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Garrett SR, Palmer T. The role of proteinaceous toxins secreted by Staphylococcus aureus in interbacterial competition. FEMS MICROBES 2024; 5:xtae006. [PMID: 38495077 PMCID: PMC10941976 DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is highly adapted to colonization of the mammalian host. In humans the primary site of colonization is the epithelium of the nasal cavity. A major barrier to colonization is the resident microbiota, which have mechanisms to exclude S. aureus. As such, S. aureus has evolved mechanisms to compete with other bacteria, one of which is through secretion of proteinaceous toxins. S. aureus strains collectively produce a number of well-characterized Class I, II, and IV bacteriocins as well as several bacteriocin-like substances, about which less is known. These bacteriocins have potent antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive organisms, with some also active against Gram-negative species. S. aureus bacteriocins characterized to date are sporadically produced, and often encoded on plasmids. More recently the type VII secretion system (T7SS) of S. aureus has also been shown to play a role in interbacterial competition. The T7SS is encoded by all S. aureus isolates and so may represent a more widespread mechanism of competition used by this species. T7SS antagonism is mediated by the secretion of large protein toxins, three of which have been characterized to date: a nuclease toxin, EsaD; a membrane depolarizing toxin, TspA; and a phospholipase toxin, TslA. Further study is required to decipher the role that these different types of secreted toxins play in interbacterial competition and colonization of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Garrett
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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2
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Ramamoorthy S, Pena M, Ghosh P, Liao YY, Paret M, Jones JB, Potnis N. Transcriptome profiling of type VI secretion system core gene tssM mutant of Xanthomonas perforans highlights regulators controlling diverse functions ranging from virulence to metabolism. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0285223. [PMID: 38018859 PMCID: PMC10782981 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02852-23] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE T6SS has received attention due to its significance in mediating interorganismal competition through contact-dependent release of effector molecules into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Reverse-genetic studies have indicated the role of T6SS in virulence in a variety of plant pathogenic bacteria, including the one studied here, Xanthomonas. However, it is not clear whether such effect on virulence is merely due to a shift in the microbiome-mediated protection or if T6SS is involved in a complex virulence regulatory network. In this study, we conducted in vitro transcriptome profiling in minimal medium to decipher the signaling pathways regulated by tssM-i3* in X. perforans AL65. We show that TssM-i3* regulates the expression of a suite of genes associated with virulence and metabolism either directly or indirectly by altering the transcription of several regulators. These findings further expand our knowledge on the intricate molecular circuits regulated by T6SS in phytopathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivakumar Ramamoorthy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Michelle Pena
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Palash Ghosh
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Ying-Yu Liao
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mathews Paret
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Jones
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Neha Potnis
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Boardman ER, Palmer T, Alcock F. Interbacterial competition mediated by the type VIIb secretion system. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001420. [PMID: 38116759 PMCID: PMC10765036 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Successful occupancy of a given niche requires the colonising bacteria to interact extensively with the biotic and abiotic environment, including other resident microbes. Bacteria have evolved a range of protein secretion machines for this purpose with eleven such systems identified to date. The type VIIb secretion system (T7SSb) is utilised by Bacillota to secrete a range of protein substrates, including antibacterial toxins targeting closely related strains, and the system as a whole has been implicated in a range of activities such as iron acquisition, intercellular signalling, host colonisation and virulence. This review covers the components and secretion mechanism of the T7SSb, the substrates of these systems and their roles in Gram-positive bacteria, with a focus on interbacterial competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor R. Boardman
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Felicity Alcock
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
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4
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Yang Y, Boardman E, Deme J, Alcock F, Lea S, Palmer T. Three small partner proteins facilitate the type VII-dependent secretion of an antibacterial nuclease. mBio 2023; 14:e0210023. [PMID: 37815362 PMCID: PMC10653861 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02100-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic human pathogen associated with severe infections and antimicrobial resistance. S. aureus strains utilize a type VII secretion system to secrete toxins targeting competitor bacteria, likely facilitating colonization. EsaD is a nuclease toxin secreted by the type VII secretion system in many strains of S. aureus as well as other related bacterial species. Here, we identify three small proteins of previously unknown function as export factors, required for efficient secretion of EsaD. We show that these proteins bind to the transport domain of EsaD, forming a complex with a striking cane-like conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Yang
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Boardman
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Deme
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Felicity Alcock
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Lea
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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5
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Spencer BL, Job AM, Robertson CM, Hameed ZA, Serchejian C, Wiafe-Kwakye CS, Mendonça JC, Apolonio MA, Nagao PE, Neely MN, Korotkova N, Korotkov KV, Patras KA, Doran KS. Heterogeneity of the group B streptococcal type VII secretion system and influence on colonization of the female genital tract. Mol Microbiol 2023; 120:258-275. [PMID: 37357823 PMCID: PMC10527989 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Type VIIb secretion systems (T7SSb) in Gram-positive bacteria facilitate physiology, interbacterial competition, and/or virulence via EssC ATPase-driven secretion of small ɑ-helical proteins and toxins. Recently, we characterized T7SSb in group B Streptococcus (GBS), a leading cause of infection in newborns and immunocompromised adults. GBS T7SS comprises four subtypes based on variation in the C-terminus of EssC and the repertoire of downstream effectors; however, the intraspecies diversity of GBS T7SS and impact on GBS-host interactions remains unknown. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that GBS T7SS loci encode subtype-specific putative effectors, which have low interspecies and inter-subtype homology but contain similar domains/motifs and therefore may serve similar functions. We further identify orphaned GBS WXG100 proteins. Functionally, we show that GBS T7SS subtype I and III strains secrete EsxA in vitro and that in subtype I strain CJB111, esxA1 appears to be differentially transcribed from the T7SS operon. Furthermore, we observe subtype-specific effects of GBS T7SS on host colonization, as CJB111 subtype I but not CNCTC 10/84 subtype III T7SS promotes GBS vaginal colonization. Finally, we observe that T7SS subtypes I and II are the predominant subtypes in clinical GBS isolates. This study highlights the potential impact of T7SS heterogeneity on host-GBS interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brady L. Spencer
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alyx M. Job
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Clare M. Robertson
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zainab A. Hameed
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Camille Serchejian
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jéssica C. Mendonça
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
- Rio de Janeiro State University, Roberto Alcântara Gomes Biology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Morgan A. Apolonio
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
- National Summer Undergraduate Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Prescilla E. Nagao
- Rio de Janeiro State University, Roberto Alcântara Gomes Biology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Melody N. Neely
- University of Maine, Molecular & Biomedical Sciences, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Natalia Korotkova
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Konstantin V. Korotkov
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly S. Doran
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
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Yang Y, Boardman E, Deme J, Alcock F, Lea S, Palmer T. Three small partner proteins facilitate the type VII-dependent secretion export of an antibacterial nuclease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.01.535202. [PMID: 37461441 PMCID: PMC10350083 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.01.535202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The type VIIb protein secretion system (T7SSb) plays a role in interbacterial competition in Gram-positive Firmicute bacteria and secretes various toxic effector proteins. The mechanism of secretion and the roles of numerous conserved genes within T7SSb gene clusters remain unknown. EsaD is a nuclease toxin secreted by the Staphylococcus aureus T7SSb, which forms a complex with its cognate immunity protein, EsaG, and chaperone EsaE. Encoded upstream of EsaD are three small secreted proteins, EsxB, EsxC and EsxD. Here we show that EsxBCD bind to the transport domain of EsaD and function as EsaD export factors. We report the first structural information for a complete T7SSb substrate pre-secretion complex. Cryo-EM of the EsaDEG trimer and the EsaDEG-EsxBCD hexamer shows that incorporation of EsxBCD confers a conformation comprising a flexible globular cargo domain attached to a long narrow shaft that is likely to be crucial for efficient toxin export.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Yang
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Eleanor Boardman
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Justin Deme
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Felicity Alcock
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Susan Lea
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
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7
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Nigo F, Nakagawa R, Hirai Y, Imai L, Suzuki Y, Furuta K, Kaito C. Staphylococcus aureus MazG hydrolyzes oxidized guanine nucleotides and contributes to oxidative stress resistance. Biochimie 2023; 209:52-60. [PMID: 36746255 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that knockout of the mazG (SA1292) gene decreases Staphylococcus aureus killing activity against silkworms. S. aureus MazG (SaMazG) has a nucleotide pyrophosphatase domain conserved among MazG family proteins, but its biochemical characteristics are unknown. In the present study, we purified recombinant N-terminal His-tagged SaMazG protein and examined its biochemical activity. SaMazG hydrolyzed GTP, UTP, dGTP, and TTP into nucleoside monophosphates. Hydrolytic activity of SaMazG against ATP, CTP, dATP, and dCTP was low or not detected. SaMazG exhibited high hydrolytic activity against 8-oxo-GTP and 8-oxo-dGTP, oxidized guanine nucleotides, with a Vmax/Km ratio more than 15-fold that of GTP. Furthermore, the S. aureus mazG knockout mutant was sensitive to hydrogen peroxide compared with the parent strain. These results suggest that SaMazG is a nucleotide pyrophosphatase hydrolyzing oxidized guanine nucleotides that contributes to the oxidative stress resistance of S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuki Nigo
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Yuuki Hirai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Lina Imai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Kazuyuki Furuta
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Chikara Kaito
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan.
