1
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Pollack D, Nozoe T, Kussell E. Proteolytic stability and aggregation in a key metabolic enzyme of bacteria. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2301458121. [PMID: 38683989 PMCID: PMC11087809 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301458121] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins that are kinetically stable are thought to be less prone to both aggregation and proteolysis. We demonstrate that the classical lac system of Escherichia coli can be leveraged as a model system to study this relation. β-galactosidase (LacZ) plays a critical role in lactose metabolism and is an extremely stable protein that can persist in growing cells for multiple generations after expression has stopped. By attaching degradation tags to the LacZ protein, we find that LacZ can be transiently degraded during lac operon expression but once expression has stopped functional LacZ is protected from degradation. We reversibly destabilize its tetrameric assembly using α-complementation, and show that unassembled LacZ monomers and dimers can either be degraded or lead to formation of aggregates within cells, while the tetrameric state protects against proteolysis and aggregation. We show that the presence of aggregates is associated with cell death, and that these proteotoxic stress phenotypes can be alleviated by attaching an ssrA tag to LacZ monomers which leads to their degradation. We unify our findings using a biophysical model that enables the interplay of protein assembly, degradation, and aggregation to be studied quantitatively in vivo. This work may yield approaches to reversing and preventing protein-misfolding disease states, while elucidating the functions of proteolytic stability in constant and fluctuating environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Pollack
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, NY10003
| | - Takashi Nozoe
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo153-8902, Japan
- Research Center for Complex Systems Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo153-8902, Japan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo113-0033, Japan
| | - Edo Kussell
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, NY10003
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, NY10003
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2
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Chaisupa P, Wright RC. State-of-the-art in engineering small molecule biosensors and their applications in metabolic engineering. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100113. [PMID: 37918525 PMCID: PMC11314541 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2023.10.005] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors are crucial for enhancing our understanding of how molecules regulate biological systems. Small molecule biosensors, in particular, help us understand the interaction between chemicals and biological processes. They also accelerate metabolic engineering by increasing screening throughput and eliminating the need for sample preparation through traditional chemical analysis. Additionally, they offer significantly higher spatial and temporal resolution in cellular analyte measurements. In this review, we discuss recent progress in in vivo biosensors and control systems-biosensor-based controllers-for metabolic engineering. We also specifically explore protein-based biosensors that utilize less commonly exploited signaling mechanisms, such as protein stability and induced degradation, compared to more prevalent transcription factor and allosteric regulation mechanism. We propose that these lesser-used mechanisms will be significant for engineering eukaryotic systems and slower-growing prokaryotic systems where protein turnover may facilitate more rapid and reliable measurement and regulation of the current cellular state. Lastly, we emphasize the utilization of cutting-edge and state-of-the-art techniques in the development of protein-based biosensors, achieved through rational design, directed evolution, and collaborative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patarasuda Chaisupa
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - R Clay Wright
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Translational Plant Sciences Center (TPSC), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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3
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Fang Y, Chang AY, Verma D, Miyashita SI, Eszterhas S, Lee PG, Shen Y, Davis LR, Dong M, Bailey-Kellogg C, Griswold KE. Functional Deimmunization of Botulinum Neurotoxin Protease Domain via Computationally Driven Library Design and Ultrahigh-Throughput Screening. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:153-163. [PMID: 36623275 PMCID: PMC9872818 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00426] [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: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) is a widely used cosmetic agent that also has diverse therapeutic applications; however, adverse antidrug immune responses and associated loss of efficacy have been reported in clinical uses. Here, we describe computational design and ultrahigh-throughput screening of a massive BoNT/A light-chain (BoNT/A-LC) library optimized for reduced T cell epitope content and thereby dampened immunogenicity. We developed a functional assay based on bacterial co-expression of BoNT/A-LC library members with a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor for BoNT/A-LC enzymatic activity, and we employed high-speed fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to identify numerous computationally designed variants having wild-type-like enzyme kinetics. Many of these variants exhibited decreased immunogenicity in humanized HLA transgenic mice and manifested in vivo paralytic activity when incorporated into full-length toxin. One variant achieved near-wild-type paralytic potency and a 300% reduction in antidrug antibody response in vivo. Thus, we have achieved a striking level of BoNT/A-LC functional deimmunization by combining computational library design and ultrahigh-throughput screening. This strategy holds promise for deimmunizing other biologics with complex superstructures and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Fang
