Antifungal Amphiphilic Aminoglycosides

The attachment of alkyl and other hydrophobic groups to traditional antibacterial kanamycins and neomycins creates amphiphilic aminoglycosides with altered antimicrobial properties. In this review, we summarize the discovery of amphiphilic kanamycins that are antifungal, but not antibacterial, and that inhibit the growth of fungi by perturbation of plasma membrane functions. With low toxicities against plant and mammalian cells, they appear to specifically target the fungal plasma membrane. These new antifungal agents offer new options for fighting fungal pathogens and are examples of reviving old drugs to confront new therapeutic challenges.

PCR Detection of Cyclic Lipodepsinonapeptide-Producing Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and Similarity of Strains

Many strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae produce one of four classes of small cyclic lipodepsinonapeptides: syringomycins, syringostatins, syringotoxins, or pseudomycins. These metabolites are phytotoxic and growth inhibitory against a broad spectrum of fungi. Their production is dependent upon the expression of conserved biosynthesis and export genes syrB and syrD, respectively. PCR and oligonucleotide primers specific for a 752-bp fragment of syrB were used to identify cyclic lipodepsinonapeptide-producing strains of P. syringae pv. syringae. In contrast, PCR amplification with primers based on syrD did not always correlate with possession of the syrD gene, as indicated by Southern blot analysis, or with cyclic lipodepsinonapeptide production. Sequence comparisons of 400 nucleotides from the syrB PCR-amplified fragments showed 94% plot similarity among 27 strains. In a sequence phenogram, syringostatin and syringotoxin producers were grouped apart from syringomycin-producing strain B301D, with sequences that differed by eight and nine conserved base substitutions, respectively. PCR amplification of the 752-bp syrB fragment offers rapid and accurate detection of cyclic lipodepsinonapeptide-producing strains, and its sequence provides some predictive capabilities for identifying syringotoxin and syringostatin producers.

Bacterial phytotoxin, syringomycin, induces a protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation of red beet plasma membrane polypeptides

Syringomycin, a peptide toxin and a virulence factor produced by the bacterial phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, stimulated the phosphorylation of several plasma membrane polypeptides of red beet storage tissue. Among these was a 100-kDa polypeptide, which corresponds in size to the proton pump ATPase. The phosphorylations were insensitive to hydroxylamine, indicating that the polypeptide phosphorylated intermediates involved phosphate ester bonds characteristic of protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of the 100-kDa polypeptide and of most of the other polypeptides was reduced or eliminated by extraction of the membranes with 0.1% (wt/vol) sodium deoxycholate, a treatment that also eliminated the ability of the toxin to stimulate ATPase activity. Phosphorylation of the 100-kDa polypeptide was highest with 10-20 mug of syringomycin; the same amounts gave the highest degree of ATPase activity stimulation. Phosphorylation of some of the polypeptides was eliminated or decreased by the Ca(2+) chelator EGTA. Addition of excess Ca(2+) restored the phosphorylation of most of these polypeptides. We conclude that syringomycin acts by stimulating an endogenous membrane protein kinase activity, which results in the phosphorylation of several membrane polypeptides. One of the phosphorylated polypeptides corresponds in size to the proton pump ATPase.

Voltage-dependent synchronization of gating of syringomycin E ion channels

Antifungal lipodepsipeptide syringomycin E (SRE) forms two major conductive states in lipid bilayers: "small" and "large". Large SRE channels are cluster of several small ones, demonstrating synchronous opening and closure. To get insight into the mechanism of such synchronization we investigated how transmembrane potential, membrane surface charge, and ionic strength affect the number of small SRE channels synchronously functioning in the cluster. Here, we report that the large SRE channels can be presented as 3-8 simultaneously gating small channels. The increase in the absolute value of the transmembrane potential (from 50 to 200 mV) decreases the number of synchronously gated channels in the clusters. Voltage-dependence of channel synchronization was influenced by the ionic strength of the bathing solution, but not by membrane surface charge. We propose a mechanism for the voltage-dependent cluster behavior that involves a voltage-induced reorientation of lipid dipoles associated with the channel pores.

[Kinetic parameters of single ion channels and stationary conductivities of phytotoxin modified lipid bilayers]

As shown earlier, phytotoxins produced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae form ion channels of "small" and "large" conductance when incorporated into planar lipid membranes. The multilevel conductance is due to cluster organization of the channels (Kaulin et al., 1998; Gurnev et al., 2002). In this study the kinetic parameters of syringomycin E (SRE) and syringostatin A (SSA) channels in negatively charged bilayer lipid membranes were estimated. The average time of open state of the small channels (t(s)(open)) did not depend on transmembrane voltage (in the range of +/- 200 mV). The channel characteristics differed between two phytotoxins: the t(s)(open) for the SRE-channels was much larger than that for SSA-channels. An energetic diagram with two non-conducting states illustrating the formation of the small channel is proposed to explain the voltage independence of the kinetic parameters. The probability for synchronous functioning of small channels with SSA was higher than that with SRE. To analyse the role of the clusters in the biological activities of SRE and SSA, we estimated the cluster contribution to a net transmembrane currents to be 60 and 90%, respectively.

[Interaction between filamentous actin and lipid bilayer causes the increase of syringomycin E channel-forming activity]

The effect of filamentous (F) actin on the channel-forming activity of syringomycin E (SRE) in negatively charged and uncharged bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) was studied. F-actin did not affect the membrane conductance in the absence of SRE. No changes in SRE-induced membrane conductance were observed when the above agents were added to the same side of BLM. However, the opposite side addition of F-actin and SRE provokes a multiple increase in membrane conductance. The similar voltage dependence of membrane conductance, equal values of single channel conductance and the effective gating charge of the channels upon F-actin action suggests that the actin-dependent increase in BLM conductance may result from an increase in the number of opened SRE-channels. BLM conductance kinetics depends on the sequence of SRE and F-actin addition, suggesting that actin-dependent rise of conductance may be induced by BLM structural changes that follow F-actin adsorption. F-actin exerted similar effect on membrane conductance of both negatively charged and uncharged bilayers, as well as on conductance of BLM with high ionic strength bathing solution, suggesting the major role for hydrophobic interactions in F-actin adsorption on lipid bilayer.

