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Hardy KS, Tuckey AN, Renema P, Patel M, Al-Mehdi AB, Spadafora D, Schlumpf CA, Barrington RA, Alexeyev MF, Stevens T, Pittet JF, Wagener BM, Simmons JD, Alvarez DF, Audia JP. ExoU Induces Lung Endothelial Cell Damage and Activates Pro-Inflammatory Caspase-1 during Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14020152. [PMID: 35202178 PMCID: PMC8878379 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes a type III secretion system to inject exoenzyme effectors into a target host cell. Of the four best-studied exoenzymes, ExoU causes rapid cell damage and death. ExoU is a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) that hydrolyses host cell membranes, and P. aeruginosa strains expressing ExoU are associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients with pneumonia. While the effects of ExoU on lung epithelial and immune cells are well studied, a role for ExoU in disrupting lung endothelial cell function has only recently emerged. Lung endothelial cells maintain a barrier to fluid and protein flux into tissue and airspaces and regulate inflammation. Herein, we describe a pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (PMVEC) culture infection model to examine the effects of ExoU. Using characterized P. aeruginosa strains and primary clinical isolates, we show that strains expressing ExoU disrupt PMVEC barrier function by causing substantial PMVEC damage and lysis, in a PLA2-dependent manner. In addition, we show that strains expressing ExoU activate the pro-inflammatory caspase-1, in a PLA2-dependent manner. Considering the important roles for mitochondria and oxidative stress in regulating inflammatory responses, we next examined the effects of ExoU on reactive oxygen species production. Infection of PMVECs with P. aeruginosa strains expressing ExoU triggered a robust oxidative stress compared to strains expressing other exoenzyme effectors. We also provide evidence that, intriguingly, ExoU PLA2 activity was detectable in mitochondria and mitochondria-associated membrane fractions isolated from P. aeruginosa-infected PMVECs. Interestingly, ExoU-mediated activation of caspase-1 was partially inhibited by reactive oxygen species scavengers. Together, these data suggest ExoU exerts pleiotropic effects on PMVEC function during P. aeruginosa infection that may inhibit endothelial barrier and inflammatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kierra S. Hardy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (K.S.H.); (A.N.T.); (C.A.S.); (R.A.B.)
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amanda N. Tuckey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (K.S.H.); (A.N.T.); (C.A.S.); (R.A.B.)
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
| | - Phoibe Renema
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of South Alabama Mobile, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Mita Patel
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Abu-Bakr Al-Mehdi
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Domenico Spadafora
- Flow Cytometry Core Lab, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA;
| | - Cody A. Schlumpf
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (K.S.H.); (A.N.T.); (C.A.S.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Robert A. Barrington
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (K.S.H.); (A.N.T.); (C.A.S.); (R.A.B.)
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Flow Cytometry Core Lab, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA;
| | - Mikhail F. Alexeyev
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Troy Stevens
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Jean-Francois Pittet
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Birmingham School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (J.-F.P.); (B.M.W.)
| | - Brant M. Wagener
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Birmingham School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (J.-F.P.); (B.M.W.)
| | - Jon D. Simmons
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Diego F. Alvarez
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State University, Conroe, TX 77304, USA
| | - Jonathon P. Audia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (K.S.H.); (A.N.T.); (C.A.S.); (R.A.B.)
- Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; (P.R.); (M.P.); (A.-B.A.-M.); (M.F.A.); (T.S.); (J.D.S.); (D.F.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Hardy KS, Tessmer MH, Frank DW, Audia JP. Perspectives on the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Effector ExoU and Its Subversion of the Host Innate Immune Response to Infection. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:880. [PMID: 34941717 PMCID: PMC8708460 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic, Gram-negative pathogen and an important cause of hospital acquired infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Highly virulent P. aeruginosa strains use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject exoenzyme effectors directly into the cytoplasm of a target host cell. P. aeruginosa strains that express the T3SS effector, ExoU, associate with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients with pneumonia, owing to the ability of ExoU to rapidly damage host cell membranes and subvert the innate immune response to infection. Herein, we review the structure, function, regulation, and virulence characteristics of the T3SS effector ExoU, a highly cytotoxic phospholipase A2 enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kierra S. Hardy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL 36608, USA;
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL 36608, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maxx H. Tessmer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Dara W. Frank
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jonathon P. Audia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL 36608, USA;
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL 36608, USA
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A pipeline to evaluate inhibitors of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin U. Biochem J 2021; 478:647-668. [PMID: 33459338 PMCID: PMC7886320 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa has recently been highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a major threat with high priority for the development of new therapies. In severe P. aeruginosa infections, the phospholipase activity of the type 3 secretion system toxin, ExoU, induces lysis of target host cells and results in the poorest clinical outcomes. We have developed an integrated pipeline to evaluate small molecule inhibitors of ExoU in vitro and in cultured cell models, including a disease-relevant corneal epithelial (HCE-T) scratch and infection model using florescence microscopy and cell viability assays. Compounds Pseudolipasin A, compound A and compound B were effective in vitro inhibitors of ExoU and mitigated P. aeruginosa ExoU-dependent cytotoxicity after infection of HCE-T cells at concentrations as low as 0.5 µM. Addition of the antimicrobial moxifloxacin controlled bacterial load, allowing these assays to be extended from 6 h to 24 h. P. aeruginosa remained cytotoxic to HCE-T cells with moxifloxacin, present at the minimal inhibitory concentration for 24 h, but, when used in combination with either Pseudolipasin A, compound A or compound B, a greater amount of viable cells and scratch healing were observed. Thus, our pipeline provides evidence that ExoU inhibitors could be used in combination with certain antimicrobials as a novel means to treat infections due to ExoU producing P. aeruginosa, as well as the means to identify more potent ExoU inhibitors for future therapeutics.
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Springer TI, Reid TE, Gies SL, Feix JB. Interactions of the effector ExoU from Pseudomonas aeruginosa with short-chain phosphatidylinositides provide insights into ExoU targeting to host membranes. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:19012-19021. [PMID: 31662432 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic multidrug-resistant pathogen and a common cause of infection in cystic fibrosis and ventilator-associated pneumonia and in burn and wound patients. P. aeruginosa uses its type III secretion system to secrete various effector proteins directly into mammalian host cells. ExoU is a potent type III secretion system effector that, after secretion, localizes to the inner cytoplasmic membrane of eukaryotic cells, where it exerts its phospholipase A2 activity upon interacting with ubiquitin and/or ubiquitinated proteins. In this study, we used site-directed spin-labeling electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to examine the interaction of ExoU with soluble analogs of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2). We found that dioctanoyl PI(4,5)P2 binds to and induces conformational changes in a C-terminal four-helix bundle (4HB) domain of ExoU implicated previously in membrane binding. Other soluble phosphoinositides also interacted with the 4HB but less effectively. Molecular modeling and ligand docking studies indicated the potential for numerous hydrogen bond interactions within and between interhelical loops of the 4HB and suggested several potential interaction sites for PI(4,5)P2 Site-directed mutagenesis experiments confirmed that the side chains of Gln-623 and Arg-661 play important roles in mediating PI(4,5)P2-induced conformational changes in ExoU. These results support a mechanism in which direct interactions with phosphatidylinositol-containing lipids play an essential role in targeting ExoU to host membrane bilayers. Molecules or peptides that block this interaction may prove useful in preventing the cytotoxic effects of ExoU to mitigate the virulence of P. aeruginosa strains that express this potent phospholipase toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzvia I Springer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wisconsin 53097
