The cryptic general secretory pathway (gsp) operon of Escherichia coli K-12 encodes functional proteins

Multi-omics strategy reveals potential role of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes responsible for Simmental diarrheic calves caused by Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is reported to be an important pathogen associated with calf diarrhea. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs) pose a considerable threat to both animal and human health. However, little is known about the characterization of ARGs and VFGs presented in the gut microbiota of diarrheic calves caused by E. coli. In this study, we used multi-omics strategy to analyze the ARG and VFG profiles of Simmental calves with diarrhea caused by E. coli K99. We found that gut bacterial composition and their microbiome metabolic functions varied greatly in diarrheic calves compared to healthy calves. In total, 175 ARGs were identified, and diarrheal calves showed a significantly higher diversity and abundance of ARGs than healthy calves. Simmental calves with diarrhea showed higher association of VFGs with pili function, curli assembly, and ferrienterobactin transport of E. coli. Co-occurrence patterns based on Pearson correlation analysis revealed that E. coli had a highly significant (P < 0.0001) correlation coefficient (>0.8) with 16 ARGs and 7 VFGs. Metabolomics analysis showed that differentially expressed metabolites in Simmental calves with diarrhea displayed a high correlation with the aforementioned ARGs and VFGs. Phylotype analysis of E. coli genomes showed that the predominant phylogroup B1 in diarrheic Simmental calves was associated with 10 ARGs and 3 VFGs. These findings provide an overview of the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota in diarrheic calves caused by E. coli and pave the way for further studies on the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and virulence in the calves affected with diarrhea.IMPORTANCESimmental is a well-recognized beef cattle breed worldwide. They also suffer significant economic losses due to diarrhea. In this study, fecal metagenomic analysis was applied to characterize the antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) and virulence factor gene (VFG) profiles of diarrheic Simmental calves. We identified key ARGs and VFGs correlated with Escherichia coli isolated from Simmental calves. Additionally, metabolomics analysis showed that differentially expressed metabolites in Simmental calves with diarrhea displayed a high correlation with the aforementioned ARGs and VFGs. Our findings provide an insight into the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota in diarrheic calves caused by Escherichia coli and pave the way for further studies on the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and virulence in the diarrheal calves from cattle hosts.

The Love and Hate Relationship between T5SS and Other Secretion Systems in Bacteria

Bacteria have existed on Earth for billions of years, exhibiting ubiquity and involvement in various biological activities. To ensure survival, bacteria usually release and secrete effector proteins to acquire nutrients and compete with other microorganisms for living space during long-term evolution. Consequently, bacteria have developed a range of secretion systems, which are complex macromolecular transport machines responsible for transporting proteins across the bacterial cell membranes. Among them, one particular secretion system that stands out from the rest is the type V secretion system (T5SS), known as the "autotransporter". Bacterial activities mediated by T5SS include adherence to host cells or the extracellular matrix, invasion of host cells, immune evasion and serum resistance, contact-dependent growth inhibition, cytotoxicity, intracellular flow, protease activity, autoaggregation, and biofilm formation. In a bacterial body, it is not enough to rely on T5SS alone; in most cases, T5SS cooperates with other secretion systems to carry out bacterial life activities, but regardless of how good the relationship is, there is friction between the secretion systems. T5SS and T1SS/T2SS/T3SS/T6SS all play a synergistic role in the pathogenic processes of bacteria, such as nutrient acquisition, pathogenicity enhancement, and immune modulation, but T5SS indirectly inhibits the function of T4SS. This could be considered a love-hate relationship between secretion systems. This paper uses the systematic literature review methodology to review 117 journal articles published within the period from 1995 to 2024, which are all available from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and aim to elucidate the link between T5SS and other secretion systems, providing clues for future prevention and control of bacterial diseases.

Membrane translocation process revealed by in situ structures of type II secretion system secretins

The GspD secretin is the outer membrane channel of the bacterial type II secretion system (T2SS) which secrets diverse toxins that cause severe diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. GspD needs to translocate from the inner to the outer membrane to exert its function, and this process is an essential step for T2SS to assemble. Here, we investigate two types of secretins discovered so far in Escherichia coli, GspDα, and GspDβ. By electron cryotomography subtomogram averaging, we determine in situ structures of key intermediate states of GspDα and GspDβ in the translocation process, with resolution ranging from 9 Å to 19 Å. In our results, GspDα and GspDβ present entirely different membrane interaction patterns and ways of transitioning the peptidoglycan layer. From this, we hypothesize two distinct models for the membrane translocation of GspDα and GspDβ, providing a comprehensive perspective on the inner to outer membrane biogenesis of T2SS secretins.

In situ structures of secretins from bacterial type II secretion system reveal their membrane interactions and translocation process

The GspD secretin is the outer membrane channel of the bacterial type II secretion system (T2SS) which secrets diverse effector proteins or toxins that cause severe diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. GspD needs to translocate from the inner to the outer membrane to exert its function, and this process is an essential step for T2SS to assemble. Here, we investigate two types of secretins discovered so far in Escherichia coli , GspD _α and GspD _β , respectively. By electron cryotomography subtomogram averaging, we determine in situ structures of all the key intermediate states of GspD _α and GspD _β in the translocation process, with resolution ranging from 9 Å to 19 Å. In our results, GspD _α and GspD _β present entirely different membrane interaction patterns and ways of going across the peptidoglycan layer. We propose two distinct models for the membrane translocation of GspD _α and GspD _β , providing a comprehensive perspective on the inner to outer membrane biogenesis of T2SS secretins.

Remarkable genomic diversity among Escherichia isolates recovered from healthy chickens

The genus Escherichia has been extensively studied and it is known to encompass a range of commensal and pathogenic bacteria that primarily inhabit the gastrointestinal tracts of warm-blooded vertebrates. However, the presence of E. coli as a model organism and potential pathogen has diverted attention away from commensal strains and other species in the genus. To investigate the diversity of Escherichia in healthy chickens, we collected fecal samples from antibiotic-free Lohmann Brown layer hens and determined the genome sequences of 100 isolates, 81 of which were indistinguishable at the HC0 level of the Hierarchical Clustering of Core Genome Multi-Locus Sequence Typing scheme. Despite initial selection on CHROMagar Orientation medium, which is considered selective for E. coli, in silico phylotyping and core genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed the presence of at least one representative of all major clades of Escherichia, except for E. albertii, Shigella, and E. coli phylogroup B2 and cryptic clade I. The most frequent phylogenomic groups were E. coli phylogroups A and B1 and E. ruysiae (clades III and IV). We compiled a collection of reference strains isolated from avian sources (predominantly chicken), representing every Escherichia phylogroup and species, and used it to confirm the phylogeny and diversity of our isolates. Overall, the isolates carried low numbers of the virulence and antibiotic resistance genes typically seen in avian pathogenic E. coli. Notably, the clades not recovered are ones that have been most strongly associated with virulence by other studies.

