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Ramm F, Kaser D, König I, Fellendorf J, Wenzel D, Zemella A, Papatheodorou P, Barth H, Schmidt H. Synthesis of biologically active Shiga toxins in cell-free systems. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6043. [PMID: 38472311 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56190-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxins (Stx) produced by pathogenic bacteria can cause mild to severe diseases in humans. Thus, the analysis of such toxins is of utmost importance. As an AB5 toxin, Stx consist of a catalytic A-subunit acting as a ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) and a B-pentamer binding domain. In this study we synthesized the subunits and holotoxins from Stx and Stx2a using different cell-free systems, namely an E. coli- and CHO-based cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system. The functional activity of the protein toxins was analyzed in two ways. First, activity of the A-subunits was assessed using an in vitro protein inhibition assay. StxA produced in an E. coli cell-free system showed significant RIP activity at concentrations of 0.02 nM, whereas toxins synthesized in a CHO cell-free system revealed significant activity at concentrations of 0.2 nM. Cell-free synthesized StxA2a was compared to StxA2a expressed in E. coli cells. Cell-based StxA2a had to be added at concentrations of 20 to 200 nM to yield a significant RIP activity. Furthermore, holotoxin analysis on cultured HeLa cells using an O-propargyl-puromycin assay showed significant protein translation reduction at concentrations of 10 nM and 5 nM for cell-free synthesized toxins derived from E. coli and CHO systems, respectively. Overall, these results show that Stx can be synthesized using different cell-free systems while remaining functionally active. In addition, we were able to use CFPS to assess the activity of different Stx variants which can further be used for RIPs in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Ramm
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Danny Kaser
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Nutritional Science - Nutritional Toxicology, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Irina König
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Juliane Fellendorf
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 28, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dana Wenzel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anne Zemella
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Papatheodorou
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Herbert Schmidt
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 28, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Heinisch L, Krause M, Roth A, Barth H, Schmidt H. Cytotoxic Effects of Recombinant StxA2-His in the Absence of Its Corresponding B-Subunit. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13050307. [PMID: 33925951 PMCID: PMC8145687 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AB5 protein toxins are produced by certain bacterial pathogens and are composed of an enzymatically active A-subunit and a B-subunit pentamer, the latter being responsible for cell receptor recognition, cellular uptake, and transport of the A-subunit into the cytosol of eukaryotic target cells. Two members of the AB5 toxin family were described in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), namely Shiga toxin (Stx) and subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB). The functional paradigm of AB toxins includes the B-subunit being mandatory for the uptake of the toxin into its target cells. Recent studies have shown that this paradigm cannot be maintained for SubAB, since SubA alone was demonstrated to intoxicate human epithelial cells in vitro. In the current study, we raised the hypothesis that this may also be true for the A-subunit of the most clinically relevant Stx-variant, Stx2a. After separate expression and purification, the recombinant Stx2a subunits StxA2a-His and StxB2a-His were applied either alone or in combination in a 1:5 molar ratio to Vero B4, HeLa, and HCT-116 cells. For all cell lines, a cytotoxic effect of StxA2a-His alone was detected. Competition experiments with Stx and SubAB subunits in combination revealed that the intoxication of StxA2a-His was reduced by addition of SubB1-His. This study showed that the enzymatic subunit StxA2a alone was active on different cells and might therefore play a yet unknown role in STEC disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Heinisch
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstraße 28, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (L.H.); (M.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Maike Krause
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstraße 28, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (L.H.); (M.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Astrid Roth