Kinetics of opening and closure of syringomycin E channels formed in lipid bilayers

A cyclic lipodepsipeptide, syringomycin E (SME), incorporated into planar lipid membranes forms two types of channels ("small" and "large") different in their conductance by approximately a factor of six (Biophys. J. 74:2918-2925 (1998)). We analysed the dynamics of the SME-induced transmembrane current under voltage-clamp conditions to clarify the mechanisms of formation of these channels. The voltage-dependent opening/closure of SME channels in lipid bilayers are interpreted in terms of transitions between three types of clusters including 6-7 SME molecules and some lipid molecules. The initial cluster, the precursor of the other two, was in equilibrium with SME monomer molecules at the membrane surface. The other two types of clusters (State 1 and State 2) were formed from the precursor and also during their interconversions (the consecutive-parallel mechanism of transitions). State 1 was a non-conducting state in equilibrium with small channels, which partially determined the ionic conductance of lipid bilayers modified by SME. State 2 corresponded to large SME channels, major contributors to the conductance of a bilayer. The results of the theoretical analysis based on the chemical kinetics concepts were consistent with experimental observations. Such properties of the SME-induced channels as cluster organisation, voltage dependence and the existence of a non-conducting state are all features shared by many ion channels in biological membranes. This makes it possible to use SME channels as a model to study naturally occurring ion channels.

Membrane-permeabilizing activities of cyclic lipodepsipeptides, syringopeptin 22A and syringomycin E from Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae in human red blood cells and in bilayer lipid membranes

The pore-forming activities of cyclic lipodepsipeptides (CLPs), syringopeptin 22A (SP22A) and syringomycin E (SRE) were compared on the human red blood cell (RBC) membrane and on bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs). SP22A above a concentration of 4 x 10(5) molecules/cell significantly increased the RBC membrane permeability for 86Rb. With electric current measurements on BLM, it was proved that like SRE, the SP22A formed two types of ion channels in the membrane, small and large, the latter having six times larger conductance and longer dwell time. Both CLPs formed clusters consisting of six small channels, and the channel-forming activity of SP22A is about one order of magnitude higher than that of SRE. A Hill coefficient of 2-3 estimated from the concentration dependence of these CLPs-induced lysis gave a proof of the pore oligomerization on RBCs. Transport kinetic data also confirmed that SP22A pores were oligomers of at least three monomers. While SRE pores were inactivated in time, no pore inactivation was observed with SP22A. The 86Rb efflux through SP22A-treated RBCs approached the tracer equilibrium distribution with a constant rate; a constant integral current was measured on the BLM for as long as 2.5 h as well. The partition coefficient (Kp = 2 x 10(4) l/mol) between the RBC membrane and the extracellular space was estimated for SRE to be at least six times higher than that for SP22A. This finding suggested that the higher ion permeability of the SP22A-treated cells compared to that of SRE was the result of the higher pore-forming activity of SP22A.

Requirement of sphingolipid alpha-hydroxylation for fungicidal action of syringomycin E

Syringomycin E is an antifungal cyclic lipodepsinonapeptide produced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. To understand the mechanism of action of syringomycin E, a novel resistant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, BW7, was isolated and characterized. Lipid analyses revealed that BW7 contained only the hydrophobic subspecies of sphingolipids that are normally minor components in wild type strains. This aberrant sphingolipid composition was the result of lack of alpha-hydroxylation of the amide-linked very long chain fatty acids, suggesting a defective sphingolipid alpha-hydroxylase encoded by the FAH1 gene. A yeast strain that lacks the FAH1 gene was resistant to syringomycin E, and failed to complement BW7. These results demonstrate that BW7 carries a mutation in the FAH1 gene, and that the lack of alpha-hydroxylated very long chain fatty acids in yeast sphingolipids confers resistance to syringomycin E.

Effect of temperature on the formation and inactivation of syringomycin E pores in human red blood cells and bimolecular lipid membranes

The effects of temperature on the formation and inactivation of syringomycin E (SRE) pores were investigated with human red blood cells (RBCs) and lipid bilayer membranes (BLMs). SRE enhanced the RBC membrane permeability of 86Rb and monomeric hemoglobin in a temperature dependent manner. The kinetics of 86Rb and hemoglobin effluxes were measured at different temperatures and pore formation was found to be only slightly affected, while inactivation was strongly influenced by temperature. At 37 degrees C, SRE pore inactivation began 15 min after and at 20 degrees C, 40 min after SRE addition. At 6 degrees C, below the phase transition temperature of the major lipid components of the RBC membrane, no inactivation occurred for as long as 90 min. With BLMs, SRE induced a large current that remained stable at 14 degrees C, but at 23 degrees C it decreased over time while the single channel conductance and dwell time did not change. The results show that the temperature dependent inactivation of SRE pores is due to a decrease in the number of open pores.