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8
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Spencer BL, Job AM, Robertson CM, Hameed ZA, Serchejian C, Wiafe-Kwakye CS, Mendonça JC, Apolonio MA, Nagao PE, Neely MN, Korotkova N, Korotkov KV, Patras KA, Doran KS. Heterogeneity of the group B streptococcal type VII secretion system and influence on colonization of the female genital tract. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.25.525443. [PMID: 36747681 PMCID: PMC9900821 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.25.525443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Type VIIb secretion systems (T7SSb) in Gram-positive bacteria facilitate physiology, interbacterial competition, and/or virulence via EssC ATPase-driven secretion of small ɑ-helical proteins and toxins. Recently, we characterized T7SSb in group B Streptococcus (GBS), a leading cause of infection in newborns and immunocompromised adults. GBS T7SS comprises four subtypes based on variation in the C-terminus of EssC and the repertoire of downstream effectors; however, the intra-species diversity of GBS T7SS and impact on GBS-host interactions remains unknown. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that GBS T7SS loci encode subtype-specific putative effectors, which have low inter-species and inter-subtype homology but contain similar domains/motifs and therefore may serve similar functions. We further identify orphaned GBS WXG100 proteins. Functionally, we show that GBS T7SS subtype I and III strains secrete EsxA in vitro and that in subtype I strain CJB111, esxA1 appears to be differentially transcribed from the T7SS operon. Further, we observe subtype-specific effects of GBS T7SS on host colonization, as subtype I but not subtype III T7SS promotes GBS vaginal persistence. Finally, we observe that T7SS subtypes I and II are the predominant subtypes in clinical GBS isolates. This study highlights the potential impact of T7SS heterogeneity on host-GBS interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brady L. Spencer
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alyx M. Job
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Clare M. Robertson
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zainab A. Hameed
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Camille Serchejian
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jéssica C. Mendonça
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
- Rio de Janeiro State University, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Morgan A. Apolonio
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
- National Summer Undergraduate Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Prescilla E. Nagao
- Rio de Janeiro State University, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Melody N. Neely
- University of Maine, Molecular & Biomedical Sciences, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Natalia Korotkova
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Konstantin V. Korotkov
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly S. Doran
- University of Colorado-Anschutz, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, CO, USA
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The Antibacterial Type VII Secretion System of Bacillus subtilis: Structure and Interactions of the Pseudokinase YukC/EssB. mBio 2022; 13:e0013422. [PMID: 36154281 PMCID: PMC9600267 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00134-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Type VIIb secretion systems (T7SSb) were recently proposed to mediate different aspects of Firmicutes physiology, including bacterial pathogenicity and competition. However, their architecture and mechanism of action remain largely obscure. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the T7SSb-mediated bacterial competition in Bacillus subtilis, using the effector YxiD as a model for the LXG secreted toxins. By systematically investigating protein-protein interactions, we reveal that the membrane subunit YukC contacts all T7SSb components, including the WXG100 substrate YukE and the LXG effector YxiD. YukC’s crystal structure shows unique features, suggesting an intrinsic flexibility that is required for T7SSb antibacterial activity. Overall, our results shed light on the role and molecular organization of the T7SSb and demonstrate the potential of B. subtilis as a model system for extensive structure-function studies of these secretion machineries.
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10
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Naclerio GA, Abutaleb NS, Onyedibe KI, Karanja C, Eldesouky HE, Liang HW, Dieterly A, Aryal UK, Lyle T, Seleem MN, Sintim HO. Mechanistic Studies and In Vivo Efficacy of an Oxadiazole-Containing Antibiotic. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6612-6630. [PMID: 35482444 PMCID: PMC9124606 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02034] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are still difficult to treat, despite the availability of many FDA-approved antibiotics. Thus, new compound scaffolds are still needed to treat MRSA. The oxadiazole-containing compound, HSGN-94, has been shown to reduce lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in S. aureus, but the mechanism that accounts for LTA biosynthesis inhibition remains uncharacterized. Herein, we report the elucidation of the mechanism by which HSGN-94 inhibits LTA biosynthesis via utilization of global proteomics, activity-based protein profiling, and lipid analysis via multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Our data suggest that HSGN-94 inhibits LTA biosynthesis via direct binding to PgcA and downregulation of PgsA. We further show that HSGN-94 reduces the MRSA load in skin infection (mouse) and decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines in MRSA-infected wounds. Collectively, HSGN-94 merits further consideration as a potential drug for staphylococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Naclerio
- Chemistry Department, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Nader S Abutaleb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Kenneth I Onyedibe
- Chemistry Department, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Caroline Karanja
- Chemistry Department, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Hassan E Eldesouky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Hsin-Wen Liang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - Alexandra Dieterly
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Uma K Aryal
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue Proteomics Facility, Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Tiffany Lyle
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Center for Comparative Translational Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Mohamed N Seleem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Herman O Sintim
- Chemistry Department, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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11
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Spencer BL, Tak U, Mendonça JC, Nagao PE, Niederweis M, Doran KS. A type VII secretion system in Group B Streptococcus mediates cytotoxicity and virulence. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010121. [PMID: 34871327 PMCID: PMC8675928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Type VII secretion systems (T7SS) have been identified in Actinobacteria and Firmicutes and have been shown to secrete effector proteins with functions in virulence, host toxicity, and/or interbacterial killing in a few genera. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that isolates of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) encode at least four distinct subtypes of T7SS machinery, three of which encode adjacent putative T7SS effectors with WXG and LXG motifs. However, the function of T7SS in GBS pathogenesis is unknown. Here we assessed the role of the most abundant GBS T7SS subtype during GBS pathogenesis. In a murine model of hematogenous meningitis, mice infected with GBS lacking a functional T7SS or lacking the secreted WXG100 effector EsxA exhibited less mortality, lower bacterial burdens in tissues, and decreased inflammation in the brain compared to mice infected with the parental GBS strain. We further showed that this T7SS induces cytotoxicity in brain endothelium and that EsxA contributes to these cytotoxicity phenotypes in a WXG motif-dependent manner. Finally, we determined that EsxA is a pore-forming protein, thus demonstrating the first role for a non-mycobacterial EsxA homolog in pore formation. This work reveals the importance of a T7SS in host–GBS interactions and has implications for T7SS effector function in other Gram-positive bacteria. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important human pathogen that is a leading cause of invasive disease in newborns and certain adult populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with diabetes. During pregnancy, asymptomatically colonizing GBS in the female genital tract can be transmitted to the fetus or newborn and can result in neonatal meningitis upon GBS disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). GBS encodes a type VII secretion system (T7SS), which may allow export of proteins and/or toxins that promote BBB disruption; however, the GBS T7SS has not been studied. Here we show that GBS encodes four types of T7SSs and that the most prevalent subtype is important for GBS meningitis progression, possibly by inducing inflammation and cell death in the brain. We also show that a secreted T7SS effector protein, EsxA, contributes to GBS pathogenesis and can form pores in lipid membranes. This is the first demonstration of EsxA-mediated pore-formation in Gram-positive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brady L. Spencer
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Uday Tak
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Microbiology, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Jéssica C. Mendonça
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Rio de Janeiro State University, Roberto Alcântara Gomes Biology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Prescilla E. Nagao
- Rio de Janeiro State University, Roberto Alcântara Gomes Biology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Michael Niederweis
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Microbiology, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Kelly S. Doran
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Rivera-Calzada A, Famelis N, Llorca O, Geibel S. Type VII secretion systems: structure, functions and transport models. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:567-584. [PMID: 34040228 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00560-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Type VII secretion systems (T7SSs) have a key role in the secretion of effector proteins in non-pathogenic mycobacteria and pathogenic mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the main causative agent of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis-causing mycobacteria, still accounting for 1.4 million deaths annually, rely on paralogous T7SSs to survive in the host and efficiently evade its immune response. Although it is still unknown how effector proteins of T7SSs cross the outer membrane of the diderm mycobacterial cell envelope, recent advances in the structural characterization of these secretion systems have revealed the intricate network of interactions of conserved components in the plasma membrane. This structural information, added to recent advances in the molecular biology and regulation of mycobacterial T7SSs as well as progress in our understanding of their secreted effector proteins, is shedding light on the inner working of the T7SS machinery. In this Review, we highlight the implications of these studies and the derived transport models, which provide new scenarios for targeting the deathly human pathogen M. tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Rivera-Calzada
- Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nikolaos Famelis
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, Julius-Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Biomedicine, Julius-Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Oscar Llorca
- Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sebastian Geibel
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, Julius-Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. .,Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Biomedicine, Julius-Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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13
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Abstract
The type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) of Staphylococcus aureus is encoded at the ess locus. T7 substrate recognition and protein transport are mediated by EssC, a membrane-bound multidomain ATPase. Four EssC sequence variants have been identified across S. aureus strains, each accompanied by a specific suite of substrate proteins. The ess genes are upregulated during persistent infection, and the secretion system contributes to virulence in disease models. It also plays a key role in intraspecies competition, secreting nuclease and membrane-depolarizing toxins that inhibit the growth of strains lacking neutralizing immunity proteins. A genomic survey indicates that the T7SS is widely conserved across staphylococci and is encoded in clusters that contain diverse arrays of toxin and immunity genes. The presence of genomic islands encoding multiple immunity proteins in species such as Staphylococcus warneri that lack the T7SS points to a major role for the secretion system in bacterial antagonism. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bowman
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom; ,
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom; ,
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14
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Yi Y, Wang H, Su L, Wang H, Zhang B, Su Y. A comparative investigation on the role and interaction of EsxA and EsxB in host immune response. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104843. [PMID: 33691174 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a frequent and major cause of bovine mastitis; it poses a tremendous economic burden to dairy industries of numerous countries. Early-secretion antigen-6 secretion system (ESS) has been viewed as an essential virulence and pathogenic factor of S. aureus. EsxA and EsxB are small acidic proteins secreted by ESS and identified as potential T-cell antigens of S. aureus. Unlike those of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), the EsxA and EsxB of S. aureus do not form a dimer. Instead, EsxA dimerizes with itself or EsaC. Therefore, the interaction of EsxA and EsxB remains incompletely understood. In this study, to explore their interactions, EsxA and EsxB were expressed and used for immunization, alone or in combination, of murine infection models. Both components can interact with each other. Through the analysis of the immune response by immunological method, EsxB could significantly enhance the EsxA-specific IgG2a antibody level and increase the proliferation proportion of CD8+ T cells. These results indicate that when vaccinated with EsxA, EsxB can play a critical role in stimulating T helper 1 immunity by activating IgG2a and CD8+ T cells. We further show that vaccination with the combination of EsxA and EsxB resulted in enhanced stimulation of TLR-4 and improved protection against S. aureus. The findings may help us better understand the role of EsxB in the virulence and pathogenesis of S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyang Yi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hanqing Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Lingling Su
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Baojiang Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yan Su
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.