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstraße 28, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (L.H.); (M.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Herbert Schmidt
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstraße 28, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (L.H.); (M.K.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-711-459-22305
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Song L, Xiao Y, Li X, Huang Y, Meng G, Ren Z. Activation of the Nlrp3 Inflammasome Contributes to Shiga Toxin-Induced Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in a Mouse Model. Front Immunol 2021; 11:619096. [PMID: 33552083 PMCID: PMC7859089 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.619096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the role of the Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) induced by Stx2 and evaluate the efficacy of small molecule Nlrp3 inhibitors in preventing the HUS. Methods Peritoneal macrophages (PMs) isolated from wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice and gene knockout mice (Nlrc4 -/-, Aim2 -/-, and Nlrp3 -/-) were treated with Stx2 in vitro and their IL-1β releases were measured. WT mice and Nlrp3 -/- mice were also treated with Stx2 in vivo by injection, and the biochemical indices (serum IL-1β, creatinine [CRE] and blood urea nitrogen [BUN]), renal injury, and animal survival were compared. To evaluate the effect of the Nlrp3 inhibitors in preventing HUS, WT mice were pretreated with different Nlrp3 inhibitors (MCC950, CY-09, Oridonin) before Stx2 treatment, and their biochemical indices and survival were compared with the WT mice without inhibitor pretreatment. Results When PMs were stimulated by Stx2 in vitro, IL-1β release in Nlrp3 -/- PMs was significantly lower compared to the other PMs. The Nlrp3 -/- mice treated by Stx2 in vivo, showed lower levels of the biochemical indices, alleviated renal injuries, and increased survival rate. When the WT mice were pretreated with the Nlrp3 inhibitors, both the biochemical indices and survival were significantly improved compared to those without inhibitor pretreatment, with Oridonin being most potent. Conclusion Nlrp3 inflammasome activation plays a vital role in the HUS development when mice are challenged by Stx2, and Oridonin is effective in preventing HUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Song
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Research Units of Discovery of Unknown Bacteria and Function (2018 RU010), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Research Units of Discovery of Unknown Bacteria and Function (2018 RU010), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianping Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Research Units of Discovery of Unknown Bacteria and Function (2018 RU010), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanming Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Research Units of Discovery of Unknown Bacteria and Function (2018 RU010), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangxun Meng
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihong Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Research Units of Discovery of Unknown Bacteria and Function (2018 RU010), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Molecular Biology of Escherichia Coli Shiga Toxins' Effects on Mammalian Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050345. [PMID: 32456125 PMCID: PMC7290813 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxins (Stxs), syn. Vero(cyto)toxins, are potent bacterial exotoxins and the principal virulence factor of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), a subset of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). EHEC strains, e.g., strains of serovars O157:H7 and O104:H4, may cause individual cases as well as large outbreaks of life-threatening diseases in humans. Stxs primarily exert a ribotoxic activity in the eukaryotic target cells of the mammalian host resulting in rapid protein synthesis inhibition and cell death. Damage of endothelial cells in the kidneys and the central nervous system by Stxs is central in the pathogenesis of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans and edema disease in pigs. Probably even more important, the toxins also are capable of modulating a plethora of essential cellular functions, which eventually disturb intercellular communication. The review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of the time course and the consecutive steps of Stx/cell interactions at the molecular level. Intervention measures deduced from an in-depth understanding of this molecular interplay may foster our basic understanding of cellular biology and microbial pathogenesis and pave the way to the creation of host-directed active compounds to mitigate the pathological conditions of STEC infections in the mammalian body.