Syringomycin E inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: requirement for biosynthesis of sphingolipids with very-long-chain fatty acids and mannose- and phosphoinositol-containing head groups

Syringomycin E is an antifungal cyclic lipodepsinonapeptide that inhibits the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by interaction with the plasma membrane. A screen conducted to find the yeast genes necessary for its fungicidal action identified two novel syringomycin E response genes, SYR3 and SYR4. A syr3 mutant allele was complemented by ELO2 and ELO3. These genes encode enzymes that catalyze the elongation of sphingolipid very long chain fatty acids. Tetrad analysis showed that SYR3 was ELO2. Strains with deletions of SYR3/ELO2 and ELO3 were resistant to syringomycin E, and lipid analyses of both mutants revealed shortened fatty acid chains and lower levels of sphingolipids. SYR4 was identified by Tn5 inactivation of genomic library plasmids that complemented a syr4 mutant allele. SYR4 was found to be identical to IPT1, which encodes the terminal sphingolipid biosynthetic enzyme, mannosyl-diinositolphosphoryl-ceramide synthase. Deletion Deltasyr4/ipt1 strains were viable, were resistant to syringomycin E, did not produce mannosyl-diinositolphosphoryl-ceramide, and accumulated mannosyl-inositolphosphoryl-ceramide. Accumulation of mannosyl-inositolphosphoryl-ceramide was not responsible for resistance since a temperature-sensitive secretory pathway mutant (sec14-3(ts)) accumulated this sphingolipid and was sensitive to syringomycin E. Finally, Deltacsg1/sur1 and Deltacsg2 strains defective in the transfer of mannose to inositolphosphoryl-ceramide were resistant to syringomycin E. These findings show that syringomycin E growth inhibition of yeast is promoted by the production of sphingolipids with fully elongated fatty acid chains and the mannosyl and terminal phosphorylinositol moieties of the polar head group.

Analysis of phosphoinositides in protein trafficking

Phosphoinositides are key regulators of vesicle-mediated protein trafficking. Their roles include recruiting vesicle coat and effector proteins to the site of budding and promoting vesicle fusion. The intracellular levels of phosphoinositides and their localization to intracellular membranes are critical to their functions. An analytical procedure was developed that optimizes the recovery of radiolabeled cellular phosphoinositides. Quantitative analyses of yeast cellular phosphoinositides indicated that this approach is useful for examining the intracellular membrane phosphoinositide compositions related to trafficking phenomena. The approach will also enable investigators to determine whole-plant phosphoinositide compositions that have been difficult to achieve in the past. These analytical advances should be generally applicable to studies of phosphoinositide dynamics related to membrane trafficking in yeast, plant, and animal cells.

Direct involvement of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate in secretion in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The SEC14 gene encodes an essential phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) transfer protein required for formation of Golgi-derived secretory vesicles in yeast. Suppressor mutations that rescue temperature-sensitive sec14 mutants provide an approach for determining the role of Sec14p in secretion. One suppressor, sac1-22, causes accumulation of PtdIns(4)P. SAC1 encodes a phosphatase that can hydrolyze PtdIns(4)P and certain other phosphoinositides. These findings suggest that PtdIns(4)P is limiting in sec14 cells and that elevation of PtdIns(4)P production can suppress the secretory defect. Correspondingly, we found that PtdIns(4)P levels were decreased significantly in sec14-3 mutants shifted to 37 degrees C and that sec14-3 cells could grow at an otherwise nonpermissive temperature (34 degrees C) when carrying a plasmid overexpressing PIK1, encoding one of two essential PtdIns 4-kinases. This effect is specific because overexpression of the other PtdIns 4-kinase gene (STT4) or a PtdIns 3-kinase gene (VPS34) did not rescue sec14-3 cells. To further address Pik1p function in secretion, two different pik1(ts) mutants were examined. Upon shift to restrictive temperature (37 degrees C), the PtdIns(4)P levels dropped by about 60% in both pik1(ts) strains within 1 h. During the same period, cells displayed a reduction (40-50%) in release of a secreted enzyme (invertase). However, similar treatment did not effect maturation of a vacuolar enzyme (carboxypeptidase Y). These findings indicate that, first, PtdIns(4)P limitation is a major contributing factor to the secretory defect in sec14 cells; second, Sec14p function is coupled to the action of Pik1p, and; third, PtdIns(4)P has an important role in the Golgi-to-plasma membrane stage of secretion.

Properties of ionic channels formed by the antibiotic syringomycin E in lipid bilayers: dependence on the electrolyte concentration in the bathing solution

Using the planar lipid bilayer technique, organization of ionic channels formed by the lipodepsipeptide antibiotic syringomycin E applied to one (cis) side of a lipid bilayer was studied. Low concentrations of NaCl (0.01-0.1 M) induced the opening and closing of two types of channels - "small" and "large". The large channels had single channel conductances approximately six times greater than those of the small channels. An increase in the NaCl concentration (0.6-1.0 M) decreased almost completely the chance to reveal the large channels. Although the syringomycin channels exhibited the anion selectivity within the entire range of NaCl concentrations in the bathing solutions (from 0.001 to 1.0 M) whereas the concentration gradients across the bilayers were 2 and 4, the transfer numbers for Cl-decreased with an increase in the mean NaCl concentration (from 0.83 for 0.005 M to 0.70 for 0.5 M). Moreover, at each mean value of NaCl concentration, all conductance levels had the same ion selectivity (identical reversal potential). These results suggest that at low NaCl concentrations the large channels are clusters of small channels which synchronously open and close, while at high electrolyte concentrations the screening of the charged groups responsible for channel interactions prevents the cluster formation. A new theoretical approach for the estimation of the channel radius and the number of elementary charges located at its inner surface (based on the experimental curve of the dependence of transfer number on the NaCl concentration) was developed. Based on this theoretical approach, the channel radius equal to 1 nm and one elementary charge located at its inner surface were obtained.

