1
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Keller MR, Dörr T. Bacterial metabolism and susceptibility to cell wall-active antibiotics. Adv Microb Physiol 2023; 83:181-219. [PMID: 37507159 PMCID: PMC11024984 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2023.04.002] [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] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections are increasingly resistant to antimicrobial therapy. Intense research focus has thus been placed on identifying the mechanisms that bacteria use to resist killing or growth inhibition by antibiotics and the ways in which bacteria share these traits with one another. This work has led to the advancement of new drugs, combination therapy regimens, and a deeper appreciation for the adaptability seen in microorganisms. However, while the primary mechanisms of action of most antibiotics are well understood, the more subtle contributions of bacterial metabolic state to repairing or preventing damage caused by antimicrobials (thereby promoting survival) are still understudied. Here, we review a modern viewpoint on a classical system: examining bacterial metabolism's connection to antibiotic susceptibility. We dive into the relationship between metabolism and antibiotic efficacy through the lens of growth rate, energy state, resource allocation, and the infection environment, focusing on cell wall-active antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Renee Keller
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Tobias Dörr
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
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2
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Saldaña-Ahuactzi Z, Knodler LA. FoxR is an AraC-like transcriptional regulator of ferrioxamine uptake in Salmonella enterica. Mol Microbiol 2022; 118:369-386. [PMID: 35970762 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14970] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Salmonella enterica spp. produce siderophores to bind iron with high affinity and can also use three xenosiderophores secreted by other microorganisms, ferrichrome, coprogen, and ferrioxamine. Here we focused on FoxA, a TonB-dependent transporter of ferrioxamines. Adjacent to foxA is a gene annotated as a helix-turn-helix (HTH) domain-containing protein, SL0358 (foxR), in the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344 genome. FoxR shares homology with transcriptional regulators belonging to the AraC/XylS family. foxR is syntenic with foxA in the Enterobacteriaceae family, suggesting their functional relatedness. Both foxA and foxR are repressed by the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) under iron-rich growth conditions. When iron is scarce, FoxR acts as a transcriptional activator of foxA by directly binding to its upstream regulatory region. A point mutation in the HTH domain of FoxR abolished this binding, as did mutation of a direct repeat motif in the foxA upstream regulatory region. Desferrioxamine (DFOE) enhanced FoxR protein stability and foxA transcription but did not affect the affinity of FoxR binding to the foxA regulatory region. In summary, we have identified FoxR as a new member of the AraC/XylS family that regulates xenosiderophore-mediated iron uptake by S. Typhimurium and likely other Enterobacteriaceae members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeus Saldaña-Ahuactzi
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Leigh A Knodler
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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3
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Luo Y, Chen L, Lu Z, Zhang W, Liu W, Chen Y, Wang X, Du W, Luo J, Wu H. Genome sequencing of biocontrol strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Bam1 and further analysis of its heavy metal resistance mechanism. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2022; 9:74. [PMID: 38647608 PMCID: PMC10991351 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-022-00563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) or Biocontrol strains inevitably encounter heavy metal excess stress during the product's processing and application. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Bam1 was a potential biocontrol strain with strong heavy metal resistant ability. To understand its heavy metal resistance mechanism, the complete genome of Bam1 had been sequenced, and the comparative genomic analysis of Bam1 and FZB42, an industrialized PGPR and biocontrol strain with relatively lower heavy metal tolerance, was conducted. The comparative genomic analysis of Bam1 and the other nine B. amyloliquefaciens strains as well as one Bacillus velezensis (genetically and physiologically very close to B. amyloliquefaciens) was also performed. Our results showed that the complete genome size of Bam1 was 3.95 Mb, 4219 coding sequences were predicted, and it possessed the highest number of unique genes among the eleven analyzed strains. Nine genes related to heavy metal resistance were detected within the twelve DNA islands of Bam1, while only two of them were detected within the seventeen DNA islands of FZB42. When compared with B. amyloliquefaciens type strain DSM7, Bam1 lacked contig L, whereas FZB42 lacked contig D and I, as well as just possessed contig B with a very small size. Our results could also deduce that Bam1 promoted its essential heavy metal resistance mainly by decreasing the import and increasing the export of heavy metals with the corresponding homeostasis systems, which are regulated by different metalloregulators. While Bam1 promoted its non-essential heavy metal resistance mainly by the activation of some specific or non-specific exporters responding to different heavy metals. The variation of the genes related to heavy metal resistance and the other differences of the genomes, including the different number and arrangement of contigs, as well as the number of the heavy metal resistant genes in Prophages and Genomic islands, led to the significant different resistance of Bam1 and FZB42 to heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanchan Luo
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Plant Quarantine, Shanghai Extension and Service Center of Agriculture Technology, Shanghai, 201103, China
| | - Zhibo Lu
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Weijian Zhang
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wentong Liu
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yuwei Chen
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei Du
- Agricultural Technology Extension Station of Ningxia, 2, West Shanghai Road, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Jinyan Luo
- Department of Plant Quarantine, Shanghai Extension and Service Center of Agriculture Technology, Shanghai, 201103, China.