Horsing around: Escherichia coli ST1250 of equine origin harbouring epidemic IncHI1/ST9 plasmid with bla CTX-M-1 and an operon for short-chain fructooligosaccharides metabolism

The relatedness of the equine-associated Escherichia coli ST1250 and its single- and double-locus variants (ST1250-SLV/DLV), obtained from horses in Europe, was studied by comparative genome analysis. A total of 54 isolates of E. coli ST1250 and ST1250-SLV/DLV from healthy and hospitalized horses across Europe [Czech Republic (n=23), the Netherlands (n=18), Germany (n=9), Denmark (n=3) and France (n=1)] from 2008-2017 were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. An additional 25 draft genome assemblies of E. coli ST1250 and ST1250-SLV/DLV were obtained from the public databases. The isolates were compared for genomic features, virulence genes, clade structure and plasmid content. The complete nucleotide sequences of eight IncHI1/ST9 and one IncHI1/ST2 plasmids were obtained using long-read sequencing by PacBio or MinION. In the collection of 79 isolates, only 10 were phylogenetically close (<8 SNP). The majority of isolates belonged to phylogroup B1 (73/79, 92.4%) and carried bla _CTX-M-1 (58/79, 73.4%). The plasmid content of the isolates was dominated by IncHI1 of ST9 (56/62, 90.3%) and ST2 (6/62, 9.7%), while 84.5% (49/58) bla _CTX-M-1 genes were associated with presence of IncHI1 replicon of ST9 and 6.9% (4/58) with IncHI1 replicon of ST2 within the corresponding isolates. The operon for the utilization of short chain fructooligosaccharides (fos operon) was present in 55 (55/79, 69.6%) isolates, and all of these carried IncHI1/ST9 plasmids. The eight complete IncHI1/ST9 plasmid sequences showed the presence of bla _CTX-M-1 and the fos operon within the same molecule. Sequences of IncHI1/ST9 plasmids were highly conserved (>98% similarity) regardless of country of origin and varied only in the structure and integration site of MDR region. E. coli ST1250 and ST1250-SLV/DLV are phylogenetically-diverse strains associated with horses. A strong linkage of E. coli ST1250 with epidemic multi-drug resistance plasmid lineage IncHI1/ST9 carrying bla _CTX-M-1 and the fos operon was identified.

GspD, The Type II Secretion System Secretin of Leptospira, Protects Hamsters against Lethal Infection with a Virulent L. interrogans Isolate

The wide variety of pathogenic Leptospira serovars and the weak protection offered by the available vaccines encourage the search for protective immunogens against leptospirosis. We found that the secretin GspD of the type II secretion system (T2S) of Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola was highly conserved amongst pathogenic serovars and was expressed in vivo during infection, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Convalescent sera of hamsters, dogs, and cows showed the presence of IgG antibodies, recognizing a recombinant version of this protein expressed in Escherichia coli (rGspDLC) in Western blot assays. In a pilot vaccination study, a group of eight hamsters was immunized on days zero and 14 with 50 µg of rGspDLC mixed with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant (FIA). On day 28 of the study, 1,000 LD50 (Lethal Dose 50%) of a virulent strain of Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola (LOCaS46) were inoculated by an intraoral submucosal route (IOSM). Seventy-five percent protection against disease (p = 0.017573, Fisher’s exact test) and 50% protection against infection were observed in this group of vaccinated hamsters. In contrast, 85% of non-vaccinated hamsters died six to nine days after the challenge. These results suggest the potential usefulness of the T2S secretin GspD of Leptospira as a protective recombinant vaccine against leptospirosis.

Assessing the impact, genomics and evolution of type II secretion across a large, medically important genus: the Legionella type II secretion paradigm

The type II secretion system (T2SS) plays a major role in promoting bacterial survival in the environment and in human hosts. One of the best characterized T2SS is that of Legionella pneumophila, the agent of Legionnaires’ disease. Secreting at least 25 proteins, including degradative enzymes, eukaryotic-like proteins and novel effectors, this T2SS contributes to the ability of L. pneumophila to grow at low temperatures, infect amoebal and macrophage hosts, damage lung tissue, evade the immune system, and undergo sliding motility. The genes encoding the T2SS are conserved across the genus Legionella, which includes 62 species and >30 pathogens in addition to L. pneumophila. The vast majority of effectors associated with L. pneumophila are shared by a large number of Legionella species, hinting at a critical role for them in the ecology of Legionella as a whole. However, no other species has the same repertoire as L. pneumophila, with, as a general rule, phylogenetically more closely related species sharing similar sets of effectors. T2SS effectors that are involved in infection of a eukaryotic host(s) are more prevalent throughout Legionella, indicating that they are under stronger selective pressure. The Legionella T2SS apparatus is closest to that of Aquicella (another parasite of amoebae), and a significant number of L. pneumophila effectors have their closest homologues in Aquicella. Thus, the T2SS of L. pneumophila probably originated within the order Legionellales, with some of its effectors having arisen within that Aquicella-like progenitor, while other effectors derived from the amoebal host, mimiviruses, fungi and less closely related bacteria.

Secretion of recombinant proteins from E. coli

The microorganism Escherichia coli is commonly used for recombinant protein production. Despite several advantageous characteristics like fast growth and high protein yields, its inability to easily secrete recombinant proteins into the extracellular medium remains a drawback for industrial production processes. To overcome this limitation, a multitude of approaches to enhance the extracellular yield and the secretion efficiency of recombinant proteins have been developed in recent years. Here, a comprehensive overview of secretion mechanisms for recombinant proteins from E. coli is given and divided into three main sections. First, the structure of the E. coli cell envelope and the known natural secretion systems are described. Second, the use and optimization of different one- or two-step secretion systems for recombinant protein production, as well as further permeabilization methods are discussed. Finally, the often-overlooked role of cell lysis in secretion studies and its analysis are addressed. So far, effective approaches for increasing the extracellular protein concentration to more than 10 g/L and almost 100% secretion efficiency exist, however, the large range of optimization methods and their combinations suggests that the potential for secretory protein production from E. coli has not yet been fully realized.

Identification of new members of the Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 SlyA regulon

SlyA is a member of the MarR family of bacterial transcriptional regulators. Previously, SlyA has been shown to directly regulate only two operons in Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655, fimB and hlyE (clyA). In both cases, SlyA activates gene expression by antagonizing repression by the nucleoid-associated protein H-NS. Here, the transcript profiles of aerobic glucose-limited steady-state chemostat cultures of E. coli K-12 MG1655, slyA mutant and slyA over-expression strains are reported. The transcript profile of the slyA mutant was not significantly different from that of the parent; however, that of the slyA expression strain was significantly different from that of the vector control. Transcripts representing 27 operons were increased in abundance, whereas 3 were decreased. Of the 30 differentially regulated operons, 24 have previously been associated with sites of H-NS binding, suggesting that antagonism of H-NS repression is a common feature of SlyA-mediated transcription regulation. Direct binding of SlyA to DNA located upstream of a selection of these targets permitted the identification of new operons likely to be directly regulated by SlyA. Transcripts of four operons coding for cryptic adhesins exhibited enhanced expression, and this was consistent with enhanced biofilm formation associated with the SlyA over-producing strain.

