1
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Roney IJ, Rudner DZ. Bacillus subtilis uses the SigM signaling pathway to prioritize the use of its lipid carrier for cell wall synthesis. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002589. [PMID: 38683856 PMCID: PMC11081497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002589] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptidoglycan (PG) and most surface glycopolymers and their modifications are built in the cytoplasm on the lipid carrier undecaprenyl phosphate (UndP). These lipid-linked precursors are then flipped across the membrane and polymerized or directly transferred to surface polymers, lipids, or proteins. Despite its essential role in envelope biogenesis, UndP is maintained at low levels in the cytoplasmic membrane. The mechanisms by which bacteria distribute this limited resource among competing pathways is currently unknown. Here, we report that the Bacillus subtilis transcription factor SigM and its membrane-anchored anti-sigma factor respond to UndP levels and prioritize its use for the synthesis of the only essential surface polymer, the cell wall. Antibiotics that target virtually every step in PG synthesis activate SigM-directed gene expression, confounding identification of the signal and the logic of this stress-response pathway. Through systematic analyses, we discovered 2 distinct responses to these antibiotics. Drugs that trap UndP, UndP-linked intermediates, or precursors trigger SigM release from the membrane in <2 min, rapidly activating transcription. By contrasts, antibiotics that inhibited cell wall synthesis without directly affecting UndP induce SigM more slowly. We show that activation in the latter case can be explained by the accumulation of UndP-linked wall teichoic acid precursors that cannot be transferred to the PG due to the block in its synthesis. Furthermore, we report that reduction in UndP synthesis rapidly induces SigM, while increasing UndP production can dampen the SigM response. Finally, we show that SigM becomes essential for viability when the availability of UndP is restricted. Altogether, our data support a model in which the SigM pathway functions to homeostatically control UndP usage. When UndP levels are sufficiently high, the anti-sigma factor complex holds SigM inactive. When levels of UndP are reduced, SigM activates genes that increase flux through the PG synthesis pathway, boost UndP recycling, and liberate the lipid carrier from nonessential surface polymer pathways. Analogous homeostatic pathways that prioritize UndP usage are likely to be common in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J. Roney
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David Z. Rudner
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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2
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He B, Sachla AJ, Helmann JD. TerC proteins function during protein secretion to metalate exoenzymes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6186. [PMID: 37794032 PMCID: PMC10550928 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41896-1] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic metalloenzymes acquire metals from buffered intracellular pools. How exported metalloenzymes are appropriately metalated is less clear. We provide evidence that TerC family proteins function in metalation of enzymes during export through the general secretion (Sec-dependent) pathway. Bacillus subtilis strains lacking MeeF(YceF) and MeeY(YkoY) have a reduced capacity for protein export and a greatly reduced level of manganese (Mn) in the secreted proteome. MeeF and MeeY copurify with proteins of the general secretory pathway, and in their absence the FtsH membrane protease is essential for viability. MeeF and MeeY are also required for efficient function of the Mn2+-dependent lipoteichoic acid synthase (LtaS), a membrane-localized enzyme with an extracytoplasmic active site. Thus, MeeF and MeeY, representative of the widely conserved TerC family of membrane transporters, function in the co-translocational metalation of Mn2+-dependent membrane and extracellular enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixi He
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, 370 Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14853-8101, USA
| | - Ankita J Sachla
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, 370 Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14853-8101, USA
| | - John D Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, 370 Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14853-8101, USA.
