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Jarzab M, Skorko-Glonek J. There Are No Insurmountable Barriers: Passage of the Helicobacter pylori VacA Toxin from Bacterial Cytoplasm to Eukaryotic Cell Organelle. MEMBRANES 2023; 14:11. [PMID: 38248700 PMCID: PMC10821523 DOI: 10.3390/membranes14010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a very successful pathogen, one of the most commonly identified causes of bacterial infections in humans worldwide. H. pylori produces several virulence factors that contribute to its persistence in the hostile host habitat and to its pathogenicity. The most extensively studied are cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA). VacA is present in almost all H. pylori strains. As a secreted multifunctional toxin, it assists bacterial colonization, survival, and proliferation during long-lasting infections. To exert its effect on gastric epithelium and other cell types, VacA undergoes several modifications and crosses multiple membrane barriers. Once inside the gastric epithelial cell, VacA disrupts many cellular-signaling pathways and processes, leading mainly to changes in the efflux of various ions, the depolarization of membrane potential, and perturbations in endocytic trafficking and mitochondrial function. The most notable effect of VacA is the formation of vacuole-like structures, which may lead to apoptosis. This review focuses on the processes involved in VacA secretion, processing, and entry into host cells, with a particular emphasis on the interaction of the mature toxin with host membranes and the formation of transmembrane pores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Skorko-Glonek
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
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Palrasu M, Zaika E, El-Rifai W, Que J, Zaika AI. Role of Bacterial and Viral Pathogens in Gastric Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081878. [PMID: 33919876 PMCID: PMC8070847 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, with over one million new cases diagnosed in 2020. Despite recent advances in cancer treatments, gastric cancer remains a serious clinical problem. This disease is tightly linked to gastric infections with Helicobacter pylori bacterium, Epstein–Barr virus, and some other less known pathogens. Here, we discuss how gastric pathogens induce tumorigenic changes in the stomach. Abstract Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide. In contrast to many other tumor types, gastric carcinogenesis is tightly linked to infectious events. Infections with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are the two most investigated risk factors for GC. These pathogens infect more than half of the world’s population. Fortunately, only a small fraction of infected individuals develops GC, suggesting high complexity of tumorigenic processes in the human stomach. Recent studies suggest that the multifaceted interplay between microbial, environmental, and host genetic factors underlies gastric tumorigenesis. Many aspects of these interactions still remain unclear. In this review, we update on recent discoveries, focusing on the roles of various gastric pathogens and gastric microbiome in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manikandan Palrasu
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.P.); (E.Z.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Elena Zaika
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.P.); (E.Z.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.P.); (E.Z.); (W.E.-R.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jianwen Que
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Alexander I. Zaika
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.P.); (E.Z.); (W.E.-R.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Correspondence:
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Functional Properties of Helicobacter pylori VacA Toxin m1 and m2 Variants. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00032-20. [PMID: 32284370 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00032-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa and secretes a pore-forming toxin (VacA). Two main types of VacA, m1 and m2, can be distinguished by phylogenetic analysis. Type m1 forms of VacA have been extensively studied, but there has been relatively little study of m2 forms. In this study, we generated H. pylori strains producing chimeric proteins in which VacA m1 segments of a parental strain were replaced by corresponding m2 sequences. In comparison to the parental m1 VacA protein, a chimeric protein (designated m2/m1) containing m2 sequences in the N-terminal portion of the m region was less potent in causing vacuolation of HeLa cells, AGS gastric cells, and AZ-521 duodenal cells and had reduced capacity to cause membrane depolarization or death of AZ-521 cells. Consistent with the observed differences in activity, the chimeric m2/m1 VacA protein bound to cells at reduced levels compared to the binding levels of the parental m1 protein. The presence of two strain-specific insertions or deletions within or adjacent to the m region did not influence toxin activity. Experiments with human gastric organoids grown as monolayers indicated that m1 and m2/m1 forms of VacA had similar cell-vacuolating activities. Interestingly, both forms of VacA bound preferentially to the basolateral surface of organoid monolayers and caused increased cell vacuolation when interacting with the basolateral surface compared to the apical surface. These data provide insights into functional correlates of sequence variation in the VacA midregion (m region).
