Inhibition of cell surface export of group A streptococcal anchorless surface dehydrogenase affects bacterial adherence and antiphagocytic properties

Moonlighting genes harbor antisense ORFs that encode potential membrane proteins

Moonlighting genes encode for single polypeptide molecules that perform multiple and often unrelated functions. These genes occur across all domains of life. Their ubiquity and functional diversity raise many questions as to their origins, evolution, and role in the cell cycle. In this study, we present a simple bioinformatics probe that allows us to rank genes by antisense translation potential, and we show that this probe enriches, reliably, for moonlighting genes across a variety of organisms. We find that moonlighting genes harbor putative antisense open reading frames (ORFs) rich in codons for non-polar amino acids. We also find that moonlighting genes tend to co-locate with genes involved in cell wall, cell membrane, or cell envelope production. On the basis of this and other findings, we offer a model in which we propose that moonlighting gene products are likely to escape the cell through gaps in the cell wall and membrane, at wall/membrane construction sites; and we propose that antisense ORFs produce "membrane-sticky" protein products, effectively binding moonlighting-gene DNA to the cell membrane in porous areas where intensive cell-wall/cell-membrane construction is underway. This leads to high potential for escape of moonlighting proteins to the cell surface. Evolutionary and other implications of these findings are discussed.

Novel Tyrosine Kinase-Mediated Phosphorylation With Dual Specificity Plays a Key Role in the Modulation of Streptococcus pyogenes Physiology and Virulence

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) genomes do not contain a gene encoding a typical bacterial-type tyrosine kinase (BY-kinase) but contain an orphan gene-encoding protein Tyr-phosphatase (SP-PTP). Hence, the importance of Tyr-phosphorylation is underappreciated and not recognized for its role in GAS pathophysiology and pathogenesis. The fact that SP-PTP dephosphorylates Abl-tyrosine kinase-phosphorylated myelin basic protein (MBP), and SP-STK (S. pyogenes Ser/Thr kinase) also autophosphorylates its Tyr¹⁰¹-residue prompted us to identify a putative tyrosine kinase and Tyr-phosphorylation in GAS. Upon a genome-wide search of kinases possessing a classical Walker motif, we identified a non-canonical tyrosine kinase M5005_Spy_1476, a ∼17 kDa protein (153 aa) (SP-TyK). The purified recombinant SP-TyK autophosphorylated in the presence of ATP. In vitro and in vivo phosphoproteomic analyses revealed two key phosphorylated tyrosine residues located within the catalytic domain of SP-TyK. An isogenic mutant lacking SP-TyK derived from the M1T1 strain showed a retarded growth pattern. It displayed defective cell division and long chains with multiple parallel septa, often resulting in aggregates. Transcriptomic analysis of the mutant revealed 287 differentially expressed genes responsible for GAS pathophysiology and pathogenesis. SP-TyK also phosphorylated GAS CovR, WalR, SP-STP, and SDH/GAPDH proteins with dual specificity targeting their Tyr/Ser/Thr residues as revealed by biochemical and mass-spectrometric-based phosphoproteomic analyses. SP-TyK-phosphorylated CovR bound to PcovR efficiently. The mutant displayed sustained release of IL-6 compared to TNF-α during co-culturing with A549 lung cell lines, attenuation in mice sepsis model, and significantly reduced ability to adhere to and invade A549 lung cells and form biofilms on abiotic surfaces. SP-TyK, thus, plays a critical role in fine-tuning the regulation of key cellular functions essential for GAS pathophysiology and pathogenesis through post-translational modifications and hence, may serve as a promising target for future therapeutic developments.

Lysine Residues in the MK-Rich Region Are Not Required for Binding of the PbsP Protein From Group B Streptococci to Plasminogen

Binding to plasminogen (Plg) enables bacteria to associate with and invade host tissues. The cell wall protein PbsP significantly contributes to the ability of group B streptococci, a frequent cause of invasive infection, to bind Plg. Here we sought to identify the molecular regions involved in the interactions between Plg and PbsP. The K4 Kringle domain of the Plg molecule was required for binding of Plg to whole PbsP and to a PbsP fragment encompassing a region rich in methionine and lysine (MK-rich domain). These interactions were inhibited by free L-lysine, indicating the involvement of lysine binding sites in the Plg molecule. However, mutation to alanine of all lysine residues in the MK-rich domain did not decrease its ability to bind Plg. Collectively, our data identify a novel bacterial sequence that can interact with lysine binding sites in the Plg molecule. Notably, such binding did not require the presence of lysine or other positively charged amino acids in the bacterial receptor. These data may be useful for developing alternative therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking interactions between group B streptococci and Plg.

Evaluation of Streptococcus uberis Surface Proteins as Vaccine Antigens to Control S. uberis Mastitis in Dairy Cows

There is no effective vaccine against Streptococcus uberis mastitis in dairy cows. Objectives of this study were (1) to extract S. uberis surface proteins (SUSP) and determine immunoreactivity in vitro and (2) immunogenicity and efficacy in vivo. SUSP was extracted from S. uberis, and their immunoreactivity was tested by western blot. In total, 26 Jersey dairy cows were randomly divided into four groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were vaccinated subcutaneously with 4 mg, 1 mg, and 100 μg of SUSP, respectively, with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant. Group 4 (control) was injected with placebo. S. uberis UT888 was infused into two contralateral quarters of each cow during early lactation. Somatic cell count (SCC), bacteria count in milk, and mastitis were monitored. Our results show that SUSP contains multiple protein bands, that ranged from 10 to 100 kDa. All vaccinates showed an increased anti-SUSP IgG antibody. The SCC of all experimentally infected quarters increased after challenge but slightly decreased after day 3 with no significant difference among groups. Milk bacterial count was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in high and medium doses vaccinated groups than low and control groups. In conclusion, SUSP vaccine is immunogenic and showed a promising efficacy to control bovine S. uberis mastitis.

The moonlighting activities of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase: Biotechnological and biomedical applications

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) is a homodimeric flavin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the NAD⁺ -dependent oxidation of dihydrolipoamide. The enzyme is part of several multi-enzyme complexes such as the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase system that transforms pyruvate into acetyl-co-A. Concomitantly with its redox activity, DLDH produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are involved in cellular apoptotic processes. DLDH possesses several moonlighting functions. One of these is the capacity to adhere to metal-oxides surfaces. This was first exemplified by the presence of an exocellular form of the enzyme on the cell-wall surface of Rhodococcus ruber. This capability was evolutionarily conserved and identified in the human, mitochondrial, DLDH. The enzyme was modified with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) groups, which enabled its interaction with integrin-rich cancer cells followed by "integrin-assisted-endocytosis." This allowed harnessing the enzyme for cancer therapy. Combining the TiO₂ -binding property with DLDH's ROS-production, enabled us to develop several medical applications including improving oesseointegration of TiO₂ -based implants and photodynamic treatment for melanoma. The TiO₂ -binding sites of both the bacterial and human DLDH's were identified on the proteins' molecules at regions that overlap with the binding site of E3-binding protein (E3BP). This protein is essential in forming the multiunit structure of PDC. Another moonlighting activity of DLDH, which is described in this Review, is its DNA-binding capacity that may affect DNA chelation and shredding leading to apoptotic processes in living cells. The typical ROS-generation by DLDH, which occurs in association with its enzymatic activity and its implications in cancer and apoptotic cell death are also discussed.

