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Hiller NL, Orihuela CJ. Biological puzzles solved by using Streptococcus pneumoniae: a historical review of the pneumococcal studies that have impacted medicine and shaped molecular bacteriology. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0005924. [PMID: 38809015 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00059-24] [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: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The major human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae has been the subject of intensive clinical and basic scientific study for over 140 years. In multiple instances, these efforts have resulted in major breakthroughs in our understanding of basic biological principles as well as fundamental tenets of bacterial pathogenesis, immunology, vaccinology, and genetics. Discoveries made with S. pneumoniae have led to multiple major public health victories that have saved the lives of millions. Studies on S. pneumoniae continue today, where this bacterium is being used to dissect the impact of the host on disease processes, as a powerful cell biology model, and to better understand the consequence of human actions on commensal bacteria at the population level. Herein we review the major findings, i.e., puzzle pieces, made with S. pneumoniae and how, over the years, they have come together to shape our understanding of this bacterium's biology and the practice of medicine and modern molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Luisa Hiller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carlos J Orihuela
- Department of Microbiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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2
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Børud B, Koomey M. Sweet complexity: O-linked protein glycosylation in pathogenic Neisseria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1407863. [PMID: 38808060 PMCID: PMC11130364 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1407863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Neisseria, which colonizes mucosal surfaces, includes both commensal and pathogenic species that are exclusive to humans. The two pathogenic Neisseria species are closely related but cause quite different diseases, meningococcal sepsis and meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis) and sexually transmitted gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). Although obvious differences in bacterial niches and mechanisms for transmission exists, pathogenic Neisseria have high levels of conservation at the levels of nucleotide sequences, gene content and synteny. Species of Neisseria express broad-spectrum O-linked protein glycosylation where the glycoproteins are largely transmembrane proteins or lipoproteins localized on the cell surface or in the periplasm. There are diverse functions among the identified glycoproteins, for example type IV biogenesis proteins, proteins involved in antimicrobial resistance, as well as surface proteins that have been suggested as vaccine candidates. The most abundant glycoprotein, PilE, is the major subunit of pili which are an important colonization factor. The glycans attached can vary extensively due to phase variation of protein glycosylation (pgl) genes and polymorphic pgl gene content. The exact roles of glycosylation in Neisseria remains to be determined, but increasing evidence suggests that glycan variability can be a strategy to evade the human immune system. In addition, pathogenic and commensal Neisseria appear to have significant glycosylation differences. Here, the current knowledge and implications of protein glycosylation genes, glycan diversity, glycoproteins and immunogenicity in pathogenic Neisseria are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Børud
- Department of Bacteriology, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael Koomey
- Department of Biosciences, Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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3
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Zhang Y, Jen FEC, Edwards JL, Jennings MP. Analysis of Bacterial Phosphorylcholine-Related Genes Reveals an Association between Type-Specific Biosynthesis Pathways and Biomolecules Targeted for Phosphorylcholine Modification. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0158323. [PMID: 37436144 PMCID: PMC10434233 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01583-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial surface proteins and carbohydrates are modified with phosphorylcholine (ChoP), which contributes to host mimicry and can also promote colonization and survival in the host. However, the ChoP biosynthetic pathways that are used in bacterial species that express ChoP have not been systematically studied. For example, the well-studied Lic-1 pathway is absent in some ChoP-expressing bacteria, such as Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This raises a question as to the origin of the ChoP used for macromolecule biosynthesis in these species. In the current study, we used in silico analyses to identify the potential pathways involved in ChoP biosynthesis in genomes of the 26 bacterial species reported to express a ChoP-modified biomolecule. We used the four known ChoP biosynthetic pathways and a ChoP transferase as search terms to probe for their presence in these genomes. We found that the Lic-1 pathway is primarily associated with organisms producing ChoP-modified carbohydrates, such as lipooligosaccharide. Pilin phosphorylcholine transferase A (PptA) homologs were detected in all bacteria that express ChoP-modified proteins. Additionally, ChoP biosynthesis pathways, such as phospholipid N-methyltransferase (PmtA), phosphatidylcholine synthase (Pcs), or the acylation-dependent phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis pathway, which generate phosphatidylcholine, were also identified in species that produce ChoP-modified proteins. Thus, a major finding of this study is the association of a particular ChoP biosynthetic pathway with a cognate, target ChoP-modified surface factor; i.e., protein versus carbohydrate. This survey failed to identify a known biosynthetic pathway for some species that express ChoP, indicating that a novel ChoP biosynthetic pathway(s) may remain to be identified. IMPORTANCE The modification of bacterial surface virulence factors with phosphorylcholine (ChoP) plays an important role in bacterial virulence and pathogenesis. However, the ChoP biosynthetic pathways in bacteria have not been fully understood. In this study, we used in silico analysis to identify potential ChoP biosynthetic pathways in bacteria that express ChoP-modified biomolecules and found the association between a specific ChoP biosynthesis pathway and the cognate target ChoP-modified surface factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Freda E.-C. Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Jennifer L. Edwards
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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4
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Jen FEC, Abrahams JL, Schulz BL, Lamelas A, Pluschke G, Jennings MP. High-Frequency Changes in Pilin Glycosylation Patterns during Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup a Meningitis Outbreaks in the African Meningitis Belt. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1451-1457. [PMID: 37467082 PMCID: PMC10425976 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
In the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, there are cyclic meningococcal epidemics that coincide with clonal waves of Neisseria meningitidis carriage and invasive disease. In the framework of longitudinal colonization and disease studies in Ghana and Burkina Faso, meningococcal isolates belonging to the closely related hypervirulent A:ST-5, A:ST-7, and A:ST-2859 clones have been collected from 1998 to 2011 during meningococcal outbreaks. A comparative whole-genome sequencing study with 100 of these isolates identified the pilin glycosylation (pgl) locus as one hot spot of recombination. Frequent exchange of pgl genes in N. meningitidis by lateral gene transfer results in differences in the glycosylation patterns of pilin and other cell surface glycoproteins. In this study, we looked at both recombination and phase variation of the pgl genes of these clinical isolates and analyzed the glycan structures resulting from different pgl alleles and their variable expression. Our results indicate that the basal O-linked sugar of the glycans expressed by these isolates is masked by various additional mono- or disaccharide structures whose expression is highly variable due to the phase-variable expression of pgl genes. We also observed a distinct glycoform in two isolates with pgl loci that were modified by recombination. These data suggest that variation in N. meningitidis protein glycosylation could be crucial for bacterial adaptation to evade herd immunity in semi-immune populations. Investigating pilin glycosylation in N. meningitidis can shed light on the mechanisms by which this pathogen evades the host immune response, and may help identify potential targets for novel therapies and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freda E-C Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Jodie L Abrahams
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Benjamin L Schulz
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Araceli Lamelas
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel 4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4051, Switzerland
| | - Gerd Pluschke
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel 4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4051, Switzerland
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
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5
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Zhang Y, Jen FEC, Fox KL, Edwards JL, Jennings MP. The biosynthesis and role of phosphorylcholine in pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:692-706. [PMID: 36863982 PMCID: PMC10272106 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorylcholine (ChoP) can be found in all life forms. Although this molecule was first thought to be uncommon in bacteria, it is now appreciated that many bacteria express ChoP on their surface. ChoP is usually attached to a glycan structure, but in some cases, it is added as a post-translational modification to proteins. Recent findings have demonstrated the role of ChoP modification and phase variation (ON/OFF switching) in bacterial pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms of ChoP synthesis are still unclear in some bacteria. Here, we review the literature and examine the recent developments in ChoP-modified proteins and glycolipids and of ChoP biosynthetic pathways. We discuss how the well-studied Lic1 pathway exclusively mediates ChoP attachment to glycans but not to proteins. Finally, we provide a review of the role of ChoP in bacterial pathobiology and the role of ChoP in modulating the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Freda E-C Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Kate L Fox
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Edwards
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia.
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Vassey M, Firdaus R, Aslam A, Wheldon LM, Oldfield NJ, Ala’Aldeen DAA, Wooldridge KG. G1 Cell Cycle Arrest Is Induced by the Fourth Extracellular Loop of Meningococcal PorA in Epithelial and Endothelial Cells. Cell Microbiol 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/7480033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is the most frequent cause of bacterial meningitis and is one of the few bacterial pathogens that can breach the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (LamR) was previously identified as a receptor mediating meningococcal binding to rodent and human brain microvascular endothelial cells, which form part of the BBB. The meningococcal surface proteins PorA and PilQ were identified as ligands for this receptor. Subsequently, the fourth extracellular loop of PorA (PorA-Loop4) was identified as the LamR-binding moiety. Here, we show that PorA-Loop4 targets the 37 kDa laminin receptor precursor (37LRP) on the cell surface by demonstrating that deletion of this loop abrogates the recruitment of 37LRP under meningococcal colonies. Using a circularized peptide corresponding to PorA-Loop4, as well as defined meningococcal mutants, we demonstrate that host cell interaction with PorA-Loop4 results in perturbation of p-CDK4 and Cyclin D1. These changes in cell cycle control proteins are coincident with cellular responses including inhibition of cell migration and a G1 cell cycle arrest. Modulation of the cell cycle of host cells is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of meningococcal disease.
