii) ATP hydrolysis, and (iii) the key GAFTGA motif that contacts σ(54) for remodeling. Each of these functions forms a potential target of the signal-sensing N-terminal regulatory domain, which can act either positively or negatively to control the activation of σ(54)-dependent transcription. Finally, we focus on the DNA binding function of the C-terminal domain and the enhancer sites to which it binds. Particular attention is paid to the importance of σ(54) to the bacterial cell and its unique role in regulating transcription.
Collapse
|
13
|
Yu H, Peng Z, Zhan Y, Wang J, Yan Y, Chen M, Lu W, Ping S, Zhang W, Zhao Z, Li S, Takeo M, Lin M. Novel regulator MphX represses activation of phenol hydroxylase genes caused by a XylR/DmpR-type regulator MphR in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17350. [PMID: 21455294 PMCID: PMC3063778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus PHEA-2 utilizes phenol as its sole carbon and energy source and has a multi-component phenol hydroxylase-encoding gene operon (mphKLMNOP) for phenol degradation. Two additional genes, mphR and mphX, were found upstream and downstream of mphKLMNOP, respectively. The mphR gene encodes a XylR/DmpR-type regulator-like protein and is transcribed in the opposite direction to mphKLMNOP. The mphX gene is transcribed in the same direction as mphKLMNOP and encodes a protein with 293 amino acid residues showing weak identity with some unknown proteins encoded in the meta-cleavage pathway gene clusters for aromatic compound degradation. Disruption of mphR by homologous recombination resulted in the loss of phenol degradation while disruption of mphX caused significantly faster phenol degradation than in the wild type strain. Transcriptional assays for mphK, mphR, and mphX revealed that mphR activated mphKLMNOP transcription in the presence of phenol, but mphX partially repressed this activation. Gel mobility-shift assay demonstrated a direct interaction of MphR with the mphK promoter region. These results indicate the involvement of a novel repressor protein MphX in transcriptional regulation of phenol hydroxylase genes caused by a XylR/DmpR-type regulator MphR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Yu
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Zixin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Department of Materials Science and Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Hyogo, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yuhua Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yongliang Yan
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- National Centre for Plant Gene Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Shuzhen Ping
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- National Centre for Plant Gene Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonglin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Shuying Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Masahiro Takeo
- Department of Materials Science and Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Hyogo, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
- * E-mail: (MT); (ML)
| | - Min Lin
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (MT); (ML)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bush M, Ghosh T, Tucker N, Zhang X, Dixon R. Nitric oxide-responsive interdomain regulation targets the σ54-interaction surface in the enhancer binding protein NorR. Mol Microbiol 2011; 77:1278-88. [PMID: 20624215 PMCID: PMC2941729 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07290.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial enhancer binding proteins (bEBPs) are specialized transcriptional activators that assemble as hexameric rings in their active forms and utilize ATP hydrolysis to remodel the conformation of RNA polymerase containing the alternative sigma factor σ54. Transcriptional activation by the NorR bEBP is controlled by a regulatory GAF domain that represses the ATPase activity of the central AAA+ domain in the absence of nitric oxide. Here, we investigate the mechanism of interdomain repression in NorR by characterizing substitutions in the AAA+ domain that bypass repression by the regulatory domain. Most of these substitutions are located in the vicinity of the surface-exposed loops that engage σ54 during the ATP hydrolysis cycle or in the highly conserved GAFTGA motif that directly contacts σ54. Biochemical studies suggest that the bypass mutations in the GAFTGA loop do not influence the DNA binding properties of NorR or the assembly of higher order oligomers in the presence of enhancer DNA, and as expected these variants retain the ability to activate open complex formation in vitro. We identify a crucial arginine residue in the GAF domain that is essential for interdomain repression and demonstrate that hydrophobic substitutions at this position suppress the bypass phenotype of the GAFTGA substitutions. These observations suggest a novel mechanism for negative regulation in bEBPs in which the GAF domain targets the σ54-interaction surface to prevent access of the AAA+ domain to the sigma factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bush
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney NR4 7UH, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Joly N, Engl C, Jovanovic G, Huvet M, Toni T, Sheng X, Stumpf MPH, Buck M. Managing membrane stress: the phage shock protein (Psp) response, from molecular mechanisms to physiology. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2010; 34:797-827. [PMID: 20636484 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2010.00240.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial phage shock protein (Psp) response functions to help cells manage the impacts of agents impairing cell membrane function. The system has relevance to biotechnology and to medicine. Originally discovered in Escherichia coli, Psp proteins and homologues are found in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, in archaea and in plants. Study of the E. coli and Yersinia enterocolitica Psp systems provides insights into how membrane-associated sensory Psp proteins might perceive membrane stress, signal to the transcription apparatus and use an ATP-hydrolysing transcription activator to produce effector proteins to overcome the stress. Progress in understanding the mechanism of signal transduction by the membrane-bound Psp proteins, regulation of the psp gene-specific transcription activator and the cell biology of the system is presented and discussed. Many features of the action of the Psp system appear to be dominated by states of self-association of the master effector, PspA, and the transcription activator, PspF, alongside a signalling pathway that displays strong conditionality in its requirement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Joly
