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Wölflingseder M, Fengler VH, Standhartinger V, Wagner GE, Reidl J. The regulatory network comprising ArcAB-RpoS-RssB influences motility in Vibrio cholerae. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:850-864. [PMID: 38323722 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The diarrheal disease cholera is caused by the versatile and responsive bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is capable of adapting to environmental changes. Among others, the alternative sigma factor RpoS activates response pathways, including regulation of motility- and chemotaxis-related genes under nutrient-poor conditions in V. cholerae. Although RpoS has been well characterised, links between RpoS and other regulatory networks remain unclear. In this study, we identified the ArcAB two-component system to control rpoS transcription and RpoS protein stability in V. cholerae. In a manner similar to that seen in Escherichia coli, the ArcB kinase not only activates the response regulator ArcA but also RssB, the anti-sigma factor of RpoS. Our results demonstrated that, in V. cholerae, RssB is phosphorylated by ArcB, which subsequently activates RpoS proteolysis. Furthermore, ArcA acts as a repressor of rpoS transcription. Additionally, we determined that the cysteine residue at position 180 of ArcB is crucial for signal recognition and activity. Thus, our findings provide evidence linking RpoS response to the anoxic redox control system ArcAB in V. cholerae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Wölflingseder
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Vera H Fengler
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Verena Standhartinger
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gabriel E Wagner
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Joachim Reidl
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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2
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Yaeger LN, French S, Brown ED, Côté JP, Burrows LL. Central metabolism is a key player in E. coli biofilm stimulation by sub-MIC antibiotics. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011013. [PMID: 37917668 PMCID: PMC10645362 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011013] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure of Escherichia coli to sub-inhibitory antibiotics stimulates biofilm formation through poorly characterized mechanisms. Using a high-throughput Congo Red binding assay to report on biofilm matrix production, we screened ~4000 E. coli K12 deletion mutants for deficiencies in this biofilm stimulation response. We screened using three different antibiotics to identify core components of the biofilm stimulation response. Mutants lacking acnA, nuoE, or lpdA failed to respond to sub-MIC cefixime and novobiocin, implicating central metabolism and aerobic respiration in biofilm stimulation. These genes are members of the ArcA/B regulon-controlled by a respiration-sensitive two-component system. Mutants of arcA and arcB had a 'pre-activated' phenotype, where biofilm formation was already high relative to wild type in vehicle control conditions, and failed to increase further with the addition of sub-MIC cefixime. Using a tetrazolium dye and an in vivo NADH sensor, we showed spatial co-localization of increased metabolic activity with sub-lethal concentrations of the bactericidal antibiotics cefixime and novobiocin. Supporting a role for respiratory stress, the biofilm stimulation response to cefixime and novobiocin was inhibited when nitrate was provided as an alternative electron acceptor. Deletion of a gene encoding part of the machinery for respiring nitrate abolished its ameliorating effects, and nitrate respiration increased during growth with sub-MIC cefixime. Finally, in probing the generalizability of biofilm stimulation, we found that the stimulation response to translation inhibitors, unlike other antibiotic classes, was minimally affected by nitrate supplementation, suggesting that targeting the ribosome stimulates biofilm formation in distinct ways. By characterizing the biofilm stimulation response to sub-MIC antibiotics at a systems level, we identified multiple avenues for design of therapeutics that impair bacterial stress management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke N. Yaeger
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn French
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric D. Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean Philippe Côté
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lori L. Burrows
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Brown AN, Anderson MT, Smith SN, Bachman MA, Mobley HLT. Conserved metabolic regulator ArcA responds to oxygen availability, iron limitation, and cell envelope perturbations during bacteremia. mBio 2023; 14:e0144823. [PMID: 37681955 PMCID: PMC10653796 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01448-23] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Infections of the bloodstream are life-threatening and can result in sepsis. Gram-negative bacteria cause a significant portion of bloodstream infections, which is also referred to as bacteremia. The long-term goal of our work is to understand how such bacteria establish and maintain infection during bacteremia. We have previously identified the transcription factor ArcA, which promotes fermentation in bacteria, as a likely contributor to the growth and survival of bacteria in this environment. Here, we study ArcA in the Gram-negative species Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Serratia marcescens. Our findings aid in determining how these bacteria sense their environment, utilize nutrients, and generate energy while countering the host immune system. This information is critical for developing better models of infection to inform future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aric N. Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark T. Anderson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sara N. Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael A. Bachman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Harry L. T. Mobley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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4
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M. The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:106. [PMID: 37420174 PMCID: PMC10401791 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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5