Streptococcus pyogenes ("Group A Streptococcus"), a Highly Adapted Human Pathogen-Potential Implications of Its Virulence Regulation for Epidemiology and Disease Management

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci; GAS) is an exclusively human pathogen. It causes a variety of suppurative and non-suppurative diseases in people of all ages worldwide. Not all can be successfully treated with antibiotics. A licensed vaccine, in spite of its global importance, is not yet available. GAS express an arsenal of virulence factors responsible for pathological immune reactions. The transcription of all these virulence factors is under the control of three types of virulence-related regulators: (i) two-component systems (TCS), (ii) stand-alone regulators, and (iii) non-coding RNAs. This review summarizes major TCS and stand-alone transcriptional regulatory systems, which are directly associated with virulence control. It is suggested that this treasure of knowledge on the genetics of virulence regulation should be better harnessed for new therapies and prevention methods for GAS infections, thereby changing its global epidemiology for the better.

Enhanced immune effects and protection conferred by simultaneously targeting GAPDH, SeM, and EAG of S. equi via TLR4

Strangles, which is caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, is one of the most prevalent equine infectious diseases and poses heavy economic losses worldwide. Although various vaccines have been used for decades, they seemed to be sub-optimal to demonstrate effective protection, and the antigen component of vaccines against S. equi remains to be optimized. In the present study, three target antigens (M-like protein, α2-macroglobulin and IgG-binding protein, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) were selected and expressed. Mice were immunized and challenged, and their immune response and efficacy were evaluated. The results revealed that this optimized multi-antigen treatment elicited a high expression level of T-cell receptor, major histocompatibility complex I, toll-like receptor TLR-4, and increased specific antibody. In addition, the challenge experiment showed an evidently improved protection efficacy. The present work demonstrated that these three proteins might be used as a promising multicomponent subunit vaccine candidate against S. equi infection.

Phenotypic changes in group B streptococci grown in the presence of the polyols, erythritol, sorbitol and mannitol

BACKGROUND

Group B streptococci (GBS) are important neonatal bacterial pathogens that can cause severe invasive disease in the newborn. It is thought that in many cases of invasive neonatal GBS disease, the bacteria ascend the vagina into the uterus and infect the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. Important constituents of this environment include the polyols or sugar alcohols of which erythritol, sorbitol and mannitol are examples. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of polyols on GBS grown in media containing these sugar alcohols.

RESULTS

GBS incubated in varying concentrations of polyols (erythritol, sorbitol or mannitol) did not display any significant enhancement or inhibition of bacterial growth. However, growth of GBS in the presence of erythritol significantly increased the surface expression of GBS-PGK (a plasminogen binding protein) 1.25 to 1.5-fold depending on the erythritol concentration and significantly enhanced the survival in human blood 3X to 18X depending on the concentration of polyol used. Interestingly, GBS grown in 1% erythritol significantly increased invasion by the bacteria of HeLa cells (epithelial cell line) (150% vs 100%) however, at higher concentrations (2% or 4% of polyol) the number of CFUs was significantly reduced (55-75% vs 100%) suggesting higher concentrations of polyols may inhibit invasion. Erythritol also increased GBS hemolytic activity as well as enhancing biofilm formation 1.4X to 3.3X depending on the concentration of polyol used.

CONCLUSIONS

GBS grown in the presence of polyols alters the bacteria's phenotype resulting in changes associated with GBS virulence. This effect was greatest for the polyol erythritol.

Mammalian Neuropeptides as Modulators of Microbial Infections: Their Dual Role in Defense versus Virulence and Pathogenesis

The regulation of infection and inflammation by a variety of host peptides may represent an evolutionary failsafe in terms of functional degeneracy and it emphasizes the significance of host defense in survival. Neuropeptides have been demonstrated to have similar antimicrobial activities to conventional antimicrobial peptides with broad-spectrum action against a variety of microorganisms. Neuropeptides display indirect anti-infective capacity via enhancement of the host’s innate and adaptive immune defense mechanisms. However, more recently concerns have been raised that some neuropeptides may have the potential to augment microbial virulence. In this review we discuss the dual role of neuropeptides, perceived as a double-edged sword, with antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and protozoa but also capable of enhancing virulence and pathogenicity. We review the different ways by which neuropeptides modulate crucial stages of microbial pathogenesis such as adhesion, biofilm formation, invasion, intracellular lifestyle, dissemination, etc., including their anti-infective properties but also detrimental effects. Finally, we provide an overview of the efficacy and therapeutic potential of neuropeptides in murine models of infectious diseases and outline the intrinsic host factors as well as factors related to pathogen adaptation that may influence efficacy.

Identification of Bacterial Protein Interaction Partners Points to New Intracellular Functions of Francisella tularensis Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is well known for its involvement in numerous non-metabolic processes inside mammalian cells. Alternative functions of prokaryotic GAPDH are mainly deduced from its extracellular localization ability to bind to selected host proteins. Data on its participation in intracellular bacterial processes are scarce as there has been to date only one study dealing with this issue. We previously have reported several points of evidence that the GAPDH homolog of Francisella tularensis GapA might also exert additional non-enzymatic functions. Following on from our earlier observations we decided to identify GapA's interacting partners within the bacterial proteome to explore its new roles at intracellular level. The quantitative proteomics approach based on stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) in combination with affinity purification mass spectrometry enabled us to identify 18 proteins potentially interacting with GapA. Six of those interactions were further confirmed by alternative methods. Half of the identified proteins were involved in non-metabolic processes. Further analysis together with quantitative label-free comparative analysis of proteomes isolated from the wild-type strain strain with deleted gapA gene suggests that GapA is implicated in DNA repair processes. Absence of GapA promotes secretion of its most potent interaction partner the hypothetical protein with peptidase propeptide domain (PepSY) thereby indicating that it impacts on subcellular distribution of some proteins.

