1
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Wilson SA, Tank RKJ, Hobbs JK, Foster SJ, Garner EC. An exhaustive multiple knockout approach to understanding cell wall hydrolase function in Bacillus subtilis. mBio 2023; 14:e0176023. [PMID: 37768080 PMCID: PMC10653849 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01760-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In order to grow, bacterial cells must both create and break down their cell wall. The enzymes that are responsible for these processes are the target of some of our best antibiotics. Our understanding of the proteins that break down the wall- cell wall hydrolases-has been limited by redundancy among the large number of hydrolases many bacteria contain. To solve this problem, we identified 42 cell wall hydrolases in Bacillus subtilis and created a strain lacking 40 of them. We show that cells can survive using only a single cell wall hydrolase; this means that to understand the growth of B. subtilis in standard laboratory conditions, it is only necessary to study a very limited number of proteins, simplifying the problem substantially. We additionally show that the ∆40 strain is a research tool to characterize hydrolases, using it to identify three "helper" hydrolases that act in certain stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A. Wilson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raveen K. J. Tank
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie K. Hobbs
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Foster
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ethan C. Garner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Griffin ME, Klupt S, Espinosa J, Hang HC. Peptidoglycan NlpC/P60 peptidases in bacterial physiology and host interactions. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:436-456. [PMID: 36417916 PMCID: PMC10192474 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial cell wall is composed of a highly crosslinked matrix of glycopeptide polymers known as peptidoglycan that dictates bacterial cell morphology and protects against environmental stresses. Regulation of peptidoglycan turnover is therefore crucial for bacterial survival and growth and is mediated by key protein complexes and enzyme families. Here, we review the prevalence, structure, and activity of NlpC/P60 peptidases, a family of peptidoglycan hydrolases that are crucial for cell wall turnover and division as well as interactions with antibiotics and different hosts. Understanding the molecular functions of NlpC/P60 peptidases should provide important insight into bacterial physiology, their interactions with different kingdoms of life, and the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Griffin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Steven Klupt
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Juliel Espinosa
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Howard C Hang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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3
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Koyano Y, Okajima K, Mihara M, Yamamoto H. Visualization of Wall Teichoic Acid Decoration in Bacillus subtilis. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0006623. [PMID: 37010431 PMCID: PMC10127673 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00066-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Teichoic acids are important for the maintenance of cell shape and growth in Gram-positive bacteria. Bacillus subtilis produces major and minor forms of wall teichoic acid (WTA) and lipoteichoic acid during vegetative growth. We found that newly synthesized WTA attachment to peptidoglycan occurs in a patch-like manner on the sidewall with the fluorescent labeling compound of the concanavalin A lectin. Similarly, WTA biosynthesis enzymes fused to the epitope tags were localized in similar patch-like patterns on the cylindrical part of the cell, and WTA transporter TagH was frequently colocalized with WTA polymerase TagF, WTA ligase TagT, and actin homolog MreB, respectively. Moreover, we found that the nascent cell wall patches, decorated with the newly glucosylated WTA, were colocalized with TagH and WTA ligase TagV. In the cylindrical part, the newly glucosylated WTA patchily inserted into the bottom of the cell wall layer and finally reached the outermost layer of the cell wall after approximately half an hour. Incorporation of newly glucosylated WTA was arrested with the addition of vancomycin but restored with the removal of the antibiotic. These results are consistent with the prevailing model that WTA precursors are attached to newly synthesized peptidoglycan. IMPORTANCE In Gram-positive bacteria, the cell wall is composed of mesh-like peptidoglycan and covalently linked wall teichoic acid (WTA). It is unclear where WTA decorates peptidoglycan to create a cell wall architecture. Here, we demonstrate that nascent WTA decoration occurred in a patch-like manner at the peptidoglycan synthesis sites on the cytoplasmic membrane. The incorporated cell wall with newly glucosylated WTA in the cell wall layer then reached the outermost layer of the cell wall after approximately half an hour. Incorporation of newly glucosylated WTA was arrested with the addition of vancomycin but restored with the removal of the antibiotic. These results are consistent with the prevailing model that WTA precursors are attached to newly synthesized peptidoglycan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Koyano
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kiyoshirou Okajima
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Mako Mihara
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamamoto
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
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4
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Hammond LR, Sacco MD, Khan SJ, Spanoudis C, Hough-Neidig A, Chen Y, Eswara PJ. GpsB Coordinates Cell Division and Cell Surface Decoration by Wall Teichoic Acids in Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0141322. [PMID: 35647874 PMCID: PMC9241681 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01413-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cell division is a complex and highly regulated process requiring the coordination of many different proteins. Despite substantial work in model organisms, our understanding of the systems regulating cell division in noncanonical organisms, including critical human pathogens, is far from complete. One such organism is Staphylococcus aureus, a spherical bacterium that lacks known cell division regulatory proteins. Recent studies on GpsB, a protein conserved within the Firmicutes phylum, have provided insight into cell division regulation in S. aureus and other related organisms. It has been revealed that GpsB coordinates cell division and cell wall synthesis in multiple species. In S. aureus, we have previously shown that GpsB directly regulates FtsZ polymerization. In this study, using Bacillus subtilis as a tool, we isolated spontaneous suppressors that abrogate the lethality of S. aureus GpsB overproduction in B. subtilis. Through characterization, we identified several residues important for the function of GpsB. Furthermore, we discovered an additional role for GpsB in wall teichoic acid (WTA) biosynthesis in S. aureus. Specifically, we show that GpsB directly interacts with the WTA export protein TarG. We also identified a region in GpsB that is crucial for this interaction. Analysis of TarG localization in S. aureus suggests that WTA machinery is part of the divisome complex. Taken together, this research illustrates how GpsB performs an essential function in S. aureus by directly linking the tightly regulated cell cycle processes of cell division and WTA-mediated cell surface decoration. IMPORTANCE Cytokinesis in bacteria involves an intricate orchestration of several key cell division proteins and other factors involved in building a robust cell envelope. Presence of teichoic acids is a signature characteristic of the Gram-positive cell wall. By characterizing the role of Staphylococcus aureus GpsB, an essential cell division protein in this organism, we have uncovered an additional role for GpsB in wall teichoic acid (WTA) biosynthesis. We show that GpsB directly interacts with TarG of the WTA export complex. We also show that this function of GpsB may be conserved in other GpsB homologs as GpsB and the WTA exporter complex follow similar localization patterns. It has been suggested that WTA acts as a molecular signal to control the activity of autolytic enzymes, especially during the separation of conjoined daughter cells. Thus, our results reveal that GpsB, in addition to playing a role in cell division, may also help coordinate WTA biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Hammond
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Michael D. Sacco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Sebastian J. Khan
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Catherine Spanoudis
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Abigail Hough-Neidig
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Prahathees J. Eswara
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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5
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Harden MM, Anderson ME, Grossman AD. A
CRISPR
interference screen reveals a role for cell wall teichoic acids in conjugation in
Bacillus subtilis. Mol Microbiol 2022; 117:1366-1383. [PMID: 35490406 PMCID: PMC9324163 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Conjugative elements are widespread in bacteria and include plasmids and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). They transfer from donor to recipient cells via an element‐encoded type IV secretion system. These elements interact with and utilize host functions for their lifecycles. We sought to identify essential host genes involved in the lifecycle of the integrative and conjugative element ICEBs1 of Bacillus subtilis. We constructed a library of strains for inducible knockdown of essential B. subtilis genes using CRISPR interference. Each strain expressed one guide RNA in ICEBs1. We induced partial interference of essential genes and identified those that caused an acute defect in acquisition of ICEBs1 by recipient cells. This screen revealed that reducing expression of genes needed for synthesis of cell wall teichoic acids caused a decrease in conjugation. Using three different ways to reduce their synthesis, we found that wall teichoic acids were necessary in both donors and recipients for efficient conjugative transfer of ICEBs1. Further, we found that depletion of wall teichoic acids caused cells involved in ICEBs1 conjugation to die, most likely from damage to the cell envelope. Our results indicate that wall teichoic acids help protect against envelope stress caused by active conjugation machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Michael Harden
- Department of Biology Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Mary E. Anderson
- Department of Biology Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Alan D. Grossman
- Department of Biology Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA 02139
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6
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Delerue T, Anantharaman V, Gilmore MC, Popham DL, Cava F, Aravind L, Ramamurthi KS. Bacterial developmental checkpoint that directly monitors cell surface morphogenesis. Dev Cell 2022; 57:344-360.e6. [PMID: 35065768 PMCID: PMC8991396 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis spores are encased in two concentric shells: an outer proteinaceous "coat" and an inner peptidoglycan "cortex," separated by a membrane. Cortex assembly depends on coat assembly initiation, but how cells achieve this coordination across the membrane is unclear. Here, we report that the protein SpoVID monitors the polymerization state of the coat basement layer via an extension to a functional intracellular LysM domain that arrests sporulation when coat assembly is initiated improperly. Whereas extracellular LysM domains bind mature peptidoglycan, SpoVID LysM binds to the membrane-bound lipid II peptidoglycan precursor. We propose that improper coat assembly exposes the SpoVID LysM domain, which then sequesters lipid II and prevents cortex assembly. SpoVID defines a widespread group of firmicute proteins with a characteristic N-terminal domain and C-terminal peptidoglycan-binding domains that might combine coat and cortex assembly roles to mediate a developmental checkpoint linking the morphogenesis of two spatially separated supramolecular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Delerue
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Vivek Anantharaman
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael C. Gilmore
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - David L. Popham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Felipe Cava
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - L. Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kumaran S. Ramamurthi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,Lead contact,Correspondence:
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7