Effects of lng Mutations on LngA Expression, Processing, and CS21 Assembly in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli E9034A

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major cause of morbidity in children under 5 years of age in low- and middle-income countries and a leading cause of traveler's diarrhea worldwide. The ability of ETEC to colonize the intestinal epithelium is mediated by fimbrial adhesins, such as CS21 (Longus). This adhesin is a type IVb pilus involved in adherence to intestinal cells in vitro and bacterial self-aggregation. Fourteen open reading frames have been proposed to be involved in CS21 assembly, hitherto only the lngA and lngB genes, coding for the major (LngA) and minor (LngB) structural subunit, have been characterized. In this study, we investigated the role of the LngA, LngB, LngC, LngD, LngH, and LngP proteins in the assembly of CS21 in ETEC strain E9034A. The deletion of the lngA, lngB, lngC, lngD, lngH, or lngP genes, abolished CS21 assembly in ETEC strain E9034A and the adherence to HT-29 cells was reduced 90%, compared to wild-type strain. Subcellular localization prediction of CS21 proteins was similar to other well-known type IV pili homologs. We showed that LngP is the prepilin peptidase of LngA, and that ETEC strain E9034A has another peptidase capable of processing LngA, although with less efficiency. Additionally, we present immuno-electron microscopy images to show that the LngB protein could be localized at the tip of CS21. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the LngA, LngB, LngC, LngD, LngH, and LngP proteins are essential for CS21 assembly, as well as for bacterial aggregation and adherence to HT-29 cells.

Evolutionary dynamics of overlapped genes in Salmonella

Presence of overlapping genes (OGs) is a common phenomenon in bacterial genomes. Most frequently, overlapping genes share coding regions with as few as one nucleotide to as many as thousands of nucleotides. Overlapping genes are often co-regulated, transcriptionally and translationally. Overlapping genes are also subject to the whims of evolution, as the gene overlap is known to be disrupted in some species/strains and participating genes are sometimes lost in independent lineages. Therefore, a better understanding of evolutionary patterns and rates of the disruption of overlapping genes is an important component of genome structure and evolution of gene function. In this study, we investigate the fate of ancestrally overlapping genes in complete genomes from 15 contemporary strains of Salmonella species. We find that the fates of overlapping genes inside and outside operons are distinctly different. A larger fraction of overlapping genes inside operons conserves their overlap as compared to gene pairs outside of the operons (average 0.89 vs. 0.83 per genome). However, when overlapping genes in the operons separate, one partner is lost more frequently than in those separated genes outside of operons (average 0.02 vs. 0.01 per genome). We also investigate the fate of a pan set of overlapping genes at the present and ancestral nodes over a phylogenetic tree based on genome sequence data, respectively. We propose that co-regulation plays important roles on the fates of genes. Furthermore, a vast majority of disruptions occurred prior to the common ancestor of all 15 Salmonella strains, which enables us to obtain an estimate of disruptions between Salmonella and E. coli.

The non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strain W secretes SslE via the virulence-associated type II secretion system beta

Background

Many pathogenic E. coli strains secrete virulence factors using type II secretory systems, homologs of which are widespread in Gram-negative bacteria. Recently, the enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strain E2348/69 was shown to secrete and surface-anchor SslE, a biofilm-promoting virulence factor, via a type II secretion system. Genes encoding SslE and its associated secretion system are conserved in some non-pathogenic E. coli, including the commonly-used W (Waksman) strain.

Results

We report here that E. coli W uses its type II secretion system to export a cognate SslE protein. SslE secretion is temperature- and nutrient-dependent, being robust at 37°C in rich medium but strongly repressed by lower temperatures or nutrient limitation. Fusing either of two glycosyl hydrolases to the C-terminus of SslE prevented it from being secreted or surface-exposed. We screened mutations that inactivated the type II secretion system for stress-related phenotypes and found that inactivation of the secretion system conferred a modest increase in tolerance to high concentrations of urea. Additionally, we note that the genes encoding this secretion system are present at a hypervariable locus and have been independently lost or gained in different lineages of E. coli.

Conclusions

The non-pathogenic E. coli W strain shares the extracellular virulence factor SslE, and its associated secretory system, with pathogenic E. coli strains. The pattern of regulation of SslE secretion we observed suggests that SslE plays a role in colonization of mammalian hosts by non-pathogenic as well as pathogenic E. coli. Our work provides a non-pathogenic model system for the study of SslE secretion, and informs future research into the function of SslE during host colonization.

YghG (GspSβ) is a novel pilot protein required for localization of the GspSβ type II secretion system secretin of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

The enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) pathotype, characterized by the prototypical strain H10407, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. A major virulence factor of ETEC is the type II secretion system (T2SS) responsible for secretion of the diarrheagenic heat-labile enterotoxin (LT). In this study, we have characterized the two type II secretion systems, designated alpha (T2SS(α)) and beta (T2SS(β)), encoded in the H10407 genome and describe the prevalence of both systems in other E. coli pathotypes. Under laboratory conditions, the T2SS(β) is assembled and functional in the secretion of LT into culture supernatant, whereas the T2SS(α) is not. Insertional inactivation of the three genes located upstream of gspC(β) (yghJ, pppA, and yghG) in the atypical T2SS(β) operon revealed that YghJ is not required for assembly of the GspD(β) secretin or secretion of LT, that PppA is likely the prepilin peptidase required for the function of T2SS(β), and that YghG is required for assembly of the GspD(β) secretin and thus function of the T2SS(β). Mutational and physiological analysis further demonstrated that YghG (redesignated GspS(β)) is a novel outer membrane pilotin protein that is integral for assembly of the T2SS(β) by localizing GspD(β) to the outer membrane, whereupon GspD(β) forms the macromolecular secretin multimer through which T2SS(β) substrates are translocated.

A secretory system for bacterial production of high-profile protein targets

Escherichia coli represents a robust, inexpensive expression host for the production of recombinant proteins. However, one major limitation is that certain protein classes do not express well in a biologically relevant form using standard expression approaches in the cytoplasm of E. coli. To improve the usefulness of the E. coli expression platform we have investigated combinations of promoters and selected N-terminal fusion tags for the extracellular expression of human target proteins. A comparative study was conducted on 24 target proteins fused to outer membrane protein A (OmpA), outer membrane protein F (OmpF) and osmotically inducible protein Y (OsmY). Based on the results of this initial study, we carried out an extended expression screen employing the OsmY fusion and multiple constructs of a more diverse set of human proteins. Using this high-throughput compatible system, we clearly demonstrate that secreted biomedically relevant human proteins can be efficiently retrieved and purified from the growth medium.

