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Mueller Brown K, Eutsey R, Gazioglu O, Wang D, Vallon A, Rosch JW, Yesilkaya H, Hiller NL. Peptide maturation molecules act as molecular gatekeepers to coordinate cell-cell communication in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114432. [PMID: 38963762 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) encodes several cell-cell communication systems, notably multiple members of the Rgg/SHP and the Tpr/Phr families. Until now, members of these diverse communication systems were thought to work independently. Our study reveals that the ABC transporter PptAB and the transmembrane enzyme Eep act as a molecular link between Rgg/SHP and TprA/PhrA systems. We demonstrate that PptAB/Eep activates the Rgg/SHP systems and represses the TprA/PhrA system. Specifically, they regulate the respective precursor peptides (SHP and PhrA) before these leave the cell. This dual mode of action leads to temporal coordination of these systems, producing an overlap between their respective regulons during host cell infection. Thus, we have identified a single molecular mechanism that targets diverse cell-cell communication systems in Spn. Moreover, these molecular components are encoded by many gram-positive bacteria, suggesting that this mechanism may be broadly conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Mueller Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rory Eutsey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ozcan Gazioglu
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Derek Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amanda Vallon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jason W Rosch
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hasan Yesilkaya
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - N Luisa Hiller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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2
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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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3
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Kareem BO, Gazioglu O, Mueller Brown K, Habtom M, Glanville DG, Oggioni MR, Andrew PW, Ulijasz AT, Hiller NL, Yesilkaya H. Environmental and genetic regulation of Streptococcus pneumoniae galactose catabolic pathways. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5171. [PMID: 38886409 PMCID: PMC11183247 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49619-w] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficient utilization of nutrients is crucial for microbial survival and virulence. The same nutrient may be utilized by multiple catabolic pathways, indicating that the physical and chemical environments for induction as well as their functional roles may differ. Here, we study the tagatose and Leloir pathways for galactose catabolism of the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. We show that galactose utilization potentiates pneumococcal virulence, the induction of galactose catabolic pathways is influenced differentially by the concentration of galactose and temperature, and sialic acid downregulates galactose catabolism. Furthermore, the genetic regulation and in vivo induction of each pathway differ, and both galactose catabolic pathways can be turned off with a galactose analogue in a substrate-specific manner, indicating that galactose catabolic pathways can be potential drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banaz O Kareem
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Iraq
| | - Ozcan Gazioglu
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Karina Mueller Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Medhanie Habtom
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - David G Glanville
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Marco R Oggioni
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Peter W Andrew
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Andrew T Ulijasz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - N Luisa Hiller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hasan Yesilkaya
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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4
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Gao S, Wang Y, Yuan S, Zuo J, Jin W, Shen Y, Grenier D, Yi L, Wang Y. Cooperation of quorum sensing and central carbon metabolism in the pathogenesis of Gram-positive bacteria. Microbiol Res 2024; 282:127655. [PMID: 38402726 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), an integral component of bacterial communication, is essential in coordinating the collective response of diverse bacterial pathogens. Central carbon metabolism (CCM), serving as the primary metabolic hub for substances such as sugars, lipids, and amino acids, plays a crucial role in the life cycle of bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria often utilize CCM to regulate population metabolism and enhance the synthesis of specific cellular structures, thereby facilitating in adaptation to the host microecological environment and expediting infection. Research has demonstrated that QS can both directly or indirectly affect the CCM of numerous pathogenic bacteria, thus altering their virulence and pathogenicity. This article reviews the interplay between QS and CCM in Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, details the molecular mechanisms by which QS modulates CCM, and lays the groundwork for investigating bacterial pathogenicity and developing innovative infection treatment drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Jing Zuo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Wenjie Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Yamin Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Daniel Grenier
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Li Yi
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China; College of Life Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China.
