1
|
Saïdi F, Mahanta U, Panda A, Kezzo AA, Jolivet NY, Bitazar R, John G, Martinez M, Mellouk A, Calmettes C, Chang YW, Sharma G, Islam ST. Bacterial Outer Membrane Polysaccharide Export (OPX) Proteins Occupy Three Structural Classes with Selective β-Barrel Porin Requirements for Polymer Secretion. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0129022. [PMID: 36200915 PMCID: PMC9603273 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01290-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Secretion of high-molecular-weight polysaccharides across the bacterial envelope is ubiquitous, as it enhances prokaryotic survival in (a)biotic settings. Such polymers are often assembled by Wzx/Wzy- or ABC transporter-dependent schemes implicating outer membrane (OM) polysaccharide export (OPX) proteins in cell-surface polymer translocation. In the social predatory bacterium Myxococcus xanthus, the exopolysaccharide (EPS) pathway WzaX, major spore coat (MASC) pathway WzaS, and biosurfactant polysaccharide (BPS) pathway WzaB were herein found to be truncated OPX homologues of Escherichia coli Wza lacking OM-spanning α-helices. Comparative genomics across all bacteria (>91,000 OPX proteins identified and analyzed), complemented with cryo-electron tomography cell-envelope analyses, revealed such "truncated" WzaX/S/B architecture to be the most common among three defined OPX-protein structural classes independent of periplasm thickness. Fold recognition and deep learning revealed the conserved M. xanthus proteins MXAN_7418/3226/1916 (encoded beside wzaX/S/B, respectively) to be integral OM β-barrels, with structural homology to the poly-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine synthase-dependent pathway porin PgaA. Such bacterial porins were identified near numerous genes for all three OPX protein classes. Interior MXAN_7418/3226/1916 β-barrel electrostatics were found to match properties of their associated polymers. With MXAN_3226 essential for MASC export, and MXAN_7418 herein shown to mediate EPS translocation, we have designated this new secretion machinery component "Wzp" (i.e., Wz porin), with the final step of M. xanthus EPS/MASC/BPS secretion across the OM now proposed to be mediated by WzpX/S/B (i.e., MXAN_7418/3226/1916). Importantly, these data support a novel and widespread secretion paradigm for polysaccharide biosynthesis pathways in which those containing OPX components that cannot span the OM instead utilize β-barrel porins to mediate polysaccharide transport across the OM. IMPORTANCE Diverse bacteria assemble and secrete polysaccharides that alter their physiologies through modulation of motility, biofilm formation, and host immune system evasion. Most such pathways require outer membrane (OM) polysaccharide export (OPX) proteins for sugar-polymer transport to the cell surface. In the prototypic Escherichia coli Group-1-capsule biosynthesis system, eight copies of this canonical OPX protein cross the OM with an α-helix, forming a polysaccharide-export pore. Herein, we instead reveal that most OPX proteins across all bacteria lack this α-helix, raising questions as to the manner by which most secreted polysaccharides actually exit cells. In the model developmental bacterium Myxococcus xanthus, we show this process to depend on OPX-coupled OM-spanning β-barrel porins, with similar porins encoded near numerous OPX genes in diverse bacteria. Knowledge of the terminal polysaccharide secretion step will enable development of antimicrobial compounds targeted to blocking polymer export from outside the cell, thus bypassing any requirements for antimicrobial compound uptake by the cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fares Saïdi
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Utkarsha Mahanta
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Adyasha Panda
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ahmad A. Kezzo
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Y. Jolivet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Razieh Bitazar
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gavin John
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew Martinez
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abdelkader Mellouk
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles Calmettes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yi-Wei Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Salim T. Islam
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bacterial Glycocalyx Integrity Impacts Tolerance of Myxococcus xanthus to Antibiotics and Oxidative-Stress Agents. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040571. [PMID: 35454160 PMCID: PMC9029694 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of an exopolysaccharide (EPS) layer surrounding bacterial cells, termed a “glycocalyx”, confers protection against toxic molecules. However, the effect of glycocalyx integrity on the tolerance to such agents is poorly understood. Using a modified disc-diffusion assay, we tested the susceptibility to a panel of antibiotics and oxidative stress-inducing compounds of various mutant strains of the social predatory Gram-negative soil bacterium Myxococcus xanthus; the selected mutants were those that manifest different physical states of their respective EPS glycocalyces. While the overall presence of an EPS layer was indeed beneficial for tolerance, the integrity of this layer was also found to affect the susceptibility of the bacterium to killing; however, this finding was not universal, and instead was dependent on the specific compound tested. Thus, the integrity of the cell-surface EPS glycocalyx plays an important role in the tolerance of M. xanthus to harmful compounds.