SEC14-dependent secretion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nondependence on sphingolipid synthesis-coupled diacylglycerol production

The SEC14 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a phosphatidylinositol transfer protein required for secretory protein movement from the Golgi. Mutation of SAC1, a gene of unknown function, restores secretory flow in sec14-1(ts) strains. The existing model for the bypass of the sec14-1(ts) defect by sac1-22 involves stimulation of sphingolipid biosynthesis and, in particular, the synthesis of mannosyl-diinositolphosphoryl-ceramide with concomitant increases in Golgi diacylglycerol levels. To test this model, we disrupted IPT1, the mannosyl-diinositolphosphoryl-ceramide synthase of S. cerevisiae. Disruption of the IPT1 gene had no effect on the ability of sac1-22 to bypass sec14-1(ts). Furthermore, sphingolipid analysis of sec14-1(ts) and sec14-1(ts) sac1-22 strains showed that mannosyl-diinositolphosphoryl-ceramide synthesis was not stimulated in the bypass mutant. However, the sec14-1(ts) strain had elevated mannosyl-monoinositolphosphoryl-ceramide levels, and the sec14-1(ts) sac1-22 strain showed an 8-fold increase in phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate along with a decrease in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. Cellular diacylglycerol levels, measured by [14C]acetate incorporation, did not differ between the sec14-1(ts) and the sec14-1 sac1-22 bypass strains, although disruption of IPT1 in the bypass strain resulted in reduced levels. These data indicate that phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate, rather than mannosyl-diinositolphosphoryl-ceramide, accumulates in the sec14-1(ts) sac1-22 bypass strain, and that Golgi diacylglycerol accumulation is not required for bypass of the sec14-1(ts) growth and secretory phenotypes.

Role of ergosterol in growth inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by syringomycin E

The antifungal activity of the lipodepsipeptide syringomycin E from Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae is modulated by sterols. To study the requirement of the predominant fungal sterol, ergosterol, in syringomycin E action, the sterol composition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae sterol auxotroph strain FY-14 was modified and sensitivity to syringomycin E examined. Cells containing solely ergosterol, cholesterol, beta-sitosterol or stigmasterol were sensitive to syringomycin E with the latter two being the most sensitive. Cells containing growth-promoting cholesterol were the most sensitive and those with growth-promoting ergosterol the least sensitive. It is concluded that sensitivity to syringomycin E is modulated by growth-promoting sterols and does not necessarily require ergosterol.

Membrane sterol composition modulates the pore forming activity of syringomycin E in human red blood cells

The effect of lipopeptide antifungal agent, syringomycin E (SRE) on the membrane permeability of human red blood cells (RBCs) was studied. SRE added to RBCs above a concentration of 2x106 molecules/cell (50 microgram/ml RBCs) caused a rapid and concentration dependent lysis of a small subpopulation of RBCs; the extent of this lysis remained unchanged as long as 100 min. During this time period the membranes of the unlysed cells had enhanced permeability for ions which was monitored by direct measurement of 86Rb flux. Both the extent of cell lysis and ion transport rate showed linear relationships with SRE concentration demonstrating a random distribution of SRE molecules in red blood cells. The kinetics of the 86Rb efflux suggested pore formation by syringomycin E. The pores had discrete life times and were eventually inactivated. The pores were also a pathway for efflux of monomeric haemoglobin. Alteration of the membrane sterol composition, i.e. depletion of cholesterol by 50% or partial ergosterol substitution of the cholesterol increased the SRE induced membrane permeability for 86Rb by two orders compared to membranes with unaltered sterol composition. This modification of the sterol composition promotes the pore forming activity of this lipopeptide in the membrane.

Efficacy of syringomycin E in a murine model of vaginal candidiasis

Syringomycin E (SR-E), a new antifungal produced by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, was evaluated in a murine vaginal candidiasis model. In one study, mice were treated intravaginally b.i.d. for 4 days with drug carrier, SR-E 2% in either PEG-400 or PEG-ointment, or 1% clotrimazole as a positive control. Quantitative vaginal cultures were taken prior to treatment on day 1 and on days 5, 6, and 7. Both formulations showed a reduction of yeast colonization in the vaginas on day 5 (P< or =0.06 and P< or =0.03 for SR-E/PEG-400 and SR-E/PEG ointment, respectively) and SR-E/PEG ointment reduced the colonization on day 7 (P< or =0.06) when compared to carrier treated controls. In a second study, SR-E was formulated in Aquaphor at three higher concentrations of SR-E [3%, 6%, or 12% (w/v)]. SR-E showed dose-dependent efficacy. The 3% dose showed no effect while the 6% and 12% doses reduced the number of yeasts. The 12% dose showed a significant reduction on days 5 (P< or =0.01), 6 (P< or =0.06), and 7 (P< or =0.03) when compared with the drug carrier controls and on day 5 was more effective than clotrimazole (P< or =0.03). Clotrimazole did not significantly reduce the yeasts in the vagina until days 6 (P< or =0.01) and 7 (P< or =0.01) when compared to the drug carrier controls. No vaginal inflammatory response was evident by histological examination in uninfected animals treated with SR-E. No SR-E could be detected in plasma, kidney, or liver. SR-E (12%) was an effective treatment when compared to 1% clotrimazole.

Cluster organization of ion channels formed by the antibiotic syringomycin E in bilayer lipid membranes

The cyclic lipodepsipeptide, syringomycin E, when incorporated into planar lipid bilayer membranes, forms two types of channels (small and large) that are different in conductance by a factor of sixfold. To discriminate between a cluster organization-type channel structure and other possible different structures for the two channel types, their ionic selectivity and pore size were determined. Pore size was assessed using water-soluble polymers. Ion selectivity was found to be essentially the same for both the small and large channels. Their reversal (zero current) potentials with the sign corresponding to anionic selectivity did not differ by more than 3 mV at a twofold electrolyte gradient across the bilayer. Reduction in the single-channel conductance induced by poly(ethylene glycol)s of different molecular weights demonstrated that the aqueous pore sizes of the small and large channels did not differ by more than 2% and were close to 1 nm. Based on their virtually identical selectivity and size, we conclude that large syringomycin E channels are clusters of small ones exhibiting synchronous opening and closing.