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5
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Wahlenmayer ER, Hammers DE. Streptococcal peptides and their roles in host-microbe interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1282622. [PMID: 37915845 PMCID: PMC10617681 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1282622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Streptococcus encompasses many bacterial species that are associated with hosts, ranging from asymptomatic colonizers and commensals to pathogens with a significant global health burden. Streptococci produce numerous factors that enable them to occupy their host-associated niches, many of which alter their host environment to the benefit of the bacteria. The ability to manipulate host immune systems to either evade detection and clearance or induce a hyperinflammatory state influences whether bacteria are able to survive and persist in a given environment, while also influencing the propensity of the bacteria to cause disease. Several bacterial factors that contribute to this inter-species interaction have been identified. Recently, small peptides have become increasingly appreciated as factors that contribute to Streptococcal relationships with their hosts. Peptides are utilized by streptococci to modulate their host environment in several ways, including by directly interacting with host factors to disrupt immune system function and signaling to other bacteria to control the expression of genes that contribute to immune modulation. In this review, we discuss the many contributions of Streptococcal peptides in terms of their ability to contribute to pathogenesis and disruption of host immunity. This discussion will highlight the importance of continuing to elucidate the functions of these Streptococcal peptides and pursuing the identification of new peptides that contribute to modulation of host environments. Developing a greater understanding of how bacteria interact with their hosts has the potential to enable the development of techniques to inhibit these peptides as therapeutic approaches against Streptococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel E. Hammers
- Biology Department, Houghton University, Houghton, NY, United States
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Green AE, Pottenger S, Monshi MS, Barton TE, Phelan M, Neill DR. Airway metabolic profiling during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection identifies branched chain amino acids as signatures of upper airway colonisation. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011630. [PMID: 37669280 PMCID: PMC10503754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and bacteraemia and is capable of remarkable phenotypic plasticity, responding rapidly to environmental change. Pneumococcus is a nasopharyngeal commensal, but is responsible for severe, acute infections following dissemination within-host. Pneumococcus is adept at utilising host resources, but the airways are compartmentalised and those resources are not evenly distributed. Challenges and opportunities in metabolite acquisition within different airway niches may contribute to the commensal-pathogen switch when pneumococcus moves from nasopharynx into lungs. We used NMR to characterise the metabolic landscape of the mouse airways, in health and during infection. Using paired nasopharynx and lung samples from naïve animals, we identified fundamental differences in metabolite bioavailability between airway niches. Pneumococcal pneumonia was associated with rapid and dramatic shifts in the lung metabolic environment, whilst nasopharyngeal carriage led to only modest change in upper airway metabolite profiles. NMR spectra derived from the nasopharynx of mice infected with closely-related pneumococcal strains that differ in their colonisation potential could be distinguished from one another using multivariate dimensionality reduction methods. The resulting models highlighted that increased branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) bioavailability in nasopharynx is a feature of infection with the high colonisation potential strain. Subsequent analysis revealed increased expression of BCAA transport genes and increased intracellular concentrations of BCAA in that same strain. Movement from upper to lower airway environments is associated with shifting challenges in metabolic resource allocation for pneumococci. Efficient biosynthesis, liberation or acquisition of BCAA is a feature of adaptation to nasopharyngeal colonisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angharad E. Green
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Pottenger
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Manal S. Monshi
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas E. Barton
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Phelan
- Highfield NMR Facility, Liverpool Shared Research Facilities (LIV-SRF), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Molecular, Systems and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R. Neill
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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7
