Crystal structures and proposed structural/functional classification of three protozoan proteins from the isochorismatase superfamily

Foisc1 regulates growth, conidiation, sensitivity to salicylic acid, and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4

The secreted isochorismatases derived from certain filamentous pathogens play vital roles in the infection of host plants by lowering salicylic acid (SA) levels and suppressing SA-mediated defense pathway. However, it remains unclear whether the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (FocTR4), which causes vascular wilt in bananas, utilizes isochorismatases to modulate SA levels in the host and subvert the banana defense system for successful infection. In the current study, we selected and functionally characterized the foisc1 gene, one of 10 putative isochorismatase-encoding genes in FocTR4 that showed significant upregulation during early stages of infection. Deletion of foisc1 resulted in enhanced vegetative growth and conidiation, increased sensitivity to SA, reduced colonization within host plants, as well as impaired pathogenicity. Conversely, complementation restored phenotypes similar to those observed in the wild-type strain. Furthermore, deletion of foisc1 led to a notable rise in activities of defense-related enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and phenylalnine ammonialyase; along with an upregulated expression of several defense-related genes including PR genes and NPR1 genes within hosts' tissues. The non-secretory nature of Foisc1 protein was confirmed and its absence did not affect SA levels within host plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed that deletion of foisc1 resulted in decreased expression levels for numerous genes associated with pathogenicity including those involved in fusaric acid biosynthesis and effector genes as well as a catechol 1,2-dioxygenase gene essential for SA degradation; while increasing expression levels for numerous genes associated with hyphal growth and conidiation were observed instead. Therefore, our findings suggest that Foisc1 may influence hyphal growth, conidiation, sensitivity to SA, and pathogenicity of FocTR4 through modulation of various genes implicated in these processes. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of FocTR4, and create a groundwork for the future development of innovative control strategies targeting vascular wilt disease of banana.

Catabolite repression control protein antagonist, a novel player in Pseudomonas aeruginosa carbon catabolite repression control

In the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pae), carbon catabolite repression (CCR) orchestrates the hierarchical utilization of N and C sources, and impacts virulence, antibiotic resistance and biofilm development. During CCR, the RNA chaperone Hfq and the catabolite repression control protein Crc form assemblies on target mRNAs that impede translation of proteins involved in uptake and catabolism of less preferred C sources. After exhaustion of the preferred C-source, translational repression of target genes is relieved by the regulatory RNA CrcZ, which binds to and acts as a decoy for Hfq. Here, we asked whether Crc action can be modulated to relieve CCR after exhaustion of a preferred carbon source. As Crc does not bind to RNA per se, we endeavored to identify an interacting protein. In vivo co-purification studies, co-immunoprecipitation and biophysical assays revealed that Crc binds to Pae strain O1 protein PA1677. Our structural studies support bioinformatics analyzes showing that PA1677 belongs to the isochorismatase-like superfamily. Ectopic expression of PA1677 resulted in de-repression of Hfq/Crc controlled target genes, while in the absence of the protein, an extended lag phase is observed during diauxic growth on a preferred and a non-preferred carbon source. This observations indicate that PA1677 acts as an antagonist of Crc that favors synthesis of proteins required to metabolize non-preferred carbon sources. We present a working model wherein PA1677 diminishes the formation of productive Hfq/Crc repressive complexes on target mRNAs by titrating Crc. Accordingly, we propose the name CrcA (catabolite repression control protein antagonist) for PA1677.

