1
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Norwood JS, Davis JL, Salamaga B, Moss CE, Johnston SA, Elks PM, Kiss-Toth E, Mesnage S. Exploring the role of E. faecalis enterococcal polysaccharide antigen (EPA) and lipoproteins in evasion of phagocytosis. Mol Microbiol 2024; 122:230-242. [PMID: 38994873 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15294] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen frequently causing nosocomial infections. The virulence of this organism is underpinned by its capacity to evade phagocytosis, allowing dissemination in the host. Immune evasion requires a surface polysaccharide produced by all enterococci, known as the enterococcal polysaccharide antigen (EPA). EPA consists of a cell wall-anchored rhamnose backbone substituted by strain-specific polysaccharides called 'decorations', essential for the biological activity of this polymer. However, the structural determinants required for innate immune evasion remain unknown, partly due to a lack of suitable validated assays. Here, we describe a quantitative, in vitro assay to investigate how EPA decorations alter phagocytosis. Using the E. faecalis model strain OG1RF, we demonstrate that a mutant with a deletion of the locus encoding EPA decorations can be used as a platform strain to express heterologous decorations, thereby providing an experimental system to investigate the inhibition of phagocytosis by strain-specific decorations. We show that the aggregation of cells lacking decorations is increasing phagocytosis and that this process does not involve the recognition of lipoproteins by macrophages. Collectively, our work provides novel insights into innate immune evasion by enterococci and paves the way for further studies to explore the structure/function relationship of EPA decorations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica L Davis
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Charlotte E Moss
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Simon A Johnston
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Philip M Elks
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Endre Kiss-Toth
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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2
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Armbruster KM, Jiang J, Sartorio MG, Scott NE, Peterson JM, Sexton JZ, Feldman MF, Koropatkin NM. Identification and Characterization of the Lipoprotein N-acyltransferase in Bacteroides. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596883. [PMID: 38853980 PMCID: PMC11160734 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Members of the Bacteroidota compose a large portion of the human gut microbiota, contributing to overall gut health via the degradation of various polysaccharides. This process is facilitated by lipoproteins, globular proteins anchored to the cell surface by a lipidated N-terminal cysteine. Despite their importance, lipoprotein synthesis by these bacteria is understudied. In E. coli, the α-amino linked lipid of lipoproteins is added by the lipoprotein N-acyltransferase Lnt. Herein, we have identified a protein distinct from Lnt responsible for the same process in Bacteroides, named lipoprotein N-acyltransferase in Bacteroides (Lnb). Deletion of Lnb yields cells that synthesize diacylated lipoproteins, with impacts on cell viability and morphology, growth on polysaccharides, and protein composition of membranes and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Our results not only challenge the accepted paradigms of lipoprotein biosynthesis in Gram-negative bacteria, but also support the establishment of a new family of lipoprotein N-acyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Armbruster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jiawen Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mariana G Sartorio
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nichollas E Scott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Jenna M Peterson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jonathan Z Sexton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mario F Feldman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nicole M Koropatkin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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3
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Craven T, Nolan MD, Bailey J, Olatunji S, Bann SJ, Bowen K, Ostrovitsa N, Da Costa TM, Ballantine RD, Weichert D, Levine PM, Stewart LJ, Bhardwaj G, Geoghegan JA, Cochrane SA, Scanlan EM, Caffrey M, Baker D. Computational Design of Cyclic Peptide Inhibitors of a Bacterial Membrane Lipoprotein Peptidase. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1125-1130. [PMID: 38712757 PMCID: PMC11106742 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
There remains a critical need for new antibiotics against multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, a major global threat that continues to impact mortality rates. Lipoprotein signal peptidase II is an essential enzyme in the lipoprotein biosynthetic pathway of Gram-negative bacteria, making it an attractive target for antibacterial drug discovery. Although natural inhibitors of LspA have been identified, such as the cyclic depsipeptide globomycin, poor stability and production difficulties limit their use in a clinical setting. We harness computational design to generate stable de novo cyclic peptide analogues of globomycin. Only 12 peptides needed to be synthesized and tested to yield potent inhibitors, avoiding costly preparation of large libraries and screening campaigns. The most potent analogues showed comparable or better antimicrobial activity than globomycin in microdilution assays against ESKAPE-E pathogens. This work highlights computational design as a general strategy to combat antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy
W. Craven
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Institute
for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Mark D. Nolan
- School
of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Jonathan Bailey
- School
of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
- Biological
Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, The Francis
Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Samir Olatunji
- School
of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Samantha J. Bann
- School
of
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s
University Belfast, David
Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, U.K.
| | - Katherine Bowen
- School
of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Nikita Ostrovitsa
- School
of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Thaina M. Da Costa
- Department
of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College
Dublin, Dublin D02 VF25, Ireland
| | - Ross D. Ballantine
- School
of
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s
University Belfast, David
Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, U.K.
| | - Dietmar Weichert
- School
of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Paul M. Levine
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Institute
for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Lance J. Stewart
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Institute
for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Gaurav Bhardwaj
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Institute
for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Joan A. Geoghegan
- Department
of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College
Dublin, Dublin D02 VF25, Ireland
- Institute
of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K.
| | - Stephen A. Cochrane
- School
of
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s
University Belfast, David
Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, U.K.
| | - Eoin M. Scanlan
- School
of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Martin Caffrey
- School
of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - David Baker
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Institute
for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of
Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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4
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McClain MS, Boeglin WE, Algood HMS, Brash AR. Fatty acids of Helicobacter pylori lipoproteins CagT and Lpp20. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0047024. [PMID: 38501821 PMCID: PMC11064636 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00470-24] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial lipoproteins are post-translationally modified by the addition of acyl chains that anchor the protein to bacterial membranes. This modification includes two ester-linked and one amide-linked acyl chain on lipoproteins from Gram-negative bacteria. Helicobacter pylori lipoproteins have important functions in pathogenesis (including delivering the CagA oncoprotein to mammalian cells) and are recognized by host innate and adaptive immune systems. The number and variety of acyl chains on lipoproteins impact the innate immune response through Toll-like receptor 2. The acyl chains added to lipoproteins are derived from membrane phospholipids. H. pylori membrane phospholipids have previously been shown to consist primarily of C14:0 and C19:0 cyclopropane-containing acyl chains. However, the acyl composition of H. pylori lipoproteins has not been determined. In this study, we characterized the acyl composition of two representative H. pylori lipoproteins, Lpp20 and CagT. Fatty acid methyl esters were prepared from both purified lipoproteins and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. For comparison, we also analyzed H. pylori phospholipids. Consistent with previous studies, we observed that the H. pylori phospholipids contain primarily C14:0 and C19:0 cyclopropane-containing fatty acids. In contrast, both the ester-linked and amide-linked fatty acids found in H. pylori lipoproteins were observed to be almost exclusively C16:0 and C18:0. A discrepancy between the acyl composition of membrane phospholipids and lipoproteins as reported here for H. pylori has been previously reported in other bacteria including Borrelia and Brucella. We discuss possible mechanisms.IMPORTANCEColonization of the stomach by Helicobacter pylori is an important risk factor in the development of gastric cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. H. pylori persists in the stomach despite an immune response against the bacteria. Recognition of lipoproteins by TLR2 contributes to the innate immune response to H. pylori. However, the role of H. pylori lipoproteins in bacterial persistence is poorly understood. As the host response to lipoproteins depends on the acyl chain content, defining the acyl composition of H. pylori lipoproteins is an important step in characterizing how lipoproteins contribute to persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. McClain
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - William E. Boeglin
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Holly M. Scott Algood
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alan R. Brash
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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5
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Miranda-CasoLuengo R, Yerlikaya Z, Luo H, Cheng C, Blanco A, Haas A, Meijer WG. The N-terminal domain is required for cell surface localisation of VapA, a member of the Vap family of Rhodococcus equi virulence proteins. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298900. [PMID: 38421980 PMCID: PMC10903876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi pneumonia is an important cause of mortality in foals worldwide. Virulent equine isolates harbour an 80-85kb virulence plasmid encoding six virulence-associated proteins (Vaps). VapA, the main virulence factor of this intracellular pathogen, is known to be a cell surface protein that creates an intracellular niche for R. equi growth. In contrast, VapC, VapD and VapE are secreted into the intracellular milieu. Although these Vaps share very high degree of sequence identity in the C-terminal domain, the N-terminal domain (N-domain) of VapA is distinct. It has been proposed that this domain plays a role in VapA surface localization but no direct experimental data provides support to such hypothesis. In this work, we employed R. equi 103S harbouring an unmarked deletion of vapA (R. equi ΔvapA) as the genetic background to express C-terminal Strep-tagged Vap-derivatives integrated in the chromosome. The surface localization of these proteins was assessed by flow cytometry using the THE2122;-NWSHPQFEK Tag FITC-antibody. We show that VapA is the only cell surface Vap encoded in the virulence plasmid. We present compelling evidence for the role of the N-terminal domain of VapA on cell surface localization using fusion proteins in which the N-domain of VapD was exchanged with the N-terminus of VapA. Lastly, using an N-terminally Strep-tagged VapA, we found that the N-terminus of VapA is exposed to the extracellular environment. Given the lack of a lipobox in VapA and the exposure of the N-terminal Strep-tag, it is possible that VapA localization on the cell surface is mediated by interactions between the N-domain and components of the cell surface. We discuss the implications of this work on the light of the recent discovery that soluble recombinant VapA added to the extracellular medium functionally complement the loss of VapA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Miranda-CasoLuengo
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zeynep Yerlikaya
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazığ, Türkiye
| | - Haixia Luo
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cheng Cheng
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alfonso Blanco
- Flow Cytometry Core Technology, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Albert Haas
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wim G. Meijer
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Lehman KM, May KL, Marotta J, Grabowicz M. Genetic analysis reveals a robust and hierarchical recruitment of the LolA chaperone to the LolCDE lipoprotein transporter. mBio 2024; 15:e0303923. [PMID: 38193657 PMCID: PMC10865981 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03039-23] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane (OM) is an essential organelle of Gram-negative bacteria. Lipoproteins are key to building the OM, performing essential functions in several OM assembly machines. Lipoproteins mature in the inner membrane (IM) and are then trafficked to the OM. In Escherichia coli, the LolCDE transporter is needed to extract lipoproteins from the IM to begin trafficking. Lipoproteins are then transferred from LolCDE to the periplasmic chaperone LolA which ferries them to the OM for insertion by LolB. LolA recruitment by LolC is an essential trafficking step. Structural and biochemical studies suggested that two regions (termed Hook and Pad) within a periplasmic loop of LolC worked in tandem to recruit LolA, leading to a bipartite model for recruitment. Here, we genetically examine the LolC periplasmic loop in vivo using E. coli. Our findings challenge the bipartite interaction model. We show that while the Hook is essential for lipoprotein trafficking in vivo, lipoproteins are still efficiently trafficked when the Pad residues are inactivated. We show with AlphaFold2 multimer modeling that Hook:LolA interactions are likely universal among diverse Gram-negative bacteria. Conversely, Pad:LolA interactions vary across phyla. Our in vivo data redefine LolC:LolA recruitment into a hierarchical interaction model. We propose that the Hook is the major player in LolA recruitment, while the Pad plays an ancillary role that is important for efficiency but is ultimately dispensable. Our findings expand the understanding of a fundamental step in essential lipoprotein trafficking and have implications for efforts to develop new antibacterials that target LolCDE.IMPORTANCEResistance to current antibiotics is increasingly common. New antibiotics that target essential processes are needed to expand clinical options. For Gram-negative bacteria, their cell surface-the outer membrane (OM)-is an essential organelle and antibiotic barrier that is an attractive target for new antibacterials. Lipoproteins are key to building the OM. The LolCDE transporter is needed to supply the OM with lipoproteins and has been a focus of recent antibiotic discovery. In vitro evidence recently proposed a two-part interaction of LolC with LolA lipoprotein chaperone (which traffics lipoproteins to the OM) via "Hook" and "Pad" regions. We show that this model does not reflect lipoprotein trafficking in vivo. Only the Hook is essential for lipoprotein trafficking and is remarkably robust to mutational changes. The Pad is non-essential for lipoprotein trafficking but plays an ancillary role, contributing to trafficking efficiency. These insights inform ongoing efforts to drug LolCDE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Lehman
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kerrie L. May
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julianna Marotta
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marcin Grabowicz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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7
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Buddelmeijer N. Components Subcellular Localization: Identification of Lipoproteins Using Globomycin and Radioactive Palmitate. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2715:73-78. [PMID: 37930521 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3445-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial lipoproteins are characterized by fatty acids, derived from membrane phospholipids, which are covalently attached to their amino terminus via posttranslational modification in the cytoplasmic membrane. Here, I describe the detection of one of the intermediate forms of lipoprotein, diacylglyceryl-prolipoprotein, using 3H-palmitate labeling and inhibition of signal peptidase II (Lsp) by globomycin and detection by fluorography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Buddelmeijer
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, INSERM U1306, Biology and genetics of the bacterial cell wall Unit, 25-28 rue du docteur Roux, Paris cedex 15, France.
