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Xu S, Liu Z, Ren P, Liu Y, Xiao F, Li W. BmfR, a novel GntR family regulator, regulates biofilm formation in marine-derived, Bacillus methylotrophicus B-9987. Microbiol Res 2024; 287:127859. [PMID: 39098095 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Biofilms are common living states for microorganisms, allowing them to adapt to environmental changes. Numerous Bacillus strains can form complex biofilms that play crucial roles in biocontrol processes. However, our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation in Bacillus is mainly based on studies of Bacillus subtilis. Knowledge regarding the biofilm formation of other Bacillus species remains limited. In this study, we identified a novel transcriptional regulator, BmfR, belonging to the GntR family, that regulates biofilm formation in marine-derived Bacillus methylotrophicus B-9987. We demonstrated that BmfR induces biofilm formation by activating the extracellular polysaccharide structural genes epsA-O and negatively regulating the matrix gene repressor, SinR; of note it positively affects the expression of the master regulator of sporulation, Spo0A. Furthermore, database mining for BmfR homologs has revealed their widespread distribution among many bacterial species, mainly Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. This study advances our understanding of the biofilm regulatory network of Bacillus strains, and provides a new target for exploiting and manipulating biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zengzhi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pengfei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wenli Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi 712100, China.
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2
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Jiang YN, Tamiya-Ishitsuka H, Aoi R, Okabe T, Yokota A, Noda N. MazEF Homologs in Symbiobacterium thermophilum Exhibit Cross-Neutralization with Non-Cognate MazEFs. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:81. [PMID: 38393159 PMCID: PMC10893535 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxin-antitoxin systems are preserved by nearly every prokaryote. The type II toxin MazF acts as a sequence-specific endoribonuclease, cleaving ribonucleotides at specific sequences that vary from three to seven bases, as has been reported in different host organisms to date. The present study characterized the MazEF module (MazEF-sth) conserved in the Symbiobacterium thermophilum IAM14863 strain, a Gram-negative syntrophic bacterium that can be supported by co-culture with multiple bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis. Based on a method combining massive parallel sequencing and the fluorometric assay, MazF-sth was determined to cleave ribonucleotides at the UACAUA motif, which is markedly similar to the motifs recognized by MazF from B. subtilis (MazF-bs), and by several MazFs from Gram-positive bacteria. MazF-sth, with mutations at conserved amino acid residues Arg29 and Thr52, lost most ribonuclease activity, indicating that these residues that are crucial for MazF-bs also play significant roles in MazF-sth catalysis. Further, cross-neutralization between MazF-sth and the non-cognate MazE-bs was discovered, and herein, the neutralization mechanism is discussed based on a protein-structure simulation via AlphaFold2 and multiple sequence alignment. The conflict between the high homology shared by these MazF amino acid sequences and the few genetic correlations among their host organisms may provide evidence of horizontal gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Nong Jiang
- Master’s/Doctoral Program in Life Science Innovation, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tamiya-Ishitsuka
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Rie Aoi
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku 162-8480, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuma Okabe
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku 162-8480, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Yokota
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naohiro Noda
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku 162-8480, Tokyo, Japan
- Master’s/Doctoral Program in Life Science Innovation, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan
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3
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Marini E, Olivença C, Ramalhete S, Aguirre AM, Ingle P, Melo MN, Antunes W, Minton NP, Hernandez G, Cordeiro TN, Sorg JA, Serrano M, Henriques AO. A sporulation signature protease is required for assembly of the spore surface layers, germination and host colonization in Clostridioides difficile. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011741. [PMID: 37956166 PMCID: PMC10681294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A genomic signature for endosporulation includes a gene coding for a protease, YabG, which in the model organism Bacillus subtilis is involved in assembly of the spore coat. We show that in the human pathogen Clostridioidesm difficile, YabG is critical for the assembly of the coat and exosporium layers of spores. YabG is produced during sporulation under the control of the mother cell-specific regulators σE and σK and associates with the spore surface layers. YabG shows an N-terminal SH3-like domain and a C-terminal domain that resembles single domain response regulators, such as CheY, yet is atypical in that the conserved phosphoryl-acceptor residue is absent. Instead, the CheY-like domain carries residues required for activity, including Cys207 and His161, the homologues of which form a catalytic diad in the B. subtilis protein, and also Asp162. The substitution of any of these residues by Ala, eliminates an auto-proteolytic activity as well as interdomain processing of CspBA, a reaction that releases the CspB protease, required for proper spore germination. An in-frame deletion of yabG or an allele coding for an inactive protein, yabGC207A, both cause misassemby of the coat and exosporium and the formation of spores that are more permeable to lysozyme and impaired in germination and host colonization. Furthermore, we show that YabG is required for the expression of at least two σK-dependent genes, cotA, coding for a coat protein, and cdeM, coding for a key determinant of exosporium assembly. Thus, YabG also impinges upon the genetic program of the mother cell possibly by eliminating a transcriptional repressor. Although this activity has not been described for the B. subtilis protein and most of the YabG substrates vary among sporeformers, the general role of the protease in the assembly of the spore surface is likely to be conserved across evolutionary distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Marini
