1
|
Jensen SJ, Cuthbert BJ, Garza-Sánchez F, Helou CC, de Miranda R, Goulding CW, Hayes CS. Advanced glycation end-product crosslinking activates a type VI secretion system phospholipase effector protein. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8804. [PMID: 39394186 PMCID: PMC11470151 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) are a pervasive form of protein damage implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Glycation is typically mediated by reactive dicarbonyl compounds that accumulate in all cells as toxic byproducts of glucose metabolism. Here, we show that AGE crosslinking is harnessed to activate an antibacterial phospholipase effector protein deployed by the type VI secretion system of Enterobacter cloacae. Endogenous methylglyoxal reacts with a specific arginine-lysine pair to tether the N- and C-terminal α-helices of the phospholipase domain. Substitutions at these positions abrogate both crosslinking and toxic phospholipase activity, but in vitro enzyme function can be restored with an engineered disulfide that covalently links the N- and C-termini. Thus, AGE crosslinking serves as a bona fide post-translation modification to stabilize phospholipase structure. Given the ubiquity of methylglyoxal in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, these findings suggest that glycation may be exploited more generally to stabilize other proteins. This alternative strategy to fortify tertiary structure could be particularly advantageous in the cytoplasm, where redox potentials preclude disulfide bond formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Jensen
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, USA
| | - Bonnie J Cuthbert
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Fernando Garza-Sánchez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, USA
| | - Colette C Helou
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Rodger de Miranda
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Celia W Goulding
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, USA
| | - Christopher S Hayes
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, USA.
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carobbi A, Leo K, Di Nepi S, Bosis E, Salomon D, Sessa G. PIX is an N-terminal delivery domain that defines a class of polymorphic T6SS effectors in Enterobacterales. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114015. [PMID: 38568810 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS), a widespread protein delivery apparatus, plays a role in bacterial competition by delivering toxic effectors into neighboring cells. Identifying new T6SS effectors and deciphering the mechanism that governs their secretion remain major challenges. Here, we report two orphan antibacterial T6SS effectors in the pathogen Pantoea agglomerans (Pa). These effectors share an N-terminal domain, Pantoea type six (PIX), that defines a widespread class of polymorphic T6SS effectors in Enterobacterales. We show that the PIX domain is necessary and sufficient for T6SS-mediated effector secretion and that PIX binds to a specialized Pa VgrG protein outside its C-terminal toxic domain. Our findings underline the importance of identifying and characterizing delivery domains in polymorphic toxin classes as a tool to reveal effectors and shed light on effector delivery mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Carobbi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ksenia Leo
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Simone Di Nepi
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Bosis
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel, Israel
| | - Dor Salomon
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Guido Sessa
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Santos MNM, Pintor KL, Hsieh PY, Cheung YW, Sung LK, Shih YL, Lai EM. Agrobacteria deploy two classes of His-Me finger superfamily nuclease effectors exerting different antibacterial capacities against specific bacterial competitors. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1351590. [PMID: 38426053 PMCID: PMC10902643 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1351590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) assembles into a contractile nanomachine to inject effectors across bacterial membranes for secretion. The Agrobacterium tumefaciens species complex is a group of soil inhabitants and phytopathogens that deploys T6SS as an antibacterial weapon against bacterial competitors at both inter-species and intra-species levels. The A. tumefaciens strain 1D1609 genome encodes one main T6SS gene cluster and four vrgG genes (i.e., vgrGa-d), each encoding a spike protein as an effector carrier. A previous study reported that vgrGa-associated gene 2, named v2a, encodes a His-Me finger nuclease toxin (also named HNH/ENDO VII nuclease), contributing to DNase-mediated antibacterial activity. However, the functions and roles of other putative effectors remain unknown. In this study, we identified vgrGc-associated gene 2 (v2c) that encodes another His-Me finger nuclease but with a distinct Serine Histidine Histidine (SHH) motif that differs from the AHH motif of V2a. We demonstrated that the ectopic expression of V2c caused growth inhibition, plasmid DNA degradation, and cell elongation in Escherichia coli using DNAse activity assay and fluorescence microscopy. The cognate immunity protein, V3c, neutralizes the DNase activity and rescues the phenotypes of growth inhibition and cell elongation. Ectopic expression of V2c DNase-inactive variants retains the cell elongation phenotype, while V2a induces cell elongation in a DNase-mediated manner. We also showed that the amino acids of conserved SHH and HNH motifs are responsible for the V2c DNase activity in vivo and in vitro. Notably, V2c also mediated the DNA degradation and cell elongation of the target cell in the context of interbacterial competition. Importantly, V2a and V2c exhibit different capacities against different bacterial species and function synergistically to exert stronger antibacterial activity against the soft rot phytopathogen, Dickeya dadantii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Nia M. Santos
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, National Chung-Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Aquaculture Research and Development Division, Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Pei-Yu Hsieh
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Wai Cheung
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kang Sung
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, National Chung-Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Shih
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Erh-Min Lai
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, National Chung-Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ramamoorthy S, Pena M, Ghosh P, Liao YY, Paret M, Jones JB, Potnis N. Transcriptome profiling of type VI secretion system core gene tssM mutant of Xanthomonas perforans highlights regulators controlling diverse functions ranging from virulence to metabolism. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0285223. [PMID: 38018859 PMCID: PMC10782981 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02852-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE T6SS has received attention due to its significance in mediating interorganismal competition through contact-dependent release of effector molecules into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Reverse-genetic studies have indicated the role of T6SS in virulence in a variety of plant pathogenic bacteria, including the one studied here, Xanthomonas. However, it is not clear whether such effect on virulence is merely due to a shift in the microbiome-mediated protection or if T6SS is involved in a complex virulence regulatory network. In this study, we conducted in vitro transcriptome profiling in minimal medium to decipher the signaling pathways regulated by tssM-i3* in X. perforans AL65. We show that TssM-i3* regulates the expression of a suite of genes associated with virulence and metabolism either directly or indirectly by altering the transcription of several regulators. These findings further expand our knowledge on the intricate molecular circuits regulated by T6SS in phytopathogenic bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sivakumar Ramamoorthy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Michelle Pena
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Palash Ghosh
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Ying-Yu Liao
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mathews Paret
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Jones
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Neha Potnis
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Garin T, Brin C, Préveaux A, Brault A, Briand M, Simonin M, Barret M, Journet L, Sarniguet A. The type VI secretion system of Stenotrophomonas rhizophila CFBP13503 limits the transmission of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 8004 from radish seeds to seedlings. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13412. [PMID: 38279854 PMCID: PMC10777753 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas rhizophila CFBP13503 is a seedborne commensal bacterial strain, which is efficiently transmitted to seedlings and can outcompete the phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc8004). The type VI secretion system (T6SS), an interference contact-dependent mechanism, is a critical component of interbacterial competition. The involvement of the T6SS of S. rhizophila CFBP13503 in the inhibition of Xcc8004 growth and seed-to-seedling transmission was assessed. The T6SS cluster of S. rhizophila CFBP13503 and nine putative effectors were identified. Deletion of two T6SS structural genes, hcp and tssB, abolished the competitive advantage of S. rhizophila against Xcc8004 in vitro. The population sizes of these two bacterial species were monitored in seedlings after inoculation of radish seeds with mixtures of Xcc8004 and either S. rhizophila wild-type (wt) strain or isogenic hcp mutant. A significant decrease in the population size of Xcc8004 was observed during confrontation with the S. rhizophila wt in comparison with T6SS-deletion mutants in germinated seeds and seedlings. We found that the T6SS distribution among 835 genomes of the Stenotrophomonas genus is scarce. In contrast, in all available S. rhizophila genomes, T6SS clusters are widespread and mainly belong to the T6SS group i4. In conclusion, the T6SS of S. rhizophila CFBP13503 is involved in the antibiosis against Xcc8004 and reduces seedling transmission of Xcc8004 in radish. The distribution of this T6SS cluster in the S. rhizophila complex could make it possible to exploit these strains as biocontrol agents against X. campestris pv. campestris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Garin
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Chrystelle Brin
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Anne Préveaux
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Agathe Brault
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Martial Briand
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Marie Simonin
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Matthieu Barret
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Laure Journet
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, Institut de Microbiologie de la MéditerranéeAix‐Marseille Université‐CNRS, UMR 7255MarseilleFrance
| | - Alain Sarniguet
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Garrett SR, Mietrach N, Deme J, Bitzer A, Yang Y, Ulhuq FR, Kretschmer D, Heilbronner S, Smith TK, Lea SM, Palmer T. A type VII-secreted lipase toxin with reverse domain arrangement. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8438. [PMID: 38114483 PMCID: PMC10730906 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) is found in many Gram-positive bacteria and in pathogenic mycobacteria. All T7SS substrate proteins described to date share a common helical domain architecture at the N-terminus that typically interacts with other helical partner proteins, forming a composite signal sequence for targeting to the T7SS. The C-terminal domains are functionally diverse and in Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus often specify toxic anti-bacterial activity. Here we describe the first example of a class of T7 substrate, TslA, that has a reverse domain organisation. TslA is widely found across Bacillota including Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Listeria. We show that the S. aureus TslA N-terminal domain is a phospholipase A with anti-staphylococcal activity that is neutralised by the immunity lipoprotein TilA. Two small helical partner proteins, TlaA1 and TlaA2 are essential for T7-dependent secretion of TslA and at least one of these interacts with the TslA C-terminal domain to form a helical stack. Cryo-EM analysis of purified TslA complexes indicate that they share structural similarity with canonical T7 substrates. Our findings suggest that the T7SS has the capacity to recognise a secretion signal present at either end of a substrate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Garrett