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8
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Jung MS, Piazuelo MB, Brackman LC, McClain MS, Algood HMS. Essential role of Helicobacter pylori apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase (Lnt) in stomach colonization. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0036923. [PMID: 37937999 PMCID: PMC10715074 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00369-23] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial lipoproteins are post-translationally modified with acyl chains, anchoring these proteins to bacterial membranes. In Gram-negative bacteria, three enzymes complete the modifications. Lgt (which adds two acyl chains) and LspA (which removes the signal peptide) are essential. Lnt (which adds a third acyl chain) is not essential in certain bacteria including Francisella tularensis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Deleting lnt results in mild to severe physiologic changes. We previously showed lnt is not essential for Helicobacter pylori growth in vitro. Here, the physiologic consequences of deleting lnt in H. pylori and the role of Lnt in the host response to H. pylori were examined using in vitro and in vivo models. Comparing wild-type, Δlnt, and complemented mutant H. pylori, no changes in growth rates or sensitivity to acid or antibiotics were observed. Since deleting lnt changes the number of acyl chains on lipoproteins and the number of acyl chains on lipoproteins impacts the innate immune response through Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling, primary human gastric epithelial cells were treated with a purified lipoprotein from wild-type or lnt mutant H. pylori. Differential gene expression analysis indicated that lipoprotein from the lnt mutant induced a more robust TLR2 response. In a complementary approach, we infected wild-type and Tlr2-/- mice and found that both the wild-type and complemented mutant strains successfully colonized the animals. However, the lnt mutant strain was unable to colonize either mouse strain. These results show that lnt is essential for H. pylori colonization and identifies lipoprotein synthesis as a target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Jung
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - M. Blanca Piazuelo
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lee C. Brackman
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark S. McClain
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Holly M. Scott Algood
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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9
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Lehman KM, May KL, Marotta J, Grabowicz M. Genetic analysis reveals a robust and hierarchical recruitment of the LolA chaperone to the LolCDE lipoprotein transporter. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.08.566237. [PMID: 37986794 PMCID: PMC10659402 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.08.566237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The outer membrane (OM) is an essential organelle of Gram-negative bacteria. Lipoproteins are key to building the OM, performing essential functions in several OM assembly machines. Lipoproteins mature in the inner membrane (IM) and are then trafficked to the OM. In Escherichia coli, the LolCDE transporter is needed to extract lipoproteins from the IM to begin trafficking. Lipoproteins are then transferred from LolCDE to the periplasmic chaperone LolA which ferries them to the OM for insertion by LolB. LolA recruitment by LolC is an essential trafficking step. Structural and biochemical studies suggested that two regions (termed Hook and Pad) within a periplasmic loop of LolC worked in tandem to recruit LolA, leading to a bipartite model for recruitment. Here, we genetically examine the LolC periplasmic loop in vivo using E. coli. Our findings challenge the bipartite interaction model. We show that while the Hook is essential for lipoprotein trafficking in vivo, lipoproteins are still efficiently trafficked when the Pad residues are inactivated. We show with AlphaFold2 multimer modeling that Hook:LolA interactions are likely universal among diverse Gram-negative bacteria. Conversely, Pad:LolA interactions vary across phyla. Our in vivo data redefine LolC:LolA recruitment into a hierarchical interaction model. We propose that the Hook is the major player in LolA recruitment, while the Pad plays an ancillary role that is important for efficiency but is ultimately dispensable. Our findings expand the understanding of a fundamental step in essential lipoprotein trafficking and have implications for efforts to develop new antibacterials that target LolCDE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Lehman
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Kelly M. Lehman and Kerrie L. May contributed equally to this work. Author order was determined alphabetically
| | - Kerrie L. May
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Kelly M. Lehman and Kerrie L. May contributed equally to this work. Author order was determined alphabetically
| | - Julianna Marotta
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marcin Grabowicz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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10
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Smithers L, Degtjarik O, Weichert D, Huang CY, Boland C, Bowen K, Oluwole A, Lutomski C, Robinson CV, Scanlan EM, Wang M, Olieric V, Shalev-Benami M, Caffrey M. Structure snapshots reveal the mechanism of a bacterial membrane lipoprotein N-acyltransferase. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf5799. [PMID: 37390210 PMCID: PMC10313180 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf5799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial lipoproteins (BLPs) decorate the surface of membranes in the cell envelope. They function in membrane assembly and stability, as enzymes, and in transport. The final enzyme in the BLP synthesis pathway is the apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase, Lnt, which is proposed to act by a ping-pong mechanism. Here, we use x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to chart the structural changes undergone during the progress of the enzyme through the reaction. We identify a single active site that has evolved to bind, individually and sequentially, substrates that satisfy structural and chemical criteria to position reactive parts next to the catalytic triad for reaction. This study validates the ping-pong mechanism, explains the molecular bases for Lnt's substrate promiscuity, and should facilitate the design of antibiotics with minimal off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Smithers
- School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Oksana Degtjarik
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Dietmar Weichert
- School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Chia-Ying Huang
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Coilín Boland
- School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Katherine Bowen
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Abraham Oluwole
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Corinne Lutomski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Carol V. Robinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Eoin M. Scanlan
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Meitian Wang
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Olieric
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Moran Shalev-Benami
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Martin Caffrey
- School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
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11
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Javed MS, Zubair M, Rizwan K, Jamil M. In Vitro Anti-Microbial Activity and Anti-Cancer Potential of Novel Synthesized Carbamothioyl-Furan-2-Carboxamide Derivatives. Molecules 2023; 28:4583. [PMID: 37375137 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of carbamothioyl-furan-2-carboxamide derivatives were synthesized using a one-pot strategy. Compounds were obtained in moderate to excellent yields (56-85%). Synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their anti-cancer (HepG2, Huh-7, and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines) and anti-microbial potential. Compound p-tolylcarbamothioyl)furan-2-carboxamide showed the highest anti-cancer activity at a concentration of 20 μg/mL against hepatocellular carcinoma, with a cell viability of 33.29%. All compounds showed significant anti-cancer activity against HepG2, Huh-7, and MCF-7, while indazole and 2,4-dinitrophenyl containing carboxamide derivatives were found to be less potent against all tested cell lines. Results were compared with the standard drug doxorubicin. Carboxamide derivatives possessing 2,4-dinitrophenyl showed significant inhibition against all bacterial and fungal strains with inhibition zones (I.Z) in the range of 9-17 and MICs were found to be 150.7-295 μg/mL. All carboxamide derivatives showed significant anti-fungal activity against all tested fungal strains. Gentamicin was used as the standard drug. The results showed that carbamothioyl-furan-2-carboxamide derivatives could be a potential source of anti-cancer and anti-microbial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Salman Javed
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Komal Rizwan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sahiwal, Sahiwal 57000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jamil
- Department of Chemistry, Government Post Graduate College, Sahiwal 57000, Pakistan
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12
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McClain MS, Bryant KN, McDonald WH, Algood HMS, Cover TL. Identification of an Essential LolD-Like Protein in Helicobacter pylori. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0005223. [PMID: 36971548 PMCID: PMC10127691 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00052-23] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The localization of lipoprotein (Lol) system is used by Gram-negative bacteria to export lipoproteins to the outer membrane. Lol proteins and models of how Lol transfers lipoproteins from the inner to the outer membrane have been extensively characterized in the model organism Escherichia coli, but in numerous bacterial species, lipoprotein synthesis and export pathways deviate from the E. coli paradigm. For example, in the human gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori, a homolog of the E. coli outer membrane component LolB is not found, E. coli LolC and LolE correspond to a single inner membrane component (LolF), and a homolog of the E. coli cytoplasmic ATPase LolD has not been identified. In the present study, we sought to identify a LolD-like protein in H. pylori. We used affinity-purification mass spectrometry to identify interaction partners of the H. pylori ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family permease LolF and identified the ABC family ATP-binding protein HP0179 as its interaction partner. We engineered H. pylori to conditionally express HP0179 and showed that HP0179 and its conserved ATP binding and ATP hydrolysis motifs are essential for H. pylori growth. We then performed affinity purification-mass spectrometry using HP0179 as the bait and identified LolF as its interaction partner. These results indicate that H. pylori HP0179 is a LolD-like protein and provide a more complete understanding of lipoprotein localization processes in H. pylori, a bacterium in which the Lol system deviates from the E. coli paradigm. IMPORTANCE Lipoproteins are critical in Gram-negative-bacteria for cell surface assembly of LPS, insertion of outer membrane proteins, and sensing envelope stress. Lipoproteins also contribute to bacterial pathogenesis. For many of these functions, lipoproteins must localize to the Gram-negative outer membrane. Transporting lipoproteins to the outer membrane involves the Lol sorting pathway. Detailed analyses of the Lol pathway have been performed in the model organism Escherichia coli, but many bacteria utilize altered components or are missing essential components of the E. coli Lol pathway. Identifying a LolD-like protein in Helicobacter pylori is important to better understand the Lol pathway in diverse bacterial classes. This becomes particularly relevant as lipoprotein localization is targeted for antimicrobial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. McClain
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kaeli N. Bryant
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - W. Hayes McDonald
- Proteomics Laboratory, Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Holly M. Scott Algood
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Timothy L. Cover
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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13
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Takahashi D, Miyata M. Sequence analyses of a lipoprotein conserved with bacterial actins responsible for swimming motility of wall-less helical Spiroplasma. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000713. [PMID: 37033705 PMCID: PMC10074174 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Spiroplasma is a genus of pathogenic or commensal cell-wall-deficient helical bacterium. Spiroplasma -specific protein fibril and five classes of bacterial actins, MreB1-5, are involved in a helical ribbon structure responsible for helical-cell morphology and swimming motility. A gene for a hypothetical protein-SPE_1229, 7th protein-has been found in the locus coding mreB s. In this study, we characterized the 7th protein using in silico methods and found that it could be a lipoprotein whose gene is encoded downstream of mreB3 and conserved in a clade of Spiroplasma .