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Carmen Olivença
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sara Ramalhete
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Andrea Martinez Aguirre
- Texas A&M University, Department of Biology, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Patrick Ingle
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel N Melo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Wilson Antunes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Nigel P Minton
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Guillem Hernandez
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Tiago N Cordeiro
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Joseph A Sorg
- Texas A&M University, Department of Biology, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mónica Serrano
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Adriano O Henriques
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República EAN, Oeiras, Portugal
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Xu S, Cao Q, Liu Z, Chen J, Yan P, Li B, Xu Y. Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Role of tmRNA on Biofilm Formation in Bacillus subtilis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071338. [PMID: 35889057 PMCID: PMC9319509 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus strains are widely distributed in terrestrial and marine environments, and some of them are used as biocontrol organisms for their biofilm-formation ability. In Bacillus subtilis, biofilm formation is fine-tuned by a complex network, a clear understanding of which still requires study. In bacteria, tmRNA, encoded by the ssrA gene, catalyzes trans-translation that can rescue ribosomes stalled on mRNA transcripts lacking a functional stop codon. tmRNA also affects physiological bioprocesses in some bacteria. In this study, we constructed a ssrA mutant in B. subtilis and found that the biofilm formation in the ssrA mutant was largely impaired. Moreover, we isolated a biofilm-formation suppressor of ssrA, in which the biofilm formation was restored to a level even stronger than that in the wild type. We further performed RNAseq assays with the wild type, ssrA mutant, and suppressor of ssrA for comparisons of their transcriptomes. By analyzing the transcriptomic data, we predicted the possible functions of some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the tmRNA regulation of biofilm formation in B. subtilis. Finally, we found that the overexpression of two DEGs, acoA and yhjR, could restore the biofilm formation in the ssrA mutant, indicating that AcoA and YhjR were immediate regulators involved in the tmRNA regulatory web controlling biofilm formation in B. subtilis. Our data can improve the knowledge about the molecular network involved in Bacillus biofilm formation and provide new targets for manipulation of Bacillus biofilms for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (S.X.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (J.C.)
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Qianqian Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (S.X.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (J.C.)
| | - Zengzhi Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (S.X.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (J.C.)
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Junpeng Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (S.X.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (J.C.)
| | - Peiguang Yan
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Bingyu Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (Y.X.)
| | - Ying Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (S.X.); (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (Y.X.)
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Yamamoto J, Chumsakul O, Toya Y, Morimoto T, Liu S, Masuda K, Kageyama Y, Hirasawa T, Matsuda F, Ogasawara N, Shimizu H, Yoshida KI, Oshima T, Ishikawa S. Constitutive expression of the global regulator AbrB restores the growth defect of a genome-reduced Bacillus subtilis strain and improves its metabolite production. DNA Res 2022; 29:6591218. [PMID: 35608323 PMCID: PMC9160880 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Partial bacterial genome reduction by genome engineering can improve the productivity of various metabolites, possibly via deletion of non-essential genome regions involved in undesirable metabolic pathways competing with pathways for the desired end products. However, such reduction may cause growth defects. Genome reduction of Bacillus subtilis MGB874 increases the productivity of cellulases and proteases but reduces their growth rate. Here, we show that this growth defect could be restored by silencing redundant or less important genes affecting exponential growth by manipulating the global transcription factor AbrB. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that AbrB-regulated genes were upregulated and those involved in central metabolic pathway and synthetic pathways of amino acids and purine/pyrimidine nucleotides were downregulated in MGB874 compared with the wild-type strain, which we speculated were the cause of the growth defects. By constitutively expressing high levels of AbrB, AbrB regulon genes were repressed, while glycolytic flux increased, thereby restoring the growth rate to wild-type levels. This manipulation also enhanced the productivity of metabolites including γ-polyglutamic acid. This study provides the first evidence that undesired features induced by genome reduction can be relieved, at least partly, by manipulating a global transcription regulation system. A similar strategy could be applied to other genome engineering-based challenges aiming toward efficient material production in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University , Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Onuma Chumsakul
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology , Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Toya
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University , Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takuya Morimoto
- Biological Science Laboratories, Kao Corporation , Akabane, Tochigi 321-3497, Japan
| | - Shenghao Liu
- Biological Science Laboratories, Kao Corporation , Akabane, Tochigi 321-3497, Japan
| | - Kenta Masuda
- Biological Science Laboratories, Kao Corporation , Akabane, Tochigi 321-3497, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kageyama
- Biological Science Laboratories, Kao Corporation , Akabane, Tochigi 321-3497, Japan
| | - Takashi Hirasawa
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology , Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8501, Japan
| | - Fumio Matsuda
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University , Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naotake Ogasawara
