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Carvia-Hermoso C, Cuéllar V, Bernabéu-Roda LM, van Dillewijn P, Soto MJ. Sinorhizobium meliloti GR4 Produces Chromosomal- and pSymA-Encoded Type IVc Pili That Influence the Interaction with Alfalfa Plants. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:628. [PMID: 38475474 DOI: 10.3390/plants13050628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Type IVc Pili (T4cP), also known as Tad or Flp pili, are long thin microbial filaments that are made up of small-sized pilins. These appendages serve different functions in bacteria, including attachment, biofilm formation, surface sensing, motility, and host colonization. Despite their relevant role in diverse microbial lifestyles, knowledge about T4cP in bacteria that establish symbiosis with legumes, collectively referred to as rhizobia, is still limited. Sinorhizobium meliloti contains two clusters of T4cP-related genes: flp-1 and flp-2, which are located on the chromosome and the pSymA megaplasmid, respectively. Bundle-forming pili associated with flp-1 are involved in the competitive nodulation of alfalfa plants, but the role of flp-2 remains elusive. In this work, we have performed a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of T4cP genes in the highly competitive S. meliloti GR4 strain and investigated the role of its flp clusters in pilus biogenesis, motility, and in the interaction with alfalfa. Single and double flp-cluster mutants were constructed on the wild-type genetic background as well as in a flagellaless derivative strain. Our data demonstrate that both chromosomal and pSymA flp clusters are functional in pili biogenesis and contribute to surface translocation and nodule formation efficiency in GR4. In this strain, the presence of flp-1 in the absence of flp-2 reduces the competitiveness for nodule occupation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Carvia-Hermoso
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Virginia Cuéllar
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Lydia M Bernabéu-Roda
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Pieter van Dillewijn
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - María J Soto
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
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Fuentes-Romero F, Alías-Villegas C, Navarro-Gómez P, Acosta-Jurado S, Bernabéu-Roda LM, Cuéllar V, Soto MJ, Vinardell JM. Methods for Studying Swimming and Surface Motilities in Rhizobia. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2751:205-217. [PMID: 38265718 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3617-6_13] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Rhizobia are soil proteobacteria able to establish a nitrogen-fixing interaction with legumes. In this interaction, rhizobia must colonize legume roots, infect them, and become hosted inside new organs formed by the plants and called nodules. Rhizobial motility, not being essential for symbiosis, might affect the degree of success of the interaction with legumes. Because of this, the study of rhizobial motility (either swimming or surface motility) might be of interest for research teams working on rhizobial symbiotic performance. In this chapter, we describe the protocols we use in our laboratories for studying the different types of motilities exhibited by Sinorhizobium fredii and Sinorhizobium meliloti, as well as for analyzing the presence of flagella in these bacteria. All these protocols might be used (or adapted) for studying bacterial motility in rhizobia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia Alías-Villegas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Junta de Andalucía, Seville, Spain
| | - Pilar Navarro-Gómez
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Sebastián Acosta-Jurado
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Junta de Andalucía, Seville, Spain
| | - Lydia M Bernabéu-Roda
- Department ofBiotechnology and EnvironmentalProtection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Virginia Cuéllar
- Department ofBiotechnology and EnvironmentalProtection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - María J Soto
- Department ofBiotechnology and EnvironmentalProtection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - José M Vinardell
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
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Brito-Santana P, Duque-Pedraza JJ, Bernabéu-Roda LM, Carvia-Hermoso C, Cuéllar V, Fuentes-Romero F, Acosta-Jurado S, Vinardell JM, Soto MJ. Sinorhizobium meliloti DnaJ Is Required for Surface Motility, Stress Tolerance, and for Efficient Nodulation and Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065848. [PMID: 36982921 PMCID: PMC10055731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial surface motility is a complex microbial trait that contributes to host colonization. However, the knowledge about regulatory mechanisms that control surface translocation in rhizobia and their role in the establishment of symbiosis with legumes is still limited. Recently, 2-tridecanone (2-TDC) was identified as an infochemical in bacteria that hampers microbial colonization of plants. In the alfalfa symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti, 2-TDC promotes a mode of surface motility that is mostly independent of flagella. To understand the mechanism of action of 2-TDC in S. meliloti and unveil genes putatively involved in plant colonization, Tn5 transposants derived from a flagellaless strain that were impaired in 2-TDC-induced surface spreading were isolated and genetically characterized. In one of the mutants, the gene coding for the chaperone DnaJ was inactivated. Characterization of this transposant and newly obtained flagella-minus and flagella-plus dnaJ deletion mutants revealed that DnaJ is essential for surface translocation, while it plays a minor role in swimming motility. DnaJ loss-of-function reduces salt and oxidative stress tolerance in S. meliloti and hinders the establishment of efficient symbiosis by affecting nodule formation efficiency, cellular infection, and nitrogen fixation. Intriguingly, the lack of DnaJ causes more severe defects in a flagellaless background. This work highlights the role of DnaJ in the free-living and symbiotic lifestyles of S. meliloti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Brito-Santana
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Julián J Duque-Pedraza
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Lydia M Bernabéu-Roda
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Carvia-Hermoso
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Virginia Cuéllar
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Fuentes-Romero
- Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sebastián Acosta-Jurado
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CSIC, Junta de Andalucía, Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - José-María Vinardell
- Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - María J Soto
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, 18008 Granada, Spain
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4
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Yuan X, Eldred LI, Sundin GW. Exopolysaccharides amylovoran and levan contribute to sliding motility in the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:4738-4754. [PMID: 36054324 PMCID: PMC9826367 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16193] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Erwinia amylovora, the causative agent of fire blight, uses flagella-based motilities to translocate to host plant natural openings; however, little is known about how this bacterium migrates systemically in the apoplast. Here, we reveal a novel surface motility mechanism, defined as sliding, in E. amylovora. Deletion of flagella assembly genes did not affect this movement, whereas deletion of biosynthesis genes for the exopolysaccharides (EPSs) amylovoran and levan resulted in non-sliding phenotypes. Since EPS production generates osmotic pressure that potentially powers sliding, we validated this mechanism by demonstrating that water potential positively contributes to sliding. In addition, no sliding was observed when the water potential of the surface was lower than -0.5 MPa. Sliding is a passive motility mechanism. We further show that the force of gravity plays a critical role in directing E. amylovora sliding on unconfined surfaces but has a negligible effect when cells are sliding in confined microcapillaries, in which EPS-dependent osmotic pressure acts as the main force. Although amylovoran and levan are both required for sliding, we demonstrate that they exhibit different roles in bacterial communities. In summary, our study provides fundamental knowledge for a better understanding of mechanisms that drive bacterial sliding motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Yuan
