The Burkholderia cenocepacia BDSF quorum sensing fatty acid is synthesized by a bifunctional crotonase homologue having both dehydratase and thioesterase activities

Unveiling the Role of Diffusible Signal Factor-Family Quorum Sensing Signals in Regulating Behavior of Xanthomonas and Lysobacter

Diffusible signal factor (DSF) family signals represent a unique group of quorum sensing (QS) chemicals that modulate a wide range of behaviors for bacteria to adapt to different environments. However, whether DSF-mediated QS signaling acts as a public language to regulate the behavior of biocontrol and pathogenic bacteria remains unknown. In this study, we present groundbreaking evidence demonstrating that RpfFXc1 or RpfFOH11 could be a conserved DSF-family signal synthase in Xanthomonas campestris or Lysobacter enzymogenes. Interestingly, we found that both RpfFOH11 and RpfFXc1 have the ability to synthesize DSF and BDSF signaling molecules. DSF and BDSF positively regulate the biosynthesis of an antifungal factor (heat-stable antifungal factor, HSAF) in L. enzymogenes. Finally, we show that RpfFXc1 and RpfFOH11 have similar functions in regulating HSAF production in L. enzymogenes, as well as the virulence, synthesis of virulence factors, biofilm formation, and extracellular polysaccharide production in X. campestris. These findings reveal a previously uncharacterized mechanism of DSF-mediated regulation in both biocontrol and pathogenic bacteria.

Regulatory Effects of Diverse DSF Family Quorum-Sensing Signals in Plant-Associated Bacteria

Numerous bacterial species employ diffusible signal factor (DSF)-based quorum sensing (QS) as a widely conserved cell-cell signaling communication system to collectively regulate various behaviors crucial for responding to environmental changes. cis-11-Methyl-dodecenoic acid, known as DSF, was first identified as a signaling molecule in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Subsequently, many structurally related molecules have been identified in different bacterial species. This review aims to provide an overview of current understanding regarding the biosynthesis and regulatory role of DSF signals in both pathogenic bacteria and a biocontrol bacterium. Recent studies have revealed that the DSF-based QS system regulates antimicrobial factor production in a cyclic dimeric GMP-independent manner in the biocontrol bacterium Lysobacter enzymogenes. Additionally, the DSF family signals have been found to be involved in suppressing plant innate immunity. The discovery of these diverse signaling mechanisms holds significant promise for developing novel strategies to combat stubborn plant pathogens. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Enzymes of the crotonase superfamily: Diverse assembly and diverse function

The crotonase fold is generated by a framework of four repeats of a ββα-unit, extended by two helical regions. The active site of crotonase superfamily (CS) enzymes is located at the N-terminal end of the helix of the third repeat, typically being covered by a C-terminal helix. A major subset of CS-enzymes catalyzes acyl-CoA-dependent reactions, allowing for a diverse range of acyl-tail modifications. Most of these enzymes occur as trimers or hexamers (dimers of trimers), but monomeric forms are also observed. A common feature of the active sites of CS-enzymes is an oxyanion hole, formed by two peptide-NH hydrogen bond donors, which stabilises the negatively charged thioester oxygen atom of the reaction intermediate. Structural properties and possible use of these enzymes for biotechnological applications are discussed.

A FadR-Type Regulator Activates the Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Mediating Quorum Sensing in Croceicoccus naphthovorans Strain PQ-2

Bacteria employ multiple transcriptional regulators to orchestrate cellular responses to adapt to constantly varying environments. The bacterial biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been extensively described, and yet, the PAH-related transcriptional regulators remain elusive. In this report, we identified an FadR-type transcriptional regulator that controls phenanthrene biodegradation in Croceicoccus naphthovorans strain PQ-2. The expression of fadR in C. naphthovorans PQ-2 was induced by phenanthrene, and its deletion significantly impaired both the biodegradation of phenanthrene and the synthesis of acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs). In the fadR deletion strain, the biodegradation of phenanthrene could be recovered by supplying either AHLs or fatty acids. Notably, FadR simultaneously activated the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway and repressed the fatty acid degradation pathway. As intracellular AHLs are synthesized with fatty acids as substrates, boosting the fatty acid supply could enhance AHL synthesis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that FadR in C. naphthovorans PQ-2 positively regulates PAH biodegradation by controlling the formation of AHLs, which is mediated by the metabolism of fatty acids. IMPORTANCE Master transcriptional regulation of carbon catabolites is extremely important for the survival of bacteria that face changes in carbon sources. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be utilized as carbon sources by some bacteria. FadR is a well-known transcriptional regulator involved in fatty acid metabolism; however, the connection between FadR regulation and PAH utilization in bacteria remains unknown. This study revealed that a FadR-type regulator in Croceicoccus naphthovorans PQ-2 stimulated PAH biodegradation by controlling the biosynthesis of the acyl-homoserine lactone quorum-sensing signals that belong to fatty acid-derived compounds. These results provide a unique perspective for understanding bacterial adaptation to PAH-containing environments.

Recombinant production of a diffusible signal factor inhibits Salmonella invasion and animal carriage

The complex chemical environment of the intestine is defined largely by the metabolic products of the resident microbiota. Enteric pathogens, elegantly evolved to thrive in the gut, use these chemical products as signals to recognize specific niches and to promote their survival and virulence. Our previous work has shown that a specific class of quorum-sensing molecules found within the gut, termed diffusible signal factors (DSF), signals the repression of Salmonella tissue invasion, thus defining a means by which this pathogen recognizes its location and modulates virulence to optimize its survival. Here, we determined whether the recombinant production of a DSF could reduce Salmonella virulence in vitro and in vivo. We found that the most potent repressor of Salmonella invasion, cis-2-hexadecenoic acid (c2-HDA), could be recombinantly produced in E. coli by the addition of a single exogenous gene encoding a fatty acid enoyl-CoA dehydratase/thioesterase and that co-culture of the recombinant strain with Salmonella potently inhibited tissue invasion by repressing Salmonella genes required for this essential virulence function. Using the well characterized E. coli Nissle 1917 strain and a chicken infection model, we found that the recombinant DSF-producing strain could be stably maintained in the large intestine. Further, challenge studies demonstrated that this recombinant organism could significantly reduce Salmonella colonization of the cecum, the site of carriage in this animal species. These findings thus describe a plausible means by which Salmonella virulence may be affected in animals by in situ chemical manipulation of functions essential for colonization and virulence.

The BDSF quorum sensing receptor RpfR regulates Bep exopolysaccharide synthesis in Burkholderia cenocepacia via interaction with the transcriptional regulator BerB

The polysaccharide Bep is essential for in vitro biofilm formation of the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia. We found that the Burkholderia diffusible signaling factor (BDSF) quorum sensing receptor RpfR is a negative regulator of the bep gene cluster in B. cenocepacia. An rpfR mutant formed wrinkled colonies, whereas additional mutations in the bep genes or known bep regulators like berA and berB restored the wild-type smooth colony morphology. We found that there is a good correlation between intracellular c-di-GMP levels and bep expression when the c-di-GMP level is increased or decreased through ectopic expression of a diguanylate cyclase or a c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase, respectively. However, when the intracellular c-di-GMP level is changed by site directed mutagenesis of the EAL or GGDEF domain of RpfR there is no correlation between intracellular c-di-GMP levels and bep expression. Except for rpfR, deletion mutants of all 25 c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase and diguanylate cyclase genes encoded by B. cenocepacia showed no change to berA and bep gene expression. Moreover, bacterial two-hybrid assays provided evidence that RpfR and BerB physically interact and give specificity to the regulation of the bep genes. We suggest a model where RpfR binds BerB at low c-di-GMP levels to sequester this RpoN-dependent activator to an RpfR/RpfF complex. If the c-di-GMP levels rise, possibly by the enzymatic action of RpfR, BerB binds c-di-GMP and is released from the RpfR/RpfF complex and associates with RpoN to activate transcription of berA, and the BerA protein subsequently activates transcription of the bep genes.