The Novel Amidase PcnH Initiates the Degradation of Phenazine-1-Carboxamide in Sphingomonas histidinilytica DS-9

Phenazines are an important class of secondary metabolites and are primarily named for their heterocyclic phenazine cores, including phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) and its derivatives, such as phenazine-1-carboxamide (PCN) and pyocyanin (PYO). Although several genes involved in the degradation of PCA and PYO have been reported so far, the genetic foundations of PCN degradation remain unknown. In this study, a PCN-degrading bacterial strain, Sphingomonas histidinilytica DS-9, was isolated. The gene pcnH, encoding a novel amidase responsible for the initial step of PCN degradation, was cloned by genome comparison and subsequent experimental validation. PcnH catalyzed the hydrolysis of the amide bond of PCN to produce PCA, which shared low identity (only 26 to 33%) with reported amidases. The K_m and k_cat values of PcnH for PCN were 33.22 ± 5.70 μM and 18.71 ± 0.52 s^-1, respectively. PcnH has an Asp-Lys-Cys motif, which is conserved among amidases of the isochorismate hydrolase-like (IHL) superfamily. The replacement of Asp37, Lys128, and Cys163 with alanine in PcnH led to the complete loss of enzymatic activity. Furthermore, the genes pcaA1A2A3A4 and pcnD were found to encode PCA 1,2-dioxygenase and 1,2-dihydroxyphenazine (2OHPC) dioxygenase, which were responsible for the subsequent degradation steps of PCN. The PCN-degradative genes were highly conserved in some bacteria of the genus Sphingomonas, with slight variations in the sequence identities. IMPORTANCE Phenazines have been widely acknowledged as a natural antibiotic for more than 150 years, but their degradation mechanisms are still not completely elucidated. Compared with the studies on the degradation mechanism of PCA and PYO, little is known regarding PCN degradation by far. Previous studies have speculated that its initial degradation step may be catalyzed by an amidase, but no further studies have been conducted. This study identified a novel amidase, PcnH, that catalyzed the hydrolysis of PCN to PCA. In addition, the PCA 1,2-dioxygenase PcaA1A2A3A4 and 2OHPC dioxygenase PcnD were also found to be involved in the subsequent degradation steps of PCN in S. histidinilytica DS-9. And the genes responsible for PCN catabolism are highly conserved in some strains of Sphingomonas. These results deepen our understanding of the PCN degradation mechanism.

An unconventionally secreted effector from the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, Mi-ISC-1, promotes parasitism by disrupting salicylic acid biosynthesis in host plants

Plant-parasitic nematodes need to deliver effectors that suppress host immunity for successful parasitism. We have characterized a novel isochorismatase effector from the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, named Mi-ISC-1. The Mi-isc-1 gene is expressed in the subventral oesophageal glands and is up-regulated in parasitic-stage juveniles. Tobacco rattle virus-induced gene silencing targeting Mi-isc-1 attenuated M. incognita parasitism. Enzyme activity assays confirmed that Mi-ISC-1 can catalyse hydrolysis of isochorismate into 2,3-dihydro-2,3-dihydroxybenzoate in vitro. Although Mi-ISC-1 lacks a classical signal peptide for secretion at its N-terminus, a yeast invertase secretion assay showed that this protein can be secreted from eukaryotic cells. However, the subcellular localization and plasmolysis assay revealed that the unconventional secretory signal present on the Mi-ISC-1 is not recognized by the plant secretory pathway and that the effector was localized within the cytoplasm of plant cells, but not apoplast, when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves by agroinfiltration. Ectopic expression of Mi-ISC-1 in N. benthamiana reduced expression of the PR1 gene and levels of salicylic acid (SA), and promoted infection by Phytophthora capsici. The cytoplasmic localization of Mi-ISC-1 is required for its function. Moreover, Mi-ISC-1 suppresses the production of SA following the reconstitution of the de novo SA biosynthesis via the isochorismate pathway in the cytoplasm of N. benthamiana leaves. These results demonstrate that M. incognita deploys a functional isochorismatase that suppresses SA-mediated plant defences by disrupting the isochorismate synthase pathway for SA biosynthesis to promote parasitism.