In vivo transcriptomes of Streptococcus suis reveal genes required for niche-specific adaptation and pathogenesis

Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive bacterium and a zoonotic pathogen residing in the nasopharynx or the gastrointestinal tract of pigs with a potential of causing life-threatening invasive disease. It is endemic in the porcine production industry worldwide, and it is also an emerging human pathogen. After invasion, the pathogen adapts to cause bacteremia and disseminates to different organs including the brain. To gain insights in this process, we infected piglets with a highly virulent strain of S. suis, and bacterial transcriptomes were obtained from blood and different organs (brain, joints, and heart) when animals had severe clinical symptoms of infection. Microarrays were used to determine the genome-wide transcriptional profile at different infection sites and during growth in standard growth medium in vitro. We observed differential expression of around 30% of the Open Reading Frames (ORFs) and infection-site specific patterns of gene expression. Genes with major changes in expression were involved in transcriptional regulation, metabolism, nutrient acquisition, stress defenses, and virulence, amongst others, and results were confirmed for a subset of selected genes using RT-qPCR. Mutants were generated in two selected genes, and the encoded proteins, i.e., NADH oxidase and MetQ, were shown to be important virulence factors in coinfection experiments and in vitro assays. The knowledge derived from this study regarding S. suis gene expression in vivo and identification of virulence factors is important for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to control S. suis disease.

Diverse Localization and Protein Binding Abilities of Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Pathogenic Bacteria: The Key to its Multifunctionality?

Bacterial proteins exhibiting two or more unrelated functions, referred to as moonlighting proteins, are suggested to contribute to full virulence manifestation in pathogens. An expanding number of published studies have revealed the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) to be a multitasking protein with virulence impact in a number of pathogenic bacteria. This protein can be detected on the bacterial surface or outside the bacterial cell, where it interacts with host proteins. In this way, GAPDH is able to modulate various pathogenic processes. Moreover, it has been shown to be involved in non-enzymatic processes inside the bacterial cell. In this mini review, we summarize main findings concerning the multiple localization and protein interactions of GAPDH derived from bacterial pathogens of humans. We also briefly discuss problems associated with using GAPDH as a vaccine antigen and endeavor to inspire further research to fill gaps in the existing knowledge.

Evolutionary Perspectives on the Moonlighting Functions of Bacterial Factors That Support Actin-Based Motility

Various bacterial pathogens display an intracellular lifestyle and spread from cell to cell through actin-based motility (ABM). ABM requires actin polymerization at the bacterial pole and is mediated by the expression of bacterial factors that hijack the host cell actin nucleation machinery or exhibit intrinsic actin nucleation properties.

Various bacterial pathogens display an intracellular lifestyle and spread from cell to cell through actin-based motility (ABM). ABM requires actin polymerization at the bacterial pole and is mediated by the expression of bacterial factors that hijack the host cell actin nucleation machinery or exhibit intrinsic actin nucleation properties. It is increasingly recognized that bacterial ABM factors, in addition to having a crucial task during the intracellular phase of infection, display “moonlighting” adhesin functions, such as bacterial aggregation, biofilm formation, and host cell adhesion/invasion. Here, we review our current knowledge of ABM factors and their additional functions, and we propose that intracellular ABM functions have evolved from ancestral, extracellular adhesin functions.

Surface Proteins on Gram-Positive Bacteria

Surface proteins are critical for the survival of gram-positive bacteria both in the environment and to establish an infection. Depending on the organism, their surface proteins are evolutionarily tailored to interact with specific ligands on their target surface, be it inanimate or animate. Most surface molecules on these organisms are covalently anchored to the peptidoglycan through an LPxTG motif found at the C-terminus. These surface molecules are generally modular with multiple binding or enzymatic domains designed for a specific survival function. For example, some molecules will bind serum proteins like fibronectin or fibrinogen in one domain and have a separate function in another domain. In addition, enzymes such as those responsible for the production of ATP may be generally found on some bacterial surfaces, but when or how they are used in the life of these bacteria is currently unknown. While surface proteins are required for pathogenicity but not viability, targeting the expression of these molecules on the bacterial surface would prevent infection but not death of the organism. Given that the number of different surface proteins could be in the range of two to three dozen, each with two or three separate functional domains (with hundreds to thousands of each protein on a given organism), exemplifies the complexity that exists on the bacterial surface. Because of their number, we could not adequately describe the characteristics of all surface proteins in this chapter. However, since the streptococcal M protein was one of the first gram-positive surface protein to be completely sequenced, and perhaps one of the best studied, we will use M protein as a model for surface proteins in general, pointing out differences with other surface molecules when necessary.

A new approach for analyzing an adhesive bacterial protein in the mouse gastrointestinal tract using optical tissue clearing

Several bacterial moonlighting proteins act as adhesion factors, which are important for bacterial colonization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, little is known about the adherence properties of moonlighting proteins in the GI tract. Here, we describe a new approach for visualizing the localization of moonlighting protein-coated fluorescent microbeads in the whole GI tract by using a tissue optical clearing method, using elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) as an example. As a bacterial cell surface-localized protein mimic, recombinant EF-Tu from Lactobacillus reuteri was immobilized on microbeads. EF-Tu-coating promoted the interaction of the microbeads with a Caco-2 cell monolayer. Next, the microbeads were orally administered to mice. GI whole tissues were cleared in aqueous fructose solutions of increasing concentrations. At 1 h after administration, the microbeads were diffused from the stomach up to the cecum, and after 3 h, they were diffused throughout the intestinal tract. In the lower digestive tract, EF-Tu-beads were significantly more abundant than non-coated control beads, suggesting that EF-Tu plays an important role in the persistence of the microbeads in the GI tract. The new approach will help in evaluating how moonlighting proteins mediate bacterial colonization.

Characterization of Mycoplasma gallisepticum pyruvate dehydrogenase alpha and beta subunits and their roles in cytoadherence

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a causative agent of chronic respiratory disease in chickens, typically causing great economic losses. Cytoadherence is the critical stage for mycoplasma infection, and the associated proteins are important for mycoplasma pathogenesis. Many glycolytic enzymes are localized on the cell surface and can bind the extracellular matrix of host cells. In this study, the M. gallisepticum pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha subunit (PDHA) and beta subunit (PDHB) were expressed in Escherichia coli, and their enzymatic activities were identified based on 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol reduction. When recombinant PDHA (rPDHA) and recombinant PDHB (rPDHB) were mixed at a 1:1 molar ratio, they exhibited strong enzymatic activity. Alone, rPDHA and rPDHB exhibited no or weak enzymatic activity. Further experiments indicated that both PDHA and PDHB were surface-exposed immunogenic proteins of M. gallisepticum. Bactericidal assays showed that the mouse anti-rPDHA and anti-rPDHB sera killed 48.0% and 75.1% of mycoplasmas respectively. A combination of rPDHA and rPDHB antisera had a mean bactericidal rate of 65.2%, indicating that rPDHA and rPDHB were protective antigens, and combining the two sera did not interfere with bactericidal activity. Indirect immunofluorescence and surface display assays showed that both PDHA and PDHB adhered to DF-1 chicken embryo fibroblast cells and adherence was significantly inhibited by antisera against PDHA and PDHB. Adherence inhibition of M. gallisepticum to DF-1 chicken embryo fibroblast cells was 30.2% for mouse anti-rPDHA serum, 45.1% for mouse anti-rPDHB serum and 72.5% for a combination of rPDHA and rPDHB antisera, suggesting that rPDHA and rPDHB antisera may have synergistically interfered with M. gallisepticum cytoadherence. Plasminogen (Plg)-binding assays further demonstrated that both PDHA and PDHB were Plg-binding proteins, which may have contributed to bacterial colonization. Our results clarified the enzymatic activity of M. gallisepticum PDHA and PDHB and demonstrated these compounds as Plg-binding proteins involved in cytoadherence.