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Mikucki A, McCluskey NR, Kahler CM. The Host-Pathogen Interactions and Epicellular Lifestyle of Neisseria meningitidis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:862935. [PMID: 35531336 PMCID: PMC9072670 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.862935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative diplococcus and a transient commensal of the human nasopharynx. It shares and competes for this niche with a number of other Neisseria species including N. lactamica, N. cinerea and N. mucosa. Unlike these other members of the genus, N. meningitidis may become invasive, crossing the epithelium of the nasopharynx and entering the bloodstream, where it rapidly proliferates causing a syndrome known as Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD). IMD progresses rapidly to cause septic shock and meningitis and is often fatal despite aggressive antibiotic therapy. While many of the ways in which meningococci survive in the host environment have been well studied, recent insights into the interactions between N. meningitidis and the epithelial, serum, and endothelial environments have expanded our understanding of how IMD develops. This review seeks to incorporate recent work into the established model of pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on the competition that N. meningitidis faces in the nasopharynx from other Neisseria species, and how the genetic diversity of the meningococcus contributes to the wide range of inflammatory and pathogenic potentials observed among different lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Mikucki
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nicolie R. McCluskey
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Telethon Kids Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Charlene M. Kahler
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Charlene M. Kahler,
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Day CJ, Hardison RL, Spillings BL, Poole J, Jurcisek JA, Mak J, Jennings MP, Edwards JL. Complement Receptor 3 Mediates HIV-1 Transcytosis across an Intact Cervical Epithelial Cell Barrier: New Insight into HIV Transmission in Women. mBio 2022; 13:e0217721. [PMID: 35012346 PMCID: PMC8749410 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02177-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of HIV across the mucosal surface of the female reproductive tract to engage subepithelial CD4-positive T cells is not fully understood. Cervical epithelial cells express complement receptor 3 (CR3) (integrin αMβ2 or CD11b/CD18). In women, the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae uses CR3 to invade the cervical epithelia to cause cervicitis. We hypothesized that HIV may also use CR3 to transcytose across the cervical epithelia. Here, we show that HIV-1 strains bound with high affinity to recombinant CR3 in biophysical assays. HIV-1 bound CR3 via the I-domain region of the CR3 alpha subunit, CD11b, and binding was dependent on HIV-1 N-linked glycans. Mannosylated glycans on the HIV surface were a high-affinity ligand for the I-domain. Man5 pentasaccharide, representative of HIV N-glycans, could compete with HIV-1 for CR3 binding. Using cellular assays, we show that HIV bound to CHO cells by a CR3-dependent mechanism. Antibodies to the CR3 I-domain or to the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein blocked the binding of HIV-1 to primary human cervical epithelial (Pex) cells, indicating that CR3 was necessary and sufficient for HIV-1 adherence to Pex cells. Using Pex cells in a Transwell model system, we show that, following transcytosis across an intact Pex cell monolayer, HIV-1 is able to infect TZM-bl reporter cells. Targeting the HIV-CR3 interaction using antibodies, mannose-binding lectins, or CR3-binding small-molecule drugs blocked HIV transcytosis. These studies indicate that CR3/Pex may constitute an efficient pathway for HIV-1 transmission in women and also demonstrate strategies that may prevent transmission via this pathway. IMPORTANCE In women, the lower female reproductive tract is the primary site for HIV infection. How HIV traverses the epithelium to infect CD4 T cells in the submucosa is ill-defined. Cervical epithelial cells have a protein called CR3 on their surface. We show that HIV-1 binds to CR3 with high affinity and that this interaction is necessary and sufficient for HIV adherence to, and transcytosis across, polarized, human primary cervical epithelial cells. This suggests a unique role for CR3 on epithelial cells in dually facilitating HIV-1 attachment and entry. The HIV-CR3 interaction may constitute an efficient pathway for HIV delivery to subepithelial lymphocytes following virus transmission across an intact cervical epithelial barrier. Strategies with potential to prevent transmission via this pathway are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Day
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachael L. Hardison
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Jessica Poole
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joseph A. Jurcisek
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Johnson Mak
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael P. Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jennifer L. Edwards
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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9
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Interactions and Signal Transduction Pathways Involved during Central Nervous System Entry by Neisseria meningitidis across the Blood-Brain Barriers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228788. [PMID: 33233688 PMCID: PMC7699760 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus, exclusively infects humans and can cause meningitis, a severe disease that can lead to the death of the afflicted individuals. To cause meningitis, the bacteria have to enter the central nervous system (CNS) by crossing one of the barriers protecting the CNS from entry by pathogens. These barriers are represented by the blood–brain barrier separating the blood from the brain parenchyma and the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barriers at the choroid plexus and the meninges. During the course of meningococcal disease resulting in meningitis, the bacteria undergo several interactions with host cells, including the pharyngeal epithelium and the cells constituting the barriers between the blood and the CSF. These interactions are required to initiate signal transduction pathways that are involved during the crossing of the meningococci into the blood stream and CNS entry, as well as in the host cell response to infection. In this review we summarize the interactions and pathways involved in these processes, whose understanding could help to better understand the pathogenesis of meningococcal meningitis.
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Anil A, Banerjee A. Pneumococcal Encounter With the Blood-Brain Barrier Endothelium. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:590682. [PMID: 33224900 PMCID: PMC7669544 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.590682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningitis, the inflammation of the protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord (known as meninges), is a condition associated with high mortality rates and permanent neurological sequelae in a significant proportion of survivors. The opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPN/pneumococcus) is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in adults and older children. Following infection of the lower respiratory tract and subsequent bloodstream invasion, SPN breaches the blood-brain barrier endothelium for invasion of the central nervous system. Transcytosis, a mode of passage through the endothelial cells has been identified as the predominant route of pneumococcal blood-brain barrier trafficking. Herein, we review the interactions enabling SPN invasion into the brain endothelial cells, events involved in the tug-of-war between pneumococcal virulence factors and host intracellular defense machineries and pneumococcal strategies for evasion of host defenses and successful transendothelial trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anirban Banerjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
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11
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Azimi S, Wheldon LM, Oldfield NJ, Ala'Aldeen DAA, Wooldridge KG. A role for fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in the pathogenesis of Neisseria meningitidis. Microb Pathog 2020; 149:104534. [PMID: 33045339 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (the meningococcus) remains an important cause of human disease, including meningitis and sepsis. Adaptation to the host environment includes many interactions with specific cell surface receptors, resulting in intracellular signalling and cytoskeletal rearrangements that contribute to pathogenesis. Here, we assessed the interactions between meningococci and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1-IIIc (FGFR1-IIIc): a receptor specific to endothelial cells of the microvasculature, including that of the blood-brain barrier. We show that the meningococcus recruits FGFR1-IIIc onto the surface of human blood microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). Furthermore, we demonstrate that expression of FGFR1-IIIc is required for optimal invasion of HBMECs by meningococci. We show that the ability of N. meningitidis to interact with the ligand-binding domain of FGFR1-IIIc is shared with the other pathogenic Neisseria species, N. gonorrhoeae, but not with commensal bacteria including non-pathogenic Neisseria species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheyda Azimi
- Molecular Bacteriology and Immunology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Lee M Wheldon
- Molecular Bacteriology and Immunology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Neil J Oldfield
- Molecular Bacteriology and Immunology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Dlawer A A Ala'Aldeen
- Molecular Bacteriology and Immunology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Karl G Wooldridge
- Molecular Bacteriology and Immunology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK.