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Ansari S, Yamaoka Y. Helicobacter pylori Virulence Factors Exploiting Gastric Colonization and its Pathogenicity. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E677. [PMID: 31752394 PMCID: PMC6891454 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11110677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric epithelial cells of at least half of the world's population, and it is the strongest risk factor for developing gastric complications like chronic gastritis, ulcer diseases, and gastric cancer. To successfully colonize and establish a persistent infection, the bacteria must overcome harsh gastric conditions. H. pylori has a well-developed mechanism by which it can survive in a very acidic niche. Despite bacterial factors, gastric environmental factors and host genetic constituents together play a co-operative role for gastric pathogenicity. The virulence factors include bacterial colonization factors BabA, SabA, OipA, and HopQ, and the virulence factors necessary for gastric pathogenicity include the effector proteins like CagA, VacA, HtrA, and the outer membrane vesicles. Bacterial factors are considered more important. Here, we summarize the recent information to better understand several bacterial virulence factors and their role in the pathogenic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamshul Ansari
- Department of Microbiology, Chitwan Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur 44200, Chitwan, Nepal;
| | - Yoshio Yamaoka
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Idaigaoka, Hasama-machi, Yufu, Oita 879-5593, Japan
- Global Oita Medical Advanced Research Center for Health, Idaigaoka, Hasama-machi, Yufu, Oita 879-5593, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Borneo Medical and Health Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabaru, Sabah 88400, Malaysia
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5
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Su M, Erwin AL, Campbell AM, Pyburn TM, Salay LE, Hanks JL, Lacy DB, Akey DL, Cover TL, Ohi MD. Cryo-EM Analysis Reveals Structural Basis of Helicobacter pylori VacA Toxin Oligomerization. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:1956-1965. [PMID: 30954575 PMCID: PMC6625667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human stomach and contributes to the development of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori secretes a pore-forming toxin called vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), which contains two domains (p33 and p55) and assembles into oligomeric structures. Using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, we have determined low-resolution structures of a VacA dodecamer and heptamer, as well as a 3.8-Å structure of the VacA hexamer. These analyses show that VacA p88 consists predominantly of a right-handed beta-helix that extends from the p55 domain into the p33 domain. We map the regions of p33 and p55 involved in hexamer assembly, model how interactions between protomers support heptamer formation, and identify surfaces of VacA that likely contact membrane. This work provides structural insights into the process of VacA oligomerization and identifies regions of VacA protomers that are predicted to contact the host cell surface during channel formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amanda L Erwin
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anne M Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Tasia M Pyburn
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Lauren E Salay
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Jessica L Hanks
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - D Borden Lacy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - David L Akey
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Timothy L Cover
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
| | - Melanie D Ohi
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Chauhan N, Tay ACY, Marshall BJ, Jain U. Helicobacter pylori VacA, a distinct toxin exerts diverse functionalities in numerous cells: An overview. Helicobacter 2019; 24:e12544. [PMID: 30324717 DOI: 10.1111/hel.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori, gastric cancer-causing bacteria, survive in their gastric environment of more than 50% of the world population. The presence of H. pylori in the gastric vicinity promotes the development of various diseases including peptic ulcer and gastric carcinoma. H. pylori produce and secret Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), a major toxin facilitating the bacteria against the host defense system. The toxin causes multiple effects in epithelial cells and immune cells, especially T cells, B cells, and Macrophages. METHODS This review describes the diverse functionalities of protein toxin VacA. The specific objective of this review is to address the overall structure, mechanism, and functions of VacA in various cell types. The recent advancements are summarized and discussed and thus conclusion is drawn based on the overall reported evidences. RESULTS The searched articles on H. pylori VacA were evaluated and limited up to 66 articles for this review. The articles were divided into four major categories including articles on vacA gene, VacA toxin, distinct effects of VacA toxin, and their effects on various cells. Based on these studies, the review article was prepared. CONCLUSIONS This review describes an overview of how VacA is secreted by H. pylori and contributes to colonization and virulence in multiple ways by affecting epithelial cells, T cells, Dendritic cells, B cells, and Macrophages. The reported evidence suggests that the comprehensive outlook need to be developed for understanding distinctive functionalities of VacA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Alfred Chin Yen Tay
- The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Shenzhen Dapeng New District Kuichong People Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Barry J Marshall
- The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Utkarsh Jain
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Whitmire JM, Merrell DS. Helicobacter pylori Genetic Polymorphisms in Gastric Disease Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1149:173-194. [DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative bacterium, is a well-known risk factor for gastric cancer. H. pylori vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) is a secreted pore-forming toxin that induces a wide range of cellular responses. Like many other bacterial toxins, VacA has been hypothesized to utilize lipid rafts to gain entry into host cells. Here, we used giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) as a model system to understand the preferential partitioning of VacA into lipid rafts. We show that a wild-type (WT) toxin predominantly associates with the raft phase. Acid activation of VacA enhances binding of the toxin to GPMVs but is not required for raft partitioning. VacA mutant proteins with alterations at the amino terminus (resulting in impaired membrane channel formation) and a nonoligomerizing VacA mutant protein retain the ability to preferentially associate with lipid rafts. Consistent with these results, the isolated VacA p55 domain was capable of binding to lipid rafts. We conclude that the affinity of VacA for rafts is independent of its capacity to oligomerize or form membrane channels.
