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Ouyang Z, Zhao M, Li J, Zhang Y, Zhao J. Cyclic diguanylate differentially regulates the expression of virulence factors and pathogenesis-related phenotypes in Clostridioides difficile. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127811. [PMID: 38909416 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) caused by toxigenic C. difficile is the leading cause of antimicrobial and healthcare-associated diarrhea. The pathogenicity of C. difficile relies on the synergistic effect of multiple virulence factors, including spores, flagella, type IV pili (T4P), toxins, and biofilm. Spores enable survival and transmission of C. difficile, while adhesion factors such as flagella and T4P allow C. difficile to colonize and persist in the host intestine. Subsequently, C. difficile produces the toxins TcdA and TcdB, causing pseudomembranous colitis and other C. difficile-associated diseases; adhesion factors bind to the extracellular matrix to form biofilm, allowing C. difficile to evade drug and immune system attack and cause recurrent infection. Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is a near-ubiquitous second messenger that extensively regulates morphology, the expression of virulence factors, and multiple physiological processes in C. difficile. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of how c-di-GMP differentially regulates the expression of virulence factors and pathogenesis-related phenotypes in C. difficile. We highlight that C. difficile spore formation and expression of toxin and flagella genes are inhibited at high intracellular levels of c-di-GMP, while T4P biosynthesis, cell aggregation, and biofilm formation are induced. Recent studies have enhanced our understanding of the c-di-GMP signaling networks in C. difficile and provided insights for the development of c-di-GMP-dependent strategies against CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirou Ouyang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jiayiren Li
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yulian Zhang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jianhong Zhao
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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2
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Pérez-Burgos M, Herfurth M, Kaczmarczyk A, Harms A, Huber K, Jenal U, Glatter T, Søgaard-Andersen L. A deterministic, c-di-GMP-dependent program ensures the generation of phenotypically similar, symmetric daughter cells during cytokinesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6014. [PMID: 39019889 PMCID: PMC11255338 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50444-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity in bacteria can result from stochastic processes or deterministic programs. The deterministic programs often involve the versatile second messenger c-di-GMP, and give rise to daughter cells with different c-di-GMP levels by deploying c-di-GMP metabolizing enzymes asymmetrically during cell division. By contrast, less is known about how phenotypic heterogeneity is kept to a minimum. Here, we identify a deterministic c-di-GMP-dependent program that is hardwired into the cell cycle of Myxococcus xanthus to minimize phenotypic heterogeneity and guarantee the formation of phenotypically similar daughter cells during division. Cells lacking the diguanylate cyclase DmxA have an aberrant motility behaviour. DmxA is recruited to the cell division site and its activity is switched on during cytokinesis, resulting in a transient increase in the c-di-GMP concentration. During cytokinesis, this c-di-GMP burst ensures the symmetric incorporation and allocation of structural motility proteins and motility regulators at the new cell poles of the two daughters, thereby generating phenotypically similar daughters with correct motility behaviours. Thus, our findings suggest a general c-di-GMP-dependent mechanism for minimizing phenotypic heterogeneity, and demonstrate that bacteria can ensure the formation of dissimilar or similar daughter cells by deploying c-di-GMP metabolizing enzymes to distinct subcellular locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pérez-Burgos
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marco Herfurth
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Andrea Harms
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Huber
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Urs Jenal
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Timo Glatter
- Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lotte Søgaard-Andersen
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
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3
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Chen YYM, Yang YC, Shieh HR, Lin YJ, Ke WJ, Chiu CH. Functional Analysis of the Major Pilin Proteins of Type IV Pili in Streptococcus sanguinis CGMH010. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5402. [PMID: 38791440 PMCID: PMC11121087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105402] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The pil gene cluster for Type IV pilus (Tfp) biosynthesis is commonly present and highly conserved in Streptococcus sanguinis. Nevertheless, Tfp-mediated twitching motility is less common among strains, and the factors determining twitching activity are not fully understood. Here, we analyzed the functions of three major pilin proteins (PilA1, PilA2, and PilA3) in the assembly and activity of Tfp in motile S. sanguinis CGMH010. Using various recombinant pilA deletion strains, we found that Tfp composed of different PilA proteins varied morphologically and functionally. Among the three PilA proteins, PilA1 was most critical in the assembly of twitching-active Tfp, and recombinant strains expressing motility generated more structured biofilms under constant shearing forces compared to the non-motile recombinant strains. Although PilA1 and PilA3 shared 94% identity, PilA3 could not compensate for the loss of PilA1, suggesting that the nature of PilA proteins plays an essential role in twitching activity. The single deletion of individual pilA genes had little effect on the invasion of host endothelia by S. sanguinis CGMH010. In contrast, the deletion of all three pilA genes or pilT, encoding the retraction ATPase, abolished Tfp-mediated invasion. Tfp- and PilT-dependent invasion were also detected in the non-motile S. sanguinis SK36, and thus, the retraction of Tfp, but not active twitching, was found to be essential for invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ywan M. Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-R.S.); (Y.-J.L.); (W.-J.K.)
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan;
| | - Yuan-Chen Yang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Hui-Ru Shieh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-R.S.); (Y.-J.L.); (W.-J.K.)
| | - Yu-Juan Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-R.S.); (Y.-J.L.); (W.-J.K.)
| | - Wan-Ju Ke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-R.S.); (Y.-J.L.); (W.-J.K.)
| | - Cheng-Hsun Chiu
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan;
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4
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Little JI, Singh PK, Zhao J, Dunn S, Matz H, Donnenberg MS. Type IV pili of Enterobacteriaceae species. EcoSal Plus 2024:eesp00032023. [PMID: 38294234 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0003-2023] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Type IV pili (T4Ps) are surface filaments widely distributed among bacteria and archaea. T4Ps are involved in many cellular functions and contribute to virulence in some species of bacteria. Due to the diversity of T4Ps, different properties have been observed for homologous proteins that make up T4Ps in various organisms. In this review, we highlight the essential components of T4Ps, their functions, and similarities to related systems. We emphasize the unique T4Ps of enteric pathogens within the Enterobacteriaceae family, which includes pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli and Salmonella. These include the bundle-forming pilus (BFP) of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), longus (Lng) and colonization factor III (CFA/III) of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), T4P of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, Colonization Factor Citrobacter (CFC) of Citrobacter rodentium, T4P of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, a ubiquitous T4P that was characterized in enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), and the R64 plasmid thin pilus. Finally, we highlight areas for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janay I Little
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Pradip K Singh
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jinlei Zhao
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Shakeera Dunn
- Internal Medicine Residency, Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover, Delaware, USA
| | - Hanover Matz
- Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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5
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Vuotto C, Donelli G, Buckley A, Chilton C. Clostridioides difficile Biofilm. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1435:249-272. [PMID: 38175479 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42108-2_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), previously Clostridium difficile infection, is a symptomatic infection of the large intestine caused by the spore-forming anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium Clostridioides difficile. CDI is an important healthcare-associated disease worldwide, characterized by high levels of recurrence, morbidity, and mortality. CDI is observed at a higher rate in immunocompromised patients after antimicrobial therapy, with antibiotics disrupting the commensal microbiota and promoting C. difficile colonization of the gastrointestinal tract.A rise in clinical isolates resistant to multiple antibiotics and the reduced susceptibility to the most commonly used antibiotic molecules have made the treatment of CDI more complicated, allowing the persistence of C. difficile in the intestinal environment.Gut colonization and biofilm formation have been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis and persistence of C. difficile. In fact, biofilm growth is considered as a serious threat because of the related antimicrobial tolerance that makes antibiotic therapy often ineffective. This is the reason why the involvement of C. difficile biofilm in the pathogenesis and recurrence of CDI is attracting more and more interest, and the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation of C. difficile as well as the role of biofilm in CDI are increasingly being studied by researchers in the field.Findings on C. difficile biofilm, possible implications in CDI pathogenesis and treatment, efficacy of currently available antibiotics in treating biofilm-forming C. difficile strains, and some antimicrobial alternatives under investigation will be discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Vuotto
- Microbial Biofilm Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Anthony Buckley
- Microbiome and Nutritional Sciences Group, School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Caroline Chilton
- Healthcare Associated Infection Research Group, Section of Molecular Gastroenterology, Leeds Institute for Medical Research at St James, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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6
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Li L, Lin Y, Agyekumwaa Addo K, Yu Y, Liao C. Effect of allyl isothiocyanate on the growth and virulence of Clostridium perfringens and its application on cooked pork. Food Res Int 2023; 172:113110. [PMID: 37689877 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to explore the antibacterial action modes and virulence-inhibitory effects of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) against Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AITC against vegetative cells of Cp 13124 was 0.1 μL/mL, and the time-kill kinetics analysis revealed that AITC could significantly suppress the growth of Cp 13124. According to the results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy, and UV absorbance substance detection, the cell membrane of Cp 13124 was damaged upon AITC treatment, causing a loss of integrity and the release of intracellular substances. Meanwhile, the fluorescence quenching experiment indicated the interaction of AIT-C with membrane proteins, which caused changes in the conformation of membrane proteins. Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that AITC could induce apoptosis through oxidative stress. The formation of Cp 13124 biofilms was inhibited by AITC using the crystalline violet method, which was possibly related to the inhibition of sliding motility. Finally, low concentrations of AITC could be used as an antibacterial agent to inhibit the outgrowth of Cp 13124 in cooked pork, suggesting that AITC is a promising candidate for novel preservatives in the meat business.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linying Li
- Research Center of Food Safety and Detection, College of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Yilin Lin
- Research Center of Food Safety and Detection, College of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Keren Agyekumwaa Addo
- Research Center of Food Safety and Detection, College of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Yigang Yu
- Research Center of Food Safety and Detection, College of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.
| | - Caihu Liao
- Yingdong Food Science and Engineering Institute, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China; Provincial Key Laboratory for Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resourcesin Northern Guangdong, Shaoguan 512005, China.
