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Abe K, Koizumi N, Nakamura S. Machine learning-based motion tracking reveals an inverse correlation between adhesivity and surface motility of the leptospirosis spirochete. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7703. [PMID: 38052837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial motility is often a crucial virulence factor for pathogenic species. A common approach to study bacterial motility is fluorescent labeling, which allows detection of individual bacterial cells in a population or in host tissues. However, the use of fluorescent labeling can be hampered by protein expression stability and/or interference with bacterial physiology. Here, we apply machine learning to microscopic image analysis for label-free motion tracking of the zoonotic bacterium Leptospira interrogans on cultured animal cells. We use various leptospiral strains isolated from a human patient or animals, as well as mutant strains. Strains associated with severe disease, and mutant strains lacking outer membrane proteins (OMPs), tend to display fast mobility and reduced adherence on cultured kidney cells. Our method does not require fluorescent labeling or genetic manipulation, and thus could be applied to study motility of many other bacterial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Abe
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Nobuo Koizumi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
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2
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Lynch MJ, Deshpande M, Kurniyati K, Zhang K, James M, Miller M, Zhang S, Passalia FJ, Wunder EA, Charon NW, Li C, Crane BR. Lysinoalanine cross-linking is a conserved post-translational modification in the spirochete flagellar hook. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad349. [PMID: 38047041 PMCID: PMC10691653 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Spirochetes cause Lyme disease, leptospirosis, syphilis, and several other human illnesses. Unlike other bacteria, spirochete flagella are enclosed within the periplasmic space where the filaments distort and push the cell body by the action of the flagellar motors. We previously demonstrated that the oral pathogen Treponema denticola (Td) and Lyme disease pathogen Borreliella burgdorferi (Bb) form covalent lysinoalanine (Lal) cross-links between conserved cysteine and lysine residues of the FlgE protein that composes the flagellar hook. In Td, Lal is unnecessary for hook assembly but is required for motility, presumably due to the stabilizing effect of the cross-link. Herein, we extend these findings to other, representative spirochete species across the phylum. We confirm the presence of Lal cross-linked peptides in recombinant and in vivo-derived samples from Treponema spp., Borreliella spp., Brachyspira spp., and Leptospira spp. As was observed with Td, a mutant strain of Bb unable to form the cross-link has greatly impaired motility. FlgE from Leptospira spp. does not conserve the Lal-forming cysteine residue which is instead substituted by serine. Nevertheless, Leptospira interrogans FlgE also forms Lal, with several different Lal isoforms being detected between Ser-179 and Lys-145, Lys-148, and Lys-166, thereby highlighting species or order-specific differences within the phylum. Our data reveal that the Lal cross-link is a conserved and necessary posttranslational modification across the spirochete phylum and may thus represent an effective target for the development of spirochete-specific antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Lynch
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Maithili Deshpande
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Kurni Kurniyati
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Milinda James
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Michael Miller
- Department of Biochemistry, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Felipe J Passalia
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Elsio A Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Nyles W Charon
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Chunhao Li
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Brian R Crane
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Zhu W, Passalia FJ, Hamond C, Abe CM, Ko AI, Barbosa AS, Wunder EA. MPL36, a major plasminogen (PLG) receptor in pathogenic Leptospira, has an essential role during infection. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011313. [PMID: 37486929 PMCID: PMC10399853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis, a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, is caused by pathogenic spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira. Bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs), particularly those with surface-exposed regions, play crucial roles in pathogen dissemination and virulence mechanisms. Here we characterized the leptospiral Membrane Protein L36 (MPL36), a rare lipoprotein A (RlpA) homolog with a C-terminal Sporulation related (SPOR) domain, as an important virulence factor in pathogenic Leptospira. Our results confirmed that MPL36 is surface exposed and expressed during infection. Using recombinant MPL36 (rMPL36) we also confirmed previous findings of its high plasminogen (PLG)-binding ability determined by lysine residues of the C-terminal region of the protein, with ability to convert bound-PLG to active plasmin. Using Koch's molecular postulates, we determined that a mutant of mpl36 has a reduced PLG-binding ability, leading to a decreased capacity to adhere and translocate MDCK cell monolayers. Using recombinant protein and mutant strains, we determined that the MPL36-bound plasmin (PLA) can degrade fibrinogen. Finally, our mpl36 mutant had a significant attenuated phenotype in the hamster model for acute leptospirosis. Our data indicates that MPL36 is the major PLG binding protein in pathogenic Leptospira, and crucial to the pathogen's ability to attach and interact with host tissues during infection. The MPL36 characterization contributes to the expanding field of bacterial pathogens that explore PLG for their virulence, advancing the goal to close the knowledge gap regarding leptospiral pathogenesis while offering a novel potential candidate to improve diagnostic and prevention of this important zoonotic neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Felipe J. Passalia
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Hamond
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Cecília M. Abe
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Albert I. Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation; Brazilian Ministry of Health; Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Elsio A. Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation; Brazilian Ministry of Health; Salvador, Brazil
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4
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Lynch MJ, Deshpande M, Kyrniyati K, Zhang K, James M, Miller M, Zhang S, Passalia FJ, Wunder EA, Charon NW, Li C, Crane BR. Lysinoalanine crosslinking is a conserved post-translational modification in the spirochete flagellar hook. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544825. [PMID: 37398457 PMCID: PMC10312707 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Spirochete bacteria cause Lyme disease, leptospirosis, syphilis and several other human illnesses. Unlike other bacteria, spirochete flagella are enclosed within the periplasmic space where the filaments distort and push the cell body by action of the flagellar motors. We previously demonstrated that the oral pathogen Treponema denticola (Td) catalyzes the formation of covalent lysinoalanine (Lal) crosslinks between conserved cysteine and lysine residues of the FlgE protein that composes the flagellar hook. Although not necessary for hook assembly, Lal is required for motility of Td, presumably due to the stabilizing effect of the crosslink. Herein, we extend these findings to other, representative spirochete species across the phylum. We confirm the presence of Lal crosslinked peptides in recombinant and in vivo -derived samples from Treponema spp., Borreliella spp., Brachyspira spp., and Leptospira spp.. Like with Td, a mutant strain of the Lyme disease pathogen Borreliella burgdorferi unable to form the crosslink has impaired motility. FlgE from Leptospira spp. does not conserve the Lal-forming cysteine residue which is instead substituted by serine. Nevertheless, Leptospira interrogans also forms Lal, with several different Lal isoforms being detected between Ser-179 and Lys-145, Lys-148, and Lys-166, thereby highlighting species or order-specific differences within the phylum. Our data reveals that the Lal crosslink is a conserved and necessary post-translational modification across the spirochete phylum and may thus represent an effective target for spirochete-specific antimicrobials. Significance Statement The phylum Spirochaetota contains bacterial pathogens responsible for a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, syphilis, periodontal disease, and leptospirosis. Motility of these pathogens is a major virulence factor that contributes to infectivity and host colonization. The oral pathogen Treponema denticola produces a post-translational modification (PTM) in the form of a lysinoalanine (Lal) crosslink between neighboring subunits of the flagellar hook protein FlgE. Herein, we demonstrate that representative spirochetes species across the phylum all form Lal in their flagellar hooks. T. denticola and B. burgdorferi cells incapable of forming the crosslink are non-motile, thereby establishing the general role of the Lal PTM in the unusual type of flagellar motility evolved by spirochetes.
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Diving into the complexity of the spirochetal endoflagellum. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:294-307. [PMID: 36244923 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Spirochaetes, a phylum that includes medically important pathogens such as the causative agents of Lyme disease, syphilis, and leptospirosis, are in many ways highly unique bacteria. Their cell morphology, subcellular organization, and metabolism reveal atypical features. Spirochetal motility is also singular, dependent on the presence of periplasmic flagella or endoflagella, inserted subterminally at cell poles and not penetrating the outer membrane and elongating outside the cell as in enterobacteria. In this review we present a comprehensive comparative genomics analysis of endoflagellar systems in spirochetes, highlighting recent findings on the flagellar basal body and filament. Continued progress in understanding the function and architecture of spirochetal flagella is uncovering paradigm-shifting mechanisms of bacterial motility.
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Analysis of Adhesion and Surface Motility of a Spirochete Bacterium. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2646:159-168. [PMID: 36842114 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3060-0_14] [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: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Spirochetes are Gram-negative bacteria with helical or flat wave morphology and move using flagella residing beneath the outer membrane. Most commonly, flagellated bacteria swim in liquid. Meanwhile, some species of spirochete not only swim but keep moving after adhering to solid surfaces, and such amphibious motility is believed to be significant for pathogenicity. This chapter focuses on the zoonotic spirochete Leptospira and describes the method for measuring the spirochete adhesion and surface motility.