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9
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McClain MS, Beckett AC, Cover TL. Helicobacter pylori Vacuolating Toxin and Gastric Cancer. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9100316. [PMID: 29023421 PMCID: PMC5666363 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori VacA is a channel-forming toxin unrelated to other known bacterial toxins. Most H. pylori strains contain a vacA gene, but there is marked variation among strains in VacA toxin activity. This variation is attributable to strain-specific variations in VacA amino acid sequences, as well as variations in the levels of VacA transcription and secretion. In this review, we discuss epidemiologic studies showing an association between specific vacA allelic types and gastric cancer, as well as studies that have used animal models to investigate VacA activities relevant to gastric cancer. We also discuss the mechanisms by which VacA-induced cellular alterations may contribute to the pathogenesis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S McClain
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Amber C Beckett
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Timothy L Cover
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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10
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Pyburn TM, Foegeding NJ, González-Rivera C, McDonald NA, Gould KL, Cover TL, Ohi MD. Structural organization of membrane-inserted hexamers formed by Helicobacter pylori VacA toxin. Mol Microbiol 2016; 102:22-36. [PMID: 27309820 PMCID: PMC5035229 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human stomach and is a potential cause of peptic ulceration or gastric adenocarcinoma. H. pylori secretes a pore-forming toxin known as vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA). The 88 kDa secreted VacA protein, composed of an N-terminal p33 domain and a C-terminal p55 domain, assembles into water-soluble oligomers. The structural organization of membrane-bound VacA has not been characterized in any detail and the role(s) of specific VacA domains in membrane binding and insertion are unclear. We show that membrane-bound VacA organizes into hexameric oligomers. Comparison of the two-dimensional averages of membrane-bound and soluble VacA hexamers generated using single particle electron microscopy reveals a structural difference in the central region of the oligomers (corresponding to the p33 domain), suggesting that membrane association triggers a structural change in the p33 domain. Analyses of the isolated p55 domain and VacA variants demonstrate that while the p55 domain can bind membranes, the p33 domain is required for membrane insertion. Surprisingly, neither VacA oligomerization nor the presence of putative transmembrane GXXXG repeats in the p33 domain is required for membrane insertion. These findings provide new insights into the process by which VacA binds and inserts into the lipid bilayer to form membrane channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasia M Pyburn
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232
| | - Nora J Foegeding
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232
| | - Christian González-Rivera
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232
| | - Nathan A McDonald
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232
| | - Kathleen L Gould
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232
| | - Timothy L Cover
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, 37212
| | - Melanie D Ohi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232.
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232.
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Thi Huyen Trang T, Thanh Binh T, Yamaoka Y. Relationship between vacA Types and Development of Gastroduodenal Diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8060182. [PMID: 27294955 PMCID: PMC4926148 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8060182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) is a secreted pore-forming toxin and a major virulence factor in the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. While VacA is present in almost all strains, only some forms are toxigenic and pathogenic. While vacA and its genotypes are considered as markers of H. pylori-related diseases or disorders, the pathophysiological mechanisms of VacA and its genotypes remain controversial. This review outlines key findings of publications regarding vacA with emphasis on the relationship between vacA genotypes and the development of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Thi Huyen Trang
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama-Machi, Yufu-City, Oita 879-5593, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Biology, 108 Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Tran Thanh Binh
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama-Machi, Yufu-City, Oita 879-5593, Japan.
- Department of Endoscopy, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
| | - Yoshio Yamaoka
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama-Machi, Yufu-City, Oita 879-5593, Japan.
- Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Foegeding NJ, Caston RR, McClain MS, Ohi MD, Cover TL. An Overview of Helicobacter pylori VacA Toxin Biology. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8060173. [PMID: 27271669 PMCID: PMC4926140 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8060173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The VacA toxin secreted by Helicobacter pylori enhances the ability of the bacteria to colonize the stomach and contributes to the pathogenesis of gastric adenocarcinoma and peptic ulcer disease. The amino acid sequence and structure of VacA are unrelated to corresponding features of other known bacterial toxins. VacA is classified as a pore-forming toxin, and many of its effects on host cells are attributed to formation of channels in intracellular sites. The most extensively studied VacA activity is its capacity to stimulate vacuole formation, but the toxin has many additional effects on host cells. Multiple cell types are susceptible to VacA, including gastric epithelial cells, parietal cells, T cells, and other types of immune cells. This review focuses on the wide range of VacA actions that are detectable in vitro, as well as actions of VacA in vivo that are relevant for H. pylori colonization of the stomach and development of gastric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora J Foegeding
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Rhonda R Caston
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Mark S McClain
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Melanie D Ohi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Timothy L Cover
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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Yahiro K, Hirayama T, Moss J, Noda M. New Insights into VacA Intoxication Mediated through Its Cell Surface Receptors. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8050152. [PMID: 27187473 PMCID: PMC4885067 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8050152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a major cause of gastroduodenal diseases, produces VacA, a vacuolating cytotoxin associated with gastric inflammation and ulceration. The C-terminal domain of VacA plays a crucial role in receptor recognition on target cells. We have previously identified three proteins (i.e., RPTPα, RPTPβ, and LRP1) that serve as VacA receptors. These receptors contribute to the internalization of VacA into epithelial cells, activate signal transduction pathways, and contribute to cell death and gastric ulceration. In addition, other factors (e.g., CD18, sphingomyelin) have also been identified as cell-surface, VacA-binding proteins. Since we believe that, following interactions with its host cell receptors, VacA participates in events leading to disease, a better understanding of the cellular function of VacA receptors may provide valuable information regarding the mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic actions of VacA and the pathogenesis of H. pylori-mediated disease. In this review, we focus on VacA receptors and their role in events leading to cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinnosuke Yahiro
- Department of Molecular Infectiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Toshiya Hirayama
- Department of Bacteriology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Joel Moss
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Branch, NHLBI, NIH, Building 10, Room 6D03, MSC 1590, Bethesda, MD 20892-1590, USA.
| | - Masatoshi Noda
- Department of Molecular Infectiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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14
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González-Rivera C, Algood HMS, Radin JN, McClain MS, Cover TL. The intermediate region of Helicobacter pylori VacA is a determinant of toxin potency in a Jurkat T cell assay. Infect Immun 2012; 80:2578-88. [PMID: 22585965 PMCID: PMC3434591 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00052-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Colonization of the human stomach with Helicobacter pylori is a risk factor for peptic ulceration, noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric lymphoma. The secreted VacA toxin is an important H. pylori virulence factor that causes multiple alterations in gastric epithelial cells and T cells. Several families of vacA alleles have been described, and H. pylori strains containing certain vacA types (s1, i1, and m1) are associated with an increased risk of gastric disease, compared to strains containing other vacA types (s2, i2, and m2). Thus far, there has been relatively little study of the role of the VacA intermediate region (i-region) in toxin activity. In this study, we compared the ability of i1 and i2 forms of VacA to cause functional alterations in Jurkat cells. To do this, we manipulated the chromosomal vacA gene in two H. pylori strains to introduce alterations in the region encoding the VacA i-region. We did not detect any differences in the capacity of i1 and i2 forms of VacA to cause vacuolation of RK13 cells. In comparison to i1 forms of VacA, i2 forms of VacA had a diminished capacity to inhibit the activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and suppress interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. Correspondingly, i2 forms of VacA bound to Jurkat cells less avidly than did i1 forms of VacA. These results indicate that the VacA i-region is an important determinant of VacA effects on human T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holly M. Scott Algood
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jana N. Radin
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark S. McClain
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Timothy L. Cover