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7
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Geelhoed JS, Thorup CA, Bjerg JJ, Schreiber L, Nielsen LP, Schramm A, Meysman FJR, Marshall IPG. Indications for a genetic basis for big bacteria and description of the giant cable bacterium Candidatus Electrothrix gigas sp. nov. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0053823. [PMID: 37732806 PMCID: PMC10580974 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00538-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cells can vary greatly in size, from a few hundred nanometers to hundreds of micrometers in diameter. Filamentous cable bacteria also display substantial size differences, with filament diameters ranging from 0.4 to 8 µm. We analyzed the genomes of cable bacterium filaments from 11 coastal environments of which the resulting 23 new genomes represent 10 novel species-level clades of Candidatus Electrothrix and two clades that putatively represent novel genus-level diversity. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a species-level probe showed that large-sized cable bacteria belong to a novel species with the proposed name Ca. Electrothrix gigas. Comparative genome analysis suggests genes that play a role in the construction or functioning of large cable bacteria cells: the genomes of Ca. Electrothrix gigas encode a novel actin-like protein as well as a species-specific gene cluster encoding four putative pilin proteins and a putative type II secretion platform protein, which are not present in other cable bacteria. The novel actin-like protein was also found in a number of other giant bacteria, suggesting there could be a genetic basis for large cell size. This actin-like protein (denoted big bacteria protein, Bbp) may have a function analogous to other actin proteins in cell structure or intracellular transport. We contend that Bbp may help overcome the challenges of diffusion limitation and/or morphological complexity presented by the large cells of Ca. Electrothrix gigas and other giant bacteria. IMPORTANCE In this study, we substantially expand the known diversity of marine cable bacteria and describe cable bacteria with a large diameter as a novel species with the proposed name Candidatus Electrothrix gigas. In the genomes of this species, we identified a gene that encodes a novel actin-like protein [denoted big bacteria protein (Bbp)]. The bbp gene was also found in a number of other giant bacteria, predominantly affiliated to Desulfobacterota and Gammaproteobacteria, indicating that there may be a genetic basis for large cell size. Thus far, mostly structural adaptations of giant bacteria, vacuoles, and other inclusions or organelles have been observed, which are employed to overcome nutrient diffusion limitation in their environment. In analogy to other actin proteins, Bbp could fulfill a structural role in the cell or potentially facilitate intracellular transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine S. Geelhoed
- Department of Biology, Research Group Geobiology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Casper A. Thorup
- Department of Biology, Center for Electromicrobiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jesper J. Bjerg
- Department of Biology, Research Group Geobiology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Biology, Center for Electromicrobiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Schreiber
- Department of Biology, Center for Electromicrobiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Peter Nielsen
- Department of Biology, Center for Electromicrobiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Schramm
- Department of Biology, Center for Electromicrobiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Filip J. R. Meysman
- Department of Biology, Research Group Geobiology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Ian P. G. Marshall
- Department of Biology, Center for Electromicrobiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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8
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Ouyang Z, Zhao H, Zhao M, Yang Y, Zhao J. Type IV pili are involved in phenotypes associated with Clostridioides difficile pathogenesis. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37452617 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2235002] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobe that is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Type IV pili (T4P) are elongated appendages on the surface of C. difficile that are polymerized from many pilin proteins. T4P play an important role in C. difficile adherence and particularly in its persistence in the host intestine. Recent studies have shown that T4P promote C. difficile aggregation, surface motility, and biofilm formation, which may enhance its pathogenicity. Additionally, the second messenger cyclic diguanylate increases pilA1 transcript abundance, indirectly promoting T4P-mediated aggregation, surface motility, and biofilm formation of C. difficile. This review summarizes recent advances in C. difficile T4P research and the physiological activities of T4P in the context of C. difficile pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirou Ouyang
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hanlin Zhao
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yaxuan Yang
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jianhong Zhao
- Hebei Provincial Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China
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9
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Treerat P, Anderson D, Giacaman RA, Merritt J, Kreth J. Glycerol metabolism supports oral commensal interactions. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:1116-1127. [PMID: 37169870 PMCID: PMC10284889 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
During oral biofilm development, interspecies interactions drive species distribution and biofilm architecture. To understand what molecular mechanisms determine these interactions, we used information gained from recent biogeographical investigations demonstrating an association of corynebacteria with streptococci. We previously reported that Streptococcus sanguinis and Corynebacterium durum have a close relationship through the production of membrane vesicle and fatty acids leading to S. sanguinis chain elongation and overall increased fitness supporting their commensal state. Here we present the molecular mechanisms of this interspecies interaction. Coculture experiments for transcriptomic analysis identified several differentially expressed genes in S. sanguinis. Due to its connection to fatty acid synthesis, we focused on the glycerol-operon. We further explored the differentially expressed type IV pili genes due to their connection to motility and biofilm adhesion. Gene inactivation of the glycerol kinase glpK had a profound impact on the ability of S. sanguinis to metabolize C. durum secreted glycerol and impaired chain elongation important for their interaction. Investigations on the effect of type IV pili revealed a reduction of S. sanguinis twitching motility in the presence of C. durum, which was caused by a decrease in type IV pili abundance on the surface of S. sanguinis as determined by SEM. In conclusion, we identified that the ability to metabolize C. durum produced glycerol is crucial for the interaction of C. durum and S. sanguinis. Reduced twitching motility could lead to a closer interaction of both species, supporting niche development in the oral cavity and potentially shaping symbiotic health-associated biofilm communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puthayalai Treerat
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - David Anderson
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Rodrigo A Giacaman
- Cariology Unit, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Justin Merritt
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Jens Kreth
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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10
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Grenda T, Jarosz A, Sapała M, Grenda A, Patyra E, Kwiatek K. Clostridium perfringens-Opportunistic Foodborne Pathogen, Its Diversity and Epidemiological Significance. Pathogens 2023; 12:768. [PMID: 37375458 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The C. perfringens species is associated with various environments, such as soils, sewage, and food. However, it is also a component of the gastrointestinal (GI) microflora (i.e., microbiota) of sick and healthy humans and animals. C. perfringens is linked with different systemic and enteric diseases in livestock and humans, such as gas gangrene, food poisoning, non-foodborne diarrhoea, and enterocolitis. The strains of this opportunistic pathogen are known to secrete over 20 identified toxins that are considered its principal virulence factors. C. perfringens belongs to the anaerobic bacteria community but can also survive in the presence of oxygen. The short time between generations, the multi-production capability of toxins and heat-resistant spores, the location of many virulence genes on mobile genetic elements, and the inhabitance of this opportunistic pathogen in different ecological niches make C. perfringens a very important microorganism for public health protection. The epidemiological evidence for the association of these strains with C. perfringens-meditated food poisoning and some cases of non-foodborne diseases is very clear and well-documented. However, the genetic diversity and physiology of C. perfringens should still be studied in order to confirm the importance of suspected novel virulence traits. A very significant problem is the growing antibiotic resistance of C. perfringens strains. The aim of this review is to show the current basic information about the toxins, epidemiology, and genetic and molecular diversity of this opportunistic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Grenda
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Jarosz
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sapała
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Anna Grenda
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewelina Patyra
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kwiatek
- Department of Hygiene of Animal Feeding Stuffs, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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11
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Heidarpanah S, Thibodeau A, Parreira VR, Quessy S, Segura M, Meniaï I, Gottschalk M, Gaudreau A, Juette T, Gaucher ML. Immunization of broiler chickens with five newly identified surface-exposed proteins unique to Clostridium perfringens causing necrotic enteritis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5254. [PMID: 37002317 PMCID: PMC10063949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32541-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the ban or reduction on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in commercial broiler chickens in many countries, avian necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens has re-emerged as one of the biggest threats for the poultry industry worldwide. While the toolbox for controlling NE in the absence of antibiotics consists of a limited number of alternatives for which the overall effectiveness has yet proven to be suboptimal, an effective vaccine would represent the best control strategy for this often-deadly disease. Using a comparative and subtractive reverse vaccinology approach, we previously identified 14 putative antigenic proteins unique to NE-causing strains of C. perfringens. In the current work, the in silico findings were confirmed by PCR and sequencing, and five vaccine candidate proteins were produced and purified subsequently. Among them, two candidates were hypothetical proteins, two candidates were prepilin proteins which are predicted to form the subunits of a pilus structure, and one candidate was a non-heme iron protein. Western blotting and ELISA results showed that immunization of broiler chickens with five of these proteins raised antibodies which can specifically recognize both the recombinant and native forms of the protein in pathogenic C. perfringens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Heidarpanah
- Chaire de Recherche en Salubrité des Viandes (CRSV), Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Alexandre Thibodeau
- Chaire de Recherche en Salubrité des Viandes (CRSV), Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche Sur les Maladies Infectieuses en Production Animale (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Valeria R Parreira
- Food Science Department, Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS), University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Sylvain Quessy
- Chaire de Recherche en Salubrité des Viandes (CRSV), Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Mariela Segura
- Groupe de Recherche Sur les Maladies Infectieuses en Production Animale (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Ilhem Meniaï
- Chaire de Recherche en Salubrité des Viandes (CRSV), Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Marcelo Gottschalk
- Groupe de Recherche Sur les Maladies Infectieuses en Production Animale (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Annie Gaudreau
- Groupe de Recherche Sur les Maladies Infectieuses en Production Animale (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Tristan Juette
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Marie-Lou Gaucher
- Chaire de Recherche en Salubrité des Viandes (CRSV), Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
- Groupe de Recherche Sur les Maladies Infectieuses en Production Animale (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