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology , Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimizu
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University , Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Yoshida
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University , Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Taku Oshima
- Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University , Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Shu Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University , Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
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6
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Faßhauer P, Busche T, Kalinowski J, Mäder U, Poehlein A, Daniel R, Stülke J. Functional Redundancy and Specialization of the Conserved Cold Shock Proteins in Bacillus subtilis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1434. [PMID: 34361870 PMCID: PMC8307031 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria encode so-called cold shock proteins. These proteins are characterized by a conserved protein domain. Often, the bacteria have multiple cold shock proteins that are expressed either constitutively or at low temperatures. In the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillussubtilis, two of three cold shock proteins, CspB and CspD, belong to the most abundant proteins suggesting a very important function. To get insights into the role of these highly abundant proteins, we analyzed the phenotypes of single and double mutants, tested the expression of the csp genes and the impact of CspB and CspD on global gene expression in B. subtilis. We demonstrate that the simultaneous loss of both CspB and CspD results in a severe growth defect, in the loss of genetic competence, and the appearance of suppressor mutations. Overexpression of the third cold shock protein CspC could compensate for the loss of CspB and CspD. The transcriptome analysis revealed that the lack of CspB and CspD affects the expression of about 20% of all genes. In several cases, the lack of the cold shock proteins results in an increased read-through at transcription terminators suggesting that CspB and CspD might be involved in the control of transcription termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Faßhauer
- Department of General Microbiology, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Tobias Busche
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (T.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Jörn Kalinowski
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (T.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Ulrike Mäder
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17487 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Anja Poehlein
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (A.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (A.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Jörg Stülke
- Department of General Microbiology, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
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7
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Alternative σ Factors Regulate Overlapping as Well as Distinct Stress Response and Metabolic Functions in Listeria monocytogenes under Stationary Phase Stress Condition. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040411. [PMID: 33915780 PMCID: PMC8066629 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes can regulate and fine-tune gene expression, to adapt to diverse stress conditions encountered during foodborne transmission. To further understand the contributions of alternative sigma (σ) factors to the regulation of L. monocytogenes gene expression, RNA-Seq was performed on L. monocytogenes strain 10403S and five isogenic mutants (four strains bearing in-frame null mutations in three out of four alternative σ factor genes, ΔCHL, ΔBHL, ΔBCL, and ΔBCH, and one strain bearing null mutations in all four genes, ΔBCHL), grown to stationary phase. Our data showed that 184, 35, 34, and 20 genes were positively regulated by σB, σL, σH, and σC (posterior probability > 0.9 and Fold Change (FC) > 5.0), respectively. Moreover, σB-dependent genes showed the highest FC (based on comparisons between the ΔCHL and the ΔBCHL strain), with 44 genes showing an FC > 100; only four σL-dependent, and no σH- or σC-dependent genes showed FC >100. While σB-regulated genes identified in this study are involved in stress-associated functions and metabolic pathways, σL appears to largely regulate genes involved in a few specific metabolic pathways, including positive regulation of operons encoding phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)-dependent phosphotransferase systems (PTSs). Overall, our data show that (i) σB and σL directly and indirectly regulate genes involved in several energy metabolism-related functions; (ii) alternative σ factors are involved in complex regulatory networks and appear to have epistatic effects in stationary phase cells; and (iii) σB regulates multiple stress response pathways, while σL and σH positively regulate a smaller number of specific pathways.
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Sudzinová P, Kambová M, Ramaniuk O, Benda M, Šanderová H, Krásný L. Effects of DNA Topology on Transcription from rRNA Promoters in Bacillus subtilis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010087. [PMID: 33401387 PMCID: PMC7824091 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of rRNA is one of the most energetically demanding cellular processes and, as such, it must be stringently controlled. Here, we report that DNA topology, i.e., the level of DNA supercoiling, plays a role in the regulation of Bacillus subtilis σA-dependent rRNA promoters in a growth phase-dependent manner. The more negative DNA supercoiling in exponential phase stimulates transcription from rRNA promoters, and DNA relaxation in stationary phase contributes to cessation of their activity. Novobiocin treatment of B. subtilis cells relaxes DNA and decreases rRNA promoter activity despite an increase in the GTP level, a known positive regulator of B. subtilis rRNA promoters. Comparative analyses of steps during transcription initiation then reveal differences between rRNA promoters and a control promoter, Pveg, whose activity is less affected by changes in supercoiling. Additional data then show that DNA relaxation decreases transcription also from promoters dependent on alternative sigma factors σB, σD, σE, σF, and σH with the exception of σN where the trend is the opposite. To summarize, this study identifies DNA topology as a factor important (i) for the expression of rRNA in B. subtilis in response to nutrient availability in the environment, and (ii) for transcription activities of B. subtilis RNAP holoenzymes containing alternative sigma factors.