| | - Terry-Elinor Reid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wisconsin 53097
| | - Samantha L Gies
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Jimmy B Feix
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
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Feix JB, Kohn S, Tessmer MH, Anderson DM, Frank DW. Conformational Changes and Membrane Interaction of the Bacterial Phospholipase, ExoU: Characterization by Site-Directed Spin Labeling. Cell Biochem Biophys 2018; 77:79-87. [PMID: 30047043 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-018-0851-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Numerous pathogenic bacteria produce proteins evolved to facilitate their survival and dissemination by modifying the host environment. These proteins, termed effectors, often play a significant role in determining the virulence of the infection. Consequently, bacterial effectors constitute an important class of targets for the development of novel antibiotics. ExoU is a potent phospholipase effector produced by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Previous studies have established that the phospholipase activity of ExoU requires non-covalent interaction with ubiquitin, however the molecular details of the mechanism of activation and the manner in which ExoU associates with a target lipid bilayer are not understood. In this review we describe our recent studies using site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) and EPR spectroscopy to elucidate the conformational changes and membrane interactions that accompany activation of ExoU. We find that ubiquitin binding and membrane interaction act synergistically to produce structural transitions that occur upon ExoU activation, and that the C-terminal four-helix bundle of ExoU functions as a phospholipid-binding domain, facilitating the association of ExoU with the membrane surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy B Feix
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Samantha Kohn
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Maxx H Tessmer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - David M Anderson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Dara W Frank
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
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6
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Guo H, Mao Z, Ge C. Identification and characterization of a phospholipase A1 activity type three secreted protein, PP_ExoU from Pseudomonas plecoglossicida NB2011, the causative agent of visceral granulomas disease in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2017; 40:831-840. [PMID: 27734506 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas plecoglossicida NB2011, the causative agent of visceral granulomas disease in farmed Larimichthys crocea in China, encodes a predicted type three effector PP_ExoU, a homolog of the cytotoxin ExoU of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, secretion of PP_ExoU was tested in various broth, the protein was expressed with the pET30a prokaryotic system, the phospholipase A (PLA) activity of the recombinant protein was determined with fluorogenic phospholipid substrates, fusion expression with green fluorescent protein in transfected HeLa cells was investigated, and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was measured. The results showed the protein was type three secreted in several media; the recombinant protein displayed significant PLA1 activity with ubiquitin. Fluorescence was observed on the cell membrane and scattered in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells expressing catalytic wild-type PP_ExoU, blebbing and stretching developed in the cell membranes indicating of membrane damage. Fluorescence scattered in the cytoplasm of cells expressing the catalytic inactive protein. A significant LDH level was detected in HeLa cells expressing wild-type PP_exoU, but not in the Ser/Asp-mutated protein, suggestion mutation of predicted catalytic residues abolished the PLA activity. This is the first report on the function of a secreted type three protein from P. plecoglossicida.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Zhang
- Biological and Environmental College, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
| | - Y Wang
- Biological and Environmental College, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
| | - H Guo
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Z Mao
- Biological and Environmental College, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
| | - C Ge
- Biological and Environmental College, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, China
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Sawa T, Hamaoka S, Kinoshita M, Kainuma A, Naito Y, Akiyama K, Kato H. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretory Toxin ExoU and Its Predicted Homologs. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8110307. [PMID: 27792159 PMCID: PMC5127104 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8110307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ExoU, a type III secretory toxin and major virulence factor with patatin-like phospholipase activity, is responsible for acute lung injury and sepsis in immunocompromised patients. Through use of a recently updated bacterial genome database, protein sequences predicted to be homologous to Ps. aeruginosa ExoU were identified in 17 other Pseudomonas species (Ps. fluorescens, Ps. lundensis, Ps. weihenstephanensis, Ps. marginalis, Ps. rhodesiae, Ps. synxantha, Ps. libanensis, Ps. extremaustralis, Ps. veronii, Ps. simiae, Ps. trivialis, Ps. tolaasii, Ps. orientalis, Ps. taetrolens, Ps. syringae, Ps. viridiflava, and Ps. cannabina) and 8 Gram-negative bacteria from three other genera (Photorhabdus, Aeromonas, and Paludibacterium). In the alignment of the predicted primary amino acid sequences used for the phylogenetic analyses, both highly conserved and nonconserved parts of the toxin were discovered among the various species. Further comparative studies of the predicted ExoU homologs should provide us with more detailed information about the unique characteristics of the Ps. aeruginosa ExoU toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teiji Sawa