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12
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Roja B, Saranya S, Chellapandi P. Discovery of novel virulence mechanisms in Clostridium botulinum type A3 using genome-wide analysis. Gene 2023; 869:147402. [PMID: 36972858 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147402] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clostridium botulinum type A is a neurotoxin-producing, spore-forming anaerobic bacterium that causes botulism in humans. The evolutionary genomic context of this organism is not yet known to understand its molecular virulence mechanisms in the human intestinal tract. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying virulence and pathogenesis by comparing the genomic contexts across species, serotypes, and subtypes. METHODS A comparative genomic approach was used to analyze evolutionary genomic relationships, intergenomic distances, syntenic blocks, replication origins, and gene abundance with phylogenomic neighbors. RESULTS Type A strains have shown genomic proximity to group I strains with distinct accessory genes and vary even within subtypes. Phylogenomic data showed that type C and D strains were distantly related to a group I and group II strains. Synthetic plots indicated that orthologous genes might have evolved from Clostridial ancestry to subtype A3 strains, whereas syntonic out-paralogs might have emerged between subtypes A3 and A1 through α-events. Gene abundance analysis revealed the key roles of genes involved in biofilm formation, cell-cell communication, human diseases, and drug resistance compared to the pathogenic Clostridia. Moreover, we identified 43 unique genes in the type A3 genome, of which 29 were involved in the pathophysiological processes and other genes contributed to amino acid metabolism. The C. botulinum type A3 genome contains 14 new virulence proteins that can provide the ability to confer antibiotic resistance, virulence exertion and adherence to host cells, the host immune system, and mobility of extrachromosomal genetic elements. CONCLUSION The results of our study provide insight into the understanding of new virulence mechanisms to discover new therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases caused by type A3 strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Roja
- Industrial Systems Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Saranya
- Industrial Systems Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Chellapandi
- Industrial Systems Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620024, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Type IV Pili Are a Critical Virulence Factor in Clinical Isolates of Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus. mBio 2022; 13:e0268822. [PMID: 36374038 PMCID: PMC9765702 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02688-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrocephalus, the leading indication for childhood neurosurgery worldwide, is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Hydrocephalus preceded by an infection, or postinfectious hydrocephalus, accounts for up to 60% of hydrocephalus in these areas. Since many children with hydrocephalus suffer poor long-term outcomes despite surgical intervention, prevention of hydrocephalus remains paramount. Our previous studies implicated a novel bacterial pathogen, Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus, as a causal agent of neonatal sepsis and postinfectious hydrocephalus in Uganda. Here, we report the isolation of three P. thiaminolyticus strains, Mbale, Mbale2, and Mbale3, from patients with postinfectious hydrocephalus. We constructed complete genome assemblies of the clinical isolates as well as the nonpathogenic P. thiaminolyticus reference strain and performed comparative genomic and proteomic analyses to identify potential virulence factors. All three isolates carry a unique beta-lactamase gene, and two of the three isolates exhibit resistance in culture to the beta-lactam antibiotics penicillin and ampicillin. In addition, a cluster of genes carried on a mobile genetic element that encodes a putative type IV pilus operon is present in all three clinical isolates but absent in the reference strain. CRISPR-mediated deletion of the gene cluster substantially reduced the virulence of the Mbale strain in mice. Comparative proteogenomic analysis identified various additional potential virulence factors likely acquired on mobile genetic elements in the virulent strains. These results provide insight into the emergence of virulence in P. thiaminolyticus and suggest avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of this novel bacterial pathogen. IMPORTANCE Postinfectious hydrocephalus, a devastating sequela of neonatal infection, is associated with increased childhood mortality and morbidity. A novel bacterial pathogen, Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus, is highly associated with postinfectious hydrocephalus in an African cohort. Whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and proteomics of clinical isolates and a reference strain in combination with CRISPR editing identified type IV pili as a critical virulence factor for P. thiaminolyticus infection. Acquisition of a type IV pilus-encoding mobile genetic element critically contributed to converting a nonpathogenic strain of P. thiaminolyticus into a pathogen capable of causing devastating diseases. Given the widespread presence of type IV pilus in pathogens, the presence of the type IV pilus operon could serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in P. thiaminolyticus and related bacteria.
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14
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Hughes HQ, Christman ND, Dalia TN, Ellison CK, Dalia AB. The PilT retraction ATPase promotes both extension and retraction of the MSHA type IVa pilus in Vibrio cholerae. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010561. [PMID: 36542674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010561] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse bacterial species use type IVa pili (T4aP) to interact with their environments. The dynamic extension and retraction of T4aP is critical for their function, but the mechanisms that regulate this dynamic activity remain poorly understood. T4aP are typically extended via the activity of a dedicated extension motor ATPase and retracted via the action of an antagonistic retraction motor ATPase called PilT. These motors are generally functionally independent, and loss of PilT commonly results in T4aP hyperpiliation due to undeterred pilus extension. However, for the mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) T4aP of Vibrio cholerae, the loss of PilT unexpectedly results in a loss of surface piliation. Here, we employ a combination of genetic and cell biological approaches to dissect the underlying mechanism. Our results demonstrate that PilT is necessary for MSHA pilus extension in addition to its well-established role in promoting MSHA pilus retraction. Through a suppressor screen, we also provide genetic evidence that the MshA major pilin impacts pilus extension. Together, these findings contribute to our understanding of the factors that regulate pilus extension and describe a previously uncharacterized function for the PilT motor ATPase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Q Hughes
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Nicholas D Christman
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Triana N Dalia
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Courtney K Ellison
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Ankur B Dalia
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
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15
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Shanmugasundarasamy T, Karaiyagowder Govindarajan D, Kandaswamy K. A review on pilus assembly mechanisms in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cell Surf 2022; 8:100077. [PMID: 35493982 PMCID: PMC9046445 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The surface of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria contains long hair-like proteinaceous protrusion known as pili or fimbriae. Historically, pilin proteins were considered to play a major role in the transfer of genetic material during bacterial conjugation. Recent findings however elucidate their importance in virulence, biofilm formation, phage transduction, and motility. Therefore, it is crucial to gain mechanistic insights on the subcellular assembly of pili and the localization patterns of their subunit proteins (major and minor pilins) that aid the macromolecular pilus assembly at the bacterial surface. In this article, we review the current knowledge of pilus assembly mechanisms in a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including subcellular localization patterns of a few pilin subunit proteins and their role in virulence and pathogenesis.
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16
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Prevalence of Type IV Pili-Mediated Twitching Motility in Streptococcus sanguinis Strains and Its Impact on Biofilm Formation and Host Adherence. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0140322. [PMID: 36094177 PMCID: PMC9499025 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01403-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Type IV pili (Tfp) are known to mediate several biological activities, including surface-dependent twitching motility. Although a pil gene cluster for Tfp biosynthesis is found in all sequenced Streptococcus sanguinis strains, Tfp-mediated twitching motility is less commonly detected. Upon examining 81 clinical strains, 39 strains generated twitching zones on blood agar plates (BAP), while 27 strains displayed twitching on Todd-Hewitt (TH) agar. Although BAP appears to be more suitable for the development of twitching zones, 5 strains exhibited twitching motility only on TH agar, indicating that twitching motility is not only strain specific but also sensitive to growth media. Furthermore, different twitching phenotypes were observed in strains expressing comparable levels of pilT, encoding the retraction ATPase, suggesting that the twitching phenotype on agar plates is regulated by multiple factors. By using a PilT-null and a pilin protein-null derivative (CHW02) of twitching-active S. sanguinis CGMH010, we found that Tfp retraction was essential for biofilm stability. Further, biofilm growth was amplified in CHW02 in the absence of shearing force, indicating that S. sanguinis may utilize other ligands for biofilm formation in the absence of Tfp. Similar to SK36, Tfp from CGMH010 were required for colonization of host cells, but PilT only marginally affected adherence and only in the twitching-active strain. Taken together, the results suggest that Tfp participates in host cell adherence and that Tfp retraction facilitates biofilm stability. IMPORTANCE Although the gene clusters encoding Tfp are commonly present in Streptococcus sanguinis, not all strains express surface-dependent twitching motility on agar surfaces. Regardless of whether the Tfp could drive motility, Tfp can serve as a ligand for the colonization of host cells. Though many S. sanguinis strains lack twitching activity, motility can enhance biofilm stability in a twitching-active strain; thus, perhaps motility provides little or no advantage to the survival of bacteria within dental plaque. Rather, Tfp retraction could provide additional advantages for the bacteria to establish infections outside the oral cavity.
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17
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Wang Y, Bian Z, Wang Y. Biofilm formation and inhibition mediated by bacterial quorum sensing. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:6365-6381. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12150-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Mining transcriptome data: Utilization of environmentally regulated promoters for protein expression and purification in Clostridium perfringens. J Microbiol Methods 2022; 199:106519. [PMID: 35718279 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2022.106519] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive pathogen with low GC content. To identify genes that are transcribed at higher levels when the bacteria grow on a surface, we used RNA-seq in a previous study to measure global transcript levels of cells grown in three types of media on both plates and in liquid culture. We found the arcABDC-argR operon is induced >1000-fold when the cells were grown on plates than in liquid brain heart infusion (BHI). In addition, the pyrBICFZDE operon was transcribed >1000-fold higher in liquid BHI than on plates. Biochemical analysis of C. perfringens proteins is usually accomplished by cloning and expressing the relevant genes in Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium. Here we utilize both the arcA and pyrB promoters to express and purify proteins from C. perfringens plate and liquid-grown cultures, respectively. Three mg of the His-tagged cytoplasmic protein PilM were obtained when the pilM gene was expressed in cells grown on 10 BHI plates using the arcA promoter. Using the pyrB promoter, 0.85 mg of the C. perfringens His-tagged secreted toxin collagenase was purified from the culture supernatant of 500 ml of cells grown in liquid BHI. In the process of constructing clones, we found we can transform C. perfringens strain HN13 directly with DNA from an in vitro ligation mix, bypassing E. coli. These environmentally regulated promoters can be used to express clostridial or other low GC content genes for protein purification without the addition of an inducer molecule.