- Division of Biology, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Gene transcription is a fundamental cellular process carried out by RNA polymerase (RNAP) enzymes and is highly regulated through the action of gene regulatory complexes. Important mechanistic insights have been gained from structural studies on multisubunit RNAP from bacteria, yeast and archaea, although the initiation process that involves the conversion of the inactive transcription complex to an active one has yet to be fully understood. RNAPs are unambiguously closely related in structure and function across all kingdoms of life and have conserved mechanisms. In bacteria, sigma (sigma) factors direct RNAP to specific promoter sites and the RNAP/sigma holoenzyme can either form a stable closed complex that is incompetent for transcription (as in the case of sigma(54)) or can spontaneously proceed to an open complex that is competent for transcription (as in the case of sigma(70)). The conversion of the RNAP/sigma(54) closed complex to an open complex requires ATP hydrolysis by enhancer-binding proteins, hence providing an ideal model system for studying the initiation process biochemically and structurally. In this review, we present recent structural studies of the two major bacterial RNAP holoenzymes and focus on mechanistic advances in the transcription initiation process via enhancer-binding proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamaswati Ghosh
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Structural Biology, Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Koechler S, Cleiss-Arnold J, Proux C, Sismeiro O, Dillies MA, Goulhen-Chollet F, Hommais F, Lièvremont D, Arsène-Ploetze F, Coppée JY, Bertin PN. Multiple controls affect arsenite oxidase gene expression in Herminiimonas arsenicoxydans. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:53. [PMID: 20167112 PMCID: PMC2848651 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 02/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both the speciation and toxicity of arsenic are affected by bacterial transformations, i.e. oxidation, reduction or methylation. These transformations have a major impact on environmental contamination and more particularly on arsenic contamination of drinking water. Herminiimonas arsenicoxydans has been isolated from an arsenic- contaminated environment and has developed various mechanisms for coping with arsenic, including the oxidation of As(III) to As(V) as a detoxification mechanism. RESULTS In the present study, a differential transcriptome analysis was used to identify genes, including arsenite oxidase encoding genes, involved in the response of H. arsenicoxydans to As(III). To get insight into the molecular mechanisms of this enzyme activity, a Tn5 transposon mutagenesis was performed. Transposon insertions resulting in a lack of arsenite oxidase activity disrupted aoxR and aoxS genes, showing that the aox operon transcription is regulated by the AoxRS two-component system. Remarkably, transposon insertions were also identified in rpoN coding for the alternative N sigma factor (sigma54) of RNA polymerase and in dnaJ coding for the Hsp70 co-chaperone. Western blotting with anti-AoxB antibodies and quantitative RT-PCR experiments allowed us to demonstrate that the rpoN and dnaJ gene products are involved in the control of arsenite oxidase gene expression. Finally, the transcriptional start site of the aoxAB operon was determined using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and a putative -12/-24 sigma54-dependent promoter motif was identified upstream of aoxAB coding sequences. CONCLUSION These results reveal the existence of novel molecular regulatory processes governing arsenite oxidase expression in H. arsenicoxydans. These data are summarized in a model that functionally integrates arsenite oxidation in the adaptive response to As(III) in this microorganism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Koechler
- UMR7156 Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique et Microbiologie, CNRS Université de Strasbourg, 28 rue Goethe, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang N, Joly N, Burrows PC, Jovanovic M, Wigneshweraraj SR, Buck M. The role of the conserved phenylalanine in the sigma54-interacting GAFTGA motif of bacterial enhancer binding proteins. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:5981-92. [PMID: 19692583 PMCID: PMC2764435 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
σ54-dependent transcription requires activation by bacterial enhancer binding proteins (bEBPs). bEBPs are members of the AAA+ (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) protein family and typically form hexameric structures that are crucial for their ATPase activity. The precise mechanism by which the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis is coupled to biological output has several unknowns. Here we use Escherichia coli PspF, a model bEBP involved in the transcription of stress response genes (psp operon), to study determinants of its contact features with the closed promoter complex. We demonstrate that substitution of a highly conserved phenylalanine (F85) residue within the L1 loop GAFTGA motif affects (i) the ATP hydrolysis rate of PspF, demonstrating the link between L1 and the nucleotide binding pocket; (ii) the internal organization of the hexameric ring; and (iii) σ54 interactions. Importantly, we