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Vaishampayan A, Ahmed R, Wagner O, de Jong A, Haag R, Kok J, Grohmann E. Transcriptomic analysis of stress response to novel antimicrobial coatings in a clinical MRSA strain. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 119:111578. [PMID: 33321624 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multi-drug resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cause nosocomial infections that can have deleterious effects on human health. Thus, it is imperative to find solutions to treat these detrimental infections as well as to control their spread. We tested the effect of two different antimicrobial materials, functionalised graphene oxide (GOX), and AGXX® coated on cellulose fibres, on the growth and transcriptome of the clinical MRSA strain S. aureus 04-02981. In addition, we investigated the effect of a third material as a combination of GOX and AGXX® fibres on S. aureus 04-02981. Standard plate count assay revealed that the combination of fibres, GOX-AGXX® inhibited the growth of S. aureus 04-02981 by 99.98%. To assess the effect of these antimicrobials on the transcriptome of our strain, cultures of S. aureus 04-02981 were incubated with GOX, AGXX®, or GOX-AGXX® fibres for different time periods and then subjected to RNA-sequencing. Uncoated cellulose fibres were used as a negative control. The antimicrobial fibres had a huge impact on the transcriptome of S. aureus 04-02981 affecting the expression of 2650 genes. Primarily genes related to biofilm formation and virulence (such as agr, sarA, and those of the two-component system SaeRS), and genes crucial for survival in biofilms (like arginine metabolism arc genes) were repressed. In contrast, the expression of siderophore biosynthesis genes (sbn) was induced, a probable response to stress imposed by the antimicrobials and the conditions of iron-deficiency. Genes associated with potassium transport, intracellular survival and pathogenesis (kdp) were also differentially expressed. Our data suggest that the combination of GOX and AGXX® acts as an efficient antimicrobial against S. aureus 04-02981. Thus, these materials are potential candidates for applications in antimicrobial surface coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Vaishampayan
- Life Sciences and Technology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Seestrasse 64, 13347 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rameez Ahmed
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Wagner
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne de Jong
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Kok
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Grohmann
- Life Sciences and Technology, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Seestrasse 64, 13347 Berlin, Germany.
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Scheidler CM, Vrabel M, Schneider S. Genetic Code Expansion, Protein Expression, and Protein Functionalization in Bacillus subtilis. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:486-493. [PMID: 32053368 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The site-specific chemical modification of proteins through incorporation of noncanonical amino acids enables diverse applications, such as imaging, probing, and expanding protein functions, as well as to precisely engineer therapeutics. Here we report a general strategy that allows the incorporation of noncanonical amino acids into target proteins using the amber suppression method and their efficient secretion in the biotechnological relevant expression host Bacillus subtilis. This facilitates efficient purification of target proteins directly from the supernatant, followed by their functionalization using click chemistry. We used this strategy to site-specifically introduce norbornene lysine into a single chain antibody and functionalize it with fluorophores for the detection of human target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Scheidler
- Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Milan Vrabel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, Prague 6, CZ-166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Sabine Schneider
- Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Munich, 81377, Germany
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11
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Šiková M, Wiedermannová J, Převorovský M, Barvík I, Sudzinová P, Kofroňová O, Benada O, Šanderová H, Condon C, Krásný L. The torpedo effect in Bacillus subtilis: RNase J1 resolves stalled transcription complexes. EMBO J 2020; 39:e102500. [PMID: 31840842 PMCID: PMC6996504 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNase J1 is the major 5'-to-3' bacterial exoribonuclease. We demonstrate that in its absence, RNA polymerases (RNAPs) are redistributed on DNA, with increased RNAP occupancy on some genes without a parallel increase in transcriptional output. This suggests that some of these RNAPs represent stalled, non-transcribing complexes. We show that RNase J1 is able to resolve these stalled RNAP complexes by a "torpedo" mechanism, whereby RNase J1 degrades the nascent RNA and causes the transcription complex to disassemble upon collision with RNAP. A heterologous enzyme, yeast Xrn1 (5'-to-3' exonuclease), is less efficient than RNase J1 in resolving stalled Bacillus subtilis RNAP, suggesting that the effect is RNase-specific. Our results thus reveal a novel general principle, whereby an RNase can participate in genome-wide surveillance of stalled RNAP complexes, preventing potentially deleterious transcription-replication collisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Šiková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPrague 4Czech Republic
| | - Jana Wiedermannová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPrague 4Czech Republic
| | - Martin Převorovský
- Department of Cell BiologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Ivan Barvík
- Division of Biomolecular PhysicsInstitute of PhysicsCharles UniversityPrague 2Czech Republic
| | - Petra Sudzinová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPrague 4Czech Republic
| | - Olga Kofroňová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPrague 4Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Benada
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPrague 4Czech Republic
| | - Hana Šanderová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPrague 4Czech Republic
| | - Ciarán Condon
- UMR8261CNRSUniversité de ParisInstitut de Biologie Physico‐ChimiqueParisFrance
| | - Libor Krásný
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPrague 4Czech Republic
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12