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19
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Li Y, Ma Y, Zhan J, Zhang Y, Zhao Z, Zhao Z. Combining metal-microbe and microbe-microbe dual direct electron transfer on Fe(0)-cathode of bio-electrochemical system to enhance anaerobic digestion of cellulose wastewater. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.09.097] [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]
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20
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Mechanical limitation of bacterial motility mediated by growing cell chains. Biophys J 2022; 121:2461-2473. [PMID: 35591787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.05.012] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrasting most known bacterial motility mechanisms, a bacterial sliding motility discovered in at least two Gram-positive bacterial families does not depend on designated motors. Instead, the cells maintain end-to-end connections following cell divisions to form long chains and exploit cell growth and division to push the cells forward. To investigate the dynamics of this motility mechanism, we constructed a mechanical model that depicts the interplay of the forces acting on and between the cells comprising the chain. Due to the exponential growth of individual cells, the tips of the chains can, in principle, accelerate to speeds faster than any known single-cell motility mechanism can achieve. However, analysis of the mechanical model shows that the exponential acceleration comes at the cost of an exponential buildup in mechanical stress in the chain, making overly long chains prone to breakage. Additionally, the mechanical model reveals that the dynamics of the chain expansion hinges on a single non-dimensional parameter. Perturbation analysis of the mechanical model further predicts the critical stress leading to chain breakage and its dependence on the non-dimensional parameter. Finally, we developed a simplistic population expansion model that uses the predicted breaking behavior to estimate the physical limit of chain-mediated population expansion. Predictions from the models provide critical insights into how this motility depends on key physical properties of the cell and the substrate. Overall, our models present a generically applicable theoretical framework for cell chain-mediated bacterial sliding motility and provide guidance for future experimental studies on such motility.
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21
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Nishiyama K, Yokoi T, Sugiyama M, Osawa R, Mukai T, Okada N. Roles of the Cell Surface Architecture of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium in the Gut Colonization. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:754819. [PMID: 34721360 PMCID: PMC8551831 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.754819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are numerous bacteria reside within the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. Among the intestinal bacteria, Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Ruminococcus closely interact with the intestinal mucus layer and are, therefore, known as mucosal bacteria. Mucosal bacteria use host or dietary glycans for colonization via adhesion, allowing access to the carbon source that the host’s nutrients provide. Cell wall or membrane proteins, polysaccharides, and extracellular vesicles facilitate these mucosal bacteria-host interactions. Recent studies revealed that the physiological properties of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium significantly change in the presence of co-existing symbiotic bacteria or markedly differ with the spatial distribution in the mucosal niche. These recently discovered strategic colonization processes are important for understanding the survival of bacteria in the gut. In this review, first, we introduce the experimental models used to study host-bacteria interactions, and then, we highlight the latest discoveries on the colonization properties of mucosal bacteria, focusing on the roles of the cell surface architecture regarding Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Nishiyama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsunari Yokoi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Sugiyama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Ro Osawa
- Research Center for Food Safety and Security, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takao Mukai
- Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okada
- Department of Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Li L, Zhang X, Zhu P, Yong X, Wang Y, An W, Jia H, Zhou J. Enhancing biomethane production and pyrene biodegradation by addition of bio-nano FeS or magnetic carbon during sludge anaerobic digestion. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2021; 42:3496-3507. [PMID: 32085684 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2020.1733674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Pyrene exerts toxic effects on methanogens during anaerobic digestion of sludge, thus affecting the efficiency of sludge treatment. This study evaluated the facilitated direct interspecific electron transfer (DIET) between bacteria and methanogens when bio-nano FeS or magnetic carbon is added into anaerobic reactors. Results showed that adding 200 mg/L bio-nano FeS or magnetic carbon clearly reduced the accumulation of short-chain fatty acids and avoided acidification during 25 days of anaerobic digestion. The methane productions were 98.38 L/kg total solid (TS) and 73.69 L/kg TS in the bio-nano FeS and magnetic carbon systems, respectively, which accelerated methane production by 58.1% and 33.4%, respectively, compared with the control system (40.26 L/kg TS). The pyrene removal rates reached 77.5% and 72.1% in the bio-nano FeS and magnetic carbon systems, whereas it was only 40.8% in the control system. Analysis of microbial community structure revealed that methanogens (e.g. Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta) and extracellular electron-transfer bacteria (e.g. Pseudomonas, Cloastridia, and Synergistetes) were enriched in the reactors added with bio-nano FeS or magnetic carbon. This result indicates that the addition of bio-nano FeS or magnetic carbon may promote the activity and growth of microorganisms to improve the efficiency of methane production and pyrene degradation by enhancing DIET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Li
- Bioenergy Research Institute, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- College of Environment, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- College of Environment, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiru Zhu
- Bioenergy Research Institute, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- College of Environment, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Yong
- Bioenergy Research Institute, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajun Wang
- National Wolfberry Engineering Research Center, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei An
- National Wolfberry Engineering Research Center, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghua Jia
- Bioenergy Research Institute, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Bioenergy Research Institute, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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23
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Guzmán-Soto I, McTiernan C, Gonzalez-Gomez M, Ross A, Gupta K, Suuronen EJ, Mah TF, Griffith M, Alarcon EI. Mimicking biofilm formation and development: Recent progress in in vitro and in vivo biofilm models. iScience 2021; 24:102443. [PMID: 34013169 PMCID: PMC8113887 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation in living organisms is associated to tissue and implant infections, and it has also been linked to the contribution of antibiotic resistance. Thus, understanding biofilm development and being able to mimic such processes is vital for the successful development of antibiofilm treatments and therapies. Several decades of research have contributed to building the foundation for developing in vitro and in vivo biofilm models. However, no such thing as an "all fit" in vitro or in vivo biofilm models is currently available. In this review, in addition to presenting an updated overview of biofilm formation, we critically revise recent approaches for the improvement of in vitro and in vivo biofilm models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Guzmán-Soto
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Christopher McTiernan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Mayte Gonzalez-Gomez
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Alex Ross
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Keshav Gupta
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Erik J. Suuronen
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Thien-Fah Mah
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Centre de Recherche Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, H1T 2M4, Canada
- Département d'ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Emilio I. Alarcon
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
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24
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Lepp D, Zhou Y, Ojha S, Mehdizadeh Gohari I, Carere J, Yang C, Prescott JF, Gong J. Clostridium perfringens Produces an Adhesive Pilus Required for the Pathogenesis of Necrotic Enteritis in Poultry. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e00578-20. [PMID: 33468589 PMCID: PMC8088525 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00578-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type G strains cause necrotic enteritis (NE) in poultry, an economically important disease that is a major target of in-feed antibiotics. NE is a multifactorial disease, involving not only the critically important NetB toxin but also additional virulence and virulence-associated factors. We previously identified a C. perfringens chromosomal locus (VR-10B) associated with disease-causing strains that is predicted to encode a sortase-dependent pilus. In the current study, we sought to provide direct evidence for the production of a pilus by C. perfringens and establish its role in NE pathogenesis. Pilus structures in virulent C. perfringens strain CP1 were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of immunogold-labeled cells. Filamentous structures were observed extending from the cell surface in wild-type CP1 but not from isogenic pilin-null mutant strains. In addition, immunoblotting of cell surface proteins demonstrated that CP1, but not the null mutant strains, produced a high molecular weight ladder-like pattern characteristic of a pilus polymer. Binding to collagen types I, II, and IV was significantly reduced (Tukey's test, P < 0.01) in all three pilin mutants compared to CP1 and could be specifically blocked by CnaA and FimA antisera, indicating that these pilins participate in adherence. Furthermore, fimA and fimB null mutants were both severely attenuated in their ability to cause disease in an in vivo chicken NE challenge model. Together, these results provide the first direct evidence for the production of a sortase-dependent pilus by C. perfringens and confirm its critical role in NE pathogenesis and collagen binding.IMPORTANCE In necrotic enteritis (NE), an intestinal disease of chickens, Clostridium perfringens cells adhere tightly to damaged intestinal tissue, but the factors involved are not known. We previously discovered a cluster of C. perfringens genes predicted to encode a pilus, a hair-like bacterial surface structure commonly involved in adherence. In the current study, we have directly imaged this pilus using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We also show that inactivation of the pilus genes stops pilus production, significantly reducing the bacterium's ability to bind collagen and cause disease. Importantly, this is the first direct evidence for the production of a sortase-dependent pilus by C. perfringens, revealing a promising new target for developing therapeutics to combat this economically important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lepp
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Y Zhou
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - S Ojha
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - J Carere
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Yang
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - J F Prescott
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Gong
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Rozman V, Accetto T, Duncan SH, Flint HJ, Vodovnik M. Type IV pili are widespread among non-pathogenic Gram-positive gut bacteria with diverse carbohydrate utilization patterns. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:1527-1540. [PMID: 33331146 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Type IV pili (T4P) are bacterial surface-exposed appendages that have been extensively studied in Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Despite recent sequencing efforts, little is known regarding these structures in non-pathogenic anaerobic Gram-positive species, particularly commensals of the mammalian gut. Early studies revealed that T4P in two ruminal Gram-positive species are associated with growth on cellulose, suggesting possible associations of T4P with substrate utilization patterns. In the present study, genome sequences of 118 taxonomically diverse, mainly Gram-positive, bacterial strains isolated from anaerobic (gastrointestinal) environments, have been analysed. The genes likely to be associated with T4P biogenesis were analysed and grouped according to T4P genetic organization. In parallel, consortia of Carbohydrate Active enZYmes (CAZymes) were also analysed and used to predict carbohydrate utilization abilities of selected strains. The predictive power of this approach was additionally confirmed by experimental assessment of substrate-related growth patterns of selected strains. Our analysis revealed that T4P systems with diverse genetic organization are widespread among Gram-positive anaerobic non-pathogenic bacteria isolated from different environments, belonging to two phylogenetically distantly related phyla: Firmicutes and Actinobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Rozman