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Saeko Hamaoka
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Mao Kinoshita
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Kainuma
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Yoshifumi Naito
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Koichi Akiyama
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Hideya Kato
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
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Morrow KA, Ochoa CD, Balczon R, Zhou C, Cauthen L, Alexeyev M, Schmalzer KM, Frank DW, Stevens T. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoenzymes U and Y induce a transmissible endothelial proteinopathy. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 310:L337-53. [PMID: 26637633 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00103.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that Pseudomonas aeruginosa type 3 secretion system effectors exoenzymes Y and U (ExoY and ExoU) induce release of a high-molecular-weight endothelial tau, causing transmissible cell injury characteristic of an infectious proteinopathy. Both the bacterial delivery of ExoY and ExoU and the conditional expression of an activity-attenuated ExoU induced time-dependent pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell gap formation that was paralleled by the loss of intracellular tau and the concomitant appearance of high-molecular-weight extracellular tau. Transfer of the high-molecular-weight tau in filtered supernatant to naïve endothelial cells resulted in intracellular accumulation of tau clusters, which was accompanied by cell injury, interendothelial gap formation, decreased endothelial network stability in Matrigel, and increased lung permeability. Tau oligomer monoclonal antibodies captured monomeric tau from filtered supernatant but did not retrieve higher-molecular-weight endothelial tau and did not rescue the injurious effects of tau. Enrichment and transfer of high-molecular-weight tau to naïve cells was sufficient to cause injury. Thus we provide the first evidence for a pathophysiological stimulus that induces release and transmissibility of high-molecular-weight endothelial tau characteristic of an endothelial proteinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Adam Morrow
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Cristhiaan D Ochoa
- Physician-Scientist Training Program, Department of Medicine, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ron Balczon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Chun Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Laura Cauthen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Mikhail Alexeyev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Katherine M Schmalzer
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Dara W Frank
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Center for Infectious Disease Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Troy Stevens
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Department of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama;
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Ubiquitin activates patatin-like phospholipases from multiple bacterial species. J Bacteriol 2014; 197:529-41. [PMID: 25404699 DOI: 10.1128/jb.02402-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase A2 enzymes are ubiquitously distributed throughout the prokaryotic and eukaryotic kingdoms and are utilized in a wide array of cellular processes and physiological and immunological responses. Several patatin-like phospholipase homologs of ExoU from Pseudomonas aeruginosa were selected on the premise that ubiquitin activation of this class of bacterial enzymes was a conserved process. We found that ubiquitin activated all phospholipases tested in both in vitro and in vivo assays via a conserved serine-aspartate catalytic dyad. Ubiquitin chains versus monomeric ubiquitin were superior in inducing catalysis, and ubiquitin-like proteins failed to activate phospholipase activity. Toxicity studies in a prokaryotic dual-expression system grouped the enzymes into high- and low-toxicity classes. Toxicity measured in eukaryotic cells also suggested a two-tiered classification but was not predictive of the severity of cellular damage, suggesting that each enzyme may correspond to unique properties perhaps based on its specific biological function. Additional studies on lipid binding preference suggest that some enzymes in this family may be differentially sensitive to phosphatidyl-4,5-bisphosphate in terms of catalytic activation enhancement and binding affinity. Further analysis of the function and amino acid sequences of this enzyme family may lead to a useful approach to formulating a unifying model of how these phospholipases behave after delivery into the cytoplasmic compartment.