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Abe K, Takabe K, Nakamura S. Force Measurement of Bacterial Swimming Using Optical Tweezers. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2646:169-179. [PMID: 36842115 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3060-0_15] [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] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Velocity is a physical parameter most commonly used to quantify bacterial swimming. In the steady-state motion at a low Reynolds number, the swimming force can be estimated from the swimming velocity and the drag coefficient based on the assumption that the swimming force balances with the drag force exerted on the bacterium. Though the velocity-force relation provides a significant clue to understand the swimming mechanism, the odd configuration of bacteria could develop problems with the accuracy of the force estimation. This chapter describes the force measurement using optical tweezers. The method uses parameters obtained from the shape and movement of a microsphere attached to the bacteria, improving the quantitativeness of force measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Abe
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Takabe
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
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Kurniyati K, Chang Y, Liu J, Li C. Transcriptional and functional characterizations of multiple flagellin genes in spirochetes. Mol Microbiol 2022; 118:175-190. [PMID: 35776658 PMCID: PMC9481697 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The flagellar filament is a helical propeller for bacterial locomotion. In external flagellates, the filaments are mostly homopolymers of a single flagellin protein. By contrast, the flagellar filaments of spirochetes are mostly heteropolymers of multiple flagellin proteins. This report seeks to investigate the role of multiple flagellin proteins using the oral spirochete Treponema denticola as a model. First, biochemical and genetic studies uncover that the flagellar filaments of T. denticola mainly comprise four proteins, FlaA, FlaB1, FlaB2, and FlaB3, in a defined stoichiometry. Second, transcriptional analyses reveal that the genes encoding these four proteins are regulated by two different transcriptional factors, sigma28 and sigma70 . Third, loss-of-function studies demonstrate that each individual flagellin protein contributes to spirochete motility, but none of them is absolutely required. Last, we provide genetic and structural evidence that FlaA forms a "seam"-like structure around the core and that deletion of individual flagellin protein alters the flagellar homeostasis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that T. denticola has evolved a unique mechanism to finely regulate its flagellar filament gene expression and assembly which renders the organelle with the right number, shape, strength, and structure for its distinct motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurni Kurniyati
- Department of Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of DentistryVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Yunjie Chang
- Microbial Sciences InstituteYale UniversityWest HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of Microbial PathogenesisYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Jun Liu
- Microbial Sciences InstituteYale UniversityWest HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of Microbial PathogenesisYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Chunhao Li
- Department of Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of DentistryVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
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Mondino S, San Martin F, Buschiazzo A. 3D cryo-electron microscopic imaging of bacterial flagella: novel structural and mechanistic insights into cell motility. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102105. [PMID: 35671822 PMCID: PMC9254593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102105] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial flagella are nanomachines that enable cells to move at high speeds. Comprising ≳25 different types of proteins, the flagellum is a large supramolecular assembly organized into three widely conserved substructures: a basal body including the rotary motor, a connecting hook, and a long filament. The whole flagellum from Escherichia coli weighs ∼20 MDa, without considering its filament portion, which is by itself a ∼1.6 GDa structure arranged as a multimer of ∼30,000 flagellin protomers. Breakthroughs regarding flagellar structure and function have been achieved in the last few years, mainly due to the revolutionary improvements in 3D cryo-electron microscopy methods. This review discusses novel structures and mechanistic insights derived from such high-resolution studies, advancing our understanding of each one of the three major flagellar segments. The rotation mechanism of the motor has been unveiled with unprecedented detail, showing a two-cogwheel machine propelled by a Brownian ratchet device. Additionally, by imaging the flagellin-like protomers that make up the hook in its native bent configuration, their unexpected conformational plasticity challenges the paradigm of a two-state conformational rearrangement mechanism for flagellin-fold proteins. Finally, imaging of the filaments of periplasmic flagella, which endow Spirochete bacteria with their singular motility style, uncovered a strikingly asymmetric protein sheath that coats the flagellin core, challenging the view of filaments as simple homopolymeric structures that work as freely whirling whips. Further research will shed more light on the functional details of this amazing nanomachine, but our current understanding has definitely come a long way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Mondino
- Laboratory of Molecular & Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay; Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents IMiZA Unit, Joint International Unit, Institut Pasteur/Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, France/Uruguay
| | - Fabiana San Martin
- Laboratory of Molecular & Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay; Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents IMiZA Unit, Joint International Unit, Institut Pasteur/Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, France/Uruguay
| | - Alejandro Buschiazzo
- Laboratory of Molecular & Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay; Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents IMiZA Unit, Joint International Unit, Institut Pasteur/Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, France/Uruguay; Microbiology Department, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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10
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Philip N, Priya SP, Jumah Badawi AH, Mohd Izhar MH, Mohtarrudin N, Tengku Ibrahim TA, Sekawi Z, Neela VK. Pulmonary haemorrhage as the earliest sign of severe leptospirosis in hamster model challenged with Leptospira interrogans strain HP358. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010409. [PMID: 35584087 PMCID: PMC9116642 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe leptospirosis is challenging as it could evolve rapidly and potentially fatal if appropriate management is not performed. An understanding of the progression and pathophysiology of Leptospira infection is important to determine the early changes that could be potentially used to predict the severe occurrence of leptospirosis. This study aimed to understand the kinetics pathogenesis of Leptospira interrogans strain HP358 in the hamster model and identify the early parameters that could be used as biomarkers to predict severe leptospirosis. Methodology/Principal findings Male Syrian hamsters were infected with Leptospira interrogans strain HP358 and euthanized after 24 hours, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days post-infection. Blood, lungs, liver and kidneys were collected for leptospiral detection, haematology, serum biochemistry and differential expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Macroscopic and microscopic organ damages were investigated. Leptospira interrogans strain HP358 was highly pathogenic and killed hamsters within 6–7 days post-infection. Pulmonary haemorrhage and blood vessel congestion in organs were noticed as the earliest pathological changes. The damages in organs and changes in biochemistry value were preceded by changes in haematology and immune gene expression. Conclusion/Significance This study deciphered haemorrhage as the earliest manifestation of severe leptospirosis and high levels of IL-1β, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL3/MIP-α, neutrophils and low levels of lymphocytes and platelets serve as a cumulative panel of biomarkers in severe leptospirosis. As the severe form of leptospirosis could progress rapidly and be potentially fatal if not treated earlier, deciphering the pathophysiology kinetics of infection is crucial to determine the parameters of disease severity. To understand this, we challenged hamsters with the highly virulent Leptospira interrogans strain HP358. Pulmonary haemorrhage was observed as the earliest pathological change followed by liver and kidneys damages. The increased expression of IL-1β, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL3/MIP-α, high neutrophils and low lymphocytes and platelets production observed in the present study indicate that these parameters could serve as a cumulative panel of biomarkers in severe leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noraini Philip
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sivan Padma Priya
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- RAK College of Dental Sciences, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Hussein Jumah Badawi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafidz Mohd Izhar
- Comparative Medicine and Technology Unit, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norhafizah Mohtarrudin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tengku Azmi Tengku Ibrahim
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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11
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Nakamura S. Motility of the Zoonotic Spirochete Leptospira: Insight into Association with Pathogenicity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031859. [PMID: 35163781 PMCID: PMC8837006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
If a bacterium has motility, it will use the ability to survive and thrive. For many pathogenic species, their motilities are a crucial virulence factor. The form of motility varies among the species. Some use flagella for swimming in liquid, and others use the cell-surface machinery to move over solid surfaces. Spirochetes are distinguished from other bacterial species by their helical or flat wave morphology and periplasmic flagella (PFs). It is believed that the rotation of PFs beneath the outer membrane causes transformation or rolling of the cell body, propelling the spirochetes. Interestingly, some spirochetal species exhibit motility both in liquid and over surfaces, but it is not fully unveiled how the spirochete pathogenicity involves such amphibious motility. This review focuses on the causative agent of zoonosis leptospirosis and discusses the significance of their motility in liquid and on surfaces, called crawling, as a virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-05 Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
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12
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Campos CL, Gomes LR, Covarrubias AE, Kato EE, Souza GG, Vasconcellos SA, Heinemann MB, Martins EAL, Ho PL, Da Costa RMA, Da Silva JB. A Three-Dimensional Lung Cell Model to Leptospira Virulence Investigations. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:57. [PMID: 34982247 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02720-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis and a serious public health threat in tropical and subtropical areas. The etiologic agents of leptospirosis are pathogenic spirochetes from the genus Leptospira. In severe cases, patients develop a pulmonary hemorrhage that is associated with high fatality rates. Several animal models were established for leptospirosis studies, such as rodents, dogs, and monkeys. Although useful to study the relationship among Leptospira and its hosts, the animal models still exhibit economic and ethical limitation reasons and do not fully represent the human infection. As an attempt to bridge the gap between animal studies and clinical information from patients, we established a three-dimensional (3-D) human lung cell culture for Leptospira infection. We show that Leptospira is able to efficiently infect the cell lung spheroids and also to infiltrate in deeper areas of the cell aggregates. The ability to infect the 3-D lung cell aggregates was time-dependent. The 3-D spheroids infection occurred up to 120 h in studies with two serovars, Canicola and Copenhageni. We standardized the number of bacteria in the initial inoculum for infection of the spheroids and we also propose two alternative culture media conditions. This new approach was validated by assessing the expression of three genes of Leptospira related to virulence and motility. The transcripts of these genes increased in both culture conditions, however, in higher rates and earlier times in the 3-D culture. We also assessed the production of chemokines by the 3-D spheroids before and after Leptospira infection, confirming induction of two of them, mainly in the 3-D spheroids. Chemokine CCL2 was expressed only in the 3-D cell culture. Increasing of this chemokine was observed previously in infected animal models. This new approach provides an opportunity to study the interaction of Leptospira with the human lung epithelium in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila L Campos
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana R Gomes
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular-Center for Research on Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ambart E Covarrubias
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad San Sebastian, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ellen E Kato
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele G Souza
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvio A Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos B Heinemann
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo L Ho
- Divisão BioIndustrial, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata M A Da Costa
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.,Global Antibiotics Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), Chemin Louis-Dunant 15, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Josefa B Da Silva
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.
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13
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Characterization of the Flagellar Collar Reveals Structural Plasticity Essential for Spirochete Motility. mBio 2021; 12:e0249421. [PMID: 34809456 PMCID: PMC8609358 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02494-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spirochetes are a remarkable group of bacteria with distinct morphology and periplasmic flagella that enable motility in viscous environments, such as host connective tissues. The collar, a spirochete-specific complex of the periplasmic flagellum, is required for this unique spirochete motility, yet it has not been clear how the collar assembles and enables spirochetes to transit between complex host environments. Here, we characterize the collar complex in the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. We discover as well as delineate the distinct functions of two novel collar proteins, FlcB and FlcC, by combining subtractive bioinformatic, genetic, and cryo-electron tomography approaches. Our high-resolution in situ structures reveal that the multiprotein collar has a remarkable structural plasticity essential not only for assembly of flagellar motors in the highly curved membrane of spirochetes but also for generation of the high torque necessary for spirochete motility.