Network analysis of the transcriptional pattern of young and old cells of Escherichia coli during lag phase

Background

The aging process of bacteria in stationary phase is halted if cells are subcultured and enter lag phase and it is then followed by cellular division. Network science has been applied to analyse the transcriptional response, during lag phase, of bacterial cells starved previously in stationary phase for 1 day (young cells) and 16 days (old cells).

Results

A genome scale network was constructed for E. coli K-12 by connecting genes with operons, transcription and sigma factors, metabolic pathways and cell functional categories. Most of the transcriptional changes were detected immediately upon entering lag phase and were maintained throughout this period. The lag period was longer for older cells and the analysis of the transcriptome revealed different intracellular activity in young and old cells. The number of genes differentially expressed was smaller in old cells (186) than in young cells (467). Relatively, few genes (62) were up- or down-regulated in both cultures. Transcription of genes related to osmotolerance, acid resistance, oxidative stress and adaptation to other stresses was down-regulated in both young and old cells. Regarding carbohydrate metabolism, genes related to the citrate cycle were up-regulated in young cells while old cells up-regulated the Entner Doudoroff and gluconate pathways and down-regulated the pentose phosphate pathway. In both old and young cells, anaerobic respiration and fermentation pathways were down-regulated, but only young cells up-regulated aerobic respiration while there was no evidence of aerobic respiration in old cells.

Numerous genes related to DNA maintenance and replication, translation, ribosomal biosynthesis and RNA processing as well as biosynthesis of the cell envelope and flagellum and several components of the chemotaxis signal transduction complex were up-regulated only in young cells. The genes for several transport proteins for iron compounds were up-regulated in both young and old cells. Numerous genes encoding transporters for carbohydrates and organic alcohols and acids were down-regulated in old cells only.

Conclusion

Network analysis revealed very different transcriptional activities during the lag period in old and young cells. Rejuvenation seems to take place during exponential growth by replicative dilution of old cellular components.

Comparison of the extracellular proteomes of Escherichia coli B and K-12 strains during high cell density cultivation

Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and W3110 strains, belonging to the family B and K-12, respectively, have been most widely employed for recombinant protein production. During the excretory production of recombinant proteins by high cell density cultivation (HCDC) of these strains, other native E. coli proteins were also released. Thus, we analyzed the extracellular proteomes of E. coli BL21 (DE3) and W3110 during HCDC. E. coli BL21 (DE3) released more than twice the amount of protein compared with W3110 during HCDC. A total of 204 protein spots including 83 nonredundant proteins were unambiguously identified by 2-DE and MS. Of these, 32 proteins were conserved in the two strains, while 20 and 33 strain-specific proteins were identified for E. coli BL21 (DE3) and W3110, respectively. More than 70% of identified proteins were found to be of periplasmic origin. The outer membrane proteins, OmpA and OmpF, were most abundant. Two strains showed much different patterns in their released proteins. Also, cell density-dependent variations in the released proteins were observed in both strains. These findings summarized as reference proteome maps will be useful for studying protein release in further detail, and provide new strategies for enhanced excretory production of recombinant proteins.

The c-type cytochrome OmcA localizes to the outer membrane upon heterologous expression in Escherichia coli

We have functionally produced the outer membrane cytochrome OmcA from Shewanella oneidensis in Escherichia coli. Substrate accessibility experiments indicate that OmcA is surface exposed in an E. coli B strain but not in a K-12 strain. We show that a functional type II secretion system is required for surface localization.

Transcription in Escherichia coli PHL628 biofilms

The biofilm-specific gene expression of Escherichia coli PHL628 was compared with that from exponentially growing planktonic cells using macroarray technology. In duplicate experiments, both biofilm and planktonic cells were grown in separate continually stirred tank reactors at 57% of the maximal planktonic growth rate. When transcriptional results from planktonic cultures were compared with that of biofilm grown cells, c. 4.5% of the genome showed a significant change in expression. The results presented here point to an extremely heterogeneous biofilm wherein specific gene induction was consistent with the response of biofilm cells to gradients in electron acceptors, nutrients, carbon source and a variety of stresses. A mutant in one of the genes, gspM (pshM), that was induced in biofilms was constructed and was shown to be compromised for its ability to form mature biofilms. This analysis provides additional insight into the genes induced during biofilm development, the gradients they respond to, the contribution of one gene to biofilm development, and a comparison of this with other transcriptional profiles from E. coli biofilms.

Transcriptional regulation of the yghJ-pppA-yghG-gspCDEFGHIJKLM cluster, encoding the type II secretion pathway in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

The gene cluster gspCDEFGHIJKLM codes for various structural components of the type II secretion pathway which is responsible for the secretion of heat-labile enterotoxin by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). In this work, we used a variety of molecular approaches to elucidate the transcriptional organization of the ETEC type II secretion system and to unravel the mechanisms by which the expression of these genes is controlled. We showed that the gspCDEFGHIJKLM cluster and three other upstream genes, yghJ, pppA, and yghG, are cotranscribed and that a promoter located in the upstream region of yghJ plays a major role in the expression of this 14-gene transcriptional unit. Transcription of the yghJ promoter was repressed 168-fold upon a temperature downshift from 37 degrees C to 22 degrees C. This temperature-induced repression was mediated by the global regulatory proteins H-NS and StpA. Deletion mutagenesis showed that the promoter region encompassing positions -321 to +301 relative to the start site of transcription of yghJ was required for full repression. The yghJ promoter region is predicted to be highly curved and bound H-NS or StpA directly. The binding of H-NS or StpA blocked transcription initiation by inhibiting promoter open complex formation. Unraveling the mechanisms of regulation of type II secretion by ETEC enhances our understanding of the pathogenesis of ETEC and other pathogenic varieties of E. coli.

Extracellular accumulation of recombinant proteins fused to the carrier protein YebF in Escherichia coli

Bacterial protein secretion is important in the life cycles of most bacteria, in which it contributes to the formation of pili and flagella and makes available extracellular enzymes to digest polymers for nutritional purposes and toxins to kill host cells in infections of humans, animals and plants. It is generally accepted that nonpathogenic laboratory strains of Escherichia coli, particularly K12 strains, do not secrete proteins into the extracellular medium under routine growth conditions. In this study, we report that commonly used laboratory strains secrete YebF, a small (10.8 kDa in the native form), soluble endogenous protein into the medium, challenging the status quo view that laboratory strains do not secrete proteins to the medium. We further show that 'passenger' proteins linked to the carboxyl end of YebF are efficiently secreted. The function of YebF is unknown, but its use as a carrier for transgenic proteins provides a tool to circumvent toxicity and other contamination issues associated with protein production in E. coli.