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Nicole Mietrach
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Justin Deme
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Alina Bitzer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yaping Yang
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Fatima R Ulhuq
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Dorothee Kretschmer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Heilbronner
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Terry K Smith
- School of Biology, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Lea
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Taillefer B, Giraud JF, Cascales E. No fitness cost entailed by type VI secretion system synthesis, assembly, contraction, or disassembly in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0035723. [PMID: 37971272 PMCID: PMC10729742 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00357-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Bacteria use weapons to deliver effectors into target cells. One of these weapons, the type VI secretion system (T6SS), assembles a contractile tail acting as a spring to propel a toxin-loaded needle. Due to its size and mechanism of action, the T6SS was intuitively thought to be energetically costly. Here, using a combination of mutants and growth measurements in liquid medium, on plates, and in competition experiments, we show that the T6SS does not entail a growth cost to enteroaggregative Escherichia coli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Taillefer
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM, UMR 7255), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Julien F. Giraud
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM, UMR 7255), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM, UMR 7255), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Beauvois SG, Flaugnatti N, Ilbert M, Boyer M, Gavello-Fernandez E, Fronzes R, Jurėnas D, Journet L. The tip protein PAAR is required for the function of the type VI secretion system. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0147823. [PMID: 37800964 PMCID: PMC10715212 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01478-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a bacterial contractile injection system involved in bacterial competition by the delivery of antibacterial toxins. The T6SS consists of an envelope-spanning complex that recruits the baseplate, allowing the polymerization of a contractile tail structure. The tail is a tube wrapped by a sheath and topped by the tip of the system, the VgrG spike/PAAR complex. Effectors loaded onto the puncturing tip or into the tube are propelled in the target cells upon sheath contraction. The PAAR protein tips and sharpens the VgrG spike. However, the importance and the function of this protein remain unclear. Here, we provide evidence for association of PAAR at the tip of the VgrG spike. We also found that the PAAR protein is a T6SS critical component required for baseplate and sheath assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solène G. Beauvois
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS UMR7255, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Flaugnatti
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS UMR7255, Marseille, France
| | - Marianne Ilbert
- Laboratoire de Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS UMR7281, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Boyer
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS UMR7255, Marseille, France
| | - Esther Gavello-Fernandez
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- CNRS UMR 5234 Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Bordeaux, France
| | - Rémi Fronzes
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- CNRS UMR 5234 Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, Bordeaux, France
| | - Dukas Jurėnas
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS UMR7255, Marseille, France
| | - Laure Journet
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université - CNRS UMR7255, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Anderson AJG, Morrell B, Lopez Campos G, Valvano MA. Distribution and diversity of type VI secretion system clusters in Enterobacter bugandensis and Enterobacter cloacae. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001148. [PMID: 38054968 PMCID: PMC10763514 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria use type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) to antagonize neighbouring cells. Although primarily involved in bacterial competition, the T6SS is also implicated in pathogenesis, biofilm formation and ion scavenging. Enterobacter species belong to the ESKAPE pathogens, and while their antibiotic resistance has been well studied, less is known about their pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the distribution and diversity of T6SS components in isolates of two clinically relevant Enterobacter species, E. cloacae and E. bugandensis. T6SS clusters are grouped into four types (T6SSi-T6SSiv), of which type i can be further divided into six subtypes (i1, i2, i3, i4a, i4b, i5). Analysis of a curated dataset of 31 strains demonstrated that most of them encode T6SS clusters belonging to the T6SSi type. All T6SS-positive strains possessed a conserved i3 cluster, and many harboured one or two additional i2 clusters. These clusters were less conserved, and some strains displayed evidence of deletion. We focused on a pathogenic E. bugandensis clinical isolate for comprehensive in silico effector prediction, with comparative analyses across the 31 isolates. Several new effector candidates were identified, including an evolved VgrG with a metallopeptidase domain and a Tse6-like protein. Additional effectors included an anti-eukaryotic catalase (KatN), M23 peptidase, PAAR and VgrG proteins. Our findings highlight the diversity of Enterobacter T6SSs and reveal new putative effectors that may be important for the interaction of these species with neighbouring cells and their environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy J. G. Anderson
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Becca Morrell
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Guillermo Lopez Campos
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Miguel A. Valvano
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang C, Chen M, Shao Y, Jiang M, Li Q, Chen L, Wu Y, Cen S, Waterfield NR, Yang J, Yang G. Genome wide analysis revealed conserved domains involved in the effector discrimination of bacterial type VI secretion system. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1195. [PMID: 38001377 PMCID: PMC10673891 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05580-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) deliver effectors into target cells. Besides structural and effector proteins, many other proteins, such as adaptors, co-effectors and accessory proteins, are involved in this process. MIX domains can assist in the delivery of T6SS effectors when encoded as a stand-alone gene or fused at the N-terminal of the effector. However, whether there are other conserved domains exhibiting similar encoding forms to MIX in T6SS remains obscure. Here, we scanned publicly available bacterial genomes and established a database which include 130,825 T6SS vgrG loci from 45,041 bacterial genomes. Based on this database, we revealed six domain families encoded within vgrG loci, which are either fused at the C-terminus of VgrG/N-terminus of T6SS toxin or encoded by an independent gene. Among them, DUF2345 was further validated and shown to be indispensable for the T6SS effector delivery and LysM was confirmed to assist the interaction between VgrG and the corresponding effector. Together, our results implied that these widely distributed domain families with similar genetic configurations may be required for the T6SS effector recruitment process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Wang
- Beijing Institute of Tropical Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Mingxing Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Yuhan Shao
- Beijing Institute of Tropical Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Mengyuan Jiang
- Beijing Institute of Tropical Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Quanjie Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lihong Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Beijing Institute of Tropical Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | | | - Jian Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 102629, China.
| | - Guowei Yang
- Beijing Institute of Tropical Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Meir A, Macé K, Vegunta Y, Williams SM, Waksman G. Substrate recruitment mechanism by gram-negative type III, IV, and VI bacterial injectisomes. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:916-932. [PMID: 37085348 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria use a wide arsenal of macromolecular substrates (DNA and proteins) to interact with or infect prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. To do so, they utilize substrate-injecting secretion systems or injectisomes. However, prior to secretion, substrates must be recruited to specialized recruitment platforms and then handed over to the secretion apparatus for secretion. In this review, we provide an update on recent advances in substrate recruitment and delivery by gram-negative bacterial recruitment platforms associated with Type III, IV, and VI secretion systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Meir
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK; Current address: MRC Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Kévin Macé
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Yogesh Vegunta
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Sunanda M Williams
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Gabriel Waksman
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK; Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kanarek K, Fridman CM, Bosis E, Salomon D. The RIX domain defines a class of polymorphic T6SS effectors and secreted adaptors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4983. [PMID: 37591831 PMCID: PMC10435454 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40659-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria use the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to deliver toxic effectors into bacterial or eukaryotic cells during interbacterial competition, host colonization, or when resisting predation. Identifying effectors is a challenging task, as they lack canonical secretion signals or universally conserved domains. Here, we identify a protein domain, RIX, that defines a class of polymorphic T6SS cargo effectors. RIX is widespread in the Vibrionaceae family and is located at N-termini of proteins containing diverse antibacterial and anti-eukaryotic toxic domains. We demonstrate that RIX-containing proteins are delivered via T6SS into neighboring cells and that RIX is necessary and sufficient for T6SS-mediated secretion. In addition, RIX-containing proteins can enable the T6SS-mediated delivery of other cargo effectors by a previously undescribed mechanism. The identification of RIX-containing proteins significantly enlarges the repertoire of known T6SS effectors, especially those with anti-eukaryotic activities. Furthermore, our findings also suggest that T6SSs may play an underappreciated role in the interactions between vibrios and eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kanarek
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chaya Mushka Fridman
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Bosis
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel, Israel.