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15
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Bowran K, Palmer T. Extreme genetic diversity in the type VII secretion system of Listeria monocytogenes suggests a role in bacterial antagonism. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2021; 167. [PMID: 33599605 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) has been characterized in members of the phyla Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. In mycobacteria the T7SS is intimately linked with pathogenesis and intracellular survival, while in Firmicutes there is mounting evidence that the system plays a key role in interbacterial competition. A conserved membrane-bound ATPase protein, termed EssC in Staphylococcus aureus, is a critical component of the T7SS and is the primary receptor for substrate proteins. Genetic diversity in the essC gene of S. aureus has previously been reported, resulting in four protein variants that are linked to specific subsets of substrates. Here we have analysed the genetic diversity of the T7SS-encoding genes and substrate proteins across Listeria monocytogenes genome sequences. We find that there are seven EssC variants across the species that differ in their C-terminal region; each variant is correlated with a distinct subset of genes for likely substrate and accessory proteins. EssC1 is most common and is exclusively linked with polymorphic toxins harbouring a YeeF domain, whereas EssC5, EssC6 and EssC7 variants all code for an LXG domain protein adjacent to essC. Some essC1 variant strains encode an additional, truncated essC at their T7 gene cluster. The truncated EssC, comprising only the C-terminal half of the protein, matches the sequence of either EssC2, EssC3 or EssC4. In each case the truncated gene directly precedes a cluster of substrate/accessory protein genes acquired from the corresponding strain. Across L. monocytogenes strains we identified 40 LXG domain proteins, most of which are encoded at conserved genomic loci. These loci also harbour genes encoding immunity proteins and sometimes additional toxin fragments. Collectively our findings strongly suggest that the T7SS plays an important role in bacterial antagonism in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Bowran
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
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16
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Tran HKR, Grebenc DW, Klein TA, Whitney JC. Bacterial type VII secretion: An important player in host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions. Mol Microbiol 2021; 115:478-489. [PMID: 33410158 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Type VII secretion systems (T7SSs) are poorly understood protein export apparatuses found in mycobacteria and many species of Gram-positive bacteria. To date, this pathway has predominantly been studied in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, where it has been shown to play an essential role in virulence; however, much less studied is an evolutionarily divergent subfamily of T7SSs referred to as the T7SSb. The T7SSb is found in the major Gram-positive phylum Firmicutes where it was recently shown to target both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, suggesting a dual role for this pathway in host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions. In this review, we compare the current understanding of the molecular architectures and substrate repertoires of the well-studied mycobacterial T7SSa systems to that of recently characterized T7SSb pathways and highlight how these differences may explain the observed biological functions of this understudied protein export machine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu-Ki R Tran
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Dirk W Grebenc
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy A Klein
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John C Whitney
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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17
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Taylor JC, Gao X, Xu J, Holder M, Petrosino J, Kumar R, Liu W, Höök M, Mackenzie C, Hillhouse A, Brashear W, Nunez MP, Xu Y. A type VII secretion system of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus contributes to gut colonization and the development of colon tumors. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009182. [PMID: 33406160 PMCID: PMC7815207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus (Sgg) has a strong clinical association with colorectal cancer (CRC) and actively promotes the development of colon tumors. However, the molecular determinants involved in Sgg pathogenicity in the gut are unknown. Bacterial type VII secretion systems (T7SS) mediate pathogen interactions with their host and are important for virulence in pathogenic mycobacteria and Staphylococcus aureus. Through genome analysis, we identified a locus in Sgg strain TX20005 that encodes a putative type VII secretion system (designated as SggT7SST05). We showed that core genes within the SggT7SST05 locus are expressed in vitro and in the colon of mice. Western blot analysis showed that SggEsxA, a protein predicted to be a T7SS secretion substrate, is detected in the bacterial culture supernatant, indicating that this SggT7SST05 is functional. Deletion of SggT7SST05 (TX20005Δesx) resulted in impaired bacterial adherence to HT29 cells and abolished the ability of Sgg to stimulate HT29 cell proliferation. Analysis of bacterial culture supernatants suggest that SggT7SST05-secreted factors are responsible for the pro-proliferative activity of Sgg, whereas Sgg adherence to host cells requires both SggT7SST05-secreted and bacterial surface-associated factors. In a murine gut colonization model, TX20005Δesx showed significantly reduced colonization compared to the parent strain. Furthermore, in a mouse model of CRC, mice exposed to TX20005 had a significantly higher tumor burden compared to saline-treated mice, whereas those exposed to TX20005Δesx did not. Examination of the Sgg load in the colon in the CRC model suggests that SggT7SST05-mediated activities are directly involved in the promotion of colon tumors. Taken together, these results reveal SggT7SST05 as a previously unrecognized pathogenicity determinant for Sgg colonization of the colon and promotion of colon tumors. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. The development of CRC can be strongly influenced by specific gut microbes. Understanding how gut microbes modulate CRC is critical to developing novel strategies to improve clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease. S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (Sgg) has a strong clinical association with CRC and actively promotes the development of colon tumors. However, the specific Sgg molecules that mediate its pro-tumor activity are unknown. Here we report the first characterization of a type VII secretion system (T7SS) in Sgg, designated as SggT7SST05. We further demonstrate that SggT7SST05-mediated activities are important for Sgg to colonize the colon and to promote the development of colon tumors. These findings reveal SggT7SST05 as a novel pathogenicity determinant of Sgg and provide a critical breakthrough in our efforts to understand how Sgg influences the development of CRC. Future investigations of the biological activities of specific effectors of SggT7SST05 will likely lead to the discovery of Sgg molecules that can be used as diagnostic markers and intervention targets aimed at mitigating the harmful effect of Sgg.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Culver Taylor
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences of Technology, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xinsheng Gao
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences of Technology, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Juan Xu
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences of Technology, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael Holder
- Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joseph Petrosino
- Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ritesh Kumar
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences of Technology, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wen Liu
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences of Technology, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Magnus Höök
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences of Technology, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Chris Mackenzie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, UT Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrew Hillhouse
- Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society, Texas A&M, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wesley Brashear
- Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society, Texas A&M, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria Patricia Nunez
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences of Technology, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yi Xu
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences of Technology, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, UT Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Alcock
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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19
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Klein TA, Grebenc DW, Gandhi SY, Shah VS, Kim Y, Whitney JC. Structure of the Extracellular Region of the Bacterial Type VIIb Secretion System Subunit EsaA. Structure 2020; 29:177-185.e6. [PMID: 33238147 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gram-positive bacteria use type VII secretion systems (T7SSs) to export effector proteins that manipulate the physiology of nearby prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Several mycobacterial T7SSs have established roles in virulence. By contrast, the genetically distinct T7SSb pathway found in Firmicutes bacteria more often functions to mediate bacterial competition. A lack of structural information on the T7SSb has limited the understanding of effector export by this protein secretion apparatus. Here, we present the 2.4 Å crystal structure of the extracellular region of the T7SSb subunit EsaA from Streptococcus gallolyticus. Our structure reveals that homodimeric EsaA is an elongated, arrow-shaped protein with a surface-accessible "tip", which in some species of bacteria serves as a receptor for lytic bacteriophages. Because it is the only T7SSb subunit large enough to traverse the peptidoglycan layer of Firmicutes, we propose that EsaA plays a critical role in transporting effectors across the entirety of the Gram-positive cell envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Klein
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Dirk W Grebenc
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Shil Y Gandhi
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Vraj S Shah
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Youngchang Kim
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, USA
| | - John C Whitney
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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20
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Alhajjar N, Chatterjee A, Spencer BL, Burcham LR, Willett JLE, Dunny GM, Duerkop BA, Doran KS. Genome-Wide Mutagenesis Identifies Factors Involved in Enterococcus faecalis Vaginal Adherence and Persistence. Infect Immun 2020; 88:e00270-20. [PMID: 32778611 PMCID: PMC7504943 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00270-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive commensal bacterium native to the gastrointestinal tract and an opportunistic pathogen of increasing clinical concern. E. faecalis also colonizes the female reproductive tract, and reports suggest vaginal colonization increases following antibiotic treatment or in patients with aerobic vaginitis. Currently, little is known about specific factors that promote E. faecalis vaginal colonization and subsequent infection. We modified an established mouse vaginal colonization model to explore E. faecalis vaginal carriage and demonstrate that both vancomycin-resistant and -sensitive strains colonize the murine vaginal tract. Following vaginal colonization, we observed E. faecalis in vaginal, cervical, and uterine tissue. A mutant lacking endocarditis- and biofilm-associated pili (Ebp) exhibited a decreased ability to associate with human vaginal and cervical cells in vitro but did not contribute to colonization in vivo Thus, we screened a low-complexity transposon (Tn) mutant library to identify novel genes important for E. faecalis colonization and persistence in the vaginal tract. This screen revealed 383 mutants that were underrepresented during vaginal colonization at 1, 5, and 8 days postinoculation compared to growth in culture medium. We confirmed that mutants deficient in ethanolamine catabolism or in the type VII secretion system were attenuated in persisting during vaginal colonization. These results reveal the complex nature of vaginal colonization and suggest that multiple factors contribute to E. faecalis persistence in the reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norhan Alhajjar
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anushila Chatterjee
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Brady L Spencer
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lindsey R Burcham
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Julia L E Willett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gary M Dunny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Breck A Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelly S Doran
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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21
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The type VII secretion system protects Staphylococcus aureus against antimicrobial host fatty acids. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14838. [PMID: 32908165 PMCID: PMC7481793 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71653-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Staphylococcus aureus type VII secretion system (T7SS) exports several proteins that are pivotal for bacterial virulence. The mechanisms underlying T7SS-mediated staphylococcal survival during infection nevertheless remain unclear. Here we report that S. aureus lacking T7SS components are more susceptible to host-derived antimicrobial fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid (LA) elicited an increased inhibition of S. aureus mutants lacking T7SS effectors EsxC, EsxA and EsxB, or the membrane-bound ATPase EssC, compared to the wild-type (WT). T7SS mutants generated in different S. aureus strain backgrounds also displayed an increased sensitivity to LA. Analysis of bacterial membrane lipid profiles revealed that the esxC mutant was less able to incorporate LA into its membrane phospholipids. Although the ability to bind labelled LA did not differ between the WT and mutant strains, LA induced more cell membrane damage in the T7SS mutants compared to the WT. Furthermore, proteomic analyses of WT and mutant cell fractions revealed that, in addition to compromising membranes, T7SS defects induce oxidative stress and hamper their response to LA challenge. Thus, our findings indicate that T7SS contribute to maintaining S. aureus membrane integrity and homeostasis when bacteria encounter antimicrobial fatty acids.