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Hu D, Laczkovich I, Federle MJ, Morrison DA. Identification and Characterization of Negative Regulators of Rgg1518 Quorum Sensing in Streptococcus pneumoniae. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0008723. [PMID: 37341600 PMCID: PMC10367586 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00087-23] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an agent of otitis media, septicemia, and meningitis and remains the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia regardless of vaccine use. Of the various strategies that S. pneumoniae takes to enhance its potential to colonize the human host, quorum sensing (QS) is an intercellular communication process that provides coordination of gene expression at a community level. Numerous putative QS systems are identifiable in the S. pneumoniae genome, but their gene-regulatory activities and contributions to fitness have yet to be fully evaluated. To contribute to assessing regulatory activities of rgg paralogs present in the D39 genome, we conducted transcriptomic analysis of mutants of six QS regulators. Our results find evidence that at least four QS regulators impact the expression of a polycistronic operon (encompassing genes spd_1517 to spd_1513) that is directly controlled by the Rgg/SHP1518 QS system. As an approach to unravel the convergent regulation placed on the spd_1513-1517 operon, we deployed transposon mutagenesis screening in search of upstream regulators of the Rgg/SHP1518 QS system. The screen identified two types of insertion mutants that result in increased activity of Rgg1518-dependent transcription, one type being where the transposon inserted into pepO, an annotated endopeptidase, and the other type being insertions in spxB, a pyruvate oxidase. We demonstrate that pneumococcal PepO degrades SHP1518 to prevent activation of Rgg/SHP1518 QS. Moreover, the glutamic acid residue in the conserved "HExxH" domain is indispensable for the catalytic function of PepO. Finally, we confirmed the metalloendopeptidase property of PepO, which requires zinc ions, but not other ions, to facilitate peptidyl hydrolysis. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus pneumoniae uses quorum sensing to communicate and regulate virulence. In our study, we focused on one Rgg quorum sensing system (Rgg/SHP1518) and found that multiple other Rgg regulators also control it. We further identified two enzymes that inhibit Rgg/SHP1518 signaling and revealed and validated one enzyme's mechanisms for breaking down quorum sensing signaling molecules. Our findings shed light on the complex regulatory network of quorum sensing in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoyi Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Irina Laczkovich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael J. Federle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Donald A. Morrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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8
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Janoušková M, Straw ML, Su YC, Riesbeck K. Gene Expression Regulation in Airway Pathogens: Importance for Otitis Media. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:826018. [PMID: 35252035 PMCID: PMC8895709 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.826018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Otitis media (OM) is an inflammatory disorder in the middle ear. It is mainly caused by viruses or bacteria associated with the airways. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis are the three main pathogens in infection-related OM, especially in younger children. In this review, we will focus upon the multifaceted gene regulation mechanisms that are well-orchestrated in S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis during the course of infection in the middle ear either in experimental OM or in clinical settings. The sophisticated findings from the past 10 years on how the othopathogens govern their virulence phenotypes for survival and host adaptation via phase variation- and quorum sensing-dependent gene regulation, will be systematically discussed. Comprehensive understanding of gene expression regulation mechanisms employed by pathogens during the onset of OM may provide new insights for the design of a new generation of antimicrobial agents in the fight against bacterial pathogens while combating the serious emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
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9
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Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GdhA) of Streptococcus pneumoniae Is Required for High Temperature Adaptation. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0040021. [PMID: 34491792 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00400-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During its progression from the nasopharynx to other sterile and nonsterile niches of its human host, Streptococcus pneumoniae must cope with changes in temperature. We hypothesized that the temperature adaptation is an important facet of pneumococcal survival in the host. Here, we evaluated the effect of temperature on pneumococcus and studied the role of glutamate dehydrogenase (GdhA) in thermal adaptation associated with virulence and survival. Microarray analysis revealed a significant transcriptional response to changes in temperature, affecting the expression of 252 genes in total at 34°C and 40°C relative to at 37°C. One of the differentially regulated genes was gdhA, which is upregulated at 40°C and downregulated at 34°C relative to 37°C. Deletion of gdhA attenuated the growth, cell size, biofilm formation, pH survival, and biosynthesis of proteins associated with virulence in a temperature-dependent manner. Moreover, deletion of gdhA stimulated formate production irrespective of temperature fluctuation. Finally, ΔgdhA grown at 40°C was less virulent than other temperatures or the wild type at the same temperature in a Galleria mellonella infection model, suggesting that GdhA is required for pneumococcal virulence at elevated temperature.