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Lauren I. Eldred
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - George W. Sundin
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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Jautzus T, van Gestel J, Kovács ÁT. Complex extracellular biology drives surface competition during colony expansion in Bacillus subtilis. THE ISME JOURNAL 2022; 16:2320-2328. [PMID: 35790818 PMCID: PMC9477810 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Many bacteria grow on surfaces in nature, where they form cell collectives that compete for space. Within these collectives, cells often secrete molecules that benefit surface spreading by, for example, reducing surface tension or promoting filamentous growth. Although we have a detailed understanding of how these molecules are produced, much remains unknown about their role in surface competition. Here we examine sliding motility in Bacillus subtilis and compare how secreted molecules, essential for sliding, affect intraspecific cooperation and competition on a surface. We specifically examine (i) the lipopeptide surfactin, (ii) the hydrophobin protein BslA, and (iii) exopolysaccharides (EPS). We find that these molecules have a distinct effect on surface competition. Whereas surfactin acts like a common good, which is costly to produce and benefits cells throughout the surface, BslA and EPS are cost-free and act locally. Accordingly, surfactin deficient mutants can exploit the wild-type strain in competition for space, while BslA and EPS mutants cannot. Supported by a mathematical model, we show that three factors are important in predicting the outcome of surface competition: the costs of molecule synthesis, the private benefits of molecule production, and the diffusion rate. Our results underscore the intricate extracellular biology that can drive bacterial surface competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Jautzus
- Terrestrial Biofilms Group, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Jordi van Gestel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Ákos T Kovács
- Terrestrial Biofilms Group, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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Alías-Villegas C, Fuentes-Romero F, Cuéllar V, Navarro-Gómez P, Soto MJ, Vinardell JM, Acosta-Jurado S. Surface Motility Regulation of Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 by Plant Flavonoids and the NodD1, TtsI, NolR, and MucR1 Symbiotic Bacterial Regulators. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7698. [PMID: 35887044 PMCID: PMC9316994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria can spread on surfaces to colonize new environments and access more resources. Rhizobia, a group of α- and β-Proteobacteria, establish nitrogen-fixing symbioses with legumes that rely on a complex signal interchange between the partners. Flavonoids exuded by plant roots and the bacterial transcriptional activator NodD control the transcription of different rhizobial genes (the so-called nod regulon) and, together with additional bacterial regulatory proteins (such as TtsI, MucR or NolR), influence the production of different rhizobial molecular signals. In Sinorhizobium fredii HH103, flavonoids and NodD have a negative effect on exopolysaccharide production and biofilm production. Since biofilm formation and motility are often inversely regulated, we have analysed whether flavonoids may influence the translocation of S. fredii HH103 on surfaces. We show that the presence of nod gene-inducing flavonoids does not affect swimming but promotes a mode of surface translocation, which involves both flagella-dependent and -independent mechanisms. This surface motility is regulated in a flavonoid-NodD1-TtsI-dependent manner, relies on the assembly of the symbiotic type 3 secretion system (T3SS), and involves the participation of additional modulators of the nod regulon (NolR and MucR1). To our knowledge, this is the first evidence indicating the participation of T3SS in surface motility in a plant-interacting bacterium. Interestingly, flavonoids acting as nod-gene inducers also participate in the inverse regulation of surface motility and biofilm formation, which could contribute to a more efficient plant colonisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Alías-Villegas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CSIC/Junta de Andalucía, Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - Francisco Fuentes-Romero
- Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; (F.F.-R.); (P.N.-G.)
| | - Virginia Cuéllar
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Departamento de Biotecnología y Protección Ambiental, 18008 Granada, Spain; (V.C.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Pilar Navarro-Gómez
- Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; (F.F.-R.); (P.N.-G.)
| | - María J. Soto
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Departamento de Biotecnología y Protección Ambiental, 18008 Granada, Spain; (V.C.); (M.J.S.)
| | - José-María Vinardell
- Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; (F.F.-R.); (P.N.-G.)
| | - Sebastián Acosta-Jurado
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CSIC/Junta de Andalucía, Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain;
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Frequency modulation of a bacterial quorum sensing response. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2772. [PMID: 35589697 PMCID: PMC9120067 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30307-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In quorum sensing, bacteria secrete or release small molecules into the environment that, once they reach a certain threshold, trigger a behavioural change in the population. As the concentration of these so-called autoinducers is supposed to reflect population density, they were originally assumed to be continuously produced by all cells in a population. However, here we show that in the α-proteobacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti expression of the autoinducer synthase gene is realized in asynchronous stochastic pulses that result from scarcity and, presumably, low binding affinity of the key activator. Physiological cues modulate pulse frequency, and pulse frequency in turn modulates the velocity with which autoinducer levels in the environment reach the threshold to trigger the quorum sensing response. We therefore propose that frequency-modulated pulsing in S. meliloti represents the molecular mechanism for a collective decision-making process in which each cell's physiological state and need for behavioural adaptation is encoded in the pulse frequency with which it expresses the autoinducer synthase gene; the pulse frequencies of all members of the population are then integrated in the common pool of autoinducers, and only once this vote crosses the threshold, the response behaviour is initiated.
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8
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Refactoring transcription factors for metabolic engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 57:107935. [PMID: 35271945 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Due to the ability to regulate target metabolic pathways globally and dynamically, metabolic regulation systems composed of transcription factors have been widely used in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. This review introduced the categories, action principles, prediction strategies, and related databases of transcription factors. Then, the application of global transcription machinery engineering technology and the transcription factor-based biosensors and quorum sensing systems are overviewed. In addition, strategies for optimizing the transcriptional regulatory tools' performance by refactoring transcription factors are summarized. Finally, the current limitations and prospects of constructing various regulatory tools based on transcription factors are discussed. This review will provide theoretical guidance for the rational design and construction of transcription factor-based metabolic regulation systems.