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Rolsma SL, Frank DW. In vitro assays to monitor the activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III secreted proteins. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1149:171-84. [PMID: 24818904 PMCID: PMC5860653 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0473-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretes numerous toxins and destructive enzymes that play distinct roles in pathogenesis. The Type III secretion system (T3SS) of Pseudomonas is a system that delivers a subset of toxins directly into the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. The secreted effectors include ExoS, ExoT, ExoU, and ExoY. In this chapter, we describe methods to induce T3S expression and measure the enzymatic activities of each effector in in vitro assays. ExoU is a phospholipase and its activity can be measured in a fluorescence-based assay monitoring the cleavage of the fluorogenic substrate, PED6. ExoS and ExoT both possess ADP-ribosyltransferase (ADPRT) and GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity. ADPRT activity can be assessed by using radiolabeled nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) and measuring the covalent incorporation of ADP-ribose into a target protein. GAP activity is measured by the release of radiolabeled phosphate from [γ-(32)P]GTP-bound target proteins. In accordance with recent trends towards reducing the use of radioactivity in the laboratory, alternative assays using fluorescent or biotin-labeled reagents are described. ExoY is a nucleotidyl cyclase; cAMP production stimulated by ExoY can be monitored using reverse-phase HPLC or with commercially available immunological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Rolsma
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Center of Infectious Disease Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
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Anderson DM, Feix JB, Monroe AL, Peterson FC, Volkman BF, Haas AL, Frank DW. Identification of the major ubiquitin-binding domain of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa ExoU A2 phospholipase. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:26741-52. [PMID: 23908356 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.478529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens use type III secretion systems to deliver effector molecules into the cytoplasm of a host cell. Many of these effectors have evolved to manipulate the host ubiquitin system to alter host cell physiology or the location, stability, or function of the effector itself. ExoU is a potent A2 phospholipase used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to destroy membranes of infected cells. The enzyme is held in an inactive state inside of the bacterium due to the absence of a required eukaryotic activator, which was recently identified as ubiquitin. This study sought to identify the region of ExoU required to mediate this interaction and determine the properties of ubiquitin important for binding, ExoU activation, or both. Biochemical and biophysical approaches were used to map the ubiquitin-binding domain to a C-terminal four-helix bundle of ExoU. The hydrophobic patch of ubiquitin is required for full binding affinity and activation. Binding and activation were uncoupled by introducing an L8R substitution in ubiquitin. Purified L8R demonstrated a parental binding phenotype to ExoU but did not activate the phospholipase in vitro. Utilizing these new biochemical data and intermolecular distance measurements by double electron-electron resonance, we propose a model for an ExoU-monoubiquitin complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Anderson
- From the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and
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Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate is a novel coactivator of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytotoxin ExoU. Infect Immun 2013; 81:2873-81. [PMID: 23716613 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00414-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ExoU is a potent phospholipase A2 effector protein secreted by the type III secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By cleaving plasma membrane phospholipids, it causes rapid lysis of eukaryotic cells. However, ExoU does not exhibit activity on its own but instead requires eukaryotic cell cofactors for activation. Ubiquitin and ubiquitinated proteins have been shown to activate ExoU, but previous work suggested that other cofactors are also involved. In this study, we demonstrate that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] is another important coactivator of ExoU. PI(4,5)P2 works synergistically with ubiquitin to greatly enhance the phospholipase A2 activity of ExoU. Distinct residues of ExoU were critical for activation by PI(4,5)P2 and by ubiquitin, indicating that these factors activate ExoU by discrete mechanisms. In support of the biological relevance of PI(4,5)P2 coactivation, a yeast mutant with reduced PI(4,5)P2 levels was less susceptible to the cytotoxic activity of ExoU. Together, these findings further elaborate the molecular mechanism of ExoU.