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Affiliation(s)
- Daichi Takahashi
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Miyata
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
- The OMU Advanced Research Center for Natural Science and Technology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
- Correspondence to: Makoto Miyata (
)
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14
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Mohammad M, Ali A, Nguyen MT, Götz F, Pullerits R, Jin T. Staphylococcus aureus lipoproteins in infectious diseases. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1006765. [PMID: 36262324 PMCID: PMC9574248 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1006765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with the Gram-positive bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus remain a major challenge for the healthcare system and demand new treatment options. The increasing antibiotic resistance of S. aureus poses additional challenges, consequently inflicting a huge strain in the society due to enormous healthcare costs. S. aureus expresses multiple molecules, including bacterial lipoproteins (Lpps), which play a role not only in immune response but also in disease pathogenesis. S. aureus Lpps, the predominant ligands of TLR2, are important for bacterial survival as they maintain the metabolic activity of the bacteria. Moreover, Lpps possess many diverse properties that are of vital importance for the bacteria. They also contribute to host cell invasion but so far their role in different staphylococcal infections has not been fully defined. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about S. aureus Lpps and their distinct roles in various infectious disease animal models, such as septic arthritis, sepsis, and skin and soft tissue infections. The molecular and cellular response of the host to S. aureus Lpp exposure is also a primary focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd Mohammad
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Majd Mohammad,
| | - Abukar Ali
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Minh-Thu Nguyen
- Section of Medical and Geographical Infectiology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Friedrich Götz
- Department of Microbial Genetics, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rille Pullerits
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tao Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Deletion of a previously uncharacterized lipoprotein lirL confers resistance to an inhibitor of type II signal peptidase in Acinetobacter baumannii. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2123117119. [PMID: 36099298 PMCID: PMC9499571 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2123117119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting bacterial lipoprotein biosynthesis in Enterobacteriaceae is an attractive antibacterial strategy to target multidrug resistance, and mechanisms of resistance to prolipoprotein signal peptidase (LspA) inhibitors in Escherichia coli are relatively well understood. In contrast, it has been challenging to understand the mechanisms of resistance to LspA inhibitors in Acinetobacter baumannii due to the substantially lower inhibitor potencies and the lack of a homologous lpp gene. By increasing the antibacterial potency of the LspA inhibitor, globomycin, against wild-type A. baumannii, we were able to examine resistance to LspA inhibitors, resulting in the identification of a previously uncharacterized highly abundant lipoprotein, LspA inhibitor resistance lipoprotein. This study reveals insights into resistance mechanisms of A. baumannii against inhibitors of bacterial lipoprotein biosynthesis. Acinetobacter baumannii is a clinically important, predominantly health care–associated gram-negative bacterium with high rates of emerging resistance worldwide. Given the urgent need for novel antibacterial therapies against A. baumannii, we focused on inhibiting lipoprotein biosynthesis, a pathway that is essential for envelope biogenesis in gram-negative bacteria. The natural product globomycin, which inhibits the essential type II signal peptidase prolipoprotein signal peptidase (LspA), is ineffective against wild-type A. baumannii clinical isolates due to its poor penetration through the outer membrane. Here, we describe a globomycin analog, G5132, that is more potent against wild-type and clinical A. baumannii isolates. Mutations leading to G5132 resistance in A. baumannii map to the signal peptide of a single hypothetical gene, which we confirm encodes an alanine-rich lipoprotein and have renamed lirL (prolipoprotein signal peptidase inhibitor resistance lipoprotein). LirL is a highly abundant lipoprotein primarily localized to the inner membrane. Deletion of lirL leads to G5132 resistance, inefficient cell division, increased sensitivity to serum, and attenuated virulence. Signal peptide mutations that confer resistance to G5132 lead to the accumulation of diacylglyceryl-modified LirL prolipoprotein in untreated cells without significant loss in cell viability, suggesting that these mutations overcome a block in lipoprotein biosynthetic flux by decreasing LirL prolipoprotein substrate sensitivity to processing by LspA. This study characterizes a lipoprotein that plays a critical role in resistance to LspA inhibitors and validates lipoprotein biosynthesis as a antibacterial target in A. baumannii.
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16
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Structural basis of lipoprotein recognition by the bacterial Lol trafficking chaperone LolA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208662119. [PMID: 36037338 PMCID: PMC9457489 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208662119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoproteins in gram-negative bacteria underpin the formation and maintenance of the outer membrane that constitutes a vital protective barrier against antibiotics and other noxious molecules. An essential transport system comprising the LolABCDE proteins is required to traffic lipoproteins to the outer membrane. Following maturation on the inner membrane and extraction by the LolCDE transporter, lipoproteins are passed to the chaperone LolA that carries them across the periplasm prior to insertion into the outer membrane by the LolB receptor. Here, we report the molecular details of lipoprotein interaction with the chaperone LolA, a key intermediate located at the heart of the Lol pathway. The structure provides valuable insights into this important system and could be exploited to develop new antimicrobials. In gram-negative bacteria, lipoproteins are vital structural components of the outer membrane (OM) and crucial elements of machineries central to the physiology of the cell envelope. A dedicated apparatus, the Lol system, is required for the correct localization of OM lipoproteins and is essential for viability. The periplasmic chaperone LolA is central to this trafficking pathway, accepting triacylated lipoproteins from the inner membrane transporter LolCDE, before carrying them across the periplasm to the OM receptor LolB. Here, we report a crystal structure of liganded LolA, generated in vivo, revealing the molecular details of lipoprotein association. The structure highlights how LolA, initially primed to receive lipoprotein by interaction with LolC, further opens to accommodate the three ligand acyl chains in a precise conformation within its cavity. LolA forms extensive interactions with the acyl chains but not with any residue of the cargo, explaining the chaperone’s ability to transport structurally diverse lipoproteins. Structural characterization of a ligandedLolA variant incapable of lipoprotein release reveals aberrant association, demonstrating the importance of the LolCDE-coordinated, sequential opening of LolA for inserting lipoprotein in a manner productive for subsequent trafficking. Comparison with existing structures of LolA in complex with LolC or LolCDE reveals substantial overlap of the lipoprotein and LolC binding sites within the LolA cavity, demonstrating that insertion of lipoprotein acyl chains physically disengages the chaperone protein from the transporter by perturbing interaction with LolC. Taken together, our data provide a key step toward a complete understanding of a fundamentally important trafficking pathway.
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17
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A Defect in Lipoprotein Modification by Lgt Leads to Abnormal Morphology and Cell Death in Escherichia coli That Is Independent of Major Lipoprotein Lpp. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0016422. [PMID: 35938851 PMCID: PMC9487459 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00164-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Lgt is an essential enzyme in proteobacteria and therefore a potential target for novel antibiotics. The effect of Lgt depletion on growth, morphology, and viability was studied in Escherichia coli to assess whether absence of Lgt leads to cell death. Two Lgt depletion strains were used in which lgt was under the control of an arabinose-inducible promoter that allowed regulation of Lgt protein levels. Reduced levels of Lgt led to severe growth and morphological defects that could be restored by expressing lgt in trans, demonstrating that only Lgt is responsible for the distorted phenotypes. In the absence of major lipoprotein Lpp, growth defects were partially restored when low levels of Lgt were still present; however, lgt could not be deleted in the absence of Lpp. Our results demonstrate that Lpp is not the main cause of cell death under conditions of Lgt depletion and that other lipoproteins are important in cell envelope biogenesis and cell viability. Specific inhibitors of Lgt are thus promising for the development of novel antibiotics. IMPORTANCE Incomplete maturation and envelope mislocalization of lipoproteins, through inhibition or mutations in lipoprotein modification enzymes or transport to the outer membrane, are lethal in proteobacteria. Resistance to small-molecule inhibition or the appearance of suppressor mutations is often directly correlated with the presence of abundant outer membrane lipoprotein Lpp. Our results show that Lgt, the first enzyme of the lipoprotein modification pathway, is still required for growth and viability in the absence of Lpp and thus is necessary for the function of other essential lipoproteins in the cell envelope. This adds credence to the hypothesis that Lgt is essential in proteobacteria and an attractive target for the development of novel antibiotics.