Syringomycin action gene SYR2 is essential for sphingolipid 4-hydroxylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene SYR2, necessary for growth inhibition by the cyclic lipodepsipeptide syringomycin E, is shown to be required for 4-hydroxylation of long chain bases in sphingolipid biosynthesis. Four lines of support for this conclusion are presented: (a) the predicted Syr2p shows sequence similarity to diiron-binding membrane enzymes involved in oxygen-dependent modifications of hydrocarbon substrates, (b) yeast strains carrying a disrupted SYR2 allele produced sphingoid long chain bases lacking the 4-hydroxyl group present in wild type strains, (c) 4-hydroxylase activity was increased in microsomes prepared from a SYR2 overexpression strain, and (d) the syringomycin E resistance phenotype of a syr2 mutant strain was suppressed when grown under conditions in which exogenous 4-hydroxysphingoid long chain bases were incorporated into sphingolipids. The syr2 strain produced wild type levels of sphingolipids, substantial levels of hydroxylated very long chain fatty acids, and the full complement of normal yeast sphingolipid head groups. These results show that the SYR2 gene is required for the 4-hydroxylation reaction of sphingolipid long chain bases, that this hydroxylation is not essential for growth, and that the 4-hydroxyl group of sphingolipids is necessary for syringomycin E action on yeast.

The effect of sterols on the sensitivity of membranes to the channel-forming antifungal antibiotic, syringomycin E

The ability of three sterols of different structure to influence the interaction of syringomycin E (an antifungal antibiotic that forms voltage dependent channels in planar lipid bilayers) with a planar lipid bilayer was evaluated. The rate of increase of bilayer conductance induced by syringomycin E was about 1000-times less in bilayers containing 50 mol% of cholesterol compared to bilayers without sterols. The effect of ergosterol (the primary sterol of fungal cells) on the sensitivity of bilayers to syringomycin E was much weaker than that of cholesterol, while stigmasterol (one of the main sterols of plant cells) did not significantly influence the ability of syringomycin E to induce a conductance increase in the bilayer. None of the sterols altered the single channel conductance properties of syringomycin E. These observations suggest that cholesterol affects the sensitivity of target membranes to syringomycin E by enlarging the energy barrier for channel formation rather than participating in channel formation itself.

In vitro antifungal and fungicidal activities and erythrocyte toxicities of cyclic lipodepsinonapeptides produced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae

Recent increases in fungal infections, the few available antifungal drugs, and increasing fungal resistance to the available antifungal drugs have resulted in a broadening of the search for new antifungal agents. Strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae produce cyclic lipodepsinonapeptides with antifungal activity. The in vitro antifungal and fungicidal activities of three cyclic lipodepsinonapeptides (syringomycin E, syringotoxin B, and syringostatin A) against medically important isolates were evaluated by a standard broth microdilution susceptibility method. Erythrocyte toxicities were also evaluated. All three compounds showed broad antifungal activities and fungicidal actions against most of the fungi tested. Overall, the cyclic lipodepsinonapeptides were more effective against yeasts than against the filamentous fungi. Syringomycin E and syringostatin A had very similar antifungal activities (2.5 to > 40 micrograms/ml) and erythrocyte toxicities. Syringotoxin B was generally less active (0.8 to 200 micrograms/ml) than syringomycin E and syringostatin A against most fungi and was less toxic to erythrocytes. With opportunities for modification, these compounds are potential lead compounds for improved antifungal agents.

Suppression of mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation by syringomycin-E

Syringomycin E (SR-E) is a low molecular weight bacterial lipodepsipeptide with antifungal properties. Owing to immunosuppressive activities of such compounds as cyclosporine, FK506 and rapamycin, we studied the effect of SR-E on proliferation of human blood lymphocytes in vitro. SR-E, by itself, had no effect but the mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation was significantly suppressed. The suppressive effect was more pronounced with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) as compared to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or monoclonal antibody to CD3 (anti-CD3). Since these mitogens induce cellular immunity (T cell-dependent), SR-E may potentially be a novel immunosuppressive compound.

Properties of voltage-gated ion channels formed by syringomycin E in planar lipid bilayers

Using the planar lipid bilayer technique we demonstrate that the lipodepsipeptide antibiotic, syringomycin E, forms voltage-sensitive ion channels of weak anion selectivity. The formation of channels in bilayers made from dioleoylglycerophosphatidylserine doped with syringomycin E at one side (1-40 micrograms/ml) was greatly affected by cis-positive voltage. A change of voltage from a positive to a negative value resulted in (i) an abrupt increase in the single channel conductance (the rate of increase was voltage dependent) simultaneous with (ii) a closing of these channels and an exponential decrease in macroscopic conductance over time. The strong voltage dependence of multichannel steady state conductance, the single channel conductance, the rate of opening of channels at positive voltages and closing them at negative voltages, as well as the observed abrupt increase of single channel conductance after voltage sign reversal suggest that the change of the transmembrane field induces a significant rearrangement of syringomycin E channels, including a change in the spacing of charged groups that function as voltage sensors. The conductance induced by syringomycin E increased with the sixth power of syringomycin E concentration suggesting that at least six monomers are required for channel formation.

Saprophytic Pseudomonas syringae strain M1 of wheat produces cyclic lipodepsipeptides

A saprophytic fluorescent bacterium (strain M1) isolated from wheat was identified as Pseudomonas syringae and shown to produce the cyclic lipodepsipeptides, syringomycin E and syringopeptin SP25A. M1 grew in planta but did not affect germination or cause disease symptoms in wheat. The findings show that the production of these metabolites, generally regarded as plant virulence factors, does not correlate with plant pathogenicity.

Structural analysis of new syringopeptins by tandem mass spectrometry

New syringopeptins SP(SC)-1 and -2 were isolated from culture filtrates of phytopathogenic bacterium strain SC1 of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. These syringopeptins were composed of a beta-hydroxy fatty acid, a long sequence of aliphatic amino acids. and a lactone moiety of eight amino acids. The amino acid sequences were deduced from a comparison of their tandem mass sepctra with those of known syringopeptins SP-22a and SP-25a. SP(SC)-1 and SP(SC)-2 resembled SP-22a, but differed from the latter by 3 amino acids.