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Zamakhaeva S, Chaton CT, Rush JS, Ajay Castro S, Kenner CW, Yarawsky AE, Herr AB, van Sorge NM, Dorfmueller HC, Frolenkov GI, Korotkov KV, Korotkova N. Modification of cell wall polysaccharide guides cell division in Streptococcus mutans. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 17:878-887. [PMID: 34045745 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00803-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In ovoid-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria, MapZ guides FtsZ-ring positioning at cell equators. The cell wall of the ovococcus Streptococcus mutans contains peptidoglycan decorated with serotype c carbohydrates (SCCs). In the present study, we identify the major cell separation autolysin AtlA as an SCC-binding protein. AtlA binding to SCC is attenuated by the glycerol phosphate (GroP) modification. Using fluorescently labeled AtlA constructs, we mapped SCC distribution on the streptococcal surface, revealing enrichment of GroP-deficient immature SCCs at the cell poles and equators. The immature SCCs co-localize with MapZ at the equatorial rings throughout the cell cycle. In GroP-deficient mutants, AtlA is mislocalized, resulting in dysregulated cellular autolysis. These mutants display morphological abnormalities associated with MapZ mislocalization, leading to FtsZ-ring misplacement. Altogether, our data support a model in which maturation of a cell wall polysaccharide provides the molecular cues for the recruitment of cell division machinery, ensuring proper daughter cell separation and FtsZ-ring positioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Zamakhaeva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Catherine T Chaton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Rush
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sowmya Ajay Castro
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Cameron W Kenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alexander E Yarawsky
- Divisions of Immunobiology and Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Andrew B Herr
- Divisions of Immunobiology and Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nina M van Sorge
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helge C Dorfmueller
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Konstantin V Korotkov
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Natalia Korotkova
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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8
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Grishin AV, Karyagina AS, Vasina DV, Vasina IV, Gushchin VA, Lunin VG. Resistance to peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes. Crit Rev Microbiol 2020; 46:703-726. [PMID: 32985279 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1825333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The spread of bacterial strains resistant to commonly used antibiotics urges the development of novel antibacterial compounds. Ideally, these novel antimicrobials should be less prone to the development of resistance. Peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes are a promising class of compounds with a fundamentally different mode of action compared to traditionally used antibiotics. The difference in the mechanism of action implies differences both in the mechanisms of resistance and the chances of its emergence. To critically assess the potential of resistance development to peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes, we review the available evidence for the development of resistance to these enzymes in vitro, along with the known mechanisms of resistance to lysozyme, bacteriocins, autolysins, and phage endolysins. We conclude that genetic determinants of resistance to peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes are unlikely to readily emerge de novo. However, resistance to these enzymes would probably spread by the horizontal transfer between intrinsically resistant and susceptible species. Finally, we speculate that the higher cost of the therapeutics based on peptidoglycan degrading enzymes compared to classical antibiotics might result in less misuse, which in turn would lead to lower selective pressure, making these antibacterials less prone to resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Grishin
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna S Karyagina
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria V Vasina
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V Vasina
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Gushchin
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir G Lunin
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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9
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Shirakawa D, Wakinaka T, Watanabe J. Identification of the putative N-acetylglucosaminidase CseA associated with daughter cell separation in Tetragenococcus halophilus. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:1724-1735. [PMID: 32448081 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1764329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The lactic acid bacterium Tetragenococcus halophilus, which is used as a starter to brew soy sauce, comprises both cluster-forming strains and dispersed strains. The cluster-forming strains are industrially useful for obtaining clear soy sauce, because the cell clusters are trapped by filter cloth when the soy sauce mash is pressed. However, the molecular mechanism underlying cell cluster formation is unknown. Whole genome sequence analysis and subsequent target sequence analysis revealed that the cluster-forming strains commonly have functional defects in N-acetylglucosaminidase CseA, a peptidoglycan hydrolase. CseA is a multimodular protein that harbors a GH73 domain and six peptidoglycan-binding LysM domains. Recombinant CseA hydrolyzed peptidoglycan and promoted cell separation. Functional analysis of truncated CseA derivatives revealed that the LysM domains play an important role in efficient peptidoglycan degradation and cell separation. Taken together, the results of this study identify CseA as a factor that greatly affects the cluster formation in T. halophilus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jun Watanabe
- Manufacturing Division, Yamasa Corporation , Chiba, Japan
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10
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Yan S, Wu G. Proteases HtrA and HtrB for α-amylase secreted from Bacillus subtilis in secretion stress. Cell Stress Chaperones 2019; 24:493-502. [PMID: 31001739 PMCID: PMC6527527 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-019-00985-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
HtrA and HtrB are two important proteases across species. In biotechnological industries, they are related to degradation of secreted heterologous proteins from bacteria, especially in the case of overproduction of α-amylases in Bacillus subtilis. Induction of HtrA and HtrB synthesis follows the overproduction of α-amylases in B. subtilis. This is different from the order usually observed in B. subtilis, i.e., the production of proteases is prior to the secretion of proteins. This discrepancy suggests three possibilities: (i) HtrA and HtrB are constantly synthesized from the end of the exponential phase, and then are synthesized more abundantly due to secretion stress; (ii) There is a hysteresis mechanism that holds HtrA and HtrB back from their large amount of secretion before the overproduction of α-amylases; (iii) Heterologous amylases could be a stress to B. subtilis leading to a general response to stress. In this review, we analyze the literature to explore these three possibilities. The first possibility is attributed to the regulatory pathway of CssR-CssS. The second possibility is because sigma factor σD plays a role in the overproduction of α-amylases and is subpopulation dependent with the switch between "ON" and "OFF" states that is fundamental for a bistable system and a hysteresis mechanism. Thus, sigma factor σD helps to hold HtrA and HtrB back from massive secretion before the overproduction of α-amylases. The third possibility is that several sigma factors promote the secretion of proteases at the end of the exponential phase of growth under the condition that heterologous amylases are considered as a stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-refinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, 98 Daling Road, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Guang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-refinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, 98 Daling Road, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
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11
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Flores-Kim J, Dobihal GS, Fenton A, Rudner DZ, Bernhardt TG. A switch in surface polymer biogenesis triggers growth-phase-dependent and antibiotic-induced bacteriolysis. eLife 2019; 8:44912. [PMID: 30964003 PMCID: PMC6456293 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Penicillin and related antibiotics disrupt cell wall synthesis to induce bacteriolysis. Lysis in response to these drugs requires the activity of cell wall hydrolases called autolysins, but how penicillins misactivate these deadly enzymes has long remained unclear. Here, we show that alterations in surface polymers called teichoic acids (TAs) play a key role in penicillin-induced lysis of the Gram-positive pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp). We find that during exponential growth, Sp cells primarily produce lipid-anchored TAs called lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) that bind and sequester the major autolysin LytA. However, penicillin-treatment or prolonged stationary phase growth triggers the degradation of a key LTA synthase, causing a switch to the production of wall-anchored TAs (WTAs). This change allows LytA to associate with and degrade its cell wall substrate, thus promoting osmotic lysis. Similar changes in surface polymer assembly may underlie the mechanism of antibiotic- and/or growth phase-induced lysis for other important Gram-positive pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Flores-Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | | | - Andrew Fenton
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,The Florey Institute, Molecular Biology Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - David Z Rudner
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Thomas G Bernhardt
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, United States
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12
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Bacillus velezensis Wall Teichoic Acids Are Required for Biofilm Formation and Root Colonization. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.02116-18. [PMID: 30552189 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02116-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhizosphere colonization by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) along plant roots facilitates the ability of PGPR to promote plant growth and health. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the root colonization process by plant-beneficial Bacillus strains is essential for the use of these strains in agriculture. Here, we observed that an sfp gene mutant of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Bacillus velezensis SQR9 was unable to form normal biofilm architecture, and differential protein expression was observed by proteomic analysis. A minor wall teichoic acid (WTA) biosynthetic protein, GgaA, was decreased over 4-fold in the Δsfp mutant, and impairment of the ggaA gene postponed biofilm formation and decreased cucumber root colonization capabilities. In addition, we provide evidence that the major WTA biosynthetic enzyme GtaB is involved in both biofilm formation and root colonization. The deficiency in biofilm formation of the ΔgtaB mutant may be due to an absence of UDP-glucose, which is necessary for the synthesis of biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides (EPS). These observations provide insights into the root colonization process by a plant-beneficial Bacillus strain, which will help improve its application as a biofertilizer.IMPORTANCE Bacillus velezensis is a Gram-positive plant-beneficial bacterium which is widely used in agriculture. Additionally, Bacillus spp. are some of the model organisms used in the study of biofilms, and as such, the molecular networks and regulation systems of biofilm formation are well characterized. However, the molecular processes involved in root colonization by plant-beneficial Bacillus strains remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that WTAs play important roles in the plant root colonization process. The loss of the gtaB gene affects the ability of B. velezensis SQR9 to sense plant polysaccharides, which are important environmental cues that trigger biofilm formation and colonization in the rhizosphere. This knowledge provides new insights into the Bacillus root colonization process and can help improve our understanding of plant-rhizobacterium interactions.