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Cui H, Wang J, Cai X, Feng K, Xie GJ, Liu BF, Xing D. Chemical Pretreatments and Anaerobic Digestion Shape the Virome and Functional Microbiome in Fecal Sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6008-6020. [PMID: 36996193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The decomposition and pathogen inactivation of fecal sludge (FS) are vitally important for safely managing onsite sanitation and protecting public and environmental health. However, the microbiome and virome assemblages in FS after chemical and biological treatments remain unclear. Here, we reported the differences in the solid reduction and microbiomes of FS subjected to potassium ferrate (PF), alkali (ALK), and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) pretreatments and anaerobic digestion (AD). The PF and NaClO pretreatments enhanced FS hydrolysis and pathogen suppression, respectively; AD suppressed Gram-positive bacteria. Most of the viromes were those of bacteriophages, which were also shaped by chemical pretreatments and AD. Metatranscriptome analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns between the PF- and ALK-pretreated FS and the subsequent AD. Differentially expressed gene profiles indicated that genes related to biological processes, molecular functions, and transcriptional regulators were upregulated in ALK-AD and PF-AD samples. These findings suggested that the effect of different treatment technologies on the viral diversity, pathogen abundance, and metabolic function of the core microbiome extends beyond FS decomposition and that the use of combined processes would provide possible alternatives for FS management in pandemic emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Xiaoyu Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Kun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Guo-Jun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Bing-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Defeng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
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Chen J, Byun H, She Q, Liu Z, Ruggeberg KG, Pu Q, Jung IJ, Zhu D, Brockett MR, Hsiao A, Zhu J. S-Nitrosylation of the virulence regulator AphB promotes Vibrio cholerae pathogenesis. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010581. [PMID: 35714156 PMCID: PMC9246220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae is the etiologic agent of the severe human diarrheal disease cholera. To colonize mammalian hosts, this pathogen must defend against host-derived toxic compounds, such as nitric oxide (NO) and NO-derived reactive nitrogen species (RNS). RNS can covalently add an NO group to a reactive cysteine thiol on target proteins, a process called protein S-nitrosylation, which may affect bacterial stress responses. To better understand how V. cholerae regulates nitrosative stress responses, we profiled V. cholerae protein S-nitrosylation during RNS exposure. We identified an S-nitrosylation of cysteine 235 of AphB, a LysR-family transcription regulator that activates the expression of tcpP, which activates downstream virulence genes. Previous studies show that AphB C235 is sensitive to O2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under microaerobic conditions, AphB formed dimer and directly repressed transcription of hmpA, encoding a flavohemoglobin that is important for NO resistance of V. cholerae. We found that tight regulation of hmpA by AphB under low nitrosative stress was important for V. cholerae optimal growth. In the presence of NO, S-nitrosylation of AphB abolished AphB activity, therefore relieved hmpA expression. Indeed, non-modifiable aphBC235S mutants were sensitive to RNS in vitro and drastically reduced colonization of the RNS-rich mouse small intestine. Finally, AphB S-nitrosylation also decreased virulence gene expression via debilitation of tcpP activation, and this regulation was also important for V. cholerae RNS resistance in vitro and in the gut. These results suggest that the modulation of the activity of virulence gene activator AphB via NO-dependent protein S-nitrosylation is critical for V. cholerae RNS resistance and colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiandong Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hyuntae Byun
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Qianxuan She
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zhi Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Karl-Gustav Ruggeberg
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Qinqin Pu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - I-Ji Jung
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Dehao Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mary R. Brockett
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ansel Hsiao
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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7
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Brown AN, Anderson MT, Bachman MA, Mobley HLT. The ArcAB Two-Component System: Function in Metabolism, Redox Control, and Infection. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0011021. [PMID: 35442087 PMCID: PMC9199408 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00110-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ArcAB, also known as the Arc system, is a member of the two-component system family of bacterial transcriptional regulators and is composed of sensor kinase ArcB and response regulator ArcA. In this review, we describe the structure and function of these proteins and assess the state of the literature regarding ArcAB as a sensor of oxygen consumption. The bacterial quinone pool is the primary modulator of ArcAB activity, but questions remain for how this regulation occurs. This review highlights the role of quinones and their oxidation state in activating and deactivating ArcB and compares competing models of the regulatory mechanism. The cellular processes linked to ArcAB regulation of central metabolic pathways and potential interactions of the Arc system with other regulatory systems are also reviewed. Recent evidence for the function of ArcAB under aerobic conditions is challenging the long-standing characterization of this system as strictly an anaerobic global regulator, and the support for additional ArcAB functionality in this context is explored. Lastly, ArcAB-controlled cellular processes with relevance to infection are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aric N. Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark T. Anderson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael A. Bachman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Harry L. T. Mobley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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