1
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Kennedy NW, Comstock LE. Mechanisms of bacterial immunity, protection, and survival during interbacterial warfare. Cell Host Microbe 2024; 32:794-803. [PMID: 38870897 PMCID: PMC11216714 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Most bacteria live in communities, often with closely related strains and species with whom they must compete for space and resources. Consequently, bacteria have acquired or evolved mechanisms to antagonize competitors through the production of antibacterial toxins. Similar to bacterial systems that combat phage infection and mechanisms to thwart antibiotics, bacteria have also acquired and evolved features to protect themselves from antibacterial toxins. Just as there is a large body of research identifying and characterizing antibacterial proteins and toxin delivery systems, studies of bacterial mechanisms to resist and survive assault from competitors' weapons have also expanded tremendously. Emerging data are beginning to reveal protective processes and mechanisms that are as diverse as the toxins themselves. Protection against antibacterial toxins can be acquired by horizontal gene transfer, receptor or target alteration, induction of protective functions, physical barriers, and other diverse processes. Here, we review recent studies in this rapidly expanding field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan W Kennedy
- Duchossois Family Institute and Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Laurie E Comstock
- Duchossois Family Institute and Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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2
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Xie H, Huang Y, Wang S, Che J, Luo T, Li L, Bao B. Deletion of speA and aroC genes impacts the pathogenicity of Vibrio anguillarum in spotted sea bass. Microb Pathog 2024; 189:106597. [PMID: 38395316 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Vibrio anguillarum is one of the major pathogens responsible for bacterial infections in marine environments, causing significant impacts on the aquaculture industry. The misuse of antibiotics leads to bacteria developing multiple drug resistances, which is detrimental to the development of the fisheries industry. In contrast, live attenuated vaccines are gradually gaining acceptance and widespread recognition. In this study, we constructed a double-knockout attenuated strain, V. anguillarum ΔspeA-aroC, to assess its potential for preparing a live attenuated vaccine. The research results indicate a significant downregulation of virulence-related genes, including Type VI secretion system, Type II secretion system, biofilm synthesis, iron uptake system, and other related genes, in the mutant strain. Furthermore, the strain lacking the genes exhibited a 67.47% reduction in biofilm formation ability and increased sensitivity to antibiotics. The mutant strain exhibited significantly reduced capability in evading host immune system defenses and causing in vivo infections in spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus), with an LD50 that was 13.93 times higher than that of the wild-type V. anguillarum. Additionally, RT-qPCR analysis of immune-related gene expression in spotted sea bass head kidney and spleen showed a weakened immune response triggered by the knockout strain. Compared to the wild-type V. anguillarum, the mutant strain caused reduced levels of tissue damage. The results demonstrate that the deletion of speA and aroC significantly reduces the biosynthesis of biofilms in V. anguillarum, leading to a decrease in its pathogenicity. This suggests a crucial role of biofilms in the survival and invasive capabilities of V. anguillarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Xie
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yajuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Shengming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jingyuan Che
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Tuyan Luo
- Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003, China
| | - Lekang Li
- Jiujiang Academy of Fishery Sciences, Jiujiang, 332000, China.
| | - Baolong Bao
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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3
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De Anda-Mora KL, Tavares-Carreón F, Alvarez C, Barahona S, Becerril-García MA, Treviño-Rangel RJ, García-Contreras R, Andrade A. Increased Proteolytic Activity of Serratia marcescens Clinical Isolate HU1848 Is Associated with Higher eepR Expression. Pol J Microbiol 2024; 73:11-20. [PMID: 38437469 PMCID: PMC10911700 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2024-002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens is a global opportunistic pathogen. In vitro cytotoxicity of this bacterium is mainly related to metalloprotease serralysin (PrtS) activity. Proteolytic capability varies among the different isolates. Here, we characterized protease production and transcriptional regulators at 37°C of two S. marcescens isolates from bronchial expectorations, HU1848 and SmUNAM836. As a reference strain the insect pathogen S. marcescens Db10 was included. Zymography of supernatant cultures revealed a single (SmUNAM836) or double proteolytic zones (HU1848 and Db10). Mass spectrometry confirmed the identity of PrtS and the serralysin-like protease SlpB from supernatant samples. Elevated proteolytic activity and prtS expression were evidenced in the HU1848 strain through azocasein degradation and qRT-PCR, respectively. Evaluation of transcriptional regulators revealed higher eepR expression in HU1848, whereas cpxR and hexS transcriptional levels were similar between studied strains. Higher eepR expression in HU1848 was further confirmed through an in vivo transcriptional assay. Moreover, two putative CpxR binding motifs were identified within the eepR regulatory region. EMSA validated the interaction of CpxR with both motifs. The evaluation of eepR transcription in a cpxR deletion strain indicated that CpxR negatively regulates eepR. Sequence conservation suggests that regulation of eepR by CpxR is common along S. marcescens species. Overall, our data incorporates CpxR to the complex regulatory mechanisms governing eepR expression and associates the increased proteolytic activity of the HU1848 strain with higher eepR transcription. Based on the global impact of EepR in secondary metabolites production, our work contributes to understanding virulence factors variances across S. marcescens isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla L. De Anda-Mora