- Thayer
School of Engineering, Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
- Department
of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Andrew Y. Chang
- Thayer
School of Engineering, Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Deeptak Verma
- Department
of Computer Science, Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Shin-Ichiro Miyashita
- Department
of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Tokyo
University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri 099-2493, Japan
| | - Susan Eszterhas
- Thayer
School of Engineering, Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Pyung-Gang Lee
- Department
of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yi Shen
- Department
of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lydia R. Davis
- Thayer
School of Engineering, Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Min Dong
- Department
of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department
of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Chris Bailey-Kellogg
- Department
of Computer Science, Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Karl E. Griswold
- Thayer
School of Engineering, Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
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4
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Hogan AM, Cardona ST. Gradients in gene essentiality reshape antibacterial research. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:fuac005. [PMID: 35104846 PMCID: PMC9075587 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential genes encode the processes that are necessary for life. Until recently, commonly applied binary classifications left no space between essential and non-essential genes. In this review, we frame bacterial gene essentiality in the context of genetic networks. We explore how the quantitative properties of gene essentiality are influenced by the nature of the encoded process, environmental conditions and genetic background, including a strain's distinct evolutionary history. The covered topics have important consequences for antibacterials, which inhibit essential processes. We argue that the quantitative properties of essentiality can thus be used to prioritize antibacterial cellular targets and desired spectrum of activity in specific infection settings. We summarize our points with a case study on the core essential genome of the cystic fibrosis pathobiome and highlight avenues for targeted antibacterial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Hogan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, 45 Chancellor's Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Silvia T Cardona
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, 45 Chancellor's Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Room 543 - 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada
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5
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Kallepalli A, Halls J, James DB, Richardson MA. An ultrasonography-based approach for tissue modelling to inform photo-therapy treatment strategies. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2022; 15:e202100275. [PMID: 35044094 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202100275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, diagnostic medicine uses a multitude of tools ranging from ionising radiation to histology analysis. With advances in piezoelectric crystal technology, high-frequency ultrasound imaging has developed to achieve comparatively high resolution without the drawbacks of ionising radiation. This research proposes a low-cost, non-invasive and real-time protocol for informing photo-therapy procedures using ultrasound imaging. We combine currently available ultrasound procedures with Monte Carlo methods for assessing light transport and photo-energy deposition in the tissue. The measurements from high-resolution ultrasound scans are used as input for optical simulations. Consequently, this provides a pipeline that will inform medical practitioners for better therapy strategy planning. While validating known inferences of light transport through biological tissue, our results highlight the range of information such as temporal monitoring and energy deposition at varying depths. This process also retains the flexibility of testing various wavelengths for individual-specific geometries and anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Kallepalli
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - James Halls
- Department of Radiology, The Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK
| | - David B James
- Centre for Electronic Warfare, Information and Cyber, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, UK
| | - Mark A Richardson
- Centre for Electronic Warfare, Information and Cyber, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, UK
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6
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Miller CA, Ho JML, Bennett MR. Strategies for Improving Small-Molecule Biosensors in Bacteria. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12020064. [PMID: 35200325 PMCID: PMC8869690 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, small-molecule biosensors have become increasingly important in synthetic biology and biochemistry, with numerous new applications continuing to be developed throughout the field. For many biosensors, however, their utility is hindered by poor functionality. Here, we review the known types of mechanisms of biosensors within bacterial cells, and the types of approaches for optimizing different biosensor functional parameters. Discussed approaches for improving biosensor functionality include methods of directly engineering biosensor genes, considerations for choosing genetic reporters, approaches for tuning gene expression, and strategies for incorporating additional genetic modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corwin A. Miller
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA; (C.A.M.); (J.M.L.H.)
| | - Joanne M. L. Ho
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA; (C.A.M.); (J.M.L.H.)
| | - Matthew R. Bennett
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA; (C.A.M.); (J.M.L.H.)