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14
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Phoka T, Fule L, Da Fonseca JP, Cokelaer T, Picardeau M, Patarakul K. Investigating the role of the carbon storage regulator A (CsrA) in Leptospira spp. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260981. [PMID: 34898610 PMCID: PMC8668096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon Storage Regulator A (CsrA) is a well-characterized post-transcriptional global regulator that plays a critical role in response to environmental changes in many bacteria. CsrA has been reported to regulate several metabolic pathways, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence-associated genes. The role of csrA in Leptospira spp., which are able to survive in different environmental niches and infect a wide variety of reservoir hosts, has not been characterized. To investigate the role of csrA as a gene regulator in Leptospira, we generated a L. biflexa csrA deletion mutant (ΔcsrA) and csrA overexpressing Leptospira strains. The ΔcsrA L. biflexa displayed poor growth under starvation conditions. RNA sequencing revealed that in rich medium only a few genes, including the gene encoding the flagellar filament protein FlaB3, were differentially expressed in the ΔcsrA mutant. In contrast, 575 transcripts were differentially expressed when csrA was overexpressed in L. biflexa. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmed the RNA-seq data in the ΔcsrA mutant, showing direct binding of recombinant CsrA to flaB3 mRNA. In the pathogen L. interrogans, we were not able to generate a csrA mutant. We therefore decided to overexpress csrA in L. interrogans. In contrast to the overexpressing strain of L. biflexa, the overexpressing L. interrogans strain had poor motility on soft agar. The overexpressing strain of L. interrogans also showed significant upregulation of the flagellin flaB1, flaB2, and flaB4. The interaction of L. interrogans rCsrA and flaB4 was confirmed by EMSA. Our results demonstrated that CsrA may function as a global regulator in Leptospira spp. under certain conditions that cause csrA overexpression. Interestingly, the mechanisms of action and gene targets of CsrA may be different between non-pathogenic and pathogenic Leptospira strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerapat Phoka
- Medical Microbiology, Interdisciplinary and International Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lenka Fule
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, French National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis, Paris, France
| | - Juliana Pipoli Da Fonseca
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Cokelaer
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique – Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, French National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis, Paris, France
| | - Kanitha Patarakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: ,
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15
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Kurilung A, Perreten V, Prapasarakul N. Comparative Genomic Analysis and a Novel Set of Missense Mutation of the Leptospira weilii Serogroup Mini From the Urine of Asymptomatic Dogs in Thailand. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:731937. [PMID: 34733249 PMCID: PMC8558515 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.731937] [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: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira weilii belongs to the pathogenic Leptospira group and is a causal agent of human and animal leptospirosis in many world regions. L. weilii can produce varied clinical presentations from asymptomatic through acute to chronic infections and occupy several ecological niches. Nevertheless, the genomic feature and genetic basis behind the host adaptability of L. weilii remain elusive due to limited information. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the complete circular genomes of two new L. weilii serogroup Mini strains (CUDO6 and CUD13) recovered from the urine of asymptomatic dogs in Thailand and then compared with the 17 genomes available for L. weilii. Variant calling analysis (VCA) was also undertaken to gain potential insight into the missense mutations, focusing on the known pathogenesis-related genes. Whole genome sequences revealed that the CUDO6 and CUD13 strains each contained two chromosomes and one plasmid, with average genome size and G+C content of 4.37 Mbp and 40.7%, respectively. Both strains harbored almost all the confirmed pathogenesis-related genes in Leptospira. Two novel plasmid sequences, pDO6 and pD13, were identified in the strains CUDO6 and CUD13. Both plasmids contained genes responsible for stress response that may play important roles in bacterial adaptation during persistence in the kidneys. The core-single nucleotide polymorphisms phylogeny demonstrated that both strains had a close genetic relationship. Amongst the 19 L. weilii strains analyzed, the pan-genome analysis showed an open pan-genome structure, correlated with their high genetic diversity. VCA identified missense mutations in genes involved in endoflagella, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure, mammalian cell entry protein, and hemolytic activities, and may be associated with host-adaptation in the strains. Missense mutations of the endoflagella genes of CUDO6 and CUD13 were associated with loss of motility. These findings extend the knowledge about the pathogenic molecular mechanisms and genomic evolution of this important zoonotic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alongkorn Kurilung
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Siriraj Metabolomics and Phenomics Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nuvee Prapasarakul
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Diagnosis and Monitoring of Animal Pathogens Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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16
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Fule L, Halifa R, Fontana C, Sismeiro O, Legendre R, Varet H, Coppée JY, Murray GL, Adler B, Hendrixson DR, Buschiazzo A, Guo S, Liu J, Picardeau M. Role of the major determinant of polar flagellation FlhG in the endoflagella-containing spirochete Leptospira. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:1392-1406. [PMID: 34657338 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Spirochetes can be distinguished from other bacteria by their spiral-shaped morphology and subpolar periplasmic flagella. This study focused on FlhF and FlhG, which control the spatial and numerical regulation of flagella in many exoflagellated bacteria, in the spirochete Leptospira. In contrast to flhF which seems to be essential in Leptospira, we demonstrated that flhG- mutants in both the saprophyte L. biflexa and the pathogen L. interrogans were less motile than the wild-type strains in gel-like environments but not hyperflagellated as reported previously in other bacteria. Cryo-electron tomography revealed that the distance between the flagellar basal body and the tip of the cell decreased significantly in the flhG- mutant in comparison to wild-type and complemented strains. Additionally, comparative transcriptome analyses of L. biflexa flhG- and wild-type strains showed that FlhG acts as a negative regulator of transcription of some flagellar genes. We found that the L. interrogans flhG- mutant was attenuated for virulence in the hamster model. Cross-species complementation also showed that flhG is not interchangeable between species. Our results indicate that FlhF and FlhG in Leptospira contribute to governing cell motility but our data support the hypothesis that FlhF and FlhG function differently in each bacterial species, including among spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Fule
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Paris, France
- Pasteur International Unit, Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay/Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ruben Halifa
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Paris, France
| | - Celia Fontana
- Boehringer Ingelheim Santé Animale, Saint Priest, France
| | - Odile Sismeiro
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Department of Computational Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Varet
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Department of Computational Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Coppée
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Gerald L Murray
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben Adler
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David R Hendrixson
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Alejandro Buschiazzo
- Pasteur International Unit, Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay/Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Shuaiqi Guo
- Microbial Sciences Institute & Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Microbial Sciences Institute & Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Paris, France
- Pasteur International Unit, Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay/Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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17
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Coburn J, Picardeau M, Woods CW, Veldman T, Haake DA. Pathogenesis insights from an ancient and ubiquitous spirochete. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009836. [PMID: 34673833 PMCID: PMC8530280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jenifer Coburn
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | | | - Christopher W. Woods
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Timothy Veldman
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David A. Haake
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- The David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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18
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Sebastián I, Okura N, Humbel BM, Xu J, Hermawan I, Matsuura C, Hall M, Takayama C, Yamashiro T, Nakamura S, Toma C. Disassembly of the apical junctional complex during the transmigration of Leptospira interrogans across polarized renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13343. [PMID: 33864347 PMCID: PMC8459228 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens have evolved multiple strategies to disassemble epithelial cell apical junctional complexes (AJCs) and infect epithelial cells. Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic infection, mainly caused by Leptospira interrogans, and its dissemination across host cell barriers is essential for its pathogenesis. However, the mechanism of bacterial dissemination across epithelial cell barriers remains poorly characterised. In this study, we analysed the interaction of L. interrogans with renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) and found that at 24 hr post‐infection, L. interrogans remain in close contact with the plasma membrane of the RPTEC by extracellularly adhering or crawling. Leptospira interrogans cleaved E‐cadherin and induced its endocytosis with release of the soluble N‐terminal fragment into the extracellular medium. Concomitantly, a gradual decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), mislocalisation of AJC proteins (occludin, claudin‐10, ZO‐1, and cingulin) and cytoskeletal rearrangement were observed. Inhibition of clathrin‐mediated E‐cadherin endocytosis prevented the decrease in TEER. We showed that disassembly of AJCs in epithelial cells and transmigration of bacteria through the paracellular route are important for the dissemination of L. interrogans in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Sebastián
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okura
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Bruno M Humbel
- Imaging Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan.,Microscopy Center, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.,Department of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Idam Hermawan
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Matsuura
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Malgorzata Hall
- Imaging Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Chitoshi Takayama
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Tetsu Yamashiro
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Claudia Toma
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
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19
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Anti-Leptospira immunoglobulin profiling in mice reveals strain specific IgG and persistent IgM responses associated with virulence and renal colonization. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008970. [PMID: 33705392 PMCID: PMC8007020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira interrogans is a pathogenic spirochete responsible for leptospirosis, a neglected, zoonotic reemerging disease. Humans are sensitive hosts and may develop severe disease. Some animal species, such as rats and mice can become asymptomatic renal carriers. More than 350 leptospiral serovars have been identified, classified on the basis of the antibody response directed against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Similarly to whole inactivated bacteria used as human vaccines, this response is believed to confer only short-term, serogroup-specific protection. The immune response of hosts against leptospires has not been thoroughly studied, which complicates the testing of vaccine candidates. In this work, we studied the immunoglobulin (Ig) profiles in mice infected with L. interrogans over time to determine whether this humoral response confers long-term protection after homologous challenge six months post-infection. Groups of mice were injected intraperitoneally with 2×107 leptospires of one of three pathogenic serovars (Manilae, Copenhageni or Icterohaemorrhagiae), attenuated mutants or heat-killed bacteria. Leptospira-specific immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, IgG and 4 subclasses) produced in the first weeks up to 6 months post-infection were measured by ELISA. Strikingly, we found sustained high levels of IgM in mice infected with the pathogenic Manilae and Copenhageni strains, both colonizing the kidney. In contrast, the Icterohaemorrhagiae strain did not lead to kidney colonization, even at high dose, and triggered a classical IgM response that peaked at day 8 post-infection and disappeared. The virulent Manilae and Copenhageni serovars elicited high levels and similar profiles of IgG subclasses in contrast to Icterohaemorrhagiae strains that stimulated weaker antibody responses. Inactivated heat-killed Manilae strains elicited very low responses. However, all mice pre-injected with leptospires challenged with high doses of homologous bacteria did not develop acute leptospirosis, and all antibody responses were boosted after challenge. Furthermore, we showed that 2 months post-challenge, mice pre-infected with the attenuated M895 Manilae LPS mutant or heat-killed bacterin were completely protected against renal colonization. In conclusion, we observed a sustained IgM response potentially associated with chronic leptospiral renal infection. We also demonstrated in mice different profiles of protective and cross-reactive antibodies after L. interrogans infection, depending on the serovar and virulence of strains. Leptospira interrogans is a pathogenic spirochete responsible for leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic reemerging disease. The immune response of hosts against these bacteria has not been thoroughly studied. Here, we studied over 6 months the antibody profiles in mice infected with L. interrogans and determined whether this humoral response confers long-term protection after homologous challenge six months after primary infection. Groups of mice were infected intraperitoneally with 2×107 bacteria of one of three different pathogenic serovars (Manilae, Copenhageni and Icterohaemorrhagiae) and some corresponding attenuated avirulent mutants. We measured by ELISA each type of Leptospira-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) (IgA, IgM, IgG and 4 subclasses) produced in the first weeks up to 6 months post-infection and studied their cross-reactivities among serovars. We showed different profiles of antibody response after L. interrogans challenge in mice, depending on the serovar and virulence of strains. However, all infected mice, including the ones harboring low antibody levels, like mice vaccinated with an inactivated, heat-killed strain, were protected against leptospirosis after challenge. Notably, we also showed an unusual sustained IgM response associated with chronic leptospiral colonization. Altogether, this long-term immune protection is different from what is known in humans and warrants further investigation.
