1
|
Singh PK, Sharma P, Afanzar O, Goldfarb MH, Maklashina E, Eisenbach M, Cecchini G, Iverson TM. CryoEM structures reveal how the bacterial flagellum rotates and switches direction. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1271-1281. [PMID: 38632342 PMCID: PMC11087270 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01674-1] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial chemotaxis requires bidirectional flagellar rotation at different rates. Rotation is driven by a flagellar motor, which is a supercomplex containing multiple rings. Architectural uncertainty regarding the cytoplasmic C-ring, or 'switch', limits our understanding of how the motor transmits torque and direction to the flagellar rod. Here we report cryogenic electron microscopy structures for Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium inner membrane MS-ring and C-ring in a counterclockwise pose (4.0 Å) and isolated C-ring in a clockwise pose alone (4.6 Å) and bound to a regulator (5.9 Å). Conformational differences between rotational poses include a 180° shift in FliF/FliG domains that rotates the outward-facing MotA/B binding site to inward facing. The regulator has specificity for the clockwise pose by bridging elements unique to this conformation. We used these structures to propose how the switch reverses rotation and transmits torque to the flagellum, which advances the understanding of bacterial chemotaxis and bidirectional motor rotation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant K Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pankaj Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Oshri Afanzar
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Margo H Goldfarb
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elena Maklashina
- Molecular Biology Division, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael Eisenbach
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gary Cecchini
- Molecular Biology Division, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - T M Iverson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vélez-González F, Marcos-Vilchis A, Vega-Baray B, Dreyfus G, Poggio S, Camarena L. Rotation of the Fla2 flagella of Cereibacter sphaeroides requires the periplasmic proteins MotK and MotE that interact with the flagellar stator protein MotB2. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298028. [PMID: 38507361 PMCID: PMC10954123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The bacterial flagellum is a complex structure formed by more than 25 different proteins, this appendage comprises three conserved structures: the basal body, the hook and filament. The basal body, embedded in the cell envelope, is the most complex structure and houses the export apparatus and the motor. In situ images of the flagellar motor in different species have revealed a huge diversity of structures that surround the well-conserved periplasmic components of the basal body. The identity of the proteins that form these novel structures in many cases has been elucidated genetically and biochemically, but in others they remain to be identified or characterized. In this work, we report that in the alpha proteobacteria Cereibacter sphaeroides the novel protein MotK along with MotE are essential for flagellar rotation. We show evidence that these periplasmic proteins interact with each other and with MotB2. Moreover, these proteins localize to the flagellated pole and MotK localization is dependent on MotB2 and MotA2. These results together suggest that the role of MotK and MotE is to activate or recruit the flagellar stators to the flagellar structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Vélez-González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arely Marcos-Vilchis
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Vega-Baray
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Georges Dreyfus
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sebastian Poggio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Camarena
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Minamino T, Kinoshita M. Structure, Assembly, and Function of Flagella Responsible for Bacterial Locomotion. EcoSal Plus 2023; 11:eesp00112023. [PMID: 37260402 PMCID: PMC10729930 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0011-2023] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Many motile bacteria use flagella for locomotion under a variety of environmental conditions. Because bacterial flagella are under the control of sensory signal transduction pathways, each cell is able to autonomously control its flagellum-driven locomotion and move to an environment favorable for survival. The flagellum of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a supramolecular assembly consisting of at least three distinct functional parts: a basal body that acts as a bidirectional rotary motor together with multiple force generators, each of which serves as a transmembrane proton channel to couple the proton flow through the channel with torque generation; a filament that functions as a helical propeller that produces propulsion; and a hook that works as a universal joint that transmits the torque produced by the rotary motor to the helical propeller. At the base of the flagellum is a type III secretion system that transports flagellar structural subunits from the cytoplasm to the distal end of the growing flagellar structure, where assembly takes place. In recent years, high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) image analysis has revealed the overall structure of the flagellum, and this structural information has made it possible to discuss flagellar assembly and function at the atomic level. In this article, we describe what is known about the structure, assembly, and function of Salmonella flagella.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tohru Minamino
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miki Kinoshita