Purification and characterization of the N-terminal domain of ExeA: a novel ATPase involved in the type II secretion pathway of Aeromonas hydrophila

Aeromonas hydrophila secretes a number of degradative enzymes and toxins into the external milieu via the type II secretory pathway or secreton. ExeA is an essential component of this system and is necessary for the localization and/or multimerization of the secretin ExeD. ExeA contains two sequence motifs characteristic of the Walker superfamily of ATPases. Previous examination of substitution derivatives altered in these motifs suggested that ATP binding or hydrolysis is required for ExeAB complex formation and subsequent secretion function. To directly examine ExeA function, the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of ExeA with the addition of a C-terminal hexahistidine tag (cytExeA) was overproduced in Escherichia coli and purified by metal chelate affinity and anion-exchange chromatographic techniques. Purified preparations of cytExeA exhibited ATPase activity in the presence of several divalent cations, Mg2+ being the preferred cation, with an optimum reaction temperature of approximately 37 to 42 degrees C and an optimum pH of 7 to 8. cytExeA exhibited an apparent K(m) for Mg-ATP of 0.22 mM and a V(max) of 0.72 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) of protein. cytExeA displayed low specificity for nucleoside triphosphate substrates and was significantly inhibited by F-type ATPase inhibitors. Gel filtration analyses of cytExeA, ExeA, and ExeAB indicated that ExeA dimerizes and forms a very large complex with ExeB. These findings support a model whereby ExeAB utilizes energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to facilitate the correct localization and multimerization of the ExeD secretin.

Recombinant protein secretion in Escherichia coli

The secretory production of recombinant proteins by the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli has several advantages over intracellular production as inclusion bodies. In most cases, targeting protein to the periplasmic space or to the culture medium facilitates downstream processing, folding, and in vivo stability, enabling the production of soluble and biologically active proteins at a reduced process cost. This review presents several strategies that can be used for recombinant protein secretion in E. coli and discusses their advantages and limitations depending on the characteristics of the target protein to be produced.

The structure of the cytoplasmic domain of EpsL, an inner membrane component of the type II secretion system of Vibrio cholerae: an unusual member of the actin-like ATPase superfamily

The type II secretion system (T2SS) is used by several Gram-negative bacteria for the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes and virulence factors across the outer membrane. In these secretion systems, a complex of 12-15 so-called "Gsp proteins" spans from a regulatory ATPase in the cytoplasm, via several signal or energy transducing proteins in the inner membrane and the pseudopilins in the periplasm, to the actual pore in the outer membrane. The human pathogen Vibrio cholerae employs such an assembly, called the Eps system, for the export of its major virulence factor, cholera toxin, from its periplasm into the lumen of the gastro-intestinal tract of the host. Here, we report the atomic structure of the major cytoplasmic domain of the inner membrane-spanning EpsL protein from V. cholerae. EpsL is the binding partner of the regulatory ATPase EpsE as well as of EpsM and pseudopilins, and is therefore a critical link between the cytoplasmic and the periplasmic part of the Eps-system. The 2.7A resolution structure was determined by a combination of Se-Met multiple anomalous dispersion (MAD) and multiple isomorphous replacement with anomalous scattering (MIRAS) phasing methods. The 28kDa cytoplasmic domain of EpsL (cyto-EpsL) consists of three beta-sheet-rich domains. With domains I and III similar to the RNaseH-fold, cyto-EpsL unexpectedly shows structural homology with the superfamily of actin-like ATPases. cyto-EpsL, however, is an unusual member of this superfamily as it misses the canonical actin domains 1B and 2B, which are common yet variable in this superfamily. Moreover, cyto-EpsL has an additional domain II, which has the topology of an SHS2-fold module. Within the superfamily this fold module has been observed only for domain 1C of the cell division protein FtsA, in which it mediates protein-protein interactions. This domain II displays great flexibility and contributes to a pronounced negatively charged canyon on the surface of cyto-EpsL. Functional data as well as structural homology and sequence conservation suggest that domain II interacts with EpsE, the major cytoplasmic binding partner of EpsL.

Type V protein secretion pathway: the autotransporter story

Gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane layer which constrains uptake and secretion of solutes and polypeptides. To overcome this barrier, bacteria have developed several systems for protein secretion. The type V secretion pathway encompasses the autotransporter proteins, the two-partner secretion system, and the recently described type Vc or AT-2 family of proteins. Since its discovery in the late 1980s, this family of secreted proteins has expanded continuously, due largely to the advent of the genomic age, to become the largest group of secreted proteins in gram-negative bacteria. Several of these proteins play essential roles in the pathogenesis of bacterial infections and have been characterized in detail, demonstrating a diverse array of function including the ability to condense host cell actin and to modulate apoptosis. However, most of the autotransporter proteins remain to be characterized. In light of new discoveries and controversies in this research field, this review considers the autotransporter secretion process in the context of the more general field of bacterial protein translocation and exoprotein function.

The general secretory pathway: a general misnomer?

The term general secretory pathway (GSP) has been usurped and misused in the literature over the past few years. The concept of GSP is discussed from an historical perspective, and the definitions of the general export pathway (GEP), the main terminal branch (MTB) of the GSP, the unified GSP nomenclature and the type II, IV and V secretion pathways are also described to show how they have fuelled the confusion. By putting the record straight and using novel findings within the field of bacterial protein secretion, we hope to bring clarity to this area of science and prevent further promulgation of incorrect terminologies.

The ETT2 gene cluster, encoding a second type III secretion system from Escherichia coli, is present in the majority of strains but has undergone widespread mutational attrition

ETT2 is a second cryptic type III secretion system in Escherichia coli which was first discovered through the analysis of genome sequences of enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7. Comparative analyses of Escherichia and Shigella genome sequences revealed that the ETT2 gene cluster is larger than was previously thought, encompassing homologues of genes from the Spi-1, Spi-2, and Spi-3 Salmonella pathogenicity islands. ETT2-associated genes, including regulators and chaperones, were found at the same chromosomal location in the majority of genome-sequenced strains, including the laboratory strain K-12. Using a PCR-based approach, we constructed a complete tiling path through the ETT2 gene cluster for 79 strains, including the well-characterized E. coli reference collection supplemented with additional pathotypes. The ETT2 gene cluster was found to be present in whole or in part in the majority of E. coli strains, whether pathogenic or commensal, with patterns of distribution and deletion mirroring the known phylogenetic structure of the species. In almost all strains, including enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7, ETT2 has been subjected to varying degrees of mutational attrition that render it unable to encode a functioning secretion system. A second type III secretion system-associated locus that likely encodes the ETT2 translocation apparatus was found in some E. coli strains. Intact versions of both ETT2-related clusters are apparently present in enteroaggregative E. coli strain O42.

