Phosphorylation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ParB participates in regulating the ParABS chromosome segregation system

Molecular dissection of the chromosome partitioning protein RocS and regulation by phosphorylation

Chromosome segregation in bacteria is a critical process ensuring that each daughter cell receives an accurate copy of the genetic material during cell division. Active segregation factors, such as the ParABS system or SMC complexes, are usually essential for this process, but they are surprisingly dispensable in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Rather, chromosome segregation in S. pneumoniae relies on the protein Regulator of Chromosome Segregation (RocS), although the molecular mechanisms involved remain elusive. By combining genetics, in vivo imaging, and biochemical approaches, we dissected the molecular features of RocS involved in chromosome segregation. We investigated the respective functions of the three RocS domains, specifically the C-terminal amphipathic helix (AH), the N-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD), and the coiled-coil domain (CCD) separating the AH and the DBD. Notably, we found that a single AH is not sufficient for membrane binding and that RocS requires prior oligomerization to interact with the membrane. We further demonstrated that this self-interaction was driven by the N-terminal part of the CCD. On the other hand, we revealed that the C-terminal part of the CCD corresponds to a domain of unknown function (DUF 536) and is defined by three conserved glutamines, which play a crucial role in RocS-mediated chromosome segregation. Finally, we showed that the DBD is phosphorylated by the unique serine-threonine kinase of S. pneumoniae StkP and that mimicking this phosphorylation abrogated RocS binding to DNA. Overall, this study offers new insights into chromosome segregation in Streptococci and paves the way for a deeper understanding of RocS-like proteins in other bacteria.IMPORTANCEBacteria have evolved a variety of mechanisms to properly segregate their genetic material during cell division. In this study, we performed a molecular dissection of the chromosome partitioning protein Regulator of Chromosome Segregation (RocS), a pillar element of chromosome segregation in S. pneumoniae that is also generally conserved in the Streptococcaceae family. Our systematic investigation sheds light on the molecular features required for successful pneumococcal chromosome segregation and the regulation of RocS by phosphorylation. In addition, our study also revealed that RocS shares functional domains with the Par protein, involved in an atypical plasmid segregation system. Therefore, we expect that our findings may serve to extend our understanding of RocS and RocS-like proteins while broadening the repertoire of partitioning systems used in bacteria.

Catching a Walker in the Act-DNA Partitioning by ParA Family of Proteins

Partitioning the replicated genetic material is a crucial process in the cell cycle program of any life form. In bacteria, many plasmids utilize cytoskeletal proteins that include ParM and TubZ, the ancestors of the eukaryotic actin and tubulin, respectively, to segregate the plasmids into the daughter cells. Another distinct class of cytoskeletal proteins, known as the Walker A type Cytoskeletal ATPases (WACA), is unique to Bacteria and Archaea. ParA, a WACA family protein, is involved in DNA partitioning and is more widespread. A centromere-like sequence parS, in the DNA is bound by ParB, an adaptor protein with CTPase activity to form the segregation complex. The ParA ATPase, interacts with the segregation complex and partitions the DNA into the daughter cells. Furthermore, the Walker A motif-containing ParA superfamily of proteins is associated with a diverse set of functions ranging from DNA segregation to cell division, cell polarity, chemotaxis cluster assembly, cellulose biosynthesis and carboxysome maintenance. Unifying principles underlying the varied range of cellular roles in which the ParA superfamily of proteins function are outlined. Here, we provide an overview of the recent findings on the structure and function of the ParB adaptor protein and review the current models and mechanisms by which the ParA family of proteins function in the partitioning of the replicated DNA into the newly born daughter cells.