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Engineering of China National Light Industry Council, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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4
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Sato A, Takamatsu M, Kobayashi S, Ogawa M, Shiwa Y, Watanabe S, Chibazakura T, Yoshikawa H. Novel heat shock response mechanism mediated by the initiation nucleotide of transcription. J GEN APPL MICROBIOL 2022; 68:95-108. [DOI: 10.2323/jgam.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Sato
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture
| | | | | | - Michio Ogawa
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture
| | - Yuh Shiwa
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture
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5
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Xu Z, Mandic-Mulec I, Zhang H, Liu Y, Sun X, Feng H, Xun W, Zhang N, Shen Q, Zhang R. Antibiotic Bacillomycin D Affects Iron Acquisition and Biofilm Formation in Bacillus velezensis through a Btr-Mediated FeuABC-Dependent Pathway. Cell Rep 2020; 29:1192-1202.e5. [PMID: 31665633 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.09.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus spp. produce a wide range of secondary metabolites, including antibiotics, which have been well studied for their antibacterial properties but less so as signaling molecules. Previous results indicated that the lipopeptide bacillomycin D is a signal that promotes biofilm development of Bacillus velezensis SQR9. However, the mechanism behind this signaling is still unknown. Here, we show that bacillomycin D promotes biofilm development by promoting the acquisition of iron. Bacillomycin D promotes the transcription of the iron ABC transporter FeuABC by binding to its transcription factor, Btr. These actions increase intracellular iron concentration and activate the KinB-Spo0A-SinI-SinR-dependent synthesis of biofilm matrix components. We demonstrate that this strategy is beneficial for biofilm development and competition with the Pseudomonas fluorescens PF-5. Our results unravel an antibiotic-dependent signaling mechanism that links iron acquisition to biofilm development and ecological competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Xu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-Saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, Peoples R China
| | - Ines Mandic-Mulec
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Huihui Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-Saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, Peoples R China
| | - Yan Liu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-Saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, Peoples R China
| | - Xinli Sun
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-Saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, Peoples R China
| | - Haichao Feng
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-Saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, Peoples R China
| | - Weibing Xun
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-Saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, Peoples R China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-Saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, Peoples R China
| | - Qirong Shen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-Saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, Peoples R China
| | - Ruifu Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-Saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, Peoples R China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Resource Collection and Preservation, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, Peoples R China.
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6
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Bacillus subtilis Fur Is a Transcriptional Activator for the PerR-Repressed pfeT Gene, Encoding an Iron Efflux Pump. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00697-19. [PMID: 31988078 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00697-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological relevance of bacterial iron efflux has only recently been appreciated. The Bacillus subtilis P1B4-type ATPase PfeT (peroxide-induced ferrous efflux transporter) was one of the first iron efflux pumps to be characterized, and cells lacking pfeT accumulate high levels of intracellular iron. The pfeT promoter region has binding sites for both PerR, a peroxide-sensing Fur-family metalloregulator, and the ferric uptake repressor Fur. Both Fur and PerR bind DNA with Fe(II) as a cofactor. While reaction of PerR-Fe(II) with peroxide can account for the induction of pfeT under oxidative stress, binding of Fur-Fe(II) would be expected to lead to repression, which is inconsistent with the known role of PfeT as an iron efflux protein. Here, we show that expression of pfeT is repressed by PerR, as anticipated, and induced by Fur in response to Fe(II). Activation by Fur is mediated both by antagonism of the PerR repressor and by direct transcriptional activation, as confirmed using in vitro transcription assays. A similar mechanism of regulation can explain the iron induction of the Listeria monocytogenes PfeT ortholog and virulence factor, FrvA. Mutational studies support a model in which Fur activation involves regions both upstream and downstream of the pfeT promoter, and Fur and PerR have overlapping recognition of a shared regulatory element in this complex promoter region. This work demonstrates that B. subtilis Fur can function as an iron-dependent activator of transcription.IMPORTANCE Iron homeostasis plays a key role at the host-pathogen interface during the process of infection. Bacterial growth restriction resulting from host-imposed iron starvation (nutritional immunity) highlights the importance of iron import during pathogenesis. Conversely, bacterial iron efflux pumps function as virulence factors in several systems. The requirement for iron efflux in pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis suggests that both import and efflux are needed for cells to successfully navigate rapidly changing levels of iron availability in the host. Here, we provide insight into how iron efflux genes are controlled, an aspect of bacterial iron homeostasis relevant to infectious disease processes.