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Pradhan S, Karve SS, Weiss AA, Hawkins J, Poling HM, Helmrath MA, Wells JM, McCauley HA. Tissue Responses to Shiga Toxin in Human Intestinal Organoids. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 10:171-190. [PMID: 32145469 PMCID: PMC7240222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (eg, O157:H7) infection produces bloody diarrhea, while Stx inhibits protein synthesis and causes the life-threatening systemic complication of hemolytic uremic syndrome. The murine intestinal tract is resistant to O157:H7 and Stx, and human cells in culture fail to model the complex tissue responses to intestinal injury. We used genetically identical, human stem cell-derived intestinal tissues of varying complexity to study Stx toxicity in vitro and in vivo. METHODS In vitro susceptibility to apical or basolateral exposure to Stx was assessed using human intestinal organoids (HIOs) derived from embryonic stem cells, or enteroids derived from multipotent intestinal stem cells. HIOs contain a lumen, with a single layer of differentiated epithelium surrounded by mesenchymal cells. Enteroids only contain epithelium. In vivo susceptibility was assessed using HIOs, with or without an enteric nervous system, transplanted into mice. RESULTS Stx induced necrosis and apoptotic death in both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Responses that require protein synthesis (cellular proliferation and wound repair) also were observed. Epithelial barrier function was maintained even after epithelial cell death was seen, and apical to basolateral translocation of Stx was seen. Tissue cross-talk, in which mesenchymal cell damage caused epithelial cell damage, was observed. Stx induced mesenchymal expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin, the initial step in mesenchymal-epithelial transition. In vivo responses of HIO transplants injected with Stx mirrored those seen in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Intestinal tissue responses to protein synthesis inhibition by Stx are complex. Organoid models allow for an unprecedented examination of human tissue responses to a deadly toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Pradhan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sayali S Karve
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alison A Weiss
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | | | | | | | - James M Wells
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Heather A McCauley
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Krause M, Sessler K, Kaziales A, Grahl R, Noettger S, Barth H, Schmidt H. Variants of Escherichia coli Subtilase Cytotoxin Subunits Show Differences in Complex Formation In Vitro. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11120703. [PMID: 31816894 PMCID: PMC6950094 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB) of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a member of the AB5 toxin family. In the current study, we analyzed the formation of active homo- and hetero-complexes of SubAB variants in vitro to characterize the mode of assembly of the subunits. Recombinant SubA1-His, SubB1-His, SubA2-2-His, and SubB2-2-His subunits, and His-tag-free SubA2-2 were separately expressed, purified, and biochemically characterized by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and analytical ultracentrifugation (aUC). To confirm their biological activity, cytotoxicity assays were performed with HeLa cells. The formation of AB5 complexes was investigated with aUC and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Binding of SubAB2-2-His to HeLa cells was characterized with flow cytometry (FACS). Cytotoxicity experiments revealed that the analyzed recombinant subtilase subunits were biochemically functional and capable of intoxicating HeLa cells. Inhibition of cytotoxicity by Brefeldin A demonstrated that the cleavage is specific. All His-tagged subunits, as well as the non-tagged SubA2-2 subunit, showed the expected secondary structural compositions and oligomerization. Whereas SubAB1-His complexes could be reconstituted in solution, and revealed a Kd value of 3.9 ± 0.8 μmol/L in the lower micromolar range, only transient interactions were observed for the subunits of SubAB2-2-His in solution, which did not result in any binding constant when analyzed with ITC. Additional studies on the binding characteristics of SubAB2-2-His on HeLa cells revealed that the formation of transient complexes improved binding to the target cells. Conclusively, we hypothesize that SubAB variants exhibit different characteristics in their binding behavior to their target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Krause
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstraße 28, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (M.K.); (R.G.)
| | - Katharina Sessler
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (K.S.); (S.N.); (H.B.)
| | - Anna Kaziales
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748 Garching, Germany;
| | - Richard Grahl
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstraße 28, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (M.K.); (R.G.)
| | - Sabrina Noettger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (K.S.); (S.N.); (H.B.)
