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Zhou B, Xiong Y, Nevo Y, Kahan T, Yakovian O, Alon S, Bhattacharya S, Rosenshine I, Sinai L, Ben-Yehuda S. Dormant bacterial spores encrypt a long-lasting transcriptional program to be executed during revival. Mol Cell 2023; 83:4158-4173.e7. [PMID: 37949068 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Sporulating bacteria can retreat into long-lasting dormant spores that preserve the capacity to germinate when propitious. However, how the revival transcriptional program is memorized for years remains elusive. We revealed that in dormant spores, core RNA polymerase (RNAP) resides in a central chromosomal domain, where it remains bound to a subset of intergenic promoter regions. These regions regulate genes encoding for most essential cellular functions, such as rRNAs and tRNAs. Upon awakening, RNAP recruits key transcriptional components, including sigma factor, and progresses to express the adjacent downstream genes. Mutants devoid of spore DNA-compacting proteins exhibit scattered RNAP localization and subsequently disordered firing of gene expression during germination. Accordingly, we propose that the spore chromosome is structured to preserve the transcriptional program by halting RNAP, prepared to execute transcription at the auspicious time. Such a mechanism may sustain long-term transcriptional programs in diverse organisms displaying a quiescent life form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12272, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yifei Xiong
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12272, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Nevo
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE Computation Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Tamar Kahan
- Bioinformatics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oren Yakovian
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12272, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel; The Racah Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sima Alon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12272, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Saurabh Bhattacharya
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12272, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ilan Rosenshine
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12272, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lior Sinai
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12272, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Sigal Ben-Yehuda
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12272, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel.
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Zhou B, Alon S, Rao L, Sinai L, Ben-Yehuda S. Reviving the view: evidence that macromolecule synthesis fuels bacterial spore germination. Microlife 2022; 3:uqac004. [PMID: 37223344 PMCID: PMC10117790 DOI: 10.1093/femsml/uqac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Gram positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis and its relatives are capable of forming a durable dormant long-lasting spore. Although spores can remain dormant for years, they possess the remarkable capacity to rapidly resume life and convert into actively growing cells. This cellular transition initiates with a most enigmatic irreversible event, termed germination, lasting only for a few minutes. Germination is typified by a morphological conversion that culminates in loss of spore resilient properties. Yet, the molecular events occurring during this brief critical phase are largely unknown. The current widely accepted view considers germination to occur without the need for any macromolecule synthesis; however, accumulating data from our laboratory and others, highlighted here, provide evidence that both transcription and translation occur during germination and are required for its execution. We further underline numerous overlooked studies, conducted mainly during the 1960s-1970s, reinforcing this notion. We propose to revisit the fascinating process of spore germination and redefine it as a pathway involving macromolecule synthesis. We expect our perspective to shed new light on the awakening process of a variety of spore-forming environmental, commensal, and pathogenic bacteria and possibly be applicable to additional organisms displaying a quiescent life form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sima Alon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Lior Sinai
- Corresponding author:Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Sigal Ben-Yehuda
- Corresponding author:Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Alon S. DEVELOPMENTAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL VALUE OF LIFE REVIEW THERAPY IN MID-AGED AND OLDER TERMINALLY ILL PEOPLE. Innov Aging 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Alon
- Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel, Tel-Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Lemberger J, Sternberg S, Alon S, Rasooly I, Cohen A, Cohen N. ISRAEL’S DEMENTIA PLAN: PRIMARY CARE INTERVENTIONS IMPROVING CARE OF OLDER PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA. Innov Aging 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy031.3428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - A Cohen
- Ministry of Health, State of Israel
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Kerem E, Blau H, Shteinberg M, Efrati O, Alon S, Dekel E, Amit B, Raul C, Brill-Almon E, Fux L, Shaaltiel Y, Bentur L. WS01.2 Phase II clinical trial results of alidornase alfa for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(17)30157-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Levy O, Kaniewska P, Alon S, Eisenberg E, Karako-Lampert S, Bay LK, Reef R, Rodriguez-Lanetty M, Miller DJ, Hoegh-Guldberg O. Complex diel cycles of gene expression in coral-algal symbiosis. Science 2011; 331:175. [PMID: 21233378 DOI: 10.1126/science.1196419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Circadian regulation of plant-animal endosymbioses is complicated by a diversity of internal and external cues. Here, we show that stress-related genes in corals are coupled to the circadian clock, anticipating major changes in the intracellular milieu. In this regard, numerous chaperones are "hard-wired" to the clock, effectively preparing the coral for the consequences of oxidative protein damage imposed by symbiont photosynthesis (when O(2) > 250% saturation), including synexpression of antioxidant genes being light-gated. Conversely, central metabolism appears to be regulated by the hypoxia-inducible factor system in coral. These results reveal the complexity of endosymbiosis as well as the plasticity regulation downstream of the circadian clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
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Avi A, Yehonatan S, Alon S, Alexandra H, Arieh E. Do accidents happen accidentally? A study of trauma registry and periodical examination database. J Trauma 2001; 50:20-3. [PMID: 11231664 DOI: 10.1097/00005373-200101000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health profile of trauma victims might affect accident involvement. Information linking medical data to accident epidemiology is lacking. This study aims to identify health factors that increase risk of accident involvement. METHODS The Israeli Defense Forces maintains two databases: records of periodical health examination of military personnel and a trauma registry including emergency department referrals of personnel resulting from injury. We identified 5,578 subjects who were examined in the Periodical Health Examination Center and were victims of trauma. We analyzed relation between injuries and various health parameters. RESULTS Results shows cigarette smoking is more frequent among the population involved in trauma (40% in motor vehicle crash, 37% in fall injury, and 31% in blunt contusion compared with 28% in Periodical Health Examination Center population not involved in trauma, p < 0.05). Odds ratio of smokers involvement in motor vehicle crash is 1.82 (95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.67, p < 0.005). Younger age is relatively more frequent among trauma victims. CONCLUSION We conclude that cigarette smokers and younger subjects might be at greater risk of being involved in accidental injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Avi
- Israel Defense Force-Medical Corps
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Katz D, Ben-Moshe H, Alon S. Titration of Newcastle disease virus and its neutralizing antibodies in microplates by a modified hemadsorption and hemadsorption inhibition method. J Clin Microbiol 1976; 3:227-32. [PMID: 944718 PMCID: PMC274275 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.3.3.227-232.1976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the microtiter system, titration of Newcastle disease virus infectivity and neutralizing antibodies was carried out in chicken embryo fibroblasts grown in "U" or flat-bottomed plates. Infectivity was detected by a combined hemadsorption-hemagglutination method. Inhibition of that reaction indicated the presence of neutralizing antibodies. A 24-h microneutralization test was developed and compared to the plaque neutralization and microhemagglutination inhibition test. Reproducibility of the microneutralization test was statistically analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Katz
- Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona, Israel
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