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Kim IJ, Blanke SR. Remodeling the host environment: modulation of the gastric epithelium by the Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin (VacA). Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2012; 2:37. [PMID: 22919629 PMCID: PMC3417592 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2012.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Virulence mechanisms underlying Helicobacter pylori persistence and disease remain poorly understood, in part, because the factors underlying disease risk are multifactorial and complex. Among the bacterial factors that contribute to the cumulative pathophysiology associated with H. pylori infections, the vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) is one of the most important. Analogous to a number of H. pylori genes, the vacA gene exhibits allelic mosaicism, and human epidemiological studies have revealed that several families of toxin alleles are predictive of more severe disease. Animal model studies suggest that VacA may contribute to pathogenesis in several ways. VacA functions as an intracellular-acting protein exotoxin. However, VacA does not fit the current prototype of AB intracellular-acting bacterial toxins, which elaborate modulatory effects through the action of an enzymatic domain translocated inside host cells. Rather, VacA may represent an alternative prototype for AB intracellular acting toxins that modulate cellular homeostasis by forming ion-conducting intracellular membrane channels. Although VacA seems to form channels in several different membranes, one of the most important target sites is the mitochondrial inner membrane. VacA apparently take advantage of an unusual intracellular trafficking pathway to mitochondria, where the toxin is imported and depolarizes the inner membrane to disrupt mitochondrial dynamics and cellular energy homeostasis as a mechanism for engaging the apoptotic machinery within host cells. VacA remodeling of the gastric environment appears to be fine-tuned through the action of the Type IV effector protein CagA which, in part, limits the cytotoxic effects of VacA in cells colonized by H. pylori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ik-Jung Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana IL, USA
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16
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Jones KR, Whitmire JM, Merrell DS. A Tale of Two Toxins: Helicobacter Pylori CagA and VacA Modulate Host Pathways that Impact Disease. Front Microbiol 2010; 1:115. [PMID: 21687723 PMCID: PMC3109773 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2010.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium that colonizes more than 50% of the world's population, which leads to a tremendous medical burden. H. pylori infection is associated with such varied diseases as gastritis, peptic ulcers, and two forms of gastric cancer: gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. This association represents a novel paradigm for cancer development; H. pylori is currently the only bacterium to be recognized as a carcinogen. Therefore, a significant amount of research has been conducted to identify the bacterial factors and the deregulated host cell pathways that are responsible for the progression to more severe disease states. Two of the virulence factors that have been implicated in this process are cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), which are cytotoxins that are injected and secreted by H. pylori, respectively. Both of these virulence factors are polymorphic and affect a multitude of host cellular pathways. These combined facts could easily contribute to differences in disease severity across the population as various CagA and VacA alleles differentially target some pathways. Herein we highlight the diverse types of cellular pathways and processes targeted by these important toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R Jones
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, MD, USA
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17
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Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a genetically diverse organism that is adapted for colonization of the human stomach. All strains contain a gene encoding a secreted, pore-forming toxin known as VacA. Genetic variation at this locus could be under strong selection as H. pylori adapts to the host immune response, colonizes new human hosts, or inhabits different host environments. Here, we analyze the molecular evolution of VacA. Phylogenetic reconstructions indicate the subdivision of VacA sequences into three main groups with distinct geographic distributions. Divergence of the three groups is principally due to positively selected sequence changes in the p55 domain, a central region required for binding of the toxin to host cells. Divergent amino acids map to surface-exposed sites in the p55 crystal structure. Comparative phylogenetic analyses of vacA sequences and housekeeping gene sequences indicate that vacA does not share the same evolutionary history as the core genome. Further, rooting the VacA tree with outgroup sequences from the close relative Helicobacter acinonychis reveals that the ancestry of VacA is different from the African origin that typifies the core genome. Finally, sequence analyses of the virulence determinant CagA reveal three main groups strikingly similar to the three groups of VacA sequences. Taken together, these results indicate that positive selection has shaped the phylogenetic structure of VacA and CagA, and each of these virulence determinants has evolved separately from the core genome.
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18
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Ivie SE, McClain MS, Algood HMS, Lacy DB, Cover TL. Analysis of a beta-helical region in the p55 domain of Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:60. [PMID: 20178613 PMCID: PMC2836311 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and contributes to the development of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. VacA, a toxin secreted by H. pylori, is comprised of two domains, designated p33 and p55. Analysis of the crystal structure of the p55 domain indicated that its structure is predominantly a right-handed parallel β-helix, which is a characteristic of autotransporter passenger domains. Substitution mutations of specific amino acids within the p33 domain abrogate VacA activity, but thus far, it has been difficult to identify small inactivating mutations within the p55 domain. Therefore, we hypothesized that large portions of the p55 domain might be non-essential for vacuolating toxin activity. To test this hypothesis, we introduced eight deletion mutations (each corresponding to a single coil within a β-helical segment spanning VacA amino acids 433-628) into the H. pylori chromosomal vacA gene. Results All eight of the mutant VacA proteins were expressed by the corresponding H. pylori mutant strains and underwent proteolytic processing to yield ~85 kDa passenger domains. Three mutant proteins (VacA Δ484-504, Δ511-536, and Δ517-544) were secreted and induced vacuolation of mammalian cells, which indicated that these β-helical coils were dispensable for vacuolating toxin activity. One mutant protein (VacA