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Correspondence:
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7
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Li C, Jiang T, Li M, Zou Y, Yan Y. Fine-tuning gene expression for improved biosynthesis of natural products: From transcriptional to post-translational regulation. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 54:107853. [PMID: 34637919 PMCID: PMC8724446 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microbial production of natural compounds has attracted extensive attention due to their high value in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Constructing efficient microbial cell factories for biosynthesis of natural products requires the fine-tuning of gene expressions to minimize the accumulation of toxic metabolites, reduce the competition between cell growth and product generation, as well as achieve the balance of redox or co-factors. In this review, we focus on recent advances in fine-tuning gene expression at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels to improve the microbial biosynthesis of natural products. Commonly used regulatory toolsets in each level are discussed, and perspectives for future direction in this area are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyi Li
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Tian Jiang
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Michelle Li
- North Oconee High School, Bogart, GA 30622, USA
| | - Yusong Zou
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Yajun Yan
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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8
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Izert MA, Klimecka MM, Górna MW. Applications of Bacterial Degrons and Degraders - Toward Targeted Protein Degradation in Bacteria. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:669762. [PMID: 34026843 PMCID: PMC8138137 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.669762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A repertoire of proteolysis-targeting signals known as degrons is a necessary component of protein homeostasis in every living cell. In bacteria, degrons can be used in place of chemical genetics approaches to interrogate and control protein function. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of synthetic applications of degrons in targeted proteolysis in bacteria. We describe recent advances ranging from large screens employing tunable degradation systems and orthogonal degrons, to sophisticated tools and sensors for imaging. Based on the success of proteolysis-targeting chimeras as an emerging paradigm in cancer drug discovery, we discuss perspectives on using bacterial degraders for studying protein function and as novel antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Wiktoria Górna
- Structural Biology Group, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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9
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Lassak J, Koller F, Krafczyk R, Volkwein W. Exceptionally versatile – arginine in bacterial post-translational protein modifications. Biol Chem 2019; 400:1397-1427. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTM) are the evolutionary solution to challenge and extend the boundaries of genetically predetermined proteomic diversity. As PTMs are highly dynamic, they also hold an enormous regulatory potential. It is therefore not surprising that out of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids, 15 can be post-translationally modified. Even the relatively inert guanidino group of arginine is subject to a multitude of mostly enzyme mediated chemical changes. The resulting alterations can have a major influence on protein function. In this review, we will discuss how bacteria control their cellular processes and develop pathogenicity based on post-translational protein-arginine modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Lassak
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CiPSM), Department of Biology I, Microbiology , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Grosshaderner Strasse 2-4 , D-82152 Planegg , Germany
| | - Franziska Koller
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CiPSM), Department of Biology I, Microbiology , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Grosshaderner Strasse 2-4 , D-82152 Planegg , Germany
| | - Ralph Krafczyk
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CiPSM), Department of Biology I, Microbiology , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Grosshaderner Strasse 2-4 , D-82152 Planegg , Germany
| | - Wolfram Volkwein
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CiPSM), Department of Biology I, Microbiology , Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Grosshaderner Strasse 2-4 , D-82152 Planegg , Germany
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10
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Atitey K, Loskot P, Rees P. Elucidating effects of reaction rates on dynamics of the lac circuit in Escherichia coli. Biosystems 2018; 175:1-10. [PMID: 30447251 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression is regulated by a complex transcriptional network. It is of interest to quantify uncertainty of not knowing accurately reaction rates of underlying biochemical reactions, and to understand how they affect gene expression. Assuming a kinetic model of the lac circuit in Escherichia coli, regardless of how many reactions are involved in transcription regulation, transcription rate is shown to be the most important parameter affecting steady state production of mRNA and protein in the cell. In particular, doubling the transcription rate approximately doubles the number of mRNA synthesized at steady state for any rates of transcription inhibition and activation. On the other hand, increasing the rate of transcription inhibition by 10% reduces the average steady state count of mRNA by about 7%, whereas changes in the rate of transcription activation appear to have no such effect. Furthermore, for wide range of reaction rates in the kinetic model of the lac genetic switch considered, protein production was observed to always reach a maximum before the degradation reduces its count to zero, and this maximum was found to be always at least 27 protein molecules. Such value appears to be a fundamental structural property of genetic circuits making it very robust against changes in the internal and external conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komlan Atitey
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Pavel Loskot
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.