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Faviola Tavares-Carreón
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
| | - Carlos Alvarez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Samantha Barahona
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
| | - Miguel A. Becerril-García
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Rogelio J. Treviño-Rangel
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo García-Contreras
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Angel Andrade
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
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4
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Hespanhol JT, Nóbrega-Silva L, Bayer-Santos E. Regulation of type VI secretion systems at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational level. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001376. [PMID: 37552221 PMCID: PMC10482370 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria live in complex polymicrobial communities and are constantly competing for resources. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread antagonistic mechanism used by Gram-negative bacteria to gain an advantage over competitors. T6SSs translocate toxic effector proteins inside target prokaryotic cells in a contact-dependent manner. In addition, some T6SS effectors can be secreted extracellularly and contribute to the scavenging scarce metal ions. Bacteria deploy their T6SSs in different situations, categorizing these systems into offensive, defensive and exploitative. The great variety of bacterial species and environments occupied by such species reflect the complexity of regulatory signals and networks that control the expression and activation of the T6SSs. Such regulation is tightly controlled at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational level by abiotic (e.g. pH, iron) or biotic (e.g. quorum-sensing) cues. In this review, we provide an update on the current knowledge about the regulatory networks that modulate the expression and activity of T6SSs across several species, focusing on systems used for interbacterial competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Takuno Hespanhol
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Luize Nóbrega-Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Ethel Bayer-Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
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5
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Lin YL, Smith SN, Kanso E, Septer AN, Rycroft CH. A subcellular biochemical model for T6SS dynamics reveals winning competitive strategies. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad195. [PMID: 37441614 PMCID: PMC10335733 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a broadly distributed interbacterial weapon that can be used to eliminate competing bacterial populations. Although unarmed target populations are typically used to study T6SS function in vitro, bacteria most likely encounter other T6SS-armed competitors in nature. However, the connection between subcellular details of the T6SS and the outcomes of such mutually lethal battles is not well understood. Here, we incorporate biological data derived from natural competitors of Vibrio fischeri light organ symbionts to build a biochemical model for T6SS at the single-cell level, which we then integrate into an agent-based model (ABM). Using the ABM, we isolate and experiment with strain-specific physiological differences between competitors in ways not possible with biological samples to identify winning strategies for T6SS-armed populations. Through in vitro experiments, we discover that strain-specific differences exist in T6SS activation speed. ABM simulations corroborate that faster activation is dominant in determining survival during competition. Once competitors are fully activated, the energy required for T6SS creates a tipping point where increased weapon building and firing becomes too costly to be advantageous. Through ABM simulations, we identify the threshold where this transition occurs in the T6SS parameter space. We also find that competitive outcomes depend on the geometry of the battlefield: unarmed target cells survive at the edges of a range expansion where unlimited territory can be claimed. Alternatively, competitions within a confined space, much like the light organ crypts where natural V. fischeri compete, result in the rapid elimination of the unarmed population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eva Kanso
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, 3650 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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6
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Wang Y, Zeng M, Xia L, Valerie Olovo C, Su Z, Zhang Y. Bacterial strategies for immune systems - Role of the type VI secretion system. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109550. [PMID: 36525796 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The process of host infection by bacteria is complicated. Bacterial infections strongly induce the host immune system, which necessitates a robust clearance of the infection. However, bacteria have over time developed strategies that enable their evasion of attacks by the host immune system. One such strategy is the type VI secretion system (T6SS), a special needle-like secretion system that is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria and is responsible for delivering effector proteins into the external bacterial environment or directly into the host cell cytosol. Bacterial T6SS and its secreted effector proteins play an important role in the interaction between bacteria and host immune system. They also serve as antigens that are employed in the development of vaccines for clinical trials as well as future vaccine candidates. This review focuses mainly on aspects of T6SS effectors that impact the strength of the host immune system, including inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis (silent programmed cell death). The T6SS-based vaccines are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurou Wang
- Institute for Medical Immunology of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Minmin Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Lin Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China; International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Chinasa Valerie Olovo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Zhaoliang Su