- Chair of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Accetto
- Chair of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - Sylvia H Duncan
- Gut Health Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Harry J Flint
- Gut Health Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Maša Vodovnik
- Chair of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
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26
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Valeriani RG, Beard LL, Moller A, Ohtani K, Vidal JE. Gas gangrene-associated gliding motility is regulated by the Clostridium perfringens CpAL/VirSR system. Anaerobe 2020; 66:102287. [PMID: 33130105 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2020.102287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens strains cause a wide variety of human and animal disease, including gas gangrene or myonecrosis. Production of toxins required for myonecrosis, PFO and CPA, is regulated by the C. perfringens Agr-like (CpAL) system via the VirSR two-component system. Myonecrosis begins at the site of infection from where bacteria migrate deep into the host tissue likely using a previously described gliding motility phenotype. We therefore assessed whether gliding motility was under the control of the CpAL/VirSR regulon. The migration rate of myonecrosis-causing C. perfringens strain 13 (S13) was investigated during a 96 h period, including an adaptation phase with bacterial migration (∼1.4 mm/day) followed by a gliding phase allowing bacteria faster migration (∼8.6 mm/day). Gliding required both an intact CpAL system, and signaling through VirSR. Mutants lacking ΔagrB, or ΔvirR, were impaired for onward gliding while a complemented strain S13ΔagrB/pTS1303 had the gliding phenotype restored. Gene expression studies revealed upregulated transcription of pili genes (pilA1, pilA2 and pilT) whose encoded proteins were previously found to be required for gliding motility and CpAL/VirSR-regulated pfoA and cpa toxin genes. Compared to S13, transcription of cpa and pfoA significantly decreased in S13ΔagrB, or S13ΔvirR, strains but not that of pili genes. Further experiments demonstrated that mutants S13ΔpfoA and S13Δcpa migrated at the same rate as S13 wt. We demonstrated that CpAL/VirSR regulates C. perfringens gliding motility and that gliding bacteria have an increased transcription of toxin genes involved in myonecrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - LaMonta L Beard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abraham Moller
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kaori Ohtani
- Tokai University School of Medicine, Ishihara-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Jorge E Vidal
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
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27
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Obana N, Nakamura K, Nomura N. Temperature-regulated heterogeneous extracellular matrix gene expression defines biofilm morphology in Clostridium perfringens. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2020; 6:29. [PMID: 32737303 PMCID: PMC7395162 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-020-00139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells in biofilms dynamically adapt to surrounding environmental conditions, which alters biofilm architecture. The obligate anaerobic pathogen Clostridium perfringens shows different biofilm structures in different temperatures. Here we find that the temperature-regulated production of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) is necessary for morphological changes in biofilms. We identify BsaA proteins as an EPS matrix necessary for pellicle biofilm formation at lower temperature and find that extracellularly secreted BsaA protein forms filamentous polymers. We show that sipW-bsaA operon expression is bimodal, and the EPS-producing population size is increased at a lower temperature. This heterogeneous expression of the EPS gene requires a two-component system. We find that EPS-producing cells cover EPS-nonproducing cells attaching to the bottom surface. In the deletion mutant of pilA2, encoding a type IV pilin, the EPS gene expression is ON in the whole population. This heterogeneity is further regulated by the cleavage of the pilA2 mRNA by RNase Y, causing temperature-responsive EPS expression in biofilms. As temperature is an environmental cue, C. perfringens may modulate EPS expression to induce morphological changes in biofilm structure as a strategy for adapting to interhost and external environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Obana
- Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan. .,Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan.
| | - Kouji Nakamura
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Nomura
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
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28
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Possible drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections in the future: anti-virulence drugs. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2020; 74:24-41. [PMID: 32647212 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-020-0344-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global threat that should be urgently resolved. Finding a new antibiotic is one way, whereas the repression of the dissemination of virulent pathogenic bacteria is another. From this point of view, this paper summarizes first the mechanisms of conjugation and transformation, two important processes of horizontal gene transfer, and then discusses the approaches for disarming virulent pathogenic bacteria, that is, virulence factor inhibitors. In contrast to antibiotics, anti-virulence drugs do not impose a high selective pressure on a bacterial population, and repress the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. Disarmed virulence factors make virulent pathogens avirulent bacteria or pathobionts, so that we human will be able to coexist with these disarmed bacteria peacefully.
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29
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Liu S, Wang J, Zhang J, Wang T, Zhou Y, Lv Q, Hu N, Shen X, Deng X. Tectorigenin reduces type IV pilus-dependent cell adherence in Clostridium perfringens. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2020; 366:5498297. [PMID: 31125043 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnz112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium that causes a range of diseases in humans and animals around the globe. The type IV pilus (TFP) system plays a key role in the colonization and invasion of host cells, biofilm formation and gliding motility, which is vital for C. perfringens infection. Therefore, targeting TFP function may be a promising strategy for the treatment of C. perfringens infection. Here, we investigated the potential inhibitory effects of tectorigenin (TE), an isoflavone extracted from the rhizome of the Chinese herb Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC, on gliding motility, biofilm formation, adherence to cells and antibacterial activity of C. perfringens. Tectorigenin significantly inhibited gliding motility, biofilm formation and adherence to Caco-2 cells without observable antibacterial activity against C. perfringens. In addition, we also demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of TE on TFP function appears to be partially achieved by the suppression of TFP-associated genes. These findings demonstrate that TE may have the potential to be developed as a new anti-virulence drug for C. perfringens infection, particularly for the targeting of TFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shui Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Yonglin Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Qianghua Lv
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Naiyu Hu
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Xue Shen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Xuming Deng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
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30
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Revitt-Mills SA, Watts TD, Lyras D, Adams V, Rood JI. The ever-expanding tcp conjugation locus of pCW3 from Clostridium perfringens. Plasmid 2020; 113:102516. [PMID: 32526229 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2020.102516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The spore-forming, anaerobic Gram positive pathogen Clostridium perfringens encodes many of its disease-causing toxins on closely related conjugative plasmids. Studies of the tetracycline resistance plasmid pCW3 have identified many of the genes involved in conjugative transfer, which are located in the tcp conjugation locus. Upstream of this locus is an uncharacterised region (the cnaC region) that is highly conserved. This study examined the importance in pCW3 conjugation of several highly conserved proteins encoded in the cnaC region. Conjugative mating studies suggested that the SrtD, TcpN and Dam proteins were required for efficient pCW3 transfer between C. perfringens cells from the same strain background. The requirement of these proteins for conjugation was amplified in matings between C. perfringens cells of different strain backgrounds. Additionally, the putative collagen adhesin protein, CnaC, was only required for the optimal transfer of pCW3 between cells of different strain backgrounds. Based on these studies we postulate that CnaC, SrtD, TcpN and Dam are involved in enhancing the transfer frequency of pCW3. These studies have led to a significant expansion of the tcp conjugation locus, which now encompasses a 19 kb region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Revitt-Mills
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Thomas D Watts
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Dena Lyras
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Vicki Adams
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Julian I Rood
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
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31
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Caldicellulosiruptor bescii Adheres to Polysaccharides via a Type IV Pilin-Dependent Mechanism. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.00200-20. [PMID: 32086304 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00200-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological hydrolysis of cellulose above 70°C involves microorganisms that secrete free enzymes and deploy separate protein systems to adhere to their substrate. Strongly cellulolytic Caldicellulosiruptor bescii is one such extreme thermophile, which deploys modular, multifunctional carbohydrate-acting enzymes to deconstruct plant biomass. Additionally, C. bescii also encodes noncatalytic carbohydrate binding proteins, which likely evolved as a mechanism to compete against other heterotrophs in carbon-limited biotopes that these bacteria inhabit. Analysis of the Caldicellulosiruptor pangenome identified a type IV pilus (T4P) locus encoded upstream of the tāpirins, that is encoded by all Caldicellulosiruptor species. In this study, we sought to determine if the C. bescii T4P plays a role in attachment to plant polysaccharides. The major C. bescii pilin (CbPilA) was identified by the presence of pilin-like protein domains, paired with transcriptomics and proteomics data. Using immuno-dot blots, we determined that the plant polysaccharide xylan induced production of CbPilA 10- to 14-fold higher than glucomannan or xylose. Furthermore, we are able to demonstrate that recombinant CbPilA directly interacts with xylan and cellulose at elevated temperatures. Localization of CbPilA at the cell surface was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Lastly, a direct role for CbPilA in cell adhesion was demonstrated using recombinant CbPilA or anti-CbPilA antibodies to reduce C. bescii cell adhesion to xylan and crystalline cellulose up to 4.5- and 2-fold, respectively. Based on these observations, we propose that CbPilA and, by extension, the T4P play a role in Caldicellulosiruptor cell attachment to plant biomass.IMPORTANCE Most microorganisms are capable of attaching to surfaces in order to persist in their environment. Type IV (T4) pili produced by certain mesophilic Firmicutes promote adherence; however, a role for T4 pili encoded by thermophilic members of this phylum has yet to be demonstrated. Prior comparative genomics analyses identified a T4 pilus locus possessed by an extremely thermophilic genus within the Firmicutes Here, we demonstrate that attachment to plant biomass-related carbohydrates by strongly cellulolytic Caldicellulosiruptor bescii is mediated by T4 pilins. Surprisingly, xylan but not cellulose induced expression of the major T4 pilin. Regardless, the C. bescii T4 pilin interacts with both polysaccharides at high temperatures and is located to the cell surface, where it is directly involved in C. bescii attachment. Adherence to polysaccharides is likely key to survival in environments where carbon sources are limiting, allowing C. bescii to compete against other plant-degrading microorganisms.