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Identification of a Novel Pyruvyltransferase Using 13C Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance To Analyze Rhizobial Exopolysaccharides. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0040321. [PMID: 34606371 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00403-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The alphaproteobacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti secretes two acidic exopolysaccharides (EPSs), succinoglycan (EPSI) and galactoglucan (EPSII), which differentially enable it to adapt to a changing environment. Succinoglycan is essential for invasion of plant hosts and, thus, for the formation of nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Galactoglucan is critical for population-based behaviors such as swarming and biofilm formation and can facilitate invasion in the absence of succinoglycan on some host plants. The biosynthesis of galactoglucan is not as completely understood as that of succinoglycan. We devised a pipeline to identify putative pyruvyltransferase and acetyltransferase genes, construct genomic deletions in strains engineered to produce either succinoglycan or galactoglucan, and analyze EPS from mutant bacterial strains. EPS samples were examined by 13C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning (CPMAS) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). CPMAS NMR is uniquely suited to defining chemical composition in complex samples and enables the detection and quantification of distinct EPS functional groups. Galactoglucan was isolated from mutant strains with deletions in five candidate acyl/acetyltransferase genes (exoZ, exoH, SMb20810, SMb21188, and SMa1016) and a putative pyruvyltransferase (wgaE or SMb21322). Most samples were similar in composition to wild-type EPSII by CPMAS NMR analysis. However, galactoglucan produced from a strain lacking wgaE exhibited a significant reduction in pyruvylation. Pyruvylation was restored through the ectopic expression of plasmid-borne wgaE. Our work has thus identified WgaE as a galactoglucan pyruvyltransferase. This exemplifies how the systematic combination of genetic analyses and solid-state NMR detection is a rapid means to identify genes responsible for modification of rhizobial exopolysaccharides. IMPORTANCE Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are crucial for geochemical cycles and global nitrogen nutrition. Symbioses between legumes and rhizobial bacteria establish root nodules, where bacteria convert dinitrogen to ammonia for plant utilization. Secreted exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by Sinorhizobium meliloti (succinoglycan and galactoglucan) play important roles in soil and plant environments. The biosynthesis of galactoglucan is not as well characterized as that of succinoglycan. We employed solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to examine intact EPS from wild-type and mutant S. meliloti strains. NMR analysis of EPS isolated from a wgaE gene mutant revealed a novel pyruvyltransferase that modifies galactoglucan. Few EPS pyruvyltransferases have been characterized. Our work provides insight into the biosynthesis of an important S. meliloti EPS and expands the knowledge of enzymes that modify polysaccharides.
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Analyzing the Effect of Strigolactones on the Motility Behavior of Rhizobia. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34028681 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1429-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
In the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis, strigolactones (SLs) promote root nodule formation; however, the exact mechanism underlying this positive effect remains unknown. The recent finding that an SL receptor legume mutant shows a wild-type nodulation phenotype suggests that SLs influence the symbiosis by acting on the bacterial partner. In agreement with this, the application of the synthetic SL analog GR24 on the alfalfa symbiont Sinorhizobium (Ensifer) meliloti has been shown to stimulate swarming, a specialized bacterial surface motility, which could influence infection of legumes by Rhizobia. Surface motility assays for many bacteria, and particularly for Rhizobia, are challenging. The establishment of protocols to study bacterial surface motility is key to decipher the role of SLs as rhizosphere cues for rhizobacteria. In this chapter, we describe a set of protocols implemented to study the different types of motility exhibited by S. meliloti.
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11
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Primo E, Bogino P, Cossovich S, Foresto E, Nievas F, Giordano W. Exopolysaccharide II Is Relevant for the Survival of Sinorhizobium meliloti under Water Deficiency and Salinity Stress. Molecules 2020; 25:E4876. [PMID: 33105680 PMCID: PMC7659973 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sinorhizobium meliloti is a soil bacterium of great agricultural importance because of its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in symbiotic association with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) roots. We looked into the involvement of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in its survival when exposed to different environmental stressors, as well as in bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-substrate interactions. The strains used were wild-type Rm8530 and two strains that are defective in the biosynthesis of EPS II: wild-type Rm1021, which has a non-functional expR locus, and mutant Rm8530 expA. Under stress by water deficiency, Rm8530 remained viable and increased in number, whereas Rm1021 and Rm8530 expA did not. These differences could be due to Rm8530's ability to produce EPS II. Survival experiments under saline stress showed that viability was reduced for Rm1021 but not for Rm8530 or Rm8530 expA, which suggests the existence of some regulating mechanism dependent on a functional expR that is absent in Rm1021. The results of salinity-induced stress assays regarding biofilm-forming capacity (BFC) and autoaggregation indicated the protective role of EPS II. As a whole, our observations demonstrate that EPS play major roles in rhizobacterial survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Walter Giordano
- Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud (INBIAS), CONICET, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Río Cuarto X5804BYA, Córdoba, Argentina; (E.P.); (P.B.); (S.C.); (E.F.); (F.N.)
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12
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McIntosh M, Serrania J, Lacanna E. A novel LuxR-type solo of Sinorhizobium meliloti, NurR, is regulated by the chromosome replication coordinator, DnaA and activates quorum sensing. Mol Microbiol 2019; 112:678-698. [PMID: 31124196 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The genome of Sinorhizobium meliloti, a model for studying plant-bacteria symbiosis, contains eight genes coding for LuxR-like proteins. Two of these, SinR and ExpR, are essential for quorum sensing (QS). Roles and regulation surrounding the others are mostly unknown. Here, we reveal the DNA recognition sequence and regulon of the LuxR-like protein SMc00877. Unlike ExpR, which uses the long-chain acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) as inducers, SMc00877 functioned independently of AHLs and was even functional in Escherichia coli. A target of SMc00877 is SinR, the major regulator of AHL production in S. meliloti. Disruption of SMc00877 decreased AHL production. A weaker production of AHLs resulted in smaller microcolonies, starting from single cells, and delayed AHL-dependent regulation. SMc00877 was expressed only in growing cells in the presence of replete nutrients. Therefore, we renamed it NurR (nutrient sensitive LuxR-like regulator). We traced this nutrient-sensitive expression to transcription control by the DNA replication initiation factor, DnaA, which is essential for growth. These results indicate that NurR has a role in modulating the threshold of QS activation according to growth. We propose growth behavior as an additional prerequisite to population density for the activation of QS in S. meliloti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew McIntosh
- LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 35043, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 35043, Germany.,Institut für Mikrobiologie und Molekularbiologie, Universität Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Javier Serrania
- LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 35043, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 35043, Germany
| | - Egidio Lacanna
- LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 35043, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 35043, Germany
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Calatrava-Morales N, McIntosh M, Soto MJ. Regulation Mediated by N-Acyl Homoserine Lactone Quorum Sensing Signals in the Rhizobium-Legume Symbiosis. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9050263. [PMID: 29783703 PMCID: PMC5977203 DOI: 10.3390/genes9050263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil-dwelling bacteria collectively referred to as rhizobia synthesize and perceive N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signals to regulate gene expression in a population density-dependent manner. AHL-mediated signaling in these bacteria regulates several functions which are important for the establishment of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with legume plants. Moreover, rhizobial AHL act as interkingdom signals triggering plant responses that impact the plant-bacteria interaction. Both the regulatory mechanisms that control AHL synthesis in rhizobia and the set of bacterial genes and associated traits under quorum sensing (QS) control vary greatly among the rhizobial species. In this article, we focus on the well-known QS system of the alfalfa symbiont Sinorhizobium(Ensifer)meliloti. Bacterial genes, environmental factors and transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms that control AHL production in this Rhizobium, as well as the effects of the signaling molecule on bacterial phenotypes and plant responses will be reviewed. Current knowledge of S. meliloti QS will be compared with that of other rhizobia. Finally, participation of the legume host in QS by interfering with rhizobial AHL perception through the production of molecular mimics will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Calatrava-Morales
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC; Granada 18008, Spain.
| | - Matthew McIntosh
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Molekularbiologie, Universität Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - María J Soto
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC; Granada 18008, Spain.