Insights into the Cell-to-Cell Signaling and Iron Homeostasis in Xanthomonas Virulence and Lifestyle

The Xanthomonas group of phytopathogens causes economically important diseases that lead to severe yield loss in major crops. Some Xanthomonas species are known to have an epiphytic and in planta lifestyle that is coordinated by several virulence-associated functions, cell-to-cell signaling (using diffusible signaling factor [DSF]), and environmental conditions, including iron availability. In this review, we described the role of cell-to-cell signaling by the DSF molecule and iron in the regulation of virulence-associated functions. Although DSF and iron are involved in the regulation of several virulence-associated functions, members of the Xanthomonas group of plant pathogens exhibit atypical patterns of regulation. Atypical patterns contribute to the adaptation to different lifestyles. Studies on DSF and iron biology indicate that virulence-associated functions can be regulated in completely contrasting fashions by the same signaling system in closely related xanthomonads.

The cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF) quorum sensing system in Burkholderia cenocepacia

It has been demonstrated that quorum sensing (QS) is widely employed by bacterial cells to coordinately regulate various group behaviors. Diffusible signal factor (DSF)-type signals have emerged as a growing family of conserved cell-cell communication signals. In addition to the DSF signal initially identified in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, Burkholderia diffusible signal factor (BDSF, cis-2-dodecenoic acid) has been recognized as a conserved DSF-type signal with specific characteristics in both signal perception and transduction from DSF signals. Here, we review the history and current progress of the research of this type of signal, especially focusing on its biosynthesis, signaling pathways, and biological functions. We also discuss and explore the huge potential of targeting this kind of QS system as a new therapeutic strategy to control bacterial infections and diseases.

The diffusible signal factor synthase, RpfF, in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is required for the maintenance of membrane integrity and virulence

The Xanthomonas group of phytopathogens communicate with a fatty acid-like cell-cell signalling molecule, cis-11-2-methyl-dodecenoic acid, also known as diffusible signal factor (DSF). In the pathogen of rice, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, DSF is involved in the regulation of several virulence-associated functions, including production and secretion of several cell wall hydrolysing type II secretion effectors. To understand the role of DSF in the secretion of type II effectors, we characterized DSF synthase-deficient (rpfF) and DSF-deficient, type II secretion (xpsE) double mutants. Mutant analysis by expression analysis, secretion assay, fatty acid analysis, and physiological studies indicated that rpfF mutants exhibit hypersecretion of several type II effectors due to a perturbed membrane and DSF is required for maintaining membrane integrity. The rpfF mutants exhibited significantly higher uptake of 1-N-phenylnapthylamine and ethidium bromide, and up-regulation of rpoE (σ^E ). Increasing the osmolarity of the medium could rescue the hypersecretion phenotype of the rpfF mutant. The rpfF mutant exhibited highly reduced virulence. We report for the first time that in X. oryzae pv. oryzae RpfF is involved in the maintenance of membrane integrity by playing a regulatory role in the fatty acid synthesis pathway.

Diffusible Signal Factors Act through AraC-Type Transcriptional Regulators as Chemical Cues To Repress Virulence of Enteric Pathogens

Successful colonization by enteric pathogens is contingent upon effective interactions with the host and the resident microbiota. These pathogens thus respond to and integrate myriad signals to control virulence. Long-chain fatty acids repress the virulence of the important enteric pathogens Salmonella enterica and Vibrio cholerae by repressing AraC-type transcriptional regulators in pathogenicity islands. While several fatty acids are known to be repressive, we show here that cis-2-unsaturated fatty acids, a rare chemical class used as diffusible signal factors (DSFs), are highly potent inhibitors of virulence functions. We found that DSFs repressed virulence gene expression of enteric pathogens by interacting with transcriptional regulators of the AraC family. In Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, DSFs repress the activity of HilD, an AraC-type activator essential to the induction of epithelial cell invasion, by both preventing its interaction with target DNA and inducing its rapid degradation by Lon protease. cis-2-Hexadecenoic acid (c2-HDA), a DSF produced by Xylella fastidiosa, was the most potent among those tested, repressing the HilD-dependent transcriptional regulator hilA and the type III secretion effector sopB >200- and 68-fold, respectively. Further, c2-HDA attenuated the transcription of the ToxT-dependent cholera toxin synthesis genes of V. cholerae c2-HDA significantly repressed invasion gene expression by Salmonella in the murine colitis model, indicating that the HilD-dependent signaling pathway functions within the complex milieu of the animal intestine. These data argue that enteric pathogens respond to DSFs as interspecies signals to identify appropriate niches in the gut for virulence activation, which could be exploited to control the virulence of enteric pathogens.

One gene, multiple ecological strategies: A biofilm regulator is a capacitor for sustainable diversity

Many organisms, including bacteria, live in fluctuating environments that require attachment and dispersal. These lifestyle decisions require processing of multiple external signals by several genetic pathways, but how they are integrated is largely unknown. We conducted multiple evolution experiments totaling >20,000 generations with Burkholderia cenocepacia populations grown in a model of the biofilm life cycle and identified parallel mutations in one gene, rpfR, that is a conserved central regulator. Because RpfR has multiple sensor and catalytic domains, different mutations can produce different ecological strategies that can coexist and even increase net growth. This study demonstrates that a single gene may coordinate complex life histories in biofilm-dwelling bacteria and that selection in defined environments can reshape niche breadth by single mutations.

Many bacteria cycle between sessile and motile forms in which they must sense and respond to internal and external signals to coordinate appropriate physiology. Maintaining fitness requires genetic networks that have been honed in variable environments to integrate these signals. The identity of the major regulators and how their control mechanisms evolved remain largely unknown in most organisms. During four different evolution experiments with the opportunist betaproteobacterium Burkholderia cenocepacia in a biofilm model, mutations were most frequently selected in the conserved gene rpfR. RpfR uniquely integrates two major signaling systems—quorum sensing and the motile–sessile switch mediated by cyclic-di-GMP—by two domains that sense, respond to, and control the synthesis of the autoinducer cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF). The BDSF response in turn regulates the activity of diguanylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase domains acting on cyclic-di-GMP. Parallel adaptive substitutions evolved in each of these domains to produce unique life history strategies by regulating cyclic-di-GMP levels, global transcriptional responses, biofilm production, and polysaccharide composition. These phenotypes translated into distinct ecology and biofilm structures that enabled mutants to coexist and produce more biomass than expected from their constituents grown alone. This study shows that when bacterial populations are selected in environments challenging the limits of their plasticity, the evolved mutations not only alter genes at the nexus of signaling networks but also reveal the scope of their regulatory functions.

Differences in Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Burkholderia spp. Bacteria Metabolomes after Exposure to the Antibiotic Trimethoprim

The Burkholderia cepacia complex is a group of closely related bacterial species with large genomes that infect immunocompromised individuals and those living with cystic fibrosis. Some of these species are found more frequently and cause more severe disease than others, yet metabolomic differences between these have not been described. Furthermore, our understanding of how these species respond to antibiotics is limited. We investigated the metabolomics differences between three most prevalent Burkholderia spp. associated with cystic fibrosis: B. cenocepacia, B. multivorans, and B. dolosa in the presence and absence of the antibiotic trimethoprim. Using a combination of supervised and unsupervised metabolomics data visualization and analysis tools, we describe the overall differences between strains of the same species and between species. Specifically, we report, for the first time, the role of the pyomelanin pathway in the metabolism of trimethoprim. We also report differences in the detection of known secondary metabolites such as fragin, ornibactin, and N-acylhomoserine lactones and their analogs in closely related strains. Furthermore, we highlight the potential for the discovery of new secondary metabolites in clinical strains of Burkholderia spp. The metabolomics differences described in this study highlight the personalized nature of closely related Burkholderia strains.