Converting the E. coli Isochorismatase Nicotinamidase into γ-Lactamase

Nicotinamidase (Nic) (E.C.3.5.1.19) is a representative protein of the isochorismatase superfamily from Escherichia coli. Despite showing no (+) γ-lactamase activity, its active site constellations (ASCs) are very similar to those of two other known (+) γ-lactamases (Mhpg and RutB), indicating that it could be a latent (+) γ-lactamase. In this study, the primary sequences of the five representative proteins of the isochorismatase superfamily from E. coli were aligned, and a "lid"-like unit of a six-residue loop (112GENPLV117) was established. The Nic protein was converted to a (+) γ-lactamase by eliminating the loop. A conversion mechanism was proposed in which a more compact binding pocket is formed after lid deletion. In addition, the "shrunk" binding pocket stabilized the small substrate and the catalysis intermediate, which triggered catalysis. Moreover, we identified another latent (+) γ-lactamase in the E. coli isochorismatase superfamily and successfully converted it into an active (+) γ-lactamase. In summary, the isochorismatase superfamily is potentially a good candidate for obtaining novel (+) γ-lactamases. IMPORTANCE γ-Lactamases are important enzymatic catalysts in preparing optically pure γ-lactam enantiomers, which are high-value chiral intermediates. Different studies have presumed that the isochorismatase superfamily is a candidate to obtain novel (+) γ-lactamases. By engineering its substrate entrance tunnel, Nic, a representative protein of the isochorismatase superfamily, is converted to a (+) γ-lactamase. Tunnel engineering has proven effective in enhancing enzyme promiscuity. Therefore, the latent or active γ-lactamase activities of the isochorismatase superfamily members indicate their evolutionary path positions.

Leishmanial selenoproteins and the host immune system: towards new therapeutic strategies?

Optimum levels of selenoproteins are essential for starting and managing the host immune responses against pathogens. According to the expression of selenoproteins in Leishmania parasites, and since high levels of selenoproteins lead to adverse effects on immune cells and their functions, Leishmania parasites might then express selenoproteins such as selenomethionine in their structure and/or secretions able to challenge the host immune system. Finally, this adaptation may lead to evasion of the parasite from the host immune system. The expression of selenoproteins in Leishmania parasites might then induce the development of infection. We therefore suggest these molecules as new therapeutic candidates for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Microbial biodegradation of biuret: defining biuret hydrolases within the isochorismatase superfamily

Biuret is a minor component of urea fertilizer and an intermediate in s-triazine herbicide biodegradation. The microbial metabolism of biuret has never been comprehensively studied. Here, we enriched and isolated bacteria from a potato field that grew on biuret as a sole nitrogen source. We sequenced the genome of the fastest-growing isolate, Herbaspirillum sp. BH-1 and identified genes encoding putative biuret hydrolases (BHs). We purified and characterized a functional BH enzyme from Herbaspirillum sp. BH-1 and two other bacteria from divergent phyla. The BH enzymes reacted exclusively with biuret in the range of 2-11 µmol min^-1 mg^-1 protein. We then constructed a global protein superfamily network to map structure-function relationships in the BH subfamily and used this to mine > 7000 genomes. High-confidence BH sequences were detected in Actinobacteria, Alpha- and Beta-proteobacteria, and some fungi, archaea and green algae, but not animals or land plants. Unexpectedly, no cyanuric acid hydrolase homologs were detected in > 90% of genomes with BH homologs, suggesting BHs may have arisen independently of s-triazine ring metabolism. This work links genotype to phenotype by enabling accurate genome-mining to predict microbial utilization of biuret. Importantly, it advances understanding of the microbial capacity for biuret biodegradation in agricultural systems.