- Institute for Medical Immunology of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute for Medical Immunology of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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7
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Wang H, Lin-Zhao Z, Jie-An D, Lin-Wang J, Tong-Yang B, Huan-Kang Y, Xing-Zhang D, Chao-Song H, Feng-Shan X, Dong-Qian A. The lip gene contributes to the virulence of Aeromonas veronii strain TH0426. Microb Pathog 2022; 167:105566. [PMID: 35568092 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aeromonas veronii (A. veronii) is a pathogen that can infect aquatic organisms and mammals and has caused irrecoverable economic losses to the aquaculture industry. The results of an epidemiological investigation showed that the number of cases of A. veronii have increased gradually in recent years, and its drug resistance and virulence has shown an upward trend. In this study, we constructed an A. veronii mutant strain Δlip, by homologous recombination and studied its function. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the biofilm formation ability between the Δlip and the wild-type strain, but the toxicity of the Δlip to EPC cells and its ability to adhere to EPC cells were significantly reduced. The LD50 value of the Δlip to zebrafish was 7.40-fold higher than that of the wild-type strain. In addition, after 24 h and 72 h, the bacterial loads of the Δlip in the organs of crucian carp were significantly lower than those in the wild-type strain. In conclusion, the mutant strain Δlip led to a decrease in the adhesion and virulence of the wild-type strain, which lays a foundation to further understand lip gene function and the pathogenic mechanism of A. veronii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Ze Lin-Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Ding Jie-An
- Institute of Animal and Veterinary Medicine,Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, Jilin, 136100, China
| | - Jing Lin-Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Bin Tong-Yang
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, Jilin, 130600, China
| | - Yuan Huan-Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Dong Xing-Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Hai Chao-Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xiao Feng-Shan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Ai Dong-Qian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
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8
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Pan X, Tang M, You J, Osire T, Sun C, Fu W, Yi G, Yang T, Yang ST, Rao Z. PsrA is a novel regulator contributes to antibiotic synthesis, bacterial virulence, cell motility and extracellular polysaccharides production in Serratia marcescens. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:127-148. [PMID: 34893884 PMCID: PMC8754645 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens is a Gram-negative bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family that can produce numbers of biologically active secondary metabolites. However, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms behind secondary metabolites biosynthesis in S. marcescens remains limited. In this study, we identified an uncharacterized LysR family transcriptional regulator, encoding gene BVG90_12635, here we named psrA, that positively controlled prodigiosin synthesis in S. marcescens. This phenotype corresponded to PsrA positive control of transcriptional of the prodigiosin-associated pig operon by directly binding to a regulatory binding site (RBS) and an activating binding site (ABS) in the promoter region of the pig operon. We demonstrated that L-proline is an effector for the PsrA, which enhances the binding affinity of PsrA to its target promoters. Using transcriptomics and further experiments, we show that PsrA indirectly regulates pleiotropic phenotypes, including serrawettin W1 biosynthesis, extracellular polysaccharide production, biofilm formation, swarming motility and T6SS-mediated antibacterial activity in S. marcescens. Collectively, this study proposes that PsrA is a novel regulator that contributes to antibiotic synthesis, bacterial virulence, cell motility and extracellular polysaccharides production in S. marcescens and provides important clues for future studies exploring the function of the PsrA and PsrA-like proteins which are widely present in many other bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiajia You
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Tolbert Osire
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Changhao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Weilai Fu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.,Fujian Dabeinong Aquatic Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou 363500, China
| | - Ganfeng Yi
- Fujian Dabeinong Aquatic Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou 363500, China
| | - Taowei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Shang-Tian Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zhiming Rao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Applied Microorganisms and Metabolic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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9
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Defending against the Type Six Secretion System: beyond Immunity Genes. Cell Rep 2021; 33:108259. [PMID: 33053336 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial type six secretion system (T6SS) delivers toxic effector proteins into neighboring cells, but bacteria must protect themselves against their own T6SS. Immunity genes are the best-characterized defenses, protecting against specific cognate effectors. However, the prevalence of the T6SS and the coexistence of species with heterologous T6SSs suggest evolutionary pressure selecting for additional defenses against it. Here we review defenses against the T6SS beyond self-associated immunity genes, such as diverse stress responses that can recognize T6SS-inflicted damage and coordinate induction of molecular armor, repair pathways, and overall survival. Some of these stress responses are required for full survival even in the presence of immunity genes. Finally, we propose that immunity gene-independent protection is, mechanistically, bacterial innate immunity and that such defenses and the T6SS have co-evolved and continue to shape one another in polymicrobial communities.
