Mycobacterium avium genes expressed during growth in human macrophages detected by selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Induces Irg1 in Murine Macrophages by a Pathway Involving Both TLR-2 and STING/IFNAR Signaling and Requiring Bacterial Phagocytosis

Irg1 is an enzyme that generates itaconate, a metabolite that plays a key role in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Previous studies have implicated Irg1 as an important mediator in preventing excessive inflammation and tissue damage in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Here, we investigated the pattern recognition receptors and signaling pathways by which Mtb triggers Irg1 gene expression by comparing the responses of control and genetically deficient BMDMs. Using this approach, we demonstrated partial roles for TLR-2 (but not TLR-4 or -9), MyD88 and NFκB signaling in Irg1 induction by Mtb bacilli. In addition, drug inhibition studies revealed major requirements for phagocytosis and endosomal acidification in Irg1 expression triggered by Mtb but not LPS or PAM3CSK4. Importantly, the Mtb-induced Irg1 response was highly dependent on the presence of the bacterial ESX-1 secretion system, as well as host STING and Type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) signaling with Type II IFN (IFN-γ) signaling playing only a minimal role. Based on these findings we hypothesize that Mtb induces Irg1 expression in macrophages via the combination of two independent triggers both dependent on bacterial phagocytosis: 1) a major signal stimulated by phagocytized Mtb products released by an ESX-1-dependent mechanism into the cytosol where they activate the STING pathway leading to Type I-IFN production, and 2) a secondary TLR-2, MyD88 and NFκB dependent signal that enhances Irg1 production independently of Type I IFN induction.

Novel recombinant Mce-truncated protein based ELISA for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in domestic livestock

Johne’s disease (JD) is an infectious wasting condition of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in domestic livestock of every country that has been investigated. Controlling JD is problematic due to the lack of sensitive, specific, efficient, and cost-effective diagnostic tests. A major challenge in the development of diagnostics like ELISA is the selection of an ideal antigen/(s) that is pathogen-specific and allows sensitive recognition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify and use Mce-truncated protein-based ELISA assay for the diagnosis of MAP infection with high sensitivity and specificity. In silico epitope prediction by epitope mapping throughout the whole length of MAP2191 protein revealed that C-terminal portion of this protein presented potential T- and B-cell epitopes. Therefore, a novel Mce-truncated protein encoded by the selected region of MAP2191 gene was expressed, purified with Ni-NTA gel matrix and confirmed by SDS PAGE and western blot. A profiling ELISA assay was developed to evaluate sera from MAP infected and non-infected ruminant species for antibodies against Mce-truncated protein to infer the immunogenicity of this protein in the host. Using this Mce protein-based ELISA, 251 goats, 53 sheep, 117 buffaloes, and 33 cattle serum samples were screened and 49.4, 51.0, 69.2, and 54.6% animals, respectively, were found positive. Comparing with i-ELISA, the new Mce-based ELISA kit showed a relatively higher specificity but suffered from slightly reduced sensitivity. Mce-based ELISA excluded apparently false positive results of i-ELISA. Mce protein was found to be antigenic and Mce-ELISA test could be employed as a diagnostic test for JD in domestic livestock in view of the a relatively higher specificity and accuracy. The antigenic potential of Mce antigen can also be exploited for the development of a new vaccine for the control of MAP infection.

Proteome Analysis of a M. avium Mutant Exposes a Novel Role of the Bifunctional Protein LysX in the Regulation of Metabolic Activity

Lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol is one of the components of the mycobacterial membrane that contributes to the resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides, a host-induced frontline defense against invading pathogens. Its production is catalyzed by LysX, a bifunctional protein with lysyl transferase and lysyl transfer RNA synthetase activity. Comparative proteome analysis of a lysX mutant of Mycobacterium avium strain 104 and the wild type indicated that the lysX mutant strain undergoes a transition in phenotype by switching the carbon metabolism to β-oxidation of fatty acids, along with accumulation of lipid inclusions. Surprisingly, proteins associated with intracellular survival were upregulated in the lysX mutant, even during extracellular growth, preparing bacteria for the conditions occurring inside host cells. In line with this, the lysX mutant exhibited enhanced intracellular growth in human-blood-derived monocytes. Thus, our study exposes the significance of lysX in the metabolism and virulence of the environmental pathogen M. avium hominissuis.

Comparative study of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis genes expressed within avian and murine macrophages via selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS)

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) is a communicable zoonotic bacterium. Macrophages are essential for Salmonella survival, transmission, and infection. In this study, selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) was used to screen genes preferentially expressed by SE during contact with macrophages from different hosts. We found 57 predicted genes and 52 genes expressed by SE during interaction with avian HD-11 and murine RAW264.7 cells, respectively. These expressed genes were involved in virulence, metabolism, stress response, transport, regulation, and other functions. Although genes related to survival or metabolic pathways were needed during SE infection, different gene expression profiles of SE occurred in the two macrophage cell lines. qRT-PCR results confirmed that most screened genes were upregulated during infection in contrast to the observation during in vitro cultivation, with different expression levels in infected avian macrophages at 2-h and 7-h post-infection. In addition, in vitro and in vivo competition assays confirmed that SEN3610 (a putative deoR family regulator) and rfaQ (related to LPS synthesis) were closely related to SE virulence in both mice and chickens. Three putative transcriptional regulators, SEN2967, SEN4299, and rtcR, were related to SE colonization in mice, while the ycaM mutation caused decreased infection and survival of SE in HD-11 cells without influencing virulence in mice or chicken. Genes showing differential expression between SE-infected avian and murine macrophages indicate specific pathogen adaptation to enable infection of various hosts.

Mycobacterium leprae genomes from naturally infected nonhuman primates

Leprosy is caused by the bacterial pathogens Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Apart from humans, animals such as nine-banded armadillos in the Americas and red squirrels in the British Isles are naturally infected with M. leprae. Natural leprosy has also been reported in certain nonhuman primates, but it is not known whether these occurrences are due to incidental infections by human M. leprae strains or by M. leprae strains specific to nonhuman primates. In this study, complete M. leprae genomes from three naturally infected nonhuman primates (a chimpanzee from Sierra Leone, a sooty mangabey from West Africa, and a cynomolgus macaque from The Philippines) were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the cynomolgus macaque M. leprae strain is most closely related to a human M. leprae strain from New Caledonia, whereas the chimpanzee and sooty mangabey M. leprae strains belong to a human M. leprae lineage commonly found in West Africa. Additionally, samples from ring-tailed lemurs from the Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar, and chimpanzees from Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda, were screened using quantitative PCR assays, to assess the prevalence of M. leprae in wild nonhuman primates. However, these samples did not show evidence of M. leprae infection. Overall, this study adds genomic data for nonhuman primate M. leprae strains to the existing M. leprae literature and finds that this pathogen can be transmitted from humans to nonhuman primates as well as between nonhuman primate species. While the prevalence of natural leprosy in nonhuman primates is likely low, nevertheless, future studies should continue to explore the prevalence of leprosy-causing pathogens in the wild.