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Belaunzarán ML, Wilkowsky SE, Lammel EM, Giménez G, Bott E, Barbieri MA, de Isola ELD. Phospholipase A1: a novel virulence factor in Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 187:77-86. [PMID: 23275096 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipase A1 (PLA1) has been described in the infective stages of Trypanosoma cruzi as a membrane-bound/secreted enzyme that significantly modified host cell lipid profile with generation of second lipid messengers and concomitant activation of protein kinase C. In the present work we determined higher levels of PLA1 expression in the infective amastigotes and trypomastigotes than in the non-infective epimastigotes of lethal RA strain. In addition, we found similar expression patterns but distinct PLA1 activity levels in bloodstream trypomastigotes from Cvd and RA (lethal) and K98 (non-lethal) T. cruzi strains, obtained at their corresponding parasitemia peaks. This fact was likely due to the presence of different levels of anti-T. cruzi PLA1 antibodies in sera of infected mice, that modulated the enzyme activity. Moreover, these antibodies significantly reduced in vitro parasite invasion indicating the participation of T. cruzi PLA1 in the early events of parasite-host cell interaction. We also demonstrated the presence of lysophospholipase activity in live infective stages that could account for self-protection against the toxic lysophospholipids generated by T. cruzi PLA1 action. At the genome level, we identified at least eight putative genes that codify for T. cruzi PLA1 with high amino acid sequence variability in their amino and carboxy-terminal regions; a putative PLA1 selected gene was cloned and expressed as a recombinant protein that possessed PLA1 activity. Collectively, the results presented here point out at T. cruzi PLA1 as a novel virulence factor implicated in parasite invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Belaunzarán
- Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Universidad de Buenos Aires-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Paraguay 2155, piso 13, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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14
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Galle M, Carpentier I, Beyaert R. Structure and function of the Type III secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2012; 13:831-42. [PMID: 23305368 PMCID: PMC3706959 DOI: 10.2174/138920312804871210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a dangerous pathogen particularly because it harbors multiple virulence factors. It causes several types of infection, including dermatitis, endocarditis, and infections of the urinary tract, eye, ear, bone, joints and, of particular interest, the respiratory tract. Patients with cystic fibrosis, who are extremely susceptible to Pseudomonas infections, have a bad prognosis and high mortality. An important virulence factor of P. aeruginosa, shared with many other gram-negative bacteria, is the type III secretion system, a hollow molecular needle that transfers effector toxins directly from the bacterium into the host cell cytosol. This complex macromolecular machine works in a highly regulated manner and can manipulate the host cell in many different ways. Here we review the current knowledge of the structure of the P. aeruginosa T3SS, as well as its function and recognition by the immune system. Furthermore, we describe recent progress in the development and use of therapeutic agents targeting the T3SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Galle
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; the
- Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, VIB, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Carpentier
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; the
- Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, VIB, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rudi Beyaert
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; the
- Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, VIB, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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Structure of the type III secretion effector protein ExoU in complex with its chaperone SpcU. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49388. [PMID: 23166655 PMCID: PMC3498133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease causing bacteria often manipulate host cells in a way that facilitates the infectious process. Many pathogenic gram-negative bacteria accomplish this by using type III secretion systems. In these complex secretion pathways, bacterial chaperones direct effector proteins to a needle-like secretion apparatus, which then delivers the effector protein into the host cell cytosol. The effector protein ExoU and its chaperone SpcU are components of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system. Secretion of ExoU has been associated with more severe infections in both humans and animal models. Here we describe the 1.92 Å X-ray structure of the ExoU–SpcU complex, a full-length type III effector in complex with its full-length cognate chaperone. Our crystallographic data allow a better understanding of the mechanism by which ExoU kills host cells and provides a foundation for future studies aimed at designing inhibitors of this potent toxin.