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10
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Kern L, Abdeen SK, Kolodziejczyk AA, Elinav E. Commensal inter-bacterial interactions shaping the microbiota. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:158-171. [PMID: 34365152 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms of different kingdoms, impacts host physiology and disease. Within this ecosystem, inter-bacterial interactions and their impacts on microbiota community structure and the eukaryotic host remain insufficiently explored. Microbiota-related inter-bacterial interactions range from symbiotic interactions, involving exchange of nutrients, enzymes, and genetic material; competition for nutrients and space, mediated by biophysical alterations and secretion of toxins and anti-microbials; to predation of overpopulating bacteria. Collectively, these understudied interactions hold important clues as to forces shaping microbiota diversity, niche formation, and responses to signals perceived from the host, incoming pathogens and the environment. In this review, we highlight the roles and mechanisms of selected inter-bacterial interactions in the microbiota, and their potential impacts on the host and pathogenic infection. We discuss challenges in mechanistically decoding these complex interactions, and prospects of harnessing them as future targets for rational microbiota modification in a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Kern
- Immunology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Suhaib K Abdeen
- Immunology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | | | - Eran Elinav
- Immunology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel; Cancer-Microbiota Division Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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11
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Cai R, Gao F, Pan J, Hao X, Yu Z, Qu Y, Li J, Wang D, Wang Y, Shen X, Liu X, Yang Y. The transcriptional regulator Zur regulates the expression of ZnuABC and T6SS4 in response to stresses in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Microbiol Res 2021; 249:126787. [PMID: 33991717 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Zinc homeostasis is crucial for the development and stress resistance of bacteria in the environment. Serial zinc sensing transcriptional regulators, zinc transporters and zinc binding proteins were found to maintain the zinc homeostasis in bacteria. Zur is a zinc uptake regulator that is widely distributed in species, and ZnuABC, as well as the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS4) function in zinc acquisition. Here, we report that the regulator Zur inhibits the expression of the ZnuABC which inhibition could be eliminated at low zinc level, and upregulates the T6SS4 operon in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to facilitate Zn2+ uptake and oxidative stress resistance. Zur regulates the expression of ZnuABC and T6SS4 by directly binding to their promoter regions. Zur senses the Zn2+ concentration and represses ZnuABC in a Zn2+-containing environment. Zur works as an auxiliary regular activator of T6SS4, facilitating oxidative stress resistance. This study revealed the dual function of regulator Zur on ZnuABC and T6SS4, and enriched the knowledge of Zn2+ homeostasis maintenance in Y. pseudotuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Cai
- Beijing Capital Co., LTD, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Fen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Junfeng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xinwei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Zonglan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Yichen Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jialin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xihui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- General Research Institute for Nonferrous Metals, Beijing, 100088, China.
| | - Yantao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
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12
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T6SS Mediated Stress Responses for Bacterial Environmental Survival and Host Adaptation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020478. [PMID: 33418898 PMCID: PMC7825059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a protein secretion apparatus widely distributed in Gram-negative bacterial species. Many bacterial pathogens employ T6SS to compete with the host and to coordinate the invasion process. The T6SS apparatus consists of a membrane complex and an inner tail tube-like structure that is surrounded by a contractile sheath and capped with a spike complex. A series of antibacterial or antieukaryotic effectors is delivered by the puncturing device consisting of a Hcp tube decorated by the VgrG/PAAR complex into the target following the contraction of the TssB/C sheath, which often leads to damage and death of the competitor and/or host cells. As a tool for protein secretion and interspecies interactions, T6SS can be triggered by many different mechanisms to respond to various physiological conditions. This review summarizes our current knowledge of T6SS in coordinating bacterial stress responses against the unfavorable environmental and host conditions.
