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Turman BJ, Darville T, O'Connell CM. Plasmid-mediated virulence in Chlamydia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1251135. [PMID: 37662000 PMCID: PMC10469868 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1251135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infection of ocular conjunctiva can lead to blindness, while infection of the female genital tract can lead to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and/or infertility. Conjunctival and fallopian tube inflammation and the resulting disease sequelae are attributed to immune responses induced by chlamydial infection at these mucosal sites. The conserved chlamydial plasmid has been implicated in enhancing infection, via improved host cell entry and exit, and accelerating innate inflammatory responses that lead to tissue damage. The chlamydial plasmid encodes eight open reading frames, three of which have been associated with virulence: a secreted protein, Pgp3, and putative transcriptional regulators, Pgp4 and Pgp5. Although Pgp3 is an important plasmid-encoded virulence factor, recent studies suggest that chlamydial plasmid-mediated virulence extends beyond the expression of Pgp3. In this review, we discuss studies of genital, ocular, and gastrointestinal infection with C. trachomatis or C. muridarum that shed light on the role of the plasmid in disease development, and the potential for tissue and species-specific differences in plasmid-mediated pathogenesis. We also review evidence that plasmid-associated inflammation can be independent of bacterial burden. The functions of each of the plasmid-encoded proteins and potential molecular mechanisms for their role(s) in chlamydial virulence are discussed. Although the understanding of plasmid-associated virulence has expanded within the last decade, many questions related to how and to what extent the plasmid influences chlamydial infectivity and inflammation remain unknown, particularly with respect to human infections. Elucidating the answers to these questions could improve our understanding of how chlamydia augment infection and inflammation to cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna J. Turman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Toni Darville
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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2
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Cheong HC, Sulaiman S, Looi CY, Chang LY, Wong WF. Chlamydia Infection Remodels Host Cell Mitochondria to Alter Energy Metabolism and Subvert Apoptosis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1382. [PMID: 37374883 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia infection represents an important cause for concern for public health worldwide. Chlamydial infection of the genital tract in females is mostly asymptomatic at the early stage, often manifesting as mucopurulent cervicitis, urethritis, and salpingitis at the later stage; it has been associated with female infertility, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and cervical cancer. As an obligate intracellular bacterium, Chlamydia depends heavily on host cells for nutrient acquisition, energy production, and cell propagation. The current review discusses various strategies utilized by Chlamydia in manipulating the cell metabolism to benefit bacterial propagation and survival through close interaction with the host cell mitochondrial and apoptotic pathway molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Choon Cheong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Sofiah Sulaiman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Li-Yen Chang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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3
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Shu M, Bu J, Lei W, Chen L, Zhou Z, Lu C, Chen C, Li Z. Pgp3 protein of Chlamydia trachomatis inhibits apoptosis via HO-1 upregulation mediated by PI3K/Akt activation. Microb Pathog 2023; 178:106056. [PMID: 36893904 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
As an obligate intracellular pathogen, Chlamydia trachomatis assumes various strategies to inhibit host cells apoptosis, thereby providing a suitable intracellular environment to ensure completion of the development cycle. In the current study, we revealed that Pgp3 protein, one of eight plasmid proteins of C. trachomatis that has been illustrated as the key virulence factor, increased HO-1 expression to suppress apoptosis, and downregulation of HO-1 with siRNA-HO-1 failed to exert anti-apoptosis activity of Pgp3 protein. Moreover, treatment of PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor and Nrf2 inhibitor evidently reduced HO-1 expression and Nrf2 nuclear translocation was blocked by PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor. These findings highlight that induction of HO-1 expression by Pgp3 protein is probably due to regulation of Nrf2 nuclear translocation activated by PI3K/Akt pathway, which provide clues on how C. trachomatis adjusts apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyi Shu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Jichang Bu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Wenbo Lei
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Lili Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Chunxue Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Chaoqun Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China.