Recent advances in bacterial signaling by serine/threonine protein kinases

It has been nearly three decades since the discovery of the first bacterial serine/threonine protein kinase (STPK). Since then, a blend of technological advances has led to the characterization of a multitude of STPKs and phosphorylation substrates in several bacterial species that finely regulate intricate signaling cascades. Years of intense research from several laboratories have demonstrated unexpected roles for serine/threonine phosphorylation, regulating not only bacterial growth and cell division but also antibiotic persistence, virulence and infection, metabolism, chromosomal biology, and cellular differentiation. This review aims to provide an account of the most recent and significant developments in this up and growing field in microbiology.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) Rv2140c is involved in cell wall arabinogalactan biosynthesis via phosphorylation

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2140c is a function unknown conserved phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP), homologous to Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) in human beings. To delineate its function, we heterologously expressed Rv2140c in a non-pathogenic M. smegmatis. Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis between two recombinant strains Ms_Rv2140c and Ms_vec revealed that Rv2140c differentially regulate 425 phosphorylated sites representing 282 proteins. Gene ontology GO, and a cluster of orthologous groups COG analyses showed that regulated phosphoproteins by Rv2140c were mainly associated with metabolism and cellular processes. Rv2140c significantly repressed phosphoproteins involved in signaling, including serine/threonine-protein kinases and two-component system, and the arabinogalactan biosynthesis pathway phosphoproteins were markedly up-regulated, suggesting a role of Rv2140c in modulating cell wall. Consistent with phosphoproteomic data, Rv2140c altered some phenotypic properties of M. smegmatis such as colony morphology, cell wall permeability, survival in acidic conditions, and active lactose transport. In summary, we firstly demonstrated the role of PEBP protein Rv2140c, especially in phosphorylation of mycobacterial arabinogalactan biosynthesis proteins.

The secreted protein kinase CstK from Coxiella burnetii influences vacuole development and interacts with the GTPase-activating host protein TBC1D5

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Coxiella burnetii is the etiological agent of the emerging zoonosis Q fever. Crucial to its pathogenesis is type 4b secretion system-mediated secretion of bacterial effectors into host cells that subvert host cell membrane trafficking, leading to the biogenesis of a parasitophorous vacuole for intracellular replication. The characterization of prokaryotic serine/threonine protein kinases in bacterial pathogens is emerging as an important strategy to better understand host-pathogen interactions. In this study, we investigated CstK (for Coxiella Ser/Thr kinase), a protein kinase identified in C. burnetii by in silico analysis. We demonstrate that this putative protein kinase undergoes autophosphorylation on Thr and Tyr residues and phosphorylates a classical eukaryotic protein kinase substrate in vitro This dual Thr-Tyr kinase activity is also observed for a eukaryotic dual-specificity Tyr phosphorylation-regulated kinase class. We found that CstK is translocated during infections and localizes to Coxiella-containing vacuoles (CCVs). Moreover, a CstK-overexpressing C. burnetii strain displayed a severe CCV development phenotype, suggesting that CstK fine-tunes CCV biogenesis during the infection. Protein-protein interaction experiments identified the Rab7 GTPase-activating protein TBC1D5 as a candidate CstK-specific target, suggesting a role for this host GTPase-activating protein in Coxiella infections. Indeed, CstK co-localized with TBC1D5 in noninfected cells, and TBC1D5 was recruited to CCVs in infected cells. Accordingly, TBC1D5 depletion from infected cells significantly affected CCV development. Our results indicate that CstK functions as a bacterial effector protein that interacts with the host protein TBC1D5 during vacuole biogenesis and intracellular replication.

Chromosome Segregation Proteins as Coordinators of Cell Cycle in Response to Environmental Conditions

Chromosome segregation is a crucial stage of the cell cycle. In general, proteins involved in this process are DNA-binding proteins, and in most bacteria, ParA and ParB are the main players; however, some bacteria manage this process by employing other proteins, such as condensins. The dynamic interaction between ParA and ParB drives movement and exerts positioning of the chromosomal origin of replication (oriC) within the cell. In addition, both ParA and ParB were shown to interact with the other proteins, including those involved in cell division or cell elongation. The significance of these interactions for the progression of the cell cycle is currently under investigation. Remarkably, DNA binding by ParA and ParB as well as their interactions with protein partners conceivably may be modulated by intra- and extracellular conditions. This notion provokes the question of whether chromosome segregation can be regarded as a regulatory stage of the cell cycle. To address this question, we discuss how environmental conditions affect chromosome segregation and how segregation proteins influence other cell cycle processes.