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12
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Delbaz A, Chen M, Jen FEC, Schulz BL, Gorse AD, Jennings MP, St John JA, Ekberg JAK. Neisseria meningitidis Induces Pathology-Associated Cellular and Molecular Changes in Trigeminal Schwann Cells. Infect Immun 2020; 88:e00955-19. [PMID: 31964742 PMCID: PMC7093114 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00955-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis, a common cause of sepsis and bacterial meningitis, infects the meninges and central nervous system (CNS), primarily via paracellular traversal across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. N. meningitidis is often present asymptomatically in the nasopharynx, and the nerves extending between the nasal cavity and the brain constitute an alternative route by which the meningococci may reach the CNS. To date, the cellular mechanisms involved in nerve infection are not fully understood. Peripheral nerve glial cells are phagocytic and are capable of eliminating microorganisms, but some pathogens may be able to overcome this protection mechanism and instead infect the glia, causing cell death or pathology. Here, we show that N. meningitidis readily infects trigeminal Schwann cells (the glial cells of the trigeminal nerve) in vitro in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell cultures. Infection of trigeminal Schwann cells may be one mechanism by which N. meningitidis is able to invade the CNS. Infection of the cells led to multinucleation and the appearance of atypical nuclei, with the presence of horseshoe nuclei and the budding of nuclei increasing over time. Using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) proteomics followed by bioinformatics pathway analysis, we showed that N. meningitidis induced protein alterations in the glia that were associated with altered intercellular signaling, cell-cell interactions, and cellular movement. The analysis also suggested that the alterations in protein levels were consistent with changes occurring in cancer. Thus, infection of the trigeminal nerve by N. meningitidis may have ongoing adverse effects on the biology of Schwann cells, which may lead to pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Delbaz
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Mo Chen
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Freda E-C Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Benjamin L Schulz
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alain-Dominique Gorse
- QFAB Bioinformatics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - James A St John
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Jenny A K Ekberg
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
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13
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Genetic determinants of genus-level glycan diversity in a bacterial protein glycosylation system. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008532. [PMID: 31869330 PMCID: PMC6959607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The human pathogens N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis display robust intra- and interstrain glycan diversity associated with their O-linked protein glycosylation (pgl) systems. In an effort to better understand the evolution and function of protein glycosylation operating there, we aimed to determine if other human-restricted, Neisseria species similarly glycosylate proteins and if so, to assess the levels of glycoform diversity. Comparative genomics revealed the conservation of a subset of genes minimally required for O-linked protein glycosylation glycan and established those pgl genes as core genome constituents of the genus. In conjunction with mass spectrometric–based glycan phenotyping, we found that extant glycoform repertoires in N. gonorrhoeae, N. meningitidis and the closely related species N. polysaccharea and N. lactamica reflect the functional replacement of a progenitor glycan biosynthetic pathway. This replacement involved loss of pgl gene components of the primordial pathway coincident with the acquisition of two exogenous glycosyltransferase genes. Critical to this discovery was the identification of a ubiquitous but previously unrecognized glycosyltransferase gene (pglP) that has uniquely undergone parallel but independent pseudogenization in N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. We suggest that the pseudogenization events are driven by processes of compositional epistasis leading to gene decay. Additionally, we documented instances where inter-species recombination influences pgl gene status and creates discordant genetic interactions due ostensibly to the multi-locus nature of pgl gene networks. In summary, these findings provide a novel perspective on the evolution of protein glycosylation systems and identify phylogenetically informative, genetic differences associated with Neisseria species. Bacteria express a remarkable diversity of sugars and oligosaccharides in conjunction with protein glycosylation systems. Currently however, little is known about the evolutionary processes and selective forces shaping glycan biosynthetic pathways. The closely related bacterial pathogens Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis remain serious sources of human disease and these species express antigenically variable oligosaccharides as components of their broad-spectrum, O‐linked protein glycosylation (pgl) systems. With the exception of isolates of Neisseria elongata subspecies glycolytica, the status of such post-translational modifications in related commensal species colonizing humans remains largely undefined. Here, we exploit new data from further studies of protein glycosylation in Neisseria elongata subspecies glycolytica to address these concerns. Employing comparative genomics and glycan phenotyping, we show that related pgl systems are indeed expressed by all human-restricted Neisseria species but identify unique gene gain and loss events as well as loss-of-function polymorphisms that accommodate a dramatic shift in glycoform structure occurring across the genus. These findings constitute novel perspectives on both the evolution of protein glycosylation systems in general and the macroevolutionary processes occurring in related bacterial species residing within a single host.
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14
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Káňová E, Tkáčová Z, Bhide K, Kulkarni A, Jiménez-Munguía I, Mertinková P, Drážovská M, Tyagi P, Bhide M. Transcriptome analysis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells response to Neisseria meningitidis and its antigen MafA using RNA-seq. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18763. [PMID: 31822804 PMCID: PMC6904618 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55409-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction of Neisseria meningitidis (NM) with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) initiates of multiple cellular processes, which allow bacterial translocation across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). NM is equipped with several antigens, which interacts with the host cell receptors. Recently we have shown that adhesin MafA (UniProtKB-X5EG71), relatively less studied protein, is one of those surface exposed antigens that adhere to hBMECs. The present study was designed to comprehensively map the undergoing biological processes in hBMECs challenged with NM or MafA using RNA sequencing. 708 and 726 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in hBMECs exposed to NM and MafA, respectively. Gene ontology analysis of the DEGs revealed that several biological processes, which may alter the permeability of BBB, were activated. Comparative analysis of DEGs revealed that MafA, alike NM, might provoke TLR-dependent pathway and augment cytokine response. Moreover, both MafA and NM were able to induce genes involved in cell surface modifications, endocytosis, extracellular matrix remodulation and anoikis/apoptosis. In conclusion, this study for the first time describes effect of NM on the global gene expression in hBMECs using high-throughput RNA-seq. It also presents ability of MafA to induce gene expression, which might aid NM in breaching the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelína Káňová
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Tkáčová
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Bhide
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Amod Kulkarni
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Irene Jiménez-Munguía
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Patrícia Mertinková
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Monika Drážovská
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Punit Tyagi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Mangesh Bhide
- Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia. .,Institute of Neuroimmunology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84510, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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15
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Atack JM, Guo C, Yang L, Zhou Y, Jennings MP. DNA sequence repeats identify numerous Type I restriction-modification systems that are potential epigenetic regulators controlling phase-variable regulons; phasevarions. FASEB J 2019; 34:1038-1051. [PMID: 31914596 PMCID: PMC7383803 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901536rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Over recent years several examples of randomly switching methyltransferases, associated with Type III restriction‐modification (R‐M) systems, have been described in pathogenic bacteria. In every case examined, changes in simple DNA sequence repeats result in variable methyltransferase expression and result in global changes in gene expression, and differentiation of the bacterial cell into distinct phenotypes. These epigenetic regulatory systems are called phasevarions, phase‐variable regulons, and are widespread in bacteria, with 17.4% of Type III R‐M system containing simple DNA sequence repeats. A distinct, recombination‐driven random switching system has also been described in Streptococci in Type I R‐M systems that also regulate gene expression. Here, we interrogate the most extensive and well‐curated database of R‐M systems, REBASE, by searching for all possible simple DNA sequence repeats in the hsdRMS genes that encode Type I R‐M systems. We report that 7.9% of hsdS, 2% of hsdM, and of 4.3% of hsdR genes contain simple sequence repeats that are capable of mediating phase variation. Phase variation of both hsdM and hsdS genes will lead to differential methyltransferase expression or specificity, and thereby the potential to control phasevarions. These data suggest that in addition to well characterized phasevarions controlled by Type III mod genes, and the previously described Streptococcal Type I R‐M systems that switch via recombination, approximately 10% of all Type I R‐M systems surveyed herein have independently evolved the ability to randomly switch expression via simple DNA sequence repeats.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Atack
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Chengying Guo
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, China
| | - Long Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, China
| | - Yaoqi Zhou
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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16
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Atack JM, Yang Y, Seib KL, Zhou Y, Jennings MP. A survey of Type III restriction-modification systems reveals numerous, novel epigenetic regulators controlling phase-variable regulons; phasevarions. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:3532-3542. [PMID: 29554328 PMCID: PMC5909438 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria utilize simple DNA sequence repeats as a mechanism to randomly switch genes on and off. This process is called phase variation. Several phase-variable N6-adenine DNA-methyltransferases from Type III restriction-modification systems have been reported in bacterial pathogens. Random switching of DNA methyltransferases changes the global DNA methylation pattern, leading to changes in gene expression. These epigenetic regulatory systems are called phasevarions — phase-variable regulons. The extent of these phase-variable genes in the bacterial kingdom is unknown. Here, we interrogated a database of restriction-modification systems, REBASE, by searching for all simple DNA sequence repeats in mod genes that encode Type III N6-adenine DNA-methyltransferases. We report that 17.4% of Type III mod genes (662/3805) contain simple sequence repeats. Of these, only one-fifth have been previously identified. The newly discovered examples are widely distributed and include many examples in opportunistic pathogens as well as in environmental species. In many cases, multiple phasevarions exist in one genome, with examples of up to 4 independent phasevarions in some species. We found several new types of phase-variable mod genes, including the first example of a phase-variable methyltransferase in pathogenic Escherichia coli. Phasevarions are a common epigenetic regulation contingency strategy used by both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Atack
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Yuedong Yang
- School of Data and Computer Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Yaoqi Zhou
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
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17
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Coureuil M, Jamet A, Bille E, Lécuyer H, Bourdoulous S, Nassif X. Molecular interactions between Neisseria meningitidis and its human host. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e13063. [PMID: 31167044 PMCID: PMC6899865 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram‐negative bacterium that asymptomatically colonises the nasopharynx of humans. For an unknown reason, N. meningitidis can cross the nasopharyngeal barrier and invade the bloodstream where it becomes one of the most harmful extracellular bacterial pathogen. This infectious cycle involves the colonisation of two different environments. (a) In the nasopharynx, N. meningitidis grow on the top of mucus‐producing epithelial cells surrounded by a complex microbiota. To survive and grow in this challenging environment, the meningococcus expresses specific virulence factors such as polymorphic toxins and MDAΦ. (b) Meningococci have the ability to survive in the extra cellular fluids including blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The interaction of N. meningitidis with human endothelial cells leads to the formation of typical microcolonies that extend overtime and promote vascular injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and acute inflammation. In this review, we will focus on the interplay between N. meningitidis and these two different niches at the cellular and molecular level and discuss the use of inhibitors of piliation as a potent therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Coureuil
- Inserm, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, U1151, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, UMR_S 1151, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 8253, Paris, France
| | - Anne Jamet
- Inserm, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, U1151, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, UMR_S 1151, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 8253, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Bille