Two Functional Fatty Acyl Coenzyme A Ligases Affect Free Fatty Acid Metabolism To Block Biosynthesis of an Antifungal Antibiotic in Lysobacter enzymogenes

In Lysobacter enzymogenes OH11, RpfB1 and RpfB2 were predicted to encode acyl coenzyme A (CoA) ligases. RpfB1 is located in the Rpf gene cluster. Interestingly, we found an RpfB1 homolog (RpfB2) outside this canonical gene cluster, and nothing is known about its functionality or mechanism. Here, we report that rpfB1 and rpfB2 can functionally replace EcFadD in the Escherichia coli fadD mutant JW1794. RpfB activates long-chain fatty acids (n-C_16:0 and n-C_18:0) for the corresponding fatty acyl-CoA ligase (FCL) activity in vitro, and Glu-361 plays critical roles in the catalytic mechanism of RpfB1 and RpfB2. Deletion of rpfB1 and rpfB2 resulted in significantly increased heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF) production, and overexpression of rpfB1 or rpfB2 completely suppressed HSAF production. Deletion of rpfB1 and rpfB2 resulted in increased L. enzymogenes diffusible signaling factor 3 (LeDSF3) synthesis in L. enzymogenes Overall, our results showed that changes in intracellular free fatty acid levels significantly altered HSAF production. Our report shows that intracellular free fatty acids are required for HSAF production and that RpfB affects HSAF production via FCL activity. The global transcriptional regulator Clp directly regulated the expression of rpfB1 and rpfB2 In conclusion, these findings reveal new roles of RpfB in antibiotic biosynthesis in L. enzymogenes IMPORTANCE Understanding the biosynthetic and regulatory mechanisms of heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF) could improve the yield in Lysobacter enzymogenes Here, we report that RpfB1 and RpfB2 encode acyl coenzyme A (CoA) ligases. Our research shows that RpfB1 and RpfB2 affect free fatty acid metabolism via fatty acyl-CoA ligase (FCL) activity to reduce the substrate for HSAF synthesis and, thereby, block HSAF production in L. enzymogenes Furthermore, these findings reveal new roles for the fatty acyl-CoA ligases RpfB1 and RpfB2 in antibiotic biosynthesis in L. enzymogenes Importantly, the novelty of this work is the finding that RpfB2 lies outside the Rpf gene cluster and plays a key role in HSAF production, which has not been reported in other diffusible signaling factor (DSF)/Rpf-producing bacteria.

A Moraxella Virulence Factor Catalyzes an Essential Esterase Reaction of Biotin Biosynthesis

Pimeloyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) methyl ester esterase catalyzes the last biosynthetic step of the pimelate moiety of biotin, a key intermediate in biotin biosynthesis. The paradigm pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester esterase is the BioH protein of Escherichia coli that hydrolyses the ester bond of pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester. Biotin synthesis in E. coli also requires the function of the malonyl-ACP methyltransferase gene (bioC) to employ a methylation strategy to allow elongation of a temporarily disguised malonate moiety to a pimelate moiety by the fatty acid synthetic enzymes. However, bioinformatics analyses of the extant bacterial genomes showed that bioH is absent in many bioC-containing bacteria. The genome of the Gram-negative bacterium, Moraxella catarrhalis lacks a gene encoding a homolog of any of the six known pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester esterase isozymes suggesting that this organism encodes a novel pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester esterase isoform. We report that this is the case. The gene encoding the new isoform, called btsA, was isolated by complementation of an E. coli bioH deletion strain. The requirement of BtsA for the biotin biosynthesis in M. catarrhalis was confirmed by a biotin auxotrophic phenotype caused by deletion of btsA in vivo and a reconstituted in vitro desthiobiotin synthesis system. Purified BtsA was shown to cleave the physiological substrate pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester to pimeloyl-ACP by use of a Ser117-His254-Asp287 catalytic triad. The lack of sequence alignment with other isozymes together with phylogenetic analyses revealed BtsA as a new class of pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester esterase. The involvement of BtsA in M. catarrhalis virulence was confirmed by the defect of bacterial invasion to lung epithelial cells and survival within macrophages in the ΔbtsA strains. Identification of the new esterase gene btsA exclusive in Moraxella species that links biotin biosynthesis to bacterial virulence, can reveal a new valuable target for development of drugs against M. catarrhalis.

A novel 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase (FabG3) is involved in the xanthomonadin biosynthesis of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), the causal agent of black rot in crucifers, produces a membrane-bound yellow pigment called xanthomonadin to protect against photobiological and peroxidative damage, and uses a quorum-sensing mechanism mediated by the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family signals to regulate virulence factors production. The Xcc gene XCC4003, annotated as Xcc fabG3, is located in the pig cluster, which may be responsible for xanthomonadin synthesis. We report that fabG3 expression restored the growth of the Escherichia coli fabG temperature-sensitive mutant CL104 under non-permissive conditions. In vitro assays demonstrated that FabG3 catalyses the reduction of 3-oxoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) intermediates in fatty acid synthetic reactions, although FabG3 had a lower activity than FabG1. Moreover, the fabG3 deletion did not affect growth or fatty acid composition. These results indicate that Xcc fabG3 encodes a 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase, but is not essential for growth or fatty acid synthesis. However, the Xcc fabG3 knock-out mutant abolished xanthomonadin production, which could be only restored by wild-type fabG3, but not by other 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase-encoding genes, indicating that Xcc FabG3 is specifically involved in xanthomonadin biosynthesis. Additionally, our study also shows that the Xcc fabG3-disrupted mutant affects Xcc virulence in host plants.

Versatile biomanufacturing through stimulus-responsive cell-material feedback

Small-scale production of biologics has great potential for enhancing the accessibility of biomanufacturing. By exploiting cell-material feedback, we have designed a concise platform to achieve versatile production, analysis and purification of diverse proteins and protein complexes. The core of our technology is a microbial swarmbot, which consists of a stimulus-sensitive polymeric microcapsule encapsulating engineered bacteria. By sensing the confinement, the bacteria undergo programmed partial lysis at a high local density. Conversely, the encapsulating material shrinks responding to the changing chemical environment caused by cell growth, squeezing out the protein products released by bacterial lysis. This platform is then integrated with downstream modules to enable quantification of enzymatic kinetics, purification of diverse proteins, quantitative control of protein interactions and assembly of functional protein complexes and multienzyme metabolic pathways. Our work demonstrates the use of the cell-material feedback to engineer a modular and flexible platform with sophisticated yet well-defined programmed functions.

A Synthetic System That Senses Candida albicans and Inhibits Virulence Factors

Due to a limited set of antifungals available and problems in early diagnosis, invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species are among the most common hospital-acquired infections with staggering mortality rates. Here, we describe an engineered system able to sense and respond to the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, the most common cause of candidemia. In doing so, we identified hydroxyphenylacetic acid (HPA) as a novel molecule secreted by C. albicans. Furthermore, we engineered E. coli to be able to sense HPA produced by C. albicans. Finally, we constructed a sense-and-respond system by coupling the C. albicans sensor to the production of an inhibitor of hypha formation, thereby reducing filamentation, virulence factor expression, and fungal-induced epithelial damage. This system could be used as a basis for the development of novel prophylactic approaches to prevent fungal infections.