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (K.S.); (S.N.); (H.B.)
| | - Herbert Schmidt
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstraße 28, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (M.K.); (R.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-711-459-22305
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Luginbuehl V, Meier N, Kovar K, Rohrer J. Intracellular drug delivery: Potential usefulness of engineered Shiga toxin subunit B for targeted cancer therapy. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:613-623. [PMID: 29432805 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A treasure trove of intracellular cancer drug targets remains hidden behind cell membranes. However, engineered pathogen-derived toxins such as Shiga toxins can deliver small or macromolecular drugs to specific intracellular organelles. After binding to ganglioglobotriaosylceramide (Gb3, CD77), the non-toxic subunit B (StxB) of the Shiga-holotoxin is endocytosed and delivers its payload by a unique retrograde trafficking pathway via the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol. This review provides an overview of biomedical applications of StxB-based drug delivery systems in targeted cancer diagnosis and therapy. Biotechnological production of the Stx-material is discussed from the perspective of developing efficacious and safe therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Luginbuehl
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Grueental, P.O.X. 335, CH-8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Meier
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Grueental, P.O.X. 335, CH-8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland
| | - Karin Kovar
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Grueental, P.O.X. 335, CH-8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland
| | - Jack Rohrer
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Grueental, P.O.X. 335, CH-8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland.
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Karve SS, Pradhan S, Ward DV, Weiss AA. Intestinal organoids model human responses to infection by commensal and Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178966. [PMID: 28614372 PMCID: PMC5470682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Shiga toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 can cause the potentially fatal complication hemolytic uremic syndrome, and currently only supportive therapy is available. Lack of suitable animal models has hindered study of this disease. Induced human intestinal organoids (iHIOs), generated by in vitro differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, represent differentiated human intestinal tissue. We show that iHIOs with addition of human neutrophils can model E. coli intestinal infection and innate cellular responses. Commensal and O157:H7 introduced into the iHIO lumen replicated rapidly achieving high numbers. Commensal E. coli did not cause damage, and were completely contained within the lumen, suggesting defenses, such as mucus production, can constrain non-pathogenic strains. Some O157:H7 initially co-localized with cellular actin. Loss of actin and epithelial integrity was observed after 4 hours. O157:H7 grew as filaments, consistent with activation of the bacterial SOS stress response. SOS is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and O157:H7 infection increased ROS production. Transcriptional profiling (RNAseq) demonstrated that both commensal and O157:H7 upregulated genes associated with gastrointestinal maturation, while infection with O157:H7 upregulated inflammatory responses, including interleukin 8 (IL-8). IL-8 is associated with neutrophil recruitment, and infection with O157:H7 resulted in recruitment of human neutrophils into the iHIO tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayali S. Karve
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Suman Pradhan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Doyle V. Ward
- Center for Microbiome Research and Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alison A. Weiss
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Pradhan S, Pellino C, MacMaster K, Coyle D, Weiss AA. Shiga Toxin Mediated Neurologic Changes in Murine Model of Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:114. [PMID: 27747196 PMCID: PMC5040725 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizures and neurologic involvement have been reported in patients infected with Shiga toxin (Stx) producing E. coli, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) with neurologic involvement is associated with more severe outcome. We investigated the extent of renal and neurologic damage in mice following injection of the highly potent form of Stx, Stx2a, and less potent Stx1. As observed in previous studies, Stx2a brought about moderate to acute tubular necrosis of proximal and distal tubules in the kidneys. Brain sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) appeared normal, although some red blood cell congestion was observed. Microglial cell responses to neural injury include up-regulation of surface-marker expression (e.g., Iba1) and stereotypical morphological changes. Mice injected with Stx2a showed increased Iba1 staining, mild morphological changes associated with microglial activation (thickening of processes), and increased microglial staining per unit area. Microglial changes were observed in the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala regions, but not the nucleus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Stx2a-treated mice revealed no hyper-intensities in the brain, although magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) revealed significantly decreased levels of phosphocreatine in the thalamus. Less dramatic changes were observed following Stx1 challenge. Neither immortalized microvascular endothelial cells from the cerebral cortex of mice (bEnd.3) nor primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells were found to be susceptible to Stx1 or Stx2a. The lack of susceptibility to Stx for both cell types correlated with an absence of receptor expression. These studies indicate Stx causes subtle, but identifiable changes in the mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Pradhan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Kayleigh MacMaster
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Dennis Coyle
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alison A Weiss
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, USA
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