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3
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Schulz LM, Dreier F, de Sousa Miranda LM, Rismondo J. Adaptation mechanisms of Listeria monocytogenes to quaternary ammonium compounds. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0144123. [PMID: 37695041 PMCID: PMC10580936 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01441-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is ubiquitously found in nature and can easily enter food-processing facilities due to contaminations of raw materials. Several countermeasures are used to combat contamination of food products, for instance, the use of disinfectants that contain quaternary ammonium compounds, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). In this study, we assessed the potential of the commonly used wild-type strain EGD-e to adapt to BAC and CTAB under laboratory growth conditions. All BAC-tolerant suppressors exclusively carried mutations in fepR, encoding a TetR-like transcriptional regulator, or its promoter region, likely resulting in the overproduction of the efflux pump FepA. In contrast, CTAB tolerance was associated with mutations in sugR, which regulates the expression of the efflux pumps SugE1 and SugE2. L. monocytogenes strains lacking either FepA or SugE1/2 could still acquire tolerance toward BAC and CTAB. Genomic analysis revealed that the overproduction of the remaining efflux system could compensate for the deleted one, and even in the absence of both efflux systems, tolerant strains could be isolated, which all carried mutations in the diacylglycerol kinase-encoding gene lmo1753 (dgkB). DgkB converts diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid, which is subsequently reused for the synthesis of phospholipids, suggesting that alterations in membrane composition could be the third adaptation mechanism. IMPORTANCE Survival and proliferation of Listeria monocytogenes in the food industry are ongoing concerns, and while there are various countermeasures to combat contamination of food products, the pathogen still successfully manages to withstand the harsh conditions present in food-processing facilities, resulting in reoccurring outbreaks, subsequent infection, and disease. To counteract the spread of L. monocytogenes, it is crucial to understand and elucidate the underlying mechanism that permits their successful evasion. We present various adaptation mechanisms of L. monocytogenes to withstand two important quaternary ammonium compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Maria Schulz
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Fabienne Dreier
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie de Sousa Miranda
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jeanine Rismondo
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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4
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He B, Sachla AJ, Helmann JD. TerC Proteins Function During Protein Secretion to Metalate Exoenzymes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.10.536223. [PMID: 37090602 PMCID: PMC10120614 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.10.536223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Cytosolic metalloenzymes acquire metals from buffered intracellular pools. How exported metalloenzymes are appropriately metalated is less clear. We provide evidence that TerC family proteins function in metalation of enzymes during export through the general secretion (Sec-dependent) pathway. Bacillus subtilis strains lacking MeeF(YceF) and MeeY(YkoY) have a reduced capacity for protein export and a greatly reduced level of manganese (Mn) in the secreted proteome. MeeF and MeeY copurify with proteins of the general secretory pathway, and in their absence the FtsH membrane protease is essential for viability. MeeF and MeeY are also required for efficient function of the Mn 2+ -dependent lipoteichoic acid synthase (LtaS), a membrane-localized enzyme with an extracytoplasmic active site. Thus, MeeF and MeeY, representative of the widely conserved TerC family of membrane transporters, function in the co-translocational metalation of Mn 2+ -dependent membrane and extracellular enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixi He
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, 370 Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853-8101, USA
| | - Ankita J. Sachla
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, 370 Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853-8101, USA
| | - John D. Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, 370 Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853-8101, USA
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5
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Abstract
Gram-positive bacterial cells are protected from the environment by a cell envelope that is comprised of a thick layer of peptidoglycan that maintains cell shape and teichoic acid polymers whose biological function remains unclear. In Bacillus subtilis, the loss of all class A penicillin-binding proteins (aPBPs), which function in peptidoglycan synthesis, is conditionally lethal. Here, we show that this lethality is associated with an alteration of lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) and the accumulation of the major autolysin LytE in the cell wall. Our analysis provides further evidence that the length and abundance of LTAs act to regulate the cellular level and activity of autolytic enzymes, specifically LytE. Importantly, we identify a novel function for the aminoacyl-phosphatidylglycerol synthase MprF in the modulation of LTA biosynthesis in both B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. This finding has implications for our understanding of antimicrobial resistance (particularly to daptomycin) in clinically relevant bacteria and the involvement of MprF in the virulence of pathogens such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). IMPORTANCE In Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, the cell envelope is a structure that protects the cells from the environment but is also dynamic in that it must be modified in a controlled way to allow cell growth. In this study, we show that lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), which are anionic polymers attached to the membrane, have a direct role in modulating the cellular abundance of cell wall-degrading enzymes. We also find that the apparent length of the LTA is modulated by the activity of the enzyme MprF, previously implicated in modifications of the cell membrane leading to resistance to antimicrobial peptides. These findings are important contributions to our understanding of how bacteria balance cell wall synthesis and degradation to permit controlled growth and division. These results also have implications for the interpretation of antibiotic resistance, particularly for the clinical treatment of MRSA infections.