Structural basis of DSF recognition by its receptor RpfR and its regulatory interaction with the DSF synthase RpfF

The diffusible signal factors (DSFs) are a family of quorum-sensing autoinducers (AIs) produced and detected by numerous gram-negative bacteria. The DSF family AIs are fatty acids, differing in their acyl chain length, branching, and substitution but having in common a cis-2 double bond that is required for their activity. In both human and plant pathogens, DSFs regulate diverse phenotypes, including virulence factor expression, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm dispersal. Despite their widespread relevance to both human health and agriculture, the molecular basis of DSF recognition by their cellular receptors remained a mystery. Here, we report the first structure-function studies of the DSF receptor regulation of pathogenicity factor R (RpfR). We present the X-ray crystal structure of the RpfR DSF-binding domain in complex with the Burkholderia DSF (BDSF), which to our knowledge is the first structure of a DSF receptor in complex with its AI. To begin to understand the mechanistic role of the BDSF-RpfR contacts observed in the biologically important complex, we have also determined the X-ray crystal structure of the RpfR DSF-binding domain in complex with the inactive, saturated isomer of BDSF, dodecanoic acid (C12:0). In addition to these ligand-receptor complex structures, we report the discovery of a previously overlooked RpfR domain and show that it binds to and negatively regulates the DSF synthase regulation of pathogenicity factor F (RpfF). We have named this RpfR region the RpfF interaction (FI) domain, and we have determined its X-ray crystal structure alone and in complex with RpfF. These X-ray crystal structures, together with extensive complementary in vivo and in vitro functional studies, reveal the molecular basis of DSF recognition and the importance of the cis-2 double bond to DSF function. Finally, we show that throughout cellular growth, the production of BDSF by RpfF is post-translationally controlled by the RpfR N-terminal FI domain, affecting the cellular concentration of the bacterial second messenger bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP). Thus, in addition to describing the molecular basis for the binding and specificity of a DSF for its receptor, we describe a receptor-synthase interaction regulating bacterial quorum-sensing signaling and second messenger signal transduction.

Novel Xanthomonas campestris Long-Chain-Specific 3-Oxoacyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase Involved in Diffusible Signal Factor Synthesis

The precursors of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family signals of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris are 3-hydroxyacyl-acyl carrier protein (3-hydroxyacyl-ACP) thioesters having acyl chains of 12 to 13 carbon atoms produced by the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. We report a novel 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase encoded by the X. campestris pv. campestris XCC0416 gene (fabG2), which is unable to participate in the initial steps of fatty acyl synthesis. This was shown by the failure of FabG2 expression to allow growth at the nonpermissive temperature of an Escherichia colifabG temperature-sensitive strain. However, when transformed into the E. coli strain together with a plasmid bearing the Vibrio harveyi acyl-ACP synthetase gene (aasS), growth proceeded, but only when the medium contained octanoic acid. In vitro assays showed that FabG2 catalyzes the reduction of long-chain (≥C₈) 3-oxoacyl-ACPs to 3-hydroxyacyl-ACPs but is only weakly active with shorter-chain (C₄, C₆) substrates. FabG1, the housekeeping 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase encoded within the fatty acid synthesis gene cluster, could be deleted in a strain that overexpressed fabG2 but only in octanoic acid-supplemented media. Growth of the X. campestris pv. campestris ΔfabG1 strain overexpressing fabG2 required fabH for growth with octanoic acid, indicating that octanoyl coenzyme A is elongated by X. campestris pv. campestrisfabH. Deletion of fabG2 reduced DSF family signal production, whereas overproduction of either FabG1 or FabG2 in the ΔfabG2 strain restored DSF family signal levels.

Quorum sensing mediated by DSF signaling molecules regulates pathogenesis in several different phytopathogenic bacteria, including Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. DSF signaling also plays a key role in infection by the human pathogen Burkholderia cepacia. The acyl chains of the DSF molecules are diverted and remodeled from a key intermediate of the fatty acid synthesis pathway. We report a Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris fatty acid synthesis enzyme, FabG2, of novel specificity that seems tailored to provide DSF signaling molecule precursors.

Quorum Sensing Signaling and Quenching in the Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen with increasing incidence in clinical settings. The most critical aspect of S. maltophilia is its frequent resistance to a majority of the antibiotics of clinical use. Quorum Sensing (QS) systems coordinate bacterial populations and act as major regulatory mechanisms of pathogenesis in both pure cultures and poly-microbial communities. Disruption of QS systems, a phenomenon known as Quorum Quenching (QQ), represents a new promising paradigm for the design of novel antimicrobial strategies. In this context, we review the main advances in the field of QS in S. maltophilia by paying special attention to Diffusible Signal Factor (DSF) signaling, Acyl Homoserine Lactone (AHL) responses and the controversial Ax21 system. Advances in the DSF system include regulatory aspects of DSF synthesis and perception by both rpf-1 and rpf-2 variant systems, as well as their reciprocal communication. Interaction via DSF of S. maltophilia with unrelated organisms including bacteria, yeast and plants is also considered. Finally, an overview of the different QQ mechanisms involving S. maltophilia as quencher and as object of quenching is presented, revealing the potential of this species for use in QQ applications. This review provides a comprehensive snapshot of the interconnected QS network that S. maltophilia uses to sense and respond to its surrounding biotic or abiotic environment. Understanding such cooperative and competitive communication mechanisms is essential for the design of effective anti QS strategies.

A novel two-component system modulates quorum sensing and pathogenicity in Burkholderia cenocepacia

Quorum sensing (QS) is widely utilized by bacterial pathogens to regulate biological functions and pathogenicity. Recent evidence has shown that QS is subject to regulatory cascades, especially two-component systems that often respond to environmental stimulation. At least two different types of QS systems regulate pathogenesis in Burkholderia cenocepacia. However, it remains unclear how this bacterial pathogen controls these QS systems. Here, we demonstrate a novel two-component system RqpSR (Regulating Quorum sensing and Pathogenicity), which plays an important role in modulating QS and pathogenesis in B. cenocepacia. We demonstrate strong protein-protein binding affinity between RqpS and RqpR. Mutations in rqpS and rqpR exerted overlapping effects on B. cenocepacia transcriptomes and phenotypes, including motility, biofilm formation and virulence. In trans expression of rqpR rescued the defective phenotypes in the rqpS mutant. RqpR controls target gene expression by direct binding to DNA promoters, including the cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF) and N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) signal synthase gene promoters. These findings suggest that the RqpSR system strongly modulates physiology by forming a complicated hierarchy with QS systems. This type of two-component system appears to be widely distributed and coexists with the BDSF QS system in various bacterial species.

Microfluidics-based LC-MS MRM approach for the relative quantification of Burkholderia cenocepacia secreted virulence factors

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that is commonly isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Several virulence factors have been identified, including extracellular enzymes that are secreted by type II and type VI secretion systems. The activity of these secretion systems is modulated by quorum sensing. Apart from the classical acylhomoserine lactone quorum sensing, B. cenocepacia also uses the diffusible signal factor system (DSF) i.e. 2-undecenoic acid derivatives that are recognized by specific receptors resulting in changes in biofilm formation, motility and virulence. However, quantitative information on alterations in the actual production and release of virulence factors upon exposure to DSF is lacking. We here describe an approach implementing microfluidics based chromatography combined with single reaction monitoring to quantify protein virulence factors in the secretome of B. cenocepacia.

Identification of AHL- and BDSF-Controlled Proteins in Burkholderia cenocepacia by Proteomics

We used comparative proteome analysis to determine the target genes of the two quorum sensing (QS) circuits in the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia: the N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-based CepIR system and the BDSF (B urkholderia diffusible signal factor, cis-2-dodecenoic acid)-based RpfFR system. In this book chapter, we focus on the description of the practical procedure we currently use in the laboratory to perform a sensitive GeLC-MS/MS shotgun proteomics experiment; we also briefly describe the downstream bioinformatic data analysis.

Biological Functions of ilvC in Branched-Chain Fatty Acid Synthesis and Diffusible Signal Factor Family Production in Xanthomonas campestris

In bacteria, the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) is tightly associated with branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) synthetic pathways. Although previous studies have reported on BCFAs biosynthesis, more detailed associations between BCAAs metabolism and BCFAs biosynthesis remain to be addressed. In this study, we deleted the ilvC gene, which encodes ketol-acid reductoisomerase in the BCAAs synthetic pathway, from the Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) genome. We characterized gene functions in BCFAs biosynthesis and production of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family signals. Disruption of ilvC caused Xcc to become auxotrophic for valine and isoleucine, and lose the ability to synthesize BCFAs via carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, ilvC mutant reduced the ability to produce DSF-family signals, especially branched-chain DSF-family signals, which might be the main reason for Xcc reduction of pathogenesis toward host plants. In this report, we confirmed that BCFAs do not have major functions in acclimatizing Xcc cells to low temperatures.