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20
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Lambert A. Leptospira spp. Toolbox for Chemotaxis Assay. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2134:123-130. [PMID: 32632864 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0459-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A toolbox for chemotaxis assay adapted to Leptospira spp. has emerged in the recent years: soft agar assay, capillary assay, and videomicroscopy tracking. Those methods allow to demonstrate chemotaxis defect, identify diverse chemoattractants, or decipher motile behavior quantitatively. These experiments have demonstrated a role of motility and potentially chemotaxis in leptospirosis pathogenesis. We describe extensively the methods and provide the key steps to use this toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambroise Lambert
- ERRMECe, Equipe de Recherche sur les Relations Matrice Extracellulaire-Cellules, Institut des matériaux I-MAT, Université de Cergy-Pontoise, Maison Internationale de la Recherche, Neuville sur Oise, France.
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21
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Wunder EA, Adhikarla H, Hamond C, Owers Bonner KA, Liang L, Rodrigues CB, Bisht V, Nally JE, Alt DP, Reis MG, Diggle PJ, Felgner PL, Ko A. A live attenuated-vaccine model confers cross-protective immunity against different species of the Leptospira genus. eLife 2021; 10:e64166. [PMID: 33496263 PMCID: PMC7837694 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is the leading zoonotic disease in terms of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Effective prevention is urgently needed as the drivers of disease transmission continue to intensify. The key challenge has been developing a widely applicable vaccine that protects against the >300 serovars that can cause leptospirosis. Live attenuated mutants are enticing vaccine candidates and poorly explored in the field. We evaluated a recently characterized motility-deficient mutant lacking the expression of a flagellar protein, FcpA. Although the fcpA- mutant has lost its ability to cause disease, transient bacteremia was observed. In two animal models, immunization with a single dose of the fcpA- mutant was sufficient to induce a robust anti-protein antibodies response that promoted protection against infection with different pathogenic Leptospira species. Furthermore, characterization of the immune response identified a small repertoire of biologically relevant proteins that are highly conserved among pathogenic Leptospira species and potential correlates of cross-protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsio A Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases; Yale School of Public HealthNew HavenUnited States
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation; Brazilian Ministry of HealthSalvadorBrazil
| | - Haritha Adhikarla
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases; Yale School of Public HealthNew HavenUnited States
| | - Camila Hamond
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases; Yale School of Public HealthNew HavenUnited States
| | - Katharine A Owers Bonner
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases; Yale School of Public HealthNew HavenUnited States
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease; University of California IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Camila B Rodrigues
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease; University of California IrvineIrvineUnited States
- Institute of Technology in Immunobiology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation; Brazilian Ministry of HealthRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Vimla Bisht
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases; Yale School of Public HealthNew HavenUnited States
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service; United States Department of AgricultureAmesUnited States
| | - David P Alt
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service; United States Department of AgricultureAmesUnited States
| | - Mitermayer G Reis
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation; Brazilian Ministry of HealthSalvadorBrazil
| | - Peter J Diggle
- CHICAS, Lancaster Medical School; Lancaster UniversityLancasterUnited Kingdom
| | - Philip L Felgner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease; University of California IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Albert Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases; Yale School of Public HealthNew HavenUnited States
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation; Brazilian Ministry of HealthSalvadorBrazil
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22
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Gaultney RA, Vincent AT, Lorioux C, Coppée JY, Sismeiro O, Varet H, Legendre R, Cockram CA, Veyrier FJ, Picardeau M. 4-Methylcytosine DNA modification is critical for global epigenetic regulation and virulence in the human pathogen Leptospira interrogans. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12102-12115. [PMID: 33301041 PMCID: PMC7708080 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In bacteria, DNA methylation can be facilitated by ‘orphan’ DNA methyltransferases lacking cognate restriction endonucleases, but whether and how these enzymes control key cellular processes are poorly understood. The effects of a specific modification, 4-methylcytosine (4mC), are even less clear, as this epigenetic marker is unique to bacteria and archaea, whereas the bulk of epigenetic research is currently performed on eukaryotes. Here, we characterize a 4mC methyltransferase from the understudied pathogen Leptospira spp. Inactivating this enzyme resulted in complete abrogation of CTAG motif methylation, leading to genome-wide dysregulation of gene expression. Mutants exhibited growth defects, decreased adhesion to host cells, higher susceptibility to LPS-targeting antibiotics, and, importantly, were no longer virulent in an acute infection model. Further investigation resulted in the discovery of at least one gene, that of an ECF sigma factor, whose transcription was altered in the methylase mutant and, subsequently, by mutation of the CTAG motifs in the promoter of the gene. The genes that comprise the regulon of this sigma factor were, accordingly, dysregulated in the methylase mutant and in a strain overexpressing the sigma factor. Our results highlight the importance of 4mC in Leptospira physiology, and suggest the same of other understudied species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antony T Vincent
- Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Céline Lorioux
- Unité Biologie des Spirochètes, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Coppée
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Odile Sismeiro
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Varet
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Department of Computational Biology, USR 3756 CNRS, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform, Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Department of Computational Biology, USR 3756 CNRS, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Frédéric J Veyrier
- Bacterial Symbionts Evolution, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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23
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Oliveira PN, Courrol DS, Chura-Chambi RM, Morganti L, Souza GO, Franzolin MR, Wunder EA, Heinemann MB, Barbosa AS. Inactivation of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 by pathogenic Leptospira. Microb Pathog 2020; 150:104704. [PMID: 33347965 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Leptospires are aerobic, Gram-negative spirochetes with a high invasive capacity. Pathogenic leptospires secrete proteases that inactivate a variety of host's proteins including molecules of the extracellular matrix and of the human complement system. This strategy, used by several pathogens of medical importance, contributes to bacterial invasion and immune evasion. In the current work we present evidence that Leptospira proteases also target human cathelicidin (LL-37), an antimicrobial peptide that plays an important role in the innate immune response. By using six Leptospira strains, four pathogenic and two saprophytic, we demonstrated that proteases present in the supernatants of pathogenic strains were capable of degrading LL-37 in a time-dependent manner, whereas proteolytic degradation was not observed with the supernatants of the two saprophytic strains. Inactivation of LL-37 was prevented by using the 1,10-phenanthroline inhibitor, thus suggesting the involvement of metalloproteinases in this process. In addition, the antibacterial activity of LL-37 against two Leptospira strains was evaluated. Compared to the saprophytic strain, a greater resistance of the pathogenic strain to the action of the peptide was observed. Our data suggest that the capacity to inactivate the host defense peptide LL-37 may be part of the virulence arsenal of pathogenic Leptospira, and we hypothesize that its inactivation by the bacteria may influence the outcome of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila N Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rosa Maria Chura-Chambi
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares IPEN-CNEN/SP, Centro de Biotecnologia, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ligia Morganti
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares IPEN-CNEN/SP, Centro de Biotecnologia, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele O Souza
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Elsio A Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcos B Heinemann
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angela S Barbosa
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.