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Frindert J, Zhang Y, Nübel G, Kahloon M, Kolmar L, Hotz-Wagenblatt A, Burhenne J, Haefeli WE, Jäschke A. Identification, Biosynthesis, and Decapping of NAD-Capped RNAs in B. subtilis. Cell Rep 2019; 24:1890-1901.e8. [PMID: 30110644 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) decorates various RNAs in different organisms. In the proteobacterium Escherichia coli, the NAD-cap confers stability against RNA degradation. To date, NAD-RNAs have not been identified in any other bacterial microorganism. Here, we report the identification of NAD-RNA in the firmicute Bacillus subtilis. In the late exponential growth phase, predominantly mRNAs are NAD modified. NAD is incorporated de novo into RNA by the cellular RNA polymerase using non-canonical transcription initiation. The incorporation efficiency depends on the -1 position of the promoter but is independent of sigma factors or mutations in the rifampicin binding pocket. RNA pyrophosphohydrolase BsRppH is found to decap NAD-RNA. In vitro, the decapping activity is facilitated by manganese ions and single-stranded RNA 5' ends. Depletion of BsRppH influences the gene expression of ∼13% of transcripts in B. subtilis. The NAD-cap stabilizes RNA against 5'-to-3'-exonucleolytic decay by RNase J1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Frindert
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Nübel
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Masroor Kahloon
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leonie Kolmar
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Agnes Hotz-Wagenblatt
- Bioinformatics Group, Core Facility Genomics and Proteomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DKFZ-Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Burhenne
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter E Haefeli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andres Jäschke
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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13
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da Costa WLO, Araújo CLDA, Dias LM, Pereira LCDS, Alves JTC, Araújo FA, Folador EL, Henriques I, Silva A, Folador ARC. Functional annotation of hypothetical proteins from the Exiguobacterium antarcticum strain B7 reveals proteins involved in adaptation to extreme environments, including high arsenic resistance. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198965. [PMID: 29940001 PMCID: PMC6016940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exiguobacterium antarcticum strain B7 is a psychrophilic Gram-positive bacterium that possesses enzymes that can be used for several biotechnological applications. However, many proteins from its genome are considered hypothetical proteins (HPs). These functionally unknown proteins may indicate important functions regarding the biological role of this bacterium, and the use of bioinformatics tools can assist in the biological understanding of this organism through functional annotation analysis. Thus, our study aimed to assign functions to proteins previously described as HPs, present in the genome of E. antarcticum B7. We used an extensive in silico workflow combining several bioinformatics tools for function annotation, sub-cellular localization and physicochemical characterization, three-dimensional structure determination, and protein-protein interactions. This genome contains 2772 genes, of which 765 CDS were annotated as HPs. The amino acid sequences of all HPs were submitted to our workflow and we successfully attributed function to 132 HPs. We identified 11 proteins that play important roles in the mechanisms of adaptation to adverse environments, such as flagellar biosynthesis, biofilm formation, carotenoids biosynthesis, and others. In addition, three predicted HPs are possibly related to arsenic tolerance. Through an in vitro assay, we verified that E. antarcticum B7 can grow at high concentrations of this metal. The approach used was important to precisely assign function to proteins from diverse classes and to infer relationships with proteins with functions already described in the literature. This approach aims to produce a better understanding of the mechanism by which this bacterium adapts to extreme environments and to the finding of targets with biotechnological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wana Lailan Oliveira da Costa
- Laboratory of Genomic and Bioinformatics, Center of Genomics and System Biology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Carlos Leonardo de Aragão Araújo
- Laboratory of Genomic and Bioinformatics, Center of Genomics and System Biology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Larissa Maranhão Dias
- Laboratory of Genomic and Bioinformatics, Center of Genomics and System Biology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Lino César de Sousa Pereira
- Laboratory of Genomic and Bioinformatics, Center of Genomics and System Biology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jorianne Thyeska Castro Alves
- Laboratory of Genomic and Bioinformatics, Center of Genomics and System Biology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Almeida Araújo
- Laboratory of Genomic and Bioinformatics, Center of Genomics and System Biology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Edson Luiz Folador
- Biotechnology Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Isabel Henriques
- Biology Department & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Artur Silva
- Laboratory of Genomic and Bioinformatics, Center of Genomics and System Biology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Adriana Ribeiro Carneiro Folador
- Laboratory of Genomic and Bioinformatics, Center of Genomics and System Biology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- * E-mail: ,
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14
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Mašlaňová I, Wertheimer Z, Sedláček I, Švec P, Indráková A, Kovařovic V, Schumann P, Spröer C, Králová S, Šedo O, Krištofová L, Vrbovská V, Füzik T, Petráš P, Zdráhal Z, Ružičková V, Doškař J, Pantuček R. Description and Comparative Genomics of Macrococcus caseolyticus subsp. hominis subsp. nov., Macrococcus goetzii sp. nov., Macrococcus epidermidis sp. nov., and Macrococcus bohemicus sp. nov., Novel Macrococci From Human Clinical Material With Virulence Potential and Suspected Uptake of Foreign DNA by Natural Transformation. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1178. [PMID: 29951040 PMCID: PMC6008420 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Macrococcus is a close relative of the genus Staphylococcus. Whilst staphylococci are widespread as human pathogens, macrococci have not yet been reported from human clinical specimens. Here we investigated Gram-positive and catalase-positive cocci recovered from human clinical material and identified as Macrococcus sp. by a polyphasic taxonomic approach and by comparative genomics. Relevant phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic methods divided the analyzed strains into two separate clusters within the genus Macrococcus. Comparative genomics of four representative strains revealed enormous genome structural plasticity among the studied isolates. We hypothesize that high genomic variability is due to the presence of a com operon, which plays a key role in the natural transformation of bacilli and streptococci. The possible uptake of exogenous DNA by macrococci can contribute to a different mechanism of evolution from staphylococci, where phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer predominates. The described macrococcal genomes harbor novel plasmids, genomic islands and islets, as well as prophages. Capsule gene clusters, intracellular protease, and a fibronectin-binding protein enabling opportunistic pathogenesis were found in all four strains. Furthermore, the presence of a CRISPR-Cas system with 90 spacers in one of the sequenced genomes corresponds with the need to limit the burden of foreign DNA. The highly dynamic genomes could serve as a platform for the exchange of virulence and resistance factors, as was described for the methicillin resistance gene, which was found on the novel composite SCCmec-like element containing a unique mec gene complex that is considered to be one of the missing links in SCC evolution. The phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic results demonstrated that the analyzed strains represent one novel subspecies and three novel species of the genus Macrococcus, for which the names Macrococcus caseolyticus subsp. hominis subsp. nov. (type strain CCM 7927T = DSM 103682T), Macrococcus goetzii sp. nov. (type strain CCM 4927T = DSM 103683T), Macrococcus epidermidis sp. nov. (type strain CCM 7099T = DSM 103681T), and Macrococcus bohemicus sp. nov. (type strain CCM 7100T = DSM 103680T) are proposed. Moreover, a formal description of Macrococcus caseolyticus subsp. caseolyticus subsp. nov. and an emended description of the genus Macrococcus are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Mašlaňová