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Biosynthesis of many important polysaccharides (including peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharide, and N-linked glycans) necessitates the transport of lipid-linked oligosaccharides (LLO) across membranes from their cytosolic site of synthesis to their sites of utilization. Much of our current understanding of LLO transport comes from genetic, biochemical, and structural studies of the multidrug/oligosaccharidyl-lipid/polysaccharide (MOP) superfamily protein MurJ, which flips the peptidoglycan precursor lipid II. MurJ plays a pivotal role in bacterial cell wall synthesis and is an emerging antibiotic target. Here, we review the mechanism of LLO flipping by MurJ, including the structural basis for lipid II flipping and ion coupling. We then discuss inhibition of MurJ by antibacterials, including humimycins and the phage M lysis protein, as well as how studies on MurJ could provide insight into other flippases, both within and beyond the MOP superfamily. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 91 is June 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvin C Y Kuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA; .,Current affiliation: Signature Research Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Aili Hao
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saïdi F, Jolivet NY, Lemon DJ, Nakamura A, Belgrave AM, Garza AG, Veyrier FJ, Islam ST. Bacterial glycocalyx integrity drives multicellular swarm biofilm dynamism. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:1151-1172. [PMID: 34455651 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Exopolysaccharide (EPS) layers on the bacterial cell surface are key determinants of biofilm establishment and maintenance, leading to the formation of higher-order 3D structures that confer numerous survival benefits to a cell community. In addition to a specific cell-associated EPS glycocalyx, we recently revealed that the social δ-proteobacterium Myxococcus xanthus secretes a novel biosurfactant polysaccharide (BPS) to the extracellular milieu. Together, secretion of the two polymers (EPS and BPS) is required for type IV pilus (T4P)-dependent swarm expansion via spatio-specific biofilm expression profiles. Thus the synergy between EPS and BPS secretion somehow modulates the multicellular lifecycle of M. xanthus. Herein, we demonstrate that BPS secretion functionally alters the EPS glycocalyx via destabilization of the latter, fundamentally changing the characteristics of the cell surface. This impacts motility behaviors at the single-cell level and the aggregative capacity of cells in groups via cell-surface EPS fibril formation as well as T4P production, stability, and positioning. These changes modulate the structure of swarm biofilms via cell layering, likely contributing to the formation of internal swarm polysaccharide architecture. Together, these data reveal the manner by which the combined secretion of two distinct polymers induces single-cell changes that modulate swarm biofilm communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fares Saïdi
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada.,PROTEO, The Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Y Jolivet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada.,PROTEO, The Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - David J Lemon
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Arnaldo Nakamura
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Akeisha M Belgrave
- Integrated Sciences Program, Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anthony G Garza
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Frédéric J Veyrier
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Salim T Islam
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada.,PROTEO, The Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caffalette CA, Kuklewicz J, Spellmon N, Zimmer J. Biosynthesis and Export of Bacterial Glycolipids. Annu Rev Biochem 2020; 89:741-768. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-011520-104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Complex carbohydrates are essential for many biological processes, from protein quality control to cell recognition, energy storage, and cell wall formation. Many of these processes are performed in topologically extracellular compartments or on the cell surface; hence, diverse secretion systems evolved to transport the hydrophilic molecules to their sites of action. Polyprenyl lipids serve as ubiquitous anchors and facilitators of these transport processes. Here, we summarize and compare bacterial biosynthesis pathways relying on the recognition and transport of lipid-linked complex carbohydrates. In particular, we compare transporters implicated in O antigen and capsular polysaccharide biosyntheses with those facilitating teichoic acid and N-linked glycan transport. Further, we discuss recent insights into the generation, recognition, and recycling of polyprenyl lipids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Caffalette
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Jeremi Kuklewicz
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Nicholas Spellmon
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Jochen Zimmer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Islam ST, Vergara Alvarez I, Saïdi F, Guiseppi A, Vinogradov E, Sharma G, Espinosa L, Morrone C, Brasseur G, Guillemot JF, Benarouche A, Bridot JL, Ravicoularamin G, Cagna A, Gauthier C, Singer M, Fierobe HP, Mignot T, Mauriello EMF. Modulation of bacterial multicellularity via spatio-specific polysaccharide secretion. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000728. [PMID: 32516311 PMCID: PMC7310880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of multicellularity is a key evolutionary transition allowing for differentiation of physiological functions across a cell population that confers survival benefits; among unicellular bacteria, this can lead to complex developmental behaviors and the formation of higher-order community structures. Herein, we demonstrate that in the social δ-proteobacterium Myxococcus xanthus, the secretion of a novel biosurfactant polysaccharide (BPS) is spatially modulated within communities, mediating swarm migration as well as the formation of multicellular swarm biofilms and fruiting bodies. BPS is a type IV pilus (T4P)-inhibited acidic polymer built of randomly acetylated β-linked tetrasaccharide repeats. Both BPS and exopolysaccharide (EPS) are produced by dedicated Wzx/Wzy-dependent polysaccharide-assembly pathways distinct from that responsible for spore-coat assembly. While EPS is preferentially produced at the lower-density swarm periphery, BPS production is favored in the higher-density swarm interior; this is consistent with the former being known to stimulate T4P retraction needed for community expansion and a function for the latter in promoting initial cell dispersal. Together, these data reveal the central role of secreted polysaccharides in the intricate behaviors coordinating bacterial multicellularity. A study of the social bacterium Myxococcus xanthus reveals that the bacteria preferentially secrete specific polysaccharides within distinct zones of a swarm to facilitate spreading across a surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salim T. Islam
- Armand Frappier Health & Biotechnology Research Centre, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Québec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
- * E-mail: (STI); (EMFM)
| | - Israel Vergara Alvarez
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Fares Saïdi
- Armand Frappier Health & Biotechnology Research Centre, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Québec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Annick Guiseppi
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Evgeny Vinogradov
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California–Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Electronic City, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Leon Espinosa
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Castrese Morrone
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Gael Brasseur
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Gokulakrishnan Ravicoularamin
- Armand Frappier Health & Biotechnology Research Centre, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Alain Cagna
- Teclis Scientific, Civrieux d’Azergue, France
| | - Charles Gauthier
- Armand Frappier Health & Biotechnology Research Centre, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Mitchell Singer
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California–Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Henri-Pierre Fierobe
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Tâm Mignot