Bacterial surface association of heat-labile enterotoxin through lipopolysaccharide after secretion via the general secretory pathway

Heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) is an important virulence factor expressed by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The route of LT secretion through the outer membrane and the cellular and extracellular localization of secreted LT were examined. Using a fluorescently labeled receptor, LT was found to be specifically secreted onto the surface of wild type enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The main terminal branch of the general secretory pathway (GSP) was necessary and sufficient to localize LT to the bacterial surface in a K-12 strain. LT is a heteromeric toxin, and we determined that its cell surface localization was mediated by the its B subunit independent of an intact G(M1) ganglioside binding site and that LT binds lipopolysaccharide and G(M1) concurrently. The majority of LT secreted into the culture supernatant by the GSP in E. coli associated with vesicles. Only a mutation in hns, not overexpression of the GSP or LT, caused an increase in vesicle yield, supporting a specific vesicle formation machinery regulated by the nucleoid-associated protein HNS. We propose a model in which LT is secreted by the GSP across the outer membrane, secreted LT binds lipopolysaccharide via a G(M1)-independent binding region on its B subunit, and LT on the surface of released outer membrane vesicles interacts with host cell receptors, leading to intoxication. These data explain a novel mechanism of vesicle-mediated receptor-dependent delivery of a bacterial toxin into a host cell.

StcE, a metalloprotease secreted by Escherichia coli O157:H7, specifically cleaves C1 esterase inhibitor

Escherichia coli O157:H7 causes diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis, and the haemolytic uraemic syndrome. We have identified a protein of previously unknown function encoded on the pO157 virulence plasmid of E. coli O157:H7, which is the first described protease that specifically cleaves C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), a member of the serine protease inhibitor family. The protein, named StcE for secreted protease of C1 esterase inhibitor from EHEC (formerly Tagn), cleaves C1-INH to produce (unique) approximately 60-65 kDa fragments. StcE does not digest other serine protease inhibitors, extracellular matrix proteins or universal protease targets. We also observed that StcE causes the aggregation of cultured human T cells but not macrophage-like cells or B cells. Substitution of aspartic acid for glutamic acid at StcE position 435 within the consensus metalloprotease active site ablates its abilities to digest C1-INH and to aggregate T cells. StcE is secreted by the etp type II secretion pathway encoded on pO157, and extracellular StcE levels are positively regulated by the LEE-encoded regulator, Ler. StcE antigen and activity were detected in the faeces of a child with an E. coli O157:H7 infection, demonstrating the expression of StcE during human disease. Cleavage of C1-INH by StcE could plausibly cause localized pro-inflammatory and coagulation responses resulting in tissue damage, intestinal oedema and thrombotic abnormalities.

Identification of a protein secretory pathway for the secretion of heat-labile enterotoxin by an enterotoxigenic strain of Escherichia coli

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is an enteric pathogen that causes cholera-like diarrhea in humans and animals. ETEC secretes a heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), which resembles cholera toxin, but the actual mechanism of LT secretion is presently unknown. We have identified a previously unrecognized type II protein secretion pathway in the prototypic human ETEC strain, H10407 (serotype O78:H11). The genes for this pathway are absent from E. coli K-12, although examination of the K-12 genome suggests that it probably once possessed them. The secretory pathway bears significant homology at the amino acid level to the type II protein secretory pathway required by Vibrio cholerae for the secretion of cholera toxin. With this in mind, we determined whether the homologous pathway of E. coli H10407 played a role in the secretion of LT. To this end, we inactivated the pathway by inserting a kanamycin-resistance gene into one of the genes (gspD) of the type II secretion pathway by homologous recombination. LT secretion by E. coli H10407 and the gspD mutant was assayed by enzyme immunoassay, and its biological activity was assessed by using Y-1 adrenal cells. This investigation showed that the protein secretory pathway is functional and necessary for the secretion of LT by ETEC. Our findings have revealed the mechanism for the secretion of LT by ETEC, which previously was unknown, and provide further evidence of close biological similarities of the LT and cholera toxin.

Expression of the ExeAB complex of Aeromonas hydrophila is required for the localization and assembly of the ExeD secretion port multimer

Aeromonas hydrophila secretes protein toxins via the type II pathway, involving the products of at least two operons, exeAB (gspAB) and exeC-N (gspC-N). In the studies reported here, aerolysin secretion was restored to C5.84, an exeA::Tn5-751 mutant, by overexpression of exeD alone in trans. Expression studies indicated that these results did not reflect a role of ExeAB in the regulation of the exeC-N operon. Instead, immunoblot analysis showed that ExeD did not multimerize in C5.84, and fractionation of the membranes showed that the monomeric ExeD remained in the inner membrane. Expression of ExeAB, but not either protein alone, from a plasmid in C5.84 resulted in increases in the amount of multimeric ExeD, which correlated with increases in aerolysin secretion. Pulse-chase analysis also suggested that the induction of ExeAB allowed multimerization of previously accumulated monomer ExeD. In C5.84 cells overproducing ExeD, it multimerized even in the absence of ExeAB and, although most remained in the inner membrane, an amount similar to that in wild-type outer membranes fractionated with the outer membrane of the overproducing cells. These results indicate that the secretion defect of exeAB mutants is a result of an inability to assemble the ExeD secretin in the outer membrane. The localization and multimerization of overproduced ExeD in these mutants further suggests that the ExeAB complex plays either a direct or indirect role in the transport of ExeD into the outer membrane.

A putative three-dimensional targeting motif of polygalacturonase (PehA), a protein secreted through the type II (GSP) pathway in Erwinia carotovora

Intramolecular information specifying protein secretion through the type II (GSP) pathway of Gram-negative bacteria was investigated. Two regions of the polygalacturonase (PehA) of Erwinia carotovora containing residues proposed to be included in a targeting motif were located, one close to the C-terminus between residues 342 and 369 and another between residues 84 and 135 in the large central loops. The regions were required together to promote secretion. Further residues in the middle of the protein were required for proper positioning of the regions, suggesting that they were both involved in interaction with the GSP. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a possible three-dimensional targeting motif has been defined. At least one of the motifs comprises a cluster on the surface of the protein. The two motifs are structurally dissimilar, suggesting that there are two distinct recognition regions in the GSP apparatus. Finally, we propose that the targeting motifs are of a complex conformational nature with some variability accommodated, as illustrated by the observation that many mutations exhibited no clear phenotype individually but, in combination, severely compromised secretion.

Characterization of the type III secretion locus of Bordetella pertussis

Multiple sequence comparisons of proteins of the LcrD/FlbF family allowed the design of primers that specifically amplify sequences coding for type III secretion components. Amplification of Bordetella pertussis DNA with these primers yielded a fragment that was further used as a probe for screening a genomic library. The nucleotide sequence of a positive clone revealed a 2100-bp gene, called bcrD, which specifies a 75-kDa polypeptide homologous to the Yersinia LcrD protein. Chromosome walking allowed the characterization of a 35-kb DNA segment that contains the entire locus and flanking housekeeping genes. The B. pertussis type III secretion locus consists of more than 30 open reading frames (ORFs), most of which are identical to annotated genes of Bordetella spp and share similarities with known type III secretion genes of related bacteria. In order to assess the function of this locus, we engineered a bcrD null mutant. However, none of the tested phenotypes, such as protein secretion, cellular invasion, cytotoxicity or mouse lung colonization, differentiated the mutant from its parental strain. Studies of bcrD and bscN expressions indicated that, under our experimental conditions, these genes are not expressed in vitro. Restriction analyses on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis allowed the type III locus mapping at coordinate position 1,590 kb on the Tohama I strain chromosome.