| | - Dor Salomon
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Taillefer B, Grandjean MM, Herrou J, Robert D, Mignot T, Sebban-Kreuzer C, Cascales E. Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Measure Antibacterial Activity Resulting from Bacterial Competition. Bio Protoc 2023; 13:e4706. [PMID: 37449039 PMCID: PMC10336571 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the environment, bacteria compete for niche occupancy and resources; they have, therefore, evolved a broad variety of antibacterial weapons to destroy competitors. Current laboratory techniques to evaluate antibacterial activity are usually labor intensive, low throughput, costly, and time consuming. Typical assays rely on the outgrowth of colonies of prey cells on selective solid media after competition. Here, we present fast, inexpensive, and complementary optimized protocols to qualitatively and quantitively measure antibacterial activity. The first method is based on the degradation of a cell-impermeable chromogenic substrate of the β-galactosidase, a cytoplasmic enzyme released during lysis of the attacked reporter strain. The second method relies on the lag time required for the attacked cells to reach a defined optical density after the competition, which is directly dependent on the initial number of surviving cells. Key features First method utilizes the release of β-galactosidase as a proxy for bacterial lysis. Second method is based on the growth timing of surviving cells. Combination of two methods discriminates between cell death and lysis, cell death without lysis, or survival to quasi-lysis. Methods optimized to various bacterial species such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Myxococcus xanthus. Graphical overview.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Taillefer
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Marie M. Grandjean
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Julien Herrou
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (LCB), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7283, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Donovan Robert
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (LCB), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7283, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Tâm Mignot
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (LCB), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7283, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Corinne Sebban-Kreuzer
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), Aix-Marseille Univ–CNRS, UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS7071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Allsopp LP, Bernal P. Killing in the name of: T6SS structure and effector diversity. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001367. [PMID: 37490402 PMCID: PMC10433429 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The life of bacteria is challenging, to endure bacteria employ a range of mechanisms to optimize their environment, including deploying the type VI secretion system (T6SS). Acting as a bacterial crossbow, this system delivers effectors responsible for subverting host cells, killing competitors and facilitating general secretion to access common goods. Due to its importance, this lethal machine has been evolutionarily maintained, disseminated and specialized to fulfil these vital functions. In fact, T6SS structural clusters are present in over 25 % of Gram-negative bacteria, varying in number from one to six different genetic clusters per organism. Since its discovery in 2006, research on the T6SS has rapidly progressed, yielding remarkable breakthroughs. The identification and characterization of novel components of the T6SS, combined with biochemical and structural studies, have revealed fascinating mechanisms governing its assembly, loading, firing and disassembly processes. Recent findings have also demonstrated the efficacy of this system against fungal and Gram-positive cells, expanding its scope. Ongoing research continues to uncover an extensive and expanding repertoire of T6SS effectors, the genuine mediators of T6SS function. These studies are shedding light on new aspects of the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the T6SS, highlighting recent discoveries of its structure and the diversity of its effectors. Additionally, it injects a personal perspective on avenues for future research, aiming to deepen our understanding of this combative system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke P. Allsopp
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Patricia Bernal
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 41012, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rudzite M, Subramoni S, Endres RG, Filloux A. Effectiveness of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type VI secretion system relies on toxin potency and type IV pili-dependent interaction. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011428. [PMID: 37253075 PMCID: PMC10281587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is an antibacterial weapon that is used by numerous Gram-negative bacteria to gain competitive advantage by injecting toxins into adjacent prey cells. Predicting the outcome of a T6SS-dependent competition is not only reliant on presence-absence of the system but instead involves a multiplicity of factors. Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses 3 distinct T6SSs and a set of more than 20 toxic effectors with diverse functions including disruption of cell wall integrity, degradation of nucleic acids or metabolic impairment. We generated a comprehensive collection of mutants with various degrees of T6SS activity and/or sensitivity to each individual T6SS toxin. By imaging whole mixed bacterial macrocolonies, we then investigated how these P. aeruginosa strains gain a competitive edge in multiple attacker/prey combinations. We observed that the potency of single T6SS toxin varies significantly from one another as measured by monitoring the community structure, with some toxins acting better in synergy or requiring a higher payload. Remarkably the degree of intermixing between preys and attackers is also key to the competition outcome and is driven by the frequency of contact as well as the ability of the prey to move away from the attacker using type IV pili-dependent twitching motility. Finally, we implemented a computational model to better understand how changes in T6SS firing behaviours or cell-cell contacts lead to population level competitive advantages, thus providing conceptual insight applicable to all types of contact-based competition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rudzite
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sujatha Subramoni
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Robert G. Endres
- Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alain Filloux
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pothula R, Lee MW, Patricia Stock S. Type 6 Secretion System components hcp and vgrG support mutualistic partnership between Xenorhabdus bovienii symbiont and Steinernema jollieti host. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 198:107925. [PMID: 37087093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Xenorhabdus, like other Gram-negative bacteria, possesses a Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS) which acts as a contact-dependent molecular syringe, delivering diverse proteins (effectors) directly into other cells. The number of T6SS loci encoded in Xenorhabdus genomes are variable both at the inter and intraspecific level. Some environmental isolates of Xenorhabdus bovienii, encode at least one T6SS locus while others possess two loci. Previous work conducted by our team demonstrated that X. bovienii [Jollieti strain SS-2004], which has two T6SSs (T6SS-1 and T6SS-2), hcp genes are required for biofilm formation. Additionally, while T6SS-1 hcp gene plays a role in the antibacterial competition, T6SS-2 hcp does not. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that vgrG genes are also involved in mutualistic and pathogenic interactions. For this purpose, targeted mutagenesis together with wet lab experiments including colonization, competition, biofilm, and virulence experiments, were carried out to assess the role of vgrG in the mutualistic and antagonistic interactions in the life cycle of XBJ. Our results revealed that vgrG genes are not required for biofilm formation but play a role in outcompeting other Xenorhabdus bacteria. Additionally, both vgrG and hcp genes are required to fully colonize the nematode host. We also demonstrated that hcp and vgrG genes in both T6SS clusters are needed to support the reproductive fitness of the nematodes. Overall, results from this study revealed that in X. bovieni jollieti strain, the twoT6SS clusters play an important role in the fitness of the nematodes in relation to colonization and reproduction. These results lay a foundation for further investigations on the functional significance of T6SSs in the mutualistic and pathogenic lifecycle of Xenorhabdus spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ratnasri Pothula
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Min-Woo Lee
- Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Quality Research Lab, USDA-ARS Wooster, OH, United States
| | - S Patricia Stock
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Calder A, Snyder LAS. Diversity of the type VI secretion systems in the Neisseria spp. Microb Genom 2023; 9. [PMID: 37052605 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Complete Type VI Secretion Systems were identified in the genome sequence data of Neisseria subflava isolates sourced from throat swabs of human volunteers. The previous report was the first to describe two complete Type VI Secretion Systems in these isolates, both of which were distinct in terms of their gene organization and sequence homology. Since publication of the first report, Type VI Secretion System subtypes have been identified in Neisseria spp. The characteristics of each type in N. subflava are further investigated here and in the context of the other Neisseria spp., including identification of the lineages containing the different types and subtypes. Type VI Secretion Systems use VgrG for delivery of toxin effector proteins; several copies of vgrG and associated effector / immunity pairs are present in Neisseria spp. Based on sequence similarity between strains and species, these core Type VI Secretion System genes, vgrG, and effector / immunity genes may diversify via horizontal gene transfer, an instrument for gene acquisition and repair in Neisseria spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Calder
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Lori A S Snyder
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Singh RP, Kumari K. Bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS): an evolved molecular weapon with diverse functionality. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:309-331. [PMID: 36683130 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03354-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial secretion systems are nanomolecular complexes that release a diverse set of virulence factors/or proteins into its surrounding or translocate to their target host cells. Among these systems, type VI secretion system 'T6SS' is a recently discovered molecular secretion system which is widely distributed in Gram-negative (-ve) bacteria, and shares structural similarity with the puncturing device of bacteriophages. The presence of T6SS is an advantage to many bacteria as it delivers toxins to its neighbour pathogens for competitive survival, and also translocates protein effectors to the host cells, leading to disruption of lipid membranes, cell walls, and cytoskeletons etc. Recent studies have characterized both anti-prokaryotic and anti-eukaryotic effectors, where T6SS is involved in diverse cellular functions including favouring colonization, enhancing the survival, adhesive modifications, internalization, and evasion of the immune system. With the evolution of advanced genomics and proteomics tools, there has been an increase in the number of characterized T6SS effector arsenals and also more clear information about the adaptive significance of this complex system. The functions of T6SS are generally regulated at the transcription, post-transcription and post-translational levels through diverse mechanisms. In the present review, we aimed to provide information about the distribution of T6SS in diverse bacteria, any structural similarity/or dissimilarity, effectors proteins, functional significance, and regulatory mechanisms. We also tried to provide information about the diverse roles played by T6SS in its natural environments and hosts, and further any changes in the microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Prakash Singh
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India.
| | - Kiran Kumari
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Guckes KR, Miyashiro TI. The type-VI secretion system of the beneficial symbiont Vibrio fischeri. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001302. [PMID: 36809081 PMCID: PMC9972734 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The mutualistic symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes and the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri is a powerful experimental system for determining how intercellular interactions impact animal-bacterial associations. In nature, this symbiosis features multiple strains of V. fischeri within each adult animal, which indicates that different strains initially colonize each squid. Various studies have demonstrated that certain strains of V. fischeri possess a type-VI secretion system (T6SS), which can inhibit other strains from establishing symbiosis within the same host habitat. The T6SS is a bacterial melee weapon that enables a cell to kill adjacent cells by translocating toxic effectors via a lancet-like apparatus. This review describes the progress that has been made in understanding the factors that govern the structure and expression of the T6SS in V. fischeri and its effect on the symbiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R. Guckes
- The Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Tim I. Miyashiro
- The Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Vanlioğlu E, Santin YG, Filella-Merce I, Pellarin R, Cascales E. Coevolution-Guided Mapping of the Type VI Secretion Membrane Complex-Baseplate Interface. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167918. [PMID: 36509161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a multiprotein weapon evolved by Gram-negative bacteria to deliver effectors into eukaryotic cells or bacterial rivals. The T6SS uses a contractile mechanism to propel an effector-loaded needle into its target. The contractile tail is built on an assembly platform, the baseplate, which is anchored to a membrane complex. Baseplate-membrane complex interactions are mainly mediated by contacts between the C-terminal domain of the TssK baseplate component and the cytoplasmic domain of the TssL inner membrane protein. Currently, the structural details of this interaction are unknown due to the marginal stability of the TssK-TssL complex. Here we conducted a mutagenesis study based on putative TssK-TssL contact pairs identified by co-evolution analyses. We then evaluated the impact of these mutations on T6SS activity, TssK-TssL interaction and sheath assembly and dynamics in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli. Finally, we probed the TssK-TssL interface by disulfide cross-linking, allowing to propose a model for the baseplate-membrane complex interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Vanlioğlu
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), CNRS - Aix-Marseille Université UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS70071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Yoann G Santin
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), CNRS - Aix-Marseille Université UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS70071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Isaac Filella-Merce
- Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Riccardo Pellarin
- Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie (IM2B), CNRS - Aix-Marseille Université UMR7255, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier CS70071, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Activity and Crystal Structure of the Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli Tle3/Tli3 T6SS Effector/Immunity Complex Determined Using an AlphaFold2 Predicted Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021740. [PMID: 36675258 PMCID: PMC9860674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) delivers enzymatic effectors into target cells to destroy them. Cells of the same strain protect themselves against effectors with immunity proteins that specifically inhibit effectors. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a Tle3 phospholipase effector and its cognate immunity protein Tli3-an outer membrane lipoprotein from adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC). Enzymatic assays demonstrate that purified Tle3AIEC has a phospholipase A1, and not A2, activity and that its toxicity is neutralized by the cognate immunity protein Tli3AIEC. Tli3AIEC binds Tle3 in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. Tle3AIEC, Tli3AIEC and the Tle3AIEC-Tli3AIEC complex were purified and subjected to crystallization. The Tle3AIEC-Tli3AIEC complex structure could not be solved by SeMet phasing, but only by molecular replacement when using an AlphaFold2 prediction model. Tle3AIEC exhibits an α/β-hydrolase fold decorated by two protruding segments, including a N-terminus loop. Tli3AIEC displays a new fold of three stacked β-sheets and a protruding loop that inserts in Tle3AIECcatalytic crevice. We showed, experimentally, that Tle3AIEC interacts with the VgrG AIEC cargo protein and AlphaFold2 prediction of the VgrGAIEC-Tle3AIEC complex reveals a strong interaction between the VgrGAIEC C-terminus adaptor and Tle3AIEC N-terminal loop.