- Inserm, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, U1151, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, UMR_S 1151, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 8253, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Lécuyer
- Inserm, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, U1151, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, UMR_S 1151, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 8253, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Bourdoulous
- Université de Paris, UMR_S 1151, Paris, France.,Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Nassif
- Inserm, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, U1151, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, UMR_S 1151, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 8253, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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18
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Koomey M. O-linked protein glycosylation in bacteria: snapshots and current perspectives. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 56:198-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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19
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Jen FEC, Seib KL, Tan A. Screening DNA Repeat Tracts of Phase Variable Genes by Fragment Analysis. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2019; 1969:93-104. [PMID: 30877671 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9202-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fragment analysis (or fragment length analysis) is a PCR-based method which allows quantification of the size and proportion of a DNA repeat tract length of a phase-variable region. Primers are labeled with a fluorescent dye, the resulting amplicons are processed by capillary electrophoresis, and results are analyzed for amplicon size and proportion by associated software (such as Peakscanner). Here we describe the process of designing primers and controls to screen for the number of repeats in a polymeric tract of a phase-variable gene in Neisseria meningitidis (the DNA methyltransferase ModA is used as an example, but this method can be applied to other phase-variable genes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Freda E-C Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | - Aimee Tan
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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20
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Abstract
Mass spectrometry (MS) proteomics allows systematic identification, characterization, and relative quantification of the full suite of proteins in a biological sample, and is a powerful analytical approach for investigation of many aspects of the biology of Neisseria meningitidis. Here, we describe methods for robust and efficient sample preparation of the proteome of N. meningitidis suitable for diverse MS proteomics workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Schulz
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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21
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Weller RO, Sharp MM, Christodoulides M, Carare RO, Møllgård K. The meninges as barriers and facilitators for the movement of fluid, cells and pathogens related to the rodent and human CNS. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:363-385. [PMID: 29368214 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Meninges that surround the CNS consist of an outer fibrous sheet of dura mater (pachymeninx) that is also the inner periosteum of the skull. Underlying the dura are the arachnoid and pia mater (leptomeninges) that form the boundaries of the subarachnoid space. In this review we (1) examine the development of leptomeninges and their role as barriers and facilitators in the foetal CNS. There are two separate CSF systems during early foetal life, inner CSF in the ventricles and outer CSF in the subarachnoid space. As the foramina of Magendi and Luschka develop, one continuous CSF system evolves. Due to the lack of arachnoid granulations during foetal life, it is most likely that CSF is eliminated by lymphatic drainage pathways passing through the cribriform plate and nasal submucosa. (2) We then review the fine structure of the adult human and rodent leptomeninges to establish their roles as barriers and facilitators for the movement of fluid, cells and pathogens. Leptomeningeal cells line CSF spaces, including arachnoid granulations and lymphatic drainage pathways, and separate elements of extracellular matrix from the CSF. The leptomeningeal lining facilitates the traffic of inflammatory cells within CSF but also allows attachment of bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis and of tumour cells as CSF metastases. Single layers of leptomeningeal cells extend into the brain closely associated with the walls of arteries so that there are no perivascular spaces around arteries in the cerebral cortex. Perivascular spaces surrounding arteries in the white matter and basal ganglia relate to their two encompassing layers of leptomeninges. (3) Finally we examine the roles of ligands expressed by leptomeningeal cells for the attachment of inflammatory cells, bacteria and tumour cells as understanding these roles may aid the design of therapeutic strategies to manage developmental, autoimmune, infectious and neoplastic diseases relating to the CSF, the leptomeninges and the associated CNS.
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22
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Seib KL, Jennings MP, Day CJ. Characterizing the meningococcal glycointeractome: what is new? Future Microbiol 2018; 13:279-282. [PMID: 29441801 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2017-0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher J Day
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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23
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Miyashita L, Suri R, Dearing E, Mudway I, Dove RE, Neill DR, Van Zyl-Smit R, Kadioglu A, Grigg J. E-cigarette vapour enhances pneumococcal adherence to airway epithelial cells. Eur Respir J 2018; 51:1701592. [PMID: 29437942 PMCID: PMC7614837 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01592-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
E-cigarette vapour contains free radicals with the potential to induce oxidative stress. Since oxidative stress in airway cells increases platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) expression, and PAFR is co-opted by pneumococci to adhere to host cells, we hypothesised that E-cigarette vapour increases pneumococcal adhesion to airway cells.Nasal epithelial PAFR was assessed in non-vaping controls, and in adults before and after 5 min of vaping. We determined the effect of vapour on oxidative stress-induced, PAFR-dependent pneumococcal adhesion to airway epithelial cells in vitro, and on pneumococcal colonisation in the mouse nasopharynx. Elemental analysis of vapour was done by mass spectrometry, and oxidative potential of vapour assessed by antioxidant depletion in vitroThere was no difference in baseline nasal epithelial PAFR expression between vapers (n=11) and controls (n=6). Vaping increased nasal PAFR expression. Nicotine-containing and nicotine-free E-cigarette vapour increased pneumococcal adhesion to airway cells in vitro Vapour-stimulated adhesion in vitro was attenuated by the PAFR blocker CV3988. Nicotine-containing E-cigarette vapour increased mouse nasal PAFR expression, and nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonisation. Vapour contained redox-active metals, had considerable oxidative activity, and adhesion was attenuated by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine.This study suggests that E-cigarette vapour has the potential to increase susceptibility to pneumococcal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Miyashita
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Reetika Suri
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Emma Dearing
- The Dept of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian Mudway
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, King's College London, London, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit on Health Impacts of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rosamund E Dove
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit on Health Impacts of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel R Neill
- The Dept of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard Van Zyl-Smit
- Division of Pulmonology, Dept of Medicine, University of Cape Town and UCT Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aras Kadioglu
- The Dept of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jonathan Grigg
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Mubaiwa TD, Semchenko EA, Hartley-Tassell LE, Day CJ, Jennings MP, Seib KL. The sweet side of the pathogenic Neisseria: the role of glycan interactions in colonisation and disease. Pathog Dis 2017; 75:3867065. [PMID: 28633281 PMCID: PMC5808653 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycomics is a rapidly growing field that focuses on the structure and function of carbohydrates (glycans) in biological systems. Glycan interactions play a major role in infectious disease, at all stages of colonisation and disease progression. Neisseria meningitidis, the cause of meningococcal sepsis and meningitis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea, are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Neisseria meningitidis displays a range of surface glycosylations including capsule polysaccharide, lipooligosaccharide and O-linked glycoproteins. While N. gonorrhoeae does not have a capsule, it does express both lipooligosaccharide and O-linked glycoproteins. Neisseria gonorrhoeae also has the ability to scavenge host sialic acids, while several N. meningitidis serogroups can synthesise sialic acid. Surface expressed sialic acid is key in serum resistance and survival in the host. On the host side, the pathogenic Neisseria protein adhesins such as Opc and NHBA bind to host glycans for adherence and colonisation of host cells. Essentially, from both the bacterial and host perspective, glycan interactions are fundamental in colonisation and disease of pathogenic Neisseria. The key aspects of glycobiology of the pathogenic Neisseria are reviewed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsitsi D. Mubaiwa
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Evgeny A. Semchenko
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | | | - Christopher J. Day
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Michael P. Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Kate L. Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
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25
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Mubaiwa TD, Hartley-Tassell LE, Semchenko EA, Jen FEC, Srikhanta YN, Day CJ, Jennings MP, Seib KL. The glycointeractome of serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis strain MC58. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5693. [PMID: 28720847 PMCID: PMC5515891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05894-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis express numerous virulence factors that enable it to interact with diverse microenvironments within the host, during both asymptomatic nasopharyngeal colonization and invasive disease. Many of these interactions involve bacterial or host glycans. In order to characterise the meningococcal glycointeractome, glycan arrays representative of structures found on human cells, were used as a screening tool to investigate host glycans bound by N. meningitidis. Arrays probed with fluorescently labelled wild-type MC58 revealed binding to 223 glycans, including blood group antigens, mucins, gangliosides and glycosaminoglycans. Mutant strains lacking surface components, including capsule, lipooligosaccharide (LOS), Opc and pili, were investigated to identify the factors responsible for glycan binding. Surface plasmon resonance and isothermal calorimetry were used to confirm binding and determine affinities between surface components and host glycans. We observed that the L3 LOS immunotype (whole cells and purified LOS) bound 26 structures, while L8 only bound 5 structures. We further demonstrated a direct glycan-glycan interaction between purified L3 LOS and Thomsen–Friedenreich (TF) antigen, with a KD of 13 nM. This is the highest affinity glycan-glycan interaction reported to date. These findings highlight the diverse glycointeractions that may occur during different stages of meningococcal disease, which could be exploited for development of novel preventative and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsitsi D Mubaiwa
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Evgeny A Semchenko
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Freda E-C Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yogitha N Srikhanta
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher J Day
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
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26
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Host cell-derived lactate functions as an effector molecule in Neisseria meningitidis microcolony dispersal. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006251. [PMID: 28384279 PMCID: PMC5383330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of meningococcal disease, caused by the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, is preceded by the colonization of the epithelial layer in the nasopharynx. After initial adhesion to host cells meningococci form aggregates, through pilus-pilus interactions, termed microcolonies from which the bacteria later detach. Dispersal from microcolonies enables access to new colonization sites and facilitates the crossing of the cell barrier; however, this process is poorly understood. In this study, we used live-cell imaging to investigate the process of N. meningitidis microcolony dispersal. We show that direct contact with host cells is not required for microcolony dispersal, instead accumulation of a host-derived effector molecule induces microcolony dispersal. By using a host-cell free approach, we demonstrated that lactate, secreted from host cells, initiate rapid dispersal of microcolonies. Interestingly, metabolic utilization of lactate by the bacteria was not required for induction of dispersal, suggesting that lactate plays a role as a signaling molecule. Furthermore, Neisseria gonorrhoeae microcolony dispersal could also be induced by lactate. These findings reveal a role of host-secreted lactate in microcolony dispersal and virulence of pathogenic Neisseria. The human restricted pathogen Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis worldwide. Colonization of the mucosal layer in the upper respiratory tract is essential to establish invasive disease. The initial interaction with host cells is characterized by bacterial proliferation and adhesion as aggregates, called microcolonies. Detachment from microcolonies in the nasopharyngeal epithelium facilitates crossing of the cell barrier that can result in invasive disease, yet this process is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that lactate, an abundant molecule in host mucosal environments, induces N. meningitidis microcolony dispersal. Interestingly, metabolic utilization of lactate by the bacteria was not required for the process, suggesting that lactate play a role as a signaling molecule in pathogenic Neisseria. We propose that the microcolony dispersal in pathogenic Neisseria is influenced by environmental concentrations of lactate. These findings will assist in better understanding the transition from asymptomatic carriage to invasive disease.