Pathogenicity islands and the evolution of microbes

Virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria (adhesins, toxins, invasins, protein secretion systems, iron uptake systems, and others) may be encoded by particular regions of the prokaryotic genome termed pathogenicity islands. Pathogenicity islands were first described in human pathogens of the species Escherichia coli, but have recently been found in the genomes of various pathogens of humans, animals, and plants. Pathogenicity islands comprise large genomic regions [10-200 kilobases (kb) in size] that are present on the genomes of pathogenic strains but absent from the genomes of nonpathogenic members of the same or related species. The finding that the G+C content of pathogenicity islands often differs from that of the rest of the genome, the presence of direct repeats at their ends, the association of pathogenicity islands with transfer RNA genes, the presence of integrase determinants and other mobility loci, and their genetic instability argue for the generation of pathogenicity islands by horizontal gene transfer, a process that is well known to contribute to microbial evolution. In this article we review these and other aspects of pathogenicity islands and discuss the concept that they represent a subclass of genomic islands. Genomic islands are present in the majority of genomes of pathogenic as well as nonpathogenic bacteria and may encode accessory functions which have been previously spread among bacterial populations.

DsbA and DsbC affect extracellular enzyme formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

DsbA and DsbC proteins involved in the periplasmic formation of disulfide bonds in Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified and shown to play an important role for the formation of extracellular enzymes. Mutants deficient in either dsbA or dsbC or both genes were constructed, and extracellular elastase, alkaline phosphatase, and lipase activities were determined. The dsbA mutant no longer produced these enzymes, whereas the lipase activity was doubled in the dsbC mutant. Also, extracellar lipase production was severely reduced in a P. aeruginosa dsbA mutant in which an inactive DsbA variant carrying the mutation C34S was expressed. Even when the lipase gene lipA was constitutively expressed in trans in a lipA dsbA double mutant, lipase activity in cell extracts and culture supernatants was still reduced to about 25%. Interestingly, the presence of dithiothreitol in the growth medium completely inhibited the formation of extracellular lipase whereas the addition of dithiothreitol to a cell-free culture supernatant did not affect lipase activity. We conclude that the correct formation of the disulfide bond catalyzed in vivo by DsbA is necessary to stabilize periplasmic lipase. Such a stabilization is the prerequisite for efficient secretion using the type II pathway.

Expression of the endogenous type II secretion pathway in Escherichia coli leads to chitinase secretion

Escherichia coli K-12, the most widely used laboratory bacterium, does not secrete proteins into the extracellular medium under standard growth conditions, despite possessing chromosomal genes encoding a putative type II secretion machinery (secreton). We show that in wild-type E.coli K-12, divergent transcription of the two operons in the main chromosomal gsp locus, encoding the majority of the secreton components, is silenced by the nucleoid-structuring protein H-NS. In mutants lacking H-NS, the secreton genes cloned on a moderate-copy-number plasmid are expressed and promote efficient secretion of the endogenous, co-regulated endochitinase ChiA. This is the first time that secretion of an endogenous extracellular protein has been demonstrated in E.coli K-12.

Influence of deletions within domain II of exotoxin A on its extracellular secretion from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium that secretes many proteins into the extracellular medium via the Xcp machinery. This pathway, conserved in gram-negative bacteria, is called the type II pathway. The exoproteins contain information in their amino acid sequence to allow targeting to their secretion machinery. This information may be present within a conformational motif. The nature of this signal has been examined for P. aeruginosa exotoxin A (PE). Previous studies failed to identify a common minimal motif required for Xcp-dependent recognition and secretion of PE. One study identified a motif at the N terminus of the protein, whereas another one found additional information at the C terminus. In this study, we assess the role of the central PE domain II composed of six alpha-helices (A to F). The secretion behavior of PE derivatives, individually deleted for each helix, was analyzed. Helix E deletion has a drastic effect on secretion of PE, which accumulates within the periplasm. The conformational rearrangement induced in this variant is predicted from the three-dimensional PE structure, and the molecular modification is confirmed by gel filtration experiments. Helix E is in the core of the molecule and creates close contact with other domains (I and III). Deletion of the surface-exposed helix F has no effect on secretion, indicating that no secretion information is contained in this helix. Finally, we concluded that disruption of a structured domain II yields an extended form of the molecule and prevents formation of the conformational secretion motif.

Identification of a gene within a pathogenicity island of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli H10407 required for maximal secretion of the heat-labile enterotoxin

Studies of the pathogenesis of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) have largely centered on extrachromosomal determinants of virulence, in particular the plasmid-encoded heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable enterotoxins and the colonization factor antigens. ETEC causes illnesses that range from mild diarrhea to severe cholera-like disease. These differences in disease severity are not readily accounted for by our current understanding of ETEC pathogenesis. Here we demonstrate that Tia, a putative adhesin of ETEC H10407, is encoded on a large chromosomal element of approximately 46 kb that shares multiple features with previously described E. coli pathogenicity islands. Further analysis of the region downstream from tia revealed the presence of several candidate open reading frames (ORFs) in the same transcriptional orientation as tia. The putative proteins encoded by these ORFs bear multiple motifs associated with bacterial secretion apparatuses. An in-frame deletion in one candidate gene identified here as leoA (labile enterotoxin output) resulted in marked diminution of secretion of the LT enterotoxin and lack of fluid accumulation in a rabbit ileal loop model of infection. Although previous studies have suggested that E. coli lacks the capacity to secrete LT, our studies show that maximal release of LT from the periplasm of H10407 is dependent on one or more elements encoded on a pathogenicity island.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli secretes active heat-labile enterotoxin via outer membrane vesicles

Escherichia coli and other Gram-negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles during normal growth. Vesicles may contribute to bacterial pathogenicity by serving as vehicles for toxins to encounter host cells. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) vesicles were isolated from culture supernatants and purified on velocity gradients, thereby removing any soluble proteins and contaminants from the crude preparation. Vesicle protein profiles were similar but not identical to outer membranes and differed between strains. Most vesicle proteins were resistant to dissociation, suggesting they were integral or internal. Thin layer chromatography revealed that major outer membrane lipid components are present in vesicles. Cytoplasmic membranes and cytosol were absent in vesicles; however, alkaline phosphatase and AcrA, periplasmic residents, were localized to vesicles. In addition, physiologically active heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) was associated with ETEC vesicles. LT activity correlated directly with the gradient peak of vesicles, suggesting specific association, but could be removed from vesicles under dissociating conditions. Further analysis revealed that LT is enriched in vesicles and is located both inside and on the exterior of vesicles. The distinct protein composition of ETEC vesicles and their ability to carry toxin may contribute to the pathogenicity of ETEC strains.