Methods to Study Quorum Sensing-Dependent Virulence and Movement of Phytopathogens In Planta

Cell-to-cell communication mediated by the diffusible signal factor (DSF) is a common form of gene regulation and plays an important role in virulence of many plant pathogenic bacteria including Xanthomonas spp. Here we describe several approaches to study the involvement of DSF-dependent QS system of the plant pathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas campestris pv. pelargonii (Xhp) as an example of the Xanthomonas spp. The methods described include detection and measurement of DSF, movement in planta, colonization, and aggregate formation.

Mutation of the cyclic di-GMP phosphodiesterase gene in Burkholderia lata SK875 attenuates virulence and enhances biofilm formation

Burkholderia sp. is a gram-negative bacterium that commonly exists in the environment, and can cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans. Here, a transposon mutant library of a Burkholderia lata isolate from a pig with swine respiratory disease in Korea was screened for strains showing attenuated virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans. One such mutant was obtained, and the Tn5 insertion junction was mapped to rpfR, a gene encoding a cyclic di-GMP phosphodiesterase that functions as a receptor. Mutation of rpfR caused a reduction in growth on CPG agar and swimming motility as well as a rough colony morphology on Congo red agar. TLC analysis showed reduced AHL secretion, which was in agreement with the results from plate-based and bioluminescence assays. The mutant strain produced significantly more biofilm detected by crystal violet staining than the parent strain. SEM of the mutant strain clearly showed that the overproduced biofilm contained a filamentous structure. These results suggest that the cyclic di-GMP phosphodiesterase RpfR plays an important role in quorum sensing modulation of the bacterial virulence and biofilm formation.

Reclassification of the Specialized Metabolite Producer Pseudomonas mesoacidophila ATCC 31433 as a Member of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex

Pseudomonas mesoacidophila ATCC 31433 is a Gram-negative bacterium, first isolated from Japanese soil samples, that produces the monobactam isosulfazecin and the β-lactam-potentiating bulgecins. To characterize the biosynthetic potential of P. mesoacidophila ATCC 31433, its complete genome was determined using single-molecule real-time DNA sequence analysis. The 7.8-Mb genome comprised four replicons, three chromosomal (each encoding rRNA) and one plasmid. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that P. mesoacidophila ATCC 31433 was misclassified at the time of its deposition and is a member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, most closely related to Burkholderia ubonensis The sequenced genome shows considerable additional biosynthetic potential; known gene clusters for malleilactone, ornibactin, isosulfazecin, alkylhydroxyquinoline, and pyrrolnitrin biosynthesis and several uncharacterized biosynthetic gene clusters for polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, and other metabolites were identified. Furthermore, P. mesoacidophila ATCC 31433 harbors many genes associated with environmental resilience and antibiotic resistance and was resistant to a range of antibiotics and metal ions. In summary, this bioactive strain should be designated B. cepacia complex strain ATCC 31433, pending further detailed taxonomic characterization.IMPORTANCE This work reports the complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas mesoacidophila ATCC 31433, a known producer of bioactive compounds. Large numbers of both known and novel biosynthetic gene clusters were identified, indicating that P. mesoacidophila ATCC 31433 is an untapped resource for discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that P. mesoacidophila ATCC 31433 is in fact a member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, most closely related to the species Burkholderia ubonensis Further investigation of the classification and biosynthetic potential of P. mesoacidophila ATCC 31433 is warranted.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid Synthesis in the Gastric Pathogen Helicobacter pylori Proceeds via a Backtracking Mechanism

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that inhabits the upper gastrointestinal tract in humans, and the presence of this pathogen in the gut microbiome increases the risk of peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. H. pylori depends on unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) biosynthesis for maintaining membrane structure and function. Although some of the H. pylori enzymes involved in UFA biosynthesis are functionally homologous with the enzymes found in Escherichia coli, we show here that an enzyme HP0773, now annotated as FabX, uses an unprecedented backtracking mechanism to not only dehydrogenate decanoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) in a reaction that parallels that of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, the first enzyme of the fatty acid β-oxidation cycle, but also isomerizes trans-2-decenoyl-ACP to cis-3-decenoyl-ACP, the key UFA synthetic intermediate. Thus, FabX reverses the normal fatty acid synthesis cycle in H. pylori at the C10 stage. Overall, this unusual FabX activity may offer a broader explanation for how many bacteria that lack the canonical pathway enzymes produce UFA-containing phospholipids.

Xanthomonas campestris FabH is required for branched-chain fatty acid and DSF-family quorum sensing signal biosynthesis

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), a Gram-negative phytopathogenic bacterium, causes black rot disease of cruciferous vegetables. Although Xcc has a complex fatty acid profile comprised of straight-chain fatty acids and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), and encodes a complete set of genes required for fatty acid synthesis, there is still little known about the mechanism of BCFA synthesis. We reported that expression of Xcc fabH restores the growth of Ralstonia solanacearum fabH mutant, and this allows the R. solanacearum fabH mutant to produce BCFAs. Using in vitro assays, we demonstrated that Xcc FabH is able to condense branched-chain acyl-CoAs with malonyl-ACP to initiate BCFA synthesis. Moreover, although the fabH gene is essential for growth of Xcc, it can be replaced with Escherichia coli fabH, and Xcc mutants failed to produce BCFAs. These results suggest that Xcc does not have an obligatory requirement for BCFAs. Furthermore, Xcc mutants lost the ability to produce cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid, a diffusible signal factor (DSF) required for quorum sensing of Xcc, which confirms that the fatty acid synthetic pathway supplies the intermediates for DSF signal biosynthesis. Our study also showed that replacing Xcc fabH with E. coli fabH affected Xcc pathogenesis in host plants.

Promiscuous Diffusible Signal Factor Production and Responsiveness of the Xylella fastidiosa Rpf System

Cell density-dependent regulation of gene expression in Xylella fastidiosa that is crucial to its switching between plant hosts and insect vectors is dependent on RpfF and its production of 2-enoic acids known as diffusible signal factor (DSF). We show that X. fastidiosa produces a particularly large variety of similar, relatively long-chain-length 2-enoic acids that are active in modulating gene expression. Both X. fastidiosa itself and a Pantoea agglomerans surrogate host harboring X. fastidiosa RpfF (XfRpfF) is capable of producing a variety of both saturated and unsaturated free fatty acids. However, only 2-cis unsaturated acids were found to be biologically active in X. fastidiosa X. fastidiosa produces, and is particularly responsive to, a novel DSF species, 2-cis-hexadecanoic acid that we term XfDSF2. It is also responsive to other, even longer 2-enoic acids to which other taxa such as Xanthomonas campestris are unresponsive. The 2-enoic acids that are produced by X. fastidiosa are strongly affected by the cellular growth environment, with XfDSF2 not detected in culture media in which 2-tetradecenoic acid (XfDSF1) had previously been found. X. fastidiosa is responsive to much lower concentrations of XfDSF2 than XfDSF1. Apparently competitive interactions can occur between various saturated and unsaturated fatty acids that block the function of those agonistic 2-enoic fatty acids. By altering the particular 2-enoic acids produced and the relative balance of free enoic and saturated fatty acids, X. fastidiosa might modulate the extent of DSF-mediated quorum sensing.