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Worrall LJ, Majewski DD, Strynadka NCJ. Structural Insights into Type III Secretion Systems of the Bacterial Flagellum and Injectisome. Annu Rev Microbiol 2023; 77:669-698. [PMID: 37713458 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-032521-025503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Two of the most fascinating bacterial nanomachines-the broadly disseminated rotary flagellum at the heart of cellular motility and the eukaryotic cell-puncturing injectisome essential to specific pathogenic species-utilize at their core a conserved export machinery called the type III secretion system (T3SS). The T3SS not only secretes the components that self-assemble into their extracellular appendages but also, in the case of the injectisome, subsequently directly translocates modulating effector proteins from the bacterial cell into the infected host. The injectisome is thought to have evolved from the flagellum as a minimal secretory system lacking motility, with the subsequent acquisition of additional components tailored to its specialized role in manipulating eukaryotic hosts for pathogenic advantage. Both nanomachines have long been the focus of intense interest, but advances in structural and functional understanding have taken a significant step forward since 2015, facilitated by the revolutionary advances in cryo-electron microscopy technologies. With several seminal structures of each nanomachine now captured, we review here the molecular similarities and differences that underlie their diverse functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam J Worrall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; , ,
| | - Dorothy D Majewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; , ,
- Current affiliation: Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Natalie C J Strynadka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; , ,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Takahashi K, Nishikino T, Kajino H, Kojima S, Uchihashi T, Homma M. Ring formation by Vibrio fusion protein composed of FliF and FliG, MS-ring and C-ring component of bacterial flagellar motor in membrane. Biophys Physicobiol 2023; 20:e200028. [PMID: 38496245 PMCID: PMC10941966 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v20.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The marine bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus has a single flagellum as a locomotory organ at the cell pole, which is rotated by the Na+-motive force to swim in a liquid. The base of the flagella has a motor composed of a stator and rotor, which serves as a power engine to generate torque through the rotor-stator interaction coupled to Na+ influx through the stator channel. The MS-ring, which is embedded in the membrane at the base of the flagella as part of the rotor, is the initial structure required for flagellum assembly. It comprises 34 molecules of the two-transmembrane protein FliF. FliG, FliM, and FliN form a C-ring just below the MS-ring. FliG is an important rotor protein that interacts with the stator PomA and directly contributes to force generation. We previously found that FliG promotes MS-ring formation in E. coli. In the present study, we constructed a fliF-fliG fusion gene, which encodes an approximately 100 kDa protein, and the successful production of this protein effectively formed the MS-ring in E. coli cells. We observed fuzzy structures around the ring using either electron microscopy or high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), suggesting that FliM and FliN are necessary for the formation of a stable ring structure. The HS-AFM movies revealed flexible movements at the FliG region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanji Takahashi
- Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Nishikino
- Institute for protein research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Present address: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya Aichi 466-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kajino
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Seiji Kojima
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Takayuki Uchihashi
- Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0814, Japan
- Department of Creative Research, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Michio Homma
- Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lloyd CJ, Klose KE. The Vibrio Polar Flagellum: Structure and Regulation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1404:77-97. [PMID: 36792872 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-22997-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Here we discuss the structure and regulation of the Vibrio flagellum and its role in the virulence of pathogenic species. We will cover some of the novel insights into the structure of this nanomachine that have recently been enabled by cryoelectron tomography. We will also highlight the recent genetic studies that have increased our understanding in flagellar synthesis specifically at the bacterial cell pole, temporal regulation of flagellar genes, and how the flagellum enables directional motility through Run-Reverse-Flick cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Lloyd
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Karl E Klose
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Singh PK, Cecchini G, Nakagawa T, Iverson TM. CryoEM structure of a post-assembly MS-ring reveals plasticity in stoichiometry and conformation. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285343. [PMID: 37205674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The flagellar motor supports bacterial chemotaxis, a process that allows bacteria to move in response to their environment. A central feature of this motor is the MS-ring, which is composed entirely of repeats of the FliF subunit. This MS-ring is critical for the assembly and stability of the flagellar switch and the entire flagellum. Despite multiple independent cryoEM structures of the MS-ring, there remains a debate about the stoichiometry and organization of the ring-building motifs (RBMs). Here, we report the cryoEM structure of a Salmonella MS-ring that was purified from the assembled flagellar switch complex (MSC-ring). We term this the 'post-assembly' state. Using 2D class averages, we show that under these conditions, the post-assembly MS-ring can contain 32, 33, or 34 FliF subunits, with 33 being the most common. RBM3 has a single location with C32, C33, or C34 symmetry. RBM2 is found in two locations with RBM2inner having C21 or C22 symmetry and an RBM2outer-RBM1 having C11 symmetry. Comparison to previously reported structures identifies several differences. Most strikingly, we find that the membrane domain forms 11 regions of discrete density at the base of the structure rather than a contiguous ring, although density could not be unambiguously interpreted. We further find density in some previously unresolved areas, and we assigned amino acids to those regions. Finally, we find differences in interdomain angles in RBM3 that affect the diameter of the ring. Together, these investigations support a model of the flagellum with structural plasticity, which may be important for flagellar assembly and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant K Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Gary Cecchini
- Molecular Biology Division, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Terunaga Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - T M Iverson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao H, Ji R, Zha X, Xu Z, Lin Y, Zhou S. Investigation of the bactericidal mechanism of Penicilazaphilone C on Escherichia coli based on 4D label-free quantitative proteomic analysis. Eur J Pharm Sci 2022; 179:106299. [PMID: 36179970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to find new antibiotics to fight against the increasing drug resistance of microorganisms. A novel natural compound, Penicilazaphilone C (PAC), was isolated from a marine-derived fungus. It has displayed broad bactericidal activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. However, its bactericidal mechanism is still unknown. Herein, time-kill assays verified that PAC is a fast and efficient bactericidal agent. Furthermore, data from 4D label-free quantitative proteome assays revealed that PAC significantly influences over 898 proteins in Escherichia coli. Combining the results of biofilm formation, β-galactosidase measurement, TEM observation, soft agar plate swimming, reactive oxygen species measurement, qRT-PCR, and west-blotting, the mode of PAC action against E. coli was to block respiration, inhibit assimilatory nitrate reduction and dissimilar sulfur reduction, facilitate assimilatory sulfate reduction, suppress cysteine and methionine biosynthesis, down-regulate antioxidant protein expression and induced intracellular ROS accumulation, weaken bacterial chemotaxis, destroy flagellar assembly, etc., and finally cause the bacteria's death. Our findings suggest that PAC could have a multi-target regulatory effect on E. coli and could be used as a new antibiotic in medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huange Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199
| | - Rong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199
| | - Xiangru Zha
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199
| | - Zhen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199
| | - Yingying Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199
| | - Songlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Homma M, Takekawa N, Fujiwara K, Hao Y, Onoue Y, Kojima S. Formation of multiple flagella caused by a mutation of the flagellar rotor protein FliM in Vibrio alginolyticus. Genes Cells 2022; 27:568-578. [PMID: 35842835 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12975] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Marine bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus forms a single flagellum at a cell pole. In Vibrio, two proteins (GTPase FlhF and ATPase FlhG) regulate the number of flagella. We previously isolated the NMB155 mutant that forms multiple flagella despite the absence of mutations in flhF and flhG. Whole-genome sequencing of NMB155 identified an E9K mutation in FliM that is a component of C-ring in the flagellar rotor. Mutations in FliM result in defects in flagellar formation (fla) and flagellar rotation (che or mot); however, there are a few reports indicating that FliM mutations increase the number of flagella. Here, we determined that the E9K mutation confers the multi-flagellar phenotype and also the che phenotype. The co-expression of wild-type FliM and FliM-E9K indicated that they were competitive in regard to determining the flagellar number. The ATPase activity of FlhG has been correlated with the number of flagella. We observed that the ATPase activity of FlhG was increased by the addition of FliM but not by the addition of FliM-E9K in vitro. This indicates that FliM interacts with FlhG to increase its ATPase activity, and the E9K mutation may inhibit this interaction. FliM may control the ATPase activity of FlhG to properly regulate the number of the polar flagellum at the cell pole. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michio Homma
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Norihiro Takekawa
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazushi Fujiwara
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuxi Hao
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Onoue
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Seiji Kojima