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Intracellular lifestyle of Chlamydia trachomatis and host-pathogen interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023:10.1038/s41579-023-00860-y. [PMID: 36788308 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00860-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the understanding of the intracellular lifestyle of Chlamydia trachomatis and how the bacteria establish themselves in the human host. As an obligate intracellular pathogenic bacterium with a strongly reduced coding capacity, C. trachomatis depends on the provision of nutrients from the host cell. In this Review, we summarize the current understanding of how C. trachomatis establishes its intracellular replication niche, how its metabolism functions in the host cell, how it can defend itself against the cell autonomous and innate immune response and how it overcomes adverse situations through the transition to a persistent state. In particular, we focus on those processes for which a mechanistic understanding has been achieved.
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5
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Scharbaai-Vázquez R, J. López Font F, A. Zayas Rodríguez F. Persistence in Chlamydia. Infect Dis (Lond) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.109299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia spp. are important causes of acute and persistent/chronic infections. All Chlamydia spp. display a unique biphasic developmental cycle alternating between an infectious elementary body (EB) and a replicative form, the reticulate body (RB), followed by the multiplication of RBs by binary fission and progressive differentiation back into EBs. During its intracellular life, Chlamydia employs multiple mechanisms to ensure its persistence inside the host. These include evasion of diverse innate immune responses, modulation of host cell structure and endocytosis, inhibition of apoptosis, activation of pro-signaling pathways, and conversion to enlarged, non-replicative but viable “aberrant bodies” (ABs). Early research described several systems for Chlamydial persistence with a significant number of variables that make a direct comparison of results difficult. Now, emerging tools for genetic manipulations in Chlamydia and advances in global microarray, transcriptomics, and proteomics have opened new and exciting opportunities to understand the persistent state of Chlamydia and link the immune and molecular events of persistence with the pathogenesis of recurrent and chronic Chlamydial infections. This chapter reviews our current understanding and advances in the molecular biology of Chlamydia persistence.
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Luo F, Wen Y, Zhao L, Su S, Lei W, Chen L, Chen C, Huang Q, Li Z. LncRNA ZEB1-AS1/miR-1224-5p / MAP4K4 axis regulates mitochondria-mediated HeLa cell apoptosis in persistent Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Virulence 2022; 13:444-457. [PMID: 35266440 PMCID: PMC8920228 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2044666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent infection of Chlamydia trachomatis is thought to be responsible for the debilitating sequelae of blinding trachoma and infertility. Inhibition of host cell apoptosis is a persistent C. trachomatis infection mechanism. ZEB1-AS1 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which was up-regulated in persistent C. trachomatis infection in our previous work. In this study, we investigated the role of ZEB1-AS1 in persistent infection and the potential mechanisms. The results showed that ZEB1-AS1 was involved in the regulation of apoptosis, and targeted silencing of ZEB1-AS1 could increase the apoptosis rate of persistently infected cells. Mechanically, interference ZEB1-AS1 caused an apparent down-regulation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and the repression of the mitochondrial membrane potential with the remarkable release of cytochrome c, resulting in the significant elevation level of caspase-3 activation. Meanwhile, the luciferase reporter assay confirmed that ZEB1-AS1 acted as a sponge for miR-1224-5p to target MAP4K4. The regulatory effect of miR-1224-5p/MAP4K4 on persistent infection-induced antiapoptosis was regulated by ZEB1-AS1. In addition, ZEB1-AS1 inhibited the apoptosis of Chlamydia-infected cells by activating the MAPK/ERK pathway. In conclusion, we found a new molecular mechanism that the ZEB1-AS1/miR-1224-5p/MAP4K4 axis contributes to apoptosis resistance in persistent C. trachomatis infection. This work may help understand the pathogenic mechanisms of persistent C. trachomatis infection and reveal a potential therapeutic strategy for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhen Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, P. R. China.,College of Medical Technology, Hunan Polytechnic of Environment and Biology, Hengyang, P. R. China
| | - Yating Wen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, P. R. China
| | - Lanhua Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, P. R. China
| | - Shengmei Su
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, P. R. China
| | - Wenbo Lei
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, P. R. China
| | - Lili Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, P. R. China
| | - Chaoqun Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, P. R. China
| | - Qiulin Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, P. R. China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, P. R. China
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7