Overproduction of the secretin OutD suppresses the secretion defect of an Erwinia chrysanthemi outB mutant

OutB is a component of the Erwinia chrysanthemi Out secretion machinery. Homologues of OutB have been described in two other bacteria, Klebsiella oxytoca and Aeromonas hydrophila, but their requirement in the secretion process seems to be different. Study of OutB topology with the BlaM topology probe suggests that it is an inner-membrane protein with a large periplasmic domain. However, fractionation experiments indicate that it could be associated with the outer membrane through its C-terminal part. The secretion deficiency of an Erw. chrysanthemi outB mutant can be reversed by the addition of an inducer of the kdgR regulon. It was shown that this effect results from the increased expression of the secretin OutD and that secretion can be restored in an outB mutant by introducing the outD gene on a plasmid. Several experiments suggest an interaction between OutB and OutD. In Erw. chrysanthemi, the presence of OutD stabilizes OutB. OutD expressed in Escherichia coli can be protected from proteolytic degradation by the coexpression of OutB. This effect does not require the N-terminal, transmembrane segment of outB. OutB can be cross-linked with OutD by formaldehyde. These results indicate that OutB could act with OutD in the functioning of the Out secretion machinery.

The ChiA (YheB) protein of Escherichia coli K-12 is an endochitinase whose gene is negatively controlled by the nucleoid-structuring protein H-NS

The chromosome of Escherichia coli K-12 contains a putative gene, yheB (chiA), at centisome 74.7, whose product shows sequence similarity with chitinases of bacterial and viral origin. We cloned the chiA (yheB) gene and demonstrated that it codes for a 94.5 kDa periplasmic protein with endochitinase/lysozyme activity. Under standard laboratory growth conditions, chiA expression is very low, as shown by the Lac- phenotype of a chiA transcriptional fusion to a promoterless lacZ reporter. To identify factors that control chitinase gene expression, we generated random Tn10 insertions in the chromosome of the fusion-containing strain, selecting for a Lac+ phenotype. The majority of the mutations that caused a Lac+ phenotype mapped to the hns gene, encoding the nucleoid-structuring protein H-NS. Transcription of chiA in vivo is driven by a single sigma70 promoter and is derepressed in an hns mutant. Using a competitive gel retardation assay, we demonstrated that H-NS binds directly and with high affinity to the chiA promoter region. In addition to hns, other E. coli mutations causing defects in global regulatory proteins, such as fis, crp or stpA in combination with hns, increased chiA expression to different extents, as did decreasing the growth temperature from 37 degrees C to 30 degrees C. A possible physiological function of ChiA (YheB) endochitinase in E. coli K-12 is discussed.

PpdD type IV pilin of Escherichia coli K-12 can Be assembled into pili in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Escherichia coli K-12 possesses at least 16 chromosomal genes related to genes involved in the formation of type IV pili in other gram-negative bacteria. However, E. coli K-12 does not produce type IV pili when grown under standard laboratory conditions. The results of reverse transcription-PCR, operon fusion analysis, and immunoblotting demonstrated that several of the putative E. coli piliation genes are expressed at very low levels. Increasing the level of expression of the major pilin gene (ppdD) and the linked assembly genes hofB and hofC (homologues of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type IV pilus assembly genes pilB and pilC) did not lead to pilus production. However, expression of the ppdD gene in P. aeruginosa led to assembly of PpdD into pili that were recognized by antibodies directed against the PpdD protein. Assembly of PpdD into pili in P. aeruginosa was dependent on the expression of the pilB and pilC genes and independent of expression of the P. aeruginosa pilin structural gene pilA.

Identification of a novel genetic locus that is required for in vitro adhesion of a clinical isolate of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli to epithelial cells

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are food-borne intestinal pathogens with a low infectious dose. Adhesion of some EHEC strains to epithelial cells is attributed, in part, to intimin, but other factors may be required for the intestinal colonizing ability of these bacteria. In order to identify additional adherence factors of EHEC, we generated transposon mutants of a clinical EHEC isolate of serotype O111:H-, which displayed high levels of adherence to cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. One mutant was markedly deficient in CHO cell adherence, human red blood cell agglutination and autoaggregation. Sequence analysis of the gene disrupted in this mutant revealed a 9669 bp novel chromosomal open reading frame (ORF), which was designated efa1, for EHEC factor for adherence. efa1 displayed 28% amino acid identity with the predicted product of a recently described ORF from the haemolysin-encoding plasmid of EHEC O157:H7. The amino termini of the putative products of these two genes exhibit up to 38% amino acid similarity to Clostridium difficile toxins A and B. efa1 occurred within a novel genetic locus, at least 15 kb in length, which featured a low G+C content, several insertion sequence homologues and a homologue of the Shigella flexneri enterotoxin ShET2. DNA probes prepared from different regions of efa1 hybridized with all of 116 strains of attaching-effacing E. coli (AEEC) of a variety of serotypes, including enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and EHEC, but with none of 91 non-AEEC strains. Nevertheless, efa1 was not required for the attachment-effacement phenotype, and the efa1 locus was not physically linked to the locus for enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island, which is responsible for this phenotype in EPEC. These findings suggest that efa1 encodes a novel virulence-associated determinant of AEEC, which contributes to the adhesive capacity of these bacteria.

Legionella pneumophila contains a type II general secretion pathway required for growth in amoebae as well as for secretion of the Msp protease

We report the identification of a set of Legionella pneumophila genes that encode products with homology to proteins of the type II general secretion pathway of gram-negative bacteria. A strain containing a deletion-substitution mutation of two of these genes was unable to secrete the Msp protease. This strain was unable to multiply within the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii yet was able to kill HL-60-derived macrophages. Because Msp is not required for growth in amoebae, other proteins which are important for growth in amoebae are likely secreted by this pathway.

Membrane association and multimerization of secreton component pulC

The PulC component of the Klebsiella oxytoca pullulanase secretion machinery (the secreton) was found by subcellular fractionation to be associated with both the cytoplasmic (inner) and outer membranes. Association with the outer membrane was independent of other secreton components, including the outer membrane protein PulD (secretin). The association of PulC with the inner membrane is mediated by the signal anchor sequence located close to its N terminus. These results suggest that PulC forms a bridge between the two membranes that is disrupted when bacteria are broken open for fractionation. Neither the signal anchor sequence nor the cytoplasmic N-terminal region that precedes it was found to be required for PulC function, indicating that PulC does not undergo sequence-specific interactions with other cytoplasmic membrane proteins. Cross-linking of whole cells resulted in the formation of a ca. 110-kDa band that reacted with PulC-specific serum and whose detection depended on the presence of PulD. However, antibodies against PulD failed to react with this band, suggesting that it could be a homo-PulC trimer whose formation requires PulD. The data are discussed in terms of the possible role of PulC in energy transduction for exoprotein secretion.