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14
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López-Lara IM, Nogales J, Pech-Canul Á, Calatrava-Morales N, Bernabéu-Roda LM, Durán P, Cuéllar V, Olivares J, Alvarez L, Palenzuela-Bretones D, Romero M, Heeb S, Cámara M, Geiger O, Soto MJ. 2-Tridecanone impacts surface-associated bacterial behaviours and hinders plant-bacteria interactions. Environ Microbiol 2018; 20:2049-2065. [PMID: 29488306 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Surface motility and biofilm formation are behaviours which enable bacteria to infect their hosts and are controlled by different chemical signals. In the plant symbiotic alpha-proteobacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti, the lack of long-chain fatty acyl-coenzyme A synthetase activity (FadD) leads to increased surface motility, defects in biofilm development and impaired root colonization. In this study, analyses of lipid extracts and volatiles revealed that a fadD mutant accumulates 2-tridecanone (2-TDC), a methylketone (MK) known as a natural insecticide. Application of pure 2-TDC to the wild-type strain phenocopies the free-living and symbiotic behaviours of the fadD mutant. Structural features of the MK determine its ability to promote S. meliloti surface translocation, which is mainly mediated by a flagella-independent motility. Transcriptomic analyses showed that 2-TDC induces differential expression of iron uptake, redox and stress-related genes. Interestingly, this MK also influences surface motility and impairs biofilm formation in plant and animal pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, 2-TDC not only hampers alfalfa nodulation but also the development of tomato bacterial speck disease. This work assigns a new role to 2-TDC as an infochemical that affects important bacterial traits and hampers plant-bacteria interactions by interfering with microbial colonization of plant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M López-Lara
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, C.P. 62210, Mexico
| | - Joaquina Nogales
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, 18008, Spain
| | - Ángel Pech-Canul
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, C.P. 62210, Mexico
| | - Nieves Calatrava-Morales
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, 18008, Spain
| | - Lydia M Bernabéu-Roda
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, 18008, Spain
| | - Paloma Durán
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, 18008, Spain
| | - Virginia Cuéllar
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, 18008, Spain
| | - José Olivares
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, 18008, Spain
| | - Laura Alvarez
- Centro de Investigaciones Químicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, C.P. 62209, Mexico
| | - Diana Palenzuela-Bretones
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Manuel Romero
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stephan Heeb
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Miguel Cámara
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Otto Geiger
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, C.P. 62210, Mexico
| | - María J Soto
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, 18008, Spain
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15
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Mattingly AE, Weaver AA, Dimkovikj A, Shrout JD. Assessing Travel Conditions: Environmental and Host Influences On Bacterial Surface Motility. J Bacteriol 2018; 200:e00014-18. [PMID: 29555698 PMCID: PMC5952383 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00014-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The degree to which surface motile bacteria explore their surroundings is influenced by aspects of their local environment. Accordingly, regulation of surface motility is controlled by numerous chemical, physical, and biological stimuli. Discernment of such regulation due to these multiple cues is a formidable challenge. Additionally inherent ambiguity and variability from the assays used to assess surface motility can be an obstacle to clear delineation of regulated surface motility behavior. Numerous studies have reported single environmental determinants of microbial motility and lifestyle behavior but the translation of these data to understand surface motility and bacterial colonization of human host or environmental surfaces is unclear. Here, we describe the current state of the field and our understanding of exogenous factors that influence bacterial surface motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E. Mattingly
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Abigail A. Weaver
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Aleksandar Dimkovikj
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Joshua D. Shrout
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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16
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Jones SE, Elliot MA. 'Exploring' the regulation of Streptomyces growth and development. Curr Opin Microbiol 2017; 42:25-30. [PMID: 29024914 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Streptomyces life cycle encompasses three well-established developmental stages: vegetative hyphae, aerial hyphae and spores. Many regulators governing the transitions between these life cycle stages have been identified, and recent work is shedding light on their specific functions. A new discovery has shown Streptomyces can deviate from this classic life cycle through a process termed 'exploration', where cells rapidly traverse solid surfaces. Exploration does not require any of the traditional developmental regulators, and therefore provides an exciting new context in which to uncover novel developmental pathways. Here, we summarize our understanding of how Streptomyces exploration is controlled, and we speculate on how insight into classical regulation and stress response systems can inform future research into the regulation of exploratory growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E Jones
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1; Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1
| | - Marie A Elliot
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1; Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1.