Rules and Exceptions: The Role of Chromosomal ParB in DNA Segregation and Other Cellular Processes

The segregation of newly replicated chromosomes in bacterial cells is a highly coordinated spatiotemporal process. In the majority of bacterial species, a tripartite ParAB-parS system, composed of an ATPase (ParA), a DNA-binding protein (ParB), and its target(s) parS sequence(s), facilitates the initial steps of chromosome partitioning. ParB nucleates around parS(s) located in the vicinity of newly replicated oriCs to form large nucleoprotein complexes, which are subsequently relocated by ParA to distal cellular compartments. In this review, we describe the role of ParB in various processes within bacterial cells, pointing out interspecies differences. We outline recent progress in understanding the ParB nucleoprotein complex formation and its role in DNA segregation, including ori positioning and anchoring, DNA condensation, and loading of the structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins. The auxiliary roles of ParBs in the control of chromosome replication initiation and cell division, as well as the regulation of gene expression, are discussed. Moreover, we catalog ParB interacting proteins. Overall, this work highlights how different bacterial species adapt the DNA partitioning ParAB-parS system to meet their specific requirements.

Protein post-translational modifications in bacteria

Over the past decade the number and variety of protein post-translational modifications that have been detected and characterized in bacteria have rapidly increased. Most post-translational protein modifications occur in a relatively low number of bacterial proteins in comparison with eukaryotic proteins, and most of the modified proteins carry low, substoichiometric levels of modification; therefore, their structural and functional analysis is particularly challenging. The number of modifying enzymes differs greatly among bacterial species, and the extent of the modified proteome strongly depends on environmental conditions. Nevertheless, evidence is rapidly accumulating that protein post-translational modifications have vital roles in various cellular processes such as protein synthesis and turnover, nitrogen metabolism, the cell cycle, dormancy, sporulation, spore germination, persistence and virulence. Further research of protein post-translational modifications will fill current gaps in the understanding of bacterial physiology and open new avenues for treatment of infectious diseases.

Investigation of the phosphorylation of Bacillus subtilis LTA synthases by the serine/threonine kinase PrkC

Bacillus subtilis possesses four lipoteichoic acid synthases LtaS, YfnI, YvgJ and YqgS involved in the synthesis of cell wall. The crystal structure of the extracellular domain of LtaS revealed a phosphorylated threonine and YfnI was identified in two independent phosphoproteome studies. Here, we show that the four LTA synthases can be phosphorylated in vitro by the Ser/Thr kinase PrkC. Phosphorylation neither affects the export/release of YfnI nor its substrate binding. However, we observed that a phosphomimetic form of YfnI was active whereas its phosphoablative form was inactive. The phenotypes of the strains deleted for prkC or prpC (coding for a phosphatase) are fairly similar to those of the strains producing the phosphoablative or phosphomimetic YfnI proteins. Clear evidence proving that PrkC phosphorylates YfnI in vivo is still missing but our data suggest that the activity of all LTA synthases may be regulated by phosphorylation. Nonetheless, their function is non-redundant in cell. Indeed, the deletion of either ltaS or yfnI gene could restore a normal growth and shape to a ΔyvcK mutant strain but this was not the case for yvgJ or yqgS. The synthesis of cell wall must then be highly regulated to guarantee correct morphogenesis whatever the growth conditions.