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Luo F, Wen Y, Zhao L, Su S, Zhao Y, Lei W, Li Z. Chlamydia trachomatis induces lncRNA MIAT upregulation to regulate mitochondria-mediated host cell apoptosis and chlamydial development. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 26:163-177. [PMID: 34859581 PMCID: PMC8742237 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis persistent infection is the leading cause of male prostatitis and female genital tract diseases. Inhibition of host cell apoptosis is the key to maintaining Chlamydia survival in vivo, and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in its developmental cycle and pathogenesis. However, it is not clear how lncRNAs regulate persistent Chlamydia infection. Here, using a microarray method, we identified 1718 lncRNAs and 1741 mRNAs differentially expressed in IFN-γ-induced persistent C. trachomatis infection. Subsequently, 10 upregulated and 5 downregulated differentially expressed lncRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR to confirm the reliability of the chip data. The GO and KEGG analyses revealed that differentially regulated transcripts were predominantly involved in various signalling pathways related to host immunity and apoptosis response. Targeted silencing of three lncRNAs (MIAT, ZEB1-AS1 and IRF1) resulted in increased apoptosis rates. Furthermore, interference with lncRNA MIAT caused not only an obvious downregulation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio but also a marked release of cytochrome c, resulting in a significantly elevated level of caspase-3 activation. Meanwhile, MIAT was involved in the regulation of chlamydial development during the persistent infection. Collectively, these observations shed light on the enormous complex lncRNA regulatory networks involved in mitochondria-mediated host cell apoptosis and the growth and development of C. trachomatis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhen Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Polytechnic of Environment and Biology, Hengyang, China
| | - Yating Wen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lanhua Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shengmei Su
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yuqi Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Wenbo Lei
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Young Holt B, Turpin JA, Romano J. Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges to Ensure Advancement of the Most Promising MPTs. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:704841. [PMID: 36304018 PMCID: PMC9580637 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.704841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Young Holt
- Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies, CAMI Health, Public Health Institute, Sacramento, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bethany Young Holt
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9
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Sixt BS. Host cell death during infection with Chlamydia: a double-edged sword. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:5902849. [PMID: 32897321 PMCID: PMC7794043 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The phylum Chlamydiae constitutes a group of obligate intracellular bacteria that infect a remarkably diverse range of host species. Some representatives are significant pathogens of clinical or veterinary importance. For instance, Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading infectious cause of blindness and the most common bacterial agent of sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydiae are exceptionally dependent on their eukaryotic host cells as a consequence of their developmental biology. At the same time, host cell death is an integral part of the chlamydial infection cycle. It is therefore not surprising that the bacteria have evolved exquisite and versatile strategies to modulate host cell survival and death programs to their advantage. The recent introduction of tools for genetic modification of Chlamydia spp., in combination with our increasing awareness of the complexity of regulated cell death in eukaryotic cells, and in particular of its connections to cell-intrinsic immunity, has revived the interest in this virulence trait. However, recent advances also challenged long-standing assumptions and highlighted major knowledge gaps. This review summarizes current knowledge in the field and discusses possible directions for future research, which could lead us to a deeper understanding of Chlamydia's virulence strategies and may even inspire novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara S Sixt
- The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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10