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Emilia M. F. Mauriello
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, CNRS–Université Aix-Marseille UMR, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
- * E-mail: (STI); (EMFM)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kuk ACY, Hao A, Guan Z, Lee SY. Visualizing conformation transitions of the Lipid II flippase MurJ. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1736. [PMID: 30988294 PMCID: PMC6465408 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09658-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The biosynthesis of many polysaccharides, including bacterial peptidoglycan and eukaryotic N-linked glycans, requires transport of lipid-linked oligosaccharide (LLO) precursors across the membrane by specialized flippases. MurJ is the flippase for the lipid-linked peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II, a key player in bacterial cell wall synthesis, and a target of recently discovered antibacterials. However, the flipping mechanism of LLOs including Lipid II remains poorly understood due to a dearth of structural information. Here we report crystal structures of MurJ captured in inward-closed, inward-open, inward-occluded and outward-facing conformations. Together with mutagenesis studies, we elucidate the conformational transitions in MurJ that mediate lipid flipping, identify the key ion for function, and provide a framework for the development of inhibitors. MurJ is the flippase for the lipid-linked peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II, a key player in bacterial cell wall synthesis, but the flipping mechanism remains poorly understood. Here authors report crystal structures of MurJ in different conformations which shed light on the MurJ transitions that mediate lipid flipping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvin C Y Kuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, 303 Research Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Aili Hao
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, 303 Research Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Ziqiang Guan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, 303 Research Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, 303 Research Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zimmer J. Structural features underlying recognition and translocation of extracellular polysaccharides. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20180060. [PMID: 30842868 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Essentially all living systems produce complex carbohydrates as an energy source, structural component, protective coat or adhesive for cell attachment. Many polysaccharides are displayed on the cell surface or are threaded through proteinaceous tunnels for degradation. Dictated by their chemical composition and mode of polymerization, the physical properties of complex carbohydrates differ substantially, from amphipathic water-insoluble polymers to highly hydrated hydrogel-forming macromolecules. Accordingly, diverse recognition and translocation mechanisms evolved to transport polysaccharides to their final destinations. This review will summarize and compare diverse polysaccharide transport mechanisms implicated in the biosynthesis and degradation of cell surface polymers in pro- and eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Zimmer
- University of Virginia, 480 Ray C. Hunt Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sham LT, Zheng S, Yakhnina AA, Kruse AC, Bernhardt TG. Loss of specificity variants of WzxC suggest that substrate recognition is coupled with transporter opening in MOP-family flippases. Mol Microbiol 2018; 109:633-641. [PMID: 29907971 PMCID: PMC6181778 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria produce a variety of surface-exposed polysaccharides important for cell integrity, biofilm formation and evasion of the host immune response. Synthesis of these polymers often involves the assembly of monomer oligosaccharide units on the lipid carrier undecaprenyl-phosphate at the inner face of the cytoplasmic membrane. For many polymers, including cell wall peptidoglycan, the lipid-linked precursors must be transported across the membrane by flippases to facilitate polymerization at the membrane surface. Flippase activity for this class of polysaccharides is most often attributed to MOP (Multidrug/Oligosaccharidyl-lipid/Polysaccharide) family proteins. Little is known about how this ubiquitous class of transporters identifies and translocates its cognate precursor over the many different types of lipid-linked oligosaccharides produced by a given bacterial cell. To investigate the specificity determinants of MOP proteins, we selected for variants of the WzxC flippase involved in Escherichia coli capsule (colanic acid) synthesis that can substitute for the essential MurJ MOP-family protein and promote transport of cell wall peptidoglycan precursors. Variants with substitutions predicted to destabilize the inward-open conformation of WzxC lost substrate specificity and supported both capsule and peptidoglycan synthesis. Our results thus suggest that specific substrate recognition by a MOP transporter normally destabilizes the inward-open state, promoting transition to the outward-open conformation and concomitant substrate translocation. Furthermore, the ability of WzxC variants to suppress MurJ inactivation provides strong support for the designation of MurJ as the flippase for peptidoglycan precursors, the identity of which has been controversial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lok To Sham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545
| | - Sanduo Zheng
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | | | - Andrew C. Kruse
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Thomas G. Bernhardt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Progress in Our Understanding of Wzx Flippase for Translocation of Bacterial Membrane Lipid-Linked Oligosaccharide. J Bacteriol 2017; 200:JB.00154-17. [PMID: 28696276 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00154-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocation of lipid-linked oligosaccharides is a common theme across prokaryotes and eukaryotes. For bacteria, such activity is used in cell wall construction, polysaccharide synthesis, and the relatively recently discovered protein glycosylation. To the best of our knowledge, the Gram-negative inner membrane flippase Wzx was the first protein identified as being involved in oligosaccharide translocation, and yet we still have only a limited understanding of this protein after 3 decades of research. At present, Wzx is known to be a multitransmembrane protein with enormous sequence diversity that flips oligosaccharide substrates with varied degrees of preference. In this review, we provide an overview of the major findings for this protein, with a particular focus on substrate preference.
Collapse
|
11
|
Marczak M, Mazur A, Koper P, Żebracki K, Skorupska A. Synthesis of Rhizobial Exopolysaccharides and Their Importance for Symbiosis with Legume Plants. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E360. [PMID: 29194398 PMCID: PMC5748678 DOI: 10.3390/genes8120360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhizobia dwell and multiply in the soil and represent a unique group of bacteria able to enter into a symbiotic interaction with plants from the Fabaceae family and fix atmospheric nitrogen inside de novo created plant organs, called nodules. One of the key determinants of the successful interaction between these bacteria and plants are exopolysaccharides, which represent species-specific homo- and heteropolymers of different carbohydrate units frequently decorated by non-carbohydrate substituents. Exopolysaccharides are typically built from repeat units assembled by the Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathway, where individual subunits are synthesized in conjunction with the lipid anchor undecaprenylphosphate (und-PP), due to the activity of glycosyltransferases. Complete oligosaccharide repeat units are transferred to the periplasmic space by the activity of the Wzx flippase, and, while still being anchored in the membrane, they are joined by the polymerase Wzy. Here we have focused on the genetic control over the process of exopolysaccharides (EPS) biosynthesis in rhizobia, with emphasis put on the recent advancements in understanding the mode of action of the key proteins operating in the pathway. A role played by exopolysaccharide in Rhizobium-legume symbiosis, including recent data confirming the signaling function of EPS, is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Marczak
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Mazur
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Piotr Koper