Identification of novel small RNAs in Burkholderia cenocepacia KC-01 expressed under iron limitation and oxidative stress conditions

Small RNA (sRNA)-mediated regulation of gene expression is a major tool to understand bacterial responses to environmental changes. In particular, pathogenic bacteria employ sRNAs to adapt to the host environment and establish infection. Members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, normally present in soil microbiota, cause nosocomial lung infection especially in hospitalized cystic fibrosis patients. We sequenced the draft genome of Burkholderia cenocepacia KC-01, isolated from the coastal saline soil, and identified several potential sRNAs in silico. Expression of seven small RNAs (Bc_KC_sr1-7) was subsequently confirmed. Two sRNAs (Bc_KC_sr1 and Bc_KC_sr2) were upregulated in response to iron depletion by 2,2'-bipyridyl and another two (Bc_KC_sr3 and Bc_KC_sr4) responded to the presence of 60 µM H₂O₂ in the culture media. Bc_Kc_sr5, 6 and 7 remained unchanged under these conditions. Expression of Bc_KC_sr2, 3 and 4 also altered with a change in temperature and incubation time. A search in the Rfam and BSRD databases identified Bc_Kc_sr4 as candidate738 in B. pseudomallei D286 and assigned Bc_Kc_sr5 and 6 as tmRNA and 6S RNA, respectively. The novel sRNAs were conserved in Burkholderiaceae but did not have any homologue in other genera. Bc_KC_sr1 and 4 were transcribed independently while the rest were part of the 3' UTR of their upstream genes. TargetRNA2 predicted that these sRNAs could target a host of cellular messages with very high stringency. Intriguingly, regions surrounding the translation initiation site for several enzymes involved in Fe-S cluster and siderophore biosynthesis, ROS homeostasis, porins, transcription and translation regulators, were among the suggested putative binding sites for these sRNAs.

Structural insights into the γ-lactamase activity and substrate enantioselectivity of an isochorismatase-like hydrolase from Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans

(+)-γ-lactamase catalyzes the specific hydrolysis of (+)-γ-lactam out of the racemic γ-lactam (2-Azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one) to leave optically pure (−)-γ-lactam, which is the key building block of antiviral drugs such as carbovir and abacavir. However, no structural data has been reported on how the enzymes bind the γ-lactams and achieve their enantioselectivities. We previously identified an isochorismatase-like hydrolase (IHL, Mh33H4-5540) with (+)-γ-lactamase activity, which constitutes a novel family of γ-lactamase. Here, we first discovered that this enzyme actually hydrolyzed both (+)- and (−)-γ-lactam, but with apparently different specificities. We determined the crystal structures of the apo-form, (+)-γ-lactam bound, and (−)-γ-lactam bound forms of the enzyme. The structures showed that the binding sites of both (+) and (−)-γ-lactam resemble those of IHLs, but the “cover” loop conserved in IHLs is lacking in the enzyme, probably resulting in its incomplete enantioselectivity. Structural, biochemical, and molecular dynamics simulation studies demonstrated that the steric clash caused by the binding-site residues, especially the side-chain of Cys111 would reduce the binding affinity of (−)-γ-lactam and possibly the catalytic efficiency, which might explain the different catalytic specificities of the enantiomers of γ-lactam. Our results would facilitate the directed evolution and application of Mh33H4-5540 in antiviral drug synthesis.

Critical role of bacterial isochorismatase in the autophagic process induced by Acinetobacter baumannii in mammalian cells

A recent study reported that Acinetobacter baumannii could induce autophagy, but the recognition and clearance mechanism of intracytosolic A. baumannii in the autophagic process and the molecular mechanism of autophagy induced by the pathogen remains unknown. In this study, we first demonstrated that invading A. baumannii induced a complete, ubiquitin-mediated autophagic response that is dependent upon septins SEPT2 and SEPT9 in mammalian cells. We also demonstrated that autophagy induced by A. baumannii was Beclin-1 dependent via the AMPK/ERK/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Of interest, we found that the isochorismatase mutant strain had significantly decreased siderophore-mediated ferric iron acquisition ability and had a reduced the ability to induce autophagy. We verified that isochorismatase was required for the recognition of intracytosolic A. baumannii mediated by septin cages, ubiquitinated proteins, and ubiquitin-binding adaptor proteins p62 and NDP52 in autophagic response. We also confirmed that isochorismatase was required for the clearance of invading A. baumannii by autophagy in vitro and in the mouse model of infection. Together, these findings provide insight into the distinctive recognition and clearance of intracytosolic A. baumannii by autophagy in host cells, and that isochorismatase plays a critical role in the A. baumannii–induced autophagic process.—Wang, Y., Zhang, K., Shi, X., Wang, C., Wang, F., Fan, J., Shen, F., Xu, J., Bao, W., Liu, M., Yu, L. Critical role of bacterial isochorismatase in the autophagic process induced by Acinetobacter baumannii in mammalian cells.