Identification of Plasmodium GAPDH epitopes for generation of antibodies that inhibit malaria infection

Plasmodium sporozoite liver infection is an essential step for parasite development in its mammalian host. Previously, we used a phage display library to identify mimotope peptides that bind to Kupffer cells and competitively inhibit sporozoite-Kupffer cell interaction. These peptides led to the identification of a Kupffer cell receptor-CD68-and a Plasmodium sporozoite ligand-GAPDH-that are required for sporozoite traversal of Kupffer cells and subsequent infection of hepatocytes. Here, we report that the C-terminal end of Plasmodium GAPDH interacts with the Kupffer CD68 receptor, and identify two epitopes within this region as candidate antigens for the development of antibodies that inhibit Plasmodium infection.

Epitopes identified in GAPDH from Clostridium difficile recognized as common antigens with potential autoimmunizing properties

Clostridium difficile (CD) infections are a growing threat due to the strain resistance to antibiotic treatment and the emergence of hypervirulent strains. One solution to this problem is the search for new vaccine antigens, preferably surface-localized that will be recognized by antibodies at an early stage of colonization. The purpose of the study was to assess the usefulness of novel immunoreactive surface proteins (epitopes) as potential vaccine antigens. Such approach might be tough to pursue since pathogens have acquired strategies to subvert adaptive immune response to produce humoral response against non-essential proteins for their survival. In this study CD surface proteins were isolated, immunoreactive proteins identified and mapped to select potential epitopes. The results of the study exclude the use of CD glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a vaccine antigen, especially as a whole protein. Sequences P9 (201AAGNIVPNTTGAAKAI218) and P10 (224KGKLDGAAQRVPVVTG241) recognized by patients sera are conserved and widespread among CD strains. They show cross-reactivity with sera of people suffering from other bacterial infections and are recognized by sera of autoimmune disease patients. Our study documents that special care in analyzing the sequence of new epitope should be taken to avoid side effects prior to consider it as a vaccine antigen.

Anchorless cell surface proteins function as laminin-binding adhesins in Lactobacillus rhamnosus FSMM22

Anchorless cell surface proteins (CSPs) were extracted with 1 M lithium chloride solution from Lactobacillus rhamnosus FSMM22. Loss of the anchorless CSPs resulted in a 2-fold decrease in FSMM22 cells bound to a constitutive extracellular matrix glycoprotein, laminin, in vitro. DNA-binding protein HU, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and 30S ribosomal protein S19 (RpsS) were identified by mass spectrometry in the extract as laminin-binding adhesins. Among the four proteins, RpsS was immunohistochemically confirmed to exist on the cell surface. Our findings strongly suggest that anchorless CSPs can enhance bacterial adhesion to the host.

In vitro and in vivo assessments of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract as an alternative anti-streptococcal agent in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)

PURPOSE

Rhodomyrtustomentosa is a Thai medicinal plant that has been attracting attention for its remarkable antibacterial properties against Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of R. tomentosa leaf extract against Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus iniae isolated from infected tilapia.

METHODOLOGY

The anti-streptococcal activity of R. tomentosa was determined using broth microdilution assays.

RESULTS

The extract demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against the fish pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 7.8‒62.5 µg ml-1. It was found to possess a dose-dependent bacteriostatic effect on this organism. Scanning electron microscopy revealed irregular and long chains of swollen cells, as well as corkscrew shapes andincomplete separation of cell division of S. agalactiae cells following the treatment at sub-MIC. Moreover, S. agalactiae cells pre-treated with the extract became more sensitive to oxidative stress induced by H2O2 than the untreated cells. Based on the mortality of Nile tilapia after intraperitoneal infection of S. agalactiae at median lethal dose (LD50), the pre-treated cells caused a significant (P<0.01) reduction in mortality of S. agalactiae-infected Nile tilapia.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that R. tomentosa could be further developed as a simple and effective agent for the treatment of streptococcosis in Nile tilapia.

Identification of GAPDH on the surface of Plasmodium sporozoites as a new candidate for targeting malaria liver invasion

Cha et al. show that Plasmodium GAPDH on the sporozoite surface acts as a ligand for binding Kupffer cell CD68, an interaction that is critical for parasite liver invasion. Thus, Plasmodium GAPDH is a candidate antigen for a prehepatic malaria vaccine.

Malaria transmission begins when an infected mosquito delivers Plasmodium sporozoites into the skin. The sporozoite subsequently enters the circulation and infects the liver by preferentially traversing Kupffer cells, a macrophage-like component of the liver sinusoidal lining. By screening a phage display library, we previously identified a peptide designated P39 that binds to CD68 on the surface of Kupffer cells and blocks sporozoite traversal. In this study, we show that the P39 peptide is a structural mimic of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) on the sporozoite surface and that GAPDH directly interacts with CD68 on the Kupffer cell surface. Importantly, an anti-P39 antibody significantly inhibits sporozoite liver invasion without cross-reacting with mammalian GAPDH. Therefore, Plasmodium-specific GAPDH epitopes may provide novel antigens for the development of a prehepatic vaccine.

Systematic Exploration of the Glycoproteome of the Beneficial Gut Isolate Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Glycoproteins form an interesting class of macromolecules involved in bacterial-host interactions, but they are not yet widely explored in Gram-positive and beneficial species. Here, an integrated and widely applicable approach was followed to identify putative bacterial glycoproteins, combining proteome fractionation with 2D protein and glycostained gels and lectin blots. This approach was validated for the microbiota isolate Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. The approach resulted in a list of putative glycosylated proteins receiving a 'glycosylation score'. Ultimately, we could identify 41 unique glycosylated proteins in L. rhamnosus GG (6 top-confidence, 10 high-confidence and 25 putative hits; classification based on glycosylation score). Most glycoproteins are associated with the cell wall and membrane. Identified glycoproteins include proteins involved in transport, translation, and sugar metabolism processes. A robust screening resulted in a comprehensive mapping of glycoproteins in L. rhamnosus GG. Our results reflect the glycosylation of sugar metabolism enzymes, transporters, and other proteins crucial for cell physiology. We hypothesize that protein glycosylation can confer an extra level of regulation, for example by affecting enzyme functions. This is the first systematic study of the glycoproteome of a probiotic and beneficial gut isolate.