The physiological roles of membrane ergosterol as revealed by the phenotypes of syr1/erg3 null mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ergosterol is a major sterol component of fungal plasma membranes. The effects of disrupting the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SYR1/ERG3 gene, which encodes sterol C-5 desaturase, an enzyme of ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, were markedly different for different S. cerevisiae strains and growth temperatures. The null mutation of SYR1 (delta syr1) in strain RAY-3A had only a slight effect on the growth rate at 28 degrees C. However, at this temperature, the same mutation caused poor growth in strain KA-311A and no growth in strain W303-1A. The delta syr1 disruptant of these strains were able to grow at 37 degrees C, as well as their parental strains. Moreover, the growth of the delta syr1 disruptant of W303-1A and KA-311A strains were severely inhibited at 16 degrees C. These results indicated that ergosterol is essential for growth at low temperatures, and the effects of the gene disruption are variable by the genetic background. The growth defect at low temperatures appeared to be due to the defect of tryptophan uptake in the delta syr1 mutants. The delta syr1 mutants were sensitive to a wide variety of drugs, chemicals, and ions, suggesting that yeast ergosterol is important as permeability barrier against various chemical stresses.

Other lipopeptides

Several authors' changes should have been included in the response by D. B. Wheeler et al. to the technical comment "Identification of calcium channels that control neurosecretion" (4 Nov., p. 830). A sentence reading, "Comparisons with experiments using higher concentrations of carrier protein (1.0 mg/mL) revealed no significant differences in the rate of efficacy of omega-Aga-IVA action" should have been inserted before the last sentence in the legend of figure 1. The measure "30 nM" (not 20 nM) should have appeared 19 lines from the bottom of the last column on page 830. The second-to-last sentence in that paragraph should read, "Increasing the duration of exposure to 30 nM omega-Aga-IVA from 20 min (1) to 45 min revealed significant inhibition of synaptic transmission (n = 9)." Reference "(15)" (not 16) should have appeared seven lines from the top of the first column on page 831.

Yeast genes involved in growth inhibition by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae syringomycin family lipodepsipeptides

Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes encoding functions necessary for inhibition by the Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae cyclic lipodepsipeptide, syringomycin-E, were identified by mutant analyses. Syringomycin-E-resistant mutants were isolated, shown to contain single recessive mutations, and divided into eight gene complementation groups. Representative strains from five groups were resistant to nystatin, and deficient in the plasma membrane lipid, ergosterol. All of the mutant strains were resistant to the related cyclic lipodepsipeptides, syringotoxin and syringostatin. The findings show that: 1) at least eight gene-encoded functions participate in the inhibitory response to syringomycin; 2) ergosterol is important for this response; 3) the three related lipodepsipeptides have similar modes of action.

Protection by sterols against the cytotoxicity of syringomycin in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A brief exposure (ca 20 min) of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the phytotoxin syringomycin was sufficient to kill the cell. The protective effect of sterols against this cytotoxicity of syringomycin was investigated. Syringomycin was much more toxic to growing cells than to stationary-phase cells. The cytotoxicity of syringomycin was reduced in an environment containing sterols. Cytotoxicity of syringomycin at 3 micrograms ml-1 (ca 2.5 microM) was completely abolished by the simultaneous presence of 10 microM-cholesterol in the medium. Cholesterol acetate had no protective effect. Ergosterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol also protected against syringomycin, but they were less effective than cholesterol. The protective effect of sterols against the action of syringomycin is consistent with our hypothesis that membrane ergosterol is a critical component for syringomycin-binding as suggested by recent genetic studies.

Syringomycin-Stimulated Phosphorylation of the Plasma Membrane H-ATPase from Red Beet Storage Tissue

The syringomycin-stimulated in vitro protein phosphorylation of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase of red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) storage tissue was investigated. Peptides representing the H(+)-ATPase N and C termini and nucleotide binding site (P-2, P-3, and P-1, respectively) were synthesized, and rabbit antisera against each were produced. In western immunoblots of purified plasma membranes, these antisera immunoreacted with the 100-kilodalton polypeptide of the H(+)-ATPase and with other smaller polypeptides. The smaller polypeptides appeared to be degraded forms of the intact 100-kilodalton polypeptide. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that plasma membranes treated with syringomycin had increased protein phosphorylation rates of the 100-kilodalton polypeptide. Optimal phosphorylation levels were achieved with 25 micromolar free Ca(2+). Phosphoserine and phosphothreonine were detected in the immunoprecipitates. Washed immunoprecipitates generated with anti-P-1 possessed protein phosphorylation activity. This immunoprecipitate activity was not stimulated by syringomycin, but it was inhibited when plasma membranes were treated with sodium deoxycholate before immunoprecipitation. The findings show that syringomycin stimulates the phosphorylation of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase and that specific protein kinase(s) are probably associated with the enzyme.

The structure of syringomycins A1, E and G

By a combination of 1D and 2D 1H- and 13C-NMR, FAB-MS, and chemical and enzymatic reactions carried out at the milligram level, it has been demonstrated that syringomycin E, the major phytotoxic antibiotic produced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, is a new lipodepsipeptide. Its amino acid sequence is Ser-Ser-Dab-Dab-Arg-Phe-Dhb-4(Cl)Thr-3(OH)Asp with the beta-carboxy group of the C-terminal residue closing a macrocyclic ring on the OH group of the N-terminal Ser, which in turn is N-acylated by 3-hydroxydodecanoic acid. Syringomycins A1 and G, two other metabolites of the same bacterium, differ from syringomycin E only in their fatty acid moieties corresponding, respectively, to 3-hydroxydecanoic and 3-hydroxytetradecanoic acid.