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24
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AAA+ Molecular Chaperone ClpB in Leptospira interrogans: Its Role and Significance in Leptospiral Virulence and Pathogenesis of Leptospirosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186645. [PMID: 32932775 PMCID: PMC7555560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial ClpB is an ATP-dependent disaggregase that belongs to the Hsp100/Clp subfamily of the AAA+ ATPases and cooperates with the DnaK chaperone system in the reactivation of aggregated proteins, as well as promotes bacterial survival under adverse environmental conditions, including thermal and oxidative stresses. In addition, extensive evidence indicates that ClpB supports the virulence of numerous bacteria, including pathogenic spirochaete Leptospira interrogans responsible for leptospirosis in animals and humans. However, the specific function of ClpB in leptospiral virulence still remains to be fully elucidated. Interestingly, ClpB was predicted as one of the L. interrogans hub proteins interacting with human proteins, and pathogen–host protein interactions are fundamental for successful invasion of the host immune system by bacteria. The aim of this review is to discuss the most important aspects of ClpB’s function in L. interrogans, including contribution of ClpB to leptospiral virulence and pathogenesis of leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease with a significant impact on public health worldwide.
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25
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Abe K, Kuribayashi T, Takabe K, Nakamura S. Implications of back-and-forth motion and powerful propulsion for spirochetal invasion. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13937. [PMID: 32811890 PMCID: PMC7434897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70897-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The spirochete Leptospira spp. can move in liquid and on a solid surface using two periplasmic flagella (PFs), and its motility is an essential virulence factor for the pathogenic species. Mammals are infected with the spirochete through the wounded dermis, which implies the importance of behaviors on the boundary with such viscoelastic milieu; however, the leptospiral pathogenicity involving motility remains unclear. We used a glass chamber containing a gel area adjoining the leptospiral suspension to resemble host dermis exposed to contaminated water and analyzed the motility of individual cells at the liquid-gel border. Insertion of one end of the cell body to the gel increased switching of the swimming direction. Moreover, the swimming force of Leptospira was also measured by trapping single cells using an optical tweezer. It was found that they can generate [Formula: see text] 17 pN of force, which is [Formula: see text] 30 times of the swimming force of Escherichia coli. The force-speed relationship suggested the load-dependent force enhancement and showed that the power (the work per unit time) for the propulsion is [Formula: see text] 3.1 × 10-16 W, which is two-order of magnitudes larger than the propulsive power of E. coli. The powerful and efficient propulsion of Leptospira using back-and-forth movements could facilitate their invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Abe
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-05 Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Toshiki Kuribayashi
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-05 Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Takabe
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-05 Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-05 Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan.
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26
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Holzapfel M, Bonhomme D, Cagliero J, Vernel-Pauillac F, Fanton d'Andon M, Bortolussi S, Fiette L, Goarant C, Wunder EA, Picardeau M, Ko AI, Werling D, Matsui M, Boneca IG, Werts C. Escape of TLR5 Recognition by Leptospira spp.: A Rationale for Atypical Endoflagella. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2007. [PMID: 32849665 PMCID: PMC7431986 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira (L.) interrogans are invasive bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a worldwide zoonosis. They possess two periplasmic endoflagellae that allow their motility. L. interrogans are stealth pathogens that escape the innate immune recognition of the NOD-like receptors NOD1/2, and the human Toll-like receptor (TLR)4, which senses peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively. TLR5 is another receptor of bacterial cell wall components, recognizing flagellin subunits. To study the contribution of TLR5 in the host defense against leptospires, we infected WT and TLR5 deficient mice with pathogenic L. interrogans and tracked the infection by in vivo live imaging of bioluminescent bacteria or by qPCR. We did not identify any protective or inflammatory role of murine TLR5 for controlling pathogenic Leptospira. Likewise, subsequent in vitro experiments showed that infections with different live strains of L. interrogans and L. biflexa did not trigger TLR5 signaling. However, unexpectedly, heat-killed bacteria stimulated human and bovine TLR5, but did not, or barely induced stimulation via murine TLR5. Abolition of TLR5 recognition required extensive boiling time of the bacteria or proteinase K treatment, showing an unusual high stability of the leptospiral flagellins. Interestingly, after using antimicrobial peptides to destabilize live leptospires, we detected TLR5 activity, suggesting that TLR5 could participate in the fight against leptospires in humans or cattle. Using different Leptospira strains with mutations in the flagellin proteins, we further showed that neither FlaA nor Fcp participated in the recognition by TLR5, suggesting a role for the FlaB. FlaB have structural homology to Salmonella FliC, and possess conserved residues important for TLR5 activation, as shown by in silico analyses. Accordingly, we found that leptospires regulate the expression of FlaB mRNA according to the growth phase in vitro, and that infection with L. interrogans in hamsters and in mice downregulated the expression of the FlaB, but not the FlaA subunits. Altogether, in contrast to different bacteria that modify their flagellin sequences to escape TLR5 recognition, our study suggests that the peculiar central localization and stability of the FlaB monomers in the periplasmic endoflagellae, associated with the downregulation of FlaB subunits in hosts, constitute an efficient strategy of leptospires to escape the TLR5 recognition and the induced immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Holzapfel
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Biologie et Génétique de la Paroi Bactérienne, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Equipe Avenir, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Bonhomme
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Biologie et Génétique de la Paroi Bactérienne, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Equipe Avenir, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Julie Cagliero
- Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle Calédonie, Immunity and Inflammation Group, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, France
| | - Frédérique Vernel-Pauillac
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Biologie et Génétique de la Paroi Bactérienne, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Equipe Avenir, Paris, France
| | - Martine Fanton d'Andon
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Biologie et Génétique de la Paroi Bactérienne, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Equipe Avenir, Paris, France
| | - Sophia Bortolussi
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Biologie et Génétique de la Paroi Bactérienne, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Equipe Avenir, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Fiette
- Unité Histopathologie Humaine et Modèles Animaux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Cyrille Goarant
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur International Network, Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle Calédonie, Noumea, France
| | - Elsio A Wunder
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Albert I Ko
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dirk Werling
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Mariko Matsui
- Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle Calédonie, Immunity and Inflammation Group, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, France
| | - Ivo G Boneca
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Biologie et Génétique de la Paroi Bactérienne, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Equipe Avenir, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Werts
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Biologie et Génétique de la Paroi Bactérienne, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 2001 Microbiologie Intégrative et Moléculaire, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Equipe Avenir, Paris, France
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27
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Xu J, Koizumi N, Nakamura S. Crawling Motility on the Host Tissue Surfaces Is Associated With the Pathogenicity of the Zoonotic Spirochete Leptospira. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1886. [PMID: 32849465 PMCID: PMC7419657 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial motility is crucial for many pathogenic species in the process of invasion and/or dissemination. The spirochete bacteria Leptospira spp. cause symptoms, such as hemorrhage, jaundice, and nephritis, in diverse mammals including humans. Although loss-of-motility attenuate the spirochete's virulence, the mechanism of the motility-dependent pathogenicity is unknown. Here, focusing on that Leptospira spp. swim in liquid and crawl on solid surfaces, we investigated the spirochetal dynamics on the host tissues by infecting cultured kidney cells from various species with pathogenic and non-pathogenic leptospires. We found that, in the case of the pathogenic leptospires, a larger fraction of bacteria attached to the host cells and persistently traveled long distances using the crawling mechanism. Our results associate the kinetics and kinematic features of the spirochetal pathogens with their virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Department of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobuo Koizumi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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28
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In Situ Structural Analysis of Leptospira spp. by Electron Cryotomography. Methods Mol Biol 2020. [PMID: 32632865 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0459-5_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Spirochetes such as Treponema, Borrelia, and Leptospira species can rotate their bodies to swim in liquid environments by rotating periplasmic flagella or endoflagella, which are present inside the cell. Electron cryotomography (ECT) is an imaging technique that directly provides three-dimensional (3D) structures of cells and molecular complexes in their cellular environment at nanometer resolution. Here, I present a general protocol of ECT that covers the sample preparation, data collection, tilt series alignment, and tomographic reconstruction for visualization of intact periplasmic flagella in Leptospira spp. This protocol is capable of determining protein structures at resolutions high enough to visualize their individual domains and secondary structures in their cellular environment.
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29
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Measurement of the Cell-Body Rotation of Leptospira. Methods Mol Biol 2020. [PMID: 32632866 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0459-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Leptospira spp. swim in liquid and crawl on surfaces with two periplasmic flagella. The periplasmic flagella attach to the protoplasmic cylinder via basal rotary motors (flagellar motors) and transform the ends of the cell body into spiral or hook shape. The rotations of the periplasmic flagella are thought to gyrate the cell body and rotate the protoplasmic cylinder for propelling the cell; however, the motility mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Since the motility is a critical virulence factor for pathogenic leptospires, the kinematic insight is valuable to understand the mechanism of infection. This chapter describes microscopic methodologies to measure the motility of Leptospira, focusing on rotation of the helical cell body.
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30
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Spirochete Flagella and Motility. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10040550. [PMID: 32260454 PMCID: PMC7225975 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirochetes can be distinguished from other flagellated bacteria by their long, thin, spiral (or wavy) cell bodies and endoflagella that reside within the periplasmic space, designated as periplasmic flagella (PFs). Some members of the spirochetes are pathogenic, including the causative agents of syphilis, Lyme disease, swine dysentery, and leptospirosis. Furthermore, their unique morphologies have attracted attention of structural biologists; however, the underlying physics of viscoelasticity-dependent spirochetal motility is a longstanding mystery. Elucidating the molecular basis of spirochetal invasion and interaction with hosts, resulting in the appearance of symptoms or the generation of asymptomatic reservoirs, will lead to a deeper understanding of host-pathogen relationships and the development of antimicrobials. Moreover, the mechanism of propulsion in fluids or on surfaces by the rotation of PFs within the narrow periplasmic space could be a designing base for an autonomously driving micro-robot with high efficiency. This review describes diverse morphology and motility observed among the spirochetes and further summarizes the current knowledge on their mechanisms and relations to pathogenicity, mainly from the standpoint of experimental biophysics.