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17
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Calatrava-Morales N, Nogales J, Ameztoy K, van Steenbergen B, Soto MJ. The NtrY/NtrX System of Sinorhizobium meliloti GR4 Regulates Motility, EPS I Production, and Nitrogen Metabolism but Is Dispensable for Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2017; 30:566-577. [PMID: 28398840 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-01-17-0021-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Sinorhizobium meliloti can translocate over surfaces. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms that control this trait and its relevance for establishing symbiosis with alfalfa plants. To gain insights into this field, we isolated Tn5 mutants of S. meliloti GR4 with impaired surface motility. In mutant strain GRS577, the transposon interrupted the ntrY gene encoding the sensor kinase of the NtrY/NtrX two-component regulatory system. GRS577 is impaired in flagella synthesis and overproduces succinoglycan, which is responsible for increased biofilm formation. The mutant also shows altered cell morphology and higher susceptibility to salt stress. GRS577 induces nitrogen-fixing nodules in alfalfa but exhibits decreased competitive nodulation. Complementation experiments indicate that both ntrY and ntrX account for all the phenotypes displayed by the ntrY::Tn5 mutant. Ectopic overexpression of VisNR, the motility master regulator, was sufficient to rescue motility and competitive nodulation of the transposant. A transcriptome profiling of GRS577 confirmed differential expression of exo and flagellar genes, and led to the demonstration that NtrY/NtrX allows for optimal expression of denitrification and nifA genes under microoxic conditions in response to nitrogen compounds. This study extends our knowledge of the complex role played by NtrY/NtrX in S. meliloti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Calatrava-Morales
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Joaquina Nogales
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Kinia Ameztoy
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Bart van Steenbergen
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - María J Soto
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
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18
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Jones SE, Elliot MA. Streptomyces Exploration: Competition, Volatile Communication and New Bacterial Behaviours. Trends Microbiol 2017; 25:522-531. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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19
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AraC-like transcriptional activator CuxR binds c-di-GMP by a PilZ-like mechanism to regulate extracellular polysaccharide production. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E4822-E4831. [PMID: 28559336 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1702435114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) has emerged as a key regulatory player in the transition between planktonic and sedentary biofilm-associated bacterial lifestyles. It controls a multitude of processes including production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs). The PilZ domain, consisting of an N-terminal "RxxxR" motif and a β-barrel domain, represents a prototype c-di-GMP receptor. We identified a class of c-di-GMP-responsive proteins, represented by the AraC-like transcription factor CuxR in plant symbiotic α-proteobacteria. In Sinorhizobium meliloti, CuxR stimulates transcription of an EPS biosynthesis gene cluster at elevated c-di-GMP levels. CuxR consists of a Cupin domain, a helical hairpin, and bipartite helix-turn-helix motif. Although unrelated in sequence, the mode of c-di-GMP binding to CuxR is highly reminiscent to that of PilZ domains. c-di-GMP interacts with a conserved N-terminal RxxxR motif and the Cupin domain, thereby promoting CuxR dimerization and DNA binding. We unravel structure and mechanism of a previously unrecognized c-di-GMP-responsive transcription factor and provide insights into the molecular evolution of c-di-GMP binding to proteins.
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20
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Hölscher T, Kovács ÁT. Sliding on the surface: bacterial spreading without an active motor. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:2537-2545. [PMID: 28370801 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria are able to translocate over surfaces using different types of active and passive motility mechanisms. Sliding is one of the passive types of movement since it is powered by the pushing force of dividing cells and additional factors facilitating the expansion over surfaces. In this review, we describe the sliding proficient bacteria that were previously investigated in details highlighting the sliding facilitating compounds and the regulation of sliding motility. Besides surfactants that reduce the friction between cells and substratum, other compounds including exopolysaccharides, hydrophobic proteins, or glycopeptidolipids where discovered to promote sliding. Therefore, we present the sliding bacteria in three groups depending on the additional compound required for sliding. Despite recent accomplishments in sliding research there are still many open questions about the mechanisms underlying sliding motility and its regulation in diverse bacterial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Hölscher
- Terrestrial Biofilms Group, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Ákos T Kovács
- Terrestrial Biofilms Group, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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21
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Role of exopolysaccharide in salt stress resistance and cell motility of Mesorhizobium alhagi CCNWXJ12-2 T. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 101:2967-2978. [PMID: 28097405 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mesorhizobium alhagi, a legume-symbiont soil bacterium that forms nodules with the desert plant Alhagi sparsifolia, can produce large amounts of exopolysaccharide (EPS) using mannitol as carbon source. However, the role of EPS in M. alhagi CCNWXJ12-2T, an EPS-producing rhizobium with high salt resistance, remains uncharacterized. Here, we studied the role of EPS in M. alhagi CCNWXJ12-2T using EPS-deficient mutants constructed by transposon mutagenesis. The insertion sites of six EPS-deficient mutants were analyzed using single primer PCR, and two putative gene clusters were found to be involved in EPS synthesis. EPS was extracted and quantified, and EPS production in the EPS-deficient mutants was decreased by approximately 25 times compared with the wild-type strain. Phenotypic analysis revealed reduced salt resistance, antioxidant capacity, and cell motility of the mutants compared with the wild-type strain. In conclusion, our results indicate that EPS can influence cellular Na+ content and antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as play an important role in the stress adaption and cell motility of M. alhagi CCNWXJ12-2T.
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22
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Peláez-Vico MA, Bernabéu-Roda L, Kohlen W, Soto MJ, López-Ráez JA. Strigolactones in the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis: Stimulatory effect on bacterial surface motility and down-regulation of their levels in nodulated plants. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2016; 245:119-27. [PMID: 26940496 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Strigolactones (SLs) are multifunctional molecules acting as modulators of plant responses under nutrient deficient conditions. One of the roles of SLs is to promote beneficial association with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi belowground under such stress conditions, mainly phosphorus shortage. Recently, a role of SLs in the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis has been also described. While SLs' function in AM symbiosis is well established, their role in the Rhizobium-legume interaction is still emerging. Recently, SLs have been suggested to stimulate surface motility of rhizobia, opening the possibility that they could also act as molecular cues. The possible effect of SLs in the motility in the alfalfa symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti was investigated, showing that the synthetic SL analogue GR24 stimulates swarming motility in S. meliloti in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, it is known that SL production is regulated by nutrient deficient conditions and by AM symbiosis. Using the model alfalfa-S. meliloti, the impact of phosphorus and nitrogen deficiency, as well as of nodulation on SL production was also assessed. The results showed that phosphorus starvation promoted SL biosynthesis, which was abolished by nitrogen deficiency. In addition, a negative effect of nodulation on SL levels was detected, suggesting a conserved mechanism of SL regulation upon symbiosis establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A Peláez-Vico
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EEZ-CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Lydia Bernabéu-Roda
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EEZ-CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Wouter Kohlen
- Department of Plant Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - María J Soto
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EEZ-CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan A López-Ráez
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EEZ-CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain.
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23
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Staphylococcus aureus forms spreading dendrites that have characteristics of active motility. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17698. [PMID: 26680153 PMCID: PMC4683532 DOI: 10.1038/srep17698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is historically regarded as a non-motile organism. More recently it has been shown that S. aureus can passively move across agar surfaces in a process called spreading. We re-analysed spreading motility using a modified assay and focused on observing the formation of dendrites: branching structures that emerge from the central colony. We discovered that S. aureus can spread across the surface of media in structures that we term ‘comets’, which advance outwards and precede the formation of dendrites. We observed comets in a diverse selection of S. aureus isolates and they exhibit the following behaviours: (1) They consist of phenotypically distinct cores of cells that move forward and seed other S. aureus cells behind them forming a comet ‘tail’; (2) they move when other cells in the comet tail have stopped moving; (3) the comet core is held together by a matrix of slime; and (4) the comets etch trails in the agar as they move forwards. Comets are not consistent with spreading motility or other forms of passive motility. Comet behaviour does share many similarities with a form of active motility known as gliding. Our observations therefore suggest that S. aureus is actively motile under certain conditions.