Δ433-461) exhibited reduced vacuolating toxin activity compared to wild-type VacA. Other mutant proteins, including those containing deletions near the carboxy-terminal end of the β-helical region (amino acids Val559-Asn628), exhibited marked defects in secretion and increased susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage by trypsin, which suggested that these proteins were misfolded. Conclusions These results indicate that within the β-helical segment of the VacA p55 domain, there are regions of plasticity that tolerate alterations without detrimental effects on protein secretion or activity, as well as a carboxy-terminal region in which similar alterations result in protein misfolding and impaired secretion. We propose that non-essential β-helical coils and a carboxy-terminal β-helical segment required for proper protein folding and secretion are features shared by numerous autotransporter passenger domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Ivie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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19
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Integrin subunit CD18 Is the T-lymphocyte receptor for the Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin. Cell Host Microbe 2008; 3:20-9. [PMID: 18191791 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2007.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2007] [Revised: 09/16/2007] [Accepted: 11/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with gastritis, ulcerations, and gastric adenocarcinoma. H. pylori secretes the vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA), a major pathogenicity factor. VacA has immunosuppressive effects, inhibiting interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion by interference with the T cell receptor/IL-2 signaling pathway at the level of calcineurin, the Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent phosphatase. Here, we show that VacA efficiently enters activated, migrating primary human T lymphocytes by binding to the beta2 (CD18) integrin receptor subunit and exploiting the recycling of lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1. LFA-1-deficient Jurkat T cells were resistant to vacuolation and IL-2 modulation, and genetic complementation restored sensitivity to VacA. VacA targeted human, but not murine, CD18 for cell entry, consistent with the species-specific adaptation of H. pylori. Furthermore, expression of human integrin receptors (LFA-1 or Mac-1) in murine T cells resulted in VacA-mediated cellular vacuolation. Thus, H. pylori co-opts CD18 as a VacA receptor on human T lymphocytes to subvert the host immune response.
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20
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Gangwer KA, Mushrush DJ, Stauff DL, Spiller B, McClain MS, Cover TL, Lacy DB. Crystal structure of the Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin p55 domain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:16293-8. [PMID: 17911250 PMCID: PMC2042200 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0707447104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori VacA, a pore-forming toxin secreted by an autotransporter pathway, causes multiple alterations in human cells, contributes to the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, and is a candidate antigen for inclusion in an H. pylori vaccine. Here, we present a 2.4-A crystal structure of the VacA p55 domain, which has an important role in mediating VacA binding to host cells. The structure is predominantly a right-handed parallel beta-helix, a feature that is characteristic of autotransporter passenger domains but unique among known bacterial protein toxins. Notable features of VacA p55 include disruptions in beta-sheet contacts that result in five beta-helix subdomains and a C-terminal domain that contains a disulfide bond. Analysis of VacA protein sequences from unrelated H. pylori strains, including m1 and m2 forms of VacA, allows us to identify structural features of the VacA surface that may be important for interactions with host receptors. Docking of the p55 structure into a 19-A cryo-EM map of a VacA dodecamer allows us to propose a model for how VacA monomers assemble into oligomeric structures capable of membrane channel formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Gangwer
- Departments of *Microbiology and Immunology
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232; and
| | - Darren J. Mushrush
- Biochemistry
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232; and
| | | | - Ben Spiller
- Departments of *Microbiology and Immunology
- Pharmacology, and
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232; and
| | | | - Timothy L. Cover
- Departments of *Microbiology and Immunology
- Medicine and
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212
| | - D. Borden Lacy
- Departments of *Microbiology and Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232; and
- **To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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21
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Roche N, Ilver D, Angström J, Barone S, Telford JL, Teneberg S. Human gastric glycosphingolipids recognized by Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin VacA. Microbes Infect 2007; 9:605-14. [PMID: 17400502 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2007.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2006] [Revised: 01/03/2007] [Accepted: 01/24/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Many bacterial toxins utilize cell surface glycoconjugate receptors for attachment to target cells. In the present study the potential carbohydrate binding of Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin VacA was investigated by binding to human gastric glycosphingolipids on thin-layer chromatograms. Thereby a distinct binding of the toxin to two compounds in the non-acid glycosphingolipid fraction was detected. The VacA-binding glycosphingolipids were isolated and characterized by mass spectrometry and proton NMR as galactosylceramide (Galbeta1Cer) and galabiosylceramide (Galalpha4Galbeta1Cer). Comparison of the binding preferences of the protein to reference glycosphingolipids from other sources showed an additional recognition of glucosylceramide (Glcbeta1Cer), lactosylceramide (Galbeta4Glcbeta1Cer) and globotriaosylceramide (Galalpha4Galbeta4Glcbeta1Cer). No binding to the glycosphingolipids recognized by the VacA holotoxin was obtained with a mutant toxin with deletion of the 37 kDa fragment of VacA (P58 molecule). Collectively our data show that the VacA cytotoxin is a glycosphingolipid binding protein, where the 37 kDa moiety is required for carbohydrate recognition. The ability to bind to short chain glycosphingolipids will position the toxin close to the cell membrane, which may facilitate toxin internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Roche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Göteborg University, PO Box 440, S-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