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Wertheimer
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ivo Sedláček
- Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pavel Švec
- Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Adéla Indráková
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vojtěch Kovařovic
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Peter Schumann
- Leibniz Institute Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Cathrin Spröer
- Leibniz Institute Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stanislava Králová
- Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Šedo
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Lucie Krištofová
- Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Veronika Vrbovská
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Tibor Füzik
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Petr Petráš
- Reference Laboratory for Staphylococci, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Zbyněk Zdráhal
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vladislava Ružičková
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jiří Doškař
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Roman Pantuček
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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15
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Hingston P, Chen J, Allen K, Truelstrup Hansen L, Wang S. Strand specific RNA-sequencing and membrane lipid profiling reveals growth phase-dependent cold stress response mechanisms in Listeria monocytogenes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180123. [PMID: 28662112 PMCID: PMC5491136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes continues to pose a challenge in the food industry, where it is known to contaminate ready-to-eat foods and grow during refrigerated storage. Increased knowledge of the cold-stress response of this pathogen will enhance the ability to control it in the food-supply-chain. This study utilized strand-specific RNA sequencing and whole cell fatty acid (FA) profiling to characterize the bacterium's cold stress response. RNA and FAs were extracted from a cold-tolerant strain at five time points between early lag phase and late stationary-phase, both at 4°C and 20°C. Overall, more genes (1.3×) were suppressed than induced at 4°C. Late stationary-phase cells exhibited the greatest number (n = 1,431) and magnitude (>1,000-fold) of differentially expressed genes (>2-fold, p<0.05) in response to cold. A core set of 22 genes was upregulated at all growth phases, including nine genes required for branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) synthesis, the osmolyte transporter genes opuCBCD, and the internalin A and D genes. Genes suppressed at 4°C were largely associated with cobalamin (B12) biosynthesis or the production/export of cell wall components. Antisense transcription accounted for up to 1.6% of total mapped reads with higher levels (2.5×) observed at 4°C than 20°C. The greatest number of upregulated antisense transcripts at 4°C occurred in early lag phase, however, at both temperatures, antisense expression levels were highest in late stationary-phase cells. Cold-induced FA membrane changes included a 15% increase in the proportion of BCFAs and a 15% transient increase in unsaturated FAs between lag and exponential phase. These increases probably reduced the membrane phase transition temperature until optimal levels of BCFAs could be produced. Collectively, this research provides new information regarding cold-induced membrane composition changes in L. monocytogenes, the growth-phase dependency of its cold-stress regulon, and the active roles of antisense transcripts in regulating its cold stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Hingston
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jessica Chen
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin Allen
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Siyun Wang
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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16
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Sadiq FA, Flint S, Li Y, Liu T, Lei Y, Sakandar HA, He G. New mechanistic insights into the motile-to-sessile switch in various bacteria with particular emphasis on Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a review. BIOFOULING 2017; 33:306-326. [PMID: 28347177 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2017.1304541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A biofilm is a complex assemblage of microbial communities adhered to a biotic or an abiotic surface which is embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Many transcriptional regulators play a role in triggering a motile-sessile switch and in consequently producing the biofilm matrix. This review is aimed at highlighting the role of two nucleotide signaling molecules (c-di-GMP and c-di-AMP), toxin antitoxin modules and a novel transcriptional regulator BolA in biofilm formation in various bacteria. In addition, it highlights the common themes that have appeared in recent research regarding the key regulatory components and signal transduction pathways that help Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to acquire the biofilm mode of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan A Sadiq
- a College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Steve Flint
- b School of Food and Nutrition , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - Yun Li
- c School of Life Sciences and Food Technology , Hanshan Normal University , Chaozhou , PR China
| | - TongJie Liu
- a College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Yuan Lei
- a College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| | | | - GuoQing He
- a College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
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17