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13
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Lin HH, Filloux A, Lai EM. Role of Recipient Susceptibility Factors During Contact-Dependent Interbacterial Competition. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:603652. [PMID: 33281802 PMCID: PMC7690452 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.603652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria evolved multiple strategies to survive and develop optimal fitness in their ecological niche. They deployed protein secretion systems for robust and efficient delivery of antibacterial toxins into their target cells, therefore inhibiting their growth or killing them. To maximize antagonism, recipient factors on target cells can be recognized or hijacked to enhance the entry or toxicity of these toxins. To date, knowledge regarding recipient susceptibility (RS) factors and their mode of action is mostly originating from studies on the type Vb secretion system that is also known as the contact-dependent inhibition (CDI) system. Yet, recent studies on the type VI secretion system (T6SS), and the CDI by glycine-zipper protein (Cdz) system, also reported the emerging roles of RS factors in interbacterial competition. Here, we review these RS factors and their mechanistic impact in increasing susceptibility of recipient cells in response to CDI, T6SS, and Cdz. Past and future strategies for identifying novel RS factors are also discussed, which will help in understanding the interplay between attacker and prey upon secretion system-dependent competition. Understanding these mechanisms would also provide insights for developing novel antibacterial strategies to antagonize aggressive bacteria-killing pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Han Lin
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Alain Filloux
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erh-Min Lai
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Hu L, Yu F, Liu M, Chen J, Zong B, Zhang Y, Chen T, Wang C, Zhang T, Zhang J, Zhu Y, Wang X, Chen H, Tan C. RcsB-dependent regulation of type VI secretion system in porcine extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli. Gene 2020; 768:145289. [PMID: 33181257 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Signal transduction system and specialized secretory devices are crucial for bacteria to sense and adequately adapt in adverse environmental conditions. Therefore, it's crucial for microbes to detect and respond to lethal attacks when envelope is perturbed so as to minimize and fix the damage in milieu. We investigated the adaptive response of porcine extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli PCN033 to polymyxin B challenge. Treatment with polymyxin B led to rapid and robust activation of Rcs system via RcsF, as well as the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. ExPEC T6SS expression was strongly induced by RcsB in Rcs system, resulting in the reduction in the damage to constitute a survival strategy. Finally, we show that T6SS of ExPEC is involved in its pathogenicity in mouse model. Compared with the wild type strain, the deletion of T6SS genes led to a decrease in the organ colonization ability, and the RcsFS2DM3Q mutant that caused Rcs activation had a stronger colonization ability than the wild type strain. In conclusion, Rcs system orchestrates Rcs cascade to trigger antioxidant defense of T6SS, and presents a typical model in which a bacterium reschedule its transcription network via the Rcs phosphorelay pathway in response to membrane perturbations for survival and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Feifei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Manli Liu
- Hubei Biopesticide Engineering Research Centre, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Bingbing Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Tumei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Tongchao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Junli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yongwei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Centre for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Centre for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Chen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Centre for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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15
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Smith WPJ, Brodmann M, Unterweger D, Davit Y, Comstock LE, Basler M, Foster KR. The evolution of tit-for-tat in bacteria via the type VI secretion system. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5395. [PMID: 33106492 PMCID: PMC7589516 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19017-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tit-for-tat is a familiar principle from animal behavior: individuals respond in kind to being helped or harmed by others. Remarkably some bacteria appear to display tit-for-tat behavior, but how this evolved is not understood. Here we combine evolutionary game theory with agent-based modelling of bacterial tit-for-tat, whereby cells stab rivals with poisoned needles (the type VI secretion system) after being stabbed themselves. Our modelling shows tit-for-tat retaliation is a surprisingly poor evolutionary strategy, because tit-for-tat cells lack the first-strike advantage of preemptive attackers. However, if cells retaliate strongly and fire back multiple times, we find that reciprocation is highly effective. We test our predictions by competing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a tit-for-tat species) with Vibrio cholerae (random-firing), revealing that P. aeruginosa does indeed fire multiple times per incoming attack. Our work suggests bacterial competition has led to a particular form of reciprocation, where the principle is that of strong retaliation, or 'tits-for-tat'.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P J Smith
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| | - Maj Brodmann
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Unterweger
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, 24105, Kiel, Germany
- Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306, Plön, Germany
| | - Yohan Davit
- Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse, CNRS and Université de Toulouse, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurie E Comstock
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marek Basler