Mycobacterium leprae, which causes leprosy in humans, also infects nine-banded armadillos, red squirrels, and nonhuman primates. Genomic data for M. leprae strains from wild armadillos and red squirrels show that humans were responsible for the original introduction of M. leprae to these species. It is not known whether naturally occurring leprosy among nonhuman primates is due to incidental infections from humans or whether nonhuman primates can serve as a host for M. leprae. To this end, we sequenced complete genomes of M. leprae strains from three naturally infected nonhuman primates. Our results suggest that M. leprae strains can be transmitted from humans to nonhuman primates as well as between nonhuman primate species, and thus, other primates might serve as a host for M. leprae in the wild. We also assessed whether wild ring-tailed lemurs from Madagascar and chimpanzees from Uganda showed presence of M. leprae infection. Although these populations tested negative for M. leprae infection, further research on the prevalence of M. leprae in other wild nonhuman primate populations, especially in leprosy-endemic regions, is warranted.

Insights into Campylobacter jejuni colonization and enteritis using a novel infant rabbit model

A lack of relevant disease models for Campylobacter jejuni has long been an obstacle to research into this common enteric pathogen. Here we used an infant rabbit to study C. jejuni infection, which enables us to define several previously unknown but key features of the organism. C. jejuni is capable of systemic invasion in the rabbit, and developed a diarrhea symptom that mimicked that observed in many human campylobacteriosis. The large intestine was the most consistently colonized site and produced intestinal inflammation, where specific cytokines were induced. Genes preferentially expressed during C. jejuni infection were screened, and acs, cj1385, cj0259 seem to be responsible for C. jejuni invasion. Our results demonstrates that the infant rabbit can be used as an alternative experimental model for the study of diarrheagenic Campylobacter species and will be useful in exploring the pathogenesis of other related pathogens.

The Pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae MB03 against Caenorhabditis elegans and the Transcriptional Response of Nematicidal Genes upon Different Nutritional Conditions

Different species of the Pseudomonas genus have been reported for their pathogenic potential against animal cells. However, the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae against Caenorhabditis elegans has never been reported. In this study, the interaction of P. syringae MB03 with C. elegans was studied. Different bioassays such as killing assay, lawn leaving assay, food preference assay, L4 growth assay and newly developed “secretion assay” were performed to evaluate the pathogenic potential of P. syringae on different growth media. The results of the killing assay showed that P. syringae MB03 was able to kill C. elegans under specific conditions, as the interaction between the host and the pathogen varied from non-pathogenic (assay on NGM medium) to pathogenic (assay on PG medium). The lawn leaving assay and the food preference assay illustrated that C. elegans identified P. syringae MB03 as a pathogen when assays were performed on PG medium. Green fluorescent protein was used as the reporter protein to study gut colonization by P. syringae MB03. Our results suggested that MB03 has the ability to colonize the gut of C. elegans. Furthermore, to probe the role of selected virulence determinants, qRT-PCR was used. The genes for pyoverdine, phoQ/phoP, phoR/phoB, and flagella were up regulated during the interaction of P. syringae MB03 and C. elegans on PG medium. Other than these, the genes for some proteases, such as pepP, clpA, and clpS, were also up regulated. On the other hand, kdpD and kdpB were down regulated more than threefold in the NGM – C. elegans interaction model. The deletion of the kdpD and kdpE genes altered the pathogenicity of the bacterial strain against C. elegans. Overall, our results suggested that the killing of C. elegans by P. syringae requires a prolonged interaction between the host and pathogen in an agar-based assay. Moreover, it seemed that some toxic metabolites were secreted by the bacterial strain that were sensed by C. elegans. Previously, it was believed that P. syringae could not damage animal cells. However, this study provides evidence of the pathogenic behavior of P. syringae against C. elegans.

Understanding HIV-Mycobacteria synergism through comparative proteomics of intra-phagosomal mycobacteria during mono- and HIV co-infection

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the most common co-infection in HIV patients and a serious co-epidemic. Apart from increasing the risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis (TB), HIV infection also permits opportunistic infection of environmental non-pathogenic mycobacteria. To gain insights into mycobacterial survival inside host macrophages and identify mycobacterial proteins or processes that influence HIV propagation during co-infection, we employed proteomics approach to identify differentially expressed intracellular mycobacterial proteins during mono- and HIV co-infection of human THP-1 derived macrophage cell lines. Of the 92 proteins identified, 30 proteins were upregulated during mycobacterial mono-infection and 40 proteins during HIV-mycobacteria co-infection. We observed down-regulation of toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules, up-regulation of cation transporters, Type VII (Esx) secretion systems, proteins involved in cell wall lipid or protein metabolism, glyoxalate pathway and branched chain amino-acid synthesis during co-infection. The bearings of these mycobacterial factors or processes on HIV propagation during co-infection, as inferred from the proteomics data, were validated using deletion mutants of mycobacteria. The analyses revealed mycobacterial factors that possibly via modulating the host environment, increased viral titers during co-infection. The study provides new leads for investigations towards hitherto unknown molecular mechanisms explaining HIV-mycobacteria synergism, helping address diagnostics and treatment challenges for effective co-epidemic management.

Selective capture of transcribed sequences in the functional gene analysis of microbial pathogens

Selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) is an effective method to identify bacterial genes differentially expressed during different biological processes, including pathogenic interactions with a host species. The method can be used to elucidate molecular mechanisms driving and maintaining such interactions. The method is a powerful genetic tool that overcomes limitations found in other methods, by working with small amounts of mRNA and allowing for the separation of bacterial cDNA from host cDNA. It has been increasingly used in the discovery of genes involved in the bacterium-host interaction. In this review, we briefly introduce the SCOTS method, outline the technical advances offered in the method, and focus on the method's applications in several microbial pathogens.

Identification of genes preferentially expressed by highly virulent piscine Streptococcus agalactiae upon interaction with macrophages

Streptococcus agalactiae, long recognized as a mammalian pathogen, is an emerging concern with regard to fish. In this study, we used a mouse model and in vitro cell infection to evaluate the pathogenetic characteristics of S. agalactiae GD201008-001, isolated from tilapia in China. This bacterium was found to be highly virulent and capable of inducing brain damage by migrating into the brain by crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The phagocytosis assays indicated that this bacterium could be internalized by murine macrophages and survive intracellularly for more than 24 h, inducing injury to macrophages. Further, selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) was used to investigate microbial gene expression associated with intracellular survival. This positive cDNA selection technique identified 60 distinct genes that could be characterized into 6 functional categories. More than 50% of the differentially expressed genes were involved in metabolic adaptation. Some genes have previously been described as associated with virulence in other bacteria, and four showed no significant similarities to any other previously described genes. This study constitutes the first step in further gene expression analyses that will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms used by S. agalactiae to survive in macrophages and to cross the BBB.