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Kamil Żebracki
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Anna Skorupska
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sachdeva S, Palur RV, Sudhakar KU, Rathinavelan T. E. coli Group 1 Capsular Polysaccharide Exportation Nanomachinary as a Plausible Antivirulence Target in the Perspective of Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:70. [PMID: 28217109 PMCID: PMC5290995 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria evolving resistance against the action of multiple drugs and its ability to disseminate the multidrug resistance trait(s) across various strains of the same bacteria or different bacterial species impose serious threat to public health. Evolution of such multidrug resistance is due to the fact that, most of the antibiotics target bacterial survival mechanisms which exert selective pressure on the bacteria and aids them to escape from the action of antibiotics. Nonetheless, targeting bacterial virulence strategies such as bacterial surface associated polysaccharides biosynthesis and their surface accumulation mechanisms may be an attractive strategy, as they impose less selective pressure on the bacteria. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) or K-antigen that is located on the bacterial surface armors bacteria from host immune response. Thus, unencapsulating bacteria would be a good strategy for drug design, besides CPS itself being a good vaccine target, by interfering with CPS biosynthesis and surface assembly pathway. Gram-negative Escherichia coli uses Wzy-polymerase dependent (Groups 1 and 4) and ATP dependent (Groups 1 and 3) pathways for CPS production. Considering E. coli as a case in point, this review explains the structure and functional roles of proteins involved in Group 1 Wzy dependent CPS biosynthesis, surface expression and anchorage in relevance to drug and vaccine developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivangi Sachdeva
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad Kandi, India
| | - Raghuvamsi V Palur
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad Kandi, India
| | - Karpagam U Sudhakar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad Kandi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mann E, Whitfield C. A widespread three-component mechanism for the periplasmic modification of bacterial glycoconjugates. CAN J CHEM 2016. [DOI: 10.1139/cjc-2015-0594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The diverse structures of bacterial glycoconjugates are generally established during the early stages of synthesis by the activities of nucleotide sugar-dependent glycosyltransferases active in the cytoplasm. However, in some cases, further modifications of varying complexity occur after the glycoconjugate is exported to the periplasm. These processes are distinguished by the involvement of polyprenyl monosphosphoryl donors and require glycosyltransferases possessing GT-C folds. Established prototypes are found in modifications of some bacterial lipopolysaccharides, where 4-amino-4-deoxy-l-arabinose is added to lipid A and glucose side branches are used to modify O-antigens. Here we review the current understanding of these systems and describe similarities to other periplasmic glycan modifications in bacteria and the N-glycosylation pathway for assembly of eukaryotic glycoproteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan Mann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Chris Whitfield
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ruiz N. Filling holes in peptidoglycan biogenesis of Escherichia coli. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 34:1-6. [PMID: 27449418 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The peptidoglycan cell wall is an essential mesh-like structure in most bacteria. It is built outside the cytoplasmic membrane by polymerizing a disaccharide-pentapeptide into glycan chains that are crosslinked by peptides. The disaccharide-pentapeptide is synthetized as a lipid-linked precursor called lipid II, which is exported across the cytoplasmic membrane so that synthases can make new glycan chains. Growth of the peptidoglycan wall requires careful balancing of synthesis of glycan chains and hydrolysis of the preexisting structure to allow incorporation of new material. Recent studies in Escherichia coli have advanced our understanding of lipid II translocation across the membrane and how synthases are regulated to ensure proper envelope growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natividad Ruiz
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Functional and bioinformatics analysis of an exopolysaccharide-related gene (epsN) from Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3. Arch Microbiol 2016; 198:611-8. [PMID: 27084765 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-016-1217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel lactic acid bacteria strain Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3 exhibited the characteristics of high production of exopolysaccharide (EPS). The epsN gene, located in the eps gene cluster of this strain, is associated with EPS biosynthesis. Bioinformatics analysis of this gene was performed. The conserved domain analysis showed that the EpsN protein contained MATE-Wzx-like domains. Then the epsN gene was amplified to construct the recombinant expression vector pMG36e-epsN. The results showed that the EPS yields of the recombinants were significantly improved. By determining the yields of EPS and intracellular polysaccharide, it was considered that epsN gene could play its Wzx flippase role in the EPS biosynthesis. This is the first time to prove the effect of EpsN on L. kefiranofaciens EPS biosynthesis and further prove its functional property.
Collapse
|
16
|
Taylor VL, Hoage JFJ, Thrane SW, Huszczynski SM, Jelsbak L, Lam JS. A Bacteriophage-Acquired O-Antigen Polymerase (Wzyβ) from P. aeruginosa Serotype O16 Performs a Varied Mechanism Compared to Its Cognate Wzyα. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:393. [PMID: 27065964 PMCID: PMC4815439 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium that produces highly varied lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structures. The O antigen (O-Ag) in the LPS is synthesized through the Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathway where lipid-linked O-Ag repeats are polymerized by Wzy. Horizontal-gene transfer has been associated with O-Ag diversity. The O-Ag present on the surface of serotypes O5 and O16, differ in the intra-molecular bonds, α and β, respectively; the latter arose from the action of three genes in a serotype converting unit acquired from bacteriophage D3, including a β-polymerase (Wzyβ). To further our understanding of O-polymerases, the inner membrane (IM) topology of Wzyβ was determined using a dual phoA-lacZα reporter system wherein random 3′ gene truncations were localized to specific loci with respect to the IM by normalized reporter activities as determined through the ratio of alkaline phosphatase activity to β-galactosidase activity. The topology of Wzyβ developed through this approach was shown to contain two predominant periplasmic loops, PL3 (containing an RX10G motif) and PL4 (having an O-Ag ligase superfamily motif), associated with inverting glycosyltransferase reaction. Through site-directed mutagenesis and complementation assays, residues Arg254, Arg270, Arg272, and His300 were found to be essential for Wzyβ function. Additionally, like-charge substitutions, R254K and R270K, could not complement the wzyβ knockout, highlighting the essential guanidium side group of Arg residues. The O-Ag ligase domain is conserved among heterologous Wzy proteins that produce β-linked O-Ag repeat units. Taking advantage of the recently obtained whole-genome sequence of serotype O16 a candidate promoter was identified. Wzyβ under its native promoter was integrated in the PAO1 genome, which resulted in simultaneous production of α- and β-linked O-Ag. These observations established that members of Wzy-like family consistently exhibit a dual-periplasmic loops topology, and identifies motifs that are plausible to be involved in enzymatic activities. Based on these results, the phage-derived Wzyβ utilizes a different reaction mechanism in the P. aeruginosa host to avoid self-inhibition during serotype conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Véronique L Taylor
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jesse F J Hoage
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Steven M Huszczynski
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Lars Jelsbak