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Qu D, Jiang M, Duffin C, Hughes KT, Chevance FFV. Targeting early proximal-rod component substrate FlgB to FlhB for flagellar-type III secretion in Salmonella. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010313. [PMID: 35819991 PMCID: PMC9307174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Salmonella flagellar secretion apparatus is a member of the type III secretion (T3S) family of export systems in bacteria. After completion of the flagellar motor structure, the hook-basal body (HBB), the flagellar T3S system undergoes a switch from early to late substrate secretion, which results in the expression and assembly of the external, filament propeller-like structure. In order to characterize early substrate secretion-signals in the flagellar T3S system, the FlgB, and FlgC components of the flagellar rod, which acts as the drive-shaft within the HBB, were subject to deletion mutagenesis to identify regions of these proteins that were important for secretion. The β-lactamase protein lacking its Sec-dependent secretion signal (Bla) was fused to the C-terminus of FlgB and FlgC and used as a reporter to select for and quantify the secretion of FlgB and FlgC into the periplasm. Secretion of Bla into the periplasm confers resistance to ampicillin. In-frame deletions of amino acids 9 through 18 and amino acids 39 through 58 of FlgB decreased FlgB secretion levels while deleting amino acid 6 through 14 diminished FlgC secretion levels. Further PCR-directed mutagenesis indicated that amino acid F45 of FlgB was critical for secretion. Single amino acid mutagenesis revealed that all amino acid substitutions at F45 of FlgB position impaired rod assembly, which was due to a defect of FlgB secretion. An equivalent F49 position in FlgC was essential for assembly but not for secretion. This study also revealed that a hydrophobic patch in the cleaved C-terminal domain of FlhB is critical for recognition of FlgB at F45. Type III secretion (T3S) is the means by which proteins are secreted from the bacterial cytoplasm to build flagella for motility and injectisome structures that facilitate pathogenesis. T3S is the only secretion system known to date that undergoes a secretion-specificity switch. For the assembly of the bacterial flagellum, the T3S system initially secretes early substrates to build the hook-basal body (HBB), which is the main component that makes up the flagellar motor. Upon HBB completion, the flagellar T3S system becomes specific for late substrates, which make up the long external filament that acts as the propeller of the motility organelle. This work identifies important sites of interaction between an early substrate, FlgB and a target site at the cytoplasmic base of T3S apparatus. A second early substrate, FlgC, lacks the targeting interaction found for FlgB suggesting a mechanism that distinguishes early substrates, and may indicate an order to early substrate secretion to facilitate the order of protein subunit assembly for the flagellum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daofeng Qu
- Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengxue Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Calder Duffin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Kelly T. Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Fabienne F. V. Chevance
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Minamino T, Kinoshita M, Namba K. Insight Into Distinct Functional Roles of the Flagellar ATPase Complex for Flagellar Assembly in Salmonella. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:864178. [PMID: 35602071 PMCID: PMC9114704 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.864178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most motile bacteria utilize the flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) to construct the flagellum, which is a supramolecular motility machine consisting of basal body rings and an axial structure. Each axial protein is translocated via the fT3SS across the cytoplasmic membrane, diffuses down the central channel of the growing flagellar structure and assembles at the distal end. The fT3SS consists of a transmembrane export complex and a cytoplasmic ATPase ring complex with a stoichiometry of 12 FliH, 6 FliI and 1 FliJ. This complex is structurally similar to the cytoplasmic part of the FOF1 ATP synthase. The export complex requires the FliH12-FliI6-FliJ1 ring complex to serve as an active protein transporter. The FliI6 ring has six catalytic sites and hydrolyzes ATP at an interface between FliI subunits. FliJ binds to the center of the FliI6 ring and acts as the central stalk to activate the export complex. The FliH dimer binds to the N-terminal domain of each of the six FliI subunits and anchors the FliI6-FliJ1 ring to the base of the flagellum. In addition, FliI exists as a hetero-trimer with the FliH dimer in the cytoplasm. The rapid association-dissociation cycle of this hetero-trimer with the docking platform of the export complex promotes sequential transfer of export substrates from the cytoplasm to the export gate for high-speed protein transport. In this article, we review our current understanding of multiple roles played by the flagellar cytoplasmic ATPase complex during efficient flagellar assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tohru Minamino
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miki Kinoshita
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiichi Namba
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,RIKEN SPring-8 Center and Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Osaka, Japan.,JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mutations in the stator protein PomA affect switching of rotational direction in bacterial flagellar motor. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2979. [PMID: 35194097 PMCID: PMC8863984 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06947-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The flagellar motor rotates bi-directionally in counter-clockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) directions. The motor consists of a stator and a rotor. Recent structural studies have revealed that the stator is composed of a pentameric ring of A subunits and a dimer axis of B subunits. Highly conserved charged and neighboring residues of the A subunit interacts with the rotor, generating torque through a gear-like mechanism. The rotational direction is controlled by chemotaxis signaling transmitted to the rotor, with less evidence for the stator being involved. In this study, we report novel mutations that affect the switching of the rotational direction at the putative interaction site of the stator to generate rotational force. Our results highlight an aspect of flagellar motor function that appropriate switching of the interaction states between the stator and rotor is critical for controlling the rotational direction.