Collapse
|
22
|
Gabbert AD, Mydosh JL, Talukdar PK, Gloss LM, McDermott JE, Cooper KK, Clair GC, Konkel ME. The Missing Pieces: The Role of Secretion Systems in Campylobacter jejuni Virulence. Biomolecules 2023; 13:135. [PMID: 36671522 PMCID: PMC9856085 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is likely the most common bacterial cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, responsible for millions of cases of inflammatory diarrhea characterized by severe abdominal cramps and blood in the stool. Further, C. jejuni infections are associated with post-infection sequelae in developed countries and malnutrition and growth-stunting in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the increasing prevalence of the disease, campylobacteriosis, and the recognition that this pathogen is a serious health threat, our understanding of C. jejuni pathogenesis remains incomplete. In this review, we focus on the Campylobacter secretion systems proposed to contribute to host-cell interactions and survival in the host. Moreover, we have applied a genomics approach to defining the structural and mechanistic features of C. jejuni type III, IV, and VI secretion systems. Special attention is focused on the flagellar type III secretion system and the prediction of putative effectors, given that the proteins exported via this system are essential for host cell invasion and the inflammatory response. We conclude that C. jejuni does not possess a type IV secretion system and relies on the type III and type VI secretion systems to establish a niche and potentiate disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber D. Gabbert
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Mydosh
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Prabhat K. Talukdar
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Lisa M. Gloss
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jason E. McDermott
- Integrative Omics, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Kerry K. Cooper
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Geremy C. Clair
- Integrative Omics, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Michael E. Konkel
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu M, Wang H, Liu Y, Tian M, Wang Z, Shu RD, Zhao MY, Chen WD, Wang H, Wang H, Fu Y. The phospholipase effector Tle1 Vc promotes Vibrio cholerae virulence by killing competitors and impacting gene expression. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2241204. [PMID: 37526354 PMCID: PMC10395195 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2241204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae utilizes the Type VI secretion system (T6SS) to gain an advantage in interbacterial competition by delivering anti-prokaryotic effectors in a contact-dependent manner. However, the impact of T6SS and its secreted effectors on physiological behavior remains poorly understood. In this study, we present Tle1Vc, a phospholipase effector in atypical pathogenic V. cholerae E1 that is secreted by T6SS via its interaction with VgrG1E1. Tle1Vc contains a DUF2235 domain and belongs to the Tle1 (type VI lipase effector) family. Bacterial toxicity assays, lipase activity assays and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that Tle1Vc possessed phospholipase A1 activity and phospholipase A2 activity, and that Tle1Vc-induced toxicity required a serine residue (S356) and two aspartic acid residues (D417 and D496). Cells intoxication with Tle1Vc lead to membrane depolarization and alter membrane permeability. Tli1tox-, a cognate immunity protein, directly interacts with Tle1Vc to neutralize its toxicity. Moreover, Tle1Vc can kill multiple microorganisms by T6SS and promote in vivo fitness of V. cholerae through mediating antibacterial activity. Tle1Vc induces bacterial motility by increasing the expression of flagellar-related genes independently of functional T6SS and the tit-for-tat (TFT) response, where Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses its T6SS-H1 cluster to counterattack other offensive attackers. Our study also demonstrated that the physical puncture of E1 T6SS can induce a moderate TFT response, which is essential to the Tle1Vc-mediated strong TFT response, maximizing effector functions. Overall, our study characterized the antibacterial mechanism of phospholipase effector Tle1Vc and its multiple physiological significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Liu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Heng Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Tian
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Run-Dong Shu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng-Yu Zhao
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei-Di Chen
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Fu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Acken KA, Li B. Pseudomonas virulence factor controls expression of virulence genes in Pseudomonas entomophila. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284907. [PMID: 37200397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing is a communication strategy that bacteria use to collectively alter gene expression in response to cell density. Pathogens use quorum sensing systems to control activities vital to infection, such as the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation. The Pseudomonas virulence factor (pvf) gene cluster encodes a signaling system (Pvf) that is present in over 500 strains of proteobacteria, including strains that infect a variety of plant and human hosts. We have shown that Pvf regulates the production of secreted proteins and small molecules in the insect pathogen Pseudomonas entomophila L48. Here, we identified genes that are likely regulated by Pvf using the model strain P. entomophila L48 which does not contain other known quorum sensing systems. Pvf regulated genes were identified through comparing the transcriptomes of wildtype P. entomophila and a pvf deletion mutant (ΔpvfA-D). We found that deletion of pvfA-D affected the expression of approximately 300 genes involved in virulence, the type VI secretion system, siderophore transport, and branched chain amino acid biosynthesis. Additionally, we identified seven putative biosynthetic gene clusters with reduced expression in ΔpvfA-D. Our results indicate that Pvf controls multiple virulence mechanisms in P. entomophila L48. Characterizing genes regulated by Pvf will aid understanding of host-pathogen interactions and development of anti-virulence strategies against P. entomophila and other pvf-containing strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Acken
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Guzmán-Herrador DL, Fernández-Gómez A, Llosa M. Recruitment of heterologous substrates by bacterial secretion systems for transkingdom translocation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1146000. [PMID: 36949816 PMCID: PMC10025392 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1146000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial secretion systems mediate the selective exchange of macromolecules between bacteria and their environment, playing a pivotal role in processes such as horizontal gene transfer or virulence. Among the different families of secretion systems, Type III, IV and VI (T3SS, T4SS and T6SS) share the ability to inject their substrates into human cells, opening up the possibility of using them as customized injectors. For this to happen, it is necessary to understand how substrates are recruited and to be able to engineer secretion signals, so that the transmembrane machineries can recognize and translocate the desired substrates in place of their own. Other factors, such as recruiting proteins, chaperones, and the degree of unfolding required to cross through the secretion channel, may also affect transport. Advances in the knowledge of the secretion mechanism have allowed heterologous substrate engineering to accomplish translocation by T3SS, and to a lesser extent, T4SS and T6SS into human cells. In the case of T4SS, transport of nucleoprotein complexes adds a bonus to its biotechnological potential. Here, we review the current knowledge on substrate recognition by these secretion systems, the many examples of heterologous substrate translocation by engineering of secretion signals, and the current and future biotechnological and biomedical applications derived from this approach.
Collapse
|
26
|
Huang Y, Han Y, Li Z, Li X, Li Z, Liu P, Liu X, Cheng Q, Fan F, Kan B, Liang W. TssI2-TsiI2 of Vibrio fluvialis VflT6SS2 delivers pesticin domain-containing periplasmic toxin and cognate immunity that modulates bacterial competitiveness. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2136460. [PMID: 36288406 PMCID: PMC9620997 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2136460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio fluvialis is a halophilic Gram-negative bacterium regarded as an emerging unusual enteric pathogen of increasing public health concern. Our previous work has identified two type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) in V. fluvialis, VflT6SS1, and VflT6SS2, and the latter is functional in mediating interbacterial competitiveness. However, its antibacterial effectors remain to be clarified. In this work, we focused on a new potential effector/immunity pair TssI2/TsiI2. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the C-terminal domain of TssI2 belongs to a widespread family of pesticin, and its antibacterial toxicity and corresponding protection by TsiI2 were proved via bacterial killing assays, and their action sites were localized to the periplasm of bacterial cells. The interaction of TssI2 and TsiI2 was demonstrated by the bacterial adenylate cyclase two-hybrid, protein pull-down and isothermal titration calorimetry assays. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that, in addition to Glu-844, Thr-863, and Asp-869, which correspond to three reported residues in pesticin of Yersinia pestis, additional residues including Phe-837, Gly-845, Tyr-851, Gly-867, Gln-963, Trp-975, and Arg-1000 were also proved to be crucial to the bactericidal activity of TssI2. Muramidase/lysozyme-related peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolase activities of TssI2 and its variants were validated with permeabilized Escherichia coli cells and purified PG substrate. Based on sequence homologies at C-terminals in various V. fluvialis isolates, TssI2 was subdivided into five clusters (12-22% identity among them), and the antibacterial activities of representative effectors from other four Clusters were also confirmed through periplasmic over-expression in E. coli host. Two selected cognate immunities were proved to confer protection against the toxicities of their effectors. Additionally, TsiI2, which belongs to Cluster I, exhibited cross-protection to effector from Cluster V. Together, current findings expand our knowledge of the diversity and consistency of evolved VgrG effectors in V. fluvialis and on how VflT6SS2 mediates a competitive advantage to gain a better survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanming Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoshu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Fenxia Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Biao Kan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China,CONTACT Biao Kan
| | - Weili Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China,Weili Liang State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Role of Klebsiella pneumoniae Type VI secretion system (T6SS) in long-term gastrointestinal colonization. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16968. [PMID: 36216848 PMCID: PMC9550808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21396-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Type VI secretion systems (T6SS), recently described in hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) strains, are involved in bacterial warfare but their role in classical clinical strains (cKp) has been little investigated. In silico analysis indicated the presence of T6SS clusters (from zero to four), irrespective of the strains origin or virulence, with a high prevalence in the K. pneumoniae species (98%). In the strain CH1157, two T6SS-apparented pathogenicity islands were detected, T6SS-1 and -2, harboring a phospholipase-encoding gene (tle1) and a potential new effector-encoding gene named tke (Type VI Klebsiella effector). Tle1 expression in Escherichia coli periplasm affected cell membrane permeability. T6SS-1 isogenic mutants colonized the highest gastrointestinal tract of mice less efficiently than their parental strain, at long term. Comparative analysis of faecal 16S sequences indicated that T6SS-1 impaired the microbiota richness and its resilience capacity. Oscillospiraceae family members could be specific competitors for the long-term gut establishment of K. pneumoniae.