| | - Paul Rees
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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11
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Durante-Rodríguez G, de Lorenzo V, Nikel PI. A Post-translational Metabolic Switch Enables Complete Decoupling of Bacterial Growth from Biopolymer Production in Engineered Escherichia coli. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:2686-2697. [PMID: 30346720 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Most of the current methods for controlling the formation rate of a key protein or enzyme in cell factories rely on the manipulation of target genes within the pathway. In this article, we present a novel synthetic system for post-translational regulation of protein levels, FENIX, which provides both independent control of the steady-state protein level and inducible accumulation of target proteins. The FENIX device is based on the constitutive, proteasome-dependent degradation of the target polypeptide by tagging with a short synthetic, hybrid NIa/SsrA amino acid sequence in the C-terminal domain. Protein production is triggered via addition of an orthogonal inducer ( i.e., 3-methylbenzoate) to the culture medium. The system was benchmarked in Escherichia coli by tagging two fluorescent proteins (GFP and mCherry), and further exploited to completely uncouple poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) accumulation from bacterial growth. By tagging PhaA (3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, first step of the route), a dynamic metabolic switch at the acetyl-coenzyme A node was established in such a way that this metabolic precursor could be effectively redirected into PHB formation upon activation of the system. The engineered E. coli strain reached a very high specific rate of PHB accumulation (0.4 h-1) with a polymer content of ca. 72% (w/w) in glucose cultures in a growth-independent mode. Thus, FENIX enables dynamic control of metabolic fluxes in bacterial cell factories by establishing post-translational synthetic switches in the pathway of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Durante-Rodríguez
- Environmental Microbiology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor de Lorenzo
- Systems and Synthetic Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo I. Nikel
- Systems Environmental Microbiology Group, The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
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12
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Sekar K, Rusconi R, Sauls JT, Fuhrer T, Noor E, Nguyen J, Fernandez VI, Buffing MF, Berney M, Jun S, Stocker R, Sauer U. Synthesis and degradation of FtsZ quantitatively predict the first cell division in starved bacteria. Mol Syst Biol 2018; 14:e8623. [PMID: 30397005 PMCID: PMC6217170 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20188623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In natural environments, microbes are typically non-dividing and gauge when nutrients permit division. Current models are phenomenological and specific to nutrient-rich, exponentially growing cells, thus cannot predict the first division under limiting nutrient availability. To assess this regime, we supplied starving Escherichia coli with glucose pulses at increasing frequencies. Real-time metabolomics and microfluidic single-cell microscopy revealed unexpected, rapid protein, and nucleic acid synthesis already from minuscule glucose pulses in non-dividing cells. Additionally, the lag time to first division shortened as pulsing frequency increased. We pinpointed division timing and dependence on nutrient frequency to the changing abundance of the division protein FtsZ. A dynamic, mechanistic model quantitatively relates lag time to FtsZ synthesis from nutrient pulses and FtsZ protease-dependent degradation. Lag time changed in model-congruent manners, when we experimentally modulated the synthesis or degradation of FtsZ. Thus, limiting abundance of FtsZ can quantitatively predict timing of the first cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Sekar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Rusconi
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - John T Sauls
- Department of Physics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tobias Fuhrer
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elad Noor
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jen Nguyen
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Microbiology Graduate Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vicente I Fernandez
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marieke F Buffing
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Life Science Zurich PhD Program on Systems Biology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Berney
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Suckjoon Jun
- Department of Physics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Science, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roman Stocker
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Sauer
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Riley EP, Trinquier A, Reilly ML, Durchon M, Perera VR, Pogliano K, Lopez-Garrido J. Spatiotemporally regulated proteolysis to dissect the role of vegetative proteins during Bacillus subtilis sporulation: cell-specific requirement of σ H and σ A. Mol Microbiol 2018; 108:45-62. [PMID: 29363854 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis is a paradigm of bacterial development, which involves the interaction between a larger mother cell and a smaller forespore. The mother cell and the forespore activate different genetic programs, leading to the production of sporulation-specific proteins. A critical gap in our understanding of sporulation is how vegetative proteins, made before sporulation initiation, contribute to spore formation. Here we present a system, spatiotemporally regulated proteolysis (STRP), which enables the rapid, developmentally regulated degradation of target proteins, thereby providing a suitable method to dissect the cell- and developmental stage-specific role of vegetative proteins. STRP has been used to dissect the role of two major vegetative sigma factors, σH and σA , during sporulation. The results suggest that σH is only required in predivisional cells, where it is essential for sporulation initiation, but that it is dispensable during subsequent steps of spore formation. However, evidence has been provided that σA plays different roles in the mother cell, where it replenishes housekeeping functions, and in the forespore, where it plays an unexpected role in promoting spore germination and outgrowth. Altogether, the results demonstrate that STRP has the potential to provide a comprehensive molecular dissection of every stage of sporulation, germination and outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eammon P Riley