Crystal Structure of a Hidden Protein, YcaC, a Putative Cysteine Hydrolase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with and without an Acrylamide Adduct

As part of the ongoing effort to functionally and structurally characterize virulence factors in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we determined the crystal structure of YcaC co-purified with the target protein at resolutions of 2.34 and 2.56 Å without a priori knowledge of the protein identity or experimental phases. The three-dimensional structure of YcaC adopts a well-known cysteine hydrolase fold with the putative active site residues conserved. The active site cysteine is covalently bound to propionamide in one crystal form, whereas the second form contains an S-mercaptocysteine. The precise biological function of YcaC is unknown; however, related prokaryotic proteins have functions in antibacterial resistance, siderophore production and NADH biosynthesis. Here, we show that YcaC is exceptionally well conserved across both bacterial and fungal species despite being non-ubiquitous. This suggests that whilst YcaC may not be part of an integral pathway, the function could confer a significant evolutionary advantage to microbial life.

Unconventionally secreted effectors of two filamentous pathogens target plant salicylate biosynthesis

Plant diseases caused by fungi and oomycetes pose an increasing threat to food security and ecosystem health worldwide. These filamentous pathogens, while taxonomically distinct, modulate host defense responses by secreting effectors, which are typically identified based on the presence of signal peptides. Here we show that Phytophthora sojae and Verticillium dahliae secrete isochorismatases (PsIsc1 and VdIsc1, respectively) that are required for full pathogenesis. PsIsc1 and VdIsc1 can suppress salicylate-mediated innate immunity in planta and hydrolyse isochorismate in vitro. A conserved triad of catalytic residues is essential for both functions. Thus, the two proteins are isochorismatase effectors that disrupt the plant salicylate metabolism pathway by suppressing its precursor. Furthermore, these proteins lack signal peptides, but exhibit characteristics that lead to unconventional secretion. Therefore, this secretion pathway is a novel mechanism for delivering effectors and might play an important role in host–pathogen interactions.

Salicylate is a regulator of innate immunity to infection in plants. Here, Liu et al. show that two plant pathogens secrete enzymes that disrupt salicylate biosynthesis and plant immunity, and reveal that these effectors are secreted via an unconventional mechanism.

Rossmann-fold motifs can confer multiple functions to metabolic enzymes: RNA binding and ribonuclease activity of a UDP-glucose dehydrogenase

Metabolic enzymes are usually characterized to have one specific function, and this is the case of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase that catalyzes the twofold NAD(+)-dependent oxidation of UDP-glucose into UDP-glucuronic acid. We have determined that this enzyme is also capable of participating in other cellular processes. Here, we report that the bacterial UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UgdG) from Sphingomonas elodea ATCC 31461, which provides UDP-glucuronic acid for the synthesis of the exopolysaccharide gellan, is not only able to bind RNA but also acts as a ribonuclease. The ribonucleolytic activity occurs independently of the presence of NAD(+) and the RNA binding site does not coincide with the NAD(+) binding region. We have also performed the kinetics of interaction between UgdG and RNA. Moreover, computer analysis reveals that the N- and C-terminal domains of UgdG share structural features with ancient mitochondrial ribonucleases named MAR. MARs are present in lower eukaryotic microorganisms, have a Rossmannoid-fold and belong to the isochorismatase superfamily. This observation reinforces that the Rossmann structural motifs found in NAD(+)-dependent dehydrogenases can have a dual function working as a nucleotide cofactor binding domain and as a ribonuclease.