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24
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Bernabéu-Roda L, Calatrava-Morales N, Cuéllar V, Soto MJ. Characterization of surface motility in Sinorhizobium meliloti: regulation and role in symbiosis. Symbiosis 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-015-0340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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25
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FleQ coordinates flagellum-dependent and -independent motilities in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:7533-45. [PMID: 26296726 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01798-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Motility plays an essential role in bacterial fitness and colonization in the plant environment, since it favors nutrient acquisition and avoidance of toxic substances, successful competition with other microorganisms, the ability to locate the preferred hosts, access to optimal sites within them, and dispersal in the environment during the course of transmission. In this work, we have observed that the mutation of the flagellar master regulatory gene, fleQ, alters bacterial surface motility and biosurfactant production, uncovering a new type of motility for Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 on semisolid surfaces. We present evidence that P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 moves over semisolid surfaces by using at least two different types of motility, namely, swarming, which depends on the presence of flagella and syringafactin, a biosurfactant produced by this strain, and a flagellum-independent surface spreading or sliding, which also requires syringafactin. We also show that FleQ activates flagellum synthesis and negatively regulates syringafactin production in P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Finally, it was surprising to observe that mutants lacking flagella or syringafactin were as virulent as the wild type, and only the simultaneous loss of both flagella and syringafactin impairs the ability of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 to colonize tomato host plants and cause disease.
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26
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Molina-Sánchez MD, López-Contreras JA, Toro N, Fernández-López M. Genomic characterization of Sinorhizobium meliloti AK21, a wild isolate from the Aral Sea Region. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:259. [PMID: 26090306 PMCID: PMC4468178 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1062-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti has been widely studied due to its ability to improve crop yields through direct interactions with leguminous plants. S. meliloti AK21 is a wild type strain that forms nodules on Medicago plants in saline and drought conditions in the Aral Sea Region. The aim of this work was to establish the genetic similarities and differences between S. meliloti AK21 and the reference strain S. meliloti 1021. Comparative genome hybridization with the model reference strain S. meliloti 1021 yielded 365 variable genes, grouped into 11 regions in the three main replicons in S. meliloti AK21. The most extensive regions of variability were found in the symbiotic plasmid pSymA, which also contained the largest number of orthologous and polymorphic sequences identified by suppression subtractive hybridization. This procedure identified a large number of divergent sequences and others without homology in the databases, the further investigation of which could provide new insight into the alternative metabolic pathways present in S. meliloti AK21. We identified a plasmid replication module from the repABC replicon family, together with plasmid mobilization-related genes (traG and a VirB9-like protein), which suggest that this indigenous isolate harbors an accessory plasmid. Furthermore, the transcriptomic profiles reflected differences in gene content and regulation between S. meliloti AK21 and S. meliloti 1021 (ExpR and PhoB regulons), but provided evidence for an as yet unknown, alternative mechanism involving activation of the cbb3 terminal oxidase. Finally, phenotypic microarrays characterization revealed a greater versatility of substrate use and chemical degradation than for S. meliloti 1021.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Dolores Molina-Sánchez
- Grupo de Ecología Genética, Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Calle Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - José Antonio López-Contreras
- Grupo de Ecología Genética, Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Calle Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Nicolás Toro
- Grupo de Ecología Genética, Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Calle Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Fernández-López
- Grupo de Ecología Genética, Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Calle Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
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27
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Charoenpanich P, Soto MJ, Becker A, McIntosh M. Quorum sensing restrains growth and is rapidly inactivated during domestication of Sinorhizobium meliloti. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015; 7:373-382. [PMID: 25534533 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Microbial cooperative behaviours, such as quorum sensing (QS), improve survival and this explains their prevalence throughout the microbial world. However, relatively little is known about the mechanisms by which cooperation promotes survival. Furthermore, cooperation typically requires costly contributions, e.g. exopolysaccharides, which are produced from limited resources. Inevitably, cooperation is vulnerable to damaging mutations which results in mutants that are relieved of the burden of contributing but nonetheless benefit from the contributions of their parent. Unless somehow prevented, such mutants may outcompete and replace the parent. The bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti uses QS to activate the production of copious levels of exopolysaccharide (EPS). Domestication of this bacterium is typified by the appearance of spontaneous mutants incapable of EPS production, which take advantage of EPS production by the parent and outcompete the parent. We found that all of the mutants were defect in QS, implying that loss of QS is a typical consequence of the domestication of this bacterium. This instability was traced to several QS-regulated processes, including a QS-dependent restraint of growth, providing the mutant with a significant growth advantage. A model is proposed whereby QS restrains population growth to prevent overcrowding and prepares the population for the survival of severe conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornsri Charoenpanich
- LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Amaya-Gómez CV, Hirsch AM, Soto MJ. Biofilm formation assessment in Sinorhizobium meliloti reveals interlinked control with surface motility. BMC Microbiol 2015; 15:58. [PMID: 25887945 PMCID: PMC4381460 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-015-0390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swarming motility and biofilm formation are opposite, but related surface-associated behaviors that allow various pathogenic bacteria to colonize and invade their hosts. In Sinorhizobium meliloti, the alfalfa endosymbiont, these bacterial processes and their relevance for host plant colonization are largely unexplored. Our previous work demonstrated distinct swarming abilities in two S. meliloti strains (Rm1021 and GR4) and revealed that both environmental cues (iron concentration) and bacterial genes (fadD, rhb, rirA) play crucial roles in the control of surface motility in this rhizobial species. In the current study, we investigate whether these factors have an impact on the ability of S. meliloti to establish biofilms and to colonize host roots. RESULTS We found that strain GR4, which is less prone to translocate on solid surfaces than strain Rm1021, is more efficient in developing biofilms on glass and plant root surfaces. High iron conditions, known to prevent surface motility in a wild-type strain of S. meliloti, promote biofilm development in Rm1021 and GR4 strains by inducing the formation of more structured and thicker biofilms than those formed under low iron levels. Moreover, three different S. meliloti mutants (fadD, rhb, and rirA) that exhibit an altered surface translocation behavior compared with the wild-type strain, establish reduced biofilms on both glass and alfalfa root surfaces. Iron-rich conditions neither rescue the defect in biofilm formation shown by the rhb mutant, which is unable to produce the siderophore rhizobactin 1021 (Rhb1021), nor have any impact on biofilms formed by the iron-response regulator rirA mutant. On the other hand, S. meliloti FadD loss-of-function mutants do not establish normal biofilms irrespective of iron levels. CONCLUSIONS Our studies show that siderophore Rhb1021 is not only required for surface translocation, but also for biofilm formation on glass and root surfaces by strain Rm1021. In addition, we present evidence for the existence of control mechanisms that inversely regulate swarming and biofilm formation in S. meliloti, and that contribute to efficient plant root colonization. One of these mechanisms involves iron levels and the iron global regulator RirA. The other mechanism involves the participation of the fatty acid metabolism-related enzyme FadD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol V Amaya-Gómez
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008, Granada, Spain.
| | - Ann M Hirsch
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1606, USA.
| | - María J Soto
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008, Granada, Spain.