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18
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Choudhary E, Sharma R, Pal P, Agarwal N. Deciphering the Proteomic Landscape of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Response to Acid and Oxidative Stresses. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:26749-26766. [PMID: 35936415 PMCID: PMC9352160 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The fundamental to the pathogenicity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the modulation in the control mechanisms that play a role in sensing and counteracting the microbicidal milieu encompassing various cellular stresses inside the human host. To understand such changes, we measured the cellular proteome of Mtb subjected to different stresses using a quantitative proteomics approach. We identified defined sets of Mtb proteins that are modulated in response to acid and a sublethal dose of diamide and H2O2 treatments. Notably, proteins involved in metabolic, catalytic, and binding functions are primarily affected under these stresses. Moreover, our analysis led to the observations that during acidic stress Mtb enters into energy-saving mode simultaneously modulating the acid tolerance system, whereas under diamide and H2O2 stresses, there were prominent changes in the biosynthesis and homeostasis pathways, primarily modifying the resistance mechanism in diamide-treated bacteria while causing metabolic arrest in H2O2-treated bacilli. Overall, we delineated the adaptive mechanisms that Mtb may utilize under physiological stresses and possible overlap between the responses to these stress conditions. In addition to offering important protein signatures that can be exploited for future mechanistic studies, our study highlights the importance of proteomics in understanding complex adjustments made by the human pathogen during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eira Choudhary
- Laboratory
of Mycobacterial Genetics, Translational
Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad121001, Haryana, India
- Symbiosis
School of Biomedical Sciences, Symbiosis
International (Deemed University), Pune412115, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rishabh Sharma
- Laboratory
of Mycobacterial Genetics, Translational
Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad121001, Haryana, India
| | - Pramila Pal
- Laboratory
of Mycobacterial Genetics, Translational
Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad121001, Haryana, India
- Jawaharlal
Nehru University, New
Mehrauli Road, New Delhi110067, India
| | - Nisheeth Agarwal
- Laboratory
of Mycobacterial Genetics, Translational
Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad121001, Haryana, India
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19
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Kaderabkova N, Bharathwaj M, Furniss RCD, Gonzalez D, Palmer T, Mavridou DA. The biogenesis of β-lactamase enzymes. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168:001217. [PMID: 35943884 PMCID: PMC10235803 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming marked a new era for modern medicine, allowing not only the treatment of infectious diseases, but also the safe performance of life-saving interventions, like surgery and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, resistance against penicillin, as well as more complex β-lactam antibiotics, has rapidly emerged since the introduction of these drugs in the clinic, and is largely driven by a single type of extra-cytoplasmic proteins, hydrolytic enzymes called β-lactamases. While the structures, biochemistry and epidemiology of these resistance determinants have been extensively characterized, their biogenesis, a complex process including multiple steps and involving several fundamental biochemical pathways, is rarely discussed. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the journey of β-lactamases, from the moment they exit the ribosomal channel until they reach their final cellular destination as folded and active enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikol Kaderabkova
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Manasa Bharathwaj
- Centre to Impact AMR, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R. Christopher D. Furniss
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Diego Gonzalez
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Institut de Biologie, Université de Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Microbes in Health and Disease, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Despoina A.I. Mavridou
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- John Ring LaMontagne Center for Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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20
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Abstract
Bacterial genotoxins are peptide or protein virulence factors produced by several pathogens, which make single-strand breaks (SSBs) and/or double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) in the target host cells. If host DNA inflictions are not resolved on time, host cell apoptosis, cell senescence, and/or even bacterial pathogen-related cancer may occur. Two multi-protein AB toxins, cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) produced by over 30 bacterial pathogens and typhoid toxin from Salmonella Typhi, as well as small polyketide-peptides named colibactin that causes the DNA interstrand cross-linking and subsequent DSBs is the most well-characterized bacterial genotoxins. Using these three examples, this review discusses the mechanisms by which these toxins deliver themselves into the nucleus of the target host cells and exert their genotoxic functions at the structural and functional levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liaoqi Du
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Jeongmin Song
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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21
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Abstract
The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is an essential organelle that acts as a formidable barrier to antibiotics. Increasingly prevalent resistance to existing drugs has exacerbated the need for antibiotic discovery efforts targeting the OM. Acylated proteins, known as lipoproteins, are essential in every pathway needed to build the OM. The central role of OM lipoproteins makes their biogenesis a uniquely attractive therapeutic target, but it also complicates in vivo identification of on-pathway inhibitors, as inhibition of OM lipoprotein biogenesis broadly disrupts OM assembly. Here, we use genetics to probe the eight essential proteins involved in OM lipoprotein maturation and trafficking. We define a biological signature consisting of three simple assays that can characteristically identify OM lipoprotein biogenesis defects in vivo. We find that several known chemical inhibitors of OM lipoprotein biogenesis conform to the biological signature. We also examine MAC13243, a proposed inhibitor of OM lipoprotein biogenesis, and find that it fails to conform to the biological signature. Indeed, we demonstrate that MAC13243 activity relies entirely on a target outside of the OM lipoprotein biogenesis pathway. Hence, our signature offers simple tools to easily assess whether antibiotic lead compounds target an essential pathway that is the hub of OM assembly.
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22
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Caldwell TA, Vickery ON, Colburn JD, Stansfeld PJ, Columbus L. Conformational dynamics of the membrane enzyme LspA upon antibiotic and substrate binding. Biophys J 2022; 121:2078-2083. [PMID: 35505611 PMCID: PMC9247476 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein signal peptidase (LspA) is an aspartyl protease that cleaves the transmembrane helix signal peptide of lipoproteins as part of the lipoprotein-processing pathway. Members of this pathway are excellent targets for the development of antibiotic therapeutics because they are essential in Gram-negative bacteria, are important for virulence in Gram-positive bacteria, and may not develop antibiotic resistance. Here, we report the conformational dynamics of LspA in the apo state and bound to the antibiotic globomycin determined using molecular dynamics simulations and electron paramagnetic resonance. The periplasmic helix fluctuates on the nanosecond timescale and samples unique conformations in the different states. In the apo state, the dominant conformation is the most closed and occludes the charged active site from the lipid bilayer. With antibiotic bound there are multiple binding modes with the dominant conformation of the periplasmic helix in a more open conformation. The different conformations observed in both bound and apo states indicate a flexible and adaptable active site, which explains how LspA accommodates and processes such a variety of substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy A Caldwell
- University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Owen N Vickery
- University of Warwick, School of Life Sciences & Department of Chemistry, Coventry, UK
| | - Jonathan D Colburn
- University of Warwick, School of Life Sciences & Department of Chemistry, Coventry, UK
| | - Phillip J Stansfeld
- University of Warwick, School of Life Sciences & Department of Chemistry, Coventry, UK.
| | - Linda Columbus
- University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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Smithers L, Olatunji S, Caffrey M. Bacterial Lipoprotein Posttranslational Modifications. New Insights and Opportunities for Antibiotic and Vaccine Development. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:788445. [PMID: 34950121 PMCID: PMC8689077 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.788445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoproteins are some of the most abundant proteins in bacteria. With a lipid anchor to the cell membrane, they function as enzymes, inhibitors, transporters, structural proteins, and as virulence factors. Lipoproteins activate the innate immune system and have biotechnological applications. The first lipoprotein was described by Braun and Rehn in 1969. Up until recently, however, work on lipoproteins has been sluggish, in part due to the challenges of handling proteins that are anchored to membranes by covalently linked lipids or are membrane integral. Activity in the area has quickened of late. In the past 5 years, high-resolution structures of the membrane enzymes of the canonical lipoprotein synthesis pathway have been determined, new lipoprotein types have been discovered and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis have been characterized biochemically. This has led to a flurry of activity aimed at developing novel antibiotics targeting these enzymes. In addition, surface exposed bacterial lipoproteins have been utilized as candidate vaccine antigens, and their potential to act as self-adjuvanting antigens is increasingly recognized. A summary of the latest developments in lipoproteins and their synthesis, as well as how this information is being exploited for therapeutic purposes is presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Smithers
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Samir Olatunji
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin Caffrey
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Giglione C, Meinnel T. Mapping the myristoylome through a complete understanding of protein myristoylation biochemistry. Prog Lipid Res 2021; 85:101139. [PMID: 34793862 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2021.101139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Protein myristoylation is a C14 fatty acid modification found in all living organisms. Myristoylation tags either the N-terminal alpha groups of cysteine or glycine residues through amide bonds or lysine and cysteine side chains directly or indirectly via glycerol thioester and ester linkages. Before transfer to proteins, myristate must be activated into myristoyl coenzyme A in eukaryotes or, in bacteria, to derivatives like phosphatidylethanolamine. Myristate originates through de novo biosynthesis (e.g., plants), from external uptake (e.g., human tissues), or from mixed origins (e.g., unicellular organisms). Myristate usually serves as a molecular anchor, allowing tagged proteins to be targeted to membranes and travel across endomembrane networks in eukaryotes. In this review, we describe and discuss the metabolic origins of protein-bound myristate. We review strategies for in vivo protein labeling that take advantage of click-chemistry with reactive analogs, and we discuss new approaches to the proteome-wide discovery of myristate-containing proteins. The machineries of myristoylation are described, along with how protein targets can be generated directly from translating precursors or from processed proteins. Few myristoylation catalysts are currently described, with only N-myristoyltransferase described to date in eukaryotes. Finally, we describe how viruses and bacteria hijack and exploit myristoylation for their pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Giglione
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Thierry Meinnel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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25
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Lee PR, Lee JH, Park JM, Oh SB. Upregulation of Toll-like Receptor 2 in Dental Primary Afferents Following Pulp Injury. Exp Neurobiol 2021; 30:329-340. [PMID: 34737238 PMCID: PMC8572661 DOI: 10.5607/en21018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulpitis (toothache) is a painful inflammation of the dental pulp and is a prevalent problem throughout the world. This pulpal inflammation occurs in the cells inside the dental pulp, which have host defense mechanisms to combat oral microorganisms invading the pulp space of exposed teeth. This innate immunity has been well studied, with a focus on Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The function of TLR4, activated by Gram-negative bacteria, has been demonstrated in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons for dental pain. Although Gram-positive bacteria predominate in the teeth of patients with caries and pulpitis, the role of TLR2, which is activated by Gram-positive bacteria, is poorly understood in dental primary afferent (DPA) neurons that densely innervate the dental pulp. Using Fura-2 based Ca2+ imaging, we observed reproducible intracellular Ca2+ responses induced by Pam3CSK4 and Pam2CSK4 (TLR2-specific agonists) in TG neurons of adult wild-type (WT) mice. The response was completely abolished in TLR2 knock-out (KO) mice. Single-cell RT-PCR detected Tlr2 mRNA in DPA neurons labeled with fluorescent retrograde tracers from the upper molars. Using the mouse pulpitis model, real-time RT-PCR revealed that Tlr2 and inflammatory-related molecules were upregulated in injured TG, compared to non-injured TG, from WT mice, but not from TLR2 KO mice. TLR2 protein expression was also upregulated in injured DPA neurons, and the change was corresponded with a significant increase in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression. Our results provide a better molecular understanding of pulpitis by revealing the potential contribution of TLR2 to pulpal inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pa Reum Lee