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6
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Kawakami M, Matsuoka S. Galactolipids from <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> can replace the function of gluco lipids in <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>. J GEN APPL MICROBIOL 2022; 68:54-61. [DOI: 10.2323/jgam.2021.08.002] [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)
- Manami Kawakami
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Satoshi Matsuoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
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7
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Matsuoka S, Shimizu Y, Nobe K, Matsumoto K, Asai K, Hara H. Glucolipids and lipoteichoic acids affect the activity of SigI, an alternative sigma factor, and WalKR, an essential two-component system, in Bacillus subtilis. Genes Cells 2021; 27:77-92. [PMID: 34910349 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12912] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a Bacillus subtilis ugtP mutant lacking glucolipids, SigI was activated in the log phase, and the activation of SigI in the mutant was suppressed by the expression of native ugtP. By contrast, SigI was inhibited in a yfnI mutant lacking one of the lipoteichoic acid (LTA) synthase genes, and the inhibition was suppressed by the expression of yfnI. A series of mutation analyses of the sigI promoter revealed that the two WalR binding sites were involved in the increase of PsigI -lacZ activity in the ugtP mutant and decrease of the lacZ activity in the yfnI mutant. Transcription from the SigI recognition sequence was enhanced in the ugtP mutant, whereas yfnI disruption inhibited the transcription from the SigA recognition sequence in the sigI promoter. We found that not only SigI but also WalKR, the essential two-component system, was activated in the ugtP mutant and inhibited in the yfnI mutant. The walK mutants with activated WalR exhibited abnormal morphology, but this phenotype was suppressed by the addition of MgSO4 . We conclude that glucolipids and LTA are key compounds in the maintenance of normal cell surface structure in B. subtilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Matsuoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoko Shimizu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kaori Nobe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kouji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kei Asai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
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8
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Schwall CP, Loman TE, Martins BMC, Cortijo S, Villava C, Kusmartsev V, Livesey T, Saez T, Locke JCW. Tunable phenotypic variability through an autoregulatory alternative sigma factor circuit. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 17:e9832. [PMID: 34286912 PMCID: PMC8287880 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20209832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically identical individuals in bacterial populations can display significant phenotypic variability. This variability can be functional, for example by allowing a fraction of stress prepared cells to survive an otherwise lethal stress. The optimal fraction of stress prepared cells depends on environmental conditions. However, how bacterial populations modulate their level of phenotypic variability remains unclear. Here we show that the alternative sigma factor σV circuit in Bacillus subtilis generates functional phenotypic variability that can be tuned by stress level, environmental history and genetic perturbations. Using single-cell time-lapse microscopy and microfluidics, we find the fraction of cells that immediately activate σV under lysozyme stress depends on stress level and on a transcriptional memory of previous stress. Iteration between model and experiment reveals that this tunability can be explained by the autoregulatory feedback structure of the sigV operon. As predicted by the model, genetic perturbations to the operon also modulate the response variability. The conserved sigma-anti-sigma autoregulation motif is thus a simple mechanism for bacterial populations to modulate their heterogeneity based on their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruno M C Martins
- Sainsbury LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK
| | | | | | | | - Toby Livesey
- Sainsbury LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Teresa Saez
- Sainsbury LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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9
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Willdigg JR, Helmann JD. Mini Review: Bacterial Membrane Composition and Its Modulation in Response to Stress. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:634438. [PMID: 34046426 PMCID: PMC8144471 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.634438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics and other agents that perturb the synthesis or integrity of the bacterial cell envelope trigger compensatory stress responses. Focusing on Bacillus subtilis as a model system, this mini-review summarizes current views of membrane structure and insights into how cell envelope stress responses remodel and protect the membrane. Altering the composition and properties of the membrane and its associated proteome can protect cells against detergents, antimicrobial peptides, and pore-forming compounds while also, indirectly, contributing to resistance against compounds that affect cell wall synthesis. Many of these regulatory responses are broadly conserved, even where the details of regulation may differ, and can be important in the emergence of antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D. Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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10