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Aude Trinquier
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Madeline L Reilly
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marine Durchon
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Varahenage R Perera
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kit Pogliano
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Javier Lopez-Garrido
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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14
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Martínez V, Lauritsen I, Hobel T, Li S, Nielsen AT, Nørholm M. CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing for simultaneous interference with gene expression and protein stability. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:e171. [PMID: 28981713 PMCID: PMC5714205 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interference with genes is the foundation of reverse genetics and is key to manipulation of living cells for biomedical and biotechnological applications. However, classical genetic knockout and transcriptional knockdown technologies have different drawbacks and offer no control over existing protein levels. Here, we describe an efficient genome editing approach that affects specific protein abundances by changing the rates of both RNA synthesis and protein degradation, based on the two cross-kingdom control mechanisms CRISPRi and the N-end rule for protein stability. In addition, our approach demonstrates that CRISPRi efficiency is dependent on endogenous gene expression levels. The method has broad applications in e.g. study of essential genes and antibiotics discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Martínez
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Ida Lauritsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Tonja Hobel
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Songyuan Li
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Alex Toftgaard Nielsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Morten H. H. Nørholm
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
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15
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Tan SZ, Prather KL. Dynamic pathway regulation: recent advances and methods of construction. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2017; 41:28-35. [PMID: 29059607 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Microbial cell factories are a renewable source for the production of biofuels and valuable chemicals. Dynamic pathway regulation has proved successful in improving production of molecules by balancing flux between growth of cells and production of metabolites. Systems for autonomous induction of pathway regulation are increasingly being developed, which include metabolite responsive promoters, biosensors, and quorum sensing systems. Since engineering such systems are dependent on the available methods for controlling protein abundance in the desired host, we review recent tools used for gene repression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational levels in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These approaches may facilitate pathway engineering for biofuel and biochemical production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Zanne Tan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kristala Lj Prather
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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16
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Zhao X, Dai Q, Jia R, Zhu D, Liu M, Wang M, Chen S, Sun K, Yang Q, Wu Y, Cheng A. Two Novel Salmonella Bivalent Vaccines Confer Dual Protection against Two Salmonella Serovars in Mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:391. [PMID: 28929089 PMCID: PMC5591321 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-typhoidal Salmonella includes thousands of serovars that are leading causes of foodborne diarrheal illness worldwide. In this study, we constructed three bivalent vaccines for preventing both Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Newport infections by using the aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (Asd)-based balanced-lethal vector-host system. The constructed Asd+ plasmid pCZ11 carrying a subset of the Salmonella Newport O-antigen gene cluster including the wzx-wbaR-wbaL-wbaQ-wzy-wbaW-wbaZ genes was introduced into three Salmonella Typhimurium mutants: SLT19 (Δasd) with a smooth LPS phenotype, SLT20 (Δasd ΔrfbN) with a rough LPS phenotype, and SLT22 (Δasd ΔrfbN ΔpagL::T araC PBADrfbN) with a smooth LPS phenotype when grown with arabinose. Immunoblotting demonstrated that SLT19 harboring pCZ11 [termed SLT19 (pCZ11)] co-expressed the homologous and heterologous O-antigens; SLT20 (pCZ11) exclusively expressed the heterologous O-antigen; and when arabinose was available, SLT22 (pCZ11) expressed both types of O-antigens, while in the absence of arabinose, SLT22 (pCZ11) expressed only the heterologous O-antigen. Exclusive expression of the heterologous O-antigen in Salmonella Typhimurium decreased the swimming ability of the bacterium and its susceptibility to polymyxin B. Next, the crp gene was deleted from the three recombinant strains for attenuation purposes, generating the three bivalent vaccine strains SLT25 (pCZ11), SLT26 (pCZ11), and SLT27 (pCZ11), respectively. Groups of BALB/c mice (12 mice/group) were orally immunized with 109 CFU of each vaccine strain twice at an interval of 4 weeks. Compared with a mock immunization, immunization with all three vaccine strains induced significant serum IgG responses against both Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Newport LPS. The bacterial loads in the mouse tissues were significantly lower in the three vaccine-strain-immunized groups than in the mock group after either Salmonella Typhimurium or Salmonella Newport lethal challenge. All of the mice in the three vaccine-immunized groups survived the lethal Salmonella Typhimurium challenge. In contrast, SLT26 (pCZ11) and SLT27 (pCZ11) conferred full protection against lethal Salmonella Newport challenge, but SLT25 (pCZ11) provided only 50% heterologous protection. Thus, we developed two novel Salmonella bivalent vaccines, SLT26 (pCZ11) and SLT27 (pCZ11), suggesting that the delivery of a heterologous O-antigen in attenuated Salmonella strains is a prospective approach for developing Salmonella vaccines with broad serovar coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhao
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Qinlong Dai
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Dekang Zhu
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Mafeng Liu
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Kunfeng Sun
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityChengdu, China
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17
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McKay R, Hauk P, Wu HC, Pottash AE, Shang W, Terrell J, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Controlling localization of Escherichia coli populations using a two-part synthetic motility circuit: An accelerator and brake. Biotechnol Bioeng 2017; 114:2883-2895. [PMID: 28755474 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Probiotics, whether taken as capsules or consumed in foods, have been regarded as safe for human use by regulatory agencies. Being living cells, they serve as "tunable" factories for the synthesis of a vast array of beneficial molecules. The idea of reprogramming probiotics to act as controllable factories, producing potential therapeutic molecules under user-specified conditions, represents a new and powerful concept in drug synthesis and delivery. Probiotics that serve as drug delivery vehicles pose several challenges, one being targeting (as seen with nanoparticle approaches). Here, we employ synthetic biology to control swimming directionality in a process referred to as "pseudotaxis." Escherichia coli, absent the motility regulator cheZ, swim sporadically, missing the traditional "run" in the run:tumble swimming paradigm. Upon introduction of cheZ in trans and its signal-generated upregulation, engineered bacteria can be "programmed" to swim toward the source of the chemical cue. Here, engineered cells that encounter sufficient levels of the small signal molecule pyocyanin, produce an engineered CheZ and swim with programmed directionality. By incorporating a degradation tag at the C-terminus of CheZ, the cells stop running when they exit spaces containing pyocyanin. That is, the engineered CheZ modified with a C-terminal extension derived from the putative DNA-binding transcriptional regulator YbaQ (RREERAAKKVA) is consumed by the ClpXP protease machine at a rate sufficient to "brake" the cells when pyocyanin levels are too low. Through this process, we demonstrate that over time, these engineered E. coli accumulate in pyocyanin-rich locales. We suggest that such approaches may find utility in engineering probiotics so that their beneficial functions can be focused in areas of principal benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan McKay
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Pricila Hauk
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Hsuan-Chen Wu
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Alex Eli Pottash
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Wu Shang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | | | - Gregory F Payne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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18
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Peng B, Plan MR, Chrysanthopoulos P, Hodson MP, Nielsen LK, Vickers CE. A squalene synthase protein degradation method for improved sesquiterpene production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Metab Eng 2017; 39:209-219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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19
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Lamsa A, Lopez-Garrido J, Quach D, Riley EP, Pogliano J, Pogliano K. Rapid Inhibition Profiling in Bacillus subtilis to Identify the Mechanism of Action of New Antimicrobials. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:2222-31. [PMID: 27193499 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.5b01050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Increasing antimicrobial resistance has become a major public health crisis. New antimicrobials with novel mechanisms of action (MOA) are desperately needed. We previously developed a method, bacterial cytological profiling (BCP), which utilizes fluorescence microscopy to rapidly identify the MOA of antimicrobial compounds. BCP is based upon our discovery that cells treated with antibiotics affecting different metabolic pathways generate different cytological signatures, providing quantitative information that can be used to determine a compound's MOA. Here, we describe a system, rapid inhibition profiling (RIP), for creating cytological profiles of new antibiotic targets for which there are currently no chemical inhibitors. RIP consists of the fast, inducible degradation of a target protein followed by BCP. We demonstrate that degrading essential proteins in the major metabolic pathways for DNA replication, transcription, fatty acid biosynthesis, and peptidoglycan biogenesis in Bacillus subtilis rapidly produces cytological profiles closely matching that of antimicrobials targeting the same pathways. Additionally, RIP and antibiotics targeting different steps in fatty acid biosynthesis can be differentiated from each other. We utilize RIP and BCP to show that the antibacterial MOA of four nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory antibiotics differs from that proposed based on in vitro data. RIP is a versatile method that will extend our knowledge of phenotypes associated with inactivating essential bacterial enzymes and thereby allow for screening for molecules that inhibit novel essential targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lamsa
- Division
of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Javier Lopez-Garrido
- Division
of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Diana Quach
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Eammon P. Riley
- Division
of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Joe Pogliano
- Division
of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Kit Pogliano
- Division
of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
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