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22
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Skibinski DAG, Genisset C, Barone S, Telford JL. The cell-specific phenotype of the polymorphic vacA midregion is independent of the appearance of the cell surface receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta. Infect Immun 2006; 74:49-55. [PMID: 16368956 PMCID: PMC1346600 DOI: 10.1128/iai.74.1.49-55.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There are two alleles, m1 and m2, of the midregion of the vacuolating cytotoxin gene (vacA) of Helicobacter pylori which code for toxins with different cell specificities. Here we describe the construction of five chimeric strains in which regions of vacA were exchanged between the two genotypes. By analyzing the toxicity of these strains for HeLa and RK13 cells we have confirmed that a 148-amino-acid region determines the phenotypic differences between the two forms of the protein and that this entire region is important for cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we have used our chimeric strains to investigate whether variations in the midregion of VacA have an effect on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced VacA sensitivity in HL-60 cells. The PMA-induced VacA sensitivity of HL-60 cells has been previously associated with the appearance of the cell surface receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (RPTPbeta). Our data indicate that both the m1 and m2 forms of VacA are able to utilize RPTPbeta, and the cell-specific phenotype of the midregion is independent of the presence of RPTPbeta. It appears that another as-yet-unidentified receptor exists in HL-60 cells that accounts for the m2 phenotype in this cell line. Also, by studying the effect of PMA on levels of RPTPbeta in other cell lines and toxicity of VacA in these cell lines we have shown that RPTPbeta does not play a major role in the vacuolation of HeLa cells.
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23
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Abstract
Bacterial protein toxins alter eukaryotic cellular processes and enable bacteria to successfully colonize their hosts. In recent years, there has been increased recognition that many bacterial toxins are multifunctional proteins that can have pleiotropic effects on mammalian cells and tissues. In this review, we examine a multifunctional toxin (VacA) that is produced by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The actions of H. pylori VacA represent a paradigm for how bacterial secreted toxins contribute to colonization and virulence in multiple ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Cover
- Departments of Medicine, and Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
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24
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Torres VJ, Ivie SE, McClain MS, Cover TL. Functional properties of the p33 and p55 domains of the Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:21107-14. [PMID: 15817461 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m501042200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori secretes an 88-kDa vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) that may contribute to the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. VacA cytotoxic activity requires assembly of VacA monomers into oligomeric structures, formation of anion-selective membrane channels, and entry of VacA into host cells. In this study, we analyzed the functional properties of recombinant VacA fragments corresponding to two putative VacA domains (designated p33 and p55). Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that these two domains can interact with each other to form protein complexes. In comparison to the individual VacA domains, a mixture of the p33 and p55 proteins exhibited markedly enhanced binding to the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. Furthermore, internalization of the VacA domains was detected when cells were incubated with the p33/p55 mixture but not when the p33 and p55 proteins were tested individually. Incubation of cells with the p33/p55 mixture resulted in cell vacuolation, whereas the individual domains lacked detectable cytotoxic activity. Interestingly, sequential addition of p55 followed by p33 resulted in VacA internalization and cell vacuolation, whereas sequential addition in the reverse order was ineffective. These results indicate that both the p33 and p55 domains contribute to the binding and internalization of VacA and that both domains are required for vacuolating cytotoxic activity. Reconstitution of toxin activity from two separate domains, as described here for VacA, has rarely been described for pore-forming bacterial toxins, which suggests that VacA is a pore-forming toxin with unique structural properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor J Torres
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2605, USA
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25
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Abstract
Eukaryotic cell viability is largely regulated at the level of mitochondria, with cell death executed by endogenous proteins that act to increase the permeability of the inner and/or outer membranes of these organelles. The gastric pathogen, Helicobacter pylori, can mimic this mechanism by producing the pro-apoptotic toxin, VacA, which was recently demonstrated to (i) localize to mitochondria within epithelial cells, (ii) rapidly transport into mitochondria in vitro, and (iii) induce changes consistent with permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes by a mechanism dependent on cellular entry and toxin membrane channel activity. The targeting of mitochondrial membranes is emerging as a strategy used by pathogenic microbes to control cell viability while circumventing upstream pathways and checkpoints of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Blanke
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, 302 Burrill Hall, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA.