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Lee
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Ji Min Park
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Seog Bae Oh
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
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26
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Li H, Ming X, Xu D, Mo H, Liu Z, Hu L, Zhou X. Transcriptome Analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Reveal Multitarget-Directed Antibacterial Mechanisms of Benzyl Isothiocyanate against Staphylococcus aureus. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:11733-11741. [PMID: 34558287 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus can cause many diseases and has a strong tendency to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics. In this study, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) was shown to have an excellent inhibitory effect on S. aureus ATCC25923 and methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 μg/mL. Under a scanning electron microscope, shrinkage and lysis of the cellular envelope were observed when exposed to BITC, and a bactericidal mode of BITC against S. aureus was further confirmed through flow cytometry. Additionally, the RNA profiles of S. aureus cells exposed to BITC indicated a violent transcriptional response to BITC. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, it was found that many pathways involving bacterial survival were significantly affected, such as RNA degradation, oxidative phosphorylation, arginine biosynthesis, and so forth. A gene co-expression network was constructed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and six biologically meaningful co-expression modules and 125 hub genes were identified from the network. Among them, EfeB, GroES, SmpB, and Lsp were possibly targeted by BITC, leading to the death of S. aureus. Our results indicated a great potential of BITC to be applied in food safety and pharmaceuticals, highlighting its multitarget-directed bactericidal effects on S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Li
- Department of Food and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Xujia Ming
- Department of Food and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Food and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Haizhen Mo
- Department of Food and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Zhenbin Liu
- Department of Food and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Liangbin Hu
- Department of Food and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Department of Pathobiology & Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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Bahr G, González LJ, Vila AJ. Metallo-β-lactamases in the Age of Multidrug Resistance: From Structure and Mechanism to Evolution, Dissemination, and Inhibitor Design. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7957-8094. [PMID: 34129337 PMCID: PMC9062786 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major problems in current practical medicine. The spread of genes coding for resistance determinants among bacteria challenges the use of approved antibiotics, narrowing the options for treatment. Resistance to carbapenems, last resort antibiotics, is a major concern. Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) hydrolyze carbapenems, penicillins, and cephalosporins, becoming central to this problem. These enzymes diverge with respect to serine-β-lactamases by exhibiting a different fold, active site, and catalytic features. Elucidating their catalytic mechanism has been a big challenge in the field that has limited the development of useful inhibitors. This review covers exhaustively the details of the active-site chemistries, the diversity of MBL alleles, the catalytic mechanism against different substrates, and how this information has helped developing inhibitors. We also discuss here different aspects critical to understand the success of MBLs in conferring resistance: the molecular determinants of their dissemination, their cell physiology, from the biogenesis to the processing involved in the transit to the periplasm, and the uptake of the Zn(II) ions upon metal starvation conditions, such as those encountered during an infection. In this regard, the chemical, biochemical and microbiological aspects provide an integrative view of the current knowledge of MBLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Bahr
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Ocampo y Esmeralda S/N, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
- Area Biofísica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - Lisandro J. González
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Ocampo y Esmeralda S/N, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
- Area Biofísica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - Alejandro J. Vila
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Ocampo y Esmeralda S/N, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
- Area Biofísica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
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28
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Suazo KF, Park KY, Distefano MD. A Not-So-Ancient Grease History: Click Chemistry and Protein Lipid Modifications. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7178-7248. [PMID: 33821625 PMCID: PMC8820976 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein lipid modification involves the attachment of hydrophobic groups to proteins via ester, thioester, amide, or thioether linkages. In this review, the specific click chemical reactions that have been employed to study protein lipid modification and their use for specific labeling applications are first described. This is followed by an introduction to the different types of protein lipid modifications that occur in biology. Next, the roles of click chemistry in elucidating specific biological features including the identification of lipid-modified proteins, studies of their regulation, and their role in diseases are presented. A description of the use of protein-lipid modifying enzymes for specific labeling applications including protein immobilization, fluorescent labeling, nanostructure assembly, and the construction of protein-drug conjugates is presented next. Concluding remarks and future directions are presented in the final section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiall F. Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Keun-Young Park
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
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29
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Arega AM, Mahapatra RK. Glycoconjugates, hypothetical proteins, and post-translational modification: Importance in host-pathogen interaction and antitubercular intervention development. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:30-48. [PMID: 33838076 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
With the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, insufficiency of the established chemotherapy, and the existing vaccine BCG, tuberculosis (TB) subsists as the chief cause of death in different parts of the world. Thus, identification of novel target proteins is urgently required to develop more effective TB interventions. However, the novel vaccine and drug target knowledge based on the essentiality of the pathogen cell envelope components such as glycoconjugates, glycans, and the peptidoglycan layer of the lipid-rich capsule are limited. Furthermore, most of the genes encoding proteins are characterized as hypothetical and functionally unknown. Correspondingly, some researchers have shown that the lipid and sugar components of the envelope glycoconjugates are largely in charge of TB pathogenesis and encounter many drugs and vaccines. Therefore, in this review we provide an insight into a comprehensive study concerning the importance of cell envelope glycoconjugates and hypothetical proteins, the impact of post-translational modification, and the bioinformatics-based implications for better antitubercular intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aregitu Mekuriaw Arega
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, India.,National Veterinary Institute, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
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30
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The Photosystem II Assembly Factor Ycf48 from the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Is Lipidated Using an Atypical Lipobox Sequence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073733. [PMID: 33918522 PMCID: PMC8038367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Photochemical energy conversion during oxygenic photosynthesis is performed by membrane-embedded chlorophyll-binding protein complexes. The biogenesis and maintenance of these complexes requires auxiliary protein factors that optimize the assembly process and protect nascent complexes from photodamage. In cyanobacteria, several lipoproteins contribute to the biogenesis and function of the photosystem II (PSII) complex. They include CyanoP, CyanoQ, and Psb27, which are all attached to the lumenal side of PSII complexes. Here, we show that the lumenal Ycf48 assembly factor found in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is also a lipoprotein. Detailed mass spectrometric analysis of the isolated protein supported by site-directed mutagenesis experiments indicates lipidation of the N-terminal C29 residue of Ycf48 and removal of three amino acids from the C-terminus. The lipobox sequence in Ycf48 contains a cysteine residue at the -3 position compared to Leu/Val/Ile residues found in the canonical lipobox sequence. The atypical Ycf48 lipobox sequence is present in most cyanobacteria but is absent in eukaryotes. A possible role for lipoproteins in the coordinated assembly of cyanobacterial PSII is discussed.
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31
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El Rayes J, Rodríguez-Alonso R, Collet JF. Lipoproteins in Gram-negative bacteria: new insights into their biogenesis, subcellular targeting and functional roles. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 61:25-34. [PMID: 33667939 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial lipoproteins are globular proteins anchored to a membrane by a lipid moiety. By discovering new functions carried out by lipoproteins, recent research has highlighted the crucial roles played by these proteins in the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria. Here, after discussing the wide range of activities carried out by lipoproteins in the model bacterium Escherichia coli, we review new insights into the essential mechanisms involved in lipoprotein maturation, sorting and targeting to their final destination. A special attention will also be given to the recent identification of lipoproteins on the surface of E. coli and of other bacteria. The renewed interest in lipoproteins is driven by the need to identify novel targets for antibiotic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica El Rayes
- WELBIO, Avenue Hippocrate 75, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 75, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raquel Rodríguez-Alonso
- WELBIO, Avenue Hippocrate 75, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 75, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Collet
- WELBIO, Avenue Hippocrate 75, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 75, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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Transcriptional Responses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Inhibition of Lipoprotein Transport by a Small Molecule Inhibitor. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00452-20. [PMID: 32989085 PMCID: PMC7685553 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00452-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A key set of lipoprotein transport components, LolCDE, were inhibited by both a small molecule as well as genetic downregulation of their expression. The data show a unique signature in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa transcriptome in response to perturbation of outer membrane biogenesis. In addition, we demonstrate a transcriptional response in key genes with marked specificity compared to several antibiotic classes with different mechanisms of action. As a result of this work, we identified genes that could be of potential use as biomarkers in a cell-based screen for novel antibiotic inhibitors of lipoprotein transport in P. aeruginosa. Lipoprotein transport from the inner to the outer membrane, carried out by the Lol machinery, is essential for the biogenesis of the Gram-negative cell envelope and, consequently, for bacterial viability. Recently, small molecule inhibitors of the Lol system in Escherichia coli have been identified and shown to inhibit the growth of this organism by interfering with the function of the LolCDE complex. Analysis of the transcriptome of E. coli treated with one such molecule (compound 2) revealed that a number of envelope stress response pathways were induced in response to LolCDE inhibition. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is refractory to inhibition by the same small molecule, but we could demonstrate that E. colilolCDE could be substituted for the P. aeruginosa orthologues, where it functions in the correct transport of Pseudomonas lipoproteins, and the cells are inhibited by the more potent compound 2A. In the present study, we took advantage of the functionality of E. coli LolCDE in P. aeruginosa and determined the P. aeruginosa transcriptional response to LolCDE inhibition by compound 2A. We identified key genes that responded to LolCDE inhibition and also demonstrated that the same genes appeared to be affected by genetic depletion of the native P. aeruginosa LolCDE proteins. Several of the major changes were in an upregulated cluster of genes that encode determinants of alginate biosynthesis and transport, and the levels of alginate were found to be increased either by treatment with the small molecule inhibitor or upon depletion of native LolCDE. Finally, we tested several antibiotics with differing mechanisms of action to identify potential specific reporter genes for the further development of compounds that would inhibit the native P. aeruginosa Lol system. IMPORTANCE A key set of lipoprotein transport components, LolCDE, were inhibited by both a small molecule as well as genetic downregulation of their expression. The data show a unique signature in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa transcriptome in response to perturbation of outer membrane biogenesis. In addition, we demonstrate a transcriptional response in key genes with marked specificity compared to several antibiotic classes with different mechanisms of action. As a result of this work, we identified genes that could be of potential use as biomarkers in a cell-based screen for novel antibiotic inhibitors of lipoprotein transport in P. aeruginosa.