Immune-responsive gene 1 protein links metabolism to immunity by catalyzing itaconic acid production

Immunoresponsive gene 1 (Irg1) is highly expressed in mammalian macrophages during inflammation, but its biological function has not yet been elucidated. Here, we identify Irg1 as the gene coding for an enzyme producing itaconic acid (also known as methylenesuccinic acid) through the decarboxylation of cis-aconitate, a tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate. Using a gain-and-loss-of-function approach in both mouse and human immune cells, we found Irg1 expression levels correlating with the amounts of itaconic acid, a metabolite previously proposed to have an antimicrobial effect. We purified IRG1 protein and identified its cis-aconitate decarboxylating activity in an enzymatic assay. Itaconic acid is an organic compound that inhibits isocitrate lyase, the key enzyme of the glyoxylate shunt, a pathway essential for bacterial growth under specific conditions. Here we show that itaconic acid inhibits the growth of bacteria expressing isocitrate lyase, such as Salmonella enterica and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Furthermore, Irg1 gene silencing in macrophages resulted in significantly decreased intracellular itaconic acid levels as well as significantly reduced antimicrobial activity during bacterial infections. Taken together, our results demonstrate that IRG1 links cellular metabolism with immune defense by catalyzing itaconic acid production.

The KdpD/KdpE two-component system: integrating K⁺ homeostasis and virulence

The two-component system (TCS) KdpD/KdpE, extensively studied for its regulatory role in potassium (K⁺) transport, has more recently been identified as an adaptive regulator involved in the virulence and intracellular survival of pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, entero-haemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Yersinia pestis, Francisella species, Photorhabdus asymbiotica, and mycobacteria. Key homeostasis requirements monitored by KdpD/KdpE and other TCSs such as PhoP/PhoQ are critical to survival in the stressful conditions encountered by pathogens during host interactions. It follows these TCSs may therefore acquire adaptive roles in response to selective pressures associated with adopting a pathogenic lifestyle. Given the central role of K⁺ in virulence, we propose that KdpD/KdpE, as a regulator of a high-affinity K⁺ pump, has evolved virulence-related regulatory functions. In support of this hypothesis, we review the role of KdpD/KdpE in bacterial infection and summarize evidence that (i) KdpD/KdpE production is correlated with enhanced virulence and survival, (ii) KdpE regulates a range of virulence loci through direct promoter binding, and (iii) KdpD/KdpE regulation responds to virulence-related conditions including phagocytosis, exposure to microbicides, quorum sensing signals, and host hormones. Furthermore, antimicrobial stress, osmotic stress, and oxidative stress are associated with KdpD/KdpE activity, and the system's accessory components (which allow TCS fine-tuning or crosstalk) provide links to stress response pathways. KdpD/KdpE therefore appears to be an important adaptive TCS employed during host infection, promoting bacterial virulence and survival through mechanisms both related to and distinct from its conserved role in K⁺ regulation.

Comparative study of differential gene expression in closely related bacterial species by comparative hybridization

The ability to profile bacterial gene expression has markedly advanced the capacity to understand the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, epidemiology, and therapeutics. This advance has been coupled with the development of techniques that enable investigators to identify bacterial specifically expressed genes and promise to open new avenues of functional genomics by allowing researchers to focus on the identified differentially expressed genes. During the past two decades, a number of approaches have been developed to investigate bacterial genes differentially expressed in response to the changing environment, particularly during interaction with their hosts. The most commonly used techniques include in vivo expression technology, signature-tagged mutagenesis, differential fluorescence induction, and cDNA microarrays, which fall into two broad classes: mutagenesis-based technologies and hybridization-based technologies. Selective capture of transcribed sequences, a recently emerging method, is a hybridization-based technique. This technique is powerful in analyzing differential gene expression of the bacteria, with the superb ability to investigate the bacterial species with unknown genomic information. Herein, we describe the application of this technique in a comparative study of the gene expression between two closely related bacteria induced or repressed under a variety of conditions.

Mimicry of the pathogenic mycobacterium vacuole in vitro elicits the bacterial intracellular phenotype, including early-onset macrophage death

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) within macrophages undergoes a phenotype change that allows for more efficient entry into surrounding host cells. We hypothesized that, by developing an in vitro system resembling the intravacuolar environment, one could generate insights into the mycobacterial intracellular phenotype. MAC was incubated in "elemental mixtures" that reproduce metal concentrations and pH in the vacuoles at different time points and then used to infect fresh macrophages. Incubation of MAC with the mixture corresponding to the vacuole environment 24 h postinfection infected macrophages at a significantly higher rate than bacteria that were incubated in Middlebrook 7H9 broth. Uptake occurred by macropinocytosis, similar to the uptake of bacteria passed through macrophages. Genes reported to be upregulated in intracellular bacteria, such as Mav1365, Mav2409, Mav4487, and Mav0996, were upregulated in MAC incubated in the 24-h elemental mixture. Like MAC obtained from macrophages, the vacuoles of bacteria from the 24-h elemental mixture were more likely to contain lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1). A stepwise reduction scheme of the 24-h elemental mixture indicated that incubation in physiologically relevant concentrations of potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and manganese chloride was sufficient to induce characteristics of the intracellular phenotype. It was demonstrated that bacteria harboring the intracellular phenotype induced early-onset macrophage death more efficiently than bacteria grown in broth. This new trace elemental mixture mimicking the condition of the vacuole at different time points has the potential to become an effective laboratory tool for the study of the MAC and Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease process, increasing the understanding of the interaction with macrophages.

Primary transcriptomes of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis reveal proprietary pathways in tissue and macrophages

Background

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) persistently infects intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes leading to a prolonged subclinical disease. The MAP genome sequence was published in 2005, yet its transcriptional organization in natural infection is unknown. While prior research analyzed regulated gene sets utilizing defined, in vitro stress related or advanced surgical methods with various animal species, we investigated the intracellular lifestyle of MAP in the intestines and lymph nodes to understand the MAP pathways that function to govern this persistence.

Results

Our transcriptional analysis shows that 21%, 8% and 3% of the entire MAP genome was represented either inside tissues, macrophages or both, respectively. Transcripts belonging to latency and cell envelope biogenesis were upregulated in the intestinal tissues whereas those belonging to intracellular trafficking and secretion were upregulated inside the macrophages. Transcriptomes of natural infection and in vitro macrophage infection shared genes involved in transcription and inorganic ion transport and metabolism. MAP specific genes within large sequence polymorphisms of ancestral M. avium complex were downregulated exclusively in natural infection.