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26
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Boncristiano M, Paccani SR, Barone S, Ulivieri C, Patrussi L, Ilver D, Amedei A, D'Elios MM, Telford JL, Baldari CT. The Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin inhibits T cell activation by two independent mechanisms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 198:1887-97. [PMID: 14676300 PMCID: PMC2194151 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori toxin, VacA, damages the gastric epithelium by erosion and loosening of tight junctions. Here we report that VacA also interferes with T cell activation by two different mechanisms. Formation of anion-specific channels by VacA prevents calcium influx from the extracellular milieu. The transcription factor NF-AT thus fails to translocate to the nucleus and activate key cytokine genes. A second, channel-independent mechanism involves activation of intracellular signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinases MKK3/6 and p38 and the Rac-specific nucleotide exchange factor, Vav. As a consequence of aberrant Rac activation, disordered actin polymerization is stimulated. The resulting defects in T cell activation may help H. pylori to prevent an effective immune response leading to chronic colonization of its gastric niche.
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27
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Kuo CH, Wang WC. Binding and internalization of Helicobacter pylori VacA via cellular lipid rafts in epithelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003; 303:640-4. [PMID: 12659867 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(03)00380-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this study we investigated the roles of lipid rafts and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) in the process of VacA binding and internalization into epithelial cells. Vacuolating activity analysis in AGS, CHO cells, and a CHO-derived line that highly expresses GPI-linked fasI proteins indicated the significance of cholesterol and GPI-APs for VacA activity. Flow cytometric analysis along with VacA-cholesterol co-extraction experiments showed a cholesterol-dependent manner for VacA cell-binding activity, while GPI-APs were not related to it. Differential detergent extraction and fractionation in sucrose density gradient showed co-association of VacA and fasI with rafts on cell membranes. Subcellular distribution of fasI visualized by confocal microscope suggested that fasI trafficked via a newly defined endocytic pathway for GPI-APs in the derived line. Upon VacA intoxication, VacA was visualized to co-migrate along with fasI and finally induced vacuolation coupled with dramatic redistribution of fasI molecules. These results suggest that VacA exploits rafts for docking and entering the cell via the endocytic pathway of GPI-APs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hsien Kuo
- Department of Life Science, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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28
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Abstract
VacA is a secreted toxin that plays a role in Helicobacter pylori colonization of the stomach and that contributes to the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease. Studies of VacA structure and function have been hindered by the lack of an efficient system for expression and genetic manipulation of this toxin. In this study, we developed methodology for expression of a functionally active VacA toxin in Escherichia coli. We then used a high-throughput screen to analyze a library of mutant toxins with pentapeptide insertions and identified six mutants that lacked the capacity to induce vacuolation of HeLa cells. The capacity to analyze VacA in this heterologous-expression system should greatly facilitate efforts to elucidate the structure and function of this toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S McClain
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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29
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Schraw W, Li Y, McClain MS, van der Goot FG, Cover TL. Association of Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin (VacA) with lipid rafts. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:34642-50. [PMID: 12121984 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m203466200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of extracellular ligands and pathogens interact with raft domains in the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells. In this study, we examined the role of lipid rafts and raft-associated glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins in the process by which Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin (VacA) intoxicates cells. We first investigated whether GPI-anchored proteins are required for VacA toxicity by analyzing wild-type Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and CHO-LA1 mutant cells that are defective in production of GPI-anchored proteins. Whereas wild-type and mutant cells differed markedly in susceptibility to aerolysin (a bacterial toxin that binds to GPI-anchored proteins), they were equally susceptible to VacA. We next determined whether VacA physically associates with lipid rafts. CHO or HeLa cells were incubated with VacA, and Triton-insoluble membranes then were separated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Immunoblot analysis revealed that a substantial proportion of cell-associated toxin was associated with detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs). DRM association required acid activation of the purified toxin prior to contact with cells, and acid activation also was required for VacA cytotoxicity. Treatment of cells with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (a cholesterol-depleting agent) did not inhibit VacA-induced depolarization of the plasma membrane, but interfered with the internalization or intracellular localization of VacA and inhibited the capacity of the toxin to induce cell vacuolation. Treatment of cells with nystatin also inhibited VacA-induced cell vacuolation. These data indicate that VacA associates with lipid raft microdomains in the absence of GPI-anchored proteins and suggest that association of the toxin with lipid rafts is important for VacA cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Schraw
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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