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kevin R Foster
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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16
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Robitaille S, Trus E, Ross BD. Bacterial Defense against the Type VI Secretion System. Trends Microbiol 2020; 29:187-190. [PMID: 32951987 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved systems dedicated to interbacterial competition. Here we highlight defenses utilized by Gram-negative cells against type VI secretion system (T6SS)-wielding competitors, including physical barriers, genetically encoded antidotes, and stress responses. Further investigation of specific and general defenses will reveal the interbacterial selective pressures impacting bacterial survival in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Robitaille
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Evan Trus
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Benjamin D Ross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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17
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The evolution of the type VI secretion system as a disintegration weapon. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000720. [PMID: 32453732 PMCID: PMC7274471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a nanomachine used by many bacteria to drive a toxin-laden needle into other bacterial cells. Although the potential to influence bacterial competition is clear, the fitness impacts of wielding a T6SS are not well understood. Here we present a new agent-based model that enables detailed study of the evolutionary costs and benefits of T6SS weaponry during competition with other bacteria. Our model identifies a key problem with the T6SS. Because of its short range, T6SS activity becomes self-limiting, as dead cells accumulate in its way, forming “corpse barriers” that block further attacks. However, further exploration with the model presented a solution to this problem: if injected toxins can quickly lyse target cells in addition to killing them, the T6SS becomes a much more effective weapon. We tested this prediction with single-cell analysis of combat between T6SS-wielding Acinetobacter baylyi and T6SS-sensitive Escherichia coli. As predicted, delivery of lytic toxins is highly effective, whereas nonlytic toxins leave large patches of E. coli alive. We then analyzed hundreds of bacterial species using published genomic data, which suggest that the great majority of T6SS-wielding species do indeed use lytic toxins, indicative of a general principle underlying weapon evolution. Our work suggests that, in the T6SS, bacteria have evolved a disintegration weapon whose effectiveness often rests upon the ability to break up competitors. Understanding the evolutionary function of bacterial weapons can help in the design of probiotics that can both establish well and eliminate problem species. Bacteria attack each other with poison-tipped spears. This study combines theory and experiments to show that these spears (Type VI Secretion Systems) have evolved to break their targets apart with lytic toxins, as this then clears the way to rapidly stab new victims.
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18
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Hersch SJ, Watanabe N, Stietz MS, Manera K, Kamal F, Burkinshaw B, Lam L, Pun A, Li M, Savchenko A, Dong TG. Envelope stress responses defend against type six secretion system attacks independently of immunity proteins. Nat Microbiol 2020; 5:706-714. [PMID: 32094588 PMCID: PMC7190449 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-020-0672-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The arms race among microbes is a key driver in the evolution of not only the weapons but also defence mechanisms. Many gram-negative bacteria use the type six secretion system (T6SS) to deliver toxic effectors directly into neighbouring cells. Defence against effectors requires cognate immunity proteins. However, here we show immunity-independent protection mediated by envelope stress responses in Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae against a V. cholerae T6SS effector, TseH. We demonstrate that TseH is a PAAR-dependent species-specific effector highly potent against Aeromonas species but not against its V. cholerae immunity mutant or E. coli. Structural analysis reveals TseH is likely a NlpC/P60 family cysteine endopeptidase. We determine that two envelope stress response pathways, Rcs and BaeSR, protect E. coli from TseH toxicity by mechanisms including capsule synthesis. The two-component system WigKR (VxrAB) is critical for protecting V. cholerae from its own T6SS despite expressing immunity genes. WigR also regulates T6SS expression, suggesting a dual role in attack and defence. This deepens our understanding of how bacteria survive T6SS attacks and suggests that defending against the T6SS represents a major selective pressure driving the evolution of species-specific effectors and protective mechanisms mediated by envelope stress responses and capsule synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Hersch
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Nobuhiko Watanabe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Maria Silvina Stietz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Kevin Manera
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Fatima Kamal
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Brianne Burkinshaw
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Linh Lam
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Alexander Pun
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Meixin Li
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Alexei Savchenko
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Tao G Dong