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16
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Gendrin C, Contreras-Martel C, Bouillot S, Elsen S, Lemaire D, Skoufias DA, Huber P, Attree I, Dessen A. Structural basis of cytotoxicity mediated by the type III secretion toxin ExoU from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002637. [PMID: 22496657 PMCID: PMC3320612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a complex macromolecular machinery employed by a number of Gram-negative pathogens to inject effectors directly into the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. ExoU from the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most aggressive toxins injected by a T3SS, leading to rapid cell necrosis. Here we report the crystal structure of ExoU in complex with its chaperone, SpcU. ExoU folds into membrane-binding, bridging, and phospholipase domains. SpcU maintains the N-terminus of ExoU in an unfolded state, required for secretion. The phospholipase domain carries an embedded catalytic site whose position within ExoU does not permit direct interaction with the bilayer, which suggests that ExoU must undergo a conformational rearrangement in order to access lipids within the target membrane. The bridging domain connects catalytic domain and membrane-binding domains, the latter of which displays specificity to PI(4,5)P2. Both transfection experiments and infection of eukaryotic cells with ExoU-secreting bacteria show that ExoU ubiquitination results in its co-localization with endosomal markers. This could reflect an attempt of the infected cell to target ExoU for degradation in order to protect itself from its aggressive cytotoxic action. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of nosocomial infections and is a particular threat for cystic fibrosis and immunodepressed patients. One of the most aggressive toxins in its arsenal is ExoU, injected directly into target cells by a needle-like complex located on the surface of the bacterium, the type III secretion system. P. aeruginosa strains that express ExoU cause rapid cell death as a consequence of the membrane-destruction (phospholipase) potential of the toxin. In this work, we report the three-dimensional structure of ExoU in complex with a partner molecule, SpcU. ExoU contains three distinct regions, and the fold suggests how ExoU binds to the membrane or other molecules within the target cell and becomes activated. In addition, we also show that once it is translocated into the cell, ExoU co-localizes with intracellular organelles of the endosomal pathway, potentially in an attempt of the target cell to destroy the toxin. This work provides new insight into the cellular destruction mechanism of this aggressive toxin and could be a basis for the development of new inhibitors of P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Gendrin
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Group, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Université Grenoble I, Grenoble, France
- Commissariat à l'Enérgie Atomique (CEA), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
| | - Carlos Contreras-Martel
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Group, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Université Grenoble I, Grenoble, France
- Commissariat à l'Enérgie Atomique (CEA), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
| | - Stéphanie Bouillot
- Commissariat à l'Enérgie Atomique (CEA), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, iRTSV, Université Grenoble I, Grenoble, France
- INSERM UMR-S 1036, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvie Elsen
- Commissariat à l'Enérgie Atomique (CEA), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, iRTSV, Université Grenoble I, Grenoble, France
- INSERM UMR-S 1036, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, France
| | - David Lemaire
- Commissariat à l'Enérgie Atomique (CEA), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Laboratoire des Interactions Protéine Métal, IBEB, Université Aix-Marseille II, Saint Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - Dimitrios A. Skoufias
- Commissariat à l'Enérgie Atomique (CEA), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Viral Infection and Cancer Group, IBS, Grenoble, France
| | - Philippe Huber
- Commissariat à l'Enérgie Atomique (CEA), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, iRTSV, Université Grenoble I, Grenoble, France
- INSERM UMR-S 1036, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, France
| | - Ina Attree
- Commissariat à l'Enérgie Atomique (CEA), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, iRTSV, Université Grenoble I, Grenoble, France
- INSERM UMR-S 1036, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, France
| | - Andréa Dessen
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Group, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Université Grenoble I, Grenoble, France
- Commissariat à l'Enérgie Atomique (CEA), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Grenoble and Cadarache, France
- * E-mail:
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Anderson DM, Schmalzer KM, Sato H, Casey M, Terhune SS, Haas AL, Feix JB, Frank DW. Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-modified proteins activate the Pseudomonas aeruginosa T3SS cytotoxin, ExoU. Mol Microbiol 2011; 82:1454-67. [PMID: 22040088 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2011.07904.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that possesses a type III secretion system (T3SS) critical for evading innate immunity and establishing acute infections in compromised patients. Our research has focused on the structure-activity relationships of ExoU, the most toxic and destructive type III effector produced by P. aeruginosa. ExoU possesses phospholipase activity, which is detectable in vitro only when a eukaryotic cofactor is provided with membrane substrates. We report here that a subpopulation of ubiquitylated yeast SOD1 and other ubiquitylated mammalian proteins activate ExoU. Phospholipase activity was detected using purified ubiquitin of various chain lengths and linkage types; however, free monoubiquitin is sufficient in a genetically engineered dual expression system. The use of ubiquitin by a bacterial enzyme as an activator is unprecedented and represents a new aspect in the manipulation of the eukaryotic ubiquitin system to facilitate bacterial replication and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Anderson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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Benson MA, Komas SM, Schmalzer KM, Casey MS, Frank DW, Feix JB. Induced conformational changes in the activation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III toxin, ExoU. Biophys J 2011; 100:1335-43. [PMID: 21354407 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2011.