The Expanding Landscape of Moonlighting Proteins in Yeasts

Moonlighting proteins are multifunctional proteins that participate in unrelated biological processes and that are not the result of gene fusion. A certain number of these proteins have been characterized in yeasts, and the easy genetic manipulation of these microorganisms has been useful for a thorough analysis of some cases of moonlighting. As the awareness of the moonlighting phenomenon has increased, a growing number of these proteins are being uncovered. In this review, we present a crop of newly identified moonlighting proteins from yeasts and discuss the experimental evidence that qualifies them to be classified as such. The variety of moonlighting functions encompassed by the proteins considered extends from control of transcription to DNA repair or binding to plasminogen. We also discuss several questions pertaining to the moonlighting condition in general. The cases presented show that yeasts are important organisms to be used as tools to understand different aspects of moonlighting proteins.

Streptococcus pyogenes adhesion and colonization

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a human-adapted pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of disease. GAS can cause relatively mild illnesses, such as strep throat or impetigo, and less frequent but severe life-threatening diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. GAS is an important public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The main route of GAS transmission between humans is through close or direct physical contact, and particularly via respiratory droplets. The upper respiratory tract and skin are major reservoirs for GAS infections. The ability of GAS to establish an infection in the new host at these anatomical sites primarily results from two distinct physiological processes, namely bacterial adhesion and colonization. These fundamental aspects of pathogenesis rely upon a variety of GAS virulence factors, which are usually under strict transcriptional regulation. Considerable progress has been made in better understanding these initial infection steps. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of GAS adhesion and colonization.

Streptococcus pneumoniae Cell-Wall-Localized Phosphoenolpyruvate Protein Phosphotransferase Can Function as an Adhesin: Identification of Its Host Target Molecules and Evaluation of Its Potential as a Vaccine

In Streptococcus pneumonia, phosphoenolpyruvate protein phosphotransferase (PtsA) is an intracellular protein of the monosaccharide phosphotransferase systems. Biochemical and immunostaining methods were applied to show that PtsA also localizes to the bacterial cell-wall. Thus, it was suspected that PtsA has functions other than its main cytoplasmic enzymatic role. Indeed, recombinant PtsA and anti-rPtsA antiserum were shown to inhibit adhesion of S. pneumoniae to cultured human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Screening of a combinatorial peptide library expressed in a filamentous phage with rPtsA identified epitopes that were capable of inhibiting S. pneumoniae adhesion to A549 cells. The insert peptides in the phages were sequenced, and homologous sequences were found in human BMPER, multimerin1, protocadherin19, integrinβ4, epsin1 and collagen type VIIα1 proteins, all of which can be found in A549 cells except the latter. Six peptides, synthesized according to the homologous sequences in the human proteins, specifically bound rPtsA in the micromolar range and significantly inhibited pneumococcal adhesion in vitro to lung- and tracheal-derived cell lines. In addition, the tested peptides inhibited lung colonization after intranasal inoculation of mice with S. pneumoniae. Immunization with rPtsA protected the mice against a sublethal intranasal and a lethal intravenous pneumococcal challenge. In addition, mouse anti rPtsA antiserum reduced bacterial virulence in the intravenous inoculation mouse model. These findings showed that the surface-localized PtsA functions as an adhesin, PtsA binding peptides derived from its putative target molecules can be considered for future development of therapeutics, and rPtsA should be regarded as a candidate for vaccine development.

Bacterial pathogens activate plasminogen to breach tissue barriers and escape from innate immunity

Both coagulation and fibrinolysis are tightly connected with the innate immune system. Infection and inflammation cause profound alterations in the otherwise well-controlled balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. Many pathogenic bacteria directly exploit the host's hemostatic system to increase their virulence. Here, we review the capacity of bacteria to activate plasminogen. The resulting proteolytic activity allows them to breach tissue barriers and evade innate immune defense, thus promoting bacterial spreading. Yersinia pestis, streptococci of group A, C and G and Staphylococcus aureus produce a specific bacterial plasminogen activator. Moreover, surface plasminogen receptors play an established role in pneumococcal, borrelial and group B streptococcal infections. This review summarizes the mechanisms of bacterial activation of host plasminogen and the role of the fibrinolytic system in infections caused by these pathogens.

An overview of protein moonlighting in bacterial infection

We are rapidly returning to a world in which bacterial infections are a major health issue. Pathogenic bacteria are able to colonize and cause pathology due to the possession of virulence factors such as adhesins, invasins, evasins and toxins. These are generally specifically evolved proteins with selective actions. It is, therefore, surprising that most human bacterial pathogens employ moonlighting proteins as virulence factors. Currently, >90 bacterial species employ one or more moonlighting protein families to aid colonization and induce disease. These organisms employ 90 moonlighting bacterial protein families and these include enzymes of the glycolytic pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, hexosemonophosphate shunt, glyoxylate cycle and a range of other metabolic enzymes, proteases, transporters and, also, molecular chaperones and protein-folding catalysts. These proteins have homologues in eukaryotes and only a proportion of the moonlighting proteins employed are solely bacterial in origin. Bacterial moonlighting proteins can be divided into those with single moonlighting functions and those with multiple additional biological actions. These proteins contribute significantly to the population of virulence factors employed by bacteria and some are obvious therapeutic targets. Where examined, bacterial moonlighting proteins bind to target ligands with high affinity. A major puzzle is the evolutionary mechanism(s) responsible for bacterial protein moonlighting and a growing number of highly homologous bacterial moonlighting proteins exhibit widely different moonlighting actions, suggesting a lack in our understanding of the mechanism of evolution of protein active sites.

Streptococcus pneumoniae GAPDH Is Released by Cell Lysis and Interacts with Peptidoglycan

Release of conserved cytoplasmic proteins is widely spread among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Because these proteins display additional functions when located at the bacterial surface, they have been qualified as moonlighting proteins. The GAPDH is a glycolytic enzyme which plays an important role in the virulence processes of pathogenic microorganisms like bacterial invasion and host immune system modulation. However, GAPDH, like other moonlighting proteins, cannot be secreted through active secretion systems since they do not contain an N-terminal predicted signal peptide. In this work, we investigated the mechanism of GAPDH export and surface retention in Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major human pathogen. We addressed the role of the major autolysin LytA in the delivery process of GAPDH to the cell surface. Pneumococcal lysis is abolished in the ΔlytA mutant strain or when 1% choline chloride is added in the culture media. We showed that these conditions induce a marked reduction in the amount of surface-associated GAPDH. These data suggest that the presence of GAPDH at the surface of pneumococcal cells depends on the LytA-mediated lysis of a fraction of the cell population. Moreover, we demonstrated that pneumococcal GAPDH binds to the bacterial cell wall independently of the presence of the teichoic acids component, supporting peptidoglycan as a ligand to surface GAPDH. Finally, we showed that peptidoglycan-associated GAPDH recruits C1q from human serum but does not activate the complement pathway.