Phosphorylation of FtsZ and FtsA by a DNA Damage-Responsive Ser/Thr Protein Kinase Affects Their Functional Interactions in Deinococcus radiodurans

The LexA/RecA-type SOS response is the only characterized mechanism of DNA damage response in bacteria. It regulates cell cycle by attenuating the functions of cell division protein FtsZ and inducing the expression of DNA repair proteins. There are bacteria, including Deinococcus radiodurans, that do not show this classical SOS response. D. radiodurans is known for its extraordinary resistance to gamma radiation, and a DNA damage-responsive Ser/Thr protein kinase (RqkA) has been characterized for its role in radioresistance. RqkA phosphorylates a large number of proteins in solution. The phosphorylation of RecA and PprA by RqkA enhanced their activities. FtsZ phosphorylation is inducible by gamma radiation in wild-type D. radiodurans but not in an rqkA mutant. Phosphorylation affected the interaction of FtsZ and FtsA in this bacterium. This study, therefore, brought forth some findings that might lead to the discovery of a new mechanism regulating the bacterial cell cycle in response to DNA damage.

Deinococcus radiodurans, a highly radioresistant bacterium, does not show LexA-dependent regulation of recA expression in response to DNA damage. On the other hand, phosphorylation of DNA repair proteins such as PprA and RecA by a DNA damage-responsive Ser/Thr protein kinase (STPK) (RqkA) could improve their DNA metabolic activities as well as their roles in the radioresistance of D. radiodurans. Here we report RqkA-mediated phosphorylation of cell division proteins FtsZ and FtsA in vitro and in surrogate Escherichia coli bacteria expressing RqkA. Mass spectrometric analysis mapped serine 235 and serine 335 in FtsZ and threonine 272, serine 370, and serine 386 in FtsA as potential phosphorylation sites. Although the levels of FtsZ did not change during postirradiation recovery (PIR), phosphorylation of both FtsZ and FtsA showed a kinetic change during PIR. However, in an rqkA mutant of D. radiodurans, though FtsZ underwent phosphorylation, no kinetic change in phosphorylation was observed. Further, RqkA adversely affected FtsA interaction with FtsZ, and phosphorylated FtsZ showed higher GTPase activity than unphosphorylated FtsZ. These results suggest that both FtsZ and FtsA are phosphoproteins in D. radiodurans. The increased phosphorylation of FtsZ in response to radiation damage in the wild-type strain but not in an rqkA mutant seems to be regulating the functional interaction of FtsZ with FtsA. For the first time, we demonstrate the role of a DNA damage-responsive STPK (RqkA) in the regulation of functional interaction of cell division proteins in this bacterium.

IMPORTANCE The LexA/RecA-type SOS response is the only characterized mechanism of DNA damage response in bacteria. It regulates cell cycle by attenuating the functions of cell division protein FtsZ and inducing the expression of DNA repair proteins. There are bacteria, including Deinococcus radiodurans, that do not show this classical SOS response. D. radiodurans is known for its extraordinary resistance to gamma radiation, and a DNA damage-responsive Ser/Thr protein kinase (RqkA) has been characterized for its role in radioresistance. RqkA phosphorylates a large number of proteins in solution. The phosphorylation of RecA and PprA by RqkA enhanced their activities. FtsZ phosphorylation is inducible by gamma radiation in wild-type D. radiodurans but not in an rqkA mutant. Phosphorylation affected the interaction of FtsZ and FtsA in this bacterium. This study, therefore, brought forth some findings that might lead to the discovery of a new mechanism regulating the bacterial cell cycle in response to DNA damage.

Stable Regulation of Cell Cycle Events in Mycobacteria: Insights From Inherently Heterogeneous Bacterial Populations

Model bacteria, such as E. coli and B. subtilis, tightly regulate cell cycle progression to achieve consistent cell size distributions and replication dynamics. Many of the hallmark features of these model bacteria, including lateral cell wall elongation and symmetric growth and division, do not occur in mycobacteria. Instead, mycobacterial growth is characterized by asymmetric polar growth and division. This innate asymmetry creates unequal birth sizes and growth rates for daughter cells with each division, generating a phenotypically heterogeneous population. Although the asymmetric growth patterns of mycobacteria lead to a larger variation in birth size than typically seen in model bacterial populations, the cell size distribution is stable over time. Here, we review the cellular mechanisms of growth, division, and cell cycle progression in mycobacteria in the face of asymmetry and inherent heterogeneity. These processes coalesce to control cell size. Although Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) utilize a novel model of cell size control, they are similar to previously studied bacteria in that initiation of DNA replication is a key checkpoint for cell division. We compare the regulation of DNA replication initiation and strategies used for cell size homeostasis in mycobacteria and model bacteria. Finally, we review the importance of cellular organization and chromosome segregation relating to the physiology of mycobacteria and consider how new frameworks could be applied across the wide spectrum of bacterial diversity.