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A LysM Domain Intervenes in Sequential Protein-Protein and Protein-Peptidoglycan Interactions Important for Spore Coat Assembly in Bacillus subtilis. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:JB.00642-18. [PMID: 30455281 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00642-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
At a late stage in spore development in Bacillus subtilis, the mother cell directs synthesis of a layer of peptidoglycan known as the cortex between the two forespore membranes, as well as the assembly of a protective protein coat at the surface of the forespore outer membrane. SafA, the key determinant of inner coat assembly, is first recruited to the surface of the developing spore and then encases the spore under the control of the morphogenetic protein SpoVID. SafA has a LysM peptidoglycan-binding domain, SafALysM, and localizes to the cortex-coat interface in mature spores. SafALysM is followed by a region, A, required for an interaction with SpoVID and encasement. We now show that residues D10 and N30 in SafALysM, while involved in the interaction with peptidoglycan, are also required for the interaction with SpoVID and encasement. We further show that single alanine substitutions on residues S11, L12, and I39 of SafALysM that strongly impair binding to purified cortex peptidoglycan affect a later stage in the localization of SafA that is also dependent on the activity of SpoVE, a transglycosylase required for cortex formation. The assembly of SafA thus involves sequential protein-protein and protein-peptidoglycan interactions, mediated by the LysM domain, which are required first for encasement then for the final localization of the protein in mature spores.IMPORTANCE Bacillus subtilis spores are encased in a multiprotein coat that surrounds an underlying peptidoglycan layer, the cortex. How the connection between the two layers is enforced is not well established. Here, we elucidate the role of the peptidoglycan-binding LysM domain, present in two proteins, SafA and SpoVID, that govern the localization of additional proteins to the coat. We found that SafALysM is a protein-protein interaction module during the early stages of coat assembly and a cortex-binding module at late stages in morphogenesis, with the cortex-binding function promoting a tight connection between the cortex and the coat. In contrast, SpoVIDLysM functions only as a protein-protein interaction domain that targets SpoVID to the spore surface at the onset of coat assembly.
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Yamada T, Miyashita M, Kasahara J, Tanaka T, Hashimoto M, Yamamoto H. The transmembrane segment of TagH is required for wall teichoic acid transport under heat stress in Bacillus subtilis. Microbiology (Reading) 2018; 164:935-945. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Yamada
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Mari Miyashita
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Jun Kasahara
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Tatsuhito Tanaka
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Masayuki Hashimoto
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan City 704-56, Taiwan, ROC
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signal Transduction, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan City 704-56, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hiroki Yamamoto
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
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15
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Bonnet J, Durmort C, Mortier-Barrière I, Campo N, Jacq M, Moriscot C, Straume D, Berg KH, Håvarstein L, Wong YS, Vernet T, Di Guilmi AM. Nascent teichoic acids insertion into the cell wall directs the localization and activity of the major pneumococcal autolysin LytA. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 2:24-37. [PMID: 32743129 PMCID: PMC7389264 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Peptidoglycan which sustains bacterial growth is targeted by b-lactam antibiotics. Spread of antibiotic resistance requires the development of new antibacterial drugs. The cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria carries teichoic acids and virulence factors. Function and surface localization of virulence factors are regulated by teichoic acids. Anti-bacterial strategy should target the localization of surface virulence factors.
The bacterial cell wall is in part composed of the peptidoglycan (PG) layer that maintains the cell shape and sustains the basic cellular processes of growth and division. The cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria also carries teichoic acids (TAs). In this work, we investigated how TAs contribute to the structuration of the PG network through the modulation of PG hydrolytic enzymes in the context of the Gram-positive Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium. Pneumococcal TAs are decorated by phosphorylcholine residues which serve as anchors for the Choline-Binding Proteins, some of them acting as PG hydrolases, like the major autolysin LytA. Their binding is non covalent and reversible, a property that allows easy manipulation of the system. In this work, we show that the release of LytA occurs independently from its amidase activity. Furthermore, LytA fused to GFP was expressed in pneumococcal cells and showed different localization patterns according to the growth phase. Importantly, we demonstrate that TAs modulate the enzymatic activity of LytA since a low level of TAs present at the cell surface triggers LytA sensitivity in growing pneumococcal cells. We previously developed a method to label nascent TAs in live cells revealing that the insertion of TAs into the cell wall occurs at the mid-cell. In conclusion, we demonstrate that nascent TAs inserted in the cell wall at the division site are the specific receptors of LytA, tuning in this way the positioning of LytA at the appropriate place at the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bonnet
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 38044 Grenoble, France
| | - C Durmort
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 38044 Grenoble, France
| | - I Mortier-Barrière
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Toulouse, UPS, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - N Campo
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Toulouse, UPS, F-31000 Toulouse, France
| | - M Jacq
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 38044 Grenoble, France
| | - C Moriscot
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 38044 Grenoble, France
| | - D Straume
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - K H Berg
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - L Håvarstein
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Y-S Wong
- Département de Pharmacochimie Moléculaire (DPM), Univ. Grenoble Alpes, UMR 5063 CNRS, ICMG FR 2607, 38 041 Grenoble, France
| | - T Vernet
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 38044 Grenoble, France
| | - A M Di Guilmi
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 38044 Grenoble, France
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16
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Prunty MP, Noone D, Devine KM. The distinct PhoPR mediated responses to phosphate limitation in Bacillus subtilis subspecies subtilis and spizizenii stem from differences in wall teichoic acid composition and metabolism. Mol Microbiol 2018; 109:23-40. [PMID: 29644746 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The PhoPR-mediated response to phosphate limitation (PHO response) in Bacillus subtilis subsp subtilis is amplified and maintained by reducing the level of Lipid VG composed of poly(glycerol phosphate), a wall teichoic acid (WTA) biosynthetic intermediate that inhibits PhoR autokinase activity. However, the reduction in Lipid VG level is effected by activated PhoP∼P, raising the question of how the PHO response is first initiated. Furthermore, that WTA is composed of poly(ribitol phosphate) in Bacillus subtilis subsp spizizenii prompted an investigation of how the PHO response is regulated in that bacterium. We report that the PHO responses of B. subtilis subsp subtilis and subsp spizizenii are distinct. The PhoR kinases of the two B. subtilis subspecies are functionally equivalent and are activated either by the TagA/TarA or TagB/TarB enzyme product. However, they are inhibited by Lipid VG composed of poly(glycerol phosphate) but not by Lipid VR composed of poly(ribitol phosphate). Therefore, the distinctive PHO responses of these B. subtilis subspecies stem from the differential sensitivity of PhoR kinases to the polyol composition of Lipid V and from the genomic organization of WTA biosynthetic genes and the regulation of their expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Prunty
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - David Noone
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kevin M Devine
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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17
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Fukushima T, Uchida N, Ide M, Kodama T, Sekiguchi J. DL-endopeptidases function as both cell wall hydrolases and poly-γ-glutamic acid hydrolases. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2018; 164:277-286. [PMID: 29458655 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Biopolymers on the cell surface are very important for protecting microorganisms from environmental stresses, as well as storing nutrients and minerals. Synthesis of biopolymers is well studied, while studies on the modification and degradation processes of biopolymers are limited. One of these biopolymers, poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), is produced by Bacillus species. Bacillus subtilis PgdS, possessing three NlpC/P60 domains, hydrolyses γ-PGA. Here, we have demonstrated that several dl-endopeptidases with an NlpC/P60 domain (LytE, LytF, CwlS, CwlO, and CwlT) in B. subtilis digest not only an amide bond of d-γ-glutamyl-diaminopimelic acid in peptidoglycans but also linkages of γ-PGA produced by B. subtilis. The hydrolase activity of dl-endopeptidases towards γ-PGA was inhibited by IseA, which also inhibits their hydrolase activity towards peptidoglycans, while the hydrolysis of PgdS towards γ-PGA was not inhibited. PgdS hydrolysed only the d-/l-Glu‒d-Glu linkages of d-Glu-rich γ-PGA (d-Glu:l-Glu=7 : 3) and l-Glu-rich γ-PGA (d-Glu:l-Glu=1 : 9), indicating that PgdS can hydrolyse only restricted substrates. On the other hand, the dl-endopeptidases in B. subtilis cleaved d-/l-Glu‒d-/l-Glu linkages of d-Glu-rich γ-PGA (d-Glu:l-Glu=7 : 3), indicating that these enzymes show different substrate specificities. Thus, the dl-endopeptidases digest γ-PGA more flexibly than PgdS, even though they are annotated as "dl-endopeptidase, digesting the d-γ-glutamyl-diaminopimelic acid linkage (d‒l amino acid bond)".