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22
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A membrane-depolarizing toxin substrate of the Staphylococcus aureus type VII secretion system mediates intraspecies competition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:20836-20847. [PMID: 32769205 PMCID: PMC7456083 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006110117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) is conserved across Staphylococcus aureus strains and plays important roles in virulence and interbacterial competition. To date, only one T7SS substrate protein, encoded in a subset of S. aureus genomes, has been functionally characterized. Here, using an unbiased proteomic approach, we identify TspA as a further T7SS substrate. TspA is encoded distantly from the T7SS gene cluster and is found across all S. aureus strains as well as in Listeria and Enterococci. Heterologous expression of TspA from S. aureus strain RN6390 indicates its C-terminal domain is toxic when targeted to the Escherichia coli periplasm and that it depolarizes the cytoplasmic membrane. The membrane-depolarizing activity is alleviated by coproduction of the membrane-bound TsaI immunity protein, which is encoded adjacent to tspA on the S. aureus chromosome. Using a zebrafish hindbrain ventricle infection model, we demonstrate that the T7SS of strain RN6390 promotes bacterial replication in vivo, and deletion of tspA leads to increased bacterial clearance. The toxin domain of TspA is highly polymorphic and S. aureus strains encode multiple tsaI homologs at the tspA locus, suggestive of additional roles in intraspecies competition. In agreement, we demonstrate TspA-dependent growth inhibition of RN6390 by strain COL in the zebrafish infection model that is alleviated by the presence of TsaI homologs.
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23
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Kim N, Kim JJ, Kim I, Mannaa M, Park J, Kim J, Lee H, Lee S, Park D, Sul WJ, Seo Y. Type VI secretion systems of plant-pathogenic Burkholderia glumae BGR1 play a functionally distinct role in interspecies interactions and virulence. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2020; 21:1055-1069. [PMID: 32643866 PMCID: PMC7368126 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In the environment, bacteria show close association, such as interspecies interaction, with other bacteria as well as host organisms. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) in gram-negative bacteria is involved in bacterial competition or virulence. The plant pathogen Burkholderia glumae BGR1, causing bacterial panicle blight in rice, has four T6SS gene clusters. The presence of at least one T6SS gene cluster in an organism indicates its distinct role, like in the bacterial and eukaryotic cell targeting system. In this study, deletion mutants targeting four tssD genes, which encode the main component of T6SS needle formation, were constructed to functionally dissect the four T6SSs in B. glumae BGR1. We found that both T6SS group_4 and group_5, belonging to the eukaryotic targeting system, act independently as bacterial virulence factors toward host plants. In contrast, T6SS group_1 is involved in bacterial competition by exerting antibacterial effects. The ΔtssD1 mutant lost the antibacterial effect of T6SS group_1. The ΔtssD1 mutant showed similar virulence as the wild-type BGR1 in rice because the ΔtssD1 mutant, like the wild-type BGR1, still has key virulence factors such as toxin production towards rice. However, metagenomic analysis showed different bacterial communities in rice infected with the ΔtssD1 mutant compared to wild-type BGR1. In particular, the T6SS group_1 controls endophytic plant-associated bacteria such as Luteibacter and Dyella in rice plants and may have an advantage in competing with endophytic plant-associated bacteria for settlement inside rice plants in the environment. Thus, B. glumae BGR1 causes disease using T6SSs with functionally distinct roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namgyu Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological SciencePusan National UniversityBusanKorea
| | - Jin Ju Kim
- Department of Systems BiotechnologyChung‐Ang UniversityAnseongKorea
| | - Inyoung Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological SciencePusan National UniversityBusanKorea
| | - Mohamed Mannaa
- Department of Integrated Biological SciencePusan National UniversityBusanKorea
| | - Jungwook Park
- Department of Integrated Biological SciencePusan National UniversityBusanKorea
| | - Juyun Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological SciencePusan National UniversityBusanKorea
| | - Hyun‐Hee Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological SciencePusan National UniversityBusanKorea
| | | | | | - Woo Jun Sul
- Department of Systems BiotechnologyChung‐Ang UniversityAnseongKorea
| | - Young‐Su Seo
- Department of Integrated Biological SciencePusan National UniversityBusanKorea
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24
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Substrate Interaction with the EssC Coupling Protein of the Type VIIb Secretion System. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00646-19. [PMID: 31964696 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00646-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus employs the type VIIb secretion system (T7SSb) to secrete effector proteins that either have antibacterial activities or promote bacterial persistence in mouse infection models. Here, we present the crystal structure of the ATPase domain D3 of the EssC coupling protein from S. aureus USA300_FPR3757, an integral component of the T7SSb complex, resolved at a 1.7-Å resolution. EssC-D3 shares structural homology with FtsK/SpoIII-like ATPase domains of T7SSa and T7SSb and exhibits a conserved pocket on the surface with differential amino acid composition. In T7SSa, substrate EsxB interacts with the D3 domain through this pocket. Here, we identify amino acids in this pocket that are essential for effector protein secretion in the T7SSb. Our results reveal that the adjacent ATPase domain D2 is a substrate binding site on EssC and that substrates bound to D2 require domain D3 for further transport. Point mutations in the Walker B motif of domain D3 have diametric effects on secretion activity, either abolishing or boosting it, pointing to a critical role of domain D3 in the substrate transport. Finally, we identify ATPase domain D3 as a virulence determinant of S. aureus USA300_FPR3757 using an invertebrate in vivo infection model.IMPORTANCE The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a rising problem in antibiotic treatment (S. Boyle-Vavra and R. S. Daum, Lab Invest 87:3-9, 2007, https://doi.org/10.1038/labinvest.3700501). We have used the multidrug-resistant S. aureus USA300_FPR3757 as a model organism to study the T7SSb. Effector proteins of this system have been associated with abscess formation and bacterial persistence in mouse models (M. L. Burts, A. C. DeDent, and D. M. Missiakas, Mol Microbiol 69:736-746, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06324.x; M. L. Burts, W. A. Williams, K. DeBord, and D. M. Missiakas, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102:1169-1174, 2005, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0405620102). We determined the structure of the essential ATPase domain D3 of the T7SSb at atomic resolution and validated a surface-exposed pocket as a potential drug target to block secretion. Furthermore, our study provides new mechanistic insights into the T7SSb substrate transport.
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Abstract
We lack fundamental understanding of how phage infection influences bacterial gene expression and, consequently, how bacterial responses to phage infection affect the assembly of polymicrobial communities. Using parallel genomic approaches, we have discovered novel transcriptional regulators and metabolic genes that influence phage infection. The integration of whole-genome transcriptomic profiling during phage infection has revealed the differential regulation of genes important for group behaviors and polymicrobial interactions. Our work suggests that therapeutic phages could more broadly influence bacterial community composition outside their intended host targets. Bacteriophages (phages) have been proposed as alternative therapeutics for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. However, there are major gaps in our understanding of the molecular events in bacterial cells that control how bacteria respond to phage predation. Using the model organism Enterococcus faecalis, we used two distinct genomic approaches, namely, transposon library screening and RNA sequencing, to investigate the interaction of E. faecalis with a virulent phage. We discovered that a transcription factor encoding a LytR family response regulator controls the expression of enterococcal polysaccharide antigen (epa) genes that are involved in phage infection and bacterial fitness. In addition, we discovered that DNA mismatch repair mutants rapidly evolve phage adsorption deficiencies, underpinning a molecular basis for epa mutation during phage infection. Transcriptomic profiling of phage-infected E. faecalis revealed broad transcriptional changes influencing viral replication and progeny burst size. We also demonstrate that phage infection alters the expression of bacterial genes associated with intra- and interbacterial interactions, including genes involved in quorum sensing and polymicrobial competition. Together, our results suggest that phage predation has the potential to influence complex microbial behavior and may dictate how bacteria respond to external environmental stimuli. These responses could have collateral effects (positive or negative) on microbial communities, such as the host microbiota, during phage therapy.