Conclusions

We have unveiled common and unique MAP pathways associated with persistence, cell wall biogenesis and virulence in naturally infected cow intestines, lymph nodes and in vitro infected macrophages. This dichotomy also suggests that in vitro macrophage models may be insufficient in providing accurate information on the events that transpire during natural infection. This is the first report to examine the primary transcriptome of MAP at the local infection site (i.e. intestinal tissue). Regulatory pathways that govern the lifecycle of MAP appear to be specified by tissue and cell type. While tissues show a "shut-down" of major MAP metabolic genes, infected macrophages upregulate several MAP specific genes along with a putative pathogenicity island responsible for iron acquisition. Many of these regulatory pathways rely on the advanced interplay of host and pathogen and in order to decipher their message, an interactome must be established using a systems biology approach. Identified MAP pathways place current research into direct alignment in meeting the future challenge of creating a MAP-host interactome.

Environmental amoebae and mycobacterial pathogenesis

Environmental amoebae have been shown to be a host to pathogenic mycobacteria. Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium marinum, and Mycobacterium peregrinum can all grow inside Acanthamoeba and other environmental amoebae. Once ingested by Acanthamoeba, M. avium upregulates a number of genes, many of them similar to genes upregulated upon phagocytosis of M. avium by macrophages. Mycobacteria ingested by amoebae grow intracellularly, acquiring an invasive phenotype, evident when the bacterium escapes the infected amoeba. Once inside of amoeba, it has been shown that mycobacteria are protected from antibiotics and disinfectants, such as chlorine. This chapter describes methods employed for the study of the interaction of M. avium and Acanthamoeba.

Differential gene expression in bacterial symbionts from loliginid squids demonstrates variation between mutualistic and environmental niches

Luminescent bacteria (gamma-Proteobacteria: Vibrionaceae) are found in complex bilobed light organs of both sepiolid and loliginid squids (Mollusca: Cephalopoda). Despite the existence of multiple strain colonization between Vibrio bacteria and loliginid squids, specificity at the genus level still exists and may influence interactions between symbiotic and free-living stages of the symbiont. The environmentally transmitted behaviour of Vibrio symbionts bestows a certain degree of recognition that exists prior and subsequent to the colonization process. Therefore, we identified bacterial genes required for successful colonization of loliginid light organs by examining transcripts solely expressed in either the light organ or free-living stages. Selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) was used to differentiate genes expressed by the same bacterium when thriving in two different environments (i.e. loliginid light organs and seawater). Genes specific for squid light organs included vulnibactin synthetase, outer membrane protein W and dihydroxy dehydratase, which have been associated with the maintenance of bacterial host associations in other systems. In contrast, genes that were solely expressed in the free-living condition consisted of transcripts recognized as important factors for bacterial survival in the environment. These transcripts included genes for methyl accepting chemotaxis proteins, arginine decarboxylase and chitinase. These results provide valuable information regarding mechanisms determining specificity, establishment, and maintenance of bacteria-squid associations.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein kinase K confers survival advantage during early infection in mice and regulates growth in culture and during persistent infection: implications for immune modulation

Mycobacterium tuberculosis serine/threonine protein kinases (STPKs) are key regulators of growth and metabolism; however, evidence for their roles in virulence is limited. In a preliminary screen based on comparative expression between strains H37Rv and H37Ra, six STPK genes, pknD, pknG, pknH, pknJ, pknK and pknL, showed higher expression in H37Rv. In the second screen, STPK expression was analysed in H37Rv-infected human macrophages. Interestingly, significant expression of pknK was detected only at 18 h post-infection, suggesting its involvement in early infection events. We have investigated the roles of PknK in vitro and in vivo. PknK levels were induced under stationary phase and deletion of pknK resulted in increased resistance of the mutant to acidic pH, hypoxia, oxidative and stationary-phase stresses in vitro. These results, together with the increased survival of the ΔpknK strain during persistent infection in mice, reveal a role for PknK in adaptive mechanisms that slow the growth of mycobacteria. A novel finding of this study was the inhibition of growth of ΔpknK strain during acute infection in mice that correlated with the significant upregulation of tumour necrosis factor as well as the simultaneous downregulation of interleukin-12p40, interferon-γ and induced nitric oxide synthase transcripts. Finally, we provide evidence for the localization of PknK during infection and discuss its implications in pathogenesis.

Identification of virulence determinants of Mycobacterium avium that impact on the ability to resist host killing mechanisms

Mycobacterium avium is an opportunistic pathogen associated with pulmonary disease in non-AIDS patients and disseminated infection in patients with AIDS. The chief route of infection is by colonization and invasion of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, but infection through the respiratory route also occurs. After crossing the mucosa, M. avium infects and replicates within tissue macrophages. To identify M. avium genes required for survival in vivo, a library of signature-tagged transposon mutants was constructed and screened for clones attenuated in mice. Thirty-two clones were found to be attenuated for their virulence, from which eleven were sequenced and tested further. All the mutants studied grew similarly in vitro to the wild-type MAC104. Ten mutants were tested individually in mice, confirming the attenuated phenotype. MAV_2450, a polyketide synthase homologue to Mycobacterium tuberculosis pks12, was identified. STM5 and STM10 genes (encoding two hypothetical proteins MAV_4292 and MAV_4012) were associated with susceptibility to oxidative products. Mutants MAV_2450, MAV_4292, MAV_0385 and MAV_4264 live in macrophage vacuoles with acidic pH (below 6.9). Mutants MAV_4292, MAV_0385 and MAV_4264 were susceptible to nitric oxide in vitro. The study of individual mutants can potentially lead to new knowledge about M. avium pathogenic mechanisms.

Innovative approach for transcriptomic analysis of obligate intracellular pathogen: selective capture of transcribed sequences of Ehrlichia ruminantium

Background

Whole genome transcriptomic analysis is a powerful approach to elucidate the molecular mechanisms controlling the pathogenesis of obligate intracellular bacteria. However, the major hurdle resides in the low quantity of prokaryotic mRNAs extracted from host cells. Our model Ehrlichia ruminantium (ER), the causative agent of heartwater, is transmitted by tick Amblyomma variegatum. This bacterium affects wild and domestic ruminants and is present in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean islands. Because of its strictly intracellular location, which constitutes a limitation for its extensive study, the molecular mechanisms involved in its pathogenicity are still poorly understood.

Results

We successfully adapted the SCOTS method (Selective Capture of Transcribed Sequences) on the model Rickettsiales ER to capture mRNAs. Southern Blots and RT-PCR revealed an enrichment of ER's cDNAs and a diminution of ribosomal contaminants after three rounds of capture. qRT-PCR and whole-genome ER microarrays hybridizations demonstrated that SCOTS method introduced only a limited bias on gene expression. Indeed, we confirmed the differential gene expression between poorly and highly expressed genes before and after SCOTS captures. The comparative gene expression obtained from ER microarrays data, on samples before and after SCOTS at 96 hpi was significantly correlated (R² = 0.7). Moreover, SCOTS method is crucial for microarrays analysis of ER, especially for early time points post-infection. There was low detection of transcripts for untreated samples whereas 24% and 70.7% were revealed for SCOTS samples at 24 and 96 hpi respectively.