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10
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Shlla B, Gazioglu O, Shafeeq S, Manzoor I, Kuipers OP, Ulijasz A, Hiller NL, Andrew PW, Yesilkaya H. The Rgg1518 transcriptional regulator is a necessary facet of sugar metabolism and virulence in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:996-1008. [PMID: 34328238 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Rggs are a group of transcriptional regulators with diverse roles in metabolism and virulence. Here, we present work on the Rgg1518/SHP1518 quorum sensing system of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The activity of Rgg1518 is induced by its cognate peptide, SHP1518. In vitro analysis showed that the Rgg1518 system is active in conditions rich in galactose and mannose, key nutrients during nasopharyngeal colonization. Rgg1518 expression is highly induced in the presence of these sugars and its isogenic mutant is attenuated in growth on galactose and mannose. When compared with other Rgg systems, Rgg1518 has the largest regulon on galactose. On galactose it controls up- or downregulation of a functionally diverse set of genes involved in galactose metabolism, capsule biosynthesis, iron metabolism, protein translation, as well as other metabolic functions, acting mainly as a repressor of gene expression. Rgg1518 is a repressor of capsule biosynthesis, and binds directly to the capsule regulatory region. Comparison with other Rggs revealed inter-regulatory interactions among Rggs. Finally, the rgg1518 mutant is attenuated in colonization and virulence in a mouse model of colonization and pneumonia. We conclude that Rgg1518 is a virulence determinant that contributes to a regulatory network composed of multiple Rgg systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Shlla
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Ozcan Gazioglu
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Sulman Shafeeq
- Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Irfan Manzoor
- Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar P Kuipers
- Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew Ulijasz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - N Luisa Hiller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter W Andrew
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Hasan Yesilkaya
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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11
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Alencar VC, Silva JDFDS, Vilas Boas RO, Farnézio VM, de Maria YNLF, Aciole Barbosa D, Almeida AT, de Souza EM, Müller-Santos M, Jabes DL, Menegidio FB, Costa de Oliveira R, Rodrigues T, Tersariol ILDS, Walmsley AR, Nunes LR. The Quorum Sensing Auto-Inducer 2 (AI-2) Stimulates Nitrogen Fixation and Favors Ethanol Production over Biomass Accumulation in Zymomonas mobilis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115628. [PMID: 34073173 PMCID: PMC8198075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoinducer 2 (or AI-2) is one of the molecules used by bacteria to trigger the Quorum Sensing (QS) response, which activates expression of genes involved in a series of alternative mechanisms, when cells reach high population densities (including bioluminescence, motility, biofilm formation, stress resistance, and production of public goods, or pathogenicity factors, among others). Contrary to most autoinducers, AI-2 can induce QS responses in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and has been suggested to constitute a trans-specific system of bacterial communication, capable of affecting even bacteria that cannot produce this autoinducer. In this work, we demonstrate that the ethanologenic Gram-negative bacterium Zymomonas mobilis (a non-AI-2 producer) responds to exogenous AI-2 by modulating expression of genes involved in mechanisms typically associated with QS in other bacteria, such as motility, DNA repair, and nitrogen fixation. Interestingly, the metabolism of AI-2-induced Z. mobilis cells seems to favor ethanol production over biomass accumulation, probably as an adaptation to the high-energy demand of N2 fixation. This opens the possibility of employing AI-2 during the industrial production of second-generation ethanol, as a way to boost N2 fixation by these bacteria, which could reduce costs associated with the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, without compromising ethanol production in industrial plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valquíria Campos Alencar
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, s/n, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, SP, Brazil; (V.C.A.); (J.d.F.d.S.S.); (V.M.F.); (T.R.)
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (UMC), Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi das Cruzes 08780-911, SP, Brazil; (R.O.V.B.); (Y.N.L.F.d.M.); (D.A.B.); (D.L.J.); (F.B.M.); (R.C.d.O.)
| | - Juliana de Fátima dos Santos Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, s/n, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, SP, Brazil; (V.C.A.); (J.d.F.d.S.S.); (V.M.F.); (T.R.)
| | - Renata Ozelami Vilas Boas
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (UMC), Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi das Cruzes 08780-911, SP, Brazil; (R.O.V.B.); (Y.N.L.F.d.M.); (D.A.B.); (D.L.J.); (F.B.M.); (R.C.d.O.)
| | - Vinícius Manganaro Farnézio
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, s/n, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, SP, Brazil; (V.C.A.); (J.d.F.d.S.S.); (V.M.F.); (T.R.)
| | - Yara N. L. F. de Maria
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (UMC), Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi das Cruzes 08780-911, SP, Brazil; (R.O.V.B.); (Y.N.L.F.d.M.); (D.A.B.); (D.L.J.); (F.B.M.); (R.C.d.O.)
| | - David Aciole Barbosa
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (UMC), Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi das Cruzes 08780-911, SP, Brazil; (R.O.V.B.); (Y.N.L.F.d.M.); (D.A.B.); (D.L.J.); (F.B.M.); (R.C.d.O.)
| | - Alex Tramontin Almeida
- Setor de Ciências Biológicas-Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (A.T.A.); (E.M.d.S.); (M.M.-S.)
| | - Emanuel Maltempi de Souza
- Setor de Ciências Biológicas-Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (A.T.A.); (E.M.d.S.); (M.M.-S.)
| | - Marcelo Müller-Santos
- Setor de Ciências Biológicas-Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (A.T.A.); (E.M.d.S.); (M.M.-S.)