Collapse
|
28
|
do Nascimento Soares T, Silva Valadares V, Cardoso Amorim G, de Mattos Lacerda de Carvalho M, Berrêdo‐Pinho M, Ceneviva Lacerda Almeida F, Mascarello Bisch P, Batista PR, Miranda Santos Lery L. The C‐terminal extension of
VgrG4
from
Klebsiella pneumoniae
remodels host cell microfilaments. Proteins 2022; 90:1655-1668. [PMID: 35430767 PMCID: PMC9542434 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen, which concerns public health systems worldwide, as multiple antibiotic‐resistant strains are frequent. One of its pathogenicity factors is the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS), a macromolecular complex assembled through the bacterial membranes. T6SS injects effector proteins inside target cells. Such effectors confer competitive advantages or modulate the target cell signaling and metabolism to favor bacterial infection. The VgrG protein is a T6SS core component. It may present a variable C‐terminal domain carrying an additional effector function. Kp52.145 genome encodes three VgrG proteins, one of them with a C‐terminal extension (VgrG4‐CTD). VgrG4‐CTD is 138 amino acids long, does not contain domains of known function, but is conserved in some Klebsiella, and non‐Klebsiella species. To get insights into its function, recombinant VgrG4‐CTD was used in pulldown experiments to capture ligands from macrophages and lung epithelial cells. A total of 254 proteins were identified: most of them are ribosomal proteins. Cytoskeleton‐associated and proteins involved in the phagosome maturation pathway were also identified. We further showed that VgrG4‐CTD binds actin and induces actin remodeling in macrophages. This study presents novel clues on the role of K. pneumoniae T6SS in pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marcia Berrêdo‐Pinho
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Celular Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Fábio Ceneviva Lacerda Almeida
- Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Paulo Mascarello Bisch
- Laboratório de Física‐Biológica Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fei N, Ji W, Yang L, Yu C, Qiao P, Yan J, Guan W, Yang Y, Zhao T. Hcp of the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in Acidovorax citrulli Group II Strain Aac5 Has a Dual Role as a Core Structural Protein and an Effector Protein in Colonization, Growth Ability, Competition, Biofilm Formation, and Ferric Iron Absorption. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9632. [PMID: 36077040 PMCID: PMC9456162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A type VI secretion system (T6SS) gene cluster has been reported in Acidovorax citrulli. Research on the activation conditions, functions, and the interactions between key elements in A. citrulli T6SS is lacking. Hcp (Hemolysin co-regulated protein) is both a structural protein and a secretion protein of T6SS, which makes it a special element. The aims of this study were to determine the role of Hcp and its activated conditions to reveal the functions of T6SS. In virulence and colonization assays of hcp deletion mutant strain Δhcp, tssm (type VI secretion system membrane subunit) deletion mutant strain Δtssm and double mutant ΔhcpΔtssm, population growth was affected but not virulence after injection of cotyledons and seed-to-seedling transmission on watermelon. The population growth of Δhcp and Δtssm were lower than A. citrulli wild type strain Aac5 of A. citrulli group II at early stage but higher at a later stage. Deletion of hcp also affected growth ability in different culture media, and the decline stage of Δhcp was delayed in KB medium. Biofilm formation ability of Δhcp, Δtssm and ΔhcpΔtssm was lower than Aac5 with competition by prey bacteria but higher in KB and M9-Fe3+ medium. Deletion of hcp reduced the competition and survival ability of Aac5. Based on the results of Western blotting and qRT-PCR analyses, Hcp is activated by cell density, competition, ferric irons, and the host plant. The expression levels of genes related to bacterial secretion systems, protein export, and several other pathways, were significantly changed in the Δhcp mutant compared to Aac5 when T6SS was activated at high cell density. Based on transcriptome data, we found that a few candidate effectors need further identification. The phenotypes, activated conditions and transcriptome data all supported the conclusion that although there is only one T6SS gene cluster present in the A. citrulli group II strain Aac5, it related to multiple biological processes, including colonization, growth ability, competition and biofilm formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuoya Fei
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Weiqin Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chunyan Yu
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianpei Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tingchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
A Quorum Sensing-Regulated Type VI Secretion System Containing Multiple Nonredundant VgrG Proteins Is Required for Interbacterial Competition in Chromobacterium violaceum. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0157622. [PMID: 35876575 PMCID: PMC9430734 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01576-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental pathogenic bacterium Chromobacterium violaceum kills Gram-positive bacteria by delivering violacein packed into outer membrane vesicles, but nothing is known about its contact-dependent competition mechanisms. In this work, we demonstrate that C. violaceum utilizes a type VI secretion system (T6SS) containing multiple VgrG proteins primarily for interbacterial competition. The single T6SS of C. violaceum contains six vgrG genes, which are located in the main T6SS cluster and four vgrG islands. Using T6SS core component-null mutant strains, Western blotting, fluorescence microscopy, and competition assays, we showed that the C. violaceum T6SS is active and required for competition against Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa but dispensable for C. violaceum infection in mice. Characterization of single and multiple vgrG mutants revealed that, despite having high sequence similarity, the six VgrGs show little functional redundancy, with VgrG3 showing a major role in T6SS function. Our coimmunoprecipitation data support a model of VgrG3 interacting directly with the other VgrGs. Moreover, we determined that the promoter activities of T6SS genes increased at high cell density, but the produced Hcp protein was not secreted under such condition. This T6SS growth phase-dependent regulation was dependent on CviR but not on CviI, the components of a C. violaceum quorum sensing (QS) system. Indeed, a ΔcviR but not a ΔcviI mutant was completely defective in Hcp secretion, T6SS activity, and interbacterial competition. Overall, our data reveal that C. violaceum relies on a QS-regulated T6SS to outcompete other bacteria and expand our knowledge about the redundancy of multiple VgrGs. IMPORTANCE The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a contractile nanomachine used by many Gram-negative bacteria to inject toxic effectors into adjacent cells. The delivered effectors are bound to the components of a puncturing apparatus containing the protein VgrG. The T6SS has been implicated in pathogenesis and, more commonly, in competition among bacteria. Chromobacterium violaceum is an environmental bacterium that causes deadly infections in humans. In this work, we characterized the single T6SS of C. violaceum ATCC 12472, including its six VgrG proteins, regarding its function and regulation. This previously undescribed C. violaceum T6SS is active, regulated by QS, and required for interbacterial competition instead of acute infection in mice. Among the VgrGs, VgrG3, encoded outside the main T6SS cluster, showed a major contribution to T6SS function. These results shed light on a key contact-dependent killing mechanism used by C. violaceum to antagonize other bacteria.
Collapse
|
31
|
Baerentsen R, Tang CM, Exley RM. Et tu, Neisseria? Conflicts of Interest Between Neisseria Species. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:913292. [PMID: 35811666 PMCID: PMC9263626 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.913292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are two obligate human pathogens that have evolved to be uniquely adapted to their host. The meningococcus is frequently carried asymptomatically in the nasopharynx, while gonococcal infection of the urogenital tract usually elicits a marked local inflammatory response. Other members of the Neisseria genus are abundant in the upper airway where they could engage in co-operative or competitive interactions with both these pathogens. Here, we briefly outline the potential sites of contact between Neisseria spp. in the body, with emphasis on the upper airway, and describe the growing yet circumstantial evidence for antagonism from carriage studies and human volunteer challenge models with Neisseria lactamica. Recent laboratory studies have characterized antagonistic mechanisms that enable competition between Neisseria species. Several of these mechanisms, including Multiple Adhesin family (Mafs), Two Partner Secretion Systems, and Type VI secretion system, involve direct contact between bacteria; the genetic organisation of these systems, and the domain structure of their effector molecules have striking similarities. Additionally, DNA from one species of Neisseria can be toxic to another species, following uptake. More research is needed to define the full repertoire of antagonistic mechanisms in Neisseria spp., their distribution in strains, their range of activity, and contribution to survival in vivo. Understanding the targets of effectors could reveal how antagonistic relationships between close relatives shape subsequent interactions between pathogens and their hosts.