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32
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Soncini SR, Hartman AH, Gallagher TM, Camper GJ, Jensen RV, Melville SB. Changes in the expression of genes encoding type IV pili-associated proteins are seen when Clostridium perfringens is grown in liquid or on surfaces. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:45. [PMID: 31937237 PMCID: PMC6958937 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6453-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive anaerobic pathogen that causes multiple diseases in humans and animals. C. perfringens lack flagella but have type IV pili (TFP) and can glide on agar surfaces. When C. perfringens bacteria are placed on surfaces, they become elongated, flexible and have TFP on their surface, traits not seen in liquid-grown cells. In addition, the main pilin in C. perfringens TFP, PilA2, undergoes differential post-translational modification when grown in liquid or on plates. To understand the mechanisms underlying these phenotypes, bacteria were grown in three types of liquid media and on agar plates with the same medium to compare gene expression using RNA-Seq. RESULTS Hundreds of genes were differentially expressed, including transcriptional regulatory protein-encoding genes and genes associated with TFP functions, which were higher on plates than in liquid. Transcript levels of TFP genes reflected the proportion of each protein predicted to reside in a TFP assembly complex. To measure differences in rates of translation, the Escherichia coli reporter gene gusA gene (encoding β-glucuronidase) was inserted into the chromosome downstream of TFP promoters and in-frame with the first gene of the operon. β-glucuronidase expression was then measured in cells grown in liquid or on plates. β-glucuronidase activity was proportional to mRNA levels in liquid-grown cells, but not plate-grown cells, suggesting significant levels of post-transcriptional regulation of these TFP-associated genes occurs when cells are grown on surfaces. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals insights into how a non-flagellated pathogenic rod-shaped bacterium senses and responds to growth on surfaces, including inducing transcriptional regulators and activating multiple post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms associated with TFP functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R Soncini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Current address: UPMC Genome Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrea H Hartman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Tara M Gallagher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.,Current address: Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Gary J Camper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Roderick V Jensen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Stephen B Melville
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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33
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Pelicic V. Monoderm bacteria: the new frontier for type IV pilus biology. Mol Microbiol 2019; 112:1674-1683. [PMID: 31556183 PMCID: PMC6916266 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14397] [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] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the diverse world of bacterial pili, type IV pili (Tfp) are unique for two reasons: their multifunctionality and ubiquity. This latter feature offers an extraordinary possibility, that is, to perform comparative studies in evolutionarily distant species in order to improve our fragmentary understanding of Tfp biology. Regrettably, such potential has remained largely untapped, because, for 20 years, Tfp have only been characterised in diderm bacteria. However, recent studies of Tfp in monoderms have started closing the gap, revealing many interesting commonalities and a few significant differences, extending the frontiers of knowledge of Tfp biology. Here, I review the current state of the art of the Tfp field in monoderm bacteria and discuss resulting implications for our general understanding of the assembly and function of these widespread filamentous nanomachines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Pelicic
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
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34
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Garrett EM, Sekulovic O, Wetzel D, Jones JB, Edwards AN, Vargas-Cuebas G, McBride SM, Tamayo R. Phase variation of a signal transduction system controls Clostridioides difficile colony morphology, motility, and virulence. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000379. [PMID: 31658249 PMCID: PMC6837544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent work has revealed that Clostridioides difficile, a major cause of nosocomial diarrheal disease, exhibits phenotypic heterogeneity within a clonal population as a result of phase variation. Many C. difficile strains representing multiple ribotypes develop two colony morphotypes, termed rough and smooth, but the biological implications of this phenomenon have not been explored. Here, we examine the molecular basis and physiological relevance of the distinct colony morphotypes produced by this bacterium. We show that C. difficile reversibly differentiates into rough and smooth colony morphologies and that bacteria derived from the isolates display discrete motility behaviors. We identified an atypical phase-variable signal transduction system consisting of a histidine kinase and two response regulators, named herein colony morphology regulators RST (CmrRST), which mediates the switch in colony morphology and motility behaviors. The CmrRST-regulated surface motility is independent of flagella and type IV pili, suggesting a novel mechanism of cell migration in C. difficile. Microscopic analysis of cell and colony structure indicates that CmrRST promotes the formation of elongated bacteria arranged in bundled chains, which may contribute to bacterial migration on surfaces. In a hamster model of acute C. difficile disease, the CmrRST system is required for disease development. Furthermore, we provide evidence that CmrRST phase varies during infection, suggesting that the intestinal environment impacts the proportion of CmrRST-expressing C. difficile. Our findings indicate that C. difficile employs phase variation of the CmrRST signal transduction system to generate phenotypic heterogeneity during infection, with concomitant effects on bacterial physiology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Garrett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ognjen Sekulovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniela Wetzel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Rollins Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joshua B. Jones
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Rollins Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Adrianne N. Edwards
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Rollins Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Germán Vargas-Cuebas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Rollins Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shonna M. McBride
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Rollins Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rita Tamayo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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35
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Tamai E, Katayama S, Sekiya H, Nariya H, Kamitori S. Structures of major pilins in Clostridium perfringens demonstrate dynamic conformational change. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2019; 75:718-732. [PMID: 31373571 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798319009689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pili in Gram-positive bacteria are flexible rod proteins associated with the bacterial cell surface, and they play important roles in the initial adhesion to host tissues and colonization. The pilus shaft is formed by the covalent polymerization of major pilins, catalyzed by sortases, a family of cysteine transpeptidases. Here, X-ray structures of the major pilins from Clostridium perfringens strains 13 and SM101 and of sortase from strain SM101 are presented with biochemical analysis to detect the formation of pili in vivo. The major pilin from strain 13 adopts an elongated structure to form noncovalently linked polymeric chains in the crystal, yielding a practical model of the pilus fiber structure. The major pilin from strain SM101 adopts a novel bent structure and associates to form a left-handed twist like an antiparallel double helix in the crystal, which is likely to promote bacterial cell-cell interactions. A modeling study showed that pilin with a bent structure interacts favorably with sortase. The major pilin from strain SM101 was considered to be in an equilibrium state between an elongated and a bent structure through dynamic conformational change, which may be involved in pili-mediated colonization and sortase-mediated polymerization of pili.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Tamai
- Department of Infectious Disease, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Matsuyama University, 4-2 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8578, Japan
| | - Seiichi Katayama
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Okayama University of Science, 1-1 Ridai-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-0005, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sekiya
- Department of Infectious Disease, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Matsuyama University, 4-2 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8578, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Nariya
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama-cho, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Kamitori
- Life Science Research Center and Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
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36
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Characterization of Zoospore Type IV Pili in Actinoplanes missouriensis. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:JB.00746-18. [PMID: 31036727 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00746-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rare actinomycete Actinoplanes missouriensis produces terminal sporangia containing a few hundred flagellated spores. After release from the sporangia, the spores swim rapidly in aquatic environments as zoospores. The zoospores stop swimming and begin to germinate in niches for vegetative growth. Here, we report the characterization and functional analysis of zoospore type IV pili in A. missouriensis The pilus gene (pil) cluster, consisting of three apparently σFliA-dependent transcriptional units, is activated during sporangium formation similarly to the flagellar gene cluster, indicating that the zoospore has not only flagella but also pili. With a new method in which zoospores were fixed with glutaraldehyde to prevent pilus retraction, zoospore pili were observed relatively easily using transmission electron microscopy, showing 6 ± 3 pili per zoospore (n = 37 piliated zoospores) and a length of 0.62 ± 0.35 μm (n = 206), via observation of fliC-deleted, nonflagellated zoospores. No pili were observed in the zoospores of a prepilin-encoding pilA deletion (ΔpilA) mutant. In addition, the deletion of pilT, which encodes an ATPase predicted to be involved in pilus retraction, substantially reduced the frequency of pilus retraction. Several adhesion experiments using wild-type and ΔpilA zoospores indicated that the zoospore pili are required for the sufficient adhesion of zoospores to hydrophobic solid surfaces. Many zoospore-forming rare actinomycetes conserve the pil cluster, which indicates that the zoospore pili yield an evolutionary benefit in the adhesion of zoospores to hydrophobic materials as footholds for germination in their mycelial growth.IMPORTANCE Bacterial zoospores are interesting cells in that their physiological state changes dynamically: they are dormant in sporangia, show temporary mobility after awakening, and finally stop swimming to germinate in niches for vegetative growth. However, the cellular biology of a zoospore remains largely unknown. This study describes unprecedented zoospore type IV pili in the rare actinomycete Actinoplanes missouriensis Similar to the case for the usual bacterial type IV pili, zoospore pili appeared to be retractable. Our findings that the zoospore pili have a functional role in the adhesion of zoospores to hydrophobic solid surfaces and that the zoospores use both pili and flagella properly according to their different purposes provide an important insight into the cellular biology of the zoospore.