| | - Daniela L. Jabes
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (UMC), Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi das Cruzes 08780-911, SP, Brazil; (R.O.V.B.); (Y.N.L.F.d.M.); (D.A.B.); (D.L.J.); (F.B.M.); (R.C.d.O.)
| | - Fabiano B. Menegidio
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (UMC), Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi das Cruzes 08780-911, SP, Brazil; (R.O.V.B.); (Y.N.L.F.d.M.); (D.A.B.); (D.L.J.); (F.B.M.); (R.C.d.O.)
| | - Regina Costa de Oliveira
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (UMC), Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi das Cruzes 08780-911, SP, Brazil; (R.O.V.B.); (Y.N.L.F.d.M.); (D.A.B.); (D.L.J.); (F.B.M.); (R.C.d.O.)
| | - Tiago Rodrigues
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, s/n, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, SP, Brazil; (V.C.A.); (J.d.F.d.S.S.); (V.M.F.); (T.R.)
| | - Ivarne Luis dos Santos Tersariol
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Três de Maio, 100, São Paulo 04044-020, SP, Brazil;
| | - Adrian R. Walmsley
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK;
| | - Luiz R. Nunes
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, s/n, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, SP, Brazil; (V.C.A.); (J.d.F.d.S.S.); (V.M.F.); (T.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-4996-8371 (ext. 4996-3166)
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Modulation of quorum sensing-associated virulence in bacteria: carbohydrate as a key factor. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:1881-1890. [PMID: 33641039 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02235-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a method of inter-cellular communication that permits bacteria to dispense information about cell density and to synchronize the gene expression accordingly. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria utilize distinct quorum sensing mechanisms for effective pathogenesis. Virulence factor production by pathogenic bacteria is one of the important traits that is under the control of QS. A growing body of evidence has indicated the role of the nutritional environment notably by carbohydrates in dictating the QS-associated virulence gene regulation. The modulation of QS by carbohydrates mitigates the survival and establishment of the pathogen within its host which in turn leads to an increase in morbidity and mortality. This mini-review throws light on the predilection of pathogenic bacteria to rapidly regulate its QS-linked virulence gene expression based on the changing nutrient levels that assist them in prospering within diverse niches.
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Cools F, Delputte P, Cos P. The search for novel treatment strategies for Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:6064299. [PMID: 33399826 PMCID: PMC8371276 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the most important novel treatment strategies against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections published over the past 10 years. The pneumococcus causes the majority of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia cases, and it is one of the prime pathogens in bacterial meningitis. Over the last 10 years, extensive research has been conducted to prevent severe pneumococcal infections, with a major focus on (i) boosting the host immune system and (ii) discovering novel antibacterials. Boosting the immune system can be done in two ways, either by actively modulating host immunity, mostly through administration of selective antibodies, or by interfering with pneumococcal virulence factors, thereby supporting the host immune system to effectively overcome an infection. While several of such experimental therapies are promising, few have evolved to clinical trials. The discovery of novel antibacterials is hampered by the high research and development costs versus the relatively low revenues for the pharmaceutical industry. Nevertheless, novel enzymatic assays and target-based drug design, allow the identification of targets and the development of novel molecules to effectively treat this life-threatening pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cools
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - P Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - P Cos
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Abstract
Gram-positive bacteria employ an array of secreted peptides to control population-level behaviors in response to environmental cues. We review mechanistic and functional features of secreted peptides produced by the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. We discuss sequence features, mechanisms of transport, and receptors for 3 major categories of small peptides: the double-glycine peptides, the Rap, Rgg, NprR, PlcR, and PrgX (RRNPP)-binding peptides, and the lanthionine-containing peptides. We highlight the impact of factors that contribute to carriage and pathogenesis, specifically genetic diversity, microbial competition, biofilm development, and environmental adaptation. A recent expansion in pneumococcal peptide studies reveals a complex network of interacting signaling systems where multiple peptides are integrated into the same signaling pathway, allowing multiple points of entry into the pathway and extending information content in new directions. In addition, since peptides are present in the extracellular milieu, there are opportunities for crosstalk, quorum sensing (QS), as well as intra- and interstrain and species interactions. Knowledge on the manner that population-level behaviors contribute to disease provides an avenue for the design and development of anti-infective strategies.
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