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Fukushima
- Division of Gene Research, Department of Life Sciences, Research Center for Human and Environmental Sciences, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan.,Present address: Fornia Biosolutions, Inc., 3876 Bay Center Place, Hayward, CA 94545, USA
| | - Natsuki Uchida
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ide
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Takeko Kodama
- Kao Corporation, Biological Science Research, 1334 Minato, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama 640-8580, Japan
| | - Junichi Sekiguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
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18
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The SPOR Domain, a Widely Conserved Peptidoglycan Binding Domain That Targets Proteins to the Site of Cell Division. J Bacteriol 2017; 199:JB.00118-17. [PMID: 28396350 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00118-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporulation-related repeat (SPOR) domains are small peptidoglycan (PG) binding domains found in thousands of bacterial proteins. The name "SPOR domain" stems from the fact that several early examples came from proteins involved in sporulation, but SPOR domain proteins are quite diverse and contribute to a variety of processes that involve remodeling of the PG sacculus, especially with respect to cell division. SPOR domains target proteins to the division site by binding to regions of PG devoid of stem peptides ("denuded" glycans), which in turn are enriched in septal PG by the intense, localized activity of cell wall amidases involved in daughter cell separation. This targeting mechanism sets SPOR domain proteins apart from most other septal ring proteins, which localize via protein-protein interactions. In addition to SPOR domains, bacteria contain several other PG-binding domains that can exploit features of the cell wall to target proteins to specific subcellular sites.
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19
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Dajkovic A, Tesson B, Chauhan S, Courtin P, Keary R, Flores P, Marlière C, Filipe SR, Chapot-Chartier MP, Carballido-Lopez R. Hydrolysis of peptidoglycan is modulated by amidation of meso-diaminopimelic acid and Mg 2+ in Bacillus subtilis. Mol Microbiol 2017; 104:972-988. [PMID: 28317238 PMCID: PMC5485061 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The ability of excess Mg2+ to compensate the absence of cell wall related genes in Bacillus subtilis has been known for a long time, but the mechanism has remained obscure. Here, we show that the rigidity of wild‐type cells remains unaffected with excess Mg2+, but the proportion of amidated meso‐diaminopimelic (mDAP) acid in their peptidoglycan (PG) is significantly reduced. We identify the amidotransferase AsnB as responsible for mDAP amidation and show that the gene encoding it is essential without added Mg2+. Growth without excess Mg2+ causes ΔasnB mutant cells to deform and ultimately lyse. In cell regions with deformations, PG insertion is orderly and indistinguishable from the wild‐type. However, PG degradation is unevenly distributed along the sidewalls. Furthermore, ΔasnB mutant cells exhibit increased sensitivity to antibiotics targeting the cell wall. These results suggest that absence of amidated mDAP causes a lethal deregulation of PG hydrolysis that can be inhibited by increased levels of Mg2+. Consistently, we find that Mg2+ inhibits autolysis of wild‐type cells. We suggest that Mg2+ helps to maintain the balance between PG synthesis and hydrolysis in cell wall mutants where this balance is perturbed in favor of increased degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Dajkovic
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Benoit Tesson
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Smita Chauhan
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Pascal Courtin
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Ruth Keary
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Pierre Flores
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | | | - Sérgio R Filipe
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, 2829-516, Portugal
| | | | - Rut Carballido-Lopez
- MICALIS, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
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20
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Moriwaki H, Masuda R, Yamazaki Y, Horiuchi K, Miyashita M, Kasahara J, Tanaka T, Yamamoto H. Application of Freeze-Dried Powders of Genetically Engineered Microbial Strains as Adsorbents for Rare Earth Metal Ions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:26524-26531. [PMID: 27657851 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b08369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The adsorption behaviors of the rare earth metal ions onto freeze-dried powders of genetically engineered microbial strains were compared. Cell powders obtained from four kinds of strains, Bacillus subtilis 168 wild type (WT), lipoteichoic acid-defective (ΔLTA), wall teichoic acid-defective (ΔWTA), and cell wall hydrolases-defective (EFKYOJLp) strains, were used as an adsorbent of the rare earth metal ions at pH 3. The adsorption ability of the rare earth metal ions was in the order of EFKYOJLp > WT > ΔLTA > ΔWTA. The order was the same as the order of the phosphorus quantity of the strains. This result indicates that the main adsorption sites for the ions are the phosphate groups and the teichoic acids, LTA and WTA, that contribute to the adsorption of the rare earth metal ions onto the cell walls. The contribution of WTA was clearly greater than that of LTA. Each microbial powder was added to a solution containing 16 kinds of rare earth metal ions, and the removals (%) of each rare earth metal ion were obtained. The scandium ion showed the highest removal (%), while that of the lanthanum ion was the lowest for all the microbial powders. Differences in the distribution coefficients between the kinds of lanthanide ions by the EFKYOJLp and ΔWTA powders were greater than those of the other strains. Therefore, the EFKYOJLp and ΔWTA powders could be applicable for the selective extraction of the lanthanide ions. The ΔLTA powder coagulated by mixing with a rare earth metal ion, although no sedimentation of the WT or ΔWTA powder with a rare earth metal ion was observed under the same conditions. The EFKYOJLp powder was also coagulated, but its flocculating activity was lower than that of ΔLTA. The ΔLTA and EFKYOJLp powders have a long shape compared to those of the WT or ΔWTA strain. The shapes of the cells will play an important role in the sedimentation of the microbial powders with rare earth metal ions. As the results, three kinds of the genetically engineered microbial powders revealed unique adsorption behaviors of the rare earth metal ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Moriwaki
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Division of Applied Biology, Shinshu University , 3-15-1, Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
- Division of Instrumental Analysis (Ueda Branch), Research Center for Supports to Advanced Science, Shinshu University , 3-15-1, Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Reiko Masuda
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Division of Applied Biology, Shinshu University , 3-15-1, Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamazaki
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Division of Applied Biology, Shinshu University , 3-15-1, Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Kaoru Horiuchi
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Division of Applied Biology, Shinshu University , 3-15-1, Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Mari Miyashita
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Division of Applied Biology, Shinshu University , 3-15-1, Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Jun Kasahara
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Division of Applied Biology, Shinshu University , 3-15-1, Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Tatsuhito Tanaka
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Division of Applied Biology, Shinshu University , 3-15-1, Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamamoto
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Division of Applied Biology, Shinshu University , 3-15-1, Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
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Shiraishi T, Yokota S, Fukiya S, Yokota A. Structural diversity and biological significance of lipoteichoic acid in Gram-positive bacteria: focusing on beneficial probiotic lactic acid bacteria. BIOSCIENCE OF MICROBIOTA FOOD AND HEALTH 2016; 35:147-161. [PMID: 27867802 PMCID: PMC5107633 DOI: 10.12938/bmfh.2016-006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial cell surface molecules are at the forefront of host-bacterium interactions. Teichoic acids are observed only in Gram-positive bacteria, and they are
one of the main cell surface components. Teichoic acids play important physiological roles and contribute to the bacterial interaction with their host. In
particular, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) anchored to the cell membrane has attracted attention as a host immunomodulator. Chemical and biological characteristics of
LTA from various bacteria have been described. However, most of the information concerns pathogenic bacteria, and information on beneficial bacteria, including
probiotic lactic acid bacteria, is insufficient. LTA is structurally diverse. Strain-level structural diversity of LTA is suggested to underpin its
immunomodulatory activities. Thus, the structural information on LTA in probiotics, in particular strain-associated diversity, is important for understanding
its beneficial roles associated with the modulation of immune response. Continued accumulation of structural information is necessary to elucidate the detailed
physiological roles and significance of LTA. In this review article, we summarize the current state of knowledge on LTA structure, in particular the structure
of LTA from lactic acid bacteria. We also describe the significance of structural diversity and biological roles of LTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Shiraishi
- Department of Microbiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Minami 1 Nishi 17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan
| | - Shinichi Yokota
- Department of Microbiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Minami 1 Nishi 17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan
| | - Satoru Fukiya
- Laboratory of Microbial Physiology, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita 9 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yokota
- Laboratory of Microbial Physiology, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita 9 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
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22
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Teichoic Acid Polymers Affect Expression and Localization of dl-Endopeptidase LytE Required for Lateral Cell Wall Hydrolysis in Bacillus subtilis. J Bacteriol 2016; 198:1585-1594. [PMID: 27002131 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00003-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED In Bacillus subtilis, the dl-endopeptidase LytE is responsible for lateral peptidoglycan hydrolysis during cell elongation. We found that σ(I)-dependent transcription of lytE is considerably enhanced in a strain with a mutation in ltaS, which encodes a major lipoteichoic acid (LTA) synthase. Similar enhancements were observed in mutants that affect the glycolipid anchor and wall teichoic acid (WTA) synthetic pathways. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the LytE foci were considerably increased in these mutants. The localization patterns of LytE on the sidewalls appeared to be helix-like in LTA-defective or WTA-reduced cells and evenly distributed on WTA-depleted or -defective cell surfaces. These results strongly suggested that LTA and WTA affect both σ(I)-dependent expression and localization of LytE. Interestingly, increased LytE localization along the sidewall in the ltaS mutant largely occurred in an MreBH-independent manner. Moreover, we found that cell surface decorations with LTA and WTA are gradually reduced at increased culture temperatures and that LTA rather than WTA on the cell surface is reduced at high temperatures. In contrast, the amount of LytE on the cell surface gradually increased under heat stress conditions. Taken together, these results indicated that reductions in these anionic polymers at high temperatures might give rise to increases in SigI-dependent expression and cell surface localization of LytE at high temperatures. IMPORTANCE The bacterial cell wall is required for maintaining cell shape and bearing environmental stresses. The Gram-positive cell wall consists of mesh-like peptidoglycan and covalently linked wall teichoic acid and lipoteichoic acid polymers. It is important to determine if these anionic polymers are required for proliferation and environmental adaptation. Here, we demonstrated that these polymers affect the expression and localization of a peptidoglycan hydrolase LytE required for lateral cell wall elongation. Moreover, we found that cell surface decorations with teichoic acid polymers are substantially decreased at high temperatures and that the peptidoglycan hydrolase is consequently increased. These findings suggest that teichoic acid polymers control lateral peptidoglycan hydrolysis by LytE, and bacteria drastically change their cell wall content to adapt to their environment.