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Willdigg JR, Helmann JD. Mini Review: Bacterial Membrane Composition and Its Modulation in Response to Stress. Front Mol Biosci 2021. [PMID: 34046426 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.634438/bibtex] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics and other agents that perturb the synthesis or integrity of the bacterial cell envelope trigger compensatory stress responses. Focusing on Bacillus subtilis as a model system, this mini-review summarizes current views of membrane structure and insights into how cell envelope stress responses remodel and protect the membrane. Altering the composition and properties of the membrane and its associated proteome can protect cells against detergents, antimicrobial peptides, and pore-forming compounds while also, indirectly, contributing to resistance against compounds that affect cell wall synthesis. Many of these regulatory responses are broadly conserved, even where the details of regulation may differ, and can be important in the emergence of antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Willdigg
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - John D Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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11
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Ho TD, Ellermeier CD. Activation of the extracytoplasmic function σ factor σ V by lysozyme. Mol Microbiol 2019; 112:410-419. [PMID: 31286585 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
σV is an extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor that is found exclusively in Firmicutes including Bacillus subtilis and the opportunistic pathogens Clostridioides difficile and Enterococcus faecalis. σV is activated by lysozyme and is required for lysozyme resistance. The activity of σV is normally inhibited by the anti-σ factor RsiV, a transmembrane protein. RsiV acts as a receptor for lysozyme. The binding of lysozyme to RsiV triggers a signal transduction cascade which results in degradation of RsiV and activation of σV . Like the anti-σ factors for several other ECF σ factors, RsiV is degraded by a multistep proteolytic cascade that is regulated at the step of site-1 cleavage. Unlike other anti-σ factors, site-1 cleavage of RsiV is not dependent upon a site-1 protease whose activity is regulated. Instead constitutively active signal peptidase cleaves RsiV at site-1 in a lysozyme-dependent manner. The activation of σV leads to the transcription of genes, which encode proteins required for lysozyme resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa D Ho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 431 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Craig D Ellermeier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 431 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
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12
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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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13
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Seki T, Furumi T, Hashimoto M, Hara H, Matsuoka S. Activation of extracytoplasmic function sigma factors upon removal of glucolipids and reduction of phosphatidylglycerol content in Bacillus subtilis cells lacking lipoteichoic acid. Genes Genet Syst 2019; 94:71-80. [PMID: 30971625 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.18-00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In Bacillus subtilis, extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors are activated by reduction of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) content, absence of glucolipids, or absence of lipoteichoic acid (LTA). LTA is synthesized by polymerization of the glycerophosphate moiety of PG onto diglucosyldiacylglycerol (DGlcDG), a major glucolipid in B. subtilis, in the plasma membrane. Thus, reduction of PG content or absence of glucolipids might cause some changes in LTA, and hence we investigated whether reduction of PG content or absence of glucolipids induces the activation of ECF sigma factors independently from an ensuing change in LTA. Disruption of ugtP, responsible for glucolipid synthesis, in cells lacking LTA caused an additive increase of activation levels of σM, σX, σV and σY (3.1-, 2.2-, 2.1- and 1.4-fold, respectively), relative to their activation levels in cells lacking LTA alone. Reduction of PG content (by repressing Pspac-pgsA) in the cells lacking LTA caused an additive increase of activation levels of σM, σW and σV (2.3-, 1.9- and 2.2-fold, respectively). These results suggested that absence of glucolipids or reduction of PG alone, not the possible secondary alteration in LTA, leads to changes that affect the regulation systems of some ECF sigma factors in the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Seki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Takuya Furumi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Michihiro Hashimoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Hiroshi Hara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Satoshi Matsuoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
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14