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. .,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Hu YY, Liu CX, Liu P, Wu ZY, Zhang YD, Xiong XS, Li XY. Regulation of gene expression of hcp, a core gene of the type VI secretion system in Acinetobacter baumannii causing respiratory tract infection. J Med Microbiol 2019; 67:945-951. [PMID: 29771233 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose. The objective of the current study was to investigate whether hcp plays a role in the process of Acinetobacter baumannii infection and to examine clinically relevant factors that may affect hcp expression.Methodology. Seventy-seven A. baumannii isolates from patients with a respiratory infection at the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China) were included in this study. PCR was performed to screen for the presence of hcp. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out to examine the expression of hcp.Results. A total of 77.9 % (60 of 77) of the A. baumannii clinical isolates possessed the hcp gene. Expression of hcp was found to be strain-specific and associated with the infection status. Higher gene expression of hcp was found for invasive A. baumannii isolates causing an infection relative to the colonization group, and for the same strain at a post-infection status compared with that prior to infection. Acid environment was also found to be a trigger of hcp gene expression.Conclusion. The type VI secretion system and hcp predominate in A. baumannii causing respiratory infections. Expression of hcp is regulated by the infection status and acid environment, and might play a role in the process of triggering infection by the colonizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Yin Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, PR China
| | - Cai-Xia Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, PR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, PR China
| | - Zhuo-Ying Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, PR China
| | - Ya-Dong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xiao-Shun Xiong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Xiang-Yang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, PR China
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20
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Geisinger E, Huo W, Hernandez-Bird J, Isberg RR. Acinetobacter baumannii: Envelope Determinants That Control Drug Resistance, Virulence, and Surface Variability. Annu Rev Microbiol 2019; 73:481-506. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-020518-115714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen, particularly for patients in intensive care units and with invasive indwelling devices. The most recent clinical isolates are resistant to several classes of clinically important antibiotics, greatly restricting the ability to effectively treat critically ill patients. The bacterial envelope is an important driver of A. baumannii disease, both at the level of battling against antibiotic therapy and at the level of protecting from host innate immune function. This review provides a comprehensive overview of key features of the envelope that interface with both the host and antimicrobial therapies. Carbohydrate structures that contribute to protecting from the host are detailed, and mutations that alter these structures, resulting in increased antimicrobial resistance, are explored. In addition, protein complexes involved in both intermicrobial and host-microbe interactions are described. Finally we discuss regulatory mechanisms that control the nature of the cell envelope and its impact on host innate immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Geisinger
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Wenwen Huo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Juan Hernandez-Bird
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Ralph R. Isberg
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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21
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García-Bayona L, Comstock LE. Bacterial antagonism in host-associated microbial communities. Science 2018; 361:361/6408/eaat2456. [PMID: 30237322 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat2456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antagonistic interactions are abundant in microbial communities and contribute not only to the composition and relative proportions of their members but also to the longer-term stability of a community. This Review will largely focus on bacterial antagonism mediated by ribosomally synthesized peptides and proteins produced by members of host-associated microbial communities. We discuss recent findings on their diversity, functions, and ecological impacts. These systems play key roles in ecosystem defense, pathogen invasion, spatial segregation, and diversity but also confer indirect gains to the aggressor from products released by killed cells. Investigations into antagonistic bacterial interactions are important for our understanding of how the microbiota establish within hosts, influence health and disease, and offer insights into potential translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonor García-Bayona
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laurie E Comstock
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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Ostrowski A, Cianfanelli FR, Porter M, Mariano G, Peltier J, Wong JJ, Swedlow JR, Trost M, Coulthurst SJ. Killing with proficiency: Integrated post-translational regulation of an offensive Type VI secretion system. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007230. [PMID: 30052683 PMCID: PMC6082577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is widely used by bacterial pathogens as an effective weapon against bacterial competitors and is also deployed against host eukaryotic cells in some cases. It is a contractile nanomachine which delivers toxic effector proteins directly into target cells by dynamic cycles of assembly and firing. Bacterial cells adopt distinct post-translational regulatory strategies for deployment of the T6SS. 'Defensive' T6SSs assemble and fire in response to incoming attacks from aggressive neighbouring cells, and can utilise the Threonine Protein Phosphorylation (TPP) regulatory pathway to achieve this control. However, many T6SSs are 'offensive', firing at all-comers without the need for incoming attack or other cell contact-dependent signal. Post-translational control of the offensive mode has been less well defined but can utilise components of the same TPP pathway. Here, we used the anti-bacterial T6SS of Serratia marcescens to elucidate post-translational regulation of offensive T6SS deployment, using single-cell microscopy and genetic analyses. We show that the integration of the TPP pathway with the negative regulator TagF to control core T6SS machine assembly is conserved between offensive and defensive T6SSs. Signal-dependent PpkA-mediated phosphorylation of Fha is required to overcome inhibition of membrane complex assembly by TagF, whilst PppA-mediated dephosphorylation promotes spatial reorientation and efficient killing. In contrast, the upstream input of the TPP pathway defines regulatory strategy, with a new periplasmic regulator, RtkS, shown to interact with the PpkA kinase in S. marcescens. We propose a model whereby the opposing actions of the TPP pathway and TagF impose a delay on T6SS re-assembly after firing, providing an opportunity for spatial re-orientation of the T6SS in order to maximise the efficiency of competitor cell targeting. Our findings provide a better understanding of how bacterial cells deploy competitive weapons effectively, with implications for the structure and dynamics of varied polymicrobial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Ostrowski