Collapse
|
32
|
Amaya FA, Blondel CJ, Barros-Infante MF, Rivera D, Moreno-Switt AI, Santiviago CA, Pezoa D. Identification of Type VI Secretion Systems Effector Proteins That Contribute to Interbacterial Competition in Salmonella Dublin. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:811932. [PMID: 35222335 PMCID: PMC8867033 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.811932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) is a multiprotein device that has emerged as an important fitness and virulence factor for many Gram-negative bacteria through the injection of effector proteins into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via a contractile mechanism. While some effector proteins specifically target bacterial or eukaryotic cells, others can target both types of cells (trans-kingdom effectors). In Salmonella, five T6SS gene clusters have been identified within pathogenicity islands SPI-6, SPI-19, SPI-20, SPI-21, and SPI-22, which are differentially distributed among serotypes. Salmonella enterica serotype Dublin (S. Dublin) is a cattle-adapted pathogen that harbors both T6SSSPI-6 and T6SSSPI-19. Interestingly, while both systems have been linked to virulence and host colonization in S. Dublin, an antibacterial activity has not been detected for T6SSSPI-6 in this serotype. In addition, there is limited information regarding the repertoire of effector proteins encoded within T6SSSPI-6 and T6SSSPI-19 gene clusters in S. Dublin. In the present study, we demonstrate that T6SSSPI-6 and T6SSSPI-19 of S. Dublin CT_02021853 contribute to interbacterial competition. Bioinformatic and comparative genomic analyses allowed us to identify genes encoding three candidate antibacterial effectors located within SPI-6 and two candidate effectors located within SPI-19. Each antibacterial effector gene is located upstream of a gene encoding a hypothetic immunity protein, thus conforming an effector/immunity (E/I) module. Of note, the genes encoding these effectors and immunity proteins are widely distributed in Salmonella genomes, suggesting a relevant role in interbacterial competition and virulence. Finally, we demonstrate that E/I modules SED_RS01930/SED_RS01935 (encoded in SPI-6), SED_RS06235/SED_RS06230, and SED_RS06335/SED_RS06340 (both encoded in SPI-19) contribute to interbacterial competition in S. Dublin CT_02021853.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A. Amaya
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos J. Blondel
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Dácil Rivera
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea I. Moreno-Switt
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Initiative on Collaborative Research on Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos A. Santiviago
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Carlos A. Santiviago, David Pezoa,
| | - David Pezoa
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Carlos A. Santiviago, David Pezoa,
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yuan L, Zhao Y, Xie H, Shi Y, Xie X, Chai A, Li L, Li B. Selection and evaluation of suitable reference genes for quantitative gene expression analysis during infection of Cucumis sativus with Pectobacterium brasiliense. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:3717-3734. [PMID: 35138009 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Bacterial soft rot caused by Pectobacterium brasiliense (Pbr) has resulted in severe economic losses of cucumber production in northern China. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is widely used to determine the fold change in the expression of genes of interest, and an appropriate reference gene played a critical role in the evaluation of genes expression. However, the suitable reference genes for transcript normalization during the interaction between cucumber and Pbr have not yet been systematically validated. In this study, we aimed to identify the suitable reference genes for accurate and reliable normalization of cucumber and Pbr RT-qPCR data. METHODS AND RESULTS We selected fourteen candidate reference genes for cucumber and ten candidate reference genes for Pbr were analyzed by using four algorithms (the deltaCt method, BestKeeper, NormFinder and geNorm). Furthermore, five genes in cucumber involved in plant resistance and five genes in Pbr related to the virulence were selected to confirm the reliability of the reference genes by RT-qPCR. CsARF (ADP-ribosylation factor 1) and pgi (glucose-6-phosphate isomerase) were suggested as the most suitable reference genes for cucumber and Pbr, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that CsARF (ADP-ribosylation factor 1) and pgi (glucose-6-phosphate isomerase) could be as the reference genes to normalize expression data for cucumber and Pbr during the process of pathogen-host interaction, respectively. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study of the optimal reference genes specific to cucumber and Pbr, which could help advance the molecular interactions research in Cucurbitaceae vegetables and Pectobacterium species pathosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Yuan
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Shandong Academy of Grapes, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shandong, China
| | - Yurong Zhao
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Xie
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxia Shi
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuewen Xie
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ali Chai
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baoju Li
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dar Y, Jana B, Bosis E, Salomon D. A binary effector module secreted by a type VI secretion system. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53981. [PMID: 34752000 PMCID: PMC8728615 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria use type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) to deliver toxic effector proteins into neighboring cells. Cargo effectors are secreted by binding noncovalently to the T6SS apparatus. Occasionally, effector secretion is assisted by an adaptor protein, although the adaptor itself is not secreted. Here, we report a new T6SS secretion mechanism, in which an effector and a co-effector are secreted together. Specifically, we identify a novel periplasm-targeting effector that is secreted together with its co-effector, which contains a MIX (marker for type sIX effector) domain previously reported only in polymorphic toxins. The effector and co-effector directly interact, and they are dependent on each other for secretion. We term this new secretion mechanism "a binary effector module," and we show that it is widely distributed in marine bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Dar
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and ImmunologySackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Biswanath Jana
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and ImmunologySackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Eran Bosis
- Department of Biotechnology EngineeringORT Braude College of EngineeringKarmielIsrael
| | - Dor Salomon
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and ImmunologySackler Faculty of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Günther P, Quentin D, Ahmad S, Sachar K, Gatsogiannis C, Whitney JC, Raunser S. Structure of a bacterial Rhs effector exported by the type VI secretion system. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010182. [PMID: 34986192 PMCID: PMC8765631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread protein export apparatus found in Gram-negative bacteria. The majority of T6SSs deliver toxic effector proteins into competitor bacteria. Yet, the structure, function, and activation of many of these effectors remains poorly understood. Here, we present the structures of the T6SS effector RhsA from Pseudomonas protegens and its cognate T6SS spike protein, VgrG1, at 3.3 Å resolution. The structures reveal that the rearrangement hotspot (Rhs) repeats of RhsA assemble into a closed anticlockwise β-barrel spiral similar to that found in bacterial insecticidal Tc toxins and in metazoan teneurin proteins. We find that the C-terminal toxin domain of RhsA is autoproteolytically cleaved but remains inside the Rhs ‘cocoon’ where, with the exception of three ordered structural elements, most of the toxin is disordered. The N-terminal ‘plug’ domain is unique to T6SS Rhs proteins and resembles a champagne cork that seals the Rhs cocoon at one end while also mediating interactions with VgrG1. Interestingly, this domain is also autoproteolytically cleaved inside the cocoon but remains associated with it. We propose that mechanical force is required to remove the cleaved part of the plug, resulting in the release of the toxin domain as it is delivered into a susceptible bacterial cell by the T6SS. Bacteria have developed a variety of strategies to compete for nutrients and limited resources. One system widely used by Gram-negative bacteria is the T6 secretion system which delivers a plethora of effectors into competing bacterial cells. Known functions of effectors are degradation of the cell wall, the depletion of essential metabolites such as NAD+ or the cleavage of DNA. RhsA is an effector from the widespread plant-protecting bacteria Pseudomonas protegens. We found that RhsA forms a closed cocoon similar to that found in bacterial Tc toxins and metazoan teneurin proteins. The effector cleaves its polypeptide chain by itself in three pieces, namely the N-terminal domain including a seal, the cocoon and the actual toxic component which potentially cleaves DNA. The toxic component is encapsulated in the large cocoon, so that the effector producing bacterium is protected from the toxin. In order for the toxin to exit the cocoon, we propose that the seal, which closes the cocoon at one end, is removed by mechanical forces during injection of the effector by the T6 secretion system. We further hypothesize about different scenarios for the delivery of the toxin into the cytoplasm of the host cell. Together, our findings expand the knowledge of the mechanism of action of the T6 secretion system and its essential role in interbacterial competition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Günther
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Dennis Quentin
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Shehryar Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Kartik Sachar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Christos Gatsogiannis
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - John C. Whitney
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- * E-mail: (J.C.W.); (S.R.)
| | - Stefan Raunser
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
- * E-mail: (J.C.W.); (S.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kim N, Han G, Jung H, Lee HH, Park J, Seo YS. T6SS Accessory Proteins, Including DUF2169 Domain-Containing Protein and Pentapeptide Repeats Protein, Contribute to Bacterial Virulence in T6SS Group_5 of Burkholderia glumae BGR1. PLANTS 2021; 11:plants11010034. [PMID: 35009038 PMCID: PMC8747328 DOI: 10.3390/plants11010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Burkholderia glumae are bacteria pathogenic to rice plants that cause a disease called bacterial panicle blight (BPB) in rice panicles. BPB, induced by B. glumae, causes enormous economic losses to the rice agricultural industry. B. glumae also causes bacterial disease in other crops because it has various virulence factors, such as toxins, proteases, lipases, extracellular polysaccharides, bacterial motility, and bacterial secretion systems. In particular, B. glumae BGR1 harbors type VI secretion system (T6SS) with functionally distinct roles: the prokaryotic targeting system and the eukaryotic targeting system. The functional activity of T6SS requires 13 core components and T6SS accessory proteins, such as adapters containing DUF2169, DUF4123, and DUF1795 domains. There are two genes, bglu_1g23320 and bglu_2g07420, encoding the DUF2169 domain-containing protein in the genome of B. glumae BGR1. bglu_2g07420 belongs to the gene cluster of T6SS group_5 in B. glumae BGR1, whereas bglu_1g23320 does not belong to any T6SS gene cluster in B. glumae BGR1. T6SS group_5 of B. glumae BGR1 is involved in bacterial virulence in rice plants. The DUF2169 domain-containing protein with a single domain can function by itself; however, Δu1g23320 showed no attenuated virulence in rice plants. In contrast, Δu2g07420DUF2169 and Δu2g07420PPR did exhibit attenuated virulence in rice plants. These results suggest that the pentapeptide repeats region of the C-terminal additional domain, as well as the DUF2169 domain, is required for complete functioning of the DUF2169 domain-containing protein encoded by bglu_2g07420. bglu_2g07410, which encodes the pentapeptide repeats protein, composed of only the pentapeptide repeats region, is located downstream of bglu_2g07420. Δu2g07410 also shows attenuated virulence in rice plants. This finding suggests that the pentapeptide repeats protein, encoded by bglu_2g07410, is involved in bacterial virulence. This study is the first report that the DUF2169 domain-containing protein and pentapeptide repeats protein are involved in bacterial virulence to the rice plants as T6SS accessory proteins, encoded in the gene cluster of the T6SS group_5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namgyu Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (N.K.); (G.H.); (H.J.); (H.-H.L.)
| | - Gil Han
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (N.K.); (G.H.); (H.J.); (H.-H.L.)
| | - Hyejung Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (N.K.); (G.H.); (H.J.); (H.-H.L.)
| | - Hyun-Hee Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (N.K.); (G.H.); (H.J.); (H.-H.L.)
| | - Jungwook Park
- Environmental Microbiology Research Team, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological, Resources (NNIBR), Sangju 37242, Korea;
| | - Young-Su Seo
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (N.K.); (G.H.); (H.J.); (H.-H.L.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Liang X, Pei TT, Li H, Zheng HY, Luo H, Cui Y, Tang MX, Zhao YJ, Xu P, Dong T. VgrG-dependent effectors and chaperones modulate the assembly of the type VI secretion system. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010116. [PMID: 34852023 PMCID: PMC8668125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a spear-like nanomachine found in gram-negative pathogens for delivery of toxic effectors to neighboring bacterial and host cells. Its assembly requires a tip spike complex consisting of a VgrG-trimer, a PAAR protein, and the interacting effectors. However, how the spike controls T6SS assembly remains elusive. Here we investigated the role of three VgrG-effector pairs in Aeromonas dhakensis strain SSU, a clinical isolate with a constitutively active T6SS. By swapping VgrG tail sequences, we demonstrate that the C-terminal ~30 amino-acid tail dictates effector specificity. Double deletion of vgrG1&2 genes (VgrG3+) abolished T6SS secretion, which can be rescued by ectopically expressing chimeric VgrG3 with a VgrG1/2-tail but not the wild type VgrG3. In addition, deletion of effector-specific chaperones also severely impaired T6SS secretion, despite the presence of intact VgrG and effector proteins, in both SSU and Vibrio cholerae V52. We further show that SSU could deliver a V. cholerae effector VasX when expressing a plasmid-borne chimeric VgrG with VasX-specific VgrG tail and chaperone sequences. Pull-down analyses show that two SSU effectors, TseP and TseC, could interact with their cognate VgrGs, the baseplate protein TssK, and the key assembly chaperone TssA. Effectors TseL and VasX could interact with TssF, TssK and TssA in V. cholerae. Collectively, we demonstrate that chimeric VgrG-effector pairs could bypass the requirement of heterologous VgrG complex and propose that effector-stuffing inside the baseplate complex, facilitated by chaperones and the interaction with structural proteins, serves as a crucial structural determinant for T6SS assembly. Effectors of bacterial secretion systems are generally considered as secreted proteins for interspecies interactions rather than components of the secretion apparatus. Our results reveal the complex interactions of effectors, chaperones, and structural proteins are crucial for T6SS assembly, suggesting an integral role of effectors as parts of the apparatus and distinctive from other secretion systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoye Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong-Tong Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Xuan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Jie Zhao
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mounting, structure and autocleavage of a type VI secretion-associated Rhs polymorphic toxin. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6998. [PMID: 34853317 PMCID: PMC8636562 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27388-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved toxins to outcompete other bacteria or to hijack host cell pathways. One broad family of bacterial polymorphic toxins gathers multidomain proteins with a modular organization, comprising a C-terminal toxin domain fused to a N-terminal domain that adapts to the delivery apparatus. Polymorphic toxins include bacteriocins, contact-dependent growth inhibition systems, and specialized Hcp, VgrG, PAAR or Rhs Type VI secretion (T6SS) components. We recently described and characterized Tre23, a toxin domain fused to a T6SS-associated Rhs protein in Photorhabdus laumondii, Rhs1. Here, we show that Rhs1 forms a complex with the T6SS spike protein VgrG and the EagR chaperone. Using truncation derivatives and cross-linking mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that VgrG-EagR-Rhs1 complex formation requires the VgrG C-terminal β-helix and the Rhs1 N-terminal region. We then report the cryo-electron-microscopy structure of the Rhs1-EagR complex, demonstrating that the Rhs1 central region forms a β-barrel cage-like structure that encapsulates the C-terminal toxin domain, and provide evidence for processing of the Rhs1 protein through aspartyl autoproteolysis. We propose a model for Rhs1 loading on the T6SS, transport and delivery into the target cell.