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Joseph S Lam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph Guelph, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ruiz N. Lipid Flippases for Bacterial Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis. Lipid Insights 2016; 8:21-31. [PMID: 26792999 PMCID: PMC4714577 DOI: 10.4137/lpi.s31783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The biosynthesis of cellular polysaccharides and glycoconjugates often involves lipid-linked intermediates that need to be translocated across membranes. Essential pathways such as N-glycosylation in eukaryotes and biogenesis of the peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall in bacteria share a common strategy where nucleotide-sugars are used to build a membrane-bound oligosaccharide precursor that is linked to a phosphorylated isoprenoid lipid. Once made, these lipid-linked intermediates must be translocated across a membrane so that they can serve as substrates in a different cellular compartment. How translocation occurs is poorly understood, although it clearly requires a transporter or flippase. Identification of these transporters is notoriously difficult, and, in particular, the identity of the flippase of lipid II, an intermediate required for PG biogenesis, has been the subject of much debate. Here, I will review the body of work that has recently fueled this controversy, centered on proposed flippase candidates FtsW, MurJ, and AmJ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natividad Ruiz
- Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Islam ST, Mignot T. The mysterious nature of bacterial surface (gliding) motility: A focal adhesion-based mechanism in Myxococcus xanthus. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 46:143-54. [PMID: 26520023 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Motility of bacterial cells promotes a range of important physiological phenomena such as nutrient detection, harm avoidance, biofilm formation, and pathogenesis. While much research has been devoted to the mechanism of bacterial swimming in liquid via rotation of flagellar filaments, the mechanisms of bacterial translocation across solid surfaces are poorly understood, particularly when cells lack external appendages such as rotary flagella and/or retractile type IV pili. Under such limitations, diverse bacteria at the single-cell level are still able to "glide" across solid surfaces, exhibiting smooth translocation of the cell along its long axis. Though multiple gliding mechanisms have evolved in different bacterial classes, most remain poorly characterized. One exception is the gliding motility mechanism used by the Gram-negative social predatory bacterium Myxococcus xanthus. The available body of research suggests that M. xanthus gliding motility is mediated by trafficked multi-protein (Glt) cell envelope complexes, powered by proton-driven flagellar stator homologues (Agl). Through coupling to the substratum via polysaccharide slime, Agl-Glt assemblies can become fixed relative to the substratum, forming a focal adhesion site. Continued directional transport of slime-associated substratum-fixed Agl-Glt complexes would result in smooth forward movement of the cell. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive synthesis of the latest mechanistic and structural data for focal adhesion-mediated gliding motility in M. xanthus, with emphasis on the role of each Agl and Glt protein. Finally, we have also highlighted the possible connection between the motility complex and a new type of spore coat assembly system, suggesting that gliding and cell envelope synthetic complexes are evolutionarily linked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salim T Islam
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Tâm Mignot
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
GtrA Protein Rv3789 Is Required for Arabinosylation of Arabinogalactan in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Bacteriol 2015; 197:3686-97. [PMID: 26369580 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00628-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Mycobacterium tuberculosis possesses a thick and highly hydrophobic cell wall principally composed of a mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan complex, which is critical for survival and virulence. DprE1 is a well-characterized component of decaprenyl-phospho-ribose epimerase, which produces decaprenyl-phospho-arabinose (DPA) for the biosynthesis of mycobacterial arabinans. Upstream of dprE1 lies rv3789, which encodes a short transmembrane protein of the GtrA family, whose members are often involved in the synthesis of cell surface polysaccharides. We demonstrate that rv3789 and dprE1 are cotranscribed from a common transcription start site situated 64 bp upstream of rv3789. Topology mapping revealed four transmembrane domains in Rv3789 and a cytoplasmic C terminus consistent with structural models built using analysis of sequence coevolution. To investigate its role, we generated an unmarked rv3789 deletion mutant in M. tuberculosis. The mutant was characterized by impaired growth and abnormal cell morphology, since the cells were shorter and more swollen than wild-type cells. This phenotype likely stems from the decreased incorporation of arabinan into arabinogalactan and was accompanied by an accumulation of DPA. A role for Rv3789 in arabinan biosynthesis was further supported by its interaction with the priming arabinosyltransferase AftA, as demonstrated by a two-hybrid approach. Taken together, the data suggest that Rv3789 does not act as a DPA flippase but, rather, recruits AftA for arabinogalactan biosynthesis. IMPORTANCE Upstream of the essential dprE1 gene, encoding a key enzyme of the decaprenyl phospho-arabinose (DPA) pathway, lies rv3789, coding for a short transmembrane protein of unknown function. In this study, we demonstrated that rv3789 and dprE1 are cotranscribed from a common transcription start site located 64 bp upstream of rv3789 in M. tuberculosis. Furthermore, the deletion of rv3789 led to a reduction in arabinan content and to an accumulation of DPA, confirming that Rv3789 plays a role in arabinan biosynthesis. Topology mapping, structural modeling, and protein interaction studies suggest that Rv3789 acts as an anchor protein recruiting AftA, the first arabinosyl transferase. This investigation provides deeper insight into the mechanism of arabinan biosynthesis in mycobacteria.
Collapse
|
20
|
Merino S, Gonzalez V, Tomás JM. The Polymerization of Aeromonas hydrophila AH-3 O-Antigen LPS: Concerted Action of WecP and Wzy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131905. [PMID: 26161781 PMCID: PMC4498686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The repeat units of heteropolymeric O antigen are synthesized at the cytosolic side of the inner bacterial membrane via the Wzx/Wzy-dependent assembly pathway. After being translocated across the membrane by Wzx, each repeat unit is polymerized by Wzy to form a glycan chain. In this study, we demonstrate the need of the corresponding enzyme transferring the initial HexNAc to undecaprenol phosphate (lipid carrier), together with the corresponding O-antigen polymerase (Wzy), to produce the Aeromonas hydrophila O:34-antigen. We suggest, the concerted action of WecA or P enzyme (UDP-HexNAc: polyprenol-P HexNAc-1-P transferase) and Wzy is involved in the mechanism responsible for the A. hydrophila O-antigen polymerization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susana Merino
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08071, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Gonzalez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08071, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan M. Tomás
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08071, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Becker A. Challenges and perspectives in combinatorial assembly of novel exopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathways. Front Microbiol 2015. [PMID: 26217319 PMCID: PMC4496566 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of their rheological properties various microbial polysaccharides are applied as thickeners and viscosifiers both in food and non-food industries. A broad variety of microorganisms secrete structurally diverse exopolysaccharides (EPS) that contribute to their surface attachment, protection against abiotic or biotic stress factors, and nutrient gathering. Theoretically, a massive number of EPS structures are possible through variations in monosaccharide sequences, condensation linkages and non-sugar decorations. Given the already-high diversity of EPS structures, taken together with the principal of combinatorial biosynthetic pathways, microbial polysaccharides are an attractive class of macromolecules with which to generate novel structures via synthetic biology approaches. However, previous manipulations primarily focused on increasing polysaccharide yield, with structural modifications restricted to removal of side chains or non-sugar decorations. This article outlines the biosynthetic pathways of the bacterial heteroexopolysaccharides xanthan and succinoglycan, which are used as thickening and stabilizing agents in food and non-food industries. Challenges and perspectives of combining synthetic biology approaches with directed evolution to overcome obstacles in assembly of novel EPS biosynthesis pathways are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Becker
- LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology and Faculty of Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg , Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Schmid J, Sieber V. Enzymatic Transformations Involved in the Biosynthesis of Microbial Exo-polysaccharides Based on the Assembly of Repeat Units. Chembiochem 2015; 16:1141-7. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201500035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
23
|
Taylor VL, Huszczynski SM, Lam JS. Membrane Translocation and Assembly of Sugar Polymer Precursors. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2015; 404:95-128. [PMID: 26853690 DOI: 10.1007/82_2015_5014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial polysaccharides play an essential role in cell viability, virulence, and evasion of host defenses. Although the polysaccharides themselves are highly diverse, the pathways by which bacteria synthesize these essential polymers are conserved in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. By utilizing a lipid linker, a series of glycosyltransferases and integral membrane proteins act in concert to synthesize capsular polysaccharide, teichoic acid, and teichuronic acid. The pathways used to produce these molecules are the Wzx/Wzy-dependent, the ABC-transporter-dependent, and the synthase-dependent pathways. This chapter will cover the initiation, synthesis of the various polysaccharides on the cytoplasmic face of the membrane using nucleotide sugar precursors, and export of the nascent chain from the cytoplasm to the extracellular milieu. As microbial glycobiology is an emerging field in Gram-positive bacteria research, parallels will be drawn to the more widely studied polysaccharide biosynthesis systems in Gram-negative species in order to provide greater understanding of these biologically significant molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Véronique L Taylor
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Steven M Huszczynski
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Joseph S Lam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Islam ST, Lam JS. Synthesis of bacterial polysaccharides via the Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathway. Can J Microbiol 2014; 60:697-716. [DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2014-0595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The surfaces of bacteria mediate a multitude of functions in the environment and in an infected host, including adhesion to both biotic and abiotic substrata, motility, immune system interaction and (or) activation, biofilm formation, and cell–cell communication, with many of these features directly influenced by cell-surface glycans. In both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, the majority of cell-surface polysaccharides are produced via the Wzx/Wzy-dependent assembly pathway; these glycans include heteropolymeric O-antigen, enterobacterial common antigen, exopolysaccharide, spore coat, and capsule in diverse bacteria. The key components of this assembly pathway are the integral inner membrane Wzx flippase, Wzy polymerase, and Wzz chain-length regulator proteins, which until recently have resisted detailed structural and functional characterization. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive synthesis of the latest structural and mechanistic data for each protein, as well as an examination of substrate specificity for each assembly step and complex formation between the constituent proteins. To complement the unprecedented explosion of genomic-sequencing data for bacteria, we have also highlighted both classical and state-of-the-art methods by which encoded Wzx, Wzy, and Wzz proteins can be reliably identified and annotated, using the model Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an example data set. Lastly, we outline future avenues of research, with the aim of stimulating researchers to take the next steps in investigating the function of, and interplay between, the constituents of this widespread assembly scheme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salim T. Islam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Joseph S. Lam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Charge requirements of lipid II flippase activity in Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 2014; 196:4111-9. [PMID: 25225268 DOI: 10.1128/jb.02172-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptidoglycan (PG) is an extracytoplasmic glycopeptide matrix essential for the integrity of the envelope of most bacteria. The PG building block is a disaccharide-pentapeptide that is synthesized as a lipid-linked precursor called lipid II. The translocation of the amphipathic lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane is required for subsequent incorporation of the disaccharide-pentapeptide into PG. In Escherichia coli, the essential inner membrane protein MurJ is the lipid II flippase. Previous studies showed that 8 charged residues in the central cavity region of MurJ are crucial for function. Here, we completed the functional analysis of all 57 charged residues in MurJ and demonstrated that the respective positive or negative charge of the 8 aforementioned residues is required for proper MurJ function. Loss of the negative charge in one of these residues, D39, causes a severe defect in MurJ biogenesis; by engineering an intragenic suppressor mutation that restores MurJ biogenesis, we found that this charge is also essential for MurJ function. Because of the low level of homology between MurJ and putative orthologs from Gram-positive bacteria, we explored the conservation of these 8 charged residues in YtgP, a homolog from Streptococcus pyogenes. We found that only 3 positive charges are similarly positioned and essential in YtgP; YtgP possesses additional charged residues within its predicted cavity that are essential for function and conserved among Gram-positive bacteria. From these data, we hypothesize that some charged residues in the cavity region of MurJ homologs are required for interaction with lipid II and/or energy coupling during transport.
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhou X, Liu B, Shi C, Shi X. Mutation of a Salmonella serogroup-C1-specific gene abrogates O7-antigen biosynthesis and triggers NaCl-dependent motility deficiency. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106708. [PMID: 25211341 PMCID: PMC4161368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Several molecular detection marker genes specific for a number of individual Salmonella serogroups have been recently identified in our lab by comparative genomics for the genotyping of diverse serogroups. To further understand the correlation between serotype and genotype, the function of a Salmonella serogroup-C1-specific gene (SC_2092) was analyzed in this study. It was indicated from the topological prediction using the deduced amino acid sequence of SC_2092 that this putative protein was highly similar to the confirmed Wzx flippases. Furthermore, SDS-PAGE revealed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis, specifically O-antigen synthesis, was incomplete in an SC_2092 in-frame deletion mutant, and no agglutination reaction with the O7 antibody was exhibited in this mutant. Therefore, it was revealed that this Salmonella serogroup-C1-specific gene SC_2092 encoded a putative flippase, which was required for O7-polysaccharide biosynthesis, and was designated here as wzxC1. Subsequently, the effects of the deletion of wzxC1 on bacterial motility and sodium chloride (NaCl) tolerance were evaluated. The wzxC1 mutant lacked swarming motility on solid surfaces and was impaired in swimming motility in soft agar. Moreover, microscopic examination and RT-qPCR exhibited that an increased auto-aggregation and a strong defect in flagella expression, respectively, were responsible for the reduced motility in this mutant. In addition, the wzxC1 mutant was more sensitive than the wild-type strain to NaCl, and auto-aggregation of mutant cells was observed immediately up on the addition of 1% NaCl to the medium. Interestingly, the motility deficiency of the mutant strain, as well as the cell agglomeration and the decrease in flagellar expression, were relieved in a NaCl-free medium. This is the first study to experimentally demonstrate a connection between a Salmonella serogroup specific gene identified by comparative genomics with the synthesis of a specific O-antigen biosynthesis. Also, our results show that the mutation of wzxC1 triggers a NaCl-dependent motility deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhou
- MOST-USDA Joint Research Center for Food Safety, School of Agriculture & Biology, and State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Shaanxi, Yangling, China
| | - Chunlei Shi
- MOST-USDA Joint Research Center for Food Safety, School of Agriculture & Biology, and State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (CS); (XS)
| | - Xianming Shi
- MOST-USDA Joint Research Center for Food Safety, School of Agriculture & Biology, and State Key Lab of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (CS); (XS)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kalynych S, Morona R, Cygler M. Progress in understanding the assembly process of bacterial O-antigen. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2014; 38:1048-65. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6976.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
|
28
|
Stamm M, Staritzbichler R, Khafizov K, Forrest LR. AlignMe--a membrane protein sequence alignment web server. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:W246-51. [PMID: 24753425 PMCID: PMC4086118 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a web server for pair-wise alignment of membrane protein sequences, using the program AlignMe. The server makes available two operational modes of AlignMe: (i) sequence to sequence alignment, taking two sequences in fasta format as input, combining information about each sequence from multiple sources and producing a pair-wise alignment (PW mode); and (ii) alignment of two multiple sequence alignments to create family-averaged hydropathy profile alignments (HP mode). For the PW sequence alignment mode, four different optimized parameter sets are provided, each suited to pairs of sequences with a specific similarity level. These settings utilize different types of inputs: (position-specific) substitution matrices, secondary structure predictions and transmembrane propensities from transmembrane predictions or hydrophobicity scales. In the second (HP) mode, each input multiple sequence alignment is converted into a hydrophobicity profile averaged over the provided set of sequence homologs; the two profiles are then aligned. The HP mode enables qualitative comparison of transmembrane topologies (and therefore potentially of 3D folds) of two membrane proteins, which can be useful if the proteins have low sequence similarity. In summary, the AlignMe web server provides user-friendly access to a set of tools for analysis and comparison of membrane protein sequences. Access is available at http://www.bioinfo.mpg.de/AlignMe
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Stamm
- Computational Structural Biology Group, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - René Staritzbichler
- Computational Structural Biology Group, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Kamil Khafizov
- Computational Structural Biology Group, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Lucy R Forrest
- Computational Structural Biology Group, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide is the predominant component of the Gram-negative cell wall occupying the outer leaflet of the outer membrane of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Wild-type bacteria produce smooth LPS composed of lipid A, core oligosaccharide, and long O-antigen polysaccharide. In contrast, mutant bacteria defective in LPS biosynthesis produce rough LPS lacking the long O-antigen side chains. LPS is also a major virulence factor and proven to be crucial for full elaboration of other virulence factors and for a range of cellular functions. In order to determine the relationship between LPS and other cellular functions, a means to measure changes in the quantities of LPS being produced under certain growth/environmental conditions is important. Hence, the objective of this chapter is to provide readers with the methodologies for analyzing LPS of P. aeruginosa both qualitatively and quantitatively. As a prerequisite to quantifying LPS, one must be able to isolate LPS from the cell envelope; therefore, Subheading 2.1 is devoted to describing several standard LPS preparation methods. This is followed by Subheading 2.2, which deals with a number of practical methods for analyzing and/or quantifying whole-molecule LPS or assays for quantifying specific sugar constituents that are present within P. aeruginosa LPS. The methods described herein should be broadly applicable to the studying of LPS of other pseudomonads as well as Burkholderia species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Lam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Conserved-residue mutations in Wzy affect O-antigen polymerization and Wzz-mediated chain-length regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Sci Rep 2013; 3:3441. [PMID: 24309320 PMCID: PMC3854497 DOI: 10.1038/srep03441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
O antigen (O-Ag) in many bacteria is synthesized via the Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathway in which Wzy polymerizes lipid-linked O-Ag subunits to modal lengths regulated by Wzz. Characterization of 83 site-directed mutants of Wzy from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (WzyPa) in topologically-mapped periplasmic (PL) and cytoplasmic loops (CL) verified the functional importance of PL3 and PL5, with the former shown to require overall cationic properties. Essential Arg residues in the RX10G motifs of PL3 and PL5 were found to be conserved in putative homologues of WzyPa, as was the overall sequence homology between these two periplasmic loops in each protein. Amino acid substitutions in CL6 were found to alter Wzz-mediated O-antigen modality, with evidence suggesting that these changes may perturb the C-terminal WzyPa tertiary structure. Together, these data suggest that the catch-and-release mechanism of O-Ag polymerization is widespread among bacteria and that regulation of polymer length is affected by interaction of Wzz with Wzy.
Collapse
|
31
|
Proton-dependent gating and proton uptake by Wzx support O-antigen-subunit antiport across the bacterial inner membrane. mBio 2013; 4:e00678-13. [PMID: 24023388 PMCID: PMC3774195 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00678-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wzx flippases are crucial for bacterial cell surface polysaccharide assembly as they transport undecaprenyl pyrophosphate-linked sugar repeat units from the cytoplasmic to the periplasmic leaflets of the inner membrane (IM) for final assembly. Our recently reported three-dimensional (3D) model structure of Wzx from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (WzxPa) displayed a cationic internal vestibule and functionally essential acidic amino acids within transmembrane segment bundles. Herein, we examined the intrinsic transport function of WzxPa following its purification and reconstitution in phospholipid liposomes. WzxPa was capable of mediating anion flux, consistent with its cationic interior. This flux was electrogenic and modified by extraliposomal pH. Mutation of the above-mentioned acidic residues (E61, D269, and D359) reduced proton (H+)-modified anion flux, showing the role of these amino acid side chains in H+-dependent transport. Wzx also mediated acidification of the proteoliposome interior in the presence of an outward anion gradient. These results indicate H+-dependent gating and H+ uptake by WzxPa and allow for the first H+-dependent antiport mechanism to be proposed for lipid-linked oligosaccharide translocation across the bacterial IM. Many bacterial cell surface polysaccharides that are important for survival and virulence are synthesized at the periplasmic leaflet of the inner membrane (IM) using precursors produced in the cytoplasm. Wzx flippases are responsible for translocation of lipid-linked sugar repeat units across the IM and had been previously suggested to simply facilitate passive substrate diffusion. Through our characterization of purified Wzx in a reconstitution system described herein, we have observed protein-dependent intrinsic transport producing a change in the electrical potential of the system, with H+ identified as the coupling ion. These results provide the first evidence for coupled (i.e., secondary active) transport by these proteins and, in conjunction with structural data, allow for an antiport mechanism to be proposed for the directed transport of lipid-linked sugar substrates across the IM. These findings bring our understanding of lipid-linked polysaccharide transporter proteins more in line with the efflux pumps to which they are evolutionarily related.