IMPORTANCE

X. fastidiosa, having a complicated lifestyle in which it moves and multiplies within plants but also must be vectored by insects, utilizes DSF-based quorum sensing to partition the expression of traits needed for these two processes within different cells in this population based on local cellular density. The finding that it can produce a variety of DSF species in a strongly environmentally context-dependent manner provides insight into how it coordinates the many genes under the control of DSF signaling to successfully associate with its two hosts. Since the new DSF variant XfDSF2 described here is much more active than the previously recognized DSF species, it should contribute to plant disease control, given that the susceptibility of plants can be greatly reduced by artificially elevating the levels of DSF in plants, creating "pathogen confusion," resulting in lower virulence.

The Crystal Structure of Burkholderia cenocepacia DfsA Provides Insights into Substrate Recognition and Quorum Sensing Fatty Acid Biosynthesis

Burkholderia cenocepacia is a major concern among respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis patients. This pathogen is particularly difficult to treat because of its high level of resistance to the clinically relevant antimicrobial agents. In B. cenocepacia, the quorum sensing cell-cell communication system is involved in different processes that are important for bacterial virulence, such as biofilm formation and protease and siderophore production. Targeting the enzymes involved in this process represents a promising therapeutic approach. With the aim of finding effective quorum sensing inhibitors, we have determined the three-dimensional structure of B. cenocepacia diffusible factor synthase A, DfsA. This bifunctional crotonase (dehydratase/thioesterase) produces the characteristic quorum sensing molecule of B. cenocepacia, cis-2-dodecenoic acid or BDSF, starting from 3-hydroxydodecanoyl-acyl carrier protein. Unexpectedly, the crystal structure revealed the presence of a lipid molecule in the catalytic site of the enzyme, which was identified as dodecanoic acid. Our biochemical characterization shows that DfsA is able to use dodecanoyl-acyl carrier protein as a substrate, demonstrating that dodecanoic acid, the product of this reaction, is released very slowly from the DfsA active site, therefore acting as a DfsA inhibitor. This molecule shows an unprecedented conformational arrangement inside the DfsA active site. In contrast with previous hypotheses, our data illustrate how DfsA and closely related homologous enzymes can recognize long hydrophobic substrates without large conformational changes or assistance by additional regulator molecules. The elucidation of the substrate binding mode in DfsA provides the starting point for structure-based drug discovery studies targeting B. cenocepacia quorum sensing-assisted virulence.

The RpfB-Dependent Quorum Sensing Signal Turnover System Is Required for Adaptation and Virulence in Rice Bacterial Blight Pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the bacterial blight pathogen of rice, produces diffusible signal factor (DSF) family quorum sensing signals to regulate virulence. The biosynthesis and perception of DSF family signals require components of the rpf (regulation of pathogenicity factors) cluster. In this study, we report that RpfB plays an essential role in DSF family signal turnover in X. oryzae pv. oryzae PXO99A. The production of DSF family signals was boosted by deletion of the rpfB gene and was abolished by its overexpression. The RpfC/RpfG-mediated DSF signaling system negatively regulates rpfB expression via the global transcription regulator Clp, whose activity is reversible in the presence of cyclic diguanylate monophosphate. These findings indicate that the DSF family signal turnover system in PXO99A is generally consistent with that in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Moreover, this study has revealed several specific roles of RpfB in PXO99A. First, the rpfB deletion mutant produced high levels of DSF family signals but reduced extracellular polysaccharide production, extracellular amylase activity, and attenuated pathogenicity. Second, the rpfB/rpfC double-deletion mutant was partially deficient in xanthomonadin production. Taken together, the RpfB-dependent DSF family signal turnover system is a conserved and naturally presenting signal turnover system in Xanthomonas spp., which plays unique roles in X. oryzae pv. oryzae adaptation and pathogenesis.

Evidence for the widespread production of DSF family signal molecules by members of the genus Burkholderia by the aid of novel biosensors

Many bacteria employ cis-2-unsaturated fatty acids, referred to as DSF (diffusible signal factor) family signals, to communicate with each other. Such systems have been shown to control biofilm formation, motility, production of hydrolytic enzymes and expression of virulence factors. We report the construction of novel biosensors on the basis of components of the Burkholderia-DSF (BDSF) dependent circuitry of Burkholderia  cenocepacia H111 and evaluated their utility for detecting the production of DSF family signal molecules. We show that a luxAB-based biosensor responds to nM levels of synthetic BDSF and is suitable to detect a wide range of cis-2 fatty acid molecules. Using this biosensor we show that the production of DSF family molecules is widespread among members of the B. cepacia complex and demonstrate for the first time that DSF-based molecules are also produced by plant-associated Burkholderia species.

Going beyond the Control of Quorum-Sensing to Combat Biofilm Infections

Most bacteria attach to surfaces where they form a biofilm, cells embedded in a complex matrix of polymers. Cells in biofilms are much better protected against noxious agents than free-living cells. As a consequence it is very difficult to control pathogens with antibiotics in biofilm infections and novel targets are urgently needed. One approach aims at the communication between cells to form and to maintain a biofilm, a process called quorum-sensing. Water soluble small-sized molecules mediate this process and a number of antagonists of these compounds have been found. In this review natural compounds and synthetic drugs which do not interfere with the classical quorum-sensing compounds are discussed. For some of these compounds the targets are still not known, but others interfere with the formation of exopolysaccharides, virulence factors, or cell wall synthesis or they start an internal program of biofilm dispersal. Some of their targets are more conserved among pathogens than the receptors for quorum sensing autoinducers mediating quorum-sensing, enabling a broader application of the drug. The broad spectrum of mechanisms, the diversity of bioactive compounds, their activity against several targets, and the conservation of some targets among bacterial pathogens are promising aspects for several clinical applications of this type of biofilm-controlling compound in the future.

The DSF type quorum sensing signalling system RpfF/R regulates diverse phenotypes in the opportunistic pathogen Cronobacter

Several bacterial pathogens produce diffusible signal factor (DSF)-type quorum sensing (QS) signals to control biofilm formation and virulence. Previous work showed that in Burkholderia cenocepacia the RpfF_Bc/RpfR system is involved in sensing and responding to DSF signals and that this signal/sensor gene pair is highly conserved in several bacterial species including Cronobacter spp. Here we show that C. turicensis LMG 23827^T possesses a functional RpfF/R system that is involved in the regulation of various phenotypes, including colony morphology, biofilm formation and swarming motility. In vivo experiments using the zebrafish embryo model revealed a role of this regulatory system in virulence of this opportunistic pathogen. We provide evidence that the RpfF/R system modulates the intracellular c-di-GMP level of the organism, an effect that may underpin the alteration in phenotype and thus the regulated phenotypes may be a consequence thereof. This first report on an RpfF/R-type QS system of an organism outside the genus Burkholderia revealed that both the underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the regulated functions show a high degree of conservation.

Xanthomonas campestris cell-cell signalling molecule DSF (diffusible signal factor) elicits innate immunity in plants and is suppressed by the exopolysaccharide xanthan

Several secreted and surface-associated conserved microbial molecules are recognized by the host to mount the defence response. One such evolutionarily well-conserved bacterial process is the production of cell-cell signalling molecules which regulate production of multiple virulence functions by a process known as quorum sensing. Here it is shown that a bacterial fatty acid cell-cell signalling molecule, DSF (diffusible signal factor), elicits innate immunity in plants. The DSF family of signalling molecules are highly conserved among many phytopathogenic bacteria belonging to the genus Xanthomonas as well as in opportunistic animal pathogens. Using Arabidopsis, Nicotiana benthamiana, and rice as model systems, it is shown that DSF induces a hypersensitivity reaction (HR)-like response, programmed cell death, the accumulation of autofluorescent compounds, hydrogen peroxide production, and the expression of the PATHOGENESIS-RELATED1 (PR-1) gene. Furthermore, production of the DSF signalling molecule in Pseudomonas syringae, a non-DSF-producing plant pathogen, induces the innate immune response in the N. benthamiana host plant and also affects pathogen growth. By pre- and co-inoculation of DSF, it was demonstrated that the DSF-induced plant defence reduces disease severity and pathogen growth in the host plant. In this study, it was further demonstrated that wild-type Xanthomonas campestris suppresses the DSF-induced innate immunity by secreting xanthan, the main component of extracellular polysaccharide. The results indicate that plants have evolved to recognize a widely conserved bacterial communication system and may have played a role in the co-evolution of host recognition of the pathogen and the communication machinery.