Crystal structure of a putative isochorismatase hydrolase from Oleispira antarctica

Isochorismatase-like hydrolases (IHL) constitute a large family of enzymes divided into five structural families (by SCOP). IHLs are crucial for siderophore-mediated ferric iron acquisition by cells. Knowledge of the structural characteristics of these molecules will enhance the understanding of the molecular basis of iron transport, and perhaps resolve which of the mechanisms previously proposed in the literature is the correct one. We determined the crystal structure of the apo-form of a putative isochorismatase hydrolase OaIHL (PDB code: 3LQY) from the antarctic γ-proteobacterium Oleispira antarctica, and did comparative sequential and structural analysis of its closest homologs. The characteristic features of all analyzed structures were identified and discussed. We also docked isochorismate to the determined crystal structure by in silico methods, to highlight the interactions of the active center with the substrate. The putative isochorismate hydrolase OaIHL from O. antarctica possesses the typical catalytic triad for IHL proteins. Its active center resembles those IHLs with a D-K-C catalytic triad, rather than those variants with a D-K-X triad. OaIHL shares some structural and sequential features with other members of the IHL superfamily. In silico docking results showed that despite small differences in active site composition, isochorismate binds to in the structure of OaIHL in a similar mode to its binding in phenazine biosynthesis protein PhzD (PDB code 1NF8).

Structure of the EntB multidomain nonribosomal peptide synthetase and functional analysis of its interaction with the EntE adenylation domain

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases are modular proteins that operate in an assembly line fashion to bind, modify, and link amino acids. In the E. coli enterobactin NRPS system, the EntE adenylation domain catalyzes the transfer of a molecule of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid to the pantetheine cofactor of EntB. We present here the crystal structure of the EntB protein that contains an N-terminal isochorismate lyase domain that functions in the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate and a C-terminal carrier protein domain. Functional analysis showed that the EntB-EntE interaction was surprisingly tolerant of a number of point mutations on the surface of EntB and EntE. Mutational studies on EntE support our previous hypothesis that members of the adenylate-forming family of enzymes adopt two distinct conformations to catalyze the two-step reactions.

A Novel Enzyme Conferring Streptothricin Resistance Alters the Toxicity of Streptothricin D from Broad-spectrum to Bacteria-specific

Streptothricins (STs) produced by Streptomyces strains are broad-spectrum antibiotics. All STs consist of a carbamoylated D-gulosamine to which the beta-lysine homopolymer (1 to 7 residues) and the amide form of the unusual amino acid streptolidine (streptolidine lactam) are attached. Although many ST-resistance genes have been identified in bacteria, including clinically isolated pathogens and ST-producing Streptomyces strains, only one resistance mechanism has been identified to date. This mechanism involves the modification of the ST molecule by monoacetylation of the moiety of the beta-lysine(s). In this study, we successfully isolated a novel ST-resistance gene (sttH) from Streptomyces albulus, which is a known ST nonproducer. The in vitro analysis of SttH demonstrated that this enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of the amide bond of streptolidine lactam, thereby conferring ST resistance. Interestingly, the selective toxicity of ST-D possessing 3x beta-lysine moiety was altered from broad-spectrum to bacteria-specific by the hydrolysis of streptolidine lactam, although ST-F (1 x beta-lysine) was detoxified by SttH in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes (yeasts). STs have not been clinically developed due to their toxicities; however, in this study, we showed that hydrolyzed ST-D (ST-D-acid) exhibits potent antibacterial activity even when its toxicity against eukaryotic cells is reduced by SttH. This suggests that ST-D-acid is a potential candidate for clinical development or for use as a new lead compound for drug discovery.