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca R. Cianfanelli
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Porter
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppina Mariano
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Peltier
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Jie Wong
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jason R. Swedlow
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Trost
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J. Coulthurst
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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23
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Phosphorylation of PppA at threonine 253 controls T6SS2 expression and bacterial killing capacity in the marine pathogen Vibrio alginolyticus. Microbiol Res 2018; 209:70-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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24
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CpxR-Dependent Thermoregulation of Serratia marcescens PrtA Metalloprotease Expression and Its Contribution to Bacterial Biofilm Formation. J Bacteriol 2018; 200:JB.00006-18. [PMID: 29378892 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00006-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PrtA is the major secreted metalloprotease of Serratia marcescens Previous reports implicate PrtA in the pathogenic capacity of this bacterium. PrtA is also clinically used as a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug, and its catalytic properties attract industrial interest. Comparatively, there is scarce knowledge about the mechanisms that physiologically govern PrtA expression in Serratia In this work, we demonstrate that PrtA production is derepressed when the bacterial growth temperature decreases from 37°C to 30°C. We show that this thermoregulation occurs at the transcriptional level. We determined that upstream of prtA, there is a conserved motif that is directly recognized by the CpxR transcriptional regulator. This feature is found along Serratia strains irrespective of their isolation source, suggesting an evolutionary conservation of CpxR-dependent regulation of PrtA expression. We found that in S. marcescens, the CpxAR system is more active at 37°C than at 30°C. In good agreement with these results, in a cpxR mutant background, prtA is derepressed at 37°C, while overexpression of the NlpE lipoprotein, a well-known CpxAR-inducing condition, inhibits PrtA expression, suggesting that the levels of the activated form of CpxR are increased at 37°C over those at 30°C. In addition, we establish that PrtA is involved in the ability of S. marcescens to develop biofilm. In accordance, CpxR influences the biofilm phenotype only when bacteria are grown at 37°C. In sum, our findings shed light on regulatory mechanisms that fine-tune PrtA expression and reveal a novel role for PrtA in the lifestyle of S. marcescensIMPORTANCE We demonstrate that S. marcescens metalloprotease PrtA expression is transcriptionally thermoregulated. While strongly activated below 30°C, its expression is downregulated at 37°C. We found that in S. marcescens, the CpxAR signal transduction system, which responds to envelope stress and bacterial surface adhesion, is activated at 37°C and able to downregulate PrtA expression by direct interaction of CpxR with a binding motif located upstream of the prtA gene. Moreover, we reveal that PrtA expression favors the ability of S. marcescens to develop biofilm, irrespective of the bacterial growth temperature. In this context, thermoregulation along with a highly conserved CpxR-dependent modulation mechanism gives clues about the relevance of PrtA as a factor implicated in the persistence of S. marcescens on abiotic surfaces and in bacterial host colonization capacity.
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Chassaing B, Cascales E. Antibacterial Weapons: Targeted Destruction in the Microbiota. Trends Microbiol 2018; 26:329-338. [PMID: 29452951 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in health, particularly in promoting intestinal metabolic capacity and in maturing the immune system. The intestinal microbiota also mediates colonization resistance against pathogenic bacteria, hence protecting the host from infections. In addition, some bacterial pathogens deliver toxins that target phylogenetically related or distinct bacterial species in order to outcompete and establish within the microbiota. The most widely distributed weapons include bacteriocins, as well as contact-dependent growth inhibition and type VI secretion systems. In this review, we discuss important advances about the impact of such antibacterial systems on shaping the intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Chassaing
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Eric Cascales
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (IMM), Aix-Marseille Univ - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7255, Marseille, France.
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Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) delivers toxic effectors between Gram-negative bacteria. Most antibacterial T6SS effectors are peptidoglycanases, nucleases, or lipases. In the current work, Tang et al. structurally and functionally characterize a novel family of NAD(P)+-hydrolyzing effectors (NADases), thus expanding the documented types of T6SS substrates. Bioinformatic identification of NADase family members putatively secreted by the bacteriolytic type VII secretion system (T7SS) of Gram-positive bacteria further points to NADases as a diverse and important class of effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juvenal Lopez
- From the Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Mario F Feldman
- From the Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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