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Pleiotropic Regulation of Virulence Genes in Streptococcus mutans by the Conserved Small Protein SprV. J Bacteriol 2017; 199:JB.00847-16. [PMID: 28167518 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00847-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus mutans, an oral pathogen associated with dental caries, colonizes tooth surfaces as polymicrobial biofilms known as dental plaque. S. mutans expresses several virulence factors that allow the organism to tolerate environmental fluctuations and compete with other microorganisms. We recently identified a small hypothetical protein (90 amino acids) essential for the normal growth of the bacterium. Inactivation of the gene, SMU.2137, encoding this protein caused a significant growth defect and loss of various virulence-associated functions. An S. mutans strain lacking this gene was more sensitive to acid, temperature, osmotic, oxidative, and DNA damage-inducing stresses. In addition, we observed an altered protein profile and defects in biofilm formation, bacteriocin production, and natural competence development, possibly due to the fitness defect associated with SMU.2137 deletion. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that nearly 20% of the S. mutans genes were differentially expressed upon SMU.2137 deletion, thereby suggesting a pleiotropic effect. Therefore, we have renamed this hitherto uncharacterized gene as sprV (streptococcal pleiotropic regulator of virulence). The transcript levels of several relevant genes in the sprV mutant corroborated the phenotypes observed upon sprV deletion. Owing to its highly conserved nature, inactivation of the sprV ortholog in Streptococcus gordonii also resulted in poor growth and defective UV tolerance and competence development as in the case of S. mutans Our experiments suggest that SprV is functionally distinct from its homologs identified by structure and sequence homology. Nonetheless, our current work is aimed at understanding the importance of SprV in the S. mutans biology.IMPORTANCEStreptococcus mutans employs several virulence factors and stress resistance mechanisms to colonize tooth surfaces and cause dental caries. Bacterial pathogenesis is generally controlled by regulators of fitness that are critical for successful disease establishment. Sometimes these regulators, which are potential targets for antimicrobials, are lost in the genomic context due to the lack of annotated homologs. This work outlines the regulatory impact of a small, highly conserved hypothetical protein, SprV, encoded by S. mutans We show that SprV affects the transcript levels of various virulence factors required for normal growth, biofilm formation, stress tolerance, genetic competence, and bacteriocin production.
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18
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Kröber M, Verwaaijen B, Wibberg D, Winkler A, Pühler A, Schlüter A. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the biocontrol strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 as response to biofilm formation analyzed by RNA sequencing. J Biotechnol 2016; 231:212-223. [PMID: 27312701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 is a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) and biocontrol agent known to keep infections of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) by the phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani down. Several mechanisms, including the production of secondary metabolites possessing antimicrobial properties and induction of the host plant's systemic resistance (ISR), were proposed to explain the biocontrol effect of the strain. B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 is able to form plaques (biofilm-like structures) on plant roots and this feature was discussed to be associated with its biocontrol properties. For this reason, formation of B. amyloliquefaciens biofilms was studied at the transcriptional level using high-throughput sequencing of whole transcriptome cDNA libraries from cells grown under biofilm-forming conditions vs. planktonic growth. Comparison of the transcriptional profiles of B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 under these growth conditions revealed a common set of highly transcribed genes mostly associated with basic cellular functions. The lci gene, encoding an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), was among the most highly transcribed genes of cells under both growth conditions suggesting that AMP production may contribute to biocontrol. In contrast, gene clusters coding for synthesis of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties were only moderately transcribed and not induced in biofilm-forming cells. Differential gene expression revealed that 331 genes were significantly up-regulated and 230 genes were down-regulated in the transcriptome of B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 under biofilm-forming conditions in comparison to planktonic cells. Among the most highly up-regulated genes, the yvqHI operon, coding for products involved in nisin (class I bacteriocin) resistance, was identified. In addition, an operon whose products play a role in fructosamine metabolism was enhanced in its transcription. Moreover, genes involved in the production of the extracellular biofilm matrix including exopolysaccharide genes (eps) and the yqxM-tasA-sipW operon encoding amyloid fiber synthesis were up-regulated in the B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 biofilm. On the other hand, highly down-regulated genes in biofilms are associated with synthesis, assembly and regulation of the flagellar apparatus, the degradation of aromatic compounds and the export of copper. The obtained transcriptional profile for B. amyloliquefaciens biofilm cells uncovered genes involved in its development and enabled the assessment that synthesis of secondary metabolites among other factors may contribute to the biocontrol properties of the strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kröber
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Bart Verwaaijen
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Daniel Wibberg
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Anika Winkler
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alfred Pühler
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlüter
- Genome Research of Industrial Microorganisms, Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
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19
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Raindlová V, Janoušková M, Slavíčková M, Perlíková P, Boháčová S, Milisavljevič N, Šanderová H, Benda M, Barvík I, Krásný L, Hocek M. Influence of major-groove chemical modifications of DNA on transcription by bacterial RNA polymerases. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:3000-12. [PMID: 27001521 PMCID: PMC4838386 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA templates containing a set of base modifications in the major groove (5-substituted pyrimidines or 7-substituted 7-deazapurines bearing H, methyl, vinyl, ethynyl or phenyl groups) were prepared by PCR using the corresponding base-modified 2′-deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). The modified templates were used in an in vitro transcription assay using RNA polymerase from Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Some modified nucleobases bearing smaller modifications (H, Me in 7-deazapurines) were perfectly tolerated by both enzymes, whereas bulky modifications (Ph at any nucleobase) and, surprisingly, uracil blocked transcription. Some middle-sized modifications (vinyl or ethynyl) were partly tolerated mostly by the E. coli enzyme. In all cases where the transcription proceeded, full length RNA product with correct sequence was obtained indicating that the modifications of the template are not mutagenic and the inhibition is probably at the stage of initiation. The results are promising for the development of bioorthogonal reactions for artificial chemical switching of the transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Raindlová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Gilead & IOCB Research Center, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Janoušková