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31
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Gibson KH, Trajtenberg F, Wunder EA, Brady MR, San Martin F, Mechaly A, Shang Z, Liu J, Picardeau M, Ko A, Buschiazzo A, Sindelar CV. An asymmetric sheath controls flagellar supercoiling and motility in the leptospira spirochete. eLife 2020; 9:e53672. [PMID: 32157997 PMCID: PMC7065911 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spirochete bacteria, including important pathogens, exhibit a distinctive means of swimming via undulations of the entire cell. Motility is powered by the rotation of supercoiled 'endoflagella' that wrap around the cell body, confined within the periplasmic space. To investigate the structural basis of flagellar supercoiling, which is critical for motility, we determined the structure of native flagellar filaments from the spirochete Leptospira by integrating high-resolution cryo-electron tomography and X-ray crystallography. We show that these filaments are coated by a highly asymmetric, multi-component sheath layer, contrasting with flagellin-only homopolymers previously observed in exoflagellated bacteria. Distinct sheath proteins localize to the filament inner and outer curvatures to define the supercoiling geometry, explaining a key functional attribute of this spirochete flagellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley H Gibson
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Felipe Trajtenberg
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de MontevideoMontevideoUruguay
| | - Elsio A Wunder
- Departament of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public HealthNew HavenUnited States
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of HealthSalvadorBrazil
| | - Megan R Brady
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Fabiana San Martin
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de MontevideoMontevideoUruguay
| | - Ariel Mechaly
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de MontevideoMontevideoUruguay
| | - Zhiguo Shang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Institut PasteurParisFrance
- Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents, Department of Microbiology, Institut PasteurParisFrance
| | - Albert Ko
- Departament of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public HealthNew HavenUnited States
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of HealthSalvadorBrazil
| | - Alejandro Buschiazzo
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de MontevideoMontevideoUruguay
- Integrative Microbiology of Zoonotic Agents, Department of Microbiology, Institut PasteurParisFrance
| | - Charles Vaughn Sindelar
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
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32
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Zhang K, He J, Cantalano C, Guo Y, Liu J, Li C. FlhF regulates the number and configuration of periplasmic flagella in Borrelia burgdorferi. Mol Microbiol 2020; 113:1122-1139. [PMID: 32039533 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Lyme disease bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi has 7-11 periplasmic flagella (PF) that arise from the cell poles and extend toward the midcell as a flat-ribbon, which is distinct from other bacteria. FlhF, a signal recognition particle (SRP)-like GTPase, has been found to regulate the flagellar number and polarity; however, its role in B. burgdorferi remains unknown. B. burgdorferi has an FlhF homolog (BB0270). Structural and biochemical analyses show that BB0270 has a similar structure and enzymatic activity as its counterparts from other bacteria. Genetics and cryo-electron tomography studies reveal that deletion of BB0270 leads to mutant cells that have less PF (4 ± 2 PF per cell tip) and fail to form a flat-ribbon, indicative of a role of BB0270 in the control of PF number and configuration. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that BB0270 localizes at the cell poles and controls the number and position of PF via regulating the flagellar protein stability and the polar localization of the MS-ring protein FliF. Our study not only provides the detailed characterizations of BB0270 and its profound impacts on flagellar assembly, morphology and motility in B. burgdorferi, but also unveils mechanistic insights into how spirochetes control their unique flagellar patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jun He
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Claudio Cantalano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Youzhong Guo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chunhao Li
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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33
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Felix CR, Siedler BS, Barbosa LN, Timm GR, McFadden J, McBride AJA. An overview of human leptospirosis vaccine design and future perspectives. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:179-188. [PMID: 31777290 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1694508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: It's been 20 years since the first report of a recombinant vaccine that protected against leptospirosis. Since then, numerous recombinant vaccines have been evaluated; however, no recombinant vaccine candidate has advanced to clinical trials. With the ever-increasing burden of leptospirosis, there is an urgent need for a universal vaccine against leptospirosis.Areas covered: This review covers the most promising vaccine candidates that induced significant, reproducible, protection and how advances in the field of bioinformatics has led to the discovery of hundreds of novel protein targets. The authors also discuss the most recent findings regarding the innate immune response and host-pathogen interactions and their impact on the discovery of novel vaccine candidates. In addition, the authors have identified what they believe are the most challenging problems for the discovery and development of a universal vaccine and their potential solutions.Expert opinion: A universal vaccine for leptospirosis will likely only be achieved using a recombinant vaccine as the bacterins are of limited use due to the lack of a cross-protective immune response. Although there are hundreds of novel targets, due to the lack of immune correlates and the need for more research into the basic microbiology of Leptospira spp., a universal vaccine is 10-15 years away.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina R Felix
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Bianca S Siedler
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.,School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Liana N Barbosa
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Gabriana R Timm
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Johnjoe McFadden
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Alan J A McBride
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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34
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Abstract
Until about 15 years ago, the molecular and cellular basis for pathogenesis in leptospirosis was virtually unknown. The determination of the first full genome sequence in 2003 was followed rapidly by other whole genome sequences, whose availability facilitated the development of transposon mutagenesis and then directed mutagenesis of pathogenic Leptospira spp. The combination of genomics, transcriptomics and mutant construction and characterisation has resulted in major progress in our understanding of the taxonomy and biology of Leptospira. The most recent advances are analysed and discussed in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Bulach
- Melbourne Bioinformatics, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ben Adler
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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35
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Abstract
This chapter covers the progress made in the Leptospira field since the application of mutagenesis techniques and how they have allowed the study of virulence factors and, more generally, the biology of Leptospira. The last decade has seen advances in our ability to perform molecular genetic analysis of Leptospira. Major achievements include the generation of large collections of mutant strains and the construction of replicative plasmids, enabling complementation of mutations. However, there are still no practical tools for routine genetic manipulation of pathogenic Leptospira strains, slowing down advances in pathogenesis research. This review summarizes the status of the molecular genetic toolbox for Leptospira species and highlights new challenges in the nascent field of Leptospira genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Picardeau
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Institut Pasteur, 28 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France.
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36
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Abstract
Bacteria, life living at microscale, can spread only by thermal fluctuation. However, the ability of directional movement, such as swimming by rotating flagella, gliding over surfaces via mobile cell-surface adhesins, and actin-dependent movement, could be useful for thriving through searching more favorable environments, and such motility is known to be related to pathogenicity. Among diverse migration mechanisms, perhaps flagella-dependent motility would be used by most species. The bacterial flagellum is a molecular nanomachine comprising a helical filament and a basal motor, which is fueled by an electrochemical gradient of cation across the cell membrane (ion motive force). Many species, such as Escherichia coli, possess flagella on the outside of the cell body, whereas flagella of spirochetes reside within the periplasmic space. Flagellar filaments or helical spirochete bodies rotate like a screw propeller, generating propulsive force. This review article describes the current knowledge of the structure and operation mechanism of the bacterial flagellum, and flagella-dependent motility in highly viscous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University
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37
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Cryo-electron tomography of periplasmic flagella in Borrelia burgdorferi reveals a distinct cytoplasmic ATPase complex. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e3000050. [PMID: 30412577 PMCID: PMC6248999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Periplasmic flagella are essential for the distinct morphology and motility of spirochetes. A flagella-specific type III secretion system (fT3SS) composed of a membrane-bound export apparatus and a cytosolic ATPase complex is responsible for the assembly of the periplasmic flagella. Here, we deployed cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to visualize the fT3SS machine in the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. We show, for the first time, that the cytosolic ATPase complex is attached to the flagellar C-ring through multiple spokes to form the “spoke and hub” structure in B. burgdorferi. This structure not only strengthens structural rigidity of the round-shaped C-ring but also appears to rotate with the C-ring. Our studies provide structural insights into the unique mechanisms underlying assembly and rotation of the periplasmic flagella and may provide the basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against several pathogenic spirochetes. Cryo-electron tomography of periplasmic flagella in the Lyme disease bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi reveals it to have a distinct cytoplasmic ATPase complex and an atypical interaction with the flagellar C-ring. Type III secretion systems are widely utilized by gram-negative bacteria to assemble flagella or to transport virulence effectors into eukaryotic cells. The central component is known as a type III secretion machine, which consists of a membrane-bound export apparatus and a cytosolic ATPase complex. Powered by the proton motive force and ATP hydrolysis, the secretion machine is responsible for substrate recognition and export. Here, we use the Lyme disease spirochete B. burgdorferi as a model system to unveil unprecedented structural details of the intact flagellar secretion machine by high-throughput cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and subtomogram averaging. We provide the first structural evidence that the cytosolic ATPase complex is attached to the flagellar C-ring through multiple spokes to form the “spoke and hub” structure in B. burgdorferi. The novel architecture of the ATPase complex not only strengthens the flagellar C-ring but also enables an optimal translocation of substrates through the ATPase complex and the export apparatus.