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Shu M, Lei W, Su S, Wen Y, Luo F, Zhao L, Chen L, Lu C, Zhou Z, Li Z. Chlamydia trachomatis Pgp3 protein regulates oxidative stress via activation of the Nrf2/NQO1 signal pathway. Life Sci 2021; 277:119502. [PMID: 33891941 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM Chlamydia trachomatis has evolved various strategies to alleviate oxidative stress of host cells to maintain their intracellular survival. However, the exact mechanism of anti-oxidative stress of C. trachomatis is still unclear. The activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/quinone oxidoreductase (Nrf2/NQO1) signal pathway has been identified as an efficient antioxidant defensive mechanism used by host cells to counteract oxidative stress. Pgp3 is a pivotal virulence factor of C. trachomatis involved in intracellular survival. The aim of this study is to explore the role of Pgp3 on Nrf2/NQO1 signal pathway against oxidative stress. MAIN METHODS After HeLa cells were stimulated with Pgp3 protein, Nrf2 location and the inclusion bodies of C. trachomatis were detected by indirect immunofluorescence, western blotting and Oxidative stress assay kits were used to separately determine the protein expression and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) before and after the interference of Nrf-2 and NQO1. KEY FINDINGS Pgp3 promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 to increase NQO1 expression and reduced oxidative stress induced by LPS to contribute to the survival of C. trachomatis. Inhibition of Nrf2/NQO1 signal pathway with Nrf2 inhibitor and down-regulation of NQO1 with siRNA-NQO1 suppressed oxidative stress resistance induced by Pgp3. SIGNIFICANCE Here we found that Pgp3 alleviated oxidative stress to promote the infectivity of C. trachomatis through activation of Nrf2/NQO1 signal pathway, which provided a novel understanding of the effects of Pgp3 in the pathogenesis of C. trachomatis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyi Shu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Wenbo Lei
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Shengmei Su
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yating Wen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Fangzhen Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lanhua Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Chunxue Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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11
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Wen Y, Chen H, Luo F, Zhao L, Shu M, Su S, Zhao Y, Huang Q, Li Z. Chlamydia trachomatis Plasmid Protein pORF5 Up-Regulates ZFAS1 to Promote Host Cell Survival via MAPK/p38 Pathway. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:593295. [PMID: 33391210 PMCID: PMC7773608 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.593295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play essential roles in many diseases. However, few studies have shown that lncRNAs take part in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis). Here, we used a lncRNA microarray to detect the global lncRNA expression profiles in HeLa cells transfected with pORF5 plasmid protein, an important virulence factor for C. trachomatis. The differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs screened by microarray were selected for validation by quantitative real-time PCR. The up-regulated lncRNA zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) was presumed to involved in MAPK pathways by bioinformatics analysis. Inhibition of ZFAS1 decreased the apoptotic rate of pORF5 and reduced the infectivity of C. trachomatis, and MAPK/p38 pathway was involved in anti-apoptotic effect induced by ZFAS1. Therefore, the present study confirmed that pORF5 up-regulates ZFAS1 to promote host cell survival via MAPK/p38 pathway and influences the infectivity of C. trachomatis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hongliang Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Fangzhen Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lanhua Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Mingyi Shu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shengmei Su
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yuqi Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qiulin Huang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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12
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Wen Y, Luo F, Zhao Y, Su S, Shu M, Li Z. Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid-encoded protein pORF5 activates unfolded protein response to induce autophagy via MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 527:805-810. [PMID: 32446560 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.04.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is an obligate intracellular organism that depends on nutrients from the host cell for their replication and proliferation. Therefore, the interaction between this pathogen and host induces sustained endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the infected cells. Unfolded protein response (UPR) has been demonstrated to be activated by chlamydial secreted effectors, allowing host cells to recover from the stressful state. In this study, we attempted to explore the role of the only secreted plasmid-encoded protein pORF5 of C. trachomatis between UPR and autophagy induction. The results showed that three branches of UPR (PERK, IRE1, and ATF6) were activated by pORF5. pORF5-induced autophagy was repressed by UPR inhibitors GSK2606414 and 4μ8C, while the autophagy inhibition was failed to influence pORF5-induced UPR significantly. MAPK/ERK inhibitor PD98059 partially suppressed the pORF5-induced autophagy, but had little effect on UPR, indicating that pORF5 actives UPR to induce autophagy via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. These observations provide clues on how the host maintains the cellular homeostasis during C. trachomatis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Fangzhen Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Yuqi Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Shengmei Su
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Mingyi Shu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China.
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