Conclusions

We conclude that this SCOTS method has a key importance for the transcriptomic analysis of ER and can be potentially used for other Rickettsiales. This study constitutes the first step for further gene expression analyses that will lead to a better understanding of both ER pathogenicity and the adaptation of obligate intracellular bacteria to their environment.

Comparative in vivo gene expression of the closely related bacteria Photorhabdus temperata and Xenorhabdus koppenhoeferi upon infection of the same insect host, Rhizotrogus majalis

BACKGROUND

Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus are Gram-negative, phylogenetically related, enterobacteria, forming mutualism with the entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis and Steinernema, respectively. The mutualistic bacteria living in the intestines of the nematode infective juveniles are pathogenic to the insect upon release by the nematodes into the insect hemolymph. Such a switch needs activation of genes that promote bacterial virulence. We studied in vivo gene expression in Photorhabdus temperata and Xenorhabdus koppenhoeferi upon infection of the white grub Rhizotrogus majalis using selective capture of transcribed sequences technique.

RESULTS

A total of 40 genes in P. temperata and 39 in X. koppenhoeferi were found to be upregulated in R. majalis hemolymph at 24 h post infection. Genomic presence or upregulation of these genes specific in either one of the bacterium was confirmed by the assay of comparative hybridization, and the changes of randomly selected genes were further validated by quantitative real-time PCR. The identified genes could be broadly divided into seven functional groups including cell surface structure, regulation, virulence and secretion, stress response, intracellular metabolism, nutrient scavenging, and unknown. The two bacteria shared more genes in stress response category than any other functional group. More than 60% of the identified genes were uniquely induced in either bacterium suggesting vastly different molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity to the same insect host. In P. temperata lysR gene encoding transcriptional activator was induced, while genes yijC and rseA encoding transcriptional repressors were induced in X. koppenhoeferi. Lipopolysaccharide synthesis gene lpsE was induced in X. koppenhoeferi but not in P. temperata. Except tcaC and hemolysin related genes, other virulence genes were different between the two bacteria. Genes involved in TCA cycle were induced in P. temperata whereas those involved in glyoxylate pathway were induced in X. koppenhoeferi, suggesting differences in metabolism between the two bacteria in the same insect host. Upregulation of genes encoding different types of nutrient uptake systems further emphasized the differences in nutritional requirements of the two bacteria in the same insect host. Photorhabdus temperata displayed upregulation of genes encoding siderophore-dependent iron uptake system, but X. koppenhoeferi upregulated genes encoding siderophore-independent ion uptake system. Photorhabdus temperata induced genes for amino acid acquisition but X. koppenhoeferi upregulated malF gene, encoding a maltose uptake system. Further analyses identified possible mechanistic associations between the identified gene products in metabolic pathways, providing an interactive model of pathogenesis for each bacterium species.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies set of genes induced in P. temperata and X. koppenhoeferi upon infection of R. majalis, and highlights differences in molecular features used by these two closely related bacteria to promote their pathogenicity in the same insect host.

Three Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rel toxin-antitoxin modules inhibit mycobacterial growth and are expressed in infected human macrophages

Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein pairs Rv1246c-Rv1247c, Rv2865-Rv2866, and Rv3357-Rv3358, here named RelBE, RelFG, and RelJK, respectively, were identified based on homology to the Escherichia coli RelBE toxin:antitoxin (TA) module. In this study, we have characterized each Rel protein pair and have established that they are functional TA modules. Overexpression of individual M. tuberculosis rel toxin genes relE, relG, and relK induced growth arrest in Mycobacterium smegmatis; a phenotype that was completely reversible by expression of their cognate antitoxin genes, relB, relF, and relJ, respectively. We also provide evidence that RelB and RelE interact directly, both in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of the genetic organization and regulation established that relBE, relFG, and relJK form bicistronic operons that are cotranscribed and autoregulated, in a manner unlike typical TA modules. RelB and RelF act as transcriptional activators, inducing expression of their respective promoters. However, RelBE, RelFG, and RelJK (together) repress expression to basal levels of activity, while RelJ represses promoter activity altogether. Finally, we have determined that all six rel genes are expressed in broth-grown M. tuberculosis, whereas relE, relF, and relK are expressed during infection of human macrophages. This is the first demonstration of M. tuberculosis expressing TA modules in broth culture and during infection of human macrophages.

Mce2R from Mycobacterium tuberculosis represses the expression of the mce2 operon

The mce2 operon is one of the four mce operons present in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that encode exported proteins with a probable role in the virulence mechanisms of this bacterium. In the present study we demonstrated that Rv0586, which encodes a putative GntR-like regulator, is part of the mce2 operon. By using a promoter-lacZ fusion approach and bioinformatics tools, we found that Rv0586 represses the expression of Mce2 proteins and of a putative endonuclease IV, encoded by end (Rv0670) gene. For this reason, we have re-named the repressor protein Mce2R. By gel-shift experiments Mce2R binding was determined to be located within the mce2 promoter region. In addition, two FadR-like operator motifs were identified within the promoter regions of both the mce2 operon and the end gene. These motifs overlap putative -10 and -35 promoter boxes. M. tuberculosis carrying mce2 and end promoter-lacZ fusions were used to infect J774 macrophage-like cells. Expression of beta-galactosidase was induced after phagocytocis, suggesting that some cellular factor could be a key component of the molecular switch regulation expression of the mce2 operon. In conclusion, these results add novel evidence of the complex regulation of mce operon expression.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 survives within human macrophages: global gene expression profile and involvement of the Shiga toxins

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an important food-borne pathogen that specifically binds to the follicle-associated epithelium in the intestine, which rapidly brings this bacterial pathogen in contact with underlying human macrophages. Very little information is available about the interaction between E. coli O157:H7 and human macrophages. We evaluated the uptake and survival of strain EDL933 during infection of human macrophages. Surprisingly, EDL933 survived and multiplied in human macrophages at 24 h postinfection. The global gene expression profile of this pathogen during macrophage infection was determined. Inside human macrophages, upregulation of E. coli O157:H7 genes carried on O islands (such as pagC, the genes for both of the Shiga toxins, and the two iron transport system operons fit and chu) was observed. Genes involved in acid resistance and in the SOS response were upregulated. However, genes of the locus of enterocyte effacement or genes involved in peroxide resistance were not differentially expressed. Many genes with putative or unknown functions were upregulated inside human macrophages and may be newly discovered virulence factors. As the Shiga toxin genes were upregulated in macrophages, survival and cytotoxicity assays were performed with isogenic Shiga toxin mutants. The initial uptake of Shiga toxins mutants was higher than that of the wild type; however, the survival rates were significantly lower at 24 h postinfection. Thus, Shiga toxins are implicated in the interaction between E. coli O157:H7 and human macrophages. Understanding the molecular mechanisms used by E. coli to survive within macrophages may help in the identification of targets for new therapeutic agents.