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Sikora AE, Gomez C, Le Van A, Baarda BI, Darnell S, Martinez FG, Zielke RA, Bonventre JA, Jerse AE. A novel gonorrhea vaccine composed of MetQ lipoprotein formulated with CpG shortens experimental murine infection. Vaccine 2020; 38:8175-8184. [PMID: 33162204 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.10.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial surface lipoproteins are emerging as attractive vaccine candidates due to their biological importance and the feasibility of their large-scale production for vaccine manufacturing. The global prevalence of gonorrhea, resistance to antibiotics, and serious consequences to reproductive and neonatal health necessitate development of effective vaccines. Reverse vaccinology identified the surface-displayed L-methionine binding lipoprotein MetQ (NGO2139) and its homolog GNA1946 (NMB1946) as gonococcal and meningococcal vaccine candidates, respectively. Here, we assessed the suitability of MetQ for inclusion in a gonorrhea vaccine by examining MetQ conservation, its function inNeisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) pathogenesis, and its ability to induce protective immune responses using a female murine model of lower genital tract infection. In-depth bioinformatics, phylogenetics and mapping the most prevalent Ng polymorphic amino acids to the GNA1946 crystal structure revealed remarkable MetQ conservation: ~97% Ng isolates worldwide possess a single MetQ variant. Mice immunized with rMetQ-CpG (n = 40), a vaccine containing a tag-free version of MetQ formulated with CpG, exhibited robust, antigen-specific antibody responses in serum and at the vaginal mucosae including IgA. Consistent with the activity of CpG as a Th1-stimulating adjuvant, the serum IgG1/IgG2a ratio of 0.38 suggested a Th1 bias. Combined data from two independent challenge experiments demonstrated that rMetQ-CpG immunized mice cleared infection faster than control animals (vehicle, p < 0.0001; CpG, p = 0.002) and had lower Ng burden (vehicle, p = 0.03; CpG, p < 0.0001). We conclude rMetQ-CpG induces a protective immune response that accelerates bacterial clearance from the murine lower genital tract and represents an attractive component of a gonorrhea subunit vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra E Sikora
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, United States; Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States.
| | - Carolina Gomez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States
| | - Adriana Le Van
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States
| | - Benjamin I Baarda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, United States
| | - Stephen Darnell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States
| | - Fabian G Martinez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, United States
| | - Ryszard A Zielke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, United States
| | - Josephine A Bonventre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, United States
| | - Ann E Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States.
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34
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Forrest S, Welch M. Arming the troops: Post-translational modification of extracellular bacterial proteins. Sci Prog 2020; 103:36850420964317. [PMID: 33148128 PMCID: PMC10450907 DOI: 10.1177/0036850420964317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Protein secretion is almost universally employed by bacteria. Some proteins are retained on the cell surface, whereas others are released into the extracellular milieu, often playing a key role in virulence. In this review, we discuss the diverse types and potential functions of post-translational modifications (PTMs) occurring to extracellular bacterial proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Forrest
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Welch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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35
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Nguyen MT, Matsuo M, Niemann S, Herrmann M, Götz F. Lipoproteins in Gram-Positive Bacteria: Abundance, Function, Fitness. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:582582. [PMID: 33042100 PMCID: PMC7530257 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.582582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
When one thinks of the Gram+ cell wall, the peptidoglycan (PG) scaffold in particular comes to mind. However, the cell wall also consists of many other components, for example those that are covalently linked to the PG: the wall teichoic acid and the cell wall proteins tethered by the sortase. In addition, there are completely different molecules that are anchored in the cytoplasmic membrane and span the cell wall. These are lipoteichoic acids and bacterial lipoproteins (Lpp). The latter are in the focus of this review. Lpp are present in almost all bacteria. They fulfill a wealth of different tasks. They represent the window to the outside world by recognizing nutrients and incorporating them into the bacterial cell via special transport systems. Furthermore, they perform very diverse and special tasks such as acting as chaperonin, as cyclomodulin, contributing to invasion of host cells or uptake of plasmids via conjugation. All these functions are taken over by the protein part. Nevertheless, the lipid part of the Lpp plays an as important role as the protein part. It is the released lipoproteins and derived lipopeptides that massively modulate our immune system and ultimately play an important role in immune tolerance or non-tolerance. All these varied activities of the Lpp are considered in this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Thu Nguyen
- Section of Medical and Geographical Infectiology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Miki Matsuo
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), Microbial Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Silke Niemann
- Section of Medical and Geographical Infectiology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mathias Herrmann
- Section of Medical and Geographical Infectiology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Friedrich Götz
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), Microbial Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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36
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Pandeya A, Ojo I, Alegun O, Wei Y. Periplasmic Targets for the Development of Effective Antimicrobials against Gram-Negative Bacteria. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2337-2354. [PMID: 32786281 PMCID: PMC8187054 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a serious threat to global public health in recent years. Lack of novel antimicrobials, especially new classes of compounds, further aggravates the situation. For Gram-negative bacteria, their double layered cell envelope and an array of efflux pumps act as formidable barriers for antimicrobials to penetrate. While cytoplasmic targets are hard to reach, proteins in the periplasm are clearly more accessible, as the drug only needs to breach the outer membrane. In this review, we summarized recent efforts on the validation and testing of periplasmic proteins as potential antimicrobial targets and the development of related inhibitors that either inhibit the growth of a bacterial pathogen or reduce its virulence during interaction with host cells. We conclude that the periplasm contains a promising pool of novel antimicrobial targets that should be scrutinized more closely for the development of effective treatment against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Pandeya
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Isoiza Ojo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Olaniyi Alegun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Yinan Wei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
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37
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Belmont-Monroy L, Saitz-Rojas W, Soria-Bustos J, Mickey AS, Sherman NE, Orsburn BC, Ruiz-Perez F, Santiago AE. Characterization of a novel AraC/XylS-regulated family of N-acyltransferases in pathogens of the order Enterobacterales. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008776. [PMID: 32845938 PMCID: PMC7478709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is a diarrheagenic pathotype associated with traveler’s diarrhea, foodborne outbreaks and sporadic diarrhea in industrialized and developing countries. Regulation of virulence in EAEC is mediated by AggR and its negative regulator Aar. Together, they control the expression of at least 210 genes. On the other hand, we observed that about one third of Aar-regulated genes are related to metabolism and transport. In this study we show the AggR/Aar duo controls the metabolism of lipids. Accordingly, we show that AatD, encoded in the AggR-regulated aat operon (aatPABCD) is an N-acyltransferase structurally similar to the essential Apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase Lnt and is required for the acylation of Aap (anti-aggregation protein). Deletion of aatD impairs post-translational modification of Aap and causes its accumulation in the bacterial periplasm. trans-complementation of 042aatD mutant with the AatD homolog of ETEC or with the N-acyltransferase Lnt reestablished translocation of Aap. Site-directed mutagenesis of the E207 residue in the putative acyltransferase catalytic triad disrupted the activity of AatD and caused accumulation of Aap in the periplasm due to reduced translocation of Aap at the bacterial surface. Furthermore, Mass spectroscopy revealed that Aap is acylated in a putative lipobox at the N-terminal of the mature protein, implying that Aap is a lipoprotein. Lastly, deletion of aatD impairs bacterial colonization of the streptomycin-treated mouse model. Our findings unveiled a novel N-acyltransferase family associated with bacterial virulence, and that is tightly regulated by AraC/XylS regulators in the order Enterobacterales. Although the regulatory scheme of AggR is well understood, the biological relevance of half of AggR-regulated proteins remains unknown. In this study we provide experimental evidence that the AggR-regulated AatD is a novel N-acyltransferase restricted to pathogens of the order Enterobacterales, including EAEC, ETEC, Yersinia sp., and C. rodentium. AatD is structurally similar to Lnt. However, unlike Lnt which is essential for cellular functions, AatD is a dedicated N-acyltransferase required for post-translational modification of virulence factors. Aap was identified as a lipoprotein acylated by AatD. Lipid modification in Aap provides an important post-translational mechanism to regulate the trafficking, stability and subcellular localization of Aap. In the absence of AatD, Aap is retained in the periplasmic space and cannot be translocated to the bacterial surface, presumably, restricting the biological function of the protein. Our data suggest that AggR and Aar virulence regulators, not only regulate the expression of Aap virulence factor at the transcriptional level, but also regulate translocation of Aap to the bacterial surface, which is required for full virulence of EAEC, unveiling an important mechanism of virulence regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Belmont-Monroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine and University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Public Health, UNAM School of Medicine and Federico Gomez Children’s Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Waleska Saitz-Rojas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine and University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jorge Soria-Bustos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine and University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Abigail S. Mickey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine and University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nicholas E. Sherman
- W. M. Keck Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Lab. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Benjamin C. Orsburn
- W. M. Keck Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Lab. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Fernando Ruiz-Perez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine and University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Araceli E. Santiago
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine and University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: .