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23
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The Composition of the Cell Envelope Affects Conjugation in Bacillus subtilis. J Bacteriol 2016; 198:1241-9. [PMID: 26833415 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01044-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Conjugation in bacteria is the contact-dependent transfer of DNA from one cell to another via donor-encoded conjugation machinery. It is a major type of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria. Conjugation of the integrative and conjugative element ICEBs1 into Bacillus subtilis is affected by the composition of phospholipids in the cell membranes of the donor and recipient. We found that reduction (or elimination) of lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol caused by loss of mpr F caused a decrease in conjugation efficiency. Conversely, alterations that caused an increase in lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol, including loss of ugtP or overproduction of mprF, caused an increase in conjugation efficiency. In addition, we found that mutations that alter production of other phospholipids, e.g., loss of clsA and yfnI, also affected conjugation, apparently without substantively altering levels of lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol, indicating that there are multiple pathways by which changes to the cell envelope affect conjugation. We found that the contribution of mprF to conjugation was affected by the chemical environment. Wild-type cells were generally more responsive to addition of anions that enhanced conjugation, whereas mprF mutant cells were more sensitive to combinations of anions that inhibited conjugation at pH 7. Our results indicate that mprF and lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol allow cells to maintain relatively consistent conjugation efficiencies under a variety of ionic conditions. IMPORTANCE Horizontal gene transfer is a driving force in microbial evolution, enabling cells that receive DNA to acquire new genes and phenotypes. Conjugation, the contact-dependent transfer of DNA from a donor to a recipient by a donor-encoded secretion machine, is a prevalent type of horizontal gene transfer. Although critically important, it is not well understood how the recipient influences the success of conjugation. We found that the composition of phospholipids in the membranes of donors and recipients influences the success of transfer of the integrative and conjugative element ICEBs1 in Bacillus subtilis Specifically, the presence of lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol enables relatively constant conjugation efficiencies in a range of diverse chemical environments.
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Kiriyama Y, Yazawa K, Tanaka T, Yoshikawa R, Yamane H, Hashimoto M, Sekiguchi J, Yamamoto H. Localization and expression of the Bacillus subtilis
dl-endopeptidase LytF are influenced by mutations in LTA synthases and glycolipid anchor synthetic enzymes. Microbiology (Reading) 2014; 160:2639-2649. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.080366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis LytF plays a principal role in cell separation through its localization at the septa and poles on the vegetative cell surface. In this study, we found that a mutation in a major lipoteichoic acid (LTA) synthase gene – ltaS – results in a considerable reduction in the σD-dependent transcription of lytF. The lytF transcription was also reduced in mutants that affected glycolipid anchor biosynthesis. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that both the numbers of cells expressing LytF and the LytF foci in these mutants were decreased. In addition, the transcriptional activity of lytF was almost abolished in the double (ltaS yfnI), triple (ltaS yfnI yqgS), and quadruple (ltaS yfnI yqgS yvgJ) mutants during vegetative growth. Cell separation defects in these mutants were partially restored with artificial expression of LytF. Interestingly, when lytF transcription was induced in the ltaS single or multiple mutants, LytF was localized not only at the septum, but also along the sidewall. The amounts of LytF bound to cell wall in the single (ltaS) and double (ltaS yfnI) mutants gradually increased as compared with that in the WT strain, and those in the triple (ltaS yfnI yqgS) and quadruple mutants were almost similar to that in the double mutant. Moreover, reduction of the lytF transcription and chained cell morphology in the ltaS mutant were completely restored with artificial induction of the yqgS gene. These results strongly suggest that LTA influences the temporal, σD-dependent transcription of lytF and is an additional inhibitory component to the vegetative cell separation enzyme LytF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuka Kiriyama
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Kazuya Yazawa
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Tatsuhito Tanaka
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Yoshikawa
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Hisaya Yamane
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Masayuki Hashimoto
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signal Transduction, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan City 704-56, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Tainan City 704-56, Taiwan
| | - Junichi Sekiguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamamoto
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda-shi, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
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Hashimoto M, Fujikura K, Miyake Y, Higashitsuji Y, Kiriyama Y, Tanaka T, Yamamoto H, Sekiguchi J. A cell wall protein (YqgA) is genetically related to the cell wall-degrading dl-endopeptidases in Bacillus subtilis. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2014; 78:1428-34. [PMID: 25130749 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2014.923294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis has a thick cell wall. The cell wall contains various proteins, both for secretion and for peptidoglycan (PG) maintenance. Penicillin-binding proteins for PG synthesis, PG hydrolases (autolysins), and regulator proteins for the autolysins are the known components of the PG maintenance system. YqgA was identified as an abundant protein attached to the cell wall of B. subtilis through a proteomics analysis. The YqgA protein was localized at cell division sites during the transition period between the exponential and the stationary phases. YqgA localization was affected by mutations in the dl-endopeptidases (DLEPases), which are the autolysins involved in cell morphogenesis. Furthermore, yqgA mutations on a background of defective DLEPases led to delays in cell growth and cell morphological changes. These results demonstrate that yqgA is genetically related to the genes encoding DLEPases involved in cell morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Hashimoto
- a Institute of Molecular Medicine , National Cheng Kung University Medical College , Tainan , Taiwan
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26
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Miyagishima SY, Kabeya Y, Sugita C, Sugita M, Fujiwara T. DipM is required for peptidoglycan hydrolysis during chloroplast division. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2014; 14:57. [PMID: 24602296 PMCID: PMC4015805 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2229-14-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chloroplasts have evolved from a cyanobacterial endosymbiont and their continuity has been maintained over time by chloroplast division, a process which is performed by the constriction of a ring-like division complex at the division site. The division complex has retained certain components of the cyanobacterial division complex, which function inside the chloroplast. It also contains components developed by the host cell, which function outside of the chloroplast and are believed to generate constrictive force from the cytosolic side, at least in red algae and Viridiplantae. In contrast to the chloroplasts in these lineages, those in glaucophyte algae possess a peptidoglycan layer between the two envelope membranes, as do cyanobacteria. RESULTS In this study, we show that chloroplast division in the glaucophyte C. paradoxa does not involve any known chloroplast division proteins of the host eukaryotic origin, but rather, peptidoglycan spitting and probably the outer envelope division process rely on peptidoglycan hydrolyzing activity at the division site by the DipM protein, as in cyanobacterial cell division. In addition, we found that DipM is required for normal chloroplast division in the moss Physcomitrella patens. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the regulation of peptidoglycan splitting was essential for chloroplast division in the early evolution of chloroplasts and this activity is likely still involved in chloroplast division in Viridiplantae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-ya Miyagishima
- Center for Frontier Research, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Kabeya
- Center for Frontier Research, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Chieko Sugita
- Center for Gene Research, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Mamoru Sugita
- Center for Gene Research, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Takayuki Fujiwara
- Center for Frontier Research, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
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Kaman WE, Hays JP, Endtz HP, Bikker FJ. Bacterial proteases: targets for diagnostics and therapy. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 33:1081-7. [PMID: 24535571 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-014-2075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Proteases are essential for the proliferation and growth of bacteria, and are also known to contribute to bacterial virulence. This makes them interesting candidates as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for infectious diseases. In this review, the authors discuss the most recent developments and potential applications for bacterial proteases in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections. Current and future bacterial protease targets are described and their limitations outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- W E Kaman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,
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28
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Domínguez-Cuevas P, Porcelli I, Daniel RA, Errington J. Differentiated roles for MreB-actin isologues and autolytic enzymes in Bacillus subtilis morphogenesis. Mol Microbiol 2013; 89:1084-98. [PMID: 23869552 PMCID: PMC3817527 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cell morphogenesis in most bacteria is governed by spatiotemporal growth regulation of the peptidoglycan cell wall layer. Much is known about peptidoglycan synthesis but regulation of its turnover by hydrolytic enzymes is much less well understood. Bacillus subtilis has a multitude of such enzymes. Two of the best characterized are CwlO and LytE: cells lacking both enzymes have a lethal block in cell elongation. Here we show that activity of CwlO is regulated by an ABC transporter, FtsEX, which is required for cell elongation, unlike cell division as in Escherichia coli. Actin-like MreB proteins are thought to play a key role in orchestrating cell wall morphogenesis. B. subtilis has three MreB isologues with partially differentiated functions. We now show that the three MreB isologues have differential roles in regulation of the CwlO and LytE systems and that autolysins control different aspects of cell morphogenesis. The results add major autolytic activities to the growing list of functions controlled by MreB isologues in bacteria and provide new insights into the different specialized functions of essential cell wall autolysins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Domínguez-Cuevas