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Infect and Inject: How Mycobacterium tuberculosis Exploits Its Major Virulence-Associated Type VII Secretion System, ESX-1. Microbiol Spectr 2020; 7. [PMID: 31172908 PMCID: PMC6698389 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.bai-0024-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an ancient master of the art of causing human disease. One important weapon within its fully loaded arsenal is the type VII secretion system. M. tuberculosis has five of them: ESAT-6 secretion systems (ESX) 1 to 5. ESX-1 has long been recognized as a major cause of attenuation of the FDA-licensed vaccine Mycobacterium bovis BCG, but its importance in disease progression and transmission has recently been elucidated in more detail. This review summarizes the recent advances in (i) the understanding of the ESX-1 structure and components, (ii) our knowledge of ESX-1's role in hijacking macrophage function to set a path for infection and dissemination, and (iii) the development of interventions that utilize ESX-1 for diagnosis, drug interventions, host-directed therapies, and vaccines.
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Mietrach N, Schlosser A, Geibel S. An extracellular domain of the EsaA membrane component of the type VIIb secretion system: expression, purification and crystallization. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2019; 75:725-730. [PMID: 31797813 PMCID: PMC6891578 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x1901495x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The biophysical characterization and crystallization of an extracellular domain of the EsaA membrane component of the type VIIb secretion system is described. The membrane protein EsaA is a conserved component of the type VIIb secretion system. Limited proteolysis of purified EsaA from Staphylococcus aureus USA300 identified a stable 48 kDa fragment, which was mapped by fingerprint mass spectrometry to an uncharacterized extracellular segment of EsaA. Analysis by circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that this fragment folds into a single stable domain made of mostly α-helices with a melting point of 34.5°C. Size-exclusion chromatography combined with multi-angle light scattering indicated the formation of a dimer of the purified extracellular domain. Octahedral crystals were grown in 0.2 M ammonium citrate tribasic pH 7.0, 16% PEG 3350 using the hanging-drop vapor-diffusion method. Diffraction data were analyzed to 4.0 Å resolution, showing that the crystals belonged to the enantiomorphic tetragonal space groups P41212 or P43212, with unit-cell parameters a = 197.5, b = 197.5, c = 368.3 Å, α = β = γ = 90°.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Mietrach
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Josef Schneider Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlosser
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Josef Schneider Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Geibel
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Josef Schneider Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Espadinha D, Sobral RG, Mendes CI, Méric G, Sheppard SK, Carriço JA, de Lencastre H, Miragaia M. Distinct Phenotypic and Genomic Signatures Underlie Contrasting Pathogenic Potential of Staphylococcus epidermidis Clonal Lineages. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1971. [PMID: 31507574 PMCID: PMC6719527 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common skin commensal that has emerged as a pathogen in hospitals, mainly related to medical devices-associated infections. Noteworthy, infection rates by S. epidermidis have the tendency to rise steeply in next decades together with medical devices use and immunocompromized population growth. Staphylococcus epidermidis population structure includes two major clonal lineages (A/C and B) that present contrasting pathogenic potentials. To address this distinction and explore the basis of increased pathogenicity of A/C lineage, we performed a detailed comparative analysis using phylogenetic and integrated pangenome-wide-association study (panGWAS) approaches and compared the lineages's phenotypes in in vitro conditions mimicking carriage and infection. Results: Each S. epidermidis lineage had distinct phenotypic signatures in skin and infection conditions and differed in genomic content. Combination of phenotypic and genotypic data revealed that both lineages were well adapted to skin environmental cues. However, they appear to occupy different skin niches, perform distinct biological functions in the skin and use different mechanisms to complete the same function: lineage B strains showed evidence of specialization to survival in microaerobic and lipid rich environment, characteristic of hair follicle and sebaceous glands; lineage A/C strains showed evidence for adaption to diverse osmotic and pH conditions, potentially allowing them to occupy a broader and more superficial skin niche. In infection conditions, A/C strains had an advantage, having the potential to bind blood-associated host matrix proteins, form biofilms at blood pH, resist antibiotics and macrophage acidity and to produce proteases. These features were observed to be rare in the lineage B strains. PanGWAS analysis produced a catalog of putative S. epidermidis virulence factors and identified an epidemiological molecular marker for the more pathogenic lineage. Conclusion: The prevalence of A/C lineage in infection is probably related to a higher metabolic and genomic versatility that allows rapid adaptation during transition from a commensal to a pathogenic lifestyle. The putative virulence and phenotypic factors associated to A/C lineage constitute a reliable framework for future studies on S. epidermidis pathogenesis and the finding of an epidemiological marker for the more pathogenic lineage is an asset for the management of S. epidermidis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Espadinha
- Laboratory of Bacterial Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.,Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Rita G Sobral
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology of Bacterial Pathogens, UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Costa de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Catarina Inês Mendes
- Molecular Microbiology and Infection Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Guillaume Méric
- The Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel K Sheppard
- The Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.,MRC CLIMB Consortium, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - João A Carriço
- Molecular Microbiology and Infection Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hermínia de Lencastre
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.,Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Maria Miragaia
- Laboratory of Bacterial Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Mycobacteria, including the infamous pathogen
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, are high-GC Gram-positive bacteria with a distinctive cell envelope. Although there is a typical inner membrane, the mycobacterial cell envelope is unusual in having its peptidoglycan layer connected to a polymer of arabinogalactan, which in turn is covalently attached to long-chain mycolic acids that help form a highly impermeable mycobacterial outer membrane. This complex double-membrane, or diderm, cell envelope imparts mycobacteria with unique requirements for protein export into and across the cell envelope for secretion into the extracellular environment. In this article, we review the four protein export pathways known to exist in mycobacteria: two conserved systems that exist in all types of bacteria (the Sec and Tat pathways) and two specialized systems that exist in mycobacteria, corynebacteria, and a subset of low-GC Gram-positive bacteria (the SecA2 and type VII secretion pathways). We describe the progress made over the past 15 years in understanding each of these mycobacterial export pathways, and we highlight the need for research to understand the specific steps of protein export across the mycobacterial outer membrane.
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Comprehensive Virulence Gene Profiling of Bovine Non- aureus Staphylococci Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing Data. mSystems 2019; 4:mSystems00098-18. [PMID: 30863792 PMCID: PMC6401416 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00098-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) are the most frequently isolated pathogens from milk in dairy cattle worldwide. The virulence factors (VFs) and mechanisms by which these bacteria cause udder infection are not fully known. We determined the distribution and associations of 191 VFs in 25 NAS species and investigated the relationship between VFs and disease. Although the overall number of VFs was not associated with disease severity, increasing numbers of toxin and host immune evasion genes specifically were associated with more severe disease outcomes. These findings suggest that the development of disease and the interactions of VFs with the host are complex and determined by the interplay of genes rather than just the presence of virulence genes. Together, our results provide foundational genetic knowledge to other researchers to design and conduct further experiments, focusing on understanding the synergy between VFs and roles of individual NAS species in IMI and characterizing species-specific effects on udder health. Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) are the most frequently isolated pathogens from intramammary infection (IMI) in dairy cattle. Virulence factors (VFs) and mechanisms by which NAS cause IMI are not fully known. Herein, we analyzed the distribution of 191 VFs in 441 genomes of 25 NAS species, after classifying VFs into functional categories: adherence (n = 28), exoenzymes (n = 21), immune evasion (n = 20), iron metabolism (n = 29), and toxins (n = 93). In addition to establishing VF gene profiles, associations of VF genes between and among functional categories were computed, revealing distinctive patterns of association among VFs for various NAS species. Associations were also computed for low, medium, and high somatic cell count (SCC) and clinical mastitis (CM) isolates, demonstrating distinctive patterns of associations for low SCC and CM isolates, but no differences between high SCC and CM isolates. To determine whether VF distributions had any association with SCC or CM, various clustering approaches, including complete linkages, Ward clustering, and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding, were applied. However, no clustering of isolates representing low SCC, medium SCC, or high SCC or CM was identified. Regression analysis to test for associations with individual VF functional categories demonstrated that each additional toxin and host immune evasion gene increased the odds of having high SCC or CM, although an overall increase in the number of VFs was not associated with increased SCC or occurrence of CM. In conclusion, we established comprehensive VF gene profiling, determined VF gene distributions and associations, calculated pathogenic potentials of all NAS species, and detected no clear link between VF genes and mastitis. IMPORTANCE Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) are the most frequently isolated pathogens from milk in dairy cattle worldwide. The virulence factors (VFs) and mechanisms by which these bacteria cause udder infection are not fully known. We determined the distribution and associations of 191 VFs in 25 NAS species and investigated the relationship between VFs and disease. Although the overall number of VFs was not associated with disease severity, increasing numbers of toxin and host immune evasion genes specifically were associated with more severe disease outcomes. These findings suggest that the development of disease and the interactions of VFs with the host are complex and determined by the interplay of genes rather than just the presence of virulence genes. Together, our results provide foundational genetic knowledge to other researchers to design and conduct further experiments, focusing on understanding the synergy between VFs and roles of individual NAS species in IMI and characterizing species-specific effects on udder health.