Animals devoid of pulmonary system as infection models in the study of lung bacterial pathogens

Biological disease models can be difficult and costly to develop and use on a routine basis. Particularly, in vivo lung infection models performed to study lung pathologies use to be laborious, demand a great time and commonly are associated with ethical issues. When infections in experimental animals are used, they need to be refined, defined, and validated for their intended purpose. Therefore, alternative and easy to handle models of experimental infections are still needed to test the virulence of bacterial lung pathogens. Because non-mammalian models have less ethical and cost constraints as a subjects for experimentation, in some cases would be appropriated to include these models as valuable tools to explore host-pathogen interactions. Numerous scientific data have been argued to the more extensive use of several kinds of alternative models, such as, the vertebrate zebrafish (Danio rerio), and non-vertebrate insects and nematodes (e.g., Caenorhabditis elegans) in the study of diverse infectious agents that affect humans. Here, we review the use of these vertebrate and non-vertebrate models in the study of bacterial agents, which are considered the principal causes of lung injury. Curiously none of these animals have a respiratory system as in air-breathing vertebrates, where respiration takes place in lungs. Despite this fact, with the present review we sought to provide elements in favor of the use of these alternative animal models of infection to reveal the molecular signatures of host-pathogen interactions.

Structure of Streptococcus agalactiae glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase holoenzyme reveals a novel surface

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a conserved cytosolic enzyme, which plays a key role in glycolysis. GAPDH catalyzes the oxidative phosphorylation of D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate using NAD or NADP as a cofactor. In addition, GAPDH localized on the surface of some bacteria is thought to be involved in macromolecular interactions and bacterial pathogenesis. GAPDH on the surface of group B streptococcus (GBS) enhances bacterial virulence and is a potential vaccine candidate. Here, the crystal structure of GBS GAPDH from Streptococcus agalactiae in complex with NAD is reported at 2.46 Å resolution. Although the overall structure of GBS GAPDH is very similar to those of other GAPDHs, the crystal structure reveals a significant difference in the area spanning residues 294-307, which appears to be more acidic. The amino-acid sequence of this region of GBS GAPDH is also distinct compared with other GAPDHs. This region therefore may be of interest as an immunogen for vaccine development.

The extracellular matrix of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms comprises cytoplasmic proteins that associate with the cell surface in response to decreasing pH

Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus involves the formation of an extracellular matrix, but the composition of this matrix has been uncertain. Here we report that the matrix is largely composed of cytoplasmic proteins that reversibly associate with the cell surface in a manner that depends on pH. We propose a model for biofilm formation in which cytoplasmic proteins are released from cells in stationary phase. These proteins associate with the cell surface in response to decreasing pH during biofilm formation. Rather than utilizing a dedicated matrix protein, S. aureus appears to recycle cytoplasmic proteins that moonlight as components of the extracellular matrix.

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of multiantibiotic-resistant nosocomial infections and is often found growing as a biofilm in catheters and chronic wounds. Biofilm formation is an important pathogenicity strategy that enhances resistance to antimicrobials, thereby limiting treatment options and ultimately contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Cells in a biofilm are held together by an extracellular matrix that consists in whole or in part of protein, but the nature of the proteins in the S. aureus matrix is not well understood. Here we postulate that S. aureus recycles proteins from the cytoplasm to form the extracellular matrix. This strategy, of cytoplasmic proteins moonlighting as matrix proteins, could allow enhanced flexibility and adaptability for S. aureus in forming biofilms under infection conditions and could promote the formation of mixed-species biofilms in chronic wounds.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis adhesins: potential biomarkers as anti-tuberculosis therapeutic and diagnostic targets

Adhesion to host cells is a precursor to host colonization and evasion of the host immune response. Conversely, it triggers the induction of the immune response, a process vital to the host’s defence against infection. Adhesins are microbial cell surface molecules or structures that mediate the attachment of the microbe to host cells and thus the host–pathogen interaction. They also play a crucial role in bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation. In this review, we discuss the role of adhesins in the pathogenesis of the aetiological agent of tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We also provide insight into the structure and characteristics of some of the characterized and putative M. tuberculosis adhesins. Finally, we examine the potential of adhesins as targets for the development of tuberculosis control strategies.

Inhibition of microbial adhesion to plastic surface and human buccal epithelial cells by Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract

OBJECTIVE

The adherence of oral pathogenic microorganisms to host tissues is the initial step for successful process of oral diseases. This study aimed to determine the effect of the Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract and rhodomyrtone, an antibacterial compound from R. tomentosa leaf, on adhesion of some oral pathogens to polystyrene plastic surface and human buccal epithelial cells.

METHODS

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated using broth microdilution method. The microbial adhesion to the plastic surface and buccal cells was determined using microtiter plate method and microscopy technique.

RESULTS

The ethanol extract of leaf demonstrated antibacterial activity against oral microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Streptococcus mutans (clinical isolate), and Candida albicans ATCC 90028 with the MIC values of 31.25, 15.62, and 1000μg/ml, respectively. Rhodomyrtone displayed activity with the MIC values of 0.78 and 0.39μg/ml against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. mutans, respectively. The MIC value of the compound against C. albicans ATCC 90028 was more than 100μg/ml which was the highest test concentration. All pathogenic microorganisms treated with the extract and rhodomyrtone at their subinhibitory concentrations resulted in a decrease in their adherence ability to both plastic surface and buccal cells.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that R. tomentosa extract and rhodomyrtone may be useful in therapy or as prophylaxis in infections involving oral pathogens.

Dancing to another tune-adhesive moonlighting proteins in bacteria

Biological moonlighting refers to proteins which express more than one function. Moonlighting proteins occur in pathogenic and commensal as well as in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The canonical functions of moonlighting proteins are in essential cellular processes, i.e., glycolysis, protein synthesis, chaperone activity, and nucleic acid stability, and their moonlighting functions include binding to host epithelial and phagocytic cells, subepithelia, cytoskeleton as well as to mucins and circulating proteins of the immune and hemostatic systems. Sequences of the moonlighting proteins do not contain known motifs for surface export or anchoring, and it has remained open whether bacterial moonlighting proteins are actively secreted to the cell wall or whether they are released from traumatized cells and then rebind onto the bacteria. In lactobacilli, ionic interactions with lipoteichoic acids and with cell division sites are important for surface localization of the proteins. Moonlighting proteins represent an abundant class of bacterial adhesins that are part of bacterial interactions with the environment and in responses to environmental changes. Multifunctionality in bacterial surface proteins appears common: the canonical adhesion proteins fimbriae express also nonadhesive functions, whereas the mobility organelles flagella as well as surface proteases express adhesive functions.