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7
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Gaballa A, Guariglia-Oropeza V, Dürr F, Butcher BG, Chen AY, Chandrangsu P, Helmann JD. Modulation of extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor promoter selectivity by spacer region sequence. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:134-145. [PMID: 29069433 PMCID: PMC5758882 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of bacteria to adapt to stress depends on the conditional expression of specific sets of genes. Bacillus subtilis encodes seven extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma (σ) factors that regulate functions important for survival under conditions eliciting cell envelope stress. Of these, four have been studied in detail: σM, σW, σX and σV. These four σ factors recognize overlapping sets of promoters, although the sequences that determine this overlapping recognition are incompletely understood. A major role in promoter selectivity has been ascribed to the core −10 and −35 promoter elements. Here, we demonstrate that a homopolymeric T-tract motif, proximal to the −35 element, functions in combination with the core promoter sequences to determine selectivity for ECF sigma factors. This motif is most critical for promoter activation by σV, and contributes variably to activation by σM, σX and σW. We propose that this motif, which is a feature of the deduced promoter consensus for a subset of ECF σ factors from many species, imparts intrinsic DNA curvature to influence promoter activity. The differential effect of this region among ECF σ factors thereby provides a mechanism to modulate the nature and extent of regulon overlap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gaballa
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-8101, USA
| | | | - Franziska Dürr
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-8101, USA
| | - Bronwyn G Butcher
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-8101, USA
| | - Albert Y Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-8101, USA
| | - Pete Chandrangsu
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-8101, USA
| | - John D Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-8101, USA
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8
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Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Iron is required for growth and is often redox active under cytosolic conditions. As a result of its facile redox chemistry, iron homeostasis is intricately involved with oxidative stress. Bacterial adaptation to iron limitation and oxidative stress often involves ferric uptake regulator (Fur) proteins: a diverse set of divalent cation-dependent, DNA-binding proteins that vary widely in both metal selectivity and sensitivity to metal-catalyzed oxidation. Recent Advances: Bacteria contain two Fur family metalloregulators that use ferrous iron (Fe2+) as their cofactor, Fur and PerR. Fur functions to regulate iron homeostasis in response to changes in intracellular levels of Fe2+. PerR also binds Fe2+, which enables metal-catalyzed protein oxidation as a mechanism for sensing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). CRITICAL ISSUES To effectively regulate iron homeostasis, Fur has an Fe2+ affinity tuned to monitor the labile iron pool of the cell and may be under selective pressure to minimize iron oxidation, which would otherwise lead to an inappropriate increase in iron uptake under oxidative stress conditions. Conversely, Fe2+ is bound more tightly to PerR but exhibits high H2O2 reactivity, which enables a rapid induction of peroxide stress genes. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The features that determine the disparate reactivity of these proteins with oxidants are still poorly understood. A controlled, comparative analysis of the affinities of Fur/PerR proteins for their metal cofactors and their rate of reactivity with H2O2, combined with structure/function analyses, will be needed to define the molecular mechanisms that have facilitated this divergence of function between these two paralogous regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
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9
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Kang DM, Michon C, Morinaga T, Tanaka K, Takenaka S, Ishikawa S, Yoshida KI. Bacillus subtilis IolQ (DegA) is a transcriptional repressor of iolX encoding NAD +-dependent scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:154. [PMID: 28693424 PMCID: PMC5504672 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-1065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacillus subtilis is able to utilize at least three inositol stereoisomers as carbon sources, myo-, scyllo-, and D-chiro-inositol (MI, SI, and DCI, respectively). NAD+-dependent SI dehydrogenase responsible for SI catabolism is encoded by iolX. Even in the absence of functional iolX, the presence of SI or MI in the growth medium was found to induce the transcription of iolX through an unknown mechanism. Results Immediately upstream of iolX, there is an operon that encodes two genes, yisR and iolQ (formerly known as degA), each of which could encode a transcriptional regulator. Here we performed an inactivation analysis of yisR and iolQ and found that iolQ encodes a repressor of the iolX transcription. The coding sequence of iolQ was expressed in Escherichia coli and the gene product was purified as a His-tagged fusion protein, which bound to two sites within the iolX promoter region in vitro. Conclusions IolQ is a transcriptional repressor of iolX. Genetic evidences allowed us to speculate that SI and MI might possibly be the intracellular inducers, however they failed to antagonize DNA binding of IolQ in in vitro experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Min Kang
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.,Present address: Department of Plant Medicine and RILS, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Christophe Michon
- Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Morinaga
- Gene testing Business Department, LS Business Division, Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai, Nishi, Kobe, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Kosei Tanaka
- Organization of Advanced Science and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657, Kobe, -8501, Japan
| | - Shinji Takenaka
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.,Organization of Advanced Science and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657, Kobe, -8501, Japan
| | - Shu Ishikawa
- Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Yoshida
- Organization of Advanced Science and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657, Kobe, -8501, Japan. .,Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.