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Revised: 01/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ExoU is a 74-kDa, water-soluble toxin injected directly into mammalian cells through the type III secretion system of the opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Previous studies have shown that ExoU is a Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase that requires a eukaryotic protein cofactor. One protein capable of activating ExoU and serving as a required cofactor was identified by biochemical and proteomic methods as superoxide dismutase (SOD1). In these studies, we carried out site-directed spin-labeling electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to examine the effects of SOD1 and substrate liposomes on the structure and dynamics of ExoU. Local conformational changes within the catalytic site were observed in the presence of substrate liposomes, and were enhanced by the addition of SOD1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Conformational changes in the C-terminal domain of ExoU were observed upon addition of cofactor, even in the absence of liposomes. Double electron-electron resonance experiments indicated that ExoU samples multiple conformations in the resting state. In contrast, addition of SOD1 induced ExoU to adopt a single, well-defined conformation. These studies provide, to our knowledge, the first direct evidence for cofactor- and membrane-induced conformational changes in the mechanism of activation of ExoU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Benson
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Wargo MJ, Gross MJ, Rajamani S, Allard JL, Lundblad LKA, Allen GB, Vasil ML, Leclair LW, Hogan DA. Hemolytic phospholipase C inhibition protects lung function during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 184:345-54. [PMID: 21562128 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201103-0374oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes both acute and chronic lung infections and is particularly problematic in patients with cystic fibrosis and those undergoing mechanical ventilation. Decreased lung function contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality during P. aeruginosa infection, and damage inflicted by P. aeruginosa virulence factors contributes to lung function decline. OBJECTIVES We sought to describe direct contribution of a bacterial phospholipase C/sphingomyelinase, PlcHR, to alteration of host lung physiology and characterize a potential therapeutic for protection of lung function. METHODS We infected C57Bl/6 mice with P. aeruginosa wild-type or isogenic plcHR deletion strains and measured lung function using computer-controlled ventilators. For in vivo testing, miltefosine was delivered intraperitoneally 1 hour after infection. Infection and respiratory endpoints were at 24 hours after infection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS P. aeruginosa wild-type infection caused significant lung function impairment, whereas the effects of a ΔplcHR strain infection were much less severe. Surfactometry analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid indicated that PlcHR decreased pulmonary surfactant function. Miltefosine has structural similarity to the PC and sphingomyelin substrates of PlcHR, and we found that it inhibits the cleavage of these choline-containing lipids in vitro. Miltefosine administration after P. aeruginosa infection limited the negative effects of PlcHR activity on lung function. CONCLUSIONS We have directly linked production of a single virulence factor in P. aeruginosa with effects on lung function, and demonstrated that the inhibitor miltefosine protects lung function from PlcHR-dependent surfactant dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Wargo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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Role of the membrane localization domain of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa effector protein ExoU in cytotoxicity. Infect Immun 2010; 78:3346-57. [PMID: 20479080 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00223-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ExoU is a potent effector protein that causes rapid host cell death upon injection by the type III secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The N-terminal half of ExoU contains a patatin-like phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) domain that requires the host cell cofactor superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) for activation, while the C-terminal 137 amino acids constitute a membrane localization domain (MLD). Previous studies had utilized insertion and deletion mutations to show that portions of the MLD are required for membrane localization and catalytic activity. Here we further characterize this domain by identifying six residues that are essential for ExoU activity. Substitutions at each of these positions resulted in abrogation of membrane targeting, decreased ExoU-mediated cytotoxicity, and reductions in PLA(2) activity. Likewise, each of the six MLD residues was necessary for full virulence in cell culture and murine models of acute pneumonia. Purified recombinant ExoU proteins with substitutions at five of the six residues were not activated by SOD1, suggesting that these five residues are critical for activation by this cofactor. Interestingly, these same five ExoU proteins were partially activated by HeLa cell extracts, suggesting that a host cell cofactor other than SOD1 is capable of modulating the activity of ExoU. These findings add to our understanding of the role of the MLD in ExoU-mediated virulence.
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