Mycolyltransferase-mediated glycolipid exchange in Mycobacteria

Trehalose dimycolate (TDM), also known as cord factor, is a major surface glycolipid of the cell wall of mycobacteria. Because of its potent biological functions in models of infection, adjuvancy, and immunotherapy, it is important to determine how its biosynthesis is regulated. Here we show that glucose, a host-derived product that is not readily available in the environment, causes Mycobacterium avium to down-regulate TDM expression while up-regulating production of another major glycolipid with immunological roles in T cell activation, glucose monomycolate (GMM). In vitro, the mechanism of reciprocal regulation of TDM and GMM involves competitive substrate selection by antigen 85A. The switch from TDM to GMM biosynthesis occurs near the physiological concentration of glucose present in mammalian hosts. We further demonstrate that GMM is produced in vivo by mycobacteria growing in mouse lung. These results establish an enzymatic pathway for GMM production. More generally, these observations provide a specific enzymatic mechanism for dynamic alterations of cell wall glycolipid remodeling in response to the transition from noncellular to cellular growth environments, including factors that are monitored by the host immune system.

Transcriptional analysis of diverse strains Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in primary bovine monocyte derived macrophages

In this study we analyzed the macrophage-induced gene expression of three diverse genotypes of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Using selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) on three genotypically diverse MAP isolates from cattle, human, and sheep exposed to primary bovine monocyte derived macrophages for 48 h and 120 h we created and sequenced six cDNA libraries. Sequence annotations revealed that the cattle isolate up-regulated 27 and 241 genes; the human isolate up-regulated 22 and 53 genes, and the sheep isolate up-regulated 35 and 358 genes, at the two time points respectively. Thirteen to thirty-three percent of the genes identified did not have any annotated function. Despite variations in the genes identified, the patterns of expression fell into overlapping cellular functions as inferred by pathway analysis. For example, 10-12% of the genes expressed by all three strains at each time point were associated with cell-wall biosynthesis. All three strains of MAP studied up-regulated genes in pathways that combat oxidative stress, metabolic and nutritional starvation, and cell survival. Taken together, this comparative transcriptional analysis suggests that diverse MAP genotypes respond with similar modus operandi for survival in the host.

Identification of Haemophilus ducreyi genes expressed during human infection

To identify Haemophilus ducreyi transcripts that are expressed during human infection, we used selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) with RNA isolated from pustules obtained from three volunteers infected with H. ducreyi, and with RNA isolated from broth-grown bacteria used to infect volunteers. With SCOTS, competitive hybridization of tissue-derived and broth-derived sequences identifies genes that may be preferentially expressed in vivo. Among the three tissue specimens, we identified 531 genes expressed in vivo. Southern blot analysis of 60 genes from each tissue showed that 87 % of the identified genes hybridized better with cDNA derived from tissue specimens than with cDNA derived from broth-grown bacteria. RT-PCR on nine additional pustules confirmed in vivo expression of 10 of 11 selected genes in other volunteers. Of the 531 genes, 139 were identified in at least two volunteers. These 139 genes fell into several functional categories, including biosynthesis and metabolism, regulation, and cellular processes, such as transcription, translation, cell division, DNA replication and repair, and transport. Detection of genes involved in anaerobic and aerobic respiration indicated that H. ducreyi likely encounters both microenvironments within the pustule. Other genes detected suggest an increase in DNA damage and stress in vivo. Genes involved in virulence in other bacterial pathogens and 32 genes encoding hypothetical proteins were identified, and may represent novel virulence factors. We identified three genes, lspA1, lspA2 and tadA, known to be required for virulence in humans. This is the first study to broadly define transcripts expressed by H. ducreyi in humans.

Species of environmental mycobacteria differ in their abilities to grow in human, mouse, and carp macrophages and with regard to the presence of mycobacterial virulence genes, as observed by DNA microarray hybridization

There are many species of environmental mycobacteria (EM) that infect animals that are important to the economy and research and that also have zoonotic potential. The genomes of very few of these bacterial species have been sequenced, and little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which most of these opportunistic pathogens cause disease. In this study, 18 isolates of EM isolated from fish and humans (including strains of Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium peregrinum, Mycobacterium chelonae, and Mycobacterium salmoniphilum) were examined for their abilities to grow in macrophage lines from humans, mice, and carp. Genomic DNA from 14 of these isolates was then hybridized against DNA from an M. avium reference strain, with a custom microarray containing virulence genes of mycobacteria and a selection of representative genes from metabolic pathways. The strains of EM had different abilities to grow within the three types of cell lines, which grouped largely according to the host from which they were isolated. Genes identified as being putatively absent in some of the strains included those with response regulatory functions, cell wall compositions, and fatty acid metabolisms as well as a recently identified pathogenicity island important to macrophage uptake. Further understanding of the role these genes play in host specificity and pathogenicity will be important to gain insight into the zoonotic potential of certain EM as well as their mechanisms of virulence.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the environment within the phagosome

Once across the barrier of the epithelium, macrophages constitute the primary defense against microbial invasion. For most microbes, the acidic, hydrolytically competent environment of the phagolysosome is sufficient to kill them. Despite our understanding of the trafficking events that regulate phagosome maturation, our appreciation of the lumenal environment within the phagosome is only now becoming elucidated through real-time functional assays. The assays quantify pH change, phagosome/lysosome fusion, proteolysis, lipolysis, and beta-galactosidase activity. This information is particularly important for understanding pathogens that successfully parasitize the endosomal/lysosomal continuum. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects macrophages through arresting the normal maturation process of the phagosome, retaining its vacuole at pH 6.4 with many of the characteristics of an early endosome. Current studies are focusing on the transcriptional response of the bacterium to the changing environment in the macrophage phagosome. Manipulation of these environmental cues, such as preventing the pH drop to pH 6.4 with concanamycin A, abrogates the majority of the transcriptional response in the bacterium, showing that pH is the dominant signal that the bacterium senses and responds to. These approaches represent our ongoing attempts to unravel the discourse that takes place between the pathogen and its host cell.

Differentially expressed genes reveal adaptations between free-living and symbiotic niches of Vibrio fischeri in a fully established mutualism

A major force driving in the innovation of mutualistic symbioses is the number of adaptations that both organisms must acquire to provide overall increased fitness for a successful partnership. Many of these symbioses are relatively dependent on the ability of the symbiont to locate a host (specificity), as well as provide some novel capability upon colonization. The mutualism between sepiolid squids and members of the Vibrionaceae is a unique system in which development of the symbiotic partnership has been studied in detail, but much remains unknown about the genetics of symbiont colonization and persistence within the host. Using a method that captures exclusively expressed transcripts in either free-living or host-associated strains of Vibrio fischeri, we identified and verified expression of genes differentially expressed in both states from two symbiotic strains of V. fischeri. These genes provide a glimpse into the microhabitat V. fischeri encounters in both free-living seawater and symbiotic host light organ-associated habitats, providing insight into the elements necessary for local adaptation and the evolution of host specificity in this unique mutualism.