Interaction of streptococcal plasminogen binding proteins with the host fibrinolytic system

The ability to take advantage of plasminogen and its activated form plasmin is a common mechanism used by commensal as well as pathogenic bacteria in interaction with their respective host. Hence, a huge variety of plasminogen binding proteins and activation mechanisms exist. This review solely focuses on the genus Streptococcus and, in particular, on the so-called non-activating plasminogen binding proteins. Based on structural and functional differences, as well as on their mode of surface linkaging, three groups can be assigned: M-(like) proteins, surface displayed cytoplasmatic proteins with enzymatic activities (“moonlighting proteins”) and other surface proteins. Here, the plasminogen binding sites and the interaction mechanisms are compared. Recent findings on the functional consequences of these interactions on tissue degradation and immune evasion are summarized.

Characterization and identification of a novel candidate vaccine protein through systematic analysis of extracellular proteins of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, the causative agent of swine erysipelas, is a facultative intracellular Gram-positive bacterium. It has been shown that animals immunized with a filtrate from E. rhusiopathiae cultures are protected against lethal challenge. In this study, we identified and characterized the extracellular proteins of E. rhusiopathiae to search for novel vaccine antigens. A concentrated culture supernatant from the E. rhusiopathiae Fujisawa strain, which has been found to induce protection in mice, was analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis. From more than 40 confirmed protein spots, 16 major protein spots were selected and subjected to N-terminal amino acid sequence determination, and 14 protein spots were successfully identified. The identified proteins included housekeeping proteins and other metabolic enzymes. We searched for surface-localized proteins by analyzing the genomes of two E. rhusiopathiae strains: Fujisawa and ATCC 19414. Genome analysis revealed that the ATCC 19414 strain has three putative surface-exposed choline-binding proteins (CBPs): CbpA, CbpB, and CbpC. Each CBP contains a putative choline-binding domain. The CbpC gene is mutated in Fujisawa, becoming a nonfunctional pseudogene. Immunogold electron microscopy confirmed that CbpA and CbpB, as well as the majority of the metabolic enzymes examined, are associated with the cell surface of E. rhusiopathiae Fujisawa. Immunization with recombinant CbpB, but not with other recombinant CBPs or metabolic enzymes, protected mice against lethal challenge. A phagocytosis assay revealed that antiserum against CbpB promoted opsonin-mediated phagocytosis by murine macrophages in vitro. The protective capabilities of CbpB were confirmed in pigs, suggesting that CbpB could be used as a vaccine antigen.

Proteome-wide selected reaction monitoring assays for the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes

Selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (SRM-MS) is a targeted proteomics technology used to identify and quantify proteins with high sensitivity, specificity and high reproducibility. Execution of SRM-MS relies on protein-specific SRM assays, a set of experimental parameters that requires considerable effort to develop. Here we present a proteome-wide SRM assay repository for the gram-positive human pathogen group A Streptococcus. Using a multi-layered approach we generated SRM assays for 10,412 distinct group A Streptococcus peptides followed by extensive testing of the selected reaction monitoring assays in >200 different group A Streptococcus protein pools. Based on the number of SRM assay observations we created a rule-based selected reaction monitoring assay-scoring model to select the most suitable assays per protein for a given cellular compartment and bacterial state. The resource described here represents an important tool for deciphering the group A Streptococcus proteome using selected reaction monitoring and we anticipate that concepts described here can be extended to other pathogens.

Selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (SRM-MS) can quantify dynamic changes in protein expression with high sensitivity. Karlsson et al. define optimal detection parameters for 10,412 distinct group A Streptococcus pyogenes peptides, which facilitates proteome-wide SRM-MS studies in this bacterium.

Role of extracellular GAPDH in Streptococcus pyogenes virulence

Pathogens generate molecules, or virulence factors, that enable them to colonize host tissues through several mechanisms, including adhesion to host tissues, or superior invasive capability. Some allow the pathogen to evade the host's immune system. Many of these molecules are proteins that are exported to the cell's surface or secreted. Curiously, GAPDH, which is a glycolytic enzyme, is also a virulence factor that has been shown to contribute to Streptococcus pyogenes pathogenicity by each of these mechanisms.

Human and pneumococcal cell surface glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) proteins are both ligands of human C1q protein

C1q, a key component of the classical complement pathway, is a major player in the response to microbial infection and has been shown to detect noxious altered-self substances such as apoptotic cells. In this work, using complementary experimental approaches, we identified the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as a C1q partner when exposed at the surface of human pathogenic bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and human apoptotic cells. The membrane-associated GAPDH on HeLa cells bound the globular regions of C1q as demonstrated by pulldown and cell surface co-localization experiments. Pneumococcal strains deficient in surface-exposed GAPDH harbored a decreased level of C1q recognition when compared with the wild-type strains. Both recombinant human and pneumococcal GAPDHs interacted avidly with C1q as measured by surface plasmon resonance experiments (K(D) = 0.34-2.17 nm). In addition, GAPDH-C1q complexes were observed by transmission electron microscopy after cross-linking. The purified pneumococcal GAPDH protein activated C1 in an in vitro assay unlike the human form. Deposition of C1q, C3b, and C4b from human serum at the surface of pneumococcal cells was dependent on the presence of surface-exposed GAPDH. This ability of C1q to sense both human and bacterial GAPDHs sheds new insights on the role of this important defense collagen molecule in modulating the immune response.

Bacterial plasminogen receptors utilize host plasminogen system for effective invasion and dissemination

In order for invasive pathogens to migrate beyond the site of infection, host physiological barriers such as the extracellular matrix, the basement membrane, and encapsulating fibrin network must be degraded. To circumvent these impediments, proteolytic enzymes facilitate the dissemination of the microorganism. Recruitment of host proteases to the bacterial surface represents a particularly effective mechanism for enhancing invasiveness. Plasmin is a broad spectrum serine protease that degrades fibrin, extracellular matrices, and connective tissue. A large number of pathogens express plasminogen receptors which immobilize plasmin(ogen) on the bacterial surface. Surface-bound plasminogen is then activated by plasminogen activators to plasmin through limited proteolysis thus triggering the development of a proteolytic surface on the bacteria and eventually assisting the spread of bacteria. The host hemostatic system plays an important role in systemic infection. The interplay between hemostatic processes such as coagulation and fibrinolysis and the inflammatory response constitutes essential components of host defense and bacterial invasion. The goal of this paper is to highlight mechanisms whereby pathogenic bacteria, by engaging surface receptors, utilize and exploit the host plasminogen and fibrinolytic system for the successful dissemination within the host.