The studies of ParA and ParB dynamics reveal asymmetry of chromosome segregation in mycobacteria

Active segregation of bacterial chromosomes usually involves the action of ParB proteins, which bind in proximity of chromosomal origin (oriC) regions forming nucleoprotein complexes - segrosomes. Newly duplicated segrosomes are moved either uni- or bidirectionally by the action of ATPases - ParA proteins. In Mycobacterium smegmatis the oriC region is located in an off-centred position and newly replicated segrosomes are segregated towards cell poles. The elimination of M. smegmatis ParA and/or ParB leads to chromosome segregation defects. Here, we took advantage of microfluidic time-lapse fluorescent microscopy to address the question of ParA and ParB dynamics in M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis cells. Our results reveal that ParB complexes are segregated in an asymmetrical manner. The rapid movement of segrosomes is dependent on ParA that is transiently associated with the new pole. Remarkably in M. tuberculosis, the movement of the ParB complex is much slower than in M. smegmatis, but segregation as in M. smegmatis lasts approximately 10% of the cell cycle, which suggests a correlation between segregation dynamics and the growth rate. On the basis of our results, we propose a model for the asymmetric action of segregation machinery that reflects unequal division and growth of mycobacterial cells.

Epigenetic Phosphorylation Control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Persistence

Reversible protein phosphorylation is the most common type of epigenetic posttranslational modification in living cells used as a major regulation mechanism of biological processes. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome encodes for 11 serine/threonine protein kinases that are responsible for sensing environmental signals to coordinate a cellular response to ensure the pathogen's infectivity, survival, and growth. To overcome killing mechanisms generated within the host during infection, M. tuberculosis enters a state of nonreplicating persistence that is characterized by arrested growth, limited metabolic activity, and phenotypic resistance to antimycobacterial drugs. In this article we focus our attention on the role of M. tuberculosis serine/threonine protein kinases in sensing the host environment to coordinate the bacilli's physiology, including growth, cell wall components, and central metabolism, to establish a persistent infection.

Ser/Thr Phosphorylation Regulates the Fatty Acyl-AMP Ligase Activity of FadD32, an Essential Enzyme in Mycolic Acid Biosynthesis

Mycolic acids are essential components of the mycobacterial cell envelope, and their biosynthetic pathway is a well known source of antituberculous drug targets. Among the promising new targets in the pathway, FadD32 is an essential enzyme required for the activation of the long meromycolic chain of mycolic acids and is essential for mycobacterial growth. Following the in-depth biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of FadD32, we investigated its putative regulation via post-translational modifications. Comparison of the fatty acyl-AMP ligase activity between phosphorylated and dephosphorylated FadD32 isoforms showed that the native protein is phosphorylated by serine/threonine protein kinases and that this phosphorylation induced a significant loss of activity. Mass spectrometry analysis of the native protein confirmed the post-translational modifications and identified Thr-552 as the phosphosite. Phosphoablative and phosphomimetic FadD32 mutant proteins confirmed both the position and the importance of the modification and its correlation with the negative regulation of FadD32 activity. Investigation of the mycolic acid condensation reaction catalyzed by Pks13, involving FadD32 as a partner, showed that FadD32 phosphorylation also impacts the condensation activity. Altogether, our results bring to light FadD32 phosphorylation by serine/threonine protein kinases and its correlation with the enzyme-negative regulation, thus shedding a new horizon on the mycolic acid biosynthesis modulation and possible inhibition strategies for this promising drug target.