Collapse
|
13
|
Mariano G, Faba-Rodriguez R, Bui S, Zhao W, Ross J, Tzokov SB, Bergeron JRC. Oligomerization of the FliF Domains Suggests a Coordinated Assembly of the Bacterial Flagellum MS Ring. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:781960. [PMID: 35087486 PMCID: PMC8786727 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.781960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial flagellum is a complex, self-assembling macromolecular machine that powers bacterial motility. It plays diverse roles in bacterial virulence, including aiding in colonization and dissemination during infection. The flagellum consists of a filamentous structure protruding from the cell, and of the basal body, a large assembly that spans the cell envelope. The basal body is comprised of over 20 different proteins forming several concentric ring structures, termed the M- S- L- P- and C-rings, respectively. In particular, the MS rings are formed by a single protein FliF, which consists of two trans-membrane helices anchoring it to the inner membrane and surrounding a large periplasmic domain. Assembly of the MS ring, through oligomerization of FliF, is one of the first steps of basal body assembly. Previous computational analysis had shown that the periplasmic region of FliF consists of three structurally similar domains, termed Ring-Building Motif (RBM)1, RBM2, and RBM3. The structure of the MS-ring has been reported recently, and unexpectedly shown that these three domains adopt different symmetries, with RBM3 having a 34-mer stoichiometry, while RBM2 adopts two distinct positions in the complex, including a 23-mer ring. This observation raises some important question on the assembly of the MS ring, and the formation of this symmetry mismatch within a single protein. In this study, we analyze the oligomerization of the individual RBM domains in isolation, in the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium FliF ortholog. We demonstrate that the periplasmic domain of FliF assembles into the MS ring, in the absence of the trans-membrane helices. We also report that the RBM2 and RBM3 domains oligomerize into ring structures, but not RBM1. Intriguingly, we observe that a construct encompassing RBM1 and RBM2 is monomeric, suggesting that RBM1 interacts with RBM2, and inhibits its oligomerization. However, this inhibition is lifted by the addition of RBM3. Collectively, this data suggest a mechanism for the controlled assembly of the MS ring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Mariano
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Raquel Faba-Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Soi Bui
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Weilong Zhao
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Ross
- Department of Biochemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Svetomir B Tzokov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Julien R C Bergeron
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu X, Khara P, Baker ML, Christie PJ, Hu B. Structure of a type IV secretion system core complex encoded by multi-drug resistance F plasmids. Nat Commun 2022; 13:379. [PMID: 35046412 PMCID: PMC8770708 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28058-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are largely responsible for the proliferation of multi-drug resistance. We solved the structure of the outer-membrane core complex (OMCCF) of a T4SS encoded by a conjugative F plasmid at <3.0 Å resolution by cryoelectron microscopy. The OMCCF consists of a 13-fold symmetrical outer ring complex (ORC) built from 26 copies of TraK and TraV C-terminal domains, and a 17-fold symmetrical central cone (CC) composed of 17 copies of TraB β-barrels. Domains of TraV and TraB also bind the CC and ORC substructures, establishing that these proteins undergo an intraprotein symmetry alteration to accommodate the C13:C17 symmetry mismatch. We present evidence that other pED208-encoded factors stabilize the C13:C17 architecture and define the importance of TraK, TraV and TraB domains to T4SSF function. This work identifies OMCCF structural motifs of proposed importance for structural transitions associated with F plasmid dissemination and F pilus biogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Pratick Khara
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Matthew L Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peter J Christie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The bacterial flagellum is a large macromolecular assembly that acts as propeller, providing motility through the rotation of a long extracellular filament. It is composed of over 20 different proteins, many of them highly oligomeric. Accordingly, it has attracted a huge amount of interest amongst researchers and the wider public alike. Nonetheless, most of its molecular details had long remained elusive.This however has changed recently, with the emergence of cryo-EM to determine the structure of protein assemblies at near-atomic resolution. Within a few years, the atomic details of most of the flagellar components have been elucidated, revealing not only its overall architecture but also the molecular details of its rotation mechanism. However, many questions remained unaddressed, notably on the complexity of the assembly of such an intricate machinery.In this chapter, we review the current state of our understanding of the bacterial flagellum structure, focusing on the recent development from cryo-EM. We also highlight the various elements that still remain to be fully characterized. Finally, we summarize the existing model for flagellum assembly and discuss some of the outstanding questions that are still pending in our understanding of the diversity of assembly pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S Al-Otaibi