Collapse
|
32
|
The D3 bacteriophage α-polymerase inhibitor (Iap) peptide disrupts O-antigen biosynthesis through mimicry of the chain length regulator Wzz in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Bacteriol 2013; 195:4735-41. [PMID: 23955007 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00903-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysogenic bacteriophage D3 causes seroconversion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 from serotype O5 to O16 by inverting the linkage between O-specific antigen (OSA) repeat units from α to β. The OSA units are polymerized by Wzy to modal lengths regulated by Wzz1 and Wzz2. A key component of the D3 seroconversion machinery is the inhibitor of α-polymerase (Iap) peptide, which is able to solely suppress α-linked long-chain OSA production in P. aeruginosa PAO1. To establish the target specificity of Iap for Wzyα, changes in OSA phenotypes were examined via Western immunoblotting for wzz1 and wzz2 single-knockout strains, as well as a wzz1 wzz2 double knockout, following the expression of iap from a tuneable vector. Increased induction of Iap expression completely abrogated OSA production in the wzz1 wzz2 double mutant, while background levels of OSA production were still observed in either of the single mutants. Therefore, Iap inhibition of OSA biosynthesis was most effective in the absence of both Wzz proteins. Sequence alignment analyses revealed a high degree of similarity between Iap and the first transmembrane segment (TMS) of either Wzz1 or Wzz2. Various topology prediction analyses of the Iap sequence consistently predicted the presence of a single TMS, suggesting a propensity for Iap to insert itself into the inner membrane (IM). The compromised ability of Iap to abrogate Wzyα function in the presence of Wzz1 or Wzz2 provides compelling evidence that inhibition occurs after Wzyα inserts itself into the IM and is achieved through mimicry of the first TMS from the Wzz proteins of P. aeruginosa PAO1.
Collapse
|
33
|
Structure-function analysis of MurJ reveals a solvent-exposed cavity containing residues essential for peptidoglycan biogenesis in Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 2013; 195:4639-49. [PMID: 23935042 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00731-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli build a peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall in their periplasm using the precursor known as lipid II. Lipid II is a large amphipathic molecule composed of undecaprenyl diphosphate and a disaccharide-pentapeptide that PG-synthesizing enzymes use to build the PG sacculus. During PG biosynthesis, lipid II is synthesized at the cytoplasmic face of the inner membrane and then flipped across the membrane. This translocation of lipid II must be assisted by flippases thought to shield the disaccharide-pentapeptide as it crosses the hydrophobic core of the membrane. The inner membrane protein MurJ is essential for PG biogenesis and homologous to known and putative flippases of the MOP (multidrug/oligo-saccharidyl-lipid/polysaccharide) exporter superfamily, which includes flippases that translocate undecaprenyl diphosphate-linked oligosaccharides across the cytoplasmic membranes of bacteria. Consequently, MurJ has been proposed to function as the lipid II flippase in E. coli. Here, we present a three-dimensional structural model of MurJ generated by the I-TASSER server that suggests that MurJ contains a solvent-exposed cavity within the plane of the membrane. Using in vivo topological studies, we demonstrate that MurJ has 14 transmembrane domains and validate features of the MurJ structural model, including the presence of a solvent-exposed cavity within its transmembrane region. Furthermore, we present functional studies demonstrating that specific charged residues localized in the central cavity are essential for function. Together, our studies support the structural homology of MurJ to MOP exporter proteins, suggesting that MurJ might function as an essential transporter in PG biosynthesis.
Collapse
|
34
|
Islam ST, Lam JS. Topological mapping methods for α-helical bacterial membrane proteins--an update and a guide. Microbiologyopen 2013; 2:350-64. [PMID: 23408725 PMCID: PMC3633358 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins with α-helical transmembrane segments (TMS) are known to play important and diverse roles in prokaryotic cell physiology. The net hydrophobicity of TMS directly corresponds to the observed difficulties in expressing and purifying these proteins, let alone producing sufficient yields for structural studies using two-/three-dimensional (2D/3D) crystallographic or nuclear magnetic resonance methods. To gain insight into the function of these integral membrane proteins, topological mapping has become an important tool to identify exposed and membrane-embedded protein domains. This approach has led to the discovery of protein tracts of functional importance and to the proposition of novel mechanistic hypotheses. In this review, we synthesize the various methods available for topological mapping of α-helical integral membrane proteins to provide investigators with a comprehensive reference for choosing techniques suited to their particular topological queries and available resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salim T Islam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Islam ST, Lam JS. Wzx flippase-mediated membrane translocation of sugar polymer precursors in bacteria. Environ Microbiol 2012; 15:1001-15. [PMID: 23016929 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2012.02890.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial cell surface polysaccharides confer resistance to external stress and promote survival in biotic and abiotic environments. Glycan assembly often occurs at the periplasmic leaflet of the inner membrane (IM) from undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (UndPP)-linked polysaccharide units via the Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathway. Wzx is an integral IM protein found in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria that mediates IM translocation of UndPP-linked sugar repeats from the cytoplasmic to the periplasmic leaflet; interaction of Wzx with other assembly proteins is indirectly supported by genetic evidence. Topological mapping has indicated 12 α-helical transmembrane segments (TMS), with the number of charged TMS residues fluctuating based on the mapping method used. A novel Wzx tertiary structure model has been built, allowing for substrate-binding or energy-coupling roles to be proposed for functionally important charged and aromatic TMS residues. It has also led to a proposed antiport-like mechanism of Wzx function. Exquisite substrate specificity of Wzx proteins was recently revealed in distinguishing between UndPP-linked substrates with identical main-chain sugar repeats, but differing in the chemical composition of a terminal sugar side-branch cap. The objective of this review is to synthesize the most up-to-date knowledge concerning Wzx flippases and to provide perspective for future investigations in this burgeoning field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salim T Islam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | | |
Collapse
|