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Rodríguez-Navarro DN, Rodríguez-Carvajal MA, Acosta-Jurado S, Soto MJ, Margaret I, Crespo-Rivas JC, Sanjuan J, Temprano F, Gil-Serrano A, Ruiz-Sainz JE, Vinardell JM. Structure and biological roles of Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 exopolysaccharide. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115391. [PMID: 25521500 PMCID: PMC4270759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report that the structure of the Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 exopolysaccharide (EPS) is composed of glucose, galactose, glucuronic acid, pyruvic acid, in the ratios 5∶2∶2∶1 and is partially acetylated. A S. fredii HH103 exoA mutant (SVQ530), unable to produce EPS, not only forms nitrogen fixing nodules with soybean but also shows increased competitive capacity for nodule occupancy. Mutant SVQ530 is, however, less competitive to nodulate Vigna unguiculata. Biofilm formation was reduced in mutant SVQ530 but increased in an EPS overproducing mutant. Mutant SVQ530 was impaired in surface motility and showed higher osmosensitivity compared to its wild type strain in media containing 50 mM NaCl or 5% (w/v) sucrose. Neither S. fredii HH103 nor 41 other S. fredii strains were recognized by soybean lectin (SBL). S. fredii HH103 mutants affected in exopolysaccharides (EPS), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), cyclic glucans (CG) or capsular polysaccharides (KPS) were not significantly impaired in their soybean-root attachment capacity, suggesting that these surface polysaccharides might not be relevant in early attachment to soybean roots. These results also indicate that the molecular mechanisms involved in S. fredii attachment to soybean roots might be different to those operating in Bradyrhizobium japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - María J Soto
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Granada, Spain
| | - Isabel Margaret
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan C Crespo-Rivas
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Sanjuan
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Temprano
- IFAPA, Centro las Torres-Tomejil, Apartado Oficial 41200, Alcalá del Río, (Sevilla), Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Serrano
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José E Ruiz-Sainz
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José M Vinardell
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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Vicario JC, Dardanelli MS, Giordano W. Swimming and swarming motility properties of peanut-nodulating rhizobia. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 362:1-6. [PMID: 25670708 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnu038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Motility allows populations of bacteria to rapidly reach and colonize new microniches or microhabitats. The motility of rhizobia (symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria that nodulate legume roots) is an important factor determining their competitive success. We evaluated the effects of temperature, incubation time, and seed exudates on swimming and swarming motility of five strains of Bradyrhizobium sp. (peanut-nodulating rhizobia). Swimming motility was increased by exudate exposure for all strains except native Pc34. In contrast, swarming motility was increased by exudate exposure for native 15A but unchanged for the other four strains. All five strains displayed the ability to differentiate into swarm cells. Morphological examination by scanning electron microscopy showed that the length of the swarm cells was variable, but generally greater than that of vegetative cells. Our findings suggest the importance of differential motility properties of peanut-nodulating rhizobial strains during agricultural inoculation and early steps of symbiotic interaction with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C Vicario
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, 5800 Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marta S Dardanelli
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, 5800 Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Walter Giordano
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, 5800 Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
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Pérez J, Jiménez-Zurdo JI, Martínez-Abarca F, Millán V, Shimkets LJ, Muñoz-Dorado J. Rhizobial galactoglucan determines the predatory pattern of Myxococcus xanthus and protects Sinorhizobium meliloti from predation. Environ Microbiol 2014; 16:2341-50. [PMID: 24707988 PMCID: PMC4079745 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Myxococcus xanthus is a social bacterium that preys on prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Co-culture of M. xanthus with reference laboratory strains and field isolates of the legume symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti revealed two different predatory patterns that resemble frontal and wolf-pack attacks. Use of mutants impaired in the two types of M. xanthus surface motility (A or adventurous and S or social motility) and a csgA mutant, which is unable to form macroscopic travelling waves known as ripples, has demonstrated that both motility systems but not rippling are required for efficient predation. To avoid frontal attack and reduce killing rates, rhizobial cells require a functional expR gene. ExpR regulates expression of genes involved in a variety of functions. The use of S. meliloti mutants impaired in several of these functions revealed that the exopolysaccharide galactoglucan (EPS II) is the major determinant of the M. xanthus predatory pattern. The data also suggest that this biopolymer confers an ecological advantage to rhizobial survival in soil, which may have broad environmental implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva s/n E-18071, Granada, Spain
| | - José I. Jiménez-Zurdo
- Grupo de Ecología Genética de la Rizosfera. Estación Experimental del Zaidín. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Martínez-Abarca
- Grupo de Ecología Genética de la Rizosfera. Estación Experimental del Zaidín. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Vicenta Millán
- Grupo de Ecología Genética de la Rizosfera. Estación Experimental del Zaidín. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | | | - José Muñoz-Dorado
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva s/n E-18071, Granada, Spain
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Dilanji GE, Teplitski M, Hagen SJ. Entropy-driven motility of Sinorhizobium meliloti on a semi-solid surface. Proc Biol Sci 2014; 281:20132575. [PMID: 24741008 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sinorhizobium meliloti growing on soft agar can exhibit an unusual surface spreading behaviour that differs from other bacterial surface motilities. Bacteria in the colony secrete an exopolysaccharide-rich mucoid fluid that expands outward on the surface, carrying within it a suspension of actively dividing cells. The moving slime disperses the cells in complex and dynamic patterns indicative of simultaneous bacterial growth, swimming and aggregation. We find that while flagellar swimming is required to maintain the cells in suspension, the spreading and the associated pattern formation are primarily driven by the secreted exopolysaccharide EPS II, which creates two entropy-increasing effects: an osmotic flow of water from the agar to the mucoid fluid and a crowding or depletion attraction between the cells. Activation of these physical/chemical phenomena may be a useful function for the high molecular weight EPS II, a galactoglucan whose biosynthesis is tightly regulated by the ExpR/SinI/SinR quorum-sensing system: unlike bacterial colonies that spread via bacterium-generated, physical propulsive forces, S. meliloti under quorum conditions may use EPS II to activate purely entropic forces within its environment, so that it can disperse by passively 'surfing' on those forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel E Dilanji
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, , PO Box 118440, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA, Department of Soil and Water Science, University of Florida-IFAS, , PO Box 110290, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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ExpR coordinates the expression of symbiotically important, bundle-forming Flp pili with quorum sensing in Sinorhizobium meliloti. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:2429-39. [PMID: 24509921 DOI: 10.1128/aem.04088-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Type IVb pili in enteropathogenic bacteria function as a host colonization factor by mediating tight adherence to host cells, but their role in bacterium-plant symbiosis is currently unknown. The genome of the symbiotic soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti contains two clusters encoding proteins for type IVb pili of the Flp (fimbrial low-molecular-weight protein) subfamily. To establish the role of Flp pili in the symbiotic interaction of S. meliloti and its host, Medicago sativa, we deleted pilA1, which encodes the putative pilin subunit in the chromosomal flp-1 cluster and conducted competitive nodulation assays. The pilA1 deletion strain formed 27% fewer nodules than the wild type. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of bundle-forming pili protruding from the polar and lateral region of S. meliloti wild-type cells. The putative pilus assembly ATPase CpaE1 fused to mCherry showed a predominantly unilateral localization. Transcriptional reporter gene assays demonstrated that expression of pilA1 peaks in early stationary phase and is repressed by the quorum-sensing regulator ExpR, which also controls production of exopolysaccharides and motility. Binding of acyl homoserine lactone-activated ExpR to the pilA1 promoter was confirmed with electrophoretic mobility shift assays. A 17-bp consensus sequence for ExpR binding was identified within the 28-bp protected region by DNase I footprinting analyses. Our results show that Flp pili are important for efficient symbiosis of S. meliloti with its plant host. The temporal inverse regulation of exopolysaccharides and pili by ExpR enables S. meliloti to achieve a coordinated expression of cellular processes during early stages of host interaction.