The two-component regulatory system mtrAB is required for morphotypic multidrug resistance in Mycobacterium avium

Clinical isolates of the opportunistic pathogen Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) undergo a reversible switch between red and white colony morphotypes on agar plates containing the lipoprotein stain Congo red. Compared to their isogenic red counterparts, white morphotypic variants are more virulent and more resistant to multiple antibiotics. This report shows that the two-component regulatory system mtrAB is required for the red-to-white switch as well as for other morphotypic switches of MAC. A mutant with a transposon insertion in the histidine protein kinase gene mtrB was isolated from a morphotypically white parent clone. The mutant resembled a naturally occurring red morphotypic variant in that it stained with Congo red, was sensitive to multiple antibiotics, and was permeable by a fluorescent DNA stain. However, it differed from a red variant in that it could not switch to the white or transparent morphotype, and it could not survive intracellularly within macrophage-like cells. Transcomplementation with a cloned wild-type mtrB gene restored to the mutant the ability to form impermeable, drug-resistant white and transparent variants. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR showed that mtrB was required for the normal expression of cell surface Mce proteins, some of which are up-regulated in the red-to-white switch. The results indicate that mtrAB functions in regulating the composition and permeability of mycobacterial cell walls and plays a role in the reversible colony type switches of MAC.

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis TrcR response regulator represses transcription of the intracellularly expressed Rv1057 gene, encoding a seven-bladed beta-propeller

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis TrcR response regulator binds and regulates its own promoter via an AT-rich sequence. Sequences within this AT-rich region determined to be important for TrcR binding were used to search the M. tuberculosis H37Rv genome to identify additional related TrcR binding sites. A similar AT-rich sequence was identified within the intergenic region located upstream of the Rv1057 gene. In the present work, we demonstrate that TrcR binds to a 69-bp AT-rich sequence within the Rv1057 intergenic region and generates specific contacts on the same side of the DNA helix. An M. tuberculosis trcRS deletion mutant, designated STS10, was constructed and used to determine that TrcR functions as a repressor of Rv1057 expression. Additionally, identification of the Rv1057 transcriptional start site suggests that a SigE-regulated promoter also mediates control of Rv1057 expression. Using selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) analysis as an evaluation of intracellular expression, Rv1057 was shown to be expressed during early M. tuberculosis growth in human macrophages, and the Rv1057 expression profile correlated with a gene that would be repressed by TrcR. Based on structural predictions, motif analyses, and molecular modeling, Rv1057 consists of a series of antiparallel beta-strands which adopt a beta-propeller fold, and it was determined to be the only seven-bladed beta-propeller encoded in the M. tuberculosis genome. These results provide evidence of TrcR response regulator repression of the Rv1057 beta-propeller gene that is expressed during growth of M. tuberculosis within human macrophages.

Mycobacterium avium genes upregulated upon infection of Acanthamoeba castellanii demonstrate a common response to the intracellular environment

Using a previously created Mycobacterium avium genomic library with GFP-promoter trap in Mycobacterium smegmatis, we screened for genes that are upregulated upon infection of A. castellanii. Clones exhibiting a 2.5-fold or greater increase in GFP expression, out of a total of 10,000 clones, were selected for further examination. Upregulation was confirmed in subsequent experiments. A total of 20 clones showed an increase in expression 24 and 48 h after infection. Homologues were identified, and genes were found to encode for a variety of functions, including metabolic pathways, protein transcription and translation, and macromolecule degradation. Eight out of the 20 genes were found to be the same as those upregulated upon human macrophage infection. Five genes were selected to confirm upregulation in M. avium following amoeba infection, using real time PCR. All 5 genes were found to be upregulated at least 2.5-fold in M. avium. These results showed that the GFP promoter library in M. smegmatis is a valid system for studying gene upregulation in M. avium systems, and that many M. avium genes are commonly upregulated following macrophage and amoeba infection.

Transcriptome of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi within macrophages revealed through the selective capture of transcribed sequences

The cDNA obtained by selective capture of transcribed sequences is a complex mixture that can be used in conjunction with microarrays to determine global gene expression by a pathogen during infection. We used this method to study genes expressed by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, the etiological agent of typhoid fever, within human macrophages. Global expression profiles of Typhi grown in vitro and within macrophages at different time points were obtained and compared. Known virulence factors, such as the SPI-1- and SPI-2-encoded type III secretion systems, were found to be expressed as predicted during infection by Salmonella, which validated our data. Typhi inside macrophages showed increased expression of genes encoding resistance to antimicrobial peptides, used the glyoxylate bypass for fatty acid utilization, and did not induce the SOS response or the oxidative stress response. Genes coding for the flagellar apparatus, chemotaxis, and iron transport systems were down-regulated in vivo. Many cDNAs corresponding to genes with unknown functions were up-regulated inside human macrophages and will be important to consider for future studies to elucidate the intracellular lifestyle of this human-specific pathogen. Real-time quantitative PCR was consistent with the microarray results. The combined use of selective capture of transcribed sequences and microarrays is an effective way to determine the bacterial transcriptome in vivo and could be used to investigate transcriptional profiles of other bacterial pathogens without the need to recover many nanograms of bacterial mRNA from host and without increasing the multiplicity of infection beyond what is seen in nature.

Expression library immunization confers protection against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection

Currently, paratuberculosis vaccines are comprised of crude whole-cell preparations of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Although effective in reducing clinical disease and fecal shedding, these vaccines have severe disadvantages as well, including seroconversion of vaccinated animals and granulomatous lesions at the site of vaccination. DNA vaccines can offer an alternative approach that may be safer and elicit more protective responses. In an effort to identify protective M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis sequences, a genomic DNA expression library was generated and subdivided into pools of clones (approximately 1,500 clones/pool). The clone pools were evaluated to determine DNA vaccine efficacy by immunizing mice via gene gun delivery and challenging them with live, virulent M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Four clone pools resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis recovered from mouse tissues compared to mice immunized with other clone pools and nonvaccinated, infected control mice. One of the protective clone pools was further partitioned into 10 clone arrays of 108 clones each, and four clone arrays provided significant protection from both spleen and mesenteric lymph node colonization by M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. The nucleotide sequence of each clone present in the protective pools was determined, and coding region functions were predicted by computer analysis. Comparison of the protective clone array sequences implicated 26 antigens that may be responsible for protection in mice. This study is the first study to demonstrate protection against M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection with expression library immunization.