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38
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Prabhu D, Rajamanikandan S, Anusha SB, Chowdary MS, Veerapandiyan M, Jeyakanthan J. In silico Functional Annotation and Characterization of Hypothetical Proteins from Serratia marcescens FGI94. BIOL BULL+ 2020; 47:319-331. [PMID: 32834707 PMCID: PMC7394047 DOI: 10.1134/s1062359020300019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Serratia marcescens, rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria is classified as an opportunistic pathogen in the family Enterobacteriaceae. It causes a wide variety of infections in humans, including urinary, respiratory, ocular lens and ear infections, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, meningitis and septicemia. Unfortunately, over the past decade, antibiotic resistance has become a serious health care issue; the effective means to control and dissemination of S. marcescens resistance is the need of hour. The whole genome sequencing of S. marcescens FGI94 strain contains 4434 functional proteins, among which 690 (15.56%) proteins were classified under hypothetical. In the present study, we applied the power of various bioinformatics tools on the basis of protein family comparison, motifs, functional properties of amino acids and genome context to assign the possible functions for the HPs. The pseudo sequences (protein sequence that contain ≤100 amino acid residues) are eliminated from the study. Although we have successfully predicted the function for 483 proteins, we were able to infer the high level of confidence only for 108 proteins. The predicted HPs were classified into various classes such as enzymes, transporters, binding proteins, cell division, cell regulatory and other proteins. The outcome of the study could be helpful to understand the molecular mechanism in bacterial pathogenesis and also provide an insight into the identification of potential targets for drug and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Prabhu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Science Campus, 630004 Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu India
| | - S Rajamanikandan
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, 560064 Yelahanka, Bengaluru India
| | - S Baby Anusha
- Department of Bioinformatics, Sathyabama University, 600119 Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
| | - M Sushma Chowdary
- Department of Bioinformatics, Sathyabama University, 600119 Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
| | - M Veerapandiyan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Science Campus, 630004 Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu India
| | - J Jeyakanthan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Science Campus, 630004 Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu India
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39
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Knoke LR, Abad Herrera S, Götz K, Justesen BH, Günther Pomorski T, Fritz C, Schäkermann S, Bandow JE, Aktas M. Agrobacterium tumefaciens Small Lipoprotein Atu8019 Is Involved in Selective Outer Membrane Vesicle (OMV) Docking to Bacterial Cells. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1228. [PMID: 32582124 PMCID: PMC7296081 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), released from Gram-negative bacteria, have been attributed to intra- and interspecies communication and pathogenicity in diverse bacteria. OMVs carry various components including genetic material, toxins, signaling molecules, or proteins. Although the molecular mechanism(s) of cargo delivery is not fully understood, recent studies showed that transfer of the OMV content to surrounding cells is mediated by selective interactions. Here, we show that the phytopathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens, the causative agent of crown gall disease, releases OMVs, which attach to the cell surface of various Gram-negative bacteria. The OMVs contain the conserved small lipoprotein Atu8019. An atu8019-deletion mutant produced wildtype-like amounts of OMVs with a subtle but reproducible reduction in cell-attachment. Otherwise, loss of atu8019 did not alter growth, susceptibility against cations or antibiotics, attachment to plant cells, virulence, motility, or biofilm formation. In contrast, overproduction of Atu8019 in A. tumefaciens triggered cell aggregation and biofilm formation. Localization studies revealed that Atu8019 is surface exposed in Agrobacterium cells and in OMVs supporting a role in cell adhesion. Purified Atu8019 protein reconstituted into liposomes interacted with model membranes and with the surface of several Gram-negative bacteria. Collectively, our data suggest that the small lipoprotein Atu8019 is involved in OMV docking to specific bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Roxanne Knoke
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sara Abad Herrera
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Katrin Götz
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Bo Højen Justesen
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Günther Pomorski
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christiane Fritz
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sina Schäkermann
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Applied Microbiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julia Elisabeth Bandow
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Applied Microbiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Meriyem Aktas
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Microbial Biology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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40
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Dautin N, Argentini M, Mohiman N, Labarre C, Cornu D, Sago L, Chami M, Dietrich C, de Sousa d'Auria C, Houssin C, Masi M, Salmeron C, Bayan N. Role of the unique, non-essential phosphatidylglycerol::prolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase (Lgt) in Corynebacterium glutamicum. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2020; 166:759-776. [PMID: 32490790 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial lipoproteins are secreted proteins that are post-translationally lipidated. Following synthesis, preprolipoproteins are transported through the cytoplasmic membrane via the Sec or Tat translocon. As they exit the transport machinery, they are recognized by a phosphatidylglycerol::prolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase (Lgt), which converts them to prolipoproteins by adding a diacylglyceryl group to the sulfhydryl side chain of the invariant Cys+1 residue. Lipoprotein signal peptidase (LspA or signal peptidase II) subsequently cleaves the signal peptide, liberating the α-amino group of Cys+1, which can eventually be further modified. Here, we identified the lgt and lspA genes from Corynebacterium glutamicum and found that they are unique but not essential. We found that Lgt is necessary for the acylation and membrane anchoring of two model lipoproteins expressed in this species: MusE, a C. glutamicum maltose-binding lipoprotein, and LppX, a Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipoprotein. However, Lgt is not required for these proteins' signal peptide cleavage, or for LppX glycosylation. Taken together, these data show that in C. glutamicum the association of some lipoproteins with membranes through the covalent attachment of a lipid moiety is not essential for further post-translational modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Dautin
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France.,Present address: Laboratoire de Biologie Physico-Chimique des Protéines Membranaires, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Manuela Argentini
- Present address: Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France.,Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Niloofar Mohiman
- Present address: Curakliniken, Erikslustvägen 22, 217 73 Malmö, Sweden.,Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Cécile Labarre
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - David Cornu
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Laila Sago
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Mohamed Chami
- CBioEM lab, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Dietrich
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Célia de Sousa d'Auria
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Christine Houssin
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Muriel Masi
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Christophe Salmeron
- Present address: Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls Sur Mer, FR 3724-Laboratoire Arago - Sorbonne Université / CNRS, France.,Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Nicolas Bayan
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
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41
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Armbruster KM, Komazin G, Meredith TC. Bacterial lyso-form lipoproteins are synthesized via an intramolecular acyl chain migration. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10195-10211. [PMID: 32471867 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
All bacterial lipoproteins share a variably acylated N-terminal cysteine residue. Gram-negative bacterial lipoproteins are triacylated with a thioether-linked diacylglycerol moiety and an N-acyl chain. The latter is transferred from a membrane phospholipid donor to the α-amino terminus by the enzyme lipoprotein N-acyltransferase (Lnt), using an active-site cysteine thioester covalent intermediate. Many Gram-positive Firmicutes also have N-acylated lipoproteins, but the enzymes catalyzing N-acylation remain uncharacterized. The integral membrane protein Lit (lipoprotein intramolecular transacylase) from the opportunistic nosocomial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis synthesizes a specific lysoform lipoprotein (N-acyl S-monoacylglycerol) chemotype by an unknown mechanism that helps this bacterium evade immune recognition by the Toll-like receptor 2 family complex. Here, we used a deuterium-labeled lipoprotein substrate with reconstituted Lit to investigate intramolecular acyl chain transfer. We observed that Lit transfers the sn-2 ester-linked lipid from the diacylglycerol moiety to the α-amino terminus without forming a covalent thioester intermediate. Utilizing Mut-Seq to analyze an alanine scan library of Lit alleles, we identified two stretches of functionally important amino acid residues containing two conserved histidines. Topology maps based on reporter fusion assays and cysteine accessibility placed both histidines in the extracellular half of the cytoplasmic membrane. We propose a general acid base-promoted catalytic mechanism, invoking direct nucleophilic attack by the substrate α-amino group on the sn-2 ester to form a cyclic tetrahedral intermediate that then collapses to produce lyso-lipoprotein. Lit is a unique example of an intramolecular transacylase differentiated from that catalyzed by Lnt, and provides insight into the heterogeneity of bacterial lipoprotein biosynthetic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Armbruster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gloria Komazin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy C Meredith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA .,The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, USA
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42
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McClain MS, Voss BJ, Cover TL. Lipoprotein Processing and Sorting in Helicobacter pylori. mBio 2020; 11:e00911-20. [PMID: 32430470 PMCID: PMC7240156 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00911-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Our current understanding of lipoprotein synthesis and localization in Gram-negative bacteria is based primarily on studies of Escherichia coli Newly synthesized E. coli prolipoproteins undergo posttranslational modifications catalyzed by three essential enzymes (Lgt, LspA, and Lnt). The mature lipoproteins are then sorted to the inner or outer membrane via the Lol system (LolABCDE). Recent studies suggested that this paradigm may not be universally applicable among different classes of proteobacteria. In this study, we conducted a systematic analysis of lipoprotein processing and sorting in Helicobacter pylori, a member of the Epsilonproteobacteria that colonizes the human stomach. We show that H. pylorilgt, lspA, and lnt homologs can complement conditionally lethal E. coli mutant strains in which expression of these genes is conditionally regulated. Mutagenesis studies and analyses of conditionally lethal H. pylori mutant strains indicate that lgt and lspA are essential for H. pylori growth but lnt is dispensable. H. pylorilolA and the single lolC (or lolE) homolog are also essential genes. We then explored the role of lipoproteins in H. pylori Cag type IV secretion system (Cag T4SS) activity. Comparative analysis of the putative VirB7 homolog CagT in wild-type and lnt mutant H. pylori strains indicates that CagT undergoes amino-terminal modifications consistent with lipidation, and we show that CagT lipidation is essential for CagT stability and Cag T4SS function. This work demonstrates that lipoprotein synthesis and localization in H. pylori diverge from the canonical pathways and that lipidation of a T4SS component is necessary for H. pylori Cag T4SS activity.IMPORTANCE Bacterial lipoproteins have diverse roles in multiple aspects of bacterial physiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenesis. Dedicated pathways direct the posttranslational lipidation and localization of lipoproteins, but there is considerable variation in these pathways among the proteobacteria. In this study, we characterized the proteins responsible for lipoprotein synthesis and localization in Helicobacter pylori, a member of the Epsilonproteobacteria that contributes to stomach cancer pathogenesis. We also provide evidence suggesting that lipidation of CagT, a component of the H. pylori Cag T4SS, is required for delivery of the H. pylori CagA oncoprotein into human gastric cells. Overall, these results constitute the first systematic analysis of H. pylori lipoprotein production and localization pathways and reveal how these processes in H. pylori differ from corresponding pathways in model proteobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S McClain
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bradley J Voss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Timothy L Cover
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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43