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Watanabe S, Aiba Y, Tan XE, Li FY, Boonsiri T, Thitiananpakorn K, Cui B, Sato'o Y, Kiga K, Sasahara T, Cui L. Complete genome sequencing of three human clinical isolates of Staphylococcus caprae reveals virulence factors similar to those of S. epidermidis and S. capitis. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:810. [PMID: 30409159 PMCID: PMC6225691 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Staphylococcus caprae is an animal-associated bacterium regarded as part of goats’ microflora. Recently, S. caprae has been reported to cause human nosocomial infections such as bacteremia and bone and joint infections. However, the mechanisms responsible for the development of nosocomial infections remain largely unknown. Moreover, the complete genome sequence of S. caprae has not been determined. Results We determined the complete genome sequences of three methicillin-resistant S. caprae strains isolated from humans and compared these sequences with the genomes of S. epidermidis and S. capitis, both of which are closely related to S. caprae and are inhabitants of human skin capable of causing opportunistic infections. The genomes showed that S. caprae JMUB145, JMUB590, and JMUB898 strains contained circular chromosomes of 2,618,380, 2,629,173, and 2,598,513 bp, respectively. JMUB145 carried type V SCCmec, while JMUB590 and JMUB898 had type IVa SCCmec. A genome-wide phylogenetic SNP tree constructed using 83 complete genome sequences of 24 Staphylococcus species and 2 S. caprae draft genome sequences confirmed that S. caprae is most closely related to S. epidermidis and S. capitis. Comparative complete genome analysis of eight S. epidermidis, three S. capitis and three S. caprae strains revealed that they shared similar virulence factors represented by biofilm formation genes. These factors include wall teichoic acid synthesis genes, poly-gamma-DL-glutamic acid capsule synthesis genes, and other genes encoding nonproteinaceous adhesins. The 17 proteinases/adhesins and extracellular proteins known to be associated with biofilm formation in S. epidermidis were also conserved in these three species, and their biofilm formation could be detected in vitro. Moreover, two virulence-associated gene clusters, the type VII secretion system and capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis gene clusters, identified in S. aureus were present in S. caprae but not in S. epidermidis and S. capitis genomes. Conclusion The complete genome sequences of three methicillin-resistant S. caprae isolates from humans were determined for the first time. Comparative genome analysis revealed that S. caprae is closely related to S. epidermidis and S. capitis at the species level, especially in the ability to form biofilms, which may lead to increased virulence during the development of S. caprae infections. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5185-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Watanabe
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Aiba
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Xin-Ee Tan
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Feng-Yu Li
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Tanit Boonsiri
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kanate Thitiananpakorn
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Bintao Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato'o
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kiga
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Teppei Sasahara
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Longzhu Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
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Li Z, Quan G, Jiang X, Yang Y, Ding X, Zhang D, Wang X, Hardwidge PR, Ren W, Zhu G. Effects of Metabolites Derived From Gut Microbiota and Hosts on Pathogens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:314. [PMID: 30276161 PMCID: PMC6152485 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal metabolites participate in various physiological processes, including energy metabolism, cell-to-cell communication, and host immunity. These metabolites mainly originate from gut microbiota and hosts. Although many host metabolites are dominant in intestines, such as free fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins, the metabolites derived from gut microbiota are also essential for intestinal homeostasis. In addition, some metabolites are only generated and released by gut microbiota, such as bacteriocins, short-chain fatty acids, and quorum-sensing autoinducers. In this review, we summarize recent studies regarding the crosstalk between pathogens and metabolites from different sources, including the influence on bacterial development and the activation/inhibition of immune responses of hosts. All of these functions would affect the colonization of and infection by pathogens. This review provides clear ideas and directions for further exploring the regulatory mechanisms and effects of metabolites on pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guomei Quan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xueyan Ding
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiuqing Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Philip R Hardwidge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Wenkai Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Subtropical Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Jäger F, Kneuper H, Palmer T. EssC is a specificity determinant for Staphylococcus aureus type VII secretion. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2018; 164:816-820. [PMID: 29620499 PMCID: PMC5994694 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) is found in actinobacteria and firmicutes, and plays important roles in virulence and interbacterial competition. A membrane-bound ATPase protein, EssC in Staphylococcus aureus, lies at the heart of the secretion machinery. The EssC protein from S. aureus strains can be grouped into four variants (EssC1-EssC4) that display sequence variability in the C-terminal region. Here we show that the EssC2, EssC3 and EssC4 variants can be produced in a strain deleted for essC1, and that they are able to mediate secretion of EsxA, an essential component of the secretion apparatus. They are, however, unable to support secretion of the substrate protein EsxC, which is only encoded in essC1-specific strains. This finding indicates that EssC is a specificity determinant for T7 protein secretion. Our results support a model in which the C-terminal domain of EssC interacts with substrate proteins, whereas EsxA interacts elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Jäger
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Holger Kneuper
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Casabona MG, Buchanan G, Zoltner M, Harkins CP, Holden MTG, Palmer T. Functional analysis of the EsaB component of the Staphylococcus aureus Type VII secretion system. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 163:1851-1863. [PMID: 29165232 PMCID: PMC5845737 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Type VII secretion systems (T7SS) are found in many bacteria and secrete proteins involved in virulence and bacterial competition. In Staphylococcus aureus the small ubiquitin-like EsaB protein has been previously implicated as having a regulatory role in the production of the EsxC substrate. Here we show that in the S. aureus RN6390 strain, EsaB does not genetically regulate production of any T7 substrates or components, but is indispensable for secretion activity. Consistent with EsaB being an essential component of the T7SS, loss of either EsaB or EssC are associated with upregulation of a common set of iron acquisition genes. However, a further subset of genes were dysregulated only in the absence of EsaB. Quantitative western blotting indicates that EsaB is present at very low levels in cells. Substitution of a highly conserved threonine for alanine or arginine resulted in a loss of EsaB activity and destabilisation of the protein. Taken together our findings show that EsaB is essential for T7SS activity in RN6390.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guillermina Casabona
- Division of Molecular Microbiology School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Grant Buchanan
- Division of Molecular Microbiology School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Martin Zoltner
- Division of Molecular Microbiology School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | - Tracy Palmer
- Division of Molecular Microbiology School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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WhiB6 regulation of ESX-1 gene expression is controlled by a negative feedback loop in Mycobacterium marinum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E10772-E10781. [PMID: 29180415 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1710167114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ESX (ESAT-6 system) export systems play diverse roles across mycobacterial species. Interestingly, genetic disruption of ESX systems in different species does not result in an accumulation of protein substrates in the mycobacterial cell. However, the mechanisms underlying this observation are elusive. We hypothesized that the levels of ESX substrates were regulated by a feedback-control mechanism, linking the levels of substrates to the secretory status of ESX systems. To test this hypothesis, we used a combination of genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches to define export-dependent mechanisms regulating the levels of ESX-1 substrates in Mycobacterium marinum WhiB6 is a transcription factor that regulates expression of genes encoding ESX-1 substrates. We found that, in the absence of the genes encoding conserved membrane components of the ESX-1 system, the expression of the whiB6 gene and genes encoding ESX-1 substrates were reduced. Accordingly, the levels of ESX-1 substrates were decreased, and WhiB6 was not detected in M. marinum strains lacking genes encoding ESX-1 components. We demonstrated that, in the absence of EccCb1, a conserved ESX-1 component, substrate gene expression was restored by constitutive, but not native, expression of the whiB6 gene. Finally, we found that the loss of WhiB6 resulted in a virulent M. marinum strain with reduced ESX-1 secretion. Together, our findings demonstrate that the levels of ESX-1 substrates in M. marinum are fine-tuned by negative feedback control, linking the expression of the whiB6 gene to the presence, not the functionality, of the ESX-1 membrane complex.