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Moon KH, Zhao X, Xu H, Liu J, Motaleb MA. A tetratricopeptide repeat domain protein has profound effects on assembly of periplasmic flagella, morphology and motility of the lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Mol Microbiol 2018; 110:634-647. [PMID: 30303576 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spirochetes possess a unique periplasmic flagellar motor component called the collar. However, little is known about the composition or function of the flagellar collar proteins. To identify a collar protein, we have inactivated almost all genes annotated as motility-related in the Borrelia burgdorferi genome and identified only FlbB, which comprises the base of the collar. Since the major components of the collar complex remained unidentified, we took advantage of a protein-protein interaction map developed in another spirochete, Treponema pallidum to identify proteins of unknown function that could be collar proteins. Subsequently, using various comprehensive approaches, we identified a tetratricopeptide repeat protein BB0236 as a potential candidate for the collar. Biochemical assays indicated that FlbB interacts with BB0236. Furthermore, ∆bb0236 mutant analyses indicated that BB0236 is crucial for collar structure assembly, cellular morphology, motility, orientation of periplasmic flagella and assembly of other flagellar structures. Moreover, using comparative motor analyses, we propose how the collar structure is assembled in B. burgdorferi. Together, our studies provide new insights into the organization and the complex assembly inherent to the unique spirochetal collar structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Hwan Moon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06536, USA
| | - Md A Motaleb
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
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Sex Matters: Male Hamsters Are More Susceptible to Lethal Infection with Lower Doses of Pathogenic Leptospira than Female Hamsters. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00369-18. [PMID: 30012637 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00369-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A somewhat contradictory published body of evidence suggests that sex impacts severity outcomes of human leptospirosis. In this study, we used an acute animal model of disease to analyze leptospirosis in male and female hamsters infected side by side with low but increasing doses of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni. We found that male hamsters were considerably more susceptible to leptospirosis, given that only 6.3% survived infection, whereas 68.7% of the females survived the same infection doses. In contrast to the females, male hamsters had high burdens of L. interrogans in kidney and high histopathological scores after exposure to low infection doses (∼103 bacteria). In hamsters infected with higher doses of L. interrogans (∼104 bacteria), differences in pathogen burdens as well as cytokine and fibrosis transcript levels in kidney were not distinct between sexes. Our results indicate that male hamsters infected with L. interrogans are more susceptible to severe leptospirosis after exposure to lower infectious doses than females.
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40
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Kurniyati K, Liu J, Zhang JR, Min Y, Li C. A pleiotropic role of FlaG in regulating the cell morphogenesis and flagellar homeostasis at the cell poles of Treponema denticola. Cell Microbiol 2018; 21:e12886. [PMID: 29935042 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
FlaG homologue has been found in several bacteria including spirochetes; however, its function is poorly characterised. In this report, we investigated the role of TDE1473, a putative FlaG, in the spirochete Treponema denticola, a keystone pathogen of periodontitis. TDE1473 resides in a large gene operon that is controlled by a σ70 -like promoter and encodes a putative FlaG protein of 123 amino acids. TDE1473 can be detected in the periplasmic flagella (PFs) of T. denticola, suggesting that it is a flagella-associated protein. Consistently, in vitro studies demonstrate that the recombinant TDE1473 interacts with the PFs in a dose-dependent manner and that such an interaction requires FlaA, a flagellar filament sheath protein. Deletion of TDE1473 leads to long and less motile mutant cells. Cryo-electron tomography analysis reveal that the wild-type cells have 2-3 PFs with nearly homogenous lengths (ranging from 3 to 6 μm), whereas the mutant cells have less intact PFs with disparate lengths (ranging from 0.1 to 9 μm). The phenotype of T. denticola TDE1473 mutant reported here is different from its counterparts in other bacteria, which provides insight into further understanding the role of FlaG in the regulation of bacterial cell morphogenesis and flagellation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurni Kurniyati
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jing-Ren Zhang
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunjiang Min
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, China
| | - Chunhao Li
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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41
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Wunder EA, Slamti L, Suwondo DN, Gibson KH, Shang Z, Sindelar CV, Trajtenberg F, Buschiazzo A, Ko AI, Picardeau M. FcpB Is a Surface Filament Protein of the Endoflagellum Required for the Motility of the Spirochete Leptospira. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:130. [PMID: 29868490 PMCID: PMC5953323 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The spirochete endoflagellum is a unique motility apparatus among bacteria. Despite its critical importance for pathogenesis, the full composition of the flagellum remains to be determined. We have recently reported that FcpA is a novel flagellar protein and a major component of the sheath of the filament of the spirochete Leptospira. By screening a library of random transposon mutants in the spirochete Leptospira biflexa, we found a motility-deficient mutant harboring a disruption in a hypothetical gene of unknown function. Here, we show that this gene encodes a surface component of the endoflagellar filament and is required for typical hook- and spiral-shaped ends of the cell body, coiled structure of the endoflagella, and high velocity phenotype. We therefore named the gene fcpB for flagellar-coiling protein B. fcpB is conserved in all members of the Leptospira genus, but not present in other organisms including other spirochetes. Complementation of the fcpB- mutant restored the wild-type morphology and motility phenotypes. Immunoblotting with anti-FcpA and anti-FcpB antisera and cryo-electron microscopy of the filament indicated that FcpB assembled onto the surface of the sheath of the filament and mostly located on the outer (convex) side of the coiled filament. We provide evidence that FcpB, together with FcpA, are Leptospira-specific novel components of the sheath of the filament, key determinants of the coiled and asymmetric structure of the endoflagella and are essential for high velocity. Defining the components of the endoflagella and their functions in these atypical bacteria should greatly enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which these bacteria produce motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsio A Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States.,Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Leyla Slamti
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Paris, France
| | - David N Suwondo
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Kimberley H Gibson
- Departments of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Zhiguo Shang
- Departments of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Charles V Sindelar
- Departments of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Felipe Trajtenberg
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Microbiology, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alejandro Buschiazzo
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Microbiology, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Albert I Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States.,Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil
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Tahara H, Takabe K, Sasaki Y, Kasuga K, Kawamoto A, Koizumi N, Nakamura S. The mechanism of two-phase motility in the spirochete Leptospira: Swimming and crawling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaar7975. [PMID: 29854948 PMCID: PMC5976277 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aar7975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Many species of bacteria are motile, but their migration mechanisms are considerably diverse. Whatever mechanism is used, being motile allows bacteria to search for more optimal environments for growth, and motility is a crucial virulence factor for pathogenic species. The spirochete Leptospira, having two flagella in the periplasmic space, swims in liquid but has also been previously shown to crawl over solid surfaces. The present motility assays show that the spirochete movements both in liquid and on surfaces involve a rotation of the helical cell body. Direct observations of cell-surface movement with amino-specific fluorescent dye and antibody-coated microbeads suggest that the spirochete attaches to the surface via mobile, adhesive outer membrane components, and the cell body rotation propels the cell relative to the anchoring points. Our results provide models of how the spirochete switches its motility mode from swimming to crawling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Tahara
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-05 Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Takabe
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-05 Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Yuya Sasaki
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Kie Kasuga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, 265-1 Higashijima, Akiha-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 956-8603, Japan
- Division of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0934, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawamoto
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Nobuo Koizumi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-05 Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
- Corresponding author.
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43
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Sasaki Y, Kawamoto A, Tahara H, Kasuga K, Sato R, Ohnishi M, Nakamura S, Koizumi N. Leptospiral flagellar sheath protein FcpA interacts with FlaA2 and FlaB1 in Leptospira biflexa. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194923. [PMID: 29634754 PMCID: PMC5892894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira spp. are spirochete bacteria that possess periplasmic flagella (PFs) underneath the outer membrane; each flagellum is attached to each end of the protoplasmic cylinder. PFs of Leptospira have a coiled shape that bends the end of the cell body. However, the molecular mechanism by which multiple flagellar proteins organize to form the distinctively curled PF of Leptospira remains unclear. Here we obtained a slow-motility mutant of L. biflexa MD4-3 by random insertion mutagenesis using a Himar1 transposon. In MD4-3, the gene encoding the flagellar sheath protein, flagellar-coiling protein A (FcpA), which was recently identified in L. interrogans, was inactivated. As with L. interrogans ΔfcpA strains, the L. biflexa ΔfcpA strain lacked a distinct curvature at both ends of the cell body, and its motility was significantly reduced as compared with that of the wild-type strain. PFs isolated from the ΔfcpA strain were straight and were thinner than those isolated from the wild-type strain. Western blot analysis revealed that flagellar proteins FlaA1, FlaA2, FlaB1, and FlaB2 were expressed in the ΔfcpA strain but the flagellar proteins, except for FlaB2 were not incorporated in its PFs. Immunoprecipitation assay using anti-FcpA antiserum demonstrated that FcpA associates with FlaA2 and FlaB1. The association between FcpA and FlaA2 was also verified using pull-down assay. The regions of FlaA2 and FlaB1 interacting with FcpA were determined using a bacterial two-hybrid assay. These results suggest that FcpA together with FlaA2, produces coiling of PF of the Leptospira, and the interaction between the sheath and core filament may be mediated by FcpA and FlaB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Sasaki
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications & Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawamoto
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hajime Tahara
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kie Kasuga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
- Division of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Sato
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications & Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohnishi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Nakamura
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Nobuo Koizumi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Casanovas-Massana A, Costa F, Riediger IN, Cunha M, de Oliveira D, Mota DC, Sousa E, Querino VA, Nery N, Reis MG, Wunder EA, Diggle PJ, Ko AI. Spatial and temporal dynamics of pathogenic Leptospira in surface waters from the urban slum environment. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 130:176-184. [PMID: 29220718 PMCID: PMC5767135 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.11.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis has emerged as an important urban health problem as slum settlements have expanded worldwide. Yet the dynamics of the environmentally transmitted Leptospira pathogen has not been well characterized in these settings. We used a stratified dense sampling scheme to study the dynamics of Leptospira abundance in surface waters from a Brazilian urban slum community. We collected surface water samples during the dry, intermediate and rainy seasons within a seven-month period and quantified pathogenic Leptospira by quantitative PCR (qPCR). We used logistic and linear mixed models to identify factors that explained variation for the presence and concentration of Leptospira DNA. Among 335 sewage and 250 standing water samples, Leptospira DNA were detected in 36% and 34%, respectively. Among the 236 samples with positive results geometric mean Leptospira concentrations were 152 GEq/mL. The probability of finding Leptospira DNA was higher in sewage samples collected during the rainy season when increased leptospirosis incidence occurred, than during the dry season (47.2% vs 12.5%, respectively, p = 0.0002). There was a marked spatial and temporal heterogeneity in Leptospira DNA distribution, for which type of water, elevation, and time of day that samples were collected, in addition to season, were significant predictors. Together, these findings indicate that Leptospira are ubiquitous in the slum environment and that the water-related risk to which inhabitants are exposed is low. Seasonal increases in Leptospira presence may explain the timing of leptospirosis outbreaks. Effective prevention will need to consider the spatial and temporal dynamics of pathogenic Leptospira in surface waters to reduce the burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Casanovas-Massana