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27
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Klughammer J, Dittrich M, Blom J, Mitesser V, Vogel U, Frosch M, Goesmann A, Müller T, Schoen C. Comparative Genome Sequencing Reveals Within-Host Genetic Changes in Neisseria meningitidis during Invasive Disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169892. [PMID: 28081260 PMCID: PMC5231331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Some members of the physiological human microbiome occasionally cause life-threatening disease even in immunocompetent individuals. A prime example of such a commensal pathogen is Neisseria meningitidis, which normally resides in the human nasopharynx but is also a leading cause of sepsis and epidemic meningitis. Using N. meningitidis as model organism, we tested the hypothesis that virulence of commensal pathogens is a consequence of within host evolution and selection of invasive variants due to mutations at contingency genes, a mechanism called phase variation. In line with the hypothesis that phase variation evolved as an adaptation to colonize diverse hosts, computational comparisons of all 27 to date completely sequenced and annotated meningococcal genomes retrieved from public databases showed that contingency genes are indeed enriched for genes involved in host interactions. To assess within-host genetic changes in meningococci, we further used ultra-deep whole-genome sequencing of throat-blood strain pairs isolated from four patients suffering from invasive meningococcal disease. We detected up to three mutations per strain pair, affecting predominantly contingency genes involved in type IV pilus biogenesis. However, there was not a single (set) of mutation(s) that could invariably be found in all four pairs of strains. Phenotypic assays further showed that these genetic changes were generally not associated with increased serum resistance, higher fitness in human blood ex vivo or differences in the interaction with human epithelial and endothelial cells in vitro. In conclusion, we hypothesize that virulence of meningococci results from accidental emergence of invasive variants during carriage and without within host evolution of invasive phenotypes during disease progression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Klughammer
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Blom
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vera Mitesser
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Vogel
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- German Reference Laboratory for Meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Frosch
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- German Reference Laboratory for Meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Goesmann
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schoen
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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28
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Hartwig SM, Ketterer M, Apicella MA, Varga SM. Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protects human airway epithelial cells from a subsequent respiratory syncytial virus challenge. Virology 2016; 498:128-135. [PMID: 27573069 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2016.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the common commensal and opportunistic pathogen, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) both serve as a frequent cause of respiratory infection in children. Although it is well established that some respiratory viruses can increase host susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, few studies have examined how commensal bacteria could influence a secondary viral response. Here, we examined the impact of NTHi exposure on a subsequent RSV infection of human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o-). Co-culture of 16HBE14o- cells with NTHi resulted in inhibition of viral gene expression following RSV infection. 16HBE14o- cells co-cultured with heat-killed NTHi failed to protect against an RSV infection, indicating that protection requires live bacteria. However, NTHi did not inhibit influenza A virus replication, indicating that NTHi-mediated protection was RSV-specific. Our data demonstrates that prior exposure to a commensal bacterium such as NTHi can elicit protection against a subsequent RSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey M Hartwig
- Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Margaret Ketterer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Michael A Apicella
- Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Steven M Varga
- Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
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29
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Toussi DN, Wetzler LM, Liu X, Massari P. Neisseriae internalization by epithelial cells is enhanced by TLR2 stimulation. Microbes Infect 2016; 18:627-638. [PMID: 27373686 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (NM) is an opportunistic gram-negative human pathogen that colonizes the human nasopharyngeal epithelium. Asymptomatic carriage is common, but some meningococcal strains can invade nasopharyngeal epithelial cells and proceed to cause severe and often fatal infections. Invasion is predominantly driven by expression of bacterial virulence factors and host cell cognate receptors for bacterial recognition. Porins are among the Neisserial components involved in host cell activation and bacterial internalization processes. Similar to other virulence factors, porins present antigenic and structure variability among strains. Such sequence variability in the surface-exposed loop regions has been correlated to bacterial invasiveness and to variability in host cell responses via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Here, we examined whether TLR2 signaling by porins influences recovery of intracellular Neisseriae from epithelial cells in vitro. Our results show that TLR2 stimulation, either by the organism or exogenously, generally enhances Neisseriae internalization by epithelial cells. TLR2-driven intracellular signaling via ERK1/2, JNK and particularly NF-κB plays a role in this process. Based on these results, it is possible that expression of porin sequence variants that strongly induce TLR2 activation may be a mechanism to enhance the invasive features of pathogenic Neisseriae strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deana N Toussi
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, EBRC, 650 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Novartis Companion Diagnostics, 45 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lee M Wetzler
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, EBRC, 650 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Xiuping Liu
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, EBRC, 650 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Paola Massari
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, EBRC, 650 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Jaharis 501b, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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30
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Abstract
There is an ongoing race between bacterial evolution and medical advances. Pathogens have the advantages of short generation times and horizontal gene transfer that enable rapid adaptation to new host environments and therapeutics that currently outpaces clinical research. Antibiotic resistance, the growing impact of nosocomial infections, cancer-causing bacteria, the risk of zoonosis, and the possibility of biowarfare all emphasize the increasingly urgent need for medical research focussed on bacterial pathogens. Bacterial glycoproteins are promising targets for alternative therapeutic intervention since they are often surface exposed, involved in host-pathogen interactions, required for virulence, and contain distinctive glycan structures. The potential exists to exploit these unique structures to improve clinical prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Translation of the potential in this field to actual clinical impact is an exciting prospect for fighting infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Fulton
- a Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio , National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Canada
| | - Jeffrey C Smith
- b Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry , Carleton University , Ottawa , Canada
| | - Susan M Twine
- a Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio , National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Canada
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31
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Doran KS, Fulde M, Gratz N, Kim BJ, Nau R, Prasadarao N, Schubert-Unkmeir A, Tuomanen EI, Valentin-Weigand P. Host-pathogen interactions in bacterial meningitis. Acta Neuropathol 2016; 131:185-209. [PMID: 26744349 PMCID: PMC4713723 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-015-1531-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis is a devastating disease occurring worldwide with up to half of the survivors left with permanent neurological sequelae. Due to intrinsic properties of the meningeal pathogens and the host responses they induce, infection can cause relatively specific lesions and clinical syndromes that result from interference with the function of the affected nervous system tissue. Pathogenesis is based on complex host–pathogen interactions, some of which are specific for certain bacteria, whereas others are shared among different pathogens. In this review, we summarize the recent progress made in understanding the molecular and cellular events involved in these interactions. We focus on selected major pathogens, Streptococcus pneumonia, S. agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus), Neisseria meningitidis, and Escherichia coli K1, and also include a neglected zoonotic pathogen, Streptococcus suis. These neuroinvasive pathogens represent common themes of host–pathogen interactions, such as colonization and invasion of mucosal barriers, survival in the blood stream, entry into the central nervous system by translocation of the blood–brain and blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and induction of meningeal inflammation, affecting pia mater, the arachnoid and subarachnoid spaces.