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK
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Rolain T, Bernard E, Beaussart A, Degand H, Courtin P, Egge-Jacobsen W, Bron PA, Morsomme P, Kleerebezem M, Chapot-Chartier MP, Dufrêne YF, Hols P. O-glycosylation as a novel control mechanism of peptidoglycan hydrolase activity. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:22233-47. [PMID: 23760506 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.470716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Acm2, the major autolysin of Lactobacillus plantarum, is a tripartite protein. Its catalytic domain is surrounded by an O-glycosylated N-terminal region rich in Ala, Ser, and Thr (AST domain), which is of low complexity and unknown function, and a C-terminal region composed of five SH3b peptidoglycan (PG) binding domains. Here, we investigate the contribution of these two accessory domains and of O-glycosylation to Acm2 functionality. We demonstrate that Acm2 is an N-acetylglucosaminidase and identify the pattern of O-glycosylation (21 mono-N-acetylglucosamines) of its AST domain. The O-glycosylation process is species-specific as Acm2 purified from Lactococcus lactis is not glycosylated. We therefore explored the functional role of O-glycosylation by purifying different truncated versions of Acm2 that were either glycosylated or non-glycosylated. We show that SH3b domains are able to bind PG and are responsible for Acm2 targeting to the septum of dividing cells, whereas the AST domain and its O-glycosylation are not involved in this process. Notably, our data reveal that the lack of O-glycosylation of the AST domain significantly increases Acm2 enzymatic activity, whereas removal of SH3b PG binding domains dramatically reduces this activity. Based on this antagonistic role, we propose a model in which access of the Acm2 catalytic domain to its substrate may be hindered by the AST domain where O-glycosylation changes its conformation and/or mediates interdomain interactions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that O-glycosylation is shown to control the activity of a bacterial enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Rolain
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Tomita S, de Waard P, Bakx EJ, Schols HA, Kleerebezem M, Bron PA. The structure of an alternative wall teichoic acid produced by a Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 mutant contains a 1,5-linked poly(ribitol phosphate) backbone with 2-α-d-glucosyl substitutions. Carbohydr Res 2013; 370:67-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2013.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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31
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The quest for probiotic effector molecules—Unraveling strain specificity at the molecular level. Pharmacol Res 2013; 69:61-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2012.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Abstract
The peptidoglycan layers of many gram-positive bacteria are densely functionalized with anionic glycopolymers known as wall teichoic acids (WTAs). These polymers play crucial roles in cell shape determination, regulation of cell division, and other fundamental aspects of gram-positive bacterial physiology. Additionally, WTAs are important in pathogenesis and play key roles in antibiotic resistance. We provide an overview of WTA structure and biosynthesis, review recent studies on the biological roles of these polymers, and highlight remaining questions. We also discuss prospects for exploiting WTA biosynthesis as a target for new therapies to overcome resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115;
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33
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Salzberg LI, Powell L, Hokamp K, Botella E, Noone D, Devine KM. The WalRK (YycFG) and σ(I) RsgI regulators cooperate to control CwlO and LytE expression in exponentially growing and stressed Bacillus subtilis cells. Mol Microbiol 2012. [PMID: 23199363 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The WalRK (YycFG) two-component system co-ordinates cell wall metabolism with growth by regulating expression of autolysins and proteins that modulate autolysin activity. Here we extend its role in cell wall metabolism by showing that WalR binds to 22 chromosomal loci in vivo. Among the newly identified genes of the WalRK bindome are those that encode the wall-associated protein WapA, the penicillin binding proteins PbpH and Pbp5, the minor teichoic acid synthetic enzymes GgaAB and the regulators σ(I) RsgI. The putative WalR binding sequence at many newly identified binding loci deviates from the previously defined consensus. Moreover, expression of many newly identified operons is controlled by multiple regulators. An unusual feature is that WalR binds to an extended DNA region spanning multiple open reading frames at some loci. WalRK directly activates expression of the sigIrsgI operon from a newly identified σ(A) promoter and represses expression from the previously identified σ(I) promoter. We propose that this regulatory link between WalRK and σ(I) RsgI expression ensures that the endopeptidase requirement (CwlO or LytE) for cell viability is fulfilled during growth and under stress conditions. Thus the WalRK and σ(I) RsgI regulatory systems cooperate to control cell wall metabolism in growing and stressed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letal I Salzberg
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2. Ireland
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34
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Bernard E, Rolain T, David B, André G, Dupres V, Dufrêne YF, Hallet B, Chapot-Chartier MP, Hols P. Dual role for the O-acetyltransferase OatA in peptidoglycan modification and control of cell septation in Lactobacillus plantarum. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47893. [PMID: 23110121 PMCID: PMC3482227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Until now, peptidoglycan O-acetyl transferases (Oat) were only described for their peptidoglycan O-acetylating activity and for their implication in the control of peptidoglycan hydrolases. In this study, we show that a Lactobacillus plantarum mutant lacking OatA is unable to uncouple cell elongation and septation. Wild-type cells showed an elongation arrest during septation while oatA mutant cells continued to elongate at a constant rate without any observable pause during the cell division process. Remarkably, this defect does not result from a default in peptidoglycan O-acetylation, since it can be rescued by wild-type OatA as well as by a catalytic mutant or a truncated variant containing only the transmembrane domain of the protein. Consistent with a potential involvement in division, OatA preferentially localizes at mid-cell before membrane invagination and remains at this position until the end of septation. Overexpression of oatA or its inactive variants induces septation-specific aberrations, including asymmetrical and dual septum formation. Overproduction of the division inhibitors, MinC or MinD, leads to cell filamentation in the wild type while curved and branched cells are observed in the oatA mutant, suggesting that the Min system acts differently on the division process in the absence of OatA. Altogether, the results suggest that OatA plays a key role in the spatio-temporal control of septation, irrespective of its catalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Bernard
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR1319 Micalis, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- AgroParisTech, UMR Micalis, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire Bactérienne, Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Thomas Rolain
- Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire Bactérienne, Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Blandine David
- Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire Bactérienne, Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Guillaume André
- Bio and Soft Matter, Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Vincent Dupres
- Bio and Soft Matter, Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Yves F. Dufrêne
- Bio and Soft Matter, Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Bernard Hallet
- Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire Bactérienne, Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marie-Pierre Chapot-Chartier
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR1319 Micalis, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- AgroParisTech, UMR Micalis, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Pascal Hols
- Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire Bactérienne, Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Tomita S, Furihata K, Tanaka N, Satoh E, Nukada T, Okada S. Determination of strain-specific wall teichoic acid structures in Lactobacillus plantarum reveals diverse α-D-glucosyl substitutions and high structural uniformity of the repeating units. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2012; 158:2712-2723. [PMID: 22918894 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.060913-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The structural diversity of wall teichoic acid (WTA) was investigated using biochemical and NMR analyses among 19 strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, of which seven were previously established to contain a glycerol-type backbone, whereas the remaining 12 strains possess ribitol-containing WTA. Despite the fact that the WTAs consisted of identical components, namely phosphoric acid, alditol (glycerol or ribitol) and glucose, comparative analysis of the (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra indicated the presence of six different structures, based on the observed differences in the anomeric signals of glucose residues. To determine the six WTA structures, their repeating units were prepared by alkaline hydrolysis, followed by fractionation on HPLC, and analysis by NMR spectroscopy using synthetic molecules as a reference. The structures of the six isolates were established as 1-α-D-glucosyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, 1-α-D-kojibiosyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, 1-α-D-nigerosyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, 4-α-D-kojibiosylribitol 1-phosphate and 1,5-linked di-(2,4-di-α-D-glucosylribitol) phosphate. The backbone structures appeared to be 3,6'-linked poly(1-α-D-glucosyl-sn-glycerol phosphate) for the glycerol-type WTA and 1,5-linked poly(ribitol phosphate) for the ribitol-containing WTA. Moreover, in the analysis of the alkaline hydrolysates on HPLC, only single structures of repeating units were released from each WTA, indicating the high structural uniformity of the WTA in each strain. Notably, analyses of lipoteichoic acid isolated from representative strains harbouring the six different WTAs revealed the universal presence of a 1,3-linked poly(glycerol phosphate) chain, substituted at C-2 of the glycerol residues with glucose residues. These findings provide fundamental information on WTA structural variability in Lb. plantarum, which seems likely to play a pivotal role in the physiology of this bacterial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Tomita