Virulence and in planta movement of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. pelargonii are affected by the diffusible signal factor (DSF)-dependent quorum sensing system

Xanthomonas hortorum pv. pelargonii (Xhp), the causal agent of bacterial blight in pelargonium, is the most threatening bacterial disease of this ornamental worldwide. To gain an insight into the regulation of virulence in Xhp, we have disrupted the quorum sensing (QS) genes, which mediate the biosynthesis and sensing of the diffusible signal factor (DSF). Mutations in rpfF (encoding the DSF synthase) and rpfC (encoding the histidine sensor kinase of the two-component system RfpC/RpfG) and overexpression of rpfF showed a significant reduction in incidence and severity of the disease on pelargonium. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images of inoculated plants with a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labelled wild-type strain showed that the pathogen is homogeneously dispersed in the lumen of xylem vessels, reaching the apex and invading the intercellular spaces of the leaf mesophyll tissue within 21 days. In contrast, the rpfF and rpfC knockout mutants, as well as the rpfF-overexpressing strain, remained confined to the vicinity of the inoculation site. The rpfF and rpfC mutants formed large incoherent aggregates in the xylem vessels that might interfere with upward movement of the bacterium within the plant. Both mutants also formed extended aggregates under in vitro conditions, whereas the wild-type strain formed microcolonies. Expression levels of putative virulence genes in planta were substantially reduced within 48 h after inoculation with the QS mutants when compared with the wild-type. The results presented indicate that an optimal DSF concentration is crucial for successful colonization and virulence of Xhp in pelargonium.

Identification and characterization of naturally occurring DSF-family quorum sensing signal turnover system in the phytopathogen Xanthomonas

Molecules of the diffusible signal factor (DSF)-family are a class of quorum sensing (QS) signals used by the phytopathogens Xanthomonas. Studies during the last decade have outlined how Xanthomonas cells enter the QS phase. However, information on the mechanism underlying its exit from the QS phase is limited. RpfB has recently been reported as a fatty acyl-CoA ligase (FCL) that activates a wide range of fatty acids to their CoA esters in vitro. Here, we establish an improved quantification assay for DSF-family signals using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in X. campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). We first demonstrated that RpfB represents a naturally occurring DSF-family signal turnover system. RpfB effectively turns over DSF-family signals DSF and BDSF in vivo. RpfB FCL enzymatic activity is required for DSF and BDSF turnover. Deletion of rpfB slightly increased Xcc virulence in the Chinese radish and overexpression of rpfB significantly decreased virulence. We further showed that the expression of rpfB is growth phase-dependent, and its expression is significantly enhanced when Xcc cells enter the stationary phase. DSF regulates rpfB expression in a concentration-dependent manner. rpfB expression is also negatively regulated by the DSF signalling components RpfC, RpfG and Clp. The global transcription factor Clp directly binds to the AATGC-tgctgc-GCATC motif in the promoter region of rpfB to repress its expression. Finally, RpfB-dependent signal turnover system was detected in a wide range of bacterial species, suggesting that it is a conserved mechanism.

Ralstonia solanacearum RSp0194 Encodes a Novel 3-Keto-Acyl Carrier Protein Synthase III

Fatty acid synthesis (FAS), a primary metabolic pathway, is essential for survival of bacteria. Ralstonia solanacearum, a β-proteobacteria member, causes a bacterial wilt affecting more than 200 plant species, including many economically important plants. However, thus far, the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway of R. solanacearum has not been well studied. In this study, we characterized two forms of 3-keto-ACP synthase III, RsFabH and RsFabW, in R. solanacearum. RsFabH, the homologue of Escherichia coli FabH, encoded by the chromosomal RSc1050 gene, catalyzes the condensation of acetyl-CoA with malonyl-ACP in the initiation steps of fatty acid biosynthesis in vitro. The RsfabH mutant lost de novo fatty acid synthetic ability, and grows in medium containing free fatty acids. RsFabW, a homologue of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA3286, encoded by a megaplasmid gene, RSp0194, condenses acyl-CoA (C₂-CoA to C₁₀-CoA) with malonyl-ACP to produce 3-keto-acyl-ACP in vitro. Although the RsfabW mutant was viable, RsfabW was responsible for RsfabH mutant growth on medium containing free fatty acids. Our results also showed that RsFabW could condense acyl-ACP (C₄-ACP to C₈-ACP) with malonyl-ACP, to produce 3-keto-acyl-ACP in vitro, which implies that RsFabW plays a special role in fatty acid synthesis of R. solanacearum. All of these data confirm that R. solanacearum not only utilizes acetyl-CoA, but also, utilizes medium-chain acyl-CoAs or acyl-ACPs as primers to initiate fatty acid synthesis.

The Multiple DSF-family QS Signals are Synthesized from Carbohydrate and Branched-chain Amino Acids via the FAS Elongation Cycle

Members of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family are a novel class of quorum sensing (QS) signals in diverse Gram-negative bacteria. Although previous studies have identified RpfF as a key enzyme for the biosynthesis of DSF family signals, many questions in their biosynthesis remain to be addressed. In this study with the phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), we show that Xcc produces four DSF-family signals (DSF, BDSF, CDSF and IDSF) during cell culture, and that IDSF is a new functional signal characterized as cis-10-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid. Using a range of defined media, we further demonstrate that Xcc mainly produces BDSF in the presence of carbohydrates; leucine and valine are the primary precursor for DSF biosynthesis; isoleucine is the primary precursor for IDSF biosynthesis. Furthermore, our biochemical analyses show that the key DSF synthase RpfF has both thioesterase and dehydratase activities, and uses 3-hydroxydedecanoyl-ACP as a substrate to produce BDSF. Finally, our results show that the classic fatty acid synthesis elongation cycle is required for the biosynthesis of DSF-family signals. Taken all together, these findings establish a general biosynthetic pathway for the DSF-family quorum sensing signals.

Decoding the genetic and functional diversity of the DSF quorum-sensing system in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia uses the Diffusible Signal Factor (DSF) quorum sensing (QS) system to mediate intra- and inter-specific signaling and regulate virulence-related processes. The components of this system are encoded by the rpf cluster, with genes rpfF and rpfC encoding for the DSF synthase RpfF and sensor RpfC, respectively. Recently, we have shown that there exist two variants of the rpf cluster (rpf-1 and rpf-2), distinguishing two groups of S. maltophilia strains. Surprisingly, only rpf-1 strains produce detectable DSF, correlating with their ability to control biofilm formation, swarming motility and virulence. The evolutive advantage of acquiring two different rpf clusters, the phylogenetic time point and mechanism of this acquisition and the conditions that activate DSF production in rpf-2 strains, are however not known. Examination of this cluster in various species suggests that its variability originated most probably by genetic exchange between rhizosphere bacteria. We propose that rpf-2 variant strains make use of a strategy recently termed as "social cheating." Analysis of cellular and extracellular fatty acids (FAs) of strains E77 (rpf-1) and M30 (rpf-2) suggests that their RpfFs have also a thioesterase activity that facilitates the release of unspecific FAs to the medium in addition to DSF. Production of DSF in rpf-1 strains appears in fact to be modulated by some of these extracellular FAs in addition to other factors such as temperature and nutrients, while in rpf-2 strains DSF biosynthesis is derepressed only upon detection of DSF itself, suggesting that they require cohabitation with DSF-producer bacteria to activate their DSF regulatory machinery. Finally, we show that the mixed rpf-1/rpf-2 population presents synergism in DSF production and virulence capacity in an in vivo infection model. Recovery and quantification of DSF from co-infected animals correlates with the observed mortality rate.