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32
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Wörmann ME, Horien CL, Johnson E, Liu G, Aho E, Tang CM, Exley RM. Neisseria cinerea isolates can adhere to human epithelial cells by type IV pilus-independent mechanisms. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2016; 162:487-502. [PMID: 26813911 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In pathogenic Neisseria species the type IV pili (Tfp) are of primary importance in host-pathogen interactions. Tfp mediate initial bacterial attachment to cell surfaces and formation of microcolonies via pilus-pilus interactions. Based on genome analysis, many non-pathogenic Neisseria species are predicted to express Tfp, but aside from studies on Neisseria elongata, relatively little is known about the formation and function of pili in these organisms. Here, we have analysed pilin expression and the role of Tfp in Neisseria cinerea. This non-pathogenic species shares a close taxonomic relationship to the pathogen Neisseria meningitidis and also colonizes the human oropharyngeal cavity. Through analysis of non-pathogenic Neisseria genomes we identified two genes with homology to pilE, which encodes the major pilin of N. meningitidis. We show which of the two genes is required for Tfp expression in N. cinerea and that Tfp in this species are required for DNA competence, similar to other Neisseria. However, in contrast to the meningococcus, deletion of the pilin gene did not impact the association of N. cinerea to human epithelial cells, demonstrating that N. cinerea isolates can adhere to human epithelial cells by Tfp-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirka E Wörmann
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Corey L Horien
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Errin Johnson
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Guangyu Liu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Ellen Aho
- Department of Biology, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, USA
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Rachel M Exley
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
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33
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Anonsen JH, Vik Å, Børud B, Viburiene R, Aas FE, Kidd SWA, Aspholm M, Koomey M. Characterization of a Unique Tetrasaccharide and Distinct Glycoproteome in the O-Linked Protein Glycosylation System of Neisseria elongata subsp. glycolytica. J Bacteriol 2016; 198:256-67. [PMID: 26483525 PMCID: PMC4751800 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00620-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Broad-spectrum O-linked protein glycosylation is well characterized in the major Neisseria species of importance to human health and disease. Within strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, N. meningitidis, and N. lactamica, protein glycosylation (pgl) gene content and the corresponding oligosaccharide structure are fairly well conserved, although intra- and interstrain variability occurs. The status of such systems in distantly related commensal species, however, remains largely unexplored. Using a strain of deeply branching Neisseria elongata subsp. glycolytica, a heretofore unrecognized tetrasaccharide glycoform consisting of di-N-acetylbacillosamine-glucose-di-N-acetyl hexuronic acid-N-acetylhexosamine (diNAcBac-Glc-diNAcHexA-HexNAc) was identified. Directed mutagenesis, mass spectrometric analysis, and glycan serotyping confirmed that the oligosaccharide is an extended version of the diNAcBac-Glc-based structure seen in N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis generated by the successive actions of PglB, PglC, and PglD and glucosyltransferase PglH orthologues. In addition, a null mutation in the orthologue of the broadly conserved but enigmatic pglG gene precluded expression of the extended glycoform, providing the first evidence that its product is a functional glycosyltransferase. Despite clear evidence for a substantial number of glycoprotein substrates, the major pilin subunit of the endogenous type IV pilus was not glycosylated. The latter finding raises obvious questions as to the relative distribution of pilin glycosylation within the genus, how protein glycosylation substrates are selected, and the overall structure-function relationships of broad-spectrum protein glycosylation. Together, the results of this study provide a foundation upon which to assess neisserial O-linked protein glycosylation diversity at the genus level. IMPORTANCE Broad-spectrum protein glycosylation systems are well characterized in the pathogenic Neisseria species N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. A number of lines of evidence indicate that the glycan components in these systems are subject to diversifying selection and suggest that glycan variation may be driven in the context of glycosylation of the abundant and surface-localized pilin protein PilE, the major subunit of type IV pili. Here, we examined protein glycosylation in a distantly related, nonpathogenic neisserial species, Neisseria elongata subsp. glycolytica. This system has clear similarities to the systems found in pathogenic species but makes novel glycoforms utilizing a glycosyltransferase that is widely conserved at the genus level but whose function until now remained unknown. Remarkably, PilE pilin is not glycosylated in this species, a finding that raises important questions about the evolutionary trajectories and overall structure-function relationships of broad-spectrum protein glycosylation systems in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Åshild Vik
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Børud
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Finn Erik Aas
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shani W A Kidd
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marina Aspholm
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael Koomey
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway Center for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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34
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Gault J, Ferber M, Machata S, Imhaus AF, Malosse C, Charles-Orszag A, Millien C, Bouvier G, Bardiaux B, Péhau-Arnaudet G, Klinge K, Podglajen I, Ploy MC, Seifert HS, Nilges M, Chamot-Rooke J, Duménil G. Neisseria meningitidis Type IV Pili Composed of Sequence Invariable Pilins Are Masked by Multisite Glycosylation. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1005162. [PMID: 26367394 PMCID: PMC4569582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of pathogens to cause disease depends on their aptitude to escape the immune system. Type IV pili are extracellular filamentous virulence factors composed of pilin monomers and frequently expressed by bacterial pathogens. As such they are major targets for the host immune system. In the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, strains expressing class I pilins contain a genetic recombination system that promotes variation of the pilin sequence and is thought to aid immune escape. However, numerous hypervirulent clinical isolates express class II pilins that lack this property. This raises the question of how they evade immunity targeting type IV pili. As glycosylation is a possible source of antigenic variation it was investigated using top-down mass spectrometry to provide the highest molecular precision on the modified proteins. Unlike class I pilins that carry a single glycan, we found that class II pilins display up to 5 glycosylation sites per monomer on the pilus surface. Swapping of pilin class and genetic background shows that the pilin primary structure determines multisite glycosylation while the genetic background determines the nature of the glycans. Absence of glycosylation in class II pilins affects pilus biogenesis or enhances pilus-dependent aggregation in a strain specific fashion highlighting the extensive functional impact of multisite glycosylation. Finally, molecular modeling shows that glycans cover the surface of class II pilins and strongly decrease antibody access to the polypeptide chain. This strongly supports a model where strains expressing class II pilins evade the immune system by changing their sugar structure rather than pilin primary structure. Overall these results show that sequence invariable class II pilins are cloaked in glycans with extensive functional and immunological consequences. During infection pathogens and their host engage in a series of measures and counter-measures to promote their own survival: pathogens express virulence factors, the immune system targets these surface structures and pathogens modify them to evade detection. Like numerous bacterial pathogens, Neisseria meningitidis express type IV pili, long filamentous adhesive structures composed of pilins. Intriguingly the amino acid sequences of pilins from most hypervirulent strains do not vary, raising the question of how they evade the immune system. This study shows that the pilus structure is completely coated with sugars thus limiting access of antibodies to the pilin polypeptide chain. We propose that multisite glycosylation and thus variation in the type of sugar mediates immune evasion in these strains.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Bacterial Adhesion
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Conserved Sequence
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/immunology
- Endothelium, Vascular/microbiology
- Endothelium, Vascular/pathology
- Fimbriae Proteins/chemistry
- Fimbriae Proteins/genetics
- Fimbriae Proteins/metabolism
- Fimbriae, Bacterial/immunology
- Fimbriae, Bacterial/metabolism
- Fimbriae, Bacterial/ultrastructure
- Gene Deletion
- Glycosylation
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/cytology
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/immunology
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/microbiology
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Immune Evasion
- Meningococcal Infections/immunology
- Meningococcal Infections/metabolism
- Meningococcal Infections/microbiology
- Meningococcal Infections/pathology
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Models, Molecular
- Neisseria meningitidis/immunology
- Neisseria meningitidis/metabolism
- Neisseria meningitidis/ultrastructure
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Species Specificity
- Surface Properties
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Gault
- Structural Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Mathias Ferber
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Bioinformatique Structurale, CNRS UMR 3528, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Paris, France
| | - Silke Machata
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Flore Imhaus
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Christian Malosse
- Structural Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Arthur Charles-Orszag
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Millien
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Bouvier
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Bioinformatique Structurale, CNRS UMR 3528, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Bardiaux
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Bioinformatique Structurale, CNRS UMR 3528, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Paris, France
| | | | - Kelly Klinge
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Isabelle Podglajen
- Service de Microbiologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Marie Cécile Ploy
- INSERM UMR1092, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - H. Steven Seifert
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michael Nilges
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Bioinformatique Structurale, CNRS UMR 3528, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Paris, France
| | - Julia Chamot-Rooke
- Structural Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Duménil
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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35