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Bio-Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan
| | - Kazuo Furihata
- Division of Agriculture and Agricultural Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoto Tanaka
- Department of Fermentation Science, Faculty of Applied Bio-Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan
| | - Eiichi Satoh
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Bio-Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan
| | - Tomoo Nukada
- Department of Fermentation Science, Faculty of Applied Bio-Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan
| | - Sanae Okada
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Bio-Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan
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36
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Biswas R, Martinez RE, Göhring N, Schlag M, Josten M, Xia G, Hegler F, Gekeler C, Gleske AK, Götz F, Sahl HG, Kappler A, Peschel A. Proton-binding capacity of Staphylococcus aureus wall teichoic acid and its role in controlling autolysin activity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41415. [PMID: 22911791 PMCID: PMC3402425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wall teichoic acid (WTA) or related polyanionic cell wall glycopolymers are produced by most gram-positive bacterial species and have been implicated in various cellular functions. WTA and the proton gradient across bacterial membranes are known to control the activity of autolysins but the molecular details of these interactions are poorly understood. We demonstrate that WTA contributes substantially to the proton-binding capacity of Staphylococcus aureus cell walls and controls autolysis largely via the major autolysin AtlA whose activity is known to decline at acidic pH values. Compounds that increase or decrease the activity of the respiratory chain, a main source of protons in the cell wall, modulated autolysis rates in WTA-producing cells but did not affect the augmented autolytic activity observed in a WTA-deficient mutant. We propose that WTA represents a cation-exchanger like mesh in the gram-positive cell envelopes that is required for creating a locally acidified milieu to govern the pH-dependent activity of autolysins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Biswas
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Raul E. Martinez
- Center for Applied Geoscience, Geomicrobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nadine Göhring
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Schlag
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Microbial Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michaele Josten
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), Pharmaceutical Microbiology Unit, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Guoqing Xia
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Hegler
- Center for Applied Geoscience, Geomicrobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Cordula Gekeler
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anne-Kathrin Gleske
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Götz
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Microbial Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Sahl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), Pharmaceutical Microbiology Unit, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Kappler
- Center for Applied Geoscience, Geomicrobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Peschel
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Yang DC, Tan K, Joachimiak A, Bernhardt TG. A conformational switch controls cell wall-remodelling enzymes required for bacterial cell division. Mol Microbiol 2012; 85:768-81. [PMID: 22715947 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2012.08138.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Remodelling of the peptidoglycan (PG) exoskeleton is intimately tied to the growth and division of bacteria. Enzymes that hydrolyse PG are critical for these processes, but their activities must be tightly regulated to prevent the generation of lethal breaches in the PG matrix. Despite their importance, the mechanisms regulating PG hydrolase activity have remained elusive. Here we investigate the control of cell division hydrolases called amidases (AmiA, AmiB and AmiC) required for Escherichia coli cell division. Poorly regulated amiB mutants were isolated encoding lytic AmiB variants with elevated basal PG hydrolase activities in vitro. The structure of an AmiB orthologue was also solved, revealing that the active site of AmiB is occluded by a conserved alpha helix. Strikingly, most of the amino acid substitutions in the lytic AmiB variants mapped to this domain and are predicted to disrupt its interaction with the active site. Our results therefore support a model in which cell separation is stimulated by the reversible relief of amidase autoinhibition governed by conserved subcomplexes within the cytokinetic ring. Analogous conformational control mechanisms are likely to be part of a general strategy used to control PG hydrolases present within multienzyme PG-remodelling machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée C Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Ligand-binding properties and conformational dynamics of autolysin repeat domains in staphylococcal cell wall recognition. J Bacteriol 2012; 194:3789-802. [PMID: 22609916 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00331-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The bifunctional major autolysin Atl plays a key role in staphylococcal cell separation. Processing of Atl yields catalytically active amidase (AM) and glucosaminidase (GL) domains that are each fused to repeating units. The two repeats of AM (R1 and R2) target the enzyme to the septum, where it cleaves murein between dividing cells. We have determined the crystal structure of R2, which reveals that each repeat folds into two half-open β-barrel subunits. We further demonstrate that lipoteichoic acid serves as a receptor for the repeats and that this interaction depends on conserved surfaces in each subunit. Small-angle X-ray scattering of the mature amidase reveals the presence of flexible linkers separating the AM, R1, and R2 units. Different levels of flexibility for each linker provide mechanistic insights into the conformational dynamics of the full-length protein and the roles of its components in cell wall association and catalysis. Our analysis supports a model in which the repeats direct the catalytic AM domain to the septum, where it can optimally perform the final step of cell division.
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Synthetic lethality of the lytE cwlO genotype in Bacillus subtilis is caused by lack of D,L-endopeptidase activity at the lateral cell wall. J Bacteriol 2011; 194:796-803. [PMID: 22139507 DOI: 10.1128/jb.05569-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial peptidoglycan acts as an exoskeleton to protect the bacterial cell. Although peptidoglycan biosynthesis by penicillin-binding proteins is well studied, few studies have described peptidoglycan disassembly, which is necessary for a dynamic structure that allows cell growth. In Bacillus subtilis, more than 35 genes encoding cell wall lytic enzymes have been identified; however, only two D,L-endopeptidases (lytE and cwlO) are involved in cell proliferation. In this study, we demonstrated that the D,L-endopeptidase activity at the lateral cell wall is essential for cell proliferation. Inactivation of LytE and CwlO by point mutation of the catalytic residues caused cell growth defects. However, the forced expression of LytF or CwlS, which are paralogs of LytE, did not suppress lytE cwlO synthetic lethality. Subcellular localization studies of these D,L-endopeptidases showed LytF and CwlS at the septa and poles, CwlO at the cylindrical part of the cell, and LytE at the septa and poles as well as the cylindrical part. Furthermore, construction of N-terminal and C-terminal domain-swapped enzymes of LytE, LytF, CwlS, and CwlO revealed that localization was dependent on the N-terminal domains. Only the chimeric proteins that were enzymatically active and localized to the sidewall were able to suppress the synthetic lethality, suggesting that the lack of D,L-endopeptidase activity at the cylindrical part of the cell leads to a growth defect. The functions of LytE and CwlO in cell morphogenesis were discussed.
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40
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Uehara T, Bernhardt TG. More than just lysins: peptidoglycan hydrolases tailor the cell wall. Curr Opin Microbiol 2011; 14:698-703. [PMID: 22055466 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2011.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2011] [Revised: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Enzymes that degrade the peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall layer called PG hydrolases or autolysins are often thought of as destructive forces. Phages employ them to lyse their host for the release of virion particles and some bacteria secrete them to eliminate (lyse) their competition. However, bacteria also harness the activity of PG hydrolases for important aspects of growth, division, and development. Of course, using PG hydrolases in this capacity requires that they be tightly regulated. While this has been appreciated for some time, we are only just beginning to understand the mechanisms governing the activities of these 'tailoring' enzymes. This review will focus on recent advances in this area with an emphasis on the regulation of PG hydrolases involved in cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Uehara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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41
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Murein and pseudomurein cell wall binding domains of bacteria and archaea--a comparative view. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 92:921-8. [PMID: 22012341 PMCID: PMC3210951 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3637-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2011] [Revised: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The cell wall, a major barrier protecting cells from their environment, is an essential compartment of both bacteria and archaea. It protects the organism from internal turgor pressure and gives a defined shape to the cell. The cell wall serves also as an anchoring surface for various proteins and acts as an adhesion platform for bacteriophages. The walls of bacteria and archaea are mostly composed of murein and pseudomurein, respectively. Cell wall binding domains play a crucial role in the non-covalent attachment of proteins to cell walls. Here, we give an overview of the similarities and differences in the biochemical and functional properties of the two major murein and pseudomurein cell wall binding domains, i.e., the Lysin Motif (LysM) domain (Pfam PF01476) and the pseudomurein binding (PMB) domain (Pfam PF09373) of bacteria and archaea, respectively.