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Molecular and Functional Analysis of the Type IV Pilus Gene Cluster in Streptococcus sanguinis SK36. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.02788-18. [PMID: 30635384 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02788-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus sanguinis, dominant in the oral microbiome, is the only known streptococcal species possessing a pil gene cluster for the biosynthesis of type IV pili (Tfp). Although this cluster is commonly present in the genome of S. sanguinis, most of the strains do not express Tfp-mediated twitching motility. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the biological functions encoded by the cluster in the twitching-negative strain S. sanguinis SK36. We found that the cluster was transcribed as an operon, with three promoters located 5' to the cluster and one in the intergenic region between SSA_2307 and SSA_2305. Studies using promoter-cat fusion strains revealed that the transcription of the cluster was mainly driven by the distal 5' promoter, which is located more than 800 bases 5' to the first gene of the cluster, SSA_2318. Optimal expression of the cluster occurred at the early stationary growth phase in a CcpA-dependent manner, although a CcpA-binding consensus is absent in the promoter region. Expression of the cluster resulted in a short hairlike surface structure under transmission electron microscopy. Deletion of the putative pilin genes (SSA_2313 to SSA_2315) abolished the biosynthesis of this structure and significantly reduced the adherence of SK36 to HeLa and SCC-4 cells. Mutations in the pil genes downregulated biofilm formation by S. sanguinis SK36. Taken together, the results demonstrate that Tfp of SK36 are important for host cell adherence, but not for motility, and that expression of the pil cluster is subject to complex regulation.IMPORTANCE The proteins and assembly machinery of the type IV pili (Tfp) are conserved throughout bacteria and archaea, and yet the function of this surface structure differs from species to species and even from strain to strain. As seen in Streptococcus sanguinis SK36, the expression of the Tfp gene cluster results in a hairlike surface structure that is much shorter than the typical Tfp. This pilus is essential for the adherence of SK36 but is not involved in motility. Being a member of the highly diverse dental biofilm, perhaps S. sanguinis could more effectively utilize this structure to adhere to host cells and to interact with other microbes within the same niche.
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Berry JL, Gurung I, Anonsen JH, Spielman I, Harper E, Hall AMJ, Goosens VJ, Raynaud C, Koomey M, Biais N, Matthews S, Pelicic V. Global biochemical and structural analysis of the type IV pilus from the Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus sanguinis. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:6796-6808. [PMID: 30837269 PMCID: PMC6497953 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Type IV pili (Tfp) are functionally versatile filaments, widespread in prokaryotes, that belong to a large class of filamentous nanomachines known as type IV filaments (Tff). Although Tfp have been extensively studied in several Gram-negative pathogens where they function as key virulence factors, many aspects of their biology remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a global biochemical and structural analysis of Tfp in a recently emerged Gram-positive model, Streptococcus sanguinis In particular, we focused on the five pilins and pilin-like proteins involved in Tfp biology in S. sanguinis We found that the two major pilins, PilE1 and PilE2, (i) follow widely conserved principles for processing by the prepilin peptidase PilD and for assembly into filaments; (ii) display only one of the post-translational modifications frequently found in pilins, i.e. a methylated N terminus; (iii) are found in the same heteropolymeric filaments; and (iv) are not functionally equivalent. The 3D structure of PilE1, solved by NMR, revealed a classical pilin-fold with a highly unusual flexible C terminus. Intriguingly, PilE1 more closely resembles pseudopilins forming shorter Tff than bona fide Tfp-forming major pilins, underlining the evolutionary relatedness among different Tff. Finally, we show that S. sanguinis Tfp contain a low abundance of three additional proteins processed by PilD, the minor pilins PilA, PilB, and PilC. These findings provide the first global biochemical and structural picture of a Gram-positive Tfp and have fundamental implications for our understanding of a widespread class of filamentous nanomachines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie-Lee Berry
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ishwori Gurung
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Haug Anonsen
- the Department of Biological Sciences, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Unit, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway.,the Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Integrative Microbial Evolution, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Spielman
- the Department of Biology, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, New York, New York 11210.,The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, and
| | - Elliot Harper
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander M J Hall
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Vivianne J Goosens
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Raynaud
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Koomey
- the Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Integrative Microbial Evolution, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicolas Biais
- the Department of Biology, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, New York, New York 11210.,The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, and
| | - Steve Matthews
- the Centre for Structural Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir Pelicic
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom,
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Type IV pili (T4P) are remarkable bacterial surface appendages that carry out a range of functions. Various types of T4P have been identified in bacteria and archaea, making them almost universal structures in prokaryotes. T4P are best characterized in Gram-negative bacteria, in which pilus biogenesis and T4P-mediated functions have been studied for decades. Recent advances in microbial whole-genome sequencing have provided ample evidence for the existence of T4P also in many Gram-positive species. However, comparatively little is known, and T4P in Gram-positive bacteria are just beginning to be dissected. So far, they have mainly been studied in
Clostridium
and
Streptococcus
spp. and are involved in diverse cellular processes such as adhesion, motility, and horizontal gene transfer. Here we summarize the current understanding of T4P in Gram-positive species and their functions, with particular focus on the type IV competence pilus produced by the human pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and its role in natural transformation.
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Type IV Pili Promote Clostridium difficile Adherence and Persistence in a Mouse Model of Infection. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00943-17. [PMID: 29483294 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00943-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is a second messenger that regulates the transition from motile to sessile lifestyles in numerous bacteria and controls virulence factor production in a variety of pathogens. In Clostridium difficile, c-di-GMP negatively regulates flagellum biosynthesis and swimming motility and promotes the production of type IV pili (TFP), biofilm formation, and surface motility in vitro Flagella have been identified as colonization factors in C. difficile, but the role of TFP in adherence to host cells and in colonization of the mammalian gut is unknown. Here we show that c-di-GMP promotes adherence to epithelial cells in vitro, which can be partly attributed to the loss of flagella. Using TFP-null mutants, we demonstrate that adherence to epithelial cells is partially mediated by TFP and that this TFP-mediated adherence requires c-di-GMP regulation. In a mouse model of colonization, the TFP-null mutants initially colonized the intestine as well as the parental strain but were cleared more quickly. Moreover, compared to the parent strain, C. difficile strains lacking TFP were particularly deficient in association with the cecal mucosa. Together these data indicate that TFP and their positive regulation by c-di-GMP promote attachment of C. difficile to the intestinal epithelium and contribute to persistence of C. difficile in the host intestine.
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Low LY, Harrison PF, Gould J, Powell DR, Choo JM, Forster SC, Chapman R, Gearing LJ, Cheung JK, Hertzog P, Rood JI. Concurrent Host-Pathogen Transcriptional Responses in a Clostridium perfringens Murine Myonecrosis Infection. mBio 2018; 9:e00473-18. [PMID: 29588405 PMCID: PMC5874911 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00473-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To obtain an insight into host-pathogen interactions in clostridial myonecrosis, we carried out comparative transcriptome analysis of both the bacterium and the host in a murine Clostridium perfringens infection model, which is the first time that such an investigation has been conducted. Analysis of the host transcriptome from infected muscle tissues indicated that many genes were upregulated compared to the results seen with mock-infected mice. These genes were enriched for host defense pathways, including Toll-like receptor (TLR) and Nod-like receptor (NLR) signaling components. Real-time PCR confirmed that host TLR2 and NLRP3 inflammasome genes were induced in response to C. perfringens infection. Comparison of the transcriptome of C. perfringens cells from the infected tissues with that from broth cultures showed that host selective pressure induced a global change in C. perfringens gene expression. A total of 33% (923) of C. perfringens genes were differentially regulated, including 10 potential virulence genes that were upregulated relative to their expression in vitro These genes encoded putative proteins that may be involved in the synthesis of cell wall-associated macromolecules, in adhesion to host cells, or in protection from host cationic antimicrobial peptides. This report presents the first successful expression profiling of coregulated transcriptomes of bacterial and host genes during a clostridial myonecrosis infection and provides new insights into disease pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.IMPORTANCEClostridium perfringens is the causative agent of traumatic clostridial myonecrosis, or gas gangrene. In this study, we carried out transcriptional analysis of both the host and the bacterial pathogen in a mouse myonecrosis infection. The results showed that in comparison to mock-infected control tissues, muscle tissues from C. perfringens-infected mice had a significantly altered gene expression profile. In particular, the expression of many genes involved in the innate immune system was upregulated. Comparison of the expression profiles of C. perfringens cells isolated from the infected tissues with those from equivalent broth cultures identified many potential virulence genes that were significantly upregulated in vivo These studies have provided a new understanding of the range of factors involved in host-pathogen interactions in a myonecrosis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Yean Low
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Paul F Harrison
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jodee Gould
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - David R Powell
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jocelyn M Choo
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Samuel C Forster
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ross Chapman
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Linden J Gearing
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jackie K Cheung
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Paul Hertzog
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Julian I Rood