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Asai K. Anti-sigma factor-mediated cell surface stress responses in Bacillus subtilis. Genes Genet Syst 2018; 92:223-234. [PMID: 29343670 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.17-00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins belonging to the sigma factor family in eubacteria initiate transcription by associating with RNA polymerase. A subfamily, the extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors, which form a widely distributed bacterial signal transduction system comprising a sigma factor and a cognate membrane-embedded anti-sigma factor, regulates genes in response to stressors that threaten cell envelope integrity including the cell wall and membrane. The Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis provides a valuable model for investigation of the ECF sigma factors. This review focuses on the function and regulation of ECF sigma factors in B. subtilis, in which anti-sigma factors play a role in connecting an external stimulus with gene regulation. As representative examples, the regulon and regulatory mechanism of σW are closely associated with membrane-active stressors, whereas σM is strongly induced by conditions that impair peptidoglycan synthesis. These studies demonstrate that the mechanisms of ECF-dependent signaling are divergent and constitute a multi-layered hierarchy, and provide useful insights into the elucidation of unknown mechanisms related to ECF sigma factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Asai
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture
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15
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Mamou G, Fiyaksel O, Sinai L, Ben-Yehuda S. Deficiency in Lipoteichoic Acid Synthesis Causes a Failure in Executing the Colony Developmental Program in Bacillus subtilis. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1991. [PMID: 29114240 PMCID: PMC5660684 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Colonies are an abundant form of bacterial multicellularity; however, relatively little is known about the initial stages of their construction. We have previously described that colony development of the soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis is a highly ordered process, typically initiating with the formation of extending cell chains arranged in a Y shape structure. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Y arm extension is a key for defining the size of the future colony. Here we conducted a genetic screen surveying for mutants deficient in these early developmental stages, and revealed LtaS, the major lipoteichoic acid (LTA) synthase, to be crucial for execution of these events. We found that the ltaS mutant fails to produce proper Y shape structures, forming extremely elongated chains of cells with no evidence of chain breakage, necessary for Y shape formation. Furthermore, we show that frequent cell death at the tips of the cell chains is a major cause in limiting arm extension. Collectively, these perturbations lead to the production of a small sized colony by the mutant. Thus, deficiency in LTA synthesis causes a mechanical failure in executing the colony developmental program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Mamou
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Osher Fiyaksel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lior Sinai
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sigal Ben-Yehuda
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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16
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Abstract
Glyceroglycolipids are very important in Gram-positive bacteria and cyanobacteria. In Bacillus subtilis, a model organism for the Gram-positive bacteria, the ugtP mutant, which lacks glyceroglucolipids, shows abnormal morphology. Lack of glucolipids has many consequences: abnormal localization of the cytoskeletal protein MreB and activation of some extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors (σM, σV and σX) in the log phase are two examples. Conversely, the expression of monoglucosyldiacylglycerol (MGlcDG) by 1,2-diacylglycerol 3-glucosyltransferase from Acholeplasma laidlawii (alMGS) almost completely suppresses the ugtP disruptant phenotype. Activation of ECF sigmas in the ugtP mutant is decreased by alMGS expression, and is suppressed to low levels by MgSO4 addition. When alMGS and alDGS (A. laidlawii 1,2-diacylglycerol-3-glucose (1-2)-glucosyltransferase producing diglucosyldiacylglycerol (DGlcDG)) are simultaneously expressed, σX activation is repressed to wild type level. These observations suggest that MGlcDG molecules are required for maintenance of B. subtilis cell shape and regulation of ECF sigmas, and that DGlcDG regulates σX activity. The activation of ECF sigmas is not accompanied by proteolysis of anti-σ. Thus, glyceroglucolipids may have the specific role of helping membrane proteins function by acting in the manner of chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Matsuoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
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17
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Ogura M, Asai K. Glucose Induces ECF Sigma Factor Genes, sigX and sigM, Independent of Cognate Anti-sigma Factors through Acetylation of CshA in Bacillus subtilis. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1918. [PMID: 27965645 PMCID: PMC5126115 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors have roles related to cell envelope and/or cell membrane functions, in addition to other cellular functions. Without cell-surface stresses, ECF σ factors are sequestered by the cognate anti-σ factor, leading to inactivation and the resultant repression of regulons due to the inhibition of transcription of their own genes. Bacillus subtilis has seven ECF σ factors including σX and σM that transcribe their own structural genes. Here, we report that glucose addition to the medium induced sigX and sigM transcription independent of their anti-σ factors. This induction was dependent on an intracellular acetyl-CoA pool. Transposon mutagenesis searching for the mutants showing no induction of sigX and sigM revealed that the cshA gene encoding DEAD-box RNA helicase is required for gene induction. Global analysis of the acetylome in B. subtilis showed CshA has two acetylated lysine residues. We found that in a cshA mutant with acetylation-abolishing K to R exchange mutations, glucose induction of sigX and sigM was abolished and that glucose addition stimulated acetylation of CshA in the wild type strain. Thus, we present a model wherein glucose addition results in a larger acetyl-CoA pool, probably leading to increased levels of acetylated CshA. CshA is known to associate with RNA polymerase (RNAP), and thus RNAP with acetylated CshA could stimulate the autoregulation of sigX and sigM. This is a unique model showing a functional link between nutritional signals and the basal transcription machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Ogura