Collapse
|
39
|
Crisan CV, Chandrashekar H, Everly C, Steinbach G, Hill SE, Yunker PJ, Lieberman RR, Hammer BK. A New Contact Killing Toxin Permeabilizes Cells and Belongs to a Broadly Distributed Protein Family. mSphere 2021; 6:e0031821. [PMID: 34287011 PMCID: PMC8386463 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00318-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae is an aquatic Gram-negative bacterium that causes severe diarrheal cholera disease when ingested by humans. To eliminate competitor cells in both the external environment and inside hosts, V. cholerae uses the type VI secretion system (T6SS). The T6SS is a macromolecular contact-dependent weapon employed by many Gram-negative bacteria to deliver cytotoxic proteins into adjacent cells. In addition to canonical T6SS gene clusters encoded by all sequenced V. cholerae isolates, strain BGT49 encodes another locus, which we named auxiliary (Aux) cluster 4. The Aux 4 cluster is located on a mobile genetic element and can be used by killer cells to eliminate both V. cholerae and Escherichia coli cells in a T6SS-dependent manner. A putative toxin encoded in the cluster, which we name TpeV (type VI permeabilizing effector Vibrio), shares no homology to known proteins and does not contain motifs or domains indicative of function. Ectopic expression of TpeV in the periplasm of E. coli permeabilizes cells and disrupts the membrane potential. Using confocal microscopy, we confirm that susceptible target cells become permeabilized when competed with killer cells harboring the Aux 4 cluster. We also determine that tpiV, the gene located immediately downstream of tpeV, encodes an immunity protein that neutralizes the toxicity of TpeV. Finally, we show that TpeV homologs are broadly distributed across important human, animal, and plant pathogens and are localized in proximity to other T6SS genes. Our results suggest that TpeV is a toxin that belongs to a large family of T6SS proteins. IMPORTANCE Bacteria live in polymicrobial communities where competition for resources and space is essential for survival. Proteobacteria use the T6SS to eliminate neighboring cells and cause disease. However, the mechanisms by which many T6SS toxins kill or inhibit susceptible target cells are poorly understood. The sequence of the TpeV toxin that we describe here is unlike any previously described protein. We demonstrate that it has antimicrobial activity by permeabilizing cells, eliminating membrane potentials, and causing severe cytotoxicity. TpeV homologs are found near known T6SS genes in human, animal, and plant bacterial pathogens, indicating that the toxin is a representative member of a broadly distributed protein family. We propose that TpeV-like toxins contribute to the fitness of many bacteria. Finally, since antibiotic resistance is a critical global health threat, the discovery of new antimicrobial mechanisms could lead to the development of new treatments against resistant strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian V. Crisan
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Harshini Chandrashekar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Catherine Everly
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gabi Steinbach
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shannon E. Hill
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Peter J. Yunker
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Raquel R. Lieberman
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brian K. Hammer
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Inhibiting Type VI Secretion System Activity with a Biomimetic Peptide Designed To Target the Baseplate Wedge Complex. mBio 2021; 12:e0134821. [PMID: 34372705 PMCID: PMC8406304 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01348-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human health is threatened by bacterial infections that are increasingly resistant to multiple drugs. A recently emerged strategy consists of disarming pathogenic bacteria by targeting and blocking their virulence factors. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread secretion nanomachine encoded and employed by pathogenic strains to establish their virulence process during host invasion. Given the conservation of T6SS in several human bacterial pathogens, the discovery of an effective broad-spectrum T6SS virulence blocker represents an attractive target for development of antivirulence therapies. Here, we identified and validated a protein-protein interaction interface, TssK-TssG, as a key factor in the assembly of the T6SS baseplate (BP) complex in the pathogen enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). In silico and biochemical studies revealed that the determinants of the interface are broadly conserved among pathogenic species, suggesting a role for this interface as a target for T6SS inhibition. Based on the high-resolution structure of the TssKFGE wedge complex, we rationally designed a biomimetic cyclic peptide (BCP) that blocks the assembly of the EAEC BP complex and inhibits the function of T6SS in bacterial cultures. Our BCP is the first compound completely designed from prior structural knowledge with anti-T6SS activity that can be used as a model to target human pathogens.
Collapse
|
41
|
Custodio R, Ford RM, Ellison CJ, Liu G, Mickute G, Tang CM, Exley RM. Type VI secretion system killing by commensal Neisseria is influenced by expression of type four pili. eLife 2021; 10:63755. [PMID: 34232858 PMCID: PMC8263058 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Type VI Secretion Systems (T6SSs) are widespread in bacteria and can dictate the development and organisation of polymicrobial ecosystems by mediating contact dependent killing. In Neisseria species, including Neisseria cinerea a commensal of the human respiratory tract, interbacterial contacts are mediated by Type four pili (Tfp) which promote formation of aggregates and govern the spatial dynamics of growing Neisseria microcolonies. Here, we show that N. cinerea expresses a plasmid-encoded T6SS that is active and can limit growth of related pathogens. We explored the impact of Tfp on N. cinerea T6SS-dependent killing within a colony and show that pilus expression by a prey strain enhances susceptibility to T6SS compared to a non-piliated prey, by preventing segregation from a T6SS-wielding attacker. Our findings have important implications for understanding how spatial constraints during contact-dependent antagonism can shape the evolution of microbial communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Custodio
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rhian M Ford
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Cara J Ellison
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Guangyu Liu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gerda Mickute
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M Exley
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Manera K, Kamal F, Burkinshaw B, Dong TG. Essential functions of chaperones and adaptors of protein secretion systems in Gram-negative bacteria. FEBS J 2021; 289:4704-4717. [PMID: 34092034 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Equipped with a plethora of secreted toxic effectors, protein secretion systems are essential for bacteria to interact with and manipulate their neighboring environment to survive in host microbiota and other highly competitive communities. While effectors have received spotlight attention in secretion system studies, many require accessory chaperone and adaptor proteins for proper folding/unfolding and stability throughout the secretion process. Here, we review the functions of chaperones and adaptors of three protein secretions systems, type 3 secretion system (T3SS), type 4 secretion system (T4SS), and type 6 secretion system (T6SS), which are employed by many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens to deliver toxins to bacterial, plant, and mammalian host cells through direct contact. Since chaperone and adaptor functions of the T3SS and the T4SS are relatively well studied, we discuss in detail the methods of chaperone-facilitated effector secretion by the T6SS and highlight commonalities between the effector chaperone/adaptor proteins of these diverse secretion systems. While the chaperones and adaptors are generally referred to as accessory proteins as they are not directly involved in toxicities to target cells, they are nonetheless vital for the biological functions of the secretion systems. Future research on biochemical and structural properties of these chaperones will not only elucidate the mechanisms of chaperone-effector binding and release process but also facilitate custom design of cargo effectors to be translocated by these widespread secretion systems for biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Manera
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Fatima Kamal
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Canada
| | | | - Tao G Dong
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Canada.,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Computational prediction of secreted proteins in gram-negative bacteria. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1806-1828. [PMID: 33897982 PMCID: PMC8047123 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria harness multiple protein secretion systems and secrete a large proportion of the proteome. Proteins can be exported to periplasmic space, integrated into membrane, transported into extracellular milieu, or translocated into cytoplasm of contacting cells. It is important for accurate, genome-wide annotation of the secreted proteins and their secretion pathways. In this review, we systematically classified the secreted proteins according to the types of secretion systems in Gram-negative bacteria, summarized the known features of these proteins, and reviewed the algorithms and tools for their prediction.
Collapse
|
44
|
Kretsch AM, Morgan GL, Acken KA, Barr SA, Li B. Pseudomonas Virulence Factor Pathway Synthesizes Autoinducers That Regulate the Secretome of a Pathogen. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:501-509. [PMID: 33595276 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication via chemical signals is an essential mechanism that pathogenic bacteria use to coordinate group behaviors and promote virulence. The Pseudomonas virulence factor (pvf) gene cluster is distributed in more than 500 strains of proteobacteria including both plant and human pathogens. The pvf cluster has been implicated in the production of signaling molecules important for virulence; however, the regulatory impact of these signaling molecules on virulence had not been elucidated. Using the insect pathogen Pseudomonas entomophila L48 as a model, we demonstrated that pvf-encoded biosynthetic enzymes produce PVF autoinducers that regulate the expression of pvf genes and a gene encoding the toxin monalysin via quorum sensing. In addition, PVF autoinducers regulate the expression of nearly 200 secreted and membrane proteins, including toxins, motility proteins, and components of the type VI secretion system, which play key roles in bacterial virulence, colonization, and competition with other microbes. Deletion of pvf also altered the secondary metabolome. Six major compounds upregulated by PVF autoinducers were isolated and structurally characterized, including three insecticidal 3-indolyl oxazoles, the labradorins, and three antimicrobial pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the pyreudiones. The signaling properties of PVF autoinducers and their wide-ranging regulatory effects indicate multifaceted roles of PVF in controlling cell physiology and promoting virulence. The broad genome distribution of pvf suggests that PVF-mediated signaling is relevant to many bacteria of agricultural and biomedical significance.