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42
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Botella E, Hübner S, Hokamp K, Hansen A, Bisicchia P, Noone D, Powell L, Salzberg LI, Devine KM. Cell envelope gene expression in phosphate-limited Bacillus subtilis cells. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2011; 157:2470-2484. [PMID: 21636651 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.049205-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The high phosphate content of Bacillus subtilis cell walls dictates that cell wall metabolism is an important feature of the PhoPR-mediated phosphate limitation response. Here we report the expression profiles of cell-envelope-associated and PhoPR regulon genes, determined by live cell array and transcriptome analysis, in exponentially growing and phosphate-limited B. subtilis cells. Control by the WalRK two-component system confers a unique expression profile and high level of promoter activity on the genes of its regulon with yocH and cwlO expression differing both qualitatively and quantitatively from all other autolysin-encoding genes examined. The activity of the PhoPR two-component system is restricted to the phosphate-limited state, being rapidly induced in response to the cognate stimulus, and can be sustained for an extended phosphate limitation period. Constituent promoters of the PhoPR regulon show heterogeneous induction profiles and very high promoter activities. Phosphate-limited cells also show elevated expression of the actin-like protein MreBH and reduced expression of the WapA cell wall protein and WprA cell wall protease indicating that cell wall metabolism in this state is distinct from that of exponentially growing and stationary-phase cells. The PhoPR response is very rapidly deactivated upon removal of the phosphate limitation stimulus with concomitant increased expression of cell wall metabolic genes. Moreover expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in sulphur metabolism is significantly altered in the phosphate-limited state with distinct perturbations being observed in wild-type 168 and AH024 (ΔphoPR) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Botella
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sebastian Hübner
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Karsten Hokamp
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Annette Hansen
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paola Bisicchia
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - David Noone
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Leagh Powell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Letal I Salzberg
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kevin M Devine
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Andre G, Deghorain M, Bron PA, van Swam II, Kleerebezem M, Hols P, Dufrêne YF. Fluorescence and atomic force microscopy imaging of wall teichoic acids in Lactobacillus plantarum. ACS Chem Biol 2011; 6:366-76. [PMID: 21218855 DOI: 10.1021/cb1003509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although teichoic acids are major constituents of bacterial cell walls, little is known about the relationships between their spatial localization and their functional roles. Here, we used single-molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with fluorescence microscopy to image the distribution of wall teichoic acids (WTAs) in Lactobacillus plantarum, in relation with their physiological roles. Phenotype analysis of the wild-type strain and of mutant strains deficient for the synthesis of WTAs (ΔtagO) or cell wall polysaccharides (Δcps1-4) revealed that WTAs are required for proper cell elongation and cell division. Nanoscale imaging by AFM showed that strains expressing WTAs have a highly polarized surface morphology, the poles being much smoother than the side walls. AFM and fluorescence imaging with specific lectin probes demonstrated that the polarized surface structure correlates with a heterogeneous distribution of WTAs, the latter being absent from the surface of the poles. These observations indicate that the polarized distribution of WTAs in L. plantarum plays a key role in controlling cell morphogenesis (surface roughness, cell shape, elongation, and division).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Andre
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences − Bio & Soft Matter, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2/18, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marie Deghorain
- Institute of Life Sciences − Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 5/6, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Peter A. Bron
- Top Institute Food and Nutrition, PO Box 557, 6700 AN Wageningen, The Netherlands
- NIZO food research BV, P.O. Box 20, 6710 BA Ede, The Netherlands
- Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Iris I. van Swam
- Top Institute Food and Nutrition, PO Box 557, 6700 AN Wageningen, The Netherlands
- NIZO food research BV, P.O. Box 20, 6710 BA Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel Kleerebezem
- Top Institute Food and Nutrition, PO Box 557, 6700 AN Wageningen, The Netherlands
- NIZO food research BV, P.O. Box 20, 6710 BA Ede, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Dreijenplein 10, 6703 HB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Hols
- Institute of Life Sciences − Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 5/6, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Yves F. Dufrêne
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences − Bio & Soft Matter, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2/18, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Möll A, Schlimpert S, Briegel A, Jensen GJ, Thanbichler M. DipM, a new factor required for peptidoglycan remodelling during cell division in Caulobacter crescentus. Mol Microbiol 2010; 77:90-107. [PMID: 20497502 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07224.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In bacteria, cytokinesis is dependent on lytic enzymes that facilitate remodelling of the cell wall during constriction. In this work, we identify a thus far uncharacterized periplasmic protein, DipM, that is required for cell division and polarity in Caulobacter crescentus. DipM is composed of four peptidoglycan binding (LysM) domains and a C-terminal lysostaphin-like (LytM) peptidase domain. It binds to isolated murein sacculi in vitro, and is recruited to the site of constriction through interaction with the cell division protein FtsN. Mutational analyses showed that the LysM domains are necessary and sufficient for localization of DipM, while its peptidase domain is essential for function. Consistent with a role in cell wall hydrolysis, DipM was found to interact with purified murein sacculi in vitro and to induce cell lysis upon overproduction. Its inactivation causes severe defects in outer membrane invagination, resulting in a significant delay between cytoplasmic compartmentalization and final separation of the daughter cells. Overall, these findings indicate that DipM is a periplasmic component of the C. crescentus divisome that facilitates remodelling of the peptidoglycan layer and, thus, coordinated constriction of the cell envelope during the division process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Möll
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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Characterization of a novel LysM domain from Lactobacillus fermentum bacteriophage endolysin and its use as an anchor to display heterologous proteins on the surfaces of lactic acid bacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:2410-8. [PMID: 20173067 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01752-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The endolysin Lyb5, from Lactobacillus fermentum temperate bacteriophage phiPYB5, showed a broad lytic spectrum against Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria. Sequence analysis revealed that the C terminus of the endolysin Lyb5 (Ly5C) contained three putative lysin motif (LysM) repeat regions, implying that Ly5C was involved in bacterial cell wall binding. To investigate the potential of Ly5C for surface display, green fluorescent protein (GFP) was fused to Ly5C at its N or C terminus and the resulting fusion proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. After being mixed with various cells in vitro, GFP was successfully displayed on the surfaces of Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus casei, Lb. brevis, Lb. plantarum, Lb. fermentum, Lb. delbrueckii, Lb. helveticus, and Streptococcus thermophilus cells. Increases in the fluorescence intensities of chemically pretreated L. lactis and Lb. casei cells compared to those of nonpretreated cells suggested that the peptidoglycan was the binding ligand for Ly5C. Moreover, the pH and concentration of sodium chloride were optimized to enhance the binding capacity of GFP-Ly5C, and high-intensity fluorescence of cells was observed under optimal conditions. All results suggested that Ly5C was a novel anchor for constructing a surface display system for lactic acid bacteria (LAB). To demonstrate the applicability of the Ly5C-mediated surface display system, beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) from Paenibacillus sp. strain K1, replacing GFP, was functionally displayed on the surfaces of LAB cells via Ly5C. The success in surface display of GFP and beta-Gal opened up the feasibility of employing the cell wall anchor of bacteriophage endolysin for surface display in LAB.
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van den Ent F, Johnson CM, Persons L, de Boer P, Löwe J. Bacterial actin MreB assembles in complex with cell shape protein RodZ. EMBO J 2010; 29:1081-90. [PMID: 20168300 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2010.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial actin homologue MreB is required for cell shape maintenance in most non-spherical bacteria, where it assembles into helical structures just underneath the cytoplasmic membrane. Proper assembly of the actin cytoskeleton requires RodZ, a conserved, bitopic membrane protein that colocalises to MreB and is essential for cell shape determination. Here, we present the first crystal structure of bacterial actin engaged with a natural partner and provide a clear functional significance of the interaction. We show that the cytoplasmic helix-turn-helix motif of Thermotoga maritima RodZ directly interacts with monomeric as well as filamentous MreB and present the crystal structure of the complex. In vitro and in vivo analyses of mutant T. maritima and Escherichia coli RodZ validate the structure and reveal the importance of the MreB-RodZ interaction in the ability of cells to propagate as rods. Furthermore, the results elucidate how the bacterial actin cytoskeleton might be anchored to the membrane to help constrain peptidoglycan synthesis in the periplasm.
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Schlag M, Biswas R, Krismer B, Kohler T, Zoll S, Yu W, Schwarz H, Peschel A, Götz F. Role of staphylococcal wall teichoic acid in targeting the major autolysin Atl. Mol Microbiol 2010; 75:864-73. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.07007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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48
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Xia G, Kohler T, Peschel A. The wall teichoic acid and lipoteichoic acid polymers of Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Med Microbiol 2009; 300:148-54. [PMID: 19896895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2009.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococci and most other Gram-positive bacteria incorporate complex teichoic acid (TA) polymers into their cell envelopes. Several crucial roles in Staphylococcus aureus fitness and cell wall maintenance have been assigned to these polymers, which are either covalently linked to peptidoglycan (wall teichoic acid, WTA) or to the cytoplasmic membrane (lipoteichoic acid, LTA). However, the exact TA structures, functions, and biosynthetic pathways are only superficially understood. Recently, most of the enzymes mediating TA biosynthesis have been identified and mutants lacking or with defined changes in WTA or LTA have become available. Their characterization has revealed crucial roles of TAs in protection against harmful molecules and environmental stresses; in control of enzymes directing cell division or morphogenesis and of cation homeostasis; and in interaction with host or bacteriophage receptors and biomaterials. Accordingly, several in vivo studies have demonstrated the importance of WTA and LTA in S. aureus colonization, infection, and immune evasion. TAs and enzymes required for TA biosynthesis represent attractive candidates for novel vaccines and antibiotics and are targeted by recently developed antibacterial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Xia
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 6, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Kawai Y, Asai K, Errington J. Partial functional redundancy of MreB isoforms, MreB, Mbl and MreBH, in cell morphogenesis ofBacillus subtilis. Mol Microbiol 2009; 73:719-31. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.06805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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