- Institute of Oceanic Research and Development, Tokai University Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kei Asai
- Department of Bioscience, Saitama University Saitama, Japan
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18
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van Beilen J, Blohmke CJ, Folkerts H, de Boer R, Zakrzewska A, Kulik W, Vaz FM, Brul S, Ter Beek A. RodZ and PgsA Play Intertwined Roles in Membrane Homeostasis of Bacillus subtilis and Resistance to Weak Organic Acid Stress. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1633. [PMID: 27818647 PMCID: PMC5073135 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Weak organic acids like sorbic and acetic acid are widely used to prevent growth of spoilage organisms such as Bacilli. To identify genes involved in weak acid stress tolerance we screened a transposon mutant library of Bacillus subtilis for sorbic acid sensitivity. Mutants of the rodZ (ymfM) gene were found to be hypersensitive to the lipophilic weak organic acid. RodZ is involved in determining the cell's rod-shape and believed to interact with the bacterial actin-like MreB cytoskeleton. Since rodZ lies upstream in the genome of the essential gene pgsA (phosphatidylglycerol phosphate synthase) we hypothesized that expression of the latter might also be affected in rodZ mutants and hence contribute to the phenotype observed. We show that both genes are co-transcribed and that both the rodZ::mini-Tn10 mutant and a conditional pgsA mutant, under conditions of minimal pgsA expression, were sensitive to sorbic and acetic acid. Both strains displayed a severely altered membrane composition. Compared to the wild-type strain, phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin levels were lowered and the average acyl chain length was elongated. Induction of rodZ expression from a plasmid in our transposon mutant led to no recovery of weak acid susceptibility comparable to wild-type levels. However, pgsA overexpression in the same mutant partly restored sorbic acid susceptibility and fully restored acetic acid sensitivity. A construct containing both rodZ and pgsA as on the genome led to some restored growth as well. We propose that RodZ and PgsA play intertwined roles in membrane homeostasis and tolerance to weak organic acid stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan van Beilen
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christoph J. Blohmke
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Folkerts
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Richard de Boer
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anna Zakrzewska
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wim Kulik
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fred M. Vaz
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stanley Brul
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alexander Ter Beek
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
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19
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Matsuoka S, Seki T, Matsumoto K, Hara H. Suppression of abnormal morphology and extracytoplasmic function sigma activity in Bacillus subtilis ugtP mutant cells by expression of heterologous glucolipid synthases from Acholeplasma laidlawii. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2016; 80:2325-2333. [PMID: 27684739 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2016.1217147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Glucolipids in Bacillus subtilis are synthesized by UgtP processively transferring glucose from UDP-glucose to diacylglycerol. Here we conclude that the abnormal morphology of a ugtP mutant is caused by lack of glucolipids, since the same morphology arises after abolition of glucolipid production by disruption of pgcA and gtaB, which are involved in UDP-glucose synthesis. Conversely, expression of a monoglucosyldiacylglycerol (MGlcDG) produced by 1,2-diacylglycerol 3-glucosyltransferase from Acholeplasma laidlawii (alMGS) almost completely suppressed the ugtP disruptant phenotype. Activation of extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigmas (SigM, SigV, and SigX) in the ugtP mutant was decreased by alMGS expression, and was suppressed to low levels by MgSO4 addition. When alMGS and alDGS (A. laidlawii 1,2-diacylglycerol-3-glucose (1-2)-glucosyltransferase producing diglucosyldiacylglycerol (DGlcDG)) were simultaneously expressed, SigX activation was repressed to wild type level. These observations suggest that MGlcDG molecules are required for maintenance of B. subtilis cell shape and regulation of ECF sigmas, and DGlcDG regulates SigX activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Matsuoka
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering , Saitama University , Saitama , Japan
| | - Takahiro Seki
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering , Saitama University , Saitama , Japan
| | - Kouji Matsumoto
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering , Saitama University , Saitama , Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hara
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering , Saitama University , Saitama , Japan
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20