Collapse
|
45
|
Li DY, Liu YL, Liao XJ, He TT, Sun SS, Nie P, Xie HX. Identification and Characterization of EvpQ, a Novel T6SS Effector Encoded on a Mobile Genetic Element in Edwardsiella piscicida. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:643498. [PMID: 33776977 PMCID: PMC7991086 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.643498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a hypothetical protein (ORF02740) secreted by Edwardsiella piscicida was identified. We renamed the ORF02740 protein as EvpQ, which is encoded by a mobile genetic element (MGE) in E. piscicida genome. The evpQ gene is spaced by 513 genes from type VI secretion system (T6SS) gene cluster. Low GC content, three tRNA, and three transposase genes nearby evpQ define this MGE that evpQ localizes as a genomic island. Sequence analysis reveals that EvpQ shares a conserved domain of C70 family cysteine protease and shares 23.91% identity with T3SS effector AvrRpt2 of phytopathogenic Erwinia amylovora. Instead, EvpQ of E. piscicida is proved to be secreted at a T6SS-dependent manner, and it can be translocated into host cells. EvpQ is thereof a novel T6SS effector. Significantly decreased competitive index of ΔevpQ strain in blue gourami fish (0.53 ± 0.27 in head kidney and 0.44 ± 0.19 in spleen) indicates that EvpQ contributes to the pathogenesis of E. piscicida. At 8-, 18-, and 24-h post-subculture into DMEM, the transcription of evpQ was found to be negatively regulated by Fur and positively regulated by EsrC, and the steady-state protein levels of EvpQ are negatively controlled by RpoS. Our study lays a foundation for further understanding the pathogenic role of T6SS in edwardsiellosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duan You Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Jian Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Tian He
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan Shan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pin Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hai Xia Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Moriel B, de Campos Prediger K, de Souza EM, Pedrosa FO, Fadel-Picheth CMT, Cruz LM. In silico comparative analysis of Aeromonas Type VI Secretion System. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:229-243. [PMID: 33410103 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00405-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aeromonas are bacteria broadly spread in the environment, particularly in aquatic habitats and can induce human infections. Several virulence factors have been described associated with bacterial pathogenicity, such as the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS). This system translocates effector proteins into target cells through a bacteriophage-like contractile structure encoded by tss genes. Here, a total of 446 Aeromonas genome sequences were screened for T6SS and the proteins subjected to in silico analysis. The T6SS-encoding locus was detected in 243 genomes and its genes are encoded in a cluster containing 13 core and 5 accessory genes, in highly conserved synteny. The amino acid residues identity of T6SS proteins ranges from 78 to 98.8%. In most strains, a pair of tssD and tssI is located upstream the cluster (tssD-2, tssI-2) and another pair was detected distant from the cluster (tssD-1, tssI-1). Significant variability was seen in TssI (VgrG) C-terminal region, which was sorted in four groups based on its sequence length and protein domains. TssI containing ADP-ribosyltransferase domain are associated exclusively with TssI-1, while genes coding proteins carrying DUF4123 (a conserved domain of unknown function) were observed downstream tssI-1 or tssI-2 and escort of possible effector proteins. Genes coding proteins containing DUF1910 and DUF1911 domains were located only downstream tssI-2 and might represent a pair of toxin/immunity proteins. Nearly all strains display downstream tssI-3, that codes for a lysozyme family domain protein. These data reveal that Aeromonas T6SS cluster synteny is conserved and the low identity observed for some genes might be due to species heterogeneity or its niche/functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Moriel
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Setor de Ciências da Saúde, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Emanuel M de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Fábio O Pedrosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo M Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Deems A, Du Prey M, Dowd SE, McLaughlin RW. Characterization of the Biodiesel Degrading Acinetobacter oleivorans Strain PT8 Isolated from the Fecal Material of a Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta). Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:522-527. [PMID: 33392672 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02320-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acinetobacter species are gram-negative, non-fermenting bacteria with coccobacilli morphology. The bacteria are found ubiquitously and have the ability to occupy niches which include environmental sites, animals, and humans. The original purpose of this study was to determine if painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) living in the wild in Western Wisconsin were colonized with carbapenem-resistant bacteria. Fecal samples from ten turtles were examined for carbapenem-resistant bacteria. None of the isolates were found to be carbapenem resistant by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. However, all the isolates were resistant to other β-lactams and chloramphenicol classes of antimicrobials. One isolate, Acinetobacter oleivorans strain PT8, was selected for additional characterization, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Strain PT8 is capable of degrading biodiesel, forming biofilms, and has a putative type 6 gene cluster. Finally, the taxonomic position of the available whole-genome sequences of 25 A. oleivorans genomes from purified isolates was determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Deems
- General Studies, Gateway Technical College, 3520-30th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53144, USA
| | - Michael Du Prey
- General Studies, Gateway Technical College, 3520-30th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53144, USA
| | - Scot E Dowd
- MR DNA (Molecular Research LP), Shallowater, TX, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
The β-encapsulation cage of rearrangement hotspot (Rhs) effectors is required for type VI secretion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:33540-33548. [PMID: 33323487 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1919350117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria deploy rearrangement hotspot (Rhs) proteins as toxic effectors against both prokaryotic and eukaryotic target cells. Rhs proteins are characterized by YD-peptide repeats, which fold into a large β-cage structure that encapsulates the C-terminal toxin domain. Here, we show that Rhs effectors are essential for type VI secretion system (T6SS) activity in Enterobacter cloacae (ECL). ECL rhs - mutants do not kill Escherichia coli target bacteria and are defective for T6SS-dependent export of hemolysin-coregulated protein (Hcp). The RhsA and RhsB effectors of ECL both contain Pro-Ala-Ala-Arg (PAAR) repeat domains, which bind the β-spike of trimeric valine-glycine repeat protein G (VgrG) and are important for T6SS activity in other bacteria. Truncated RhsA that retains the PAAR domain is capable of forming higher-order, thermostable complexes with VgrG, yet these assemblies fail to restore secretion activity to ∆rhsA ∆rhsB mutants. Full T6SS-1 activity requires Rhs that contains N-terminal transmembrane helices, the PAAR domain, and an intact β-cage. Although ∆rhsA ∆rhsB mutants do not kill target bacteria, time-lapse microscopy reveals that they assemble and fire T6SS contractile sheaths at ∼6% of the frequency of rhs + cells. Therefore, Rhs proteins are not strictly required for T6SS assembly, although they greatly increase secretion efficiency. We propose that PAAR and the β-cage provide distinct structures that promote secretion. PAAR is clearly sufficient to stabilize trimeric VgrG, but efficient assembly of T6SS-1 also depends on an intact β-cage. Together, these domains enforce a quality control checkpoint to ensure that VgrG is loaded with toxic cargo before assembling the secretion apparatus.
Collapse
|
49
|
Ahmad S, Tsang KK, Sachar K, Quentin D, Tashin TM, Bullen NP, Raunser S, McArthur AG, Prehna G, Whitney JC. Structural basis for effector transmembrane domain recognition by type VI secretion system chaperones. eLife 2020; 9:e62816. [PMID: 33320089 PMCID: PMC7773334 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) deliver antibacterial effector proteins between neighboring bacteria. Many effectors harbor N-terminal transmembrane domains (TMDs) implicated in effector translocation across target cell membranes. However, the distribution of these TMD-containing effectors remains unknown. Here, we discover prePAAR, a conserved motif found in over 6000 putative TMD-containing effectors encoded predominantly by 15 genera of Proteobacteria. Based on differing numbers of TMDs, effectors group into two distinct classes that both require a member of the Eag family of T6SS chaperones for export. Co-crystal structures of class I and class II effector TMD-chaperone complexes from Salmonella Typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, reveals that Eag chaperones mimic transmembrane helical packing to stabilize effector TMDs. In addition to participating in the chaperone-TMD interface, we find that prePAAR residues mediate effector-VgrG spike interactions. Taken together, our findings reveal mechanisms of chaperone-mediated stabilization and secretion of two distinct families of T6SS membrane protein effectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shehryar Ahmad
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
| | - Kara K Tsang
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
| | - Kartik Sachar
- Department of Microbiology, University of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Dennis Quentin
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDortmundGermany
| | - Tahmid M Tashin
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
| | - Nathan P Bullen
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
| | - Stefan Raunser
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDortmundGermany
| | - Andrew G McArthur
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
| | - Gerd Prehna
- Department of Microbiology, University of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - John C Whitney
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Jurėnas D, Journet L. Activity, delivery, and diversity of Type VI secretion effectors. Mol Microbiol 2020; 115:383-394. [PMID: 33217073 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) system is a contractile secretion apparatus that delivers proteins to neighboring bacterial or eukaryotic cells. Antibacterial effectors are mostly toxins that inhibit the growth of other species and help to dominate the niche. A broad variety of these toxins cause cell lysis of the prey cell by disrupting the cell envelope. Other effectors are delivered into the cytoplasm where they affect DNA integrity, cell division or exhaust energy resources. The modular nature of T6SS machinery allows different means of recruitment of toxic effectors to secreted inner tube and spike components that act as carriers. Toxic effectors can be translationally fused to the secreted components or interact with them through specialized structural domains. These interactions can also be assisted by dedicated chaperone proteins. Moreover, conserved sequence motifs in effector-associated domains are subject to genetic rearrangements and therefore engage in the diversification of the arsenal of toxic effectors. This review discusses the diversity of T6SS secreted toxins and presents current knowledge about their loading on the T6SS machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dukas Jurėnas
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université-CNRS, UMR 7255, Marseille, France
| | - Laure Journet
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Université-CNRS, UMR 7255, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|