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10
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Chandrangsu P, Rensing C, Helmann JD. Metal homeostasis and resistance in bacteria. Nat Rev Microbiol 2017; 15:338-350. [PMID: 28344348 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2017.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 384] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Metal ions are essential for many reactions, but excess metals can be toxic. In bacteria, metal limitation activates pathways that are involved in the import and mobilization of metals, whereas excess metals induce efflux and storage. In this Review, we highlight recent insights into metal homeostasis, including protein-based and RNA-based sensors that interact directly with metals or metal-containing cofactors. The resulting transcriptional response to metal stress takes place in a stepwise manner and is reinforced by post-transcriptional regulatory systems. Metal limitation and intoxication by the host are evolutionarily ancient strategies for limiting bacterial growth. The details of the resulting growth restriction are beginning to be understood and seem to be organism-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pete Chandrangsu
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Christopher Rensing
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China.,Department of Agricultural Resource and Environment, College of Resources and the Environment, Fujian Agriculture &Forestry University, Boxbue Building, 15 Shangxiadian Road, Cangshan District, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China.,J. Craig Venter Institute, 4120 Capricorn Lane, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - John D Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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11
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Davis MC, Kesthely CA, Franklin EA, MacLellan SR. The essential activities of the bacterial sigma factor. Can J Microbiol 2016; 63:89-99. [PMID: 28117604 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2016-0576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Transcription is the first and most heavily regulated step in gene expression. Sigma (σ) factors are general transcription factors that reversibly bind RNA polymerase (RNAP) and mediate transcription of all genes in bacteria. σ Factors play 3 major roles in the RNA synthesis initiation process: they (i) target RNAP holoenzyme to specific promoters, (ii) melt a region of double-stranded promoter DNA and stabilize it as a single-stranded open complex, and (iii) interact with other DNA-binding transcription factors to contribute complexity to gene expression regulation schemes. Recent structural studies have demonstrated that when σ factors bind promoter DNA, they capture 1 or more nucleotides that are flipped out of the helical DNA stack and this stabilizes the promoter open-complex intermediate that is required for the initiation of RNA synthesis. This review describes the structure and function of the σ70 family of σ proteins and the essential roles they play in the transcription process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Davis
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Christopher A Kesthely
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Emily A Franklin
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Shawn R MacLellan
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
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12
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Huang X, Shin JH, Pinochet-Barros A, Su TT, Helmann JD. Bacillus subtilis MntR coordinates the transcriptional regulation of manganese uptake and efflux systems. Mol Microbiol 2016; 103:253-268. [PMID: 27748968 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Bacillus subtilis MntR metalloregulatory protein senses manganese, an essential element required for central metabolism, oxidative stress resistance and replication. An mntR null mutant is highly sensitive to Mn(II) intoxication, which is attributed in part to the constitutive expression of two importers: the proton-dependent NRAMP family transporter MntH and the ABC transporter MntABCD. Here, we show that an mntR null mutant is still sensitive to Mn(II) intoxication even if both of the import systems are absent. This Mn(II) sensitivity results from the requirement for MntR to activate the transcription of two genes encoding cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) family efflux pumps. Physiological studies indicate that MneP (formerly YdfM) serves as the primary Mn(II) efflux pump with MneS (formerly YeaB) playing a secondary role. Mutant strains lacking mneP are Mn(II) sensitive and accumulate elevated levels of Mn(II), and these effects are exacerbated in a mneP mneS double mutant. DNA-binding and in vitro transcription studies demonstrate that MntR binds to both the mneP and mneS regulatory regions and directly activates transcription in response to levels of Mn(II) several-fold higher than required for repression of import genes. These results highlight the delicate balance of Mn(II) uptake and efflux systems controlled by MntR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Huang
- Cornell University, Department of Microbiology, Ithaca, NY, 14853-8101, USA
| | - Jung-Ho Shin
- Cornell University, Department of Microbiology, Ithaca, NY, 14853-8101, USA
| | | | - Tina T Su
- Cornell University, Department of Microbiology, Ithaca, NY, 14853-8101, USA