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Helmann JD. Bacillus subtilis extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors and defense of the cell envelope. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 30:122-132. [PMID: 26901131 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis provides a model for investigation of the bacterial cell envelope, the first line of defense against environmental threats. Extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors activate genes that confer resistance to agents that threaten the integrity of the envelope. Although their individual regulons overlap, σ(W) is most closely associated with membrane-active agents, σ(X) with cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance, and σ(V) with resistance to lysozyme. Here, I highlight the role of the σ(M) regulon, which is strongly induced by conditions that impair peptidoglycan synthesis and includes the core pathways of envelope synthesis and cell division, as well as stress-inducible alternative enzymes. Studies of these cell envelope stress responses provide insights into how bacteria acclimate to the presence of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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21
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Kusaka J, Shuto S, Imai Y, Ishikawa K, Saito T, Natori K, Matsuoka S, Hara H, Matsumoto K. Septal localization by membrane targeting sequences and a conserved sequence essential for activity at the COOH-terminus of Bacillus subtilis cardiolipin synthase. Res Microbiol 2015; 167:202-14. [PMID: 26708983 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The acidic phospholipid cardiolipin (CL) is localized on polar and septal membranes and plays an important physiological role in Bacillus subtilis cells. ClsA, the enzyme responsible for CL synthesis, is also localized on septal membranes. We found that GFP fusion proteins of the enzyme with NH2-terminal and internal deletions retained septal localization. However, derivatives with deletions starting from the COOH-terminus (Leu482) ceased to localize to the septum once the deletion passed the Ile residue at 448, indicating that the sequence responsible for septal localization is confined within a short distance from the COOH-terminus. Two sequences, Ile436-Leu450 and Leu466-Leu478, are predicted to individually form an amphipathic α-helix. This configuration is known as a membrane targeting sequence (MTS) and we therefore refer to them as MTS2 and MTS1, respectively. Either one has the ability to affect septal localization, and each of these sequences by itself localizes to the septum. Membrane association of the constructs of this enzyme containing the MTSs was verified by subcellular fractionation of the cells. CL synthesis, in contrast, was abolished after deleting just the last residue, Leu482, in the COOH-terminal four amino acid residue sequence, Ser-Pro-Ile-Leu, which is highly conserved among bacterial CL synthases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Kusaka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shuto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Yukiko Imai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ishikawa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Tomo Saito
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kohei Natori
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Satoshi Matsuoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kouji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 338-8570, Japan.
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22
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Matsumoto K, Hara H, Fishov I, Mileykovskaya E, Norris V. The membrane: transertion as an organizing principle in membrane heterogeneity. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:572. [PMID: 26124753 PMCID: PMC4464175 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial membrane exhibits a significantly heterogeneous distribution of lipids and proteins. This heterogeneity results mainly from lipid-lipid, protein-protein, and lipid-protein associations which are orchestrated by the coupled transcription, translation and insertion of nascent proteins into and through membrane (transertion). Transertion is central not only to the individual assembly and disassembly of large physically linked groups of macromolecules (alias hyperstructures) but also to the interactions between these hyperstructures. We review here these interactions in the context of the processes in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli of nutrient sensing, membrane synthesis, cytoskeletal dynamics, DNA replication, chromosome segregation, and cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, SaitamaJapan
| | - Hiroshi Hara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, SaitamaJapan
| | - Itzhak Fishov
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-ShevaIsrael
| | - Eugenia Mileykovskaya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical School at HoustonHouston, TX, USA
| | - Vic Norris
- Laboratory of Microbiology Signals and Microenvironment EA 4312, Department of Science, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-AignanFrance
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23
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Seki T, Mineshima R, Hashimoto M, Matsumoto K, Hara H, Matsuoka S. Repression of the activities of two extracytoplasmic function σ factors, σM and σV, of Bacillus subtilis by glucolipids in Escherichia coli cells. Genes Genet Syst 2015; 90:109-14. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.90.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Seki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Ryota Mineshima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Michihiro Hashimoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Kouji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Hiroshi Hara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Satoshi Matsuoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