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Moopanar K, Mvubu NE. Lineage-specific differences in lipid metabolism and its impact on clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Microb Pathog 2020; 146:104250. [PMID: 32407863 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) is the causative agent of TB and its incidences has been on the rise since 1993. Lipid metabolism is an imperative metabolic process, which grants M. tb the ability to utilize host-derived lipids as a secondary source of nutrition during infection. In addition to degrading host lipids, M. tb is proficient at using lipids, such as cholesterol, to facilitate its entry into macrophages. Mycolic acids, constituents of the mycobacterial cell wall, offer protection and aid in persistence of the bacterium. These are effectively synthesized using a complex fatty acid synthase system. Many pathogenesis studies have reported differences in lipid-metabolism of clinical strains of M. tb that belongs to diverse lineages of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). East-Asian and Euro-American lineages possess "unique" cell wall-associated lipids compared to the less transmissible Ethiopian lineage, which may offer these lineages a competitive advantage. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the complexities among the MTBC lineages with lipid metabolism and their impact on virulence, transmissibility and pathogenesis. Thus, this review provides an insight into lipid metabolism in various lineages of the MTBC and their impact on virulence and persistence during infection, as this may provide critical insight into developing novel therapeutics to combat TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Moopanar
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - N E Mvubu
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
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44
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Rao S, Bates GT, Matthews CR, Newport TD, Vickery ON, Stansfeld PJ. Characterizing Membrane Association and Periplasmic Transfer of Bacterial Lipoproteins through Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Structure 2020; 28:475-487.e3. [PMID: 32053772 PMCID: PMC7139219 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli lipoprotein precursors at the inner membrane undergo three maturation stages before transport by the Lol system to the outer membrane. Here, we develop a pipeline to simulate the membrane association of bacterial lipoproteins in their four maturation states. This has enabled us to model and simulate 81 of the predicted 114 E. coli lipoproteins and reveal their interactions with the host lipid membrane. As part of this set we characterize the membrane contacts of LolB, the lipoprotein involved in periplasmic translocation. We also consider the means and bioenergetics for lipoprotein localization. Our calculations uncover a preference for LolB over LolA and therefore indicate how a lipoprotein may be favorably transferred from the inner to outer membrane. Finally, we reveal that LolC has a role in membrane destabilization, thereby promoting lipoprotein transfer to LolA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanlin Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - George T Bates
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Callum R Matthews
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Thomas D Newport
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Owen N Vickery
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; School of Life Sciences & Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Phillip J Stansfeld
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; School of Life Sciences & Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
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45
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Wang X, Eagen WJ, Lee JC. Orchestration of human macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome activation by Staphylococcus aureus extracellular vesicles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:3174-3184. [PMID: 31988111 PMCID: PMC7022218 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1915829117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a common feature among eukaryotes, archaea, and bacteria. However, the biogenesis and downstream biological effects of EVs released from gram-positive bacteria remain poorly characterized. Here, we report that EVs purified from a community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain were internalized into human macrophages in vitro and that this process was blocked by inhibition of the dynamin-dependent endocytic pathway. Human macrophages responded to S. aureus EVs by TLR2 signaling and activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes through K+ efflux, leading to the recruitment of ASC and activation of caspase-1. Cleavage of pro-interleukin (IL)-1β, pro-IL-18, and gasdermin-D by activated caspase-1 resulted in the cellular release of the mature cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and induction of pyroptosis. Consistent with this result, a dose-dependent cytokine response was detected in the extracellular fluids of mice challenged intraperitoneally with S. aureus EVs. Pore-forming toxins associated with S. aureus EVs were critical for NLRP3-dependent caspase-1 activation of human macrophages, but not for TLR2 signaling. In contrast, EV-associated lipoproteins not only mediated TLR2 signaling to initiate the priming step of NLRP3 activation but also modulated EV biogenesis and the toxin content of EVs, resulting in alterations in IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1 activity. Collectively, our study describes mechanisms by which S. aureus EVs induce inflammasome activation and reveals an unexpected role of staphylococcal lipoproteins in EV biogenesis. EVs may serve as a novel secretory pathway for S. aureus to transport protected cargo in a concentrated form to host cells during infections to modulate cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - William J Eagen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Jean C Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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46
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Conformational changes in Apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase (Lnt). Sci Rep 2020; 10:639. [PMID: 31959792 PMCID: PMC6971011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57419-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoproteins are important components of the cell envelope and are responsible for many essential cellular functions. They are produced by the post-translational covalent attachment of lipids that occurs via a sequential 3-step process controlled by three integral membrane enzymes. The last step of this process, unique to Gram-negative bacteria, is the N-acylation of the terminal cysteine by Apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase (Lnt) to form the final mature lipoprotein. Here we report 2 crystal forms of Lnt from Escherichia coli. In one form we observe a highly dynamic arm that is able to restrict access to the active site as well as a covalent modification to the active site cysteine consistent with the thioester acyl-intermediate. In the second form, the enzyme crystallized in an open conformation exposing the active site to the environment. In total we observe 3 unique Lnt molecules that when taken together suggest the movement of essential loops and residues are triggered by substrate binding that could control the interaction between Lnt and the incoming substrate apolipoprotein. The results provide a dynamic context for residues shown to be central for Lnt function and provide further insights into its mechanism.
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47
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Olatunji S, Yu X, Bailey J, Huang CY, Zapotoczna M, Bowen K, Remškar M, Müller R, Scanlan EM, Geoghegan JA, Olieric V, Caffrey M. Structures of lipoprotein signal peptidase II from Staphylococcus aureus complexed with antibiotics globomycin and myxovirescin. Nat Commun 2020; 11:140. [PMID: 31919415 PMCID: PMC6952399 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a major global threat that calls for new antibiotics. Globomycin and myxovirescin are two natural antibiotics that target the lipoprotein-processing enzyme, LspA, thereby compromising the integrity of the bacterial cell envelope. As part of a project aimed at understanding their mechanism of action and for drug development, we provide high-resolution crystal structures of the enzyme from the human pathogen methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) complexed with globomycin and with myxovirescin. Our results reveal an instance of convergent evolution. The two antibiotics possess different molecular structures. Yet, they appear to inhibit identically as non-cleavable tetrahedral intermediate analogs. Remarkably, the two antibiotics superpose along nineteen contiguous atoms that interact similarly with LspA. This 19-atom motif recapitulates a part of the substrate lipoprotein in its proposed binding mode. Incorporating this motif into a scaffold with suitable pharmacokinetic properties should enable the development of effective antibiotics with built-in resistance hardiness. The enzyme LspA from the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contributes to the integrity and function of the bacterial cell envelope. Here, authors provide crystal structures of LspA in complex with two natural antibiotics, which have profoundly different structures but inhibit LspA in an identical way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Olatunji
- Membrane Structural and Functional Biology Group, School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Xiaoxiao Yu
- Membrane Structural and Functional Biology Group, School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Jonathan Bailey
- Membrane Structural and Functional Biology Group, School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Chia-Ying Huang
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Marta Zapotoczna
- Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Department of Microbiology, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02, Ireland
| | - Katherine Bowen
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Maja Remškar
- Department Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8 1, D-66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Department Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8 1, D-66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Eoin M Scanlan
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Joan A Geoghegan
- Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Department of Microbiology, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02, Ireland
| | - Vincent Olieric
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Martin Caffrey
- Membrane Structural and Functional Biology Group, School of Medicine and School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 R590, Ireland.
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48
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A sensitive fluorescence-based assay to monitor enzymatic activity of the essential integral membrane protein Apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase (Lnt). Sci Rep 2019; 9:15978. [PMID: 31685855 PMCID: PMC6828757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein modification is an essential process in Gram-negative bacteria. The action of three integral membrane proteins that catalyze the transfer of fatty acids derived from membrane phospholipids or cleave the signal peptide of the lipoprotein substrate result in the formation of mature triacylated proteins. Inactivation of the enzymes leads to mis-localization of immature lipoproteins and consequently cell death. Biochemical studies and the development of in vitro assays are challenging due to the fact that the enzymes and substrates are all membrane-embedded proteins difficult to overproduce and purify. Here we describe a sensitive fluorescence-based assay to monitor bacterial apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase activity.
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49
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Lehman KM, Grabowicz M. Countering Gram-Negative Antibiotic Resistance: Recent Progress in Disrupting the Outer Membrane with Novel Therapeutics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:antibiotics8040163. [PMID: 31554212 PMCID: PMC6963605 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8040163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria shield themselves from antibiotics by producing an outer membrane (OM) that forms a formidable permeability barrier. Multidrug resistance among these organisms is a particularly acute problem that is exacerbated by the OM. The poor penetrance of many available antibiotics prevents their clinical use, and efforts to discover novel classes of antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria have been unsuccessful for almost 50 years. Recent insights into how the OM is built offer new hope. Several essential multiprotein molecular machines (Bam, Lpt, and Lol) work in concert to assemble the barrier and offer a swathe of new targets for novel therapeutic development. Murepavadin has been at the vanguard of these efforts, but its recently reported phase III clinical trial toxicity has tempered the anticipation of imminent new clinical options. Nonetheless, the many concerted efforts aimed at breaking down the OM barrier provide a source of ongoing optimism for what may soon come through the development pipeline. We will review the current state of drug development against the OM assembly targets, highlighting insightful new discovery approaches and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Lehman
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Marcin Grabowicz
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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50
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Abstract
Lipoproteins are produced by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Once secreted, lipoproteins are quickly acylated, anchoring them into the plasma membrane. Recent work has shown that Gram-positive bacteria are able to generate considerable diversity in the acylation of their lipoproteins, though the mechanisms involved are only just beginning to emerge. In Gram-negative organisms, most lipoproteins are subsequently trafficked to the outer membrane (OM). Lipoprotein trafficking is an essential pathway in these bacteria. At least one OM lipoprotein component is required by each of the essential machines that assemble the OM (such as the Bam and Lpt machines) and build the peptidoglycan cell wall (Lpo-penicillin-binding protein complexes). The Lol pathway has been the paradigm for OM lipoprotein trafficking: a complex of LolCDE extracts lipoproteins from the plasma membrane, LolA shuttles them through the periplasmic space, and LolB anchors them into the OM. The peptide signals responsible for OM-targeting via LolCDE have long been known for Escherichia coli. Remarkably, production of novel lipoprotein acyl forms in E. coli has reinforced the idea that lipid signals also contribute to OM targeting via LolCDE. Moreover, recent work has shown that lipoprotein trafficking can occur in E. coli without either LolA or LolB. Therefore, current evidence suggests that at least one additional, LolAB-independent route for OM lipoprotein trafficking exists. This chapter reviews the posttranslocation modifications of all lipoproteins, with a focus on the trafficking of lipoproteins to the OM of Gram-negative bacteria.
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