The DSF Family of Cell-Cell Signals: An Expanding Class of Bacterial Virulence Regulators

Many pathogenic bacteria use cell–cell signaling systems involving the synthesis and perception of diffusible signal molecules to control virulence as a response to cell density or confinement to niches. Bacteria produce signals of diverse structural classes. Signal molecules of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family are cis-2-unsaturated fatty acids. The paradigm is cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), which controls virulence in this plant pathogen. Although DSF synthesis was thought to be restricted to the xanthomonads, it is now known that structurally related molecules are produced by the unrelated bacteria Burkholderia cenocepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, signaling involving these DSF family members contributes to bacterial virulence, formation of biofilms and antibiotic tolerance in these important human pathogens. Here we review the recent advances in understanding DSF signaling and its regulatory role in different bacteria. These advances include the description of the pathway/mechanism of DSF biosynthesis, identification of novel DSF synthases and new members of the DSF family, the demonstration of a diversity of DSF sensors to include proteins with a Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain and the description of some of the signal transduction mechanisms that impinge on virulence factor expression. In addition, we address the role of DSF family signals in interspecies signaling that modulates the behavior of other microorganisms. Finally, we consider a number of recently reported approaches for the control of bacterial virulence through the modulation of DSF signaling.

Global transcriptional analysis of Burkholderia pseudomallei high and low biofilm producers reveals insights into biofilm production and virulence

Background

Chronic bacterial infections occur as a result of the infecting pathogen’s ability to live within a biofilm, hence escaping the detrimental effects of antibiotics and the immune defense system. Burkholderia pseudomallei, a gram-negative facultative pathogen, is distinctive in its ability to survive within phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells, to persist in vivo for many years and subsequently leading to relapse as well as the development of chronic disease. The capacity to persist has been attributed to the pathogen’s ability to form biofilm. However, the underlying biology of B. pseudomallei biofilm development remains unresolved.

Results

We utilised RNA-Sequencing to identify genes that contribute to B. pseudomallei biofilm phenotype. Transcriptome analysis of a high and low biofilm producer identified 563 differentially regulated genes, implying that expression of ~9.5 % of the total B. pseudomallei gene content was altered during biofilm formation. Genes involved in surface-associated motility, surface composition and cell wall biogenesis were over-expressed and probably play a role in the initial attachment of biofilms. Up-regulation of genes related to two component signal transduction systems and a denitrification enzyme pathway suggest that the B. pseudomallei high biofilm producer is able to sense the surrounding environmental conditions and regulate the production of extracellular polymeric substance matrix, a hallmark of microbial biofilm formation.

Conclusions

The transcriptome profile described here provides the first comprehensive view of genes that contribute to the biofilm phenotype in B. pseudomallei.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1692-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The host plant metabolite glucose is the precursor of diffusible signal factor (DSF) family signals in Xanthomonas campestris

Plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris produces cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid (diffusible signal factor [DSF]) as a cell-cell communication signal to regulate biofilm dispersal and virulence factor production. Previous studies have demonstrated that DSF biosynthesis is dependent on the presence of RpfF, an enoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) hydratase, but the DSF synthetic mechanism and the influence of the host plant on DSF biosynthesis are still not clear. We show here that exogenous addition of host plant juice or ethanol extract to the growth medium of X. campestris pv. campestris could significantly boost DSF family signal production. It was subsequently revealed that X. campestris pv. campestris produces not only DSF but also BDSF (cis-2-dodecenoic acid) and another novel DSF family signal, which was designated DSF-II. BDSF was originally identified in Burkholderia cenocepacia to be involved in regulation of motility, biofilm formation, and virulence in B. cenocepacia. Functional analysis suggested that DSF-II plays a role equal to that of DSF in regulation of biofilm dispersion and virulence factor production in X. campestris pv. campestris. Furthermore, chromatographic separation led to identification of glucose as a specific molecule stimulating DSF family signal biosynthesis in X. campestris pv. campestris. (13)C-labeling experiments demonstrated that glucose acts as a substrate to provide a carbon element for DSF biosynthesis. The results of this study indicate that X. campestris pv. campestris could utilize a common metabolite of the host plant to enhance DSF family signal synthesis and therefore promote virulence.

Identification of a small molecule signaling factor that regulates the biosynthesis of the antifungal polycyclic tetramate macrolactam HSAF in Lysobacter enzymogenes

Lysobacter species are emerging as new sources of antibiotics. The regulation of these antibiotics is not well understood. Here, we identified a small molecule metabolite (LeDSF3) that regulates the biosynthesis of the antifungal antibiotic heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF), a polycyclic tetramate macrolactam with a structure and mode of action distinct from the existing antifungal drugs. LeDSF3 was isolated from the culture broth of Lysobacter enzymogenes, and its chemical structure was established by NMR and MS. The purified compound induced green fluorescence in a reporter strain of Xanthomonas campestris, which contained a gfp gene under the control of a diffusible signaling factor (DSF)-inducible promoter. Exogenous addition of LeDSF3 in L. enzymogenes cultures significantly increased the HSAF yield, the transcription of HSAF biosynthetic genes, and the antifungal activity of the organism. The LeDSF3-regulated HSAF production is dependent on the two-component regulatory system RpfC/RpfG. Moreover, LeDSF3 upregulated the expression of the global regulator cAMP receptor-like protein (Clp). The disruption of clp led to no HSAF production. Together, the results show that LeDSF3 is a fatty acid-derived, diffusible signaling factor positively regulating HSAF biosynthesis and that the signaling is mediated by the RfpC/RpfG-Clp pathway. These findings may facilitate the antibiotic production through applied genetics and molecular biotechnology in Lysobacter, a group of ubiquitous yet underexplored microorganisms.

Xanthomonas campestris RpfB is a fatty Acyl-CoA ligase required to counteract the thioesterase activity of the RpfF diffusible signal factor (DSF) synthase

In Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), the proteins encoded by the rpf (regulator of pathogenicity factor) gene cluster produce and sense a fatty acid signal molecule called diffusible signalling factor (DSF, 2(Z)-11-methyldodecenoic acid). RpfB was reported to be involved in DSF processing and was predicted to encode an acyl-CoA ligase. We report that RpfB activates a wide range of fatty acids to their CoA esters in vitro. Moreover, RpfB can functionally replace the paradigm bacterial acyl-CoA ligase, Escherichia coli FadD, in the E. coli ß-oxidation pathway and deletion of RpfB from the Xcc genome results in a strain unable to utilize fatty acids as carbon sources. An essential RpfB function in the pathogenicity factor pathway was demonstrated by the properties of a strain deleted for both the rpfB and rpfC genes. The ΔrpfB ΔrpfC strain grew poorly and lysed upon entering stationary phase. Deletion of rpfF, the gene encoding the DSF synthetic enzyme, restored normal growth to this strain. RpfF is a dual function enzyme that synthesizes DSF by dehydration of a 3-hydroxyacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) fatty acid synthetic intermediate and also cleaves the thioester bond linking DSF to ACP. However, the RpfF thioesterase activity is of broad specificity and upon elimination of its RpfC inhibitor RpfF attains maximal activity and its thioesterase activity proceeds to block membrane lipid synthesis by cleavage of acyl-ACP intermediates. This resulted in release of the nascent acyl chains to the medium as free fatty acids. This lack of acyl chains for phospholipid synthesis results in cell lysis unless RpfB is present to counteract the RpfF thioesterase activity by catalysing uptake and activation of the free fatty acids to give acyl-CoAs that can be utilized to restore membrane lipid synthesis. Heterologous expression of a different fatty acid activating enzyme, the Vibrio harveyi acyl-ACP synthetase, replaced RpfB in counteracting the effects of high level RpfF thioesterase activity indicating that the essential role of RpfB is uptake and activation of free fatty acids.