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24
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Kiriyama Y, Yazawa K, Tanaka T, Yoshikawa R, Yamane H, Hashimoto M, Sekiguchi J, Yamamoto H. Localization and expression of the Bacillus subtilis
dl-endopeptidase LytF are influenced by mutations in LTA synthases and glycolipid anchor synthetic enzymes. Microbiology (Reading) 2014; 160:2639-2649. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.080366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis LytF plays a principal role in cell separation through its localization at the septa and poles on the vegetative cell surface. In this study, we found that a mutation in a major lipoteichoic acid (LTA) synthase gene – ltaS – results in a considerable reduction in the σD-dependent transcription of lytF. The lytF transcription was also reduced in mutants that affected glycolipid anchor biosynthesis. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that both the numbers of cells expressing LytF and the LytF foci in these mutants were decreased. In addition, the transcriptional activity of lytF was almost abolished in the double (ltaS yfnI), triple (ltaS yfnI yqgS), and quadruple (ltaS yfnI yqgS yvgJ) mutants during vegetative growth. Cell separation defects in these mutants were partially restored with artificial expression of LytF. Interestingly, when lytF transcription was induced in the ltaS single or multiple mutants, LytF was localized not only at the septum, but also along the sidewall. The amounts of LytF bound to cell wall in the single (ltaS) and double (ltaS yfnI) mutants gradually increased as compared with that in the WT strain, and those in the triple (ltaS yfnI yqgS) and quadruple mutants were almost similar to that in the double mutant. Moreover, reduction of the lytF transcription and chained cell morphology in the ltaS mutant were completely restored with artificial induction of the yqgS gene. These results strongly suggest that LTA influences the temporal, σD-dependent transcription of lytF and is an additional inhibitory component to the vegetative cell separation enzyme LytF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuka Kiriyama
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Kazuya Yazawa
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Tatsuhito Tanaka
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Yoshikawa
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Hisaya Yamane
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Masayuki Hashimoto
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signal Transduction, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan City 704-56, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Tainan City 704-56, Taiwan
| | - Junichi Sekiguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamamoto
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
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25
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Repeated triggering of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis selects against a protein that affects the timing of cell division. ISME JOURNAL 2013; 8:77-87. [PMID: 23924781 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2013.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis sporulation is a last-resort phenotypical adaptation in response to starvation. The regulatory network underlying this developmental pathway has been studied extensively. However, how sporulation initiation is concerted in relation to the environmental nutrient availability is poorly understood. In a fed-batch fermentation set-up, in which sporulation of ultraviolet (UV)-mutagenized B. subtilis is repeatedly triggered by periods of starvation, fitter strains with mutated tagE evolved. These mutants display altered timing of phenotypical differentiation. The substrate for the wall teichoic acid (WTA)-modifying enzyme TagE, UDP-glucose, has recently been shown to be an intracellular proxy for nutrient availability, and influences the timing of cell division. Here we suggest that UDP-glucose also influences timing of cellular differentiation.
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26
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A putative bactoprenol glycosyltransferase, CsbB, in Bacillus subtilis activates SigM in the absence of co-transcribed YfhO. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 436:6-11. [PMID: 23632331 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria are equipped with complex cell surface structures, such as cell walls. How they maintain cell surface integrity through cell wall metabolism during growth and adaptation to unfavorable environmental conditions is still elusive. In the Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis, one extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor, SigM, is believed to play a primary role in cell surface integrity. Here, we find that expression of CsbB, which is known to be involved in the extracellular stress response, causes constitutive activation of SigM when YfhO, a membrane protein with unknown function, is lost. CsbB has similarity with the well-characterized bactoprenol glucosyltransferase GtrB found in Gram-negative bacteria. Substitution of a single amino acid residue at the putative catalytic site of CsbB abolishes this constitutive activation, and expression of Escherichia coli GtrB in B. subtilis causes similar effects as expression of CsbB, suggesting that SigM is activated by the glycosyltransferase activity of CsbB. A comparison with the Gtr system in Gram-negative bacteria suggests that accumulation of glycosylated bactoprenol catalyzed by CsbB reduces the bactoprenol pool in the absence of YfhO. Reduction of bactoprenol synthesis causes similar effects as expression of CsbB. We propose that it is the shortage of available bactoprenol within a cell that induces SigM activity.
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