Identification of the actin and plasminogen binding regions of group B streptococcal phosphoglycerate kinase

Phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), present on the surface of group B streptococcus (GBS), has previously been demonstrated to bind the host proteins actin and plasminogen. The actin and plasminogen binding sites of GBS-PGK were identified using truncated GBS-PGK molecules, followed by peptide mapping. These experiments identified two actin and plasminogen binding sites located between amino acids 126-134 and 204-208 of the 398-amino acid-long GBS-PGK molecule. Substitution of the lysine residues within these regions with alanine resulted in significantly reduced binding to both actin and plasminogen. In addition, conversion of the glutamic acid residue at amino acid 133 to proline, the amino acid found at this position for the PGK protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae, also resulted in significantly reduced binding to actin and plasminogen. These results demonstrate that the lysine residues at amino acid positions 126, 127, 130, 204, and 208 along with the glutamic acid residue at amino acid position 133 are necessary for actin and plasminogen binding by GBS-PGK.

Glutamine synthetase and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase are adhesive moonlighting proteins of Lactobacillus crispatus released by epithelial cathelicidin LL-37

Glutamine synthetase (GS) and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) were identified as novel adhesive moonlighting proteins of Lactobacillus crispatus ST1. Both proteins were bound onto the bacterial surface at acidic pHs, whereas a suspension of the cells to pH 8 caused their release into the buffer, a pattern previously observed with surface-bound enolase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) of L. crispatus. The pH shift was associated with a rapid and transient increase in cell wall permeability, as measured by cell staining with propidium iodide. A gradual increase in the release of the four moonlighting proteins was also observed after the treatment of L. crispatus ST1 cells with increasing concentrations of the antimicrobial cationic peptide LL-37, which kills bacteria by disturbing membrane integrity and was here observed to increase the cell wall permeability of L. crispatus ST1. At pH 4, the fusion proteins His(6)-GS, His(6)-GPI, His(6)-enolase, and His(6)-GAPDH showed localized binding to cell division septa and poles of L. crispatus ST1 cells, whereas no binding to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was detected. Strain ST1 showed a pH-dependent adherence to the basement membrane preparation Matrigel. Purified His(6)-GS and His(6)-GPI proteins bound to type I collagen, and His(6)-GS also bound to laminin, and their level of binding was higher at pH 5.5 than at pH 6.5. His(6)-GS also expressed a plasminogen receptor function. The results show the strain-dependent surface association of moonlighting proteins in lactobacilli and that these proteins are released from the L. crispatus surface after cell trauma, under conditions of alkaline stress, or in the presence of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 produced by human cells.

Serine/threonine phosphatase (SP-STP), secreted from Streptococcus pyogenes, is a pro-apoptotic protein

This investigation illustrates an important property of eukaryote-type serine/threonine phosphatase (SP-STP) of group A Streptococcus (GAS) in causing programmed cell death of human pharyngeal cells. The secretory nature of SP-STP, its elevated expression in the intracellular GAS, and the ability of wild-type GAS but not the GAS mutant devoid of SP-STP to cause apoptosis of the host cell both in vitro and in vivo suggest that GAS deploys SP-STP as an important virulence determinant to exploit host cell machinery for its own advantage during infection. The exogenously added SP-STP is able to enter the cytoplasm and subsequently traverses into the nucleus in a temporal fashion to cause apoptosis of the pharyngeal cells. The programmed cell death induced by SP-STP, which requires active transcription and de novo protein synthesis, is also caspase-dependent. Furthermore, the entry of SP-STP into the cytoplasm is dependent on its secondary structure as the catalytically inactive SP-STP with an altered structure is unable to internalize and cause apoptosis. The ectopically expressed wild-type SP-STP was found to be in the nucleus and conferred apoptosis of Detroit 562 pharyngeal cells. However, the catalytically inactive SP-STP was unable to cause apoptosis even when intracellularly expressed. The ability of SP-STP to activate pro-apoptotic signaling cascades both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus resulted in mitochondrial dysfunctioning and perturbation in the phosphorylation status of histones in the nucleus. SP-STP thus not only functions as a virulence regulator but also as an important factor responsible for host-related pathogenesis.

Potential antibiotic and anti-infective effects of rhodomyrtone from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. on Streptococcus pyogenes as revealed by proteomics

Rhodomyrtone from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. leaf extract has a strong antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes. Our previous studies indicated that the bactericidal activity of rhodomyrtone might involve intracellular targets. In the present studies we followed a proteomics approach to investigate the mode of action of rhodomyrtone on S. pyogenes. For this purpose, S. pyogenes was cultivated in the presence of 0.39 μg/ml rhodomyrtone, which corresponds to 50% of the minimal inhibitory concentration. The results show that the amounts of various enzymes associated with important metabolic pathways were strongly affected, which is consistent with the growth-inhibiting effect of rhodomyrtone. Additionally, cells of S. pyogenes grown in the presence of rhodomyrtone produced reduced amounts of known virulence factors, such as the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, the CAMP factor, and the streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin C. Taken together, these findings indicate that rhodomyrtone has both antimicrobial and anti-infective activities, which make it an interesting candidate drug.

Role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in mediating interactions with the human extracellular matrix

In different, phylogenetically unrelated micro-organisms, glycolytic enzymes play a dual role. In the cytosol they are involved in metabolic reactions whereas the surface-localized fraction of the enzymes contributes to adhesion and virulence. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a typical member of this group of multifunctional proteins. In this study, we characterized the GAPDH of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common pathogen of the human respiratory mucosa. Full-length GAPDH of M. pneumoniae was successfully expressed and used to produce a polyclonal antiserum. By immunofluorescence, colony blot and ELISA experiments with different fractions of the M. pneumoniae proteins, GAPDH was demonstrated to be present in the cytosol and at even higher concentrations at the surface of mycoplasmas. Nevertheless, antibodies against recombinant GAPDH were not detected in sera of immunized animals or of patients with confirmed M. pneumoniae infection. Recombinant GAPDH bound to different human cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner, and binding was inhibited by specific anti-GAPDH serum. In contrast, this antiserum did not significantly influence the adherence of M. pneumoniae to HeLa cells. When different human extracellular matrix proteins were tested in Western blot assays, GAPDH bound to fibrinogen. The results showed that the GAPDH of M. pneumoniae is a member of the family of cytosol-localized glycolytic enzymes, which also occur at the surface of the bacterium, and mediates interactions with the extracellular matrix proteins of the human host. Thus, the surface-exposed fraction of GAPDH may be a factor that contributes to the successful colonization of the human respiratory tract by M. pneumoniae.