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Casabona MG, Kneuper H, Alferes de Lima D, Harkins CP, Zoltner M, Hjerde E, Holden MTG, Palmer T. Haem-iron plays a key role in the regulation of the Ess/type VII secretion system of Staphylococcus aureus RN6390. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 163:1839-1850. [PMID: 29171824 PMCID: PMC5845736 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The Staphylococcus aureus type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) plays important roles in virulence and intra-species competition. Here we show that the T7SS in strain RN6390 is activated by supplementing the growth medium with haemoglobin, and its cofactor haemin (haem B). Transcript analysis and secretion assays suggest that activation by haemin occurs at a transcriptional and a post-translational level. Loss of T7 secretion activity by deletion of essC results in upregulation of genes required for iron acquisition. Taken together these findings suggest that the T7SS plays a role in iron homeostasis in at least some S. aureus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guillermina Casabona
- Division of Molecular Microbiology School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Holger Kneuper
- Division of Molecular Microbiology School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Daniela Alferes de Lima
- Division of Molecular Microbiology School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Martin Zoltner
- Division of Molecular Microbiology School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Erik Hjerde
- Department of Chemistry, Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Tracy Palmer
- Division of Molecular Microbiology School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Mielich-Süss B, Wagner RM, Mietrach N, Hertlein T, Marincola G, Ohlsen K, Geibel S, Lopez D. Flotillin scaffold activity contributes to type VII secretion system assembly in Staphylococcus aureus. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006728. [PMID: 29166667 PMCID: PMC5718613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffold proteins are ubiquitous chaperones that promote efficient interactions between partners of multi-enzymatic protein complexes; although they are well studied in eukaryotes, their role in prokaryotic systems is poorly understood. Bacterial membranes have functional membrane microdomains (FMM), a structure homologous to eukaryotic lipid rafts. Similar to their eukaryotic counterparts, bacterial FMM harbor a scaffold protein termed flotillin that is thought to promote interactions between proteins spatially confined to the FMM. Here we used biochemical approaches to define the scaffold activity of the flotillin homolog FloA of the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, using assembly of interacting protein partners of the type VII secretion system (T7SS) as a case study. Staphylococcus aureus cells that lacked FloA showed reduced T7SS function, and thus reduced secretion of T7SS-related effectors, probably due to the supporting scaffold activity of flotillin. We found that the presence of flotillin mediates intermolecular interactions of T7SS proteins. We tested several small molecules that interfere with flotillin scaffold activity, which perturbed T7SS activity in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that flotillin assists in the assembly of S. aureus membrane components that participate in infection and influences the infective potential of this pathogen. The recently discovered functional membrane microdomains (FMM) of prokaryotic cells contain a protein homologous to the scaffold protein flotillin found in eukaryotic lipid rafts. It remains to be elucidated whether, like their eukaryotic counterparts, flotillin homolog proteins have a scaffold function in bacteria. Here we show that the Staphylococcus aureus flotillin FloA acts as a scaffold protein, to promote more efficient assembly of membrane-associated protein interacting partners of multi-enzyme complexes. In a case study, we provide biochemical evidence that FloA participates in assembly of the Type VII secretion system and thus contributes to S. aureus infective potential. Targeted dispersion of FMM-related processes using anti-FMM molecules opens up new perspectives for microbial therapies to treat persistent S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Mielich-Süss
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases ZINF, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology IMIB, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rabea M. Wagner
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases ZINF, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology IMIB, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- National Center for Biotechnology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicole Mietrach
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases ZINF, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology IMIB, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Rudolf Virchow Center - DFG Research Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Hertlein
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology IMIB, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gabriella Marincola
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases ZINF, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology IMIB, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Knut Ohlsen
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology IMIB, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Geibel
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases ZINF, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology IMIB, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Rudolf Virchow Center - DFG Research Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Lopez
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases ZINF, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology IMIB, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- National Center for Biotechnology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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38
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Host-derived fatty acids activate type VII secretion in Staphylococcus aureus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:11223-11228. [PMID: 28973946 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1700627114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The type VII secretion system (T7SS) of Staphylococcus aureus is a multiprotein complex dedicated to the export of several virulence factors during host infection. This virulence pathway plays a key role in promoting bacterial survival and the long-term persistence of staphylococcal abscess communities. The expression of the T7SS is activated by bacterial interaction with host tissues including blood serum, nasal secretions, and pulmonary surfactant. In this work we identify the major stimulatory factors as host-specific cis-unsaturated fatty acids. Increased T7SS expression requires host fatty acid incorporation into bacterial biosynthetic pathways by the Saureus fatty acid kinase (FAK) complex, and FakA is required for virulence. The incorporated cis-unsaturated fatty acids decrease Saureus membrane fluidity, and these altered membrane dynamics are partially responsible for T7SS activation. These data define a molecular mechanism by which Saureus cells sense the host environment and implement appropriate virulence pathways.
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39
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Cruciani M, Etna MP, Camilli R, Giacomini E, Percario ZA, Severa M, Sandini S, Rizzo F, Brandi V, Balsamo G, Polticelli F, Affabris E, Pantosti A, Bagnoli F, Coccia EM. Staphylococcus aureus Esx Factors Control Human Dendritic Cell Functions Conditioning Th1/Th17 Response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:330. [PMID: 28785545 PMCID: PMC5519619 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major cause of nosocomial- and community-acquired infections. In addition, many antibiotic-resistant strains are emerging worldwide, thus, there is an urgent unmet need to pinpoint novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. In the present study, we characterized the impact of infection with the pandemic methicillin-resistant USA300 S. aureus strain on human primary dendritic cells (DC), key initiators and regulators of immune responses. In particular, among staphylococcal virulence factors, the function of EsxA and EsxB, two small acidic dimeric proteins secreted by the type VII-like secretion system Ess (ESAT-6-like secretion system), was investigated in human DC setting. A comparative analysis of bacterial entry, replication rate as well as DC maturation, apoptosis, signaling pathway activation and cytokine production was performed by using wild type (wt) USA300 and three isogenic mutants carrying the deletion of esxA (ΔesxA), esxB (ΔesxB), or both genes (ΔesxAB). The S. aureus mutant lacking only the EsxA protein (ΔesxA) stimulated a stronger pro-apoptotic phenotype in infected DC as compared to wt USA300, ΔesxAB, and ΔesxB strains. When the mutant carrying the esxB deletion (ΔesxB) was analyzed, a higher production of both regulatory and pro-inflammatory mediators was found in the infected DC with respect to those challenged with the wt counterpart and the other esx mutants. In accordance with these data, supernatant derived from ΔesxB-infected DC promoted a stronger release of both IFN-γ and IL-17 from CD4+ T cells as compared with those conditioned with supernatants derived from wild type USA300-, ΔesxAB-, and ΔesxA-infected cultures. Although, the interaction of S. aureus with human DC is not yet fully understood, our data suggest that both cytokine production and apoptotic process are modulated by Esx factors, thus indicating a possible role of these proteins in the modulation of DC-mediated immunity to S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Cruciani
- Department of Science, University Roma TreRome, Italy.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Marilena P Etna
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Romina Camilli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Elena Giacomini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | | | - Martina Severa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Silvia Sandini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Rizzo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Science, University Roma TreRome, Italy.,National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Roma Tre UniversityRome, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Pantosti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | | | - Eliana M Coccia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
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40
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Finch S, Keir HR, Dicker AJ, Chalmers JD. The past decade in bench research into pulmonary infectious diseases: What do clinicians need to know? Respirology 2017; 22:1062-1072. [PMID: 28657170 DOI: 10.1111/resp.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory infections are primarily treated with antibiotics, drugs that are mostly inexpensive and have been widely available since the 1940s and 1950s. Nevertheless, despite antibiotics, the burden of disease in pneumonia, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, COPD and rare respiratory infections remains exceptionally high. There is an urgent need for translational studies to develop new treatments or new biomarkers to improve outcomes in these conditions. The 'translational gaps' between bench science and clinical practice are particularly challenging in respiratory infections. This is partly due to the poor representativeness of animal models of infection to human disease, and a long-term lack of investment into pulmonary infection research. The revolution in genomics and other omics technologies, however, is beginning to unlock clinically important information about the host response to infection, the behaviour of bacterial communities and the development of new antibiotics. It is not possible to review the extensive progress made in the last decade into the pathophysiology of the different respiratory infections and so here, we focus on major technologies that are now changing respiratory infection research, specifically bacterial whole-genome sequencing, the microbiota, personalized medicine with omics technologies, new antibiotic development and host inflammatory cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Finch
- Scottish Centre for Respiratory Research, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Holly R Keir
- Scottish Centre for Respiratory Research, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Alison J Dicker
- Scottish Centre for Respiratory Research, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - James D Chalmers
- Scottish Centre for Respiratory Research, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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41
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Dai Y, Wang Y, Liu Q, Gao Q, Lu H, Meng H, Qin J, Hu M, Li M. A Novel ESAT-6 Secretion System-Secreted Protein EsxX of Community-Associated Staphylococcus aureus Lineage ST398 Contributes to Immune Evasion and Virulence. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:819. [PMID: 28529509 PMCID: PMC5418362 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ESAT-6 secretion system (ESS) has been reported to contribute to the virulence and pathogenicity of several Staphylococcus aureus strains such as USA300 and Newman. However, the role of the ESS in community-associated S. aureus (CA-SA) lineage ST398 in China is not well understood. By comparing the ess locus of ST398 with the published S. aureus sequence in the NCBI database, we found one gene in the ess locus encoding a novel WXG superfamily protein that is highly conserved only in ST398. LC-MS/MS and Western blot analysis revealed that this protein is a novel secreted protein controlled by the ST398 ESS, and we named the protein EsxX. Although EsxX was not under the control of the accessory gene regulator like many other virulence factors and had no influence on several phenotypes of ST398, such as growth, hemolysis, and biofilm formation, it showed important impacts on immune evasion and virulence in ST398. An esxX deletion mutant led to significantly reduced resistance to neutrophil killing and decreased virulence in murine skin and blood infection models, indicating its essential contribution to the evasion of innate host defense and virulence to support the pathogenesis of ST398 infections. The function of this novel secreted protein EsxX might help us better understand the role of the ESS in the virulence and epidemic success of the CA-SA lineage ST398.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Huiying Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Juanxiu Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Mo Hu
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
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42
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Unnikrishnan M, Constantinidou C, Palmer T, Pallen MJ. The Enigmatic Esx Proteins: Looking Beyond Mycobacteria. Trends Microbiol 2017; 25:192-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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43
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Albareda M, Buchanan G, Sargent F. Identification of a stable complex between a [NiFe]-hydrogenase catalytic subunit and its maturation protease. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:338-347. [PMID: 28029689 PMCID: PMC5299533 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium has the ability to use molecular hydrogen as a respiratory electron donor. This is facilitated by three [NiFe]‐hydrogenases termed Hyd‐1, Hyd‐2, and Hyd‐5. Hyd‐1 and Hyd‐5 are homologous oxygen‐tolerant [NiFe]‐hydrogenases. A critical step in the biosynthesis of a [NiFe]‐hydrogenase is the proteolytic processing of the catalytic subunit. In this work, the role of the maturation protease encoded within the Hyd‐5 operon, HydD, was found to be partially complemented by the maturation protease encoded in the Hyd‐1 operon, HyaD. In addition, both maturation proteases were shown to form stable complexes, in vivo and in vitro, with the catalytic subunit of Hyd‐5. The protein–protein interactions were not detectable in a strain that could not make the enzyme metallocofactor.