| | - John D Helmann
- Cornell University, Department of Microbiology, Ithaca, NY, 14853-8101, USA
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13
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Bordetella pertussis fim3 gene regulation by BvgA: phosphorylation controls the formation of inactive vs. active transcription complexes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E526-35. [PMID: 25624471 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1421045112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-component systems [sensor kinase/response regulator (RR)] are major tools used by microorganisms to adapt to environmental conditions. RR phosphorylation is typically required for gene activation, but few studies have addressed how and if phosphorylation affects specific steps during transcription initiation. We characterized transcription complexes made with RNA polymerase and the Bordetella pertussis RR, BvgA, in its nonphosphorylated or phosphorylated (BvgA∼P) state at P(fim3), the promoter for the virulence gene fim3 (fimbrial subunit), using gel retardation, potassium permanganate and DNase I footprinting, cleavage reactions with protein conjugated with iron bromoacetamidobenzyl-EDTA, and in vitro transcription. Previous work has shown that the level of nonphosphorylated BvgA remains high in vivo under conditions in which BvgA is phosphorylated. Our results here indicate that surprisingly both BvgA and BvgA∼P form open and initiating complexes with RNA polymerase at P(fim3). However, phosphorylation of BvgA is needed to generate the correct conformation that can transition to competent elongation. Footprints obtained with the complexes made with nonphosphorylated BvgA are atypical; while the initiating complex with BvgA synthesizes short RNA, it does not generate full-length transcripts. Extended incubation of the BvgA/RNA polymerase initiated complex in the presence of heparin generates a stable, but defective species that depends on the initial transcribed sequence of fim3. We suggest that the presence of nonphosphorylated BvgA down-regulates P(fim3) activity when phosphorylated BvgA is present and may allow the bacterium to quickly adapt to the loss of inducing conditions by rapidly eliminating P(fim3) activation once the signal for BvgA phosphorylation is removed.
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Methanobactin from Methylocystis sp. strain SB2 affects gene expression and methane monooxygenase activity in Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:2466-73. [PMID: 25616801 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03981-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Methanotrophs can express a cytoplasmic (soluble) methane monooxygenase (sMMO) or membrane-bound (particulate) methane monooxygenase (pMMO). Expression of these MMOs is strongly regulated by the availability of copper. Many methanotrophs have been found to synthesize a novel compound, methanobactin (Mb), that is responsible for the uptake of copper, and methanobactin produced by Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b plays a key role in controlling expression of MMO genes in this strain. As all known forms of methanobactin are structurally similar, it was hypothesized that methanobactin from one methanotroph may alter gene expression in another. When Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b was grown in the presence of 1 μM CuCl2, expression of mmoX, encoding a subunit of the hydroxylase component of sMMO, was very low. mmoX expression increased, however, when methanobactin from Methylocystis sp. strain SB2 (SB2-Mb) was added, as did whole-cell sMMO activity, but there was no significant change in the amount of copper associated with M. trichosporium OB3b. If M. trichosporium OB3b was grown in the absence of CuCl2, the mmoX expression level was high but decreased by several orders of magnitude if copper prebound to SB2-Mb (Cu-SB2-Mb) was added, and biomass-associated copper was increased. Exposure of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b to SB2-Mb had no effect on expression of mbnA, encoding the polypeptide precursor of methanobactin in either the presence or absence of CuCl2. mbnA expression, however, was reduced when Cu-SB2-Mb was added in both the absence and presence of CuCl2. These data suggest that methanobactin acts as a general signaling molecule in methanotrophs and that methanobactin "piracy" may be commonplace.
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Helmann JD. Specificity of metal sensing: iron and manganese homeostasis in Bacillus subtilis. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:28112-20. [PMID: 25160631 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r114.587071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Metalloregulatory proteins allow cells to sense metal ions and appropriately adjust the expression of metal uptake, storage, and efflux pathways. Bacillus subtilis provides a model for the coordinate regulation of iron and manganese homeostasis that involves three key regulators: Fur senses iron sufficiency, MntR senses manganese sufficiency, and PerR senses the intracellular Fe/Mn ratio. Here, I review the structural and physiological bases of selective metal perception, the effects of non-cognate metals, and mechanisms that may serve to coordinate iron and manganese homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Helmann
- From the Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-8101
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