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, CZ-14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Slavíčková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Gilead & IOCB Research Center, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Perlíková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Gilead & IOCB Research Center, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Soňa Boháčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Gilead & IOCB Research Center, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Nemanja Milisavljevič
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Gilead & IOCB Research Center, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Šanderová
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, CZ-14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Benda
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, CZ-14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Barvík
- Division of Biomolecular Physics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University in Prague, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Krásný
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, CZ-14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Hocek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Gilead & IOCB Research Center, Flemingovo nam. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Hlavova 8, CZ-12843 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Matrix Production, Pigment Synthesis, and Sporulation in a Marine Isolated Strain of Bacillus pumilus. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:6472-88. [PMID: 26506360 PMCID: PMC4626701 DOI: 10.3390/md13106472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to produce an extracellular matrix and form multicellular communities is an adaptive behavior shared by many bacteria. In Bacillus subtilis, the model system for spore-forming bacteria, matrix production is one of the possible differentiation pathways that a cell can follow when vegetative growth is no longer feasible. While in B. subtilis the genetic system controlling matrix production has been studied in detail, it is still unclear whether other spore formers utilize similar mechanisms. We report that SF214, a pigmented strain of Bacillus pumilus isolated from the marine environment, can produce an extracellular matrix relying on orthologs of many of the genes known to be important for matrix synthesis in B. subtilis. We also report a characterization of the carbohydrates forming the extracellular matrix of strain SF214. The isolation and characterization of mutants altered in matrix synthesis, pigmentation, and spore formation suggest that in strain SF214 the three processes are strictly interconnected and regulated by a common molecular mechanism.
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Murayama S, Ishikawa S, Chumsakul O, Ogasawara N, Oshima T. The Role of α-CTD in the Genome-Wide Transcriptional Regulation of the Bacillus subtilis Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131588. [PMID: 26154296 PMCID: PMC4495994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The amino acid sequence of the RNA polymerase (RNAP) α-subunit is well conserved throughout the Eubacteria. Its C-terminal domain (α-CTD) is important for the transcriptional regulation of specific promoters in both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, through interactions with transcription factors and/or a DNA element called the "UP element". However, there is only limited information regarding the α-CTD regulated genes in B. subtilis and the importance of this subunit in the transcriptional regulation of B. subtilis. Here, we established strains and the growth conditions in which the α-subunit of RNAP was replaced with a C-terminally truncated version. Transcriptomic and ChAP-chip analyses revealed that α-CTD deficiency reduced the transcription and RNAP binding of genes related to the utilization of secondary carbon sources, transition state responses, and ribosome synthesis. In E. coli, it is known that α-CTD also contributes to the expression of genes related to the utilization of secondary carbon sources and ribosome synthesis. Our results suggest that the biological importance of α-CTD is conserved in B. subtilis and E. coli, but that its specific roles have diversified between these two bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satohiko Murayama
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916–5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630–0192, Japan
| | - Shu Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916–5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630–0192, Japan
| | - Onuma Chumsakul
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916–5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630–0192, Japan
| | - Naotake Ogasawara
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916–5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630–0192, Japan
| | - Taku Oshima
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916–5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630–0192, Japan
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Regulation of the response regulator gene degU through the binding of SinR/SlrR and exclusion of SinR/SlrR by DegU in Bacillus subtilis. J Bacteriol 2013; 196:873-81. [PMID: 24317403 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01321-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis DegU is a response regulator of the DegS-DegU two-component regulatory system. Phosphorylated DegU (DegU-P) controls many genes and biological processes, such as exoprotease and γ-polyglutamic acid production, in addition to the degU gene, by binding to target gene promoters. Nonphosphorylated DegU and low levels of DegU-P are required for swarming motility and genetic competence. The DNA-binding repressors SinR and SlrR are part of a double-negative feedback loop and comprise the epigenetic switch governing biofilm formation. In this study, we found that SinR repressed degU. Furthermore, SlrR, which interacts with SinR through protein-protein interaction, seems to have an active role in degU expression in in vivo lacZ analysis. An in vitro transcription assay supported this observation. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that SinR bound to the degU promoter and that SlrR formed a complex with SinR on the degU promoter. In EMSA, DegU-P excluded the SinR/SlrR complex but not SinR from the degU promoter in the presence of RNA polymerase. These findings suggest that DegU-P interacts with SlrR. In support of this hypothesis, disruption of the slrR gene resulted in decreased degU expression. This newly identified regulatory mechanism for degU is considered to be sequential transcription factor replacement.
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