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44
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EssE Promotes Staphylococcus aureus ESS-Dependent Protein Secretion To Modify Host Immune Responses during Infection. J Bacteriol 2016; 199:JB.00527-16. [PMID: 27795322 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00527-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus, an invasive pathogen of humans and animals, requires a specialized ESS pathway to secrete proteins (EsxA, EsxB, EsxC, and EsxD) during infection. Expression of ess genes is required for S. aureus establishment of persistent abscess lesions following bloodstream infection; however, the mechanisms whereby effectors of the ESS pathway implement their virulence strategies were heretofore not known. Here, we show that EssE forms a complex with other members of the ESS secretion pathway and its substrates, promoting the secretion of EsxA, EsxB, EsxC, EsxD, and EssD. During bloodstream infection of mice, the S. aureus essE mutant displays defects in host cytokine responses, specifically in the production of interleukin-12 (IL-12) (p40/p70) and the suppression of RANTES (CCL5), activators of TH1 T cell responses and immune cell chemotaxis, respectively. Thus, essE-mediated secretion of protein effectors via the ESS pathway may enable S. aureus to manipulate host immune responses by modifying the production of cytokines. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus and other firmicutes evolved a specialized ESS (EsxA/ESAT-6-like secretion system) pathway for the secretion of small subsets of proteins lacking canonical signal peptides. The molecular mechanisms for ESS-dependent secretion and their functional purpose are still unknown. We demonstrate here that S. aureus EssE functions as a membrane assembly platform for elements of the secretion machinery and their substrates. Furthermore, S. aureus EssE-mediated secretion contributes to the production or the suppression of specific cytokines during host infection, thereby modifying immune responses toward this pathogen.
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45
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Abstract
Type VII secretion (T7S) systems of mycobacteria secrete substrates over the unusual diderm cell envelope. Furthermore, T7S gene clusters are present throughout the phylum Actinobacteria, and functional T7S-like systems have been identified in Firmicutes. Most of the T7S substrates can be divided into two families: the Esx proteins, which are found in both Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, and the PE and PPE proteins, which are more mycobacterium-specific. Members of both families have been shown to be secreted as folded heterodimers, suggesting that this is a conserved feature of T7S substrates. Most knowledge of the mechanism of T7S and the roles of T7S systems in virulence comes from studies of pathogenic mycobacteria. These bacteria can contain up to five T7S systems, called ESX-1 to ESX-5, each having its own role in bacterial physiology and virulence. In this article, we discuss the general composition of T7S systems and the role of the individual components in secretion. These conserved components include two membrane proteins with (predicted) enzymatic activities: a predicted ATPase (EccC), likely to be required for energy provision of T7S, and a subtilisin-like protease (MycP) involved in processing of specific substrates. Additionally, we describe the role of a conserved intracellular chaperone in T7S substrate recognition, based on recently published crystal structures and molecular analysis. Finally, we discuss system-specific features of the different T7S systems in mycobacteria and their role in pathogenesis and provide an overview of the role of T7S in virulence of other pathogenic bacteria.
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46
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Cao Z, Casabona MG, Kneuper H, Chalmers JD, Palmer T. The type VII secretion system of Staphylococcus aureus secretes a nuclease toxin that targets competitor bacteria. Nat Microbiol 2016; 2:16183. [PMID: 27723728 DOI: 10.1038/nmicrobiol.2016.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) plays a critical role in the virulence of human pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we report that the S. aureus T7SS secretes a large nuclease toxin, EsaD. The toxic activity of EsaD is neutralized during its biosynthesis through complex formation with an antitoxin, EsaG, which binds to its C-terminal nuclease domain. The secretion of EsaD is dependent on a further accessory protein, EsaE, that does not interact with the nuclease domain, but instead binds to the EsaD N-terminal region. EsaE has a dual cytoplasmic/membrane localization, and membrane-bound EsaE interacts with the T7SS secretion ATPase, EssC, implicating EsaE in targeting the EsaDG complex to the secretion apparatus. EsaD and EsaE are co-secreted, whereas EsaG is found only in the cytoplasm and may be stripped off during the secretion process. Strain variants of S. aureus that lack esaD encode at least two copies of EsaG-like proteins, most probably to protect themselves from the toxic activity of EsaD secreted by esaD+ strains. In support of this, a strain overproducing EsaD elicits significant growth inhibition against a sensitive strain. We conclude that the T7SS may play unexpected and key roles in bacterial competitiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenping Cao
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - M Guillermina Casabona
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Holger Kneuper
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - James D Chalmers
- Division of Cardiovascular &Diabetes Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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47
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Pinheiro J, Reis O, Vieira A, Moura IM, Zanolli Moreno L, Carvalho F, Pucciarelli MG, García-Del Portillo F, Sousa S, Cabanes D. Listeria monocytogenes encodes a functional ESX-1 secretion system whose expression is detrimental to in vivo infection. Virulence 2016; 8:993-1004. [PMID: 27723420 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2016.1244589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogenicity deeply depends on the ability to secrete virulence factors that bind specific targets on host cells and manipulate host responses. The Gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is a human foodborne pathogen that remains a serious public health concern. To transport proteins across its cell envelope, this facultative intracellular pathogen engages a set of specialized secretion systems. Here we show that L. monocytogenes EGDe uses a specialized secretion system, named ESX-1, to secrete EsxA, a homolog of the virulence determinants ESAT-6 and EsxA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Our data show that the L. monocytogenes ESX-1 secretion system and its substrates are dispensable for bacterial invasion and intracellular multiplication in eukaryotic cell lines. Surprisingly, we found that the EssC-dependent secretion of EsxA has a detrimental effect on L. monocytogenes in vivo infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Pinheiro
- a Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Group of Molecular Microbiology , Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - IBMC , Porto , Portugal.,c Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Olga Reis
- a Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Group of Molecular Microbiology , Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - IBMC , Porto , Portugal.,c Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Ana Vieira
- a Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Group of Molecular Microbiology , Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - IBMC , Porto , Portugal
| | - Ines M Moura
- a Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Group of Molecular Microbiology , Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - IBMC , Porto , Portugal
| | - Luisa Zanolli Moreno
- a Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Group of Molecular Microbiology , Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - IBMC , Porto , Portugal.,d Laboratório de Saúde Pública , Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Filipe Carvalho
- a Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Group of Molecular Microbiology , Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - IBMC , Porto , Portugal.,c Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - M Graciela Pucciarelli
- e Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-CSIC (CNB-CSIC) , Madrid , Spain.,f Departamento de Biología Molecular , Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO-CSIC) , Madrid , Spain
| | | | - Sandra Sousa
- a Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Group of Molecular Microbiology , Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - IBMC , Porto , Portugal
| | - Didier Cabanes
- a Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Group of Molecular Microbiology , Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - IBMC , Porto , Portugal
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Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses sophisticated secretion systems, named 6 kDa early secretory antigenic target (ESAT6) protein family secretion (ESX) systems (also known as type VII secretion systems), to export a set of effector proteins that helps the pathogen to resist or evade the host immune response. Since the discovery of the esx loci during the M. tuberculosis H37Rv genome project, structural biology, cell biology and evolutionary analyses have advanced our knowledge of the function of these systems. In this Review, we highlight the intriguing roles that these studies have revealed for ESX systems in bacterial survival and pathogenicity during infection with M. tuberculosis. Furthermore, we discuss the diversity of ESX systems that has been described among mycobacteria and selected non-mycobacterial species. Finally, we consider how our knowledge of ESX systems might be applied to the development of novel strategies for the treatment and prevention of disease.
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Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty: Sigma Factor B Fine-Tunes Gene Expression To Support Homeostasis in Gram-Positive Bacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:4456-4469. [PMID: 27208112 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00714-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-positive bacteria are ubiquitous and diverse microorganisms that can survive and sometimes even thrive in continuously changing environments. The key to such resilience is the ability of members of a population to respond and adjust to dynamic conditions in the environment. In bacteria, such responses and adjustments are mediated, at least in part, through appropriate changes in the bacterial transcriptome in response to the conditions encountered. Resilience is important for bacterial survival in diverse, complex, and rapidly changing environments and requires coordinated networks that integrate individual, mechanistic responses to environmental cues to enable overall metabolic homeostasis. In many Gram-positive bacteria, a key transcriptional regulator of the response to changing environmental conditions is the alternative sigma factor σ(B) σ(B) has been characterized in a subset of Gram-positive bacteria, including the genera Bacillus, Listeria, and Staphylococcus Recent insight from next-generation-sequencing results indicates that σ(B)-dependent regulation of gene expression contributes to resilience, i.e., the coordination of complex networks responsive to environmental changes. This review explores contributions of σ(B) to resilience in Bacillus, Listeria, and Staphylococcus and illustrates recently described regulatory functions of σ(B).
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EssC: domain structures inform on the elusive translocation channel in the Type VII secretion system. Biochem J 2016; 473:1941-52. [PMID: 27130157 PMCID: PMC4925161 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Structural dissection of EssC, a membrane-bound component of the bacterial Type VII secretion system, reveals two β-sandwich domains at the N-terminus and two ATPase domains at the C-terminus. A structure for the potential pore of the secretion system is proposed. The membrane-bound protein EssC is an integral component of the bacterial Type VII secretion system (T7SS), which is a determinant of virulence in important Gram-positive pathogens. The protein is predicted to consist of an intracellular repeat of forkhead-associated (FHA) domains at the N-terminus, two transmembrane helices and three P-loop-containing ATPase-type domains, D1–D3, forming the C-terminal intracellular segment. We present crystal structures of the N-terminal FHA domains (EssC-N) and a C-terminal fragment EssC-C from Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, encompassing two of the ATPase-type modules, D2 and D3. Module D2 binds ATP with high affinity whereas D3 does not. The EssC-N and EssC-C constructs are monomeric in solution, but the full-length recombinant protein, with a molecular mass of approximately 169 kDa, forms a multimer of approximately 1 MDa. The observation of protomer contacts in the crystal structure of EssC-C together with similarity to the DNA translocase FtsK, suggests a model for a hexameric EssC assembly. Such an observation potentially identifies the key, and to date elusive, component of pore