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Seib KL, Jen FEC, Tan A, Scott AL, Kumar R, Power PM, Chen LT, Wu HJ, Wang AHJ, Hill DMC, Luyten YA, Morgan RD, Roberts RJ, Maiden MCJ, Boitano M, Clark TA, Korlach J, Rao DN, Jennings MP. Specificity of the ModA11, ModA12 and ModD1 epigenetic regulator N(6)-adenine DNA methyltransferases of Neisseria meningitidis. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:4150-62. [PMID: 25845594 PMCID: PMC4417156 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Phase variation (random ON/OFF switching) of gene expression is a common feature of host-adapted pathogenic bacteria. Phase variably expressed N(6)-adenine DNA methyltransferases (Mod) alter global methylation patterns resulting in changes in gene expression. These systems constitute phase variable regulons called phasevarions. Neisseria meningitidis phasevarions regulate genes including virulence factors and vaccine candidates, and alter phenotypes including antibiotic resistance. The target site recognized by these Type III N(6)-adenine DNA methyltransferases is not known. Single molecule, real-time (SMRT) methylome analysis was used to identify the recognition site for three key N. meningitidis methyltransferases: ModA11 (exemplified by M.NmeMC58I) (5'-CGY M6A: G-3'), ModA12 (exemplified by M.Nme77I, M.Nme18I and M.Nme579II) (5'-AC M6A: CC-3') and ModD1 (exemplified by M.Nme579I) (5'-CC M6A: GC-3'). Restriction inhibition assays and mutagenesis confirmed the SMRT methylome analysis. The ModA11 site is complex and atypical and is dependent on the type of pyrimidine at the central position, in combination with the bases flanking the core recognition sequence 5'-CGY M6A: G-3'. The observed efficiency of methylation in the modA11 strain (MC58) genome ranged from 4.6% at 5'-GCGC M6A: GG-3' sites, to 100% at 5'-ACGT M6A: GG-3' sites. Analysis of the distribution of modified sites in the respective genomes shows many cases of association with intergenic regions of genes with altered expression due to phasevarion switching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Freda E-C Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Aimee Tan
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Adeana L Scott
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Ritesh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Peter M Power
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Li-Tzu Chen
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Ju Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Andrew H-J Wang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Desirazu N Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
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36
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Asmat TM, Tenenbaum T, Jonsson AB, Schwerk C, Schroten H. Impact of calcium signaling during infection of Neisseria meningitidis to human brain microvascular endothelial cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114474. [PMID: 25464500 PMCID: PMC4252121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pili and outer membrane proteins of Neisseria meningitidis (meningococci) facilitate bacterial adhesion and invasion into host cells. In this context expression of meningococcal PilC1 protein has been reported to play a crucial role. Intracellular calcium mobilization has been implicated as an important signaling event during internalization of several bacterial pathogens. Here we employed time lapse calcium-imaging and demonstrated that PilC1 of meningococci triggered a significant increase in cytoplasmic calcium in human brain microvascular endothelial cells, whereas PilC1-deficient meningococci could not initiate this signaling process. The increase in cytosolic calcium in response to PilC1-expressing meningococci was due to efflux of calcium from host intracellular stores as demonstrated by using 2-APB, which inhibits the release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, pre-treatment of host cells with U73122 (phospholipase C inhibitor) abolished the cytosolic calcium increase caused by PilC1-expressing meningococci demonstrating that active phospholipase C (PLC) is required to induce calcium transients in host cells. Furthermore, the role of cytosolic calcium on meningococcal adherence and internalization was documented by gentamicin protection assay and double immunofluorescence (DIF) staining. Results indicated that chelation of intracellular calcium by using BAPTA-AM significantly impaired PilC1-mediated meningococcal adherence to and invasion into host endothelial cells. However, buffering of extracellular calcium by BAPTA or EGTA demonstrated no significant effect on meningococcal adherence to and invasion into host cells. Taken together, these results indicate that meningococci induce calcium release from intracellular stores of host endothelial cells via PilC1 and cytoplasmic calcium concentrations play a critical role during PilC1 mediated meningococcal adherence to and subsequent invasion into host endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tauseef M. Asmat
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Tobias Tenenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ann-Beth Jonsson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Schwerk
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Horst Schroten
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Dando SJ, Mackay-Sim A, Norton R, Currie BJ, St John JA, Ekberg JAK, Batzloff M, Ulett GC, Beacham IR. Pathogens penetrating the central nervous system: infection pathways and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of invasion. Clin Microbiol Rev 2014; 27:691-726. [PMID: 25278572 PMCID: PMC4187632 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00118-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is well protected against microbial invasion by cellular barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). In addition, cells within the central nervous system (CNS) are capable of producing an immune response against invading pathogens. Nonetheless, a range of pathogenic microbes make their way to the CNS, and the resulting infections can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Bacteria, amoebae, fungi, and viruses are capable of CNS invasion, with the latter using axonal transport as a common route of infection. In this review, we compare the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens reach the CNS and infect the brain. In particular, we focus on recent data regarding mechanisms of bacterial translocation from the nasal mucosa to the brain, which represents a little explored pathway of bacterial invasion but has been proposed as being particularly important in explaining how infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei can result in melioidosis encephalomyelitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Dando
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alan Mackay-Sim
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert Norton
- Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Menzies School of Health Research and Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - James A St John
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenny A K Ekberg
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glen C Ulett
- School of Medical Science and Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ifor R Beacham
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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38
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Invasive meningococcal disease: a disease of the endothelial cells. Trends Mol Med 2014; 20:571-8. [PMID: 25178566 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is an extracellular pathogen, which, once in the bloodstream, has the ability to form microcolonies on the apical surface of endothelia. Pathogen interaction with microvessels is mediated by bacterial type IV pili and two receptors on endothelial cells: CD147 and the β2-adrenoceptor. CD147 facilitates the adhesion of diplococci to the endothelium, whereas the β2-adrenoceptor facilitates cell signaling, and crossing of the blood-brain barrier. In this review, we discuss how meningococcal interaction with endothelial cells is responsible for the specific clinical features of invasive meningococcal infection such as meningitis, and a peripheral thrombotic/vascular leakage syndrome possibly leading to purpura fulminans.
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39
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Simonis A, Hebling S, Gulbins E, Schneider-Schaulies S, Schubert-Unkmeir A. Differential activation of acid sphingomyelinase and ceramide release determines invasiveness of Neisseria meningitidis into brain endothelial cells. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004160. [PMID: 24945304 PMCID: PMC4055770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction with brain endothelial cells is central to the pathogenicity of Neisseria meningitidis infections. Here, we show that N. meningitidis causes transient activation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) followed by ceramide release in brain endothelial cells. In response to N. meningitidis infection, ASM and ceramide are displayed at the outer leaflet of the cell membrane and condense into large membrane platforms which also concentrate the ErbB2 receptor. The outer membrane protein Opc and phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C that is activated upon binding of the pathogen to heparan sulfate proteoglycans, are required for N. meningitidis-mediated ASM activation. Pharmacologic or genetic ablation of ASM abrogated meningococcal internalization without affecting bacterial adherence. In accordance, the restricted invasiveness of a defined set of pathogenic isolates of the ST-11/ST-8 clonal complex into brain endothelial cells directly correlated with their restricted ability to induce ASM and ceramide release. In conclusion, ASM activation and ceramide release are essential for internalization of Opc-expressing meningococci into brain endothelial cells, and this segregates with invasiveness of N. meningitidis strains. Neisseria meningitidis, an obligate human pathogen, is a causative agent of septicemia and meningitis worldwide. Meningococcal infection manifests in a variety of forms, including meningitis, meningococcemia with meningitis or meningococcemia without obvious meningitis. The interaction of N. meningitidis with human cells lining the blood vessels of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier is a prerequisite for the development of meningitis. As a major pathogenicity factor, the meningococcal outer membrane protein Opc enhances bacterial entry into brain endothelial cells, however, mechanisms underlying trapping of receptors and signaling molecules following this interaction remained elusive. We now show that Opc-expressing meningococci activate acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) in brain endothelial cells, which hydrolyses sphingomyelin to cause ceramide release and formation of extended ceramide-enriched membrane platforms wherein ErbB2, an important receptor involved in bacterial uptake, clusters. Mechanistically, ASM activation relied on binding of N. meningitidis to its attachment receptor, HSPG, followed by activation of PC-PLC. Meningococcal isolates of the ST-11 clonal complex, which are reported to be more likely to cause severe sepsis, but rarely meningitis, barely invaded brain endothelial cells and revealed a highly restricted ability to induce ASM and ceramide release. Thus, our results unravel a differential activation of the ASM/ceramide system by the species N. meningitidis determining its invasiveness into brain endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Simonis
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Hebling
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Essen, Essen, Germany
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40
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Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, a putative receptor for the adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae to the vascular endothelium of the blood-brain barrier. Infect Immun 2014; 82:3555-66. [PMID: 24914219 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00046-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main causative agent of bacterial meningitis. S. pneumoniae is thought to invade the central nervous system via the bloodstream by crossing the vascular endothelium of the blood-brain barrier. The exact mechanism by which pneumococci cross endothelial cell barriers before meningitis develops is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of PECAM-1/CD31, one of the major endothelial cell adhesion molecules, in S. pneumoniae adhesion to vascular endothelium of the blood-brain barrier. Mice were intravenously infected with pneumococci and sacrificed at various time points to represent stages preceding meningitis. Immunofluorescent analysis of brain tissue of infected mice showed that pneumococci colocalized with PECAM-1. In human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) incubated with S. pneumoniae, we observed a clear colocalization between PECAM-1 and pneumococci. Blocking of PECAM-1 reduced the adhesion of S. pneumoniae to endothelial cells in vitro, implying that PECAM-1 is involved in pneumococcal adhesion to the cells. Furthermore, using endothelial cell protein lysates, we demonstrated that S. pneumoniae physically binds to PECAM-1. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo PECAM-1 colocalizes with the S. pneumoniae adhesion receptor pIgR. Lastly, immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that PECAM-1 can physically interact with pIgR. In summary, we show for the first time that blood-borne S. pneumoniae colocalizes with PECAM-1 expressed by brain microvascular endothelium and that, in addition, they colocalize with pIgR. We hypothesize that this interaction plays a role in pneumococcal binding to the blood-brain barrier vasculature prior to invasion into the brain.