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Desvaux M, Candela T, Serror P. Surfaceome and Proteosurfaceome in Parietal Monoderm Bacteria: Focus on Protein Cell-Surface Display. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:100. [PMID: 29491848 PMCID: PMC5817068 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell envelope of parietal monoderm bacteria (archetypal Gram-positive bacteria) is formed of a cytoplasmic membrane (CM) and a cell wall (CW). While the CM is composed of phospholipids, the CW is composed at least of peptidoglycan (PG) covalently linked to other biopolymers, such as teichoic acids, polysaccharides, and/or polyglutamate. Considering the CW is a porous structure with low selective permeability contrary to the CM, the bacterial cell surface hugs the molecular figure of the CW components as a well of the external side of the CM. While the surfaceome corresponds to the totality of the molecules found at the bacterial cell surface, the proteinaceous complement of the surfaceome is the proteosurfaceome. Once translocated across the CM, secreted proteins can either be released in the extracellular milieu or exposed at the cell surface by associating to the CM or the CW. Following the gene ontology (GO) for cellular components, cell-surface proteins at the CM can either be integral (GO: 0031226), i.e., the integral membrane proteins, or anchored to the membrane (GO: 0046658), i.e., the lipoproteins. At the CW (GO: 0009275), cell-surface proteins can be covalently bound, i.e., the LPXTG-proteins, or bound through weak interactions to the PG or wall polysaccharides, i.e., the cell wall binding proteins. Besides monopolypeptides, some proteins can associate to each other to form supramolecular protein structures of high molecular weight, namely the S-layer, pili, flagella, and cellulosomes. After reviewing the cell envelope components and the different molecular mechanisms involved in protein attachment to the cell envelope, perspectives in investigating the proteosurfaceome in parietal monoderm bacteria are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickaël Desvaux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UMR454 MEDiS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Thomas Candela
- EA4043 Unité Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Pascale Serror
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Gurung I, Berry JL, Hall A, Pelicic V. Cloning-independent markerless gene editing in Streptococcus sanguinis: novel insights in type IV pilus biology. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:e40. [PMID: 27903891 PMCID: PMC5389465 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw1177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus sanguinis, a naturally competent opportunistic human pathogen, is a Gram-positive workhorse for genomics. It has recently emerged as a model for the study of type IV pili (Tfp)—exceptionally widespread and important prokaryotic filaments. To enhance genetic manipulation of Streptococcus sanguinis, we have developed a cloning-independent methodology, which uses a counterselectable marker and allows sophisticated markerless gene editing in situ. We illustrate the utility of this methodology by answering several questions regarding Tfp biology by (i) deleting single or mutiple genes, (ii) altering specific bases in genes of interest, and (iii) engineering genes to encode proteins with appended affinity tags. We show that (i) the last six genes in the pil locus harbouring all the genes dedicated to Tfp biology play no role in piliation or Tfp-mediated motility, (ii) two highly conserved Asp residues are crucial for enzymatic activity of the prepilin peptidase PilD and (iii) that pilin subunits with a C-terminally appended hexa-histidine (6His) tag are still assembled into functional Tfp. The methodology for genetic manipulation we describe here should be broadly applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishwori Gurung
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie-Lee Berry
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander M. J. Hall
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vladimir Pelicic
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +44 20 7594 2080;
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45
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Motility and adhesion through type IV pili in Gram-positive bacteria. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 44:1659-1666. [PMID: 27913675 DOI: 10.1042/bst20160221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Type IV pili are hair-like bacterial surface appendages that play a role in diverse processes such as cellular adhesion, colonization, twitching motility, biofilm formation, and horizontal gene transfer. These extracellular fibers are composed exclusively or primarily of many copies of one or more pilin proteins, tightly packed in a helix so that the highly hydrophobic amino-terminus of the pilin is buried in the pilus core. Type IV pili have been characterized extensively in Gram-negative bacteria, and recent advances in high-throughput genomic sequencing have revealed that they are also widespread in Gram-positive bacteria. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of type IV pilus systems in Gram-positive bacterial species and discuss them in the broader context of eubacterial type IV pili.
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Mutations in the β-Subunit of the RNA Polymerase Impair the Surface-Associated Motility and Virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00327-17. [PMID: 28507065 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00327-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of antibiotic-resistant nosocomial infections worldwide. In this study, several rifampin-resistant spontaneous mutants obtained from the A. baumannii ATCC 17978 strain that differed in their point mutations in the rpoB gene, encoding the β-subunit of the RNA polymerase, were isolated. All the mutants harboring amino acid substitutions in position 522 or 540 of the RpoB protein were impaired in surface-associated motility and had attenuated virulence in the fertility model of Caenorhabditis elegans The transcriptional profile of these mutants included six downregulated genes encoding proteins homologous to transporters and metabolic enzymes widespread among A. baumannii clinical isolates. The construction of knockout mutants in each of the six downregulated genes revealed a significant reduction in the surface-associated motility and virulence of four of them in the A. baumannii ATCC 17978 strain, as well as in the virulent clinical isolate MAR002. Taken together, our results provide strong evidence of the connection between motility and virulence in this multiresistant nosocomial pathogen.
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Cyclic Di-GMP Binding by an Assembly ATPase (PilB2) and Control of Type IV Pilin Polymerization in the Gram-Positive Pathogen Clostridium perfringens. J Bacteriol 2017; 199:JB.00034-17. [PMID: 28242722 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00034-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-positive pathogen Clostridium perfringens possesses type IV pili (TFP), which are extracellular fibers that are polymerized from a pool of pilin monomers in the cytoplasmic membrane. Two proteins that are essential for pilus functions are an assembly ATPase (PilB) and an inner membrane core protein (PilC). Two homologues each of PilB and PilC are present in C. perfringens, called PilB1/PilB2 and PilC1/PilC2, respectively, along with four pilin proteins, PilA1 to PilA4. The gene encoding PilA2, which is considered the major pilin based on previous studies, is immediately downstream of the pilB2 and pilC2 genes. Purified PilB2 had ATPase activity, bound zinc, formed hexamers even in the absence of ATP, and bound the second messenger molecule cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP). Circular dichroism spectroscopy of purified PilC2 indicated that it retained its predicted degree of alpha-helical secondary structure. Even though no direct interactions between PilB2 and PilC2 could be detected in vivo or in vitro even in the presence of c-di-GMP, high levels of expression of a diguanylate cyclase from C. perfringens (CPE1788) stimulated polymerization of PilA2 in a PilB2- and PilC2-dependent manner. These results suggest that PilB2 activity is controlled by c-di-GMP levels in vivo but that PilB2-PilC2 interactions are either transitory or of low affinity, in contrast to results reported previously from in vivo studies of the PilB1/PilC1 pair in which PilC1 was needed for polar localization of PilB1. This is the first biochemical characterization of a c-di-GMP-dependent assembly ATPase from a Gram-positive bacterium.IMPORTANCE Type IV pili (TFP) are protein fibers involved in important bacterial functions, including motility, adherence to surfaces and host cells, and natural transformation. All clostridia whose genomes have been sequenced show evidence of the presence of TFP. The genetically tractable species Clostridium perfringens was used to study proteins involved in polymerizing the pilin, PilA2, into a pilus. The assembly ATPase PilB2 and its cognate membrane protein partner, PilC2, were purified. PilB2 bound the intracellular signal molecule c-di-GMP. Increased levels of intracellular c-di-GMP led to increased polymerization of PilA2, indicating that Gram-positive bacteria use this molecule to regulate pilus synthesis. These findings provide valuable information for understanding how pathogenic clostridia regulate TFP to cause human diseases.
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Charlebois A, Jacques M, Boulianne M, Archambault M. Tolerance of Clostridium perfringens biofilms to disinfectants commonly used in the food industry. Food Microbiol 2017; 62:32-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Does the Gut Microbiota Influence Immunity and Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis Pathophysiology? J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:7904821. [PMID: 28316999 PMCID: PMC5337874 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7904821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim. Evaluation of the impact of gut microflora on the pathophysiology of MS. Results. The etiopathogenesis of MS is not fully known. Gut microbiota may be of a great importance in the pathogenesis of MS, since recent findings suggest that substitutions of certain microbial population in the gut can lead to proinflammatory state, which can lead to MS in humans. In contrast, other commensal bacteria and their antigenic products may protect against inflammation within the central nervous system. The type of intestinal flora is affected by antibiotics, stress, or diet. The effects on MS through the intestinal microflora can also be achieved by antibiotic therapy and Lactobacillus. EAE, as an animal model of MS, indicates a strong influence of the gut microbiota on the immune system and shows that disturbances in gut physiology may contribute to the development of MS. Conclusions. The relationship between the central nervous system, the immune system, and the gut microbiota relates to the influence of microorganisms in the development of MS. A possible interaction between gut microbiota and the immune system can be perceived through regulation by the endocannabinoid system. It may offer an opportunity to understand the interaction comprised in the gut-immune-brain axis.
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Biofilm Formation by Clostridium ljungdahlii Is Induced by Sodium Chloride Stress: Experimental Evaluation and Transcriptome Analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170406. [PMID: 28118386 PMCID: PMC5261816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The acetogen Clostridium ljungdahlii is capable of syngas fermentation and microbial electrosynthesis. Biofilm formation could benefit both these applications, but was not yet reported for C. ljungdahlii. Biofilm formation does not occur under standard growth conditions, but attachment or aggregation could be induced by different stresses. The strongest biofilm formation was observed with the addition of sodium chloride. After 3 days of incubation, the biomass volume attached to a plastic surface was 20 times higher with than without the addition of 200 mM NaCl to the medium. The addition of NaCl also resulted in biofilm formation on glass, graphite and glassy carbon, the latter two being often used electrode materials for microbial electrosynthesis. Biofilms were composed of extracellular proteins, polysaccharides, as well as DNA, while pilus-like appendages were observed with, but not without, the addition of NaCl. A transcriptome analysis comparing planktonic (no NaCl) and biofilm (NaCl addition) cells showed that C. ljungdahlii coped with the salt stress by the upregulation of the general stress response, Na+ export and osmoprotectant accumulation. A potential role for poly-N-acetylglucosamines and D-alanine in biofilm formation was found. Flagellar motility was downregulated, while putative type IV pili biosynthesis genes were not expressed. Moreover, the gene expression analysis suggested the involvement of the transcriptional regulators LexA, Spo0A and CcpA in stress response and biofilm formation. This study showed that NaCl addition might be a valuable strategy to induce biofilm formation by C. ljungdahlii, which can improve the efficacy of syngas fermentation and microbial electrosynthesis applications.
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