provide evidence for a close relationship between F85 and the −12 DNA fork junction structure, which may contribute to key interactions during the energy coupling step and the subsequent remodelling of the Eσ54 closed complex. The functionality of F85 is distinct from that of other GAFTGA residues, especially T86 where in contrast to F85 a clean uncoupling phenotype is observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Division of Biology, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, and Centre for Molecular Microbiology and Infection, Flowers Building, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Burrows PC, Schumacher J, Amartey S, Ghosh T, Burgis TA, Zhang X, Nixon BT, Buck M. Functional roles of the pre-sensor I insertion sequence in an AAA+ bacterial enhancer binding protein. Mol Microbiol 2009; 73:519-33. [PMID: 19486295 PMCID: PMC2745333 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.06744.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Molecular machines belonging to the AAA+ superfamily of ATPases use NTP hydrolysis to remodel their versatile substrates. The presence of an insertion sequence defines the major phylogenetic pre-sensor I insertion (pre-SIi) AAA+ superclade. In the bacterial σ54-dependent enhancer binding protein phage shock protein F (PspF) the pre-SIi loop adopts different conformations depending on the nucleotide-bound state. Single amino acid substitutions within the dynamic pre-SIi loop of PspF drastically change the ATP hydrolysis parameters, indicating a structural link to the distant hydrolysis site. We used a site-specific protein–DNA proximity assay to measure the contribution of the pre-SIi loop in σ54-dependent transcription and demonstrate that the pre-SIi loop is a major structural feature mediating nucleotide state-dependent differential engagement with Eσ54. We suggest that much, if not all, of the action of the pre-SIi loop is mediated through the L1 loop and relies on a conserved molecular switch, identified in a crystal structure of one pre-SIi variant and in accordance with the high covariance between some pre-SIi residues and distinct residues outside the pre-SIi sequence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Burrows
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tucker PA, Sallai L. The AAA+ superfamily--a myriad of motions. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2007; 17:641-52. [PMID: 18023171 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2007.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2007] [Revised: 09/13/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
ATPases associated with various cellular activities are aptly named. They are the engines that drive processes such as protein degradation, protein refolding, sigma(54)-dependent transcriptional activation, DNA helicase activity, DNA replication initiation, and cellular cargo transport. Recent structural information derived from biochemical studies, electron microscopy (EM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and X-ray crystallography are beginning to show how, at an atomic level, some of these systems use the conformational changes generated during the ATP hydrolysis cycle. Structural highlights in the processes mentioned are provided by work on ClpX and p97, ClpB, PspF and NtrC, RuvBL1, DnaA and the papillomavirus E1 initiator protein and dynein. The results emphasize the versatility of the AAA+ core domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Tucker
- EMBL Hamburg Outstation, c/o DESY, Notkestrasse 85, D22603 Hamburg, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen B, Doucleff M, Wemmer DE, De Carlo S, Huang HH, Nogales E, Hoover TR, Kondrashkina E, Guo L, Nixon BT. ATP ground- and transition states of bacterial enhancer binding AAA+ ATPases support complex formation with their target protein, sigma54. Structure 2007; 15:429-40. [PMID: 17437715 PMCID: PMC2680074 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2007.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2006] [Revised: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 02/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Transcription initiation by the sigma54 form of bacterial RNA polymerase requires hydrolysis of ATP by an enhancer binding protein (EBP). We present SAS-based solution structures of the ATPase domain of the EBP NtrC1 from Aquifex aeolicus in different nucleotide states. Structures of apo protein and that bound to AMPPNP or ADP-BeF(x) (ground-state mimics), ADP-AlF(x) (a transition-state mimic), or ADP (product) show substantial changes in the position of the GAFTGA loops that contact polymerase, particularly upon conversion from the apo state to the ADP-BeF(x) state, and from the ADP-AlF(x) state to the ADP state. Binding of the ATP analogs stabilizes the oligomeric form of the ATPase and its binding to sigma54, with ADP-AlF(x) having the largest effect. These data indicate that ATP binding promotes a conformational change that stabilizes complexes between EBPs and sigma54, while subsequent hydrolysis and phosphate release drive the conformational change needed to open the polymerase/promoter complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Chen
- Integrative Biosciences Graduate Degree Program – Chemical Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Michaeleen Doucleff
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - David E. Wemmer
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sacha De Carlo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hector H. Huang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Eva Nogales
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Timothy R. Hoover
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Elena Kondrashkina
- BioCAT at APS/Argonne National Lab, Illinois Institute of Technology, 9700 S. Cass Ave, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Liang Guo
- BioCAT at APS/Argonne National Lab, Illinois Institute of Technology, 9700 S. Cass Ave, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - B. Tracy Nixon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|