Syringomycin, a bacterial phytotoxin, closes stomata

The effects of the bacterial phytotoxin, syringomycin, on stomata were investigated using detached leaves of Xanthium strumarium and isolated epidermes of Vicia faba. Syringomycin is known to cause K(+) efflux in fungal and higher plant cells. Doses of syringomycin as low as 0.3 unit per square centimeter (about 0.88 pmole per square centimeter) resulted in measurable stomatal closure when applied through the transpiration stream of detached leaves; higher doses produced larger reductions in stomatal conductance. Stomatal apertures of isolated epidermes were also reduced by low concentrations (3.2 units per milliliter; 10(-8) molar) of syringomycin. The effects of syringomycin were similar to those of ABA. Both compounds closed stomata at a similar rate and at similar concentrations. In addition, neither compound significantly affected the relationship between photosynthesis and intercellular CO(2) based on data taken after stomatal conductance had stabilized following the treatment. It is possible that syringomycin and ABA activate the same K(+) export system in guard cells, and syringomycin may be a valuable tool for studying the molecular basis of ABA effects on guard cells.

31P-NMR evidence for cytoplasmic acidification and phosphate extrusion in syringomycin-treated cells of Rhodotorula pilimanae

31P-NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the effects of the phytotoxin, syringomycin, on phosphate metabolism and intracellular pH changes in the yeast Rhodotorula pilimanae. Syringomycin, at levels between 20 and 60 units per 10(8) cells, caused a cellular efflux of orthophosphate. At 40 and 60 unit per 10(8) cells, the efflux was accompanied by a decrease in polyphosphate and an acidification of the cytoplasm. At low temperatures (5 degrees C) and with 75 units per 10(8) cells, these effects were more rapid and pronounced. The efflux of phosphate was confirmed by chemically assaying extracellular phosphate after syringomycin treatment.

Localization of reaction center and B800-850 antenna pigment proteins in membranes of Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The localization of the N- and C-terminal regions of pigment-binding polypeptides of the bacterial photosynthetic apparatus of Rhodobacter sphaeroides was investigated by proteinase K treatment of chromatophore and spheroplast-derived vesicles and amino acid sequence determination. Under conditions of proteinase K treatment of chromatophores, which left the in vivo absorption spectrum and the membrane intact, 15 and 46 amino acyl residues from the N-terminal regions of the L and M subunits, respectively, of the reaction center polypeptides were removed. The N termini are therefore exposed on the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane. The C-terminal domain of the light-harvesting B800-850 alpha and B870 alpha polypeptides was found to be exposed on the periplasmic surface of the membrane. A total of 9 and 13 amino acyl residues were cleaved from the B800-850 alpha and B870 alpha polypeptides, respectively, when spheroplasts were treated with proteinase K. The N-terminal regions of the alpha polypeptides were not digested in either membrane preparation and were apparently protected from proteolytic attack. Seven N-terminal amino acyl residues of the B800-850 beta polypeptide were removed after the digestion of chromatophores. C-terminal residues were not removed after the digestion of chromatophores or spheroplasts. The C termini seem to be protected from protease attack by interaction with the membrane. Therefore, the N-terminal regions of the beta polypeptides are exposed on the cytoplasmic membrane surface. The C termini of the beta polypeptides are believed to point to the periplasmic space.

Transverse membrane topography of the B875 light-harvesting polypeptides of wild-type Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Purified B875 light-harvesting complex, chromatophores, and spheroplast-derived vesicles from wild-type Rhodobacter sphaeroides were treated with proteinase K or trypsin, and the alpha and beta polypeptides were analyzed by electrophoretic, immunochemical, and protein-sequencing methods. With the purified complex, proteinase K digested both polypeptides and completely eliminated the A875 peak. Trypsin digested the alpha polypeptide and reduced the A875 by 50%. Proteinase K cleaved the beta polypeptide of chromatophores and the alpha polypeptide of spheroplast-derived vesicles. Sequence analyses of polypeptides extracted from proteinase K-treated chromatophores revealed that the beta polypeptide was cleaved between amino acids 4 and 5 from the N terminus. The N terminus of the alpha polypeptide was intact. We concluded that the N terminus of the beta polypeptide is exposed on the cytoplasmic membrane surface, and the difference in the digestion patterns between the spheroplast-derived vesicles and chromatophores suggested that the C terminus of the alpha polypeptide is exposed on the periplasmic surface.

Mechanism of Action of Pseudomonas syringae Phytotoxin, Syringomycin : Stimulation of Red Beet Plasma Membrane ATPase Activity

Syringomycin, a peptide toxin produced by the phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv syringae preferentially stimulated (2-fold) the vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity associated with the plasma membrane of red beet storage tissue. The toxin had a very slight effect on the tonoplast ATPase and had no detectable effect on the mitochondrial ATPase. Optimal stimulation was achieved with 10 to 50 micrograms of syringomycin per 25 micrograms of membrane protein. Treatment of membranes with 0.1% (weight/volume) deoxycholate eliminated the activation effect, and enzyme solubilized with Zwittergent 3-14 was not affected by syringomycin. ATPase activity was activated to the same extent at KCl concentrations ranging from 0 to 50 millimolar. Valinomycin, nigericin, carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, and gramicidin did not increase the plasma membrane ATPase activity. However, these ionophores did not hinder the ability of syringomycin to stimulate the activity. We suggest that syringomycin does not increase ATPase activity by altering membrane ion gradients nor directly interacting with the enzyme, but possibly through regulatory effectors or covalent modification of the enzyme.

Mechanism of action of Pseudomonas syringae phytotoxin, syringomycin. Interaction with the plasma membrane of wild-type and respiratory-deficient strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The effects of the phytotoxin, syringomycin, produced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, were examined on cells of a wild-type and a respiratory-deficient (rho0) mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The growth of both strains in liquid culture was inhibited by 0.5 micrograms syringomycin per ml and higher. Uptake rates of tetraphenylphosphonium and dimethyloxazolidine ions in cell suspensions of both strains increased when 1.5 micrograms per ml syringomycin was added. These responses were kinetically and quantitatively similar in the two strains and indicated increases in electrical potential (cell interior negative) and pH differences (cell interior alkaline) across the plasma membrane. Glucose (0.1 M) enhanced the effect on the electrical potential, was required for the pH changes, and increased the cellular ATP levels. These results show that the effects of syringomycin are energy-dependent and are due to alterations of plasma membrane and not to mitochondrial function.