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Federico Costa
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA; Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Basílio da Gama, s/n, Campus Universitário Canela, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Irina N Riediger
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Laboratório Central do Estado do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, Rua Sebastiana Santana Fraga, 1001, Guatupê, São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Cunha
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480 - Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daiana de Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Diogenes C Mota
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Erica Sousa
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Vladimir A Querino
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Nivisson Nery
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mitermayer G Reis
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA; Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Elsio A Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Peter J Diggle
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Lancaster, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom
| | - Albert I Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA; Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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45
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Adhikarla H, Wunder EA, Mechaly AE, Mehta S, Wang Z, Santos L, Bisht V, Diggle P, Murray G, Adler B, Lopez F, Townsend JP, Groisman E, Picardeau M, Buschiazzo A, Ko AI. Lvr, a Signaling System That Controls Global Gene Regulation and Virulence in Pathogenic Leptospira. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:45. [PMID: 29600195 PMCID: PMC5863495 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease with more than 1 million cases annually. Currently there is lack of evidence for signaling pathways involved during the infection process of Leptospira. In our comprehensive genomic analysis of 20 Leptospira spp. we identified seven pathogen-specific Two-Component System (TCS) proteins. Disruption of two these TCS genes in pathogenic Leptospira strain resulted in loss-of-virulence in a hamster model of leptospirosis. Corresponding genes lvrA and lvrB (leptospira virulence regulator) are juxtaposed in an operon and are predicted to encode a hybrid histidine kinase and a hybrid response regulator, respectively. Transcriptome analysis of lvr mutant strains with disruption of one (lvrB) or both genes (lvrA/B) revealed global transcriptional regulation of 850 differentially expressed genes. Phosphotransfer assays demonstrated that LvrA phosphorylates LvrB and predicted further signaling downstream to one or more DNA-binding response regulators, suggesting that it is a branched pathway. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that lvrA and lvrB evolved independently within different ecological lineages in Leptospira via gene duplication. This study uncovers a novel-signaling pathway that regulates virulence in pathogenic Leptospira (Lvr), providing a framework to understand the molecular bases of regulation in this life-threatening bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haritha Adhikarla
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Elsio A Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ariel E Mechaly
- Laboratory of Molecular & Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sameet Mehta
- Yale Centre for Genome Analysis, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Luciane Santos
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States.,Gonçalo Moniz Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Vimla Bisht
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Peter Diggle
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Gerald Murray
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ben Adler
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Structural and Functional Microbial Genomics, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Francesc Lopez
- Yale Centre for Genome Analysis, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jeffrey P Townsend
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Eduardo Groisman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Alejandro Buschiazzo
- Laboratory of Molecular & Structural Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Albert I Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States.,Gonçalo Moniz Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
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Jorge S, Kremer FS, Oliveira NRD, Navarro GDOSV, Guimarães AM, Sanchez CD, Woloski RDDS, Ridieri KF, Campos VF, Pinto LDS, Dellagostin OA. Whole-genome sequencing of Leptospira interrogans from southern Brazil: genetic features of a highly virulent strain. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018; 113:80-86. [PMID: 29236923 PMCID: PMC5722262 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760170130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonotic disease. It is caused by
infection with pathogenic Leptospira species, of which over
300 serovars have been described. The accurate identification of the
causative Leptospira spp. is required to ascertain the
pathogenic status of the local isolates. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to obtain the complete genome sequence of a virulent
Leptospira interrogans strain isolated from southern
Brazil and to describe its genetic features. METHODS The whole genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (Ion Torrent).
The genome was assembled, scaffolded, annotated, and manually reviewed.
Mutations were identified based on a variant calling analysis using the
genome of L. interrogans strain Fiocruz L1-130 as a
reference. FINDINGS The entire genome had an average GC content of 35%. The variant calling
analysis identified 119 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), from which
30 led to a missense mutation. The structural analyses identified potential
evidence of genomic inversions, translocations, and deletions in both the
chromosomes. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The genome properties provide comprehensive information about the local
isolates of Leptospira spp., and thereby, could facilitate
the identification of new targets for the development of diagnostic kits and
vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Jorge
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karine Forster Ridieri
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Vinícius Farias Campos
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Luciano da Silva Pinto
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
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Jackson KM, Schwartz C, Wachter J, Rosa PA, Stewart PE. A widely conserved bacterial cytoskeletal component influences unique helical shape and motility of the spirochete Leptospira biflexa. Mol Microbiol 2018; 108:77-89. [PMID: 29363884 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Leptospires and other members of the evolutionarily ancient phylum of Spirochaetes are bacteria often characterized by long, highly motile spiral- or wave-shaped cells. Morphology and motility are critical factors in spirochete physiology, contributing to the ability of these bacteria to successfully colonize diverse environments. However, the mechanisms conferring the helical structure of Leptospira spp. have yet to be fully elucidated. We have identified five Leptospira biflexa bactofilin proteins, a recently characterized protein family with cytoskeletal properties. These five bactofilins are conserved in all species of the Leptospiraceae, indicating that these proteins arose early in the evolution of this family. One member of this protein family, LbbD, confers the optimal pitch distance in the helical structure of L. biflexa. Mutants lacking lbbD display a unique compressed helical morphology, a reduced motility and a decreased ability to tolerate cell wall stressors. The change in the helical spacing, combined with the motility and cell wall integrity defects, showcases the intimate relationship and coevolution between shape and motility in these spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Jackson
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Cindi Schwartz
- Research Technologies Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Jenny Wachter
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Patricia A Rosa
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Philip E Stewart
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
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Ghazaei C. Pathogenic Leptospira: Advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis and virulence. Open Vet J 2018; 8:13-24. [PMID: 29445617 PMCID: PMC5806663 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v8i1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a common zoonotic disease has emerged as a major public health problem, with developing countries bearing disproportionate burdens. Although the diverse range of clinical manifestations of the leptospirosis in humans is widely documented, the mechanisms through which the pathogen causes disease remain undetermined. In addition, leptospirosis is a much-neglected life-threatening disease although it is one of the most important zoonoses occurring in a diverse range of epidemiological distribution. Recent advances in molecular profiling of pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira have improved our understanding of the evolutionary factors that determine virulence and mechanisms that the bacteria employ to survive. However, a major impediment to the formulation of intervention strategies has been the limited understanding of the disease determinants. Consequently, the association of the biological mechanisms to the pathogenesis of Leptospira, as well as the functions of numerous essential virulence factors still remain implicit. This review examines recent advances in genetic screening technologies, the underlying microbiological processes, the virulence factors and associated molecular mechanisms driving pathogenesis of Leptospira species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciamak Ghazaei
- Department of Microbiology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, P.O. Box 179, Ardabil, Iran
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Kumar B, Miller K, Charon NW, Legleiter J. Periplasmic flagella in Borrelia burgdoferi function to maintain cellular integrity upon external stress. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184648. [PMID: 28898274 PMCID: PMC5595309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) in solution was used to analyze the role of the internally located periplasmic flagella (PFs) of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi in withstanding externally applied cellular stresses. By systematically imaging immobilized spirochetes with increasing tapping forces, we found that mutants that lack PFs are more readily compressed and damaged by the imaging process compared to wild-type cells. This finding suggest that the PFs, aside from being essential for motility and involved in cell shape, play a cytoskeletal role in dissipating energy and maintaining cellular integrity in the presence of external stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharath Kumar
- The C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kelly Miller
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nyles W. Charon
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- WVU nanoSAFE, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Justin Legleiter
- The C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- WVU nanoSAFE, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Grassmann AA, Souza JD, McBride AJA. A Universal Vaccine against Leptospirosis: Are We Going in the Right Direction? Front Immunol 2017; 8:256. [PMID: 28337203 PMCID: PMC5343615 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis in the world and a neglected tropical disease estimated to cause severe infection in more than one million people worldwide every year that can be combated by effective immunization. However, no significant progress has been made on the leptospirosis vaccine since the advent of bacterins over 100 years. Although protective against lethal infection, particularly in animals, bacterin-induced immunity is considered short term, serovar restricted, and the vaccine can cause serious side effects. The urgent need for a new vaccine has motivated several research groups to evaluate the protective immune response induced by recombinant vaccines. Significant protection has been reported with several promising outer membrane proteins, including LipL32 and the leptospiral immunoglobulin-like proteins. However, efficacy was variable and failed to induce a cross-protective response or sterile immunity among vaccinated animals. As hundreds of draft genomes of all known Leptospira species are now available, this should aid novel target discovery through reverse vaccinology (RV) and pangenomic studies. The identification of surface-exposed vaccine candidates that are highly conserved among infectious Leptospira spp. is a requirement for the development of a cross-protective universal vaccine. However, the lack of immune correlates is a major drawback to the application of RV to Leptospira genomes. In addition, as the protective immune response against leptospirosis is not fully understood, the rational use of adjuvants tends to be a process of trial and error. In this perspective, we discuss current advances, the pitfalls, and possible solutions for the development of a universal leptospirosis vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Alex Grassmann
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Jéssica Dias Souza
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Alan John Alexander McBride
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil
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