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41
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Iovino F, Molema G, Bijlsma JJE. Streptococcus pneumoniae Interacts with pIgR expressed by the brain microvascular endothelium but does not co-localize with PAF receptor. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97914. [PMID: 24841255 PMCID: PMC4026408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is thought to adhere to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelium prior to causing meningitis. The platelet activating factor receptor (PAFR) has been implicated in this adhesion but there is a paucity of data demonstrating direct binding of the bacteria to PAFR. Additionally, studies that inhibit PAFR strongly suggest that alternative receptors for pneumococci are present on the endothelium. Therefore, we studied the roles of PAFR and pIgR, an established epithelial pneumococcal receptor, in pneumococcal adhesion to brain endothelial cells in vivo. Mice were intravenously infected with pneumococci and sacrificed at various time points before meningitis onset. Co-localization of bacteria with PAFR and pIgR was investigated using immunofluorescent analysis of the brain tissue. In vitro blocking with antibodies and incubation of pneumococci with endothelial cell lysates were used to further probe bacteria-receptor interaction. In vivo as well as in vitro pneumococci did not co-localize with PAFR. On the other hand the majority of S. pneumoniae co-localized with endothelial pIgR and pIgR blocking reduced pneumococcal adhesion to endothelial cells. Pneumococci physically interacted with pIgR in endothelial cell lysates. In conclusion, bacteria did not associate with PAFR, indicating an indirect role of PAFR in pneumococcal adhesion to endothelial cells. In contrast, pIgR on the BBB endothelium may represent a novel pneumococcal adhesion receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Iovino
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Grietje Molema
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Medical Biology section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jetta J. E. Bijlsma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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42
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Vik Å, Haug Anonsen J, Aas FE, Hegge FT, Roos N, Koomey M, Aspholm M. Type IV pilus assembly proficiency and dynamics influence pilin subunit phospho-form macro- and microheterogeneity in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96419. [PMID: 24797914 PMCID: PMC4010543 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The PilE pilin subunit protein of the gonococcal Type IV pilus (Tfp) colonization factor undergoes multisite, covalent modification with the zwitterionic phospho-form modification phosphoethanolamine (PE). In a mutant lacking the pilin-like PilV protein however, PilE is modified with a mixture of PE and phosphocholine (PC). Moreover, intrastrain variation of PilE PC modification levels have been observed in backgrounds that constitutively express PptA (the protein phospho-form transferase A) required for both PE and PC modification. The molecular basis underlying phospho-form microheterogeneity in these instances remains poorly defined. Here, we examined the effects of mutations at numerous loci that disrupt or perturb Tfp assembly and observed that these mutants phenocopy the pilV mutant vis a vis phospho-form modification status. Thus, PC modification appears to be directly or indirectly responsive to the efficacy of pilin subunit interactions. Despite the complexity of contributing factors identified here, the data favor a model in which increased retention in the inner membrane may act as a key signal in altering phospho-form modification. These results also provide an alternative explanation for the variation in PilE PC levels observed previously and that has been assumed to be due to phase variation of pptA. Moreover, mass spectrometry revealed evidence for mono- and di-methylated forms of PE attached to PilE in mutants deficient in pilus assembly, directly implicating a methyltransferase-based pathway for PC synthesis in N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åshild Vik
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Haug Anonsen
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Finn Erik Aas
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Finn Terje Hegge
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Norbert Roos
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael Koomey
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marina Aspholm
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
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43
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Gault J, Malosse C, Machata S, Millien C, Podglajen I, Ploy MC, Costello CE, Duménil G, Chamot-Rooke J. Complete posttranslational modification mapping of pathogenic Neisseria meningitidis pilins requires top-down mass spectrometry. Proteomics 2014; 14:1141-51. [PMID: 24459079 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201300394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In pathogenic bacteria, posttranslationally modified proteins have been found to promote bacterial survival, replication, and evasion from the host immune system. In the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, the protein PilE (15-18 kDa) is the major building block of type IV pili, extracellular filamentous organelles that play a major role in mediating pathogenesis. Previous reports have shown that PilE can be expressed as a number of different proteoforms, each harboring its own set of PTMs and that specific proteoforms are key in promoting bacterial virulence. Efficient tools that allow complete PTM mapping of proteins involved in bacterial infection are therefore strongly needed. As we show in this study, a simple combination of mass profiling and bottom-up proteomics is fundamentally unable to achieve this goal when more than two proteoforms are present simultaneously. In a N. meningitidis strain isolated from a patient with meningitis, mass profiling revealed the presence of four major proteoforms of PilE, in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Due to the complexity of the sample, a top-down approach was required to achieve complete PTM mapping for all four proteoforms, highlighting an unprecedented extent of glycosylation. Top-down MS therefore appears to be a promising tool for the analysis of highly posttranslationally modified proteins involved in bacterial virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Gault
- Structural Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France; Laboratoire des Mécanismes Réactionnels (DCMR), Département de Chimie, École Polytechnique, CNRS, Palaiseau, France
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44
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Lithgow KV, Scott NE, Iwashkiw JA, Thomson ELS, Foster LJ, Feldman MF, Dennis JJ. A general protein O-glycosylation system within the Burkholderia cepacia complex is involved in motility and virulence. Mol Microbiol 2014; 92:116-37. [PMID: 24673753 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are pathogens of humans, plants, and animals. Burkholderia cenocepacia is one of the most common Bcc species infecting cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and its carriage is associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we characterized a general O-linked protein glycosylation system in B. cenocepacia K56-2. The PglLBc O-oligosaccharyltransferase (O-OTase), encoded by the cloned gene bcal0960, was shown to be capable of transferring a heptasaccharide from the Campylobacter jejuni N-glycosylation system to a Neisseria meningitides-derived acceptor protein in an Escherichia coli background, indicating that the enzyme has relaxed specificities for both the sugar donor and protein acceptor. In B cenocepacia K56-2, PglLBc is responsible for the glycosylation of 23 proteins involved in diverse cellular processes. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that these proteins are modified with a trisaccharide HexNAc-HexNAc-Hex, which is unrelated to the O-antigen biosynthetic process. The glycosylation sites that were identified existed within regions of low complexity, rich in serine, alanine, and proline. Disruption of bcal0960 abolished glycosylation and resulted in reduced swimming motility and attenuated virulence towards both plant and insect model organisms. This study demonstrates the first example of post-translational modification in Bcc with implications for pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen V Lithgow
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
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45
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Morrison MJ, Imperiali B. The renaissance of bacillosamine and its derivatives: pathway characterization and implications in pathogenicity. Biochemistry 2014; 53:624-38. [PMID: 24383882 PMCID: PMC3951908 DOI: 10.1021/bi401546r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Prokaryote-specific
sugars, including N,N′-diacetylbacillosamine
(diNAcBac) and pseudaminic
acid, have experienced a renaissance in the past decade because of
their discovery in glycans related to microbial pathogenicity. DiNAcBac
is found at the reducing end of oligosaccharides of N- and O-linked
bacterial protein glycosylation pathways of Gram-negative pathogens,
including Campylobacter jejuni and Neisseria
gonorrhoeae. Further derivatization of diNAcBac results in
the nonulosonic acid known as legionaminic acid, which was first characterized
in the O-antigen of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Legionella
pneumophila. Pseudaminic acid, an isomer of legionaminic
acid, is also important in pathogenic bacteria such as Helicobacter
pylori because of its occurrence in O-linked glycosylation
of flagellin proteins, which plays an important role in flagellar
assembly and motility. Here, we present recent advances in the characterization
of the biosynthetic pathways leading to these highly modified sugars
and investigation of the roles that each plays in bacterial fitness
and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Morrison
- Departments of Chemistry and Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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46
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Gault J, Malosse C, Duménil G, Chamot-Rooke J. A combined mass spectrometry strategy for complete posttranslational modification mapping of Neisseria meningitidis major pilin. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2013; 48:1199-206. [PMID: 24259208 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a new approach, based on the combination of mass profiling and tandem mass spectrometry, to address the issue of localising all post-translational modifications (PTMs) on the major pilin protein PiIE expressed by the pathogenic Neisseria species. PilE is the main component of type IV pili; filamentous organelles expressed at the surface of many bacterial pathogens and important virulence factors. Previous reports have shown that PilE can harbour various combinations of PTMs and have established strong links between PTM and pathogenesis. Complete PTM mapping of proteins involved in bacterial infection is therefore highly desirable. The methodology we propose here allowed us to fully characterise the PilE proteoforms of Neisseria meningitidis strain 8013, definitively identifying all PTMs present on all proteoforms and localising their position on the protein backbone. These modifications include a processed and methylated N-terminus, disulfide bridge, glycosylation and glycerophosphorylation at two different sites. A key element of our approach is high resolution, intact mass measurement of the proteoforms, a piece of information completely lacking in all classical bottom-up proteomics strategies used for PTM analysis and without which it is difficult to ensure complete PTM mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Gault
- Département de Chimie, École Polytechnique, CNRS, Laboratoire des Mécanismes Réactionnels (DCMR), 91128, Palaiseau, France; Structural Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, 26-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
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47
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Mahdavi J, Royer PJ, Sjölinder HS, Azimi S, Self T, Stoof J, Wheldon LM, Brännström K, Wilson R, Moreton J, Moir JWB, Sihlbom C, Borén T, Jonsson AB, Soultanas P, Ala'Aldeen DAA. Pro-inflammatory cytokines can act as intracellular modulators of commensal bacterial virulence. Open Biol 2013; 3:130048. [PMID: 24107297 PMCID: PMC3814720 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.130048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions between commensal pathogens and hosts are critical for disease development but the underlying mechanisms for switching between the commensal and virulent states are unknown. We show that the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, the leading cause of pyogenic meningitis, can modulate gene expression via uptake of host pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to increased virulence. This uptake is mediated by type IV pili (Tfp) and reliant on the PilT ATPase activity. Two Tfp subunits, PilE and PilQ, are identified as the ligands for TNF-α and IL-8 in a glycan-dependent manner, and their deletion results in decreased virulence and increased survival in a mouse model. We propose a novel mechanism by which pathogens use the twitching motility mode of the Tfp machinery for sensing and importing host elicitors, aligning with the inflamed environment and switching to the virulent state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Mahdavi
- School of Life Sciences, Molecular Bacteriology and Immunology Group, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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