Eukaryotic-Type Ser/Thr Protein Kinase Mediated Phosphorylation of Mycobacterial Phosphodiesterase Affects its Localization to the Cell Wall

Phosphodiesterase enzymes, involved in cAMP hydrolysis reaction, are present throughout phylogeny and their phosphorylation mediated regulation remains elusive in prokaryotes. In this context, we focused on this enzyme from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The gene encoded by Rv0805 was PCR amplified and expressed as a histidine-tagged protein (mPDE) utilizing Escherichia coli based expression system. In kinase assays, upon incubation with mycobacterial Clade I eukaryotic-type Ser/Thr kinases (PknA, PknB, and PknL), Ni-NTA purified mPDE protein exhibited transphosphorylation ability albeit with varying degree. When mPDE was co-expressed one at a time with these kinases in E. coli, it was also recognized by an anti-phosphothreonine antibody, which further indicates its phosphorylating ability. Mass spectrometric analysis identified Thr-309 of mPDE as a phosphosite. In concordance with this observation, anti-phosphothreonine antibody marginally recognized mPDE-T309A mutant protein; however, such alteration did not affect the enzymatic activity. Interestingly, mPDE expressed in Mycobacterium smegmatis yielded a phosphorylated protein that preferentially localized to cell wall. In contrast, mPDE-T309A, the phosphoablative variant of mPDE, did not show such behavior. On the other hand, phosphomimics of mPDE (T309D or T309E), exhibited similar cell wall anchorage as was observed with the wild-type. Thus, our results provide credence to the fact that eukaryotic-type Ser/Thr kinase mediated phosphorylation of mPDE renders negative charge to the protein, promoting its localization on cell wall. Furthermore, multiple sequence alignment revealed that Thr-309 is conserved among mPDE orthologs of M. tuberculosis complex, which presumably emphasizes evolutionary significance of phosphorylation at this residue.

Role of Protein Phosphorylation in the Regulation of Cell Cycle and DNA-Related Processes in Bacteria

In all living organisms, the phosphorylation of proteins modulates various aspects of their functionalities. In eukaryotes, protein phosphorylation plays a key role in cell signaling, gene expression, and differentiation. Protein phosphorylation is also involved in the global control of DNA replication during the cell cycle, as well as in the mechanisms that cope with stress-induced replication blocks. Similar to eukaryotes, bacteria use Hanks-type kinases and phosphatases for signal transduction, and protein phosphorylation is involved in numerous cellular processes. However, it remains unclear whether protein phosphorylation in bacteria can also regulate the activity of proteins involved in DNA-mediated processes such as DNA replication or repair. Accumulating evidence supported by functional and biochemical studies suggests that phospho-regulatory mechanisms also take place during the bacterial cell cycle. Recent phosphoproteomics and interactomics studies identified numerous phosphoproteins involved in various aspect of DNA metabolism strongly supporting the existence of such level of regulation in bacteria. Similar to eukaryotes, bacterial scaffolding-like proteins emerged as platforms for kinase activation and signaling. This review reports the current knowledge on the phosphorylation of proteins involved in the maintenance of genome integrity and the regulation of cell cycle in bacteria that reveals surprising similarities to eukaryotes.

Bacterial cytoskeleton and implications for new antibiotic targets

Traditionally eukaryotes exclusive cytoskeleton has been found in bacteria and other prokaryotes. FtsZ, MreB and CreS are bacterial counterpart of eukaryotic tubulin, actin filaments and intermediate filaments, respectively. FtsZ can assemble to a Z-ring at the cell division site, regulate bacterial cell division; MreB can form helical structure, and involve in maintaining cell shape, regulating chromosome segregation; CreS, found in Caulobacter crescentus (C. crescentus), can form curve or helical filaments in intracellular membrane. CreS is crucial for cell morphology maintenance. There are also some prokaryotic unique cytoskeleton components playing crucial roles in cell division, chromosome segregation and cell morphology. The cytoskeleton components of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), together with their dynamics during exposure to antibiotics are summarized in this article to provide insights into the unique organization of this formidable pathogen and druggable targets for new antibiotics.