Photoaffinity labeling of an antimycin-binding site in Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

Tritium-labeled 3-azidosalicyl-N-(n-octadecyl)amide was synthesized and used as a photoaffinity probe for the antimycin-binding site in both purified ubiquinone-cytochrome b-c1 oxidoreductase and chromatophore vesicles from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. In both systems, a prominently labeled protein had a molecular weight of 11,000. Binding to this protein was inhibited by preincubation of the reaction mixture with antimycin prior to addition of the radioactive analog and subsequent irradiation. The antimycin analog, 3-azidosalicyl-N-(n-octadecyl)amide, inhibited succinate-cytochrome c reductase activity in chromatophore vesicles by 50% at a concentration of 150 nmols/mg of protein.

Fusion of liposomes and chromatophores of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata: effect on photosynthetic energy transfer between B875 and reaction center complexes

The photosynthetic chromatophore membranes of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata were fused with liposomes to investigate the effects of lipid dilution on energy transfer between the bacteriochlorophyll-protein complexes of this membrane. Phosphatidylcholine-containing liposomes were mixed with chromatophores at pH 6.0 to 6.2, and the mixture was fractionated on discontinuous sucrose gradients into four membrane fractions with lipid-to-protein ratios that varied 11-fold. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed that the fractions contained closed vesicles formed by the fusion of liposomes to chromatophores. Particles with 9-nm diameters on the P fracture faces did not appear to change in size with increasing lipid content, but the number of particles per membrane area decreased proportionally with increases in the lipid-to-protein ratio. The bacteriochlorophyll-to-protein ratios, electrophoretic polypeptide profiles on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, and light-induced absorbance changes at 595 nm caused by photosynthetic reaction centers were not altered by fusion. The relative fluorescence emission intensities due to the B875 light-harvesting complex increased significantly with increasing lipid content, but no increases in fluorescence due to the B800-B850 light-harvesting complex were observed. Electron transport rates, measured as succinate-cytochrome c reductase activities, decreased with increased lipid content. The results indicate an uncoupling of energy transfer between the B875 light-harvesting and reaction center complexes with lipid dilution of the chromatophore membrane.

Phospholipid topography of the photosynthetic membrane of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

The topography of phospholipids in the photosynthetic membranes of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides was investigated by using purified chromatophores and spheroplast-derived vesicles (SDVs). Chromatophores are closed vesicles oriented inside out with respect to the cytoplasmic membrane (cytoplasmic side out) and obtained from French-pressed cell lysates. SDVs are oriented right side out (periplasmic side out) and are obtained after osmotic lysis of lysozyme-treated cells. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) comprised approximately 62% and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) comprised approximately 33% of the total phospholipid of both vesicle preparations. The relatively membrane impermeable reagent trinitrobenzenesulfonate (TNBS) at 3 mM concentration and 5 degrees C modified chromatophore and SDV PE with kinetics indicating the occurrence of fast- and slow-reacting pools of PE. The fast-reacting pools comprised 33% and 55% of the total PE of chromatophores and SDVs, respectively. The slow-reacting pools comprised 61% and 32% of the total PE of chromatophores and SDVs, respectively. Phospholipase A2 treatment of chromatophores (1 unit/mg of vesicle protein) for 1 h at 37 degrees C resulted in hydrolysis of 73% and 77% of the total PG and PE, respectively. Similar enzyme treatment of SDVs resulted in 14% and 60% hydrolysis of the total PG and PE, respectively. Phospholipase A2 treatment inhibited 60% of the succinate dehydrogenase activity of chromatophores but only 8% of the activity of SDVs, indicating the membrane impermeability of phospholipase A2. Incubation of chromatophores for 10 min with 3 mM TNBS at 5 degrees C and then treatment with phospholipase A2 for 10 min and 1 h resulted in the hydrolysis of 10% and 61%, respectively, of unmodified PE. The results indicate asymmetric distributions of PE polar head groups (32-33% cytoplasmic side, 55-61% periplasmic side) and PG (73% cytoplasmic side, 14% periplasmic side) across the membrane. Also, a rapid and unidirectional transbilayer movement of PE polar head groups from the periplasmic to cytoplasmic surfaces of the membrane appears to occur during phospholipase A2 hydrolysis on the chromatophore surfaces.

Membrane topography of the photosynthetic reaction center polypeptides of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

The topography of the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) polypeptides (H, M, and L) was investigated by proteolysis and radioiodination of membrane vesicles isolated from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. Chromatophores, obtained from French-pressed cell lysates, are closed vesicles' and oriented inside out with respect to the cytoplasmic membrane (cytoplasmic side out). Spheroplast-derived vesicles (SDVs), obtained after osmotic lysis of lysozyme-treated cells, are oriented right side in (periplasmic side out). Alpha-Chymotrypsin treatment of chromatophores and trypsin treatment of SDVs resulted in cleavage of H. Alpha-Chymotrypsin treatment of SDVs did not cleave H, and trypsin treatment of chromatophores did not consistently cleave this polypeptide. M and L of both vesicles were apparently not affected by these proteases. The SDV trypsin cleavage product of H was identified by alpha-chymotryptic (125)I-labeled peptide mapping and had a molecular weight of 26 000. Membrane surface radioiodination with chloroglycoluril coated on glass tubes resulted in preferential labeling of H and M of SDVs and chromatophores. The radiospecific activities of H, M, and L were higher with labeling of SDVs as compared to labeling of chromatophores. Alpha-Chymotryptic (125)I-labeled peptide maps of H, M, and L from surface-radioiodinated SDVs differed from the corresponding maps of these polypeptides from surface-radioiodinated chromatophores. The results indicate the asymmetric exposure of H, M, and L on opposite surfaces of the R. sphaeroides membrane. Exposed iodination sites of these polypeptides are more abundant on the periplasmic surface than on the cytoplasmic surface of this membrane.