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Julien R C Bergeron
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Homma M, Nishikino T, Kojima S. Achievements in bacterial flagellar research with focus on Vibrio species. Microbiol Immunol 2021; 66:75-95. [PMID: 34842307 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In 1980's, the most genes involved in the bacterial flagellar function and formation had been isolated though many of their functions or roles were not clarified. Bacterial flagella are the primary locomotive organ and are not necessary for growing in vitro but are probably essential for living in natural condition and are involved in the pathogenicity. In vitro, the flagella-deficient strains can grow at rates similar to wild-type strains. More than 50 genes are responsible for flagellar function, and the flagellum is constructed by more than 20 structural proteins. The maintenance cost of flagellum is high as several genes are required for its development. The fact that it evolved as a motor organ even with such the high cost shows that the motility is indispensable to survive under the harsh environment of Earth. In this review, we focus on flagella-related research conducted by the authors for about 40 years and flagellar research focused on Vibrio spp. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michio Homma
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University
| | | | - Seiji Kojima
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The FliE component of the bacterial flagellum is the first protein secreted through the flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) that is capable of self-assembly into the growing bacterial organelle. The FliE protein plays dual roles in the assembly of the Salmonella flagellum as the final component of the flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) and as an adaptor protein that anchors the rod (drive shaft) of the flagellar motor to the membrane-imbedded MS-ring structure. This work has identified the interactions between FliE and other proteins at the inner membrane base of the flagellar machine. The fliE sequence coding for the 104-amino-acid protein was subject to saturating mutagenesis. Single-amino-acid substitutions were generated in fliE, resulting in motility phenotypes. From these mutants, intergenic suppressor mutations were generated, isolated, and characterized. Single-amino-acid mutations defective in FliE function were localized to the N- and C-terminal helices of the protein. Motile suppressors of amino acid mutations in fliE were found in rod protein genes flgB and flgC, the MS ring gene, fliF, and one of the core T3SS genes, fliR. These results support the hypothesis that FliE acts as a linker protein consisting of an N-terminal α-helix that is involved in the interaction with the MS ring with a rotational symmetry and a C-terminal coiled coil that interacts with FliF, FliR, FlgB, and FlgC, and these interactions open the exit gate of the protein export channel of the fT3SS.
Collapse
|
18
|
Takekawa N, Nishikino T, Hori K, Kojima S, Imada K, Homma M. ZomB is essential for chemotaxis of Vibrio alginolyticus by the rotational direction control of the polar flagellar motor. Genes Cells 2021; 26:927-937. [PMID: 34487583 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria exhibit chemotaxis by controlling flagellar rotation to move toward preferred places or away from nonpreferred places. The change in rotation is triggered by the binding of the chemotaxis signaling protein CheY-phosphate (CheY-P) to the C-ring in the flagellar motor. Some specific bacteria, including Vibrio spp. and Shewanella spp., have a single transmembrane protein called ZomB. ZomB is essential for controlling the flagellar rotational direction in Shewanella putrefaciens and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In this study, we confirmed that the zomB deletion results only in the counterclockwise (CCW) rotation of the motor in Vibrio alginolyticus as previously reported in other bacteria. We found that ZomB is not required for a clockwise-locked phenotype caused by mutations in fliG and fliM, and that ZomB is essential for CW rotation induced by overproduction of CheY-P. Purified ZomB proteins form multimers, suggesting that ZomB may function as a homo-oligomer. These observations imply that ZomB interacts with protein(s) involved in either flagellar motor rotation, chemotaxis, or both. We provide the evidence that ZomB is a new player in chemotaxis and is required for the rotational control in addition to CheY in Vibrio alginolyticus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norihiro Takekawa
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Nishikino
- Research Center for Next-Generation Protein Sciences, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Kiyoshiro Hori
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Seiji Kojima
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsumi Imada
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Michio Homma
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|