Deletion of an mmpL gene and multiple associated genes from the genome of the S strain of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis identified by representational difference analysis and in silico analysis

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M. a. paratuberculosis) can be divided into two major strains, sheep (S) and cattle (C), based on cultural requirements, host specificity, degree of clumping of cells in suspension and minor genomic differences including copy number of insertion elements and point mutations. Representational difference analysis (RDA) with S strain as driver and C strain as tester was used to identify unique genomic regions. Three sequences (RDA1, RDA3 and RDA4) were identified. RDA1 (229bp) contained a single base difference between S and C strains. RDA4 (163bp) was an artefact. RDA3 (206bp) was similar to several sequences in the incomplete genome sequences of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis K10 and M. avium subsp. avium 104. In silico analysis led to the identification of a deletion that may be as large as 17kb in the sheep strain of M. a. paratuberculosis. PCR analysis of this region confirmed the deletion of 11,584bp that included 10 genes (MAP1734 to MAP1743c) of the M. a. paratuberculosis K10 genome. This included the loss of mmpL5 and mmpS5 genes and homologues of the M. tuberculosis genes: Rv2002 (fabG3), Rv2017c (lipW), Rv3132c (devS), Rv2032 (acg) and the conserved hypothetical genes Rv2005c and Rv2026c. PCR reactions designed to detect the single nucleotide polymorphism in RDA1 and the deletion in the mmpL region can be used to distinguish these strains. MmpL genes, found in M. tuberculosis and other mycobacteria are part of the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) family but contain domains unique to mycobacteria thought to play a role in cell wall biogenesis, virulence and other phenotypic characteristics. Absence of mmpL5 in the S strain of M. a. paratuberculosis is unlikely to account for the difference in clumping in suspension but may explain the difference in cultural requirements and host specificity compared to the C strain but the impact of the remainder of the deletion is yet to be ascertained.

In vitro and intra-macrophage gene expression by Rhodococcus equi strain 103

Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular respiratory pathogen of foals that persists and multiplies within macrophages. In foals, virulence is associated with 80-90 kb plasmids, which include a pathogenicity island (PI) containing the virulence-associated protein (vap) gene family, but detailed understanding of the basis of virulence is still poor. A 60 spot-based DNA microarray was developed containing eight PI genes and 42 chromosomal putative virulence or virulence-associated genes selected from a recent partial genome sequence in order to study transcription of these genes by R. equi grown inside macrophages and under in vitro conditions thought to simulate those of macrophages. In addition to seven PI genes, nine chromosomal genes involved in fatty acid and lipid metabolism (choD, fadD13, fbpB), heme biosynthesis (hemE), iron utilization (mbtF), heat shock resistance and genes encoding chaperones (clpB, groEL), a sigma factor (sigK), and a transcriptional regulator (moxR) were significantly induced in R. equi growing inside macrophages. The pattern of R. equi chromosomal genes significantly transcribed inside macrophages largely differed from those transcribed under in vitro conditions (37 degrees C, pH 5.0 or 50mM H2O2 for 30 min). This study has identified genes, other than those of the virulence plasmid, the transcription of which is enhanced within equine macrophages. These genes should be investigated further to improve understanding of how this organism survives intracellularly.

Variant tricarboxylic acid cycle in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: identification of alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has adapted its metabolism for persistence in the human macrophage. The adaptations are likely to involve Mtb's core intermediary metabolism, whose enzymes have been little studied. The tricarboxylic acid cycle is expected to yield precursors for energy, lipids, amino acids, and heme. The genome sequence of Mtb H37Rv predicts the presence of a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle, but we recently found that alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KDH) activity is lacking in Mtb lysates. Here we showed that citrate synthase, aconitase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, fumarase, malate dehydrogenase, and succinate dehydrogenase, but not KDH, are present, raising the possibility of separate oxidative and reductive half-cycles. As a potential link between the half-cycles, we found that Rv1248c, annotated as encoding SucA, the putative E1 component of KDH, instead encodes alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase (Kgd) and produces succinic semialdehyde. Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase activity was detected in Mtb lysates and recapitulated with recombinant proteins GabD1 (encoded by Rv0234c) and GabD2 (encoded by Rv1731). Kgd and GabD1 or GabD2 form an alternative pathway from alpha-ketoglutarate to succinate. Rv1248c, which is essential or required for normal growth of Mtb [Sassetti, C., Boyd, D. H. & Rubin, E. J. (2003) Mol. Microbiol 48, 77-84] is the first gene shown to encode a Kgd. Kgd is lacking in humans and may represent a potential target for chemotherapy of tuberculosis.

Expression, immunochemical characterization and localization of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein p27

Rv2108 is a gene of the PPE family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis specific for this bacterial complex and that may encode a putative protein p27. This gene was amplified, inserted into bacterial vectors, sequenced, and expressed as a recombinant protein. Specific antibodies to this protein were generated and used for immunochemical characterization and cellular localization. Mass spectrometric analysis of the expressed protein revealed a molecule that corresponded to the p27 putative protein. The expressed protein was immunologically active, and reacted with antibodies from tuberculosis patient sera. Specific immunoblot analysis confirmed the presence of the p27 antigen in Mycobacterium bovis BCG strain and in human clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis, but not in other mycobacteria tested. Western blot and immunoelectron microscopic analysis of BCG strain indicated that the p27 protein is localized in the membrane of the cell. The specific expression of the p27 protein in the M. tuberculosis complex could provide a novel specific complimentary diagnostic test for the presence of and infection with M. tuberculosis.

Unraveling the secret lives of bacteria: use of in vivo expression technology and differential fluorescence induction promoter traps as tools for exploring niche-specific gene expression

A major challenge for microbiologists is to elucidate the strategies deployed by microorganisms to adapt to and thrive in highly complex and dynamic environments. In vitro studies, including those monitoring genomewide changes, have proven their value, but they can, at best, mimic only a subset of the ensemble of abiotic and biotic stimuli that microorganisms experience in their natural habitats. The widely used gene-to-phenotype approach involves the identification of altered niche-related phenotypes on the basis of gene inactivation. However, many traits contributing to ecological performance that, upon inactivation, result in only subtle or difficult to score phenotypic changes are likely to be overlooked by this otherwise powerful approach. Based on the premise that many, if not most, of the corresponding genes will be induced or upregulated in the environment under study, ecologically significant genes can alternatively be traced using the promoter trap techniques differential fluorescence induction and in vivo expression technology (IVET). The potential and limitations are discussed for the different IVET selection strategies and system-specific variants thereof. Based on a compendium of genes that have emerged from these promoter-trapping studies, several functional groups have been distinguished, and their physiological relevance is illustrated with follow-up studies of selected genes. In addition to confirming results from largely complementary approaches such as signature-tagged mutagenesis, some unexpected parallels as well as distinguishing features of microbial phenotypic acclimation in diverse environmental niches have surfaced. On the other hand, by the identification of a large proportion of genes with unknown function, these promoter-trapping studies underscore how little we know about the secret lives of bacteria and other microorganisms.