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Temporal expression program of quorum sensing-based transcription regulation in Sinorhizobium meliloti. J Bacteriol 2013; 195:3224-36. [PMID: 23687265 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00234-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sin quorum sensing (QS) system of S. meliloti activates exopolysaccharide and represses flagellum production. The system consists of an N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthase, SinI, and at least two LuxR-type regulators, SinR and ExpR. SinR appears to be independent of AHLs for its control of sinI expression, while ExpR is almost completely dependent upon AHLs. In this study, we confirmed 7 previously detected ExpR-DNA binding sites and used the consensus sequence to identify another 26 sites, some of which regulate genes previously not known to be members of the ExpR/AHL regulon. The activities of promoters dependent upon ExpR/AHL were titrated against AHL levels, with varied outcomes in AHL sensitivity. The data suggest a type of temporal expression program whereby the activity of each promoter is subject to a specific range of AHL concentrations. For example, genes responsible for exopolysaccharide production are activated at lower concentrations of AHLs than those required for the repression of genes controlling flagellum production. Several features of ExpR-regulated promoters appear to determine their response to AHLs. The location of the ExpR-binding site with respect to the relevant transcription start within each promoter region determines whether ExpR/AHL activates or represses promoter activity. Furthermore, the strength of the response is dependent upon the concentration of AHLs. We propose that this differential sensitivity to AHLs provides a bacterial colony with a transcription control program that is dynamic and precise.
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Covelli JM, Althabegoiti MJ, López MF, Lodeiro AR. Swarming motility in Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Res Microbiol 2012; 164:136-44. [PMID: 23124116 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Flagellar-driven bacterial motility is an important trait for colonization of natural environments. Bradyrhizobium japonicum is a soil species that possesses two different flagellar systems: one subpolar and the other lateral, each with a filament formed by a different set of flagellins. While synthesis of subpolar flagellins is constitutive, translation of lateral flagellins was detected in rhizobia grown with l-arabinose, but not with d-mannitol as sole carbon source, independently of whether bacteria were in liquid or semisolid medium. We characterized swarming of B. japonicum in semisolid medium and found that this motility was faster with l-arabinose than with d-mannitol. By using mutants with deletions in each flagellin set, we evaluated the contribution of each flagellum system to swarming in semisolid culture media, and in soil. Mutants devoid of either of the flagella were affected in swarming in culture media, with this impairment being stronger for mutants without lateral flagella. In sterile soil at 100% or 80% field capacity, flagellar-driven motility of mutants able to swim but impaired in swarming was similar to wild type, indicating that swimming was the predominant movement here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Mariana Covelli
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular (IBBM), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata y CCT La Plata-CONICET, Calles 47 y 115, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
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Gao M, Coggin A, Yagnik K, Teplitski M. Role of specific quorum-sensing signals in the regulation of exopolysaccharide II production within Sinorhizobium meliloti spreading colonies. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42611. [PMID: 22912712 PMCID: PMC3418255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Quorum sensing (QS) in Sinorhizobium meliloti involves at least half a dozen different N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) signals. These signals are produced by SinI, the sole AHL synthase in S. meliloti Rm8530. The sinI gene is regulated by two LuxR-type transcriptional regulators, SinR and ExpR. Mutations in sinI, sinR and expR abolish the production of exopolysaccharide II (EPS II). Methodology/Principal Findings This study investigated a new type of coordinated surface spreading of Rm8530 that can be categorized as swarming. Motility assays on semi-solid surfaces revealed that both flagella and EPS II are required for this type of motility. The production of EPS II depends on AHLs produced by SinI. Of these AHLs, only C16:1- and 3-oxo-C16:1-homoserine lactones (HSLs) stimulated swarming in an ExpR-dependent manner. These two AHLs induced the strongest response in the wggR reporter fusions. WggR is a positive regulator of the EPS II biosynthesis gene expression. The levels of the wggR activation correlated with the extent of swarming. Furthermore, swarming of S. meliloti required the presence of the high molecular weight (HMW) fraction of EPS II. Within swarming colonies, a recombinase-based RIVET reporter in the wggR gene was resolved in 30% of the cells, indicating an enhanced regulation of EPS II production in the subpopulation of cells, which was sufficient to support swarming of the entire colony. Conclusions/Significance Swarming behavior of S. meliloti Rm8530 on semi-solid surfaces is found to be dependent on the functional QS regulatory cascades. Even though multiple AHL signals are produced by the bacterium, only two AHLs species, C16:1- and 3-oxo-C16:1-HSLs, affected swarming by up-regulating the expression of wggR. While EPS II is produced by Rm8530 as high and low molecular weight fractions, only the HMW EPS II facilitated initial stages of swarming, thus, suggesting a function for this polymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengsheng Gao
- Soil and Water Science Department, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Kruti Yagnik
- Soil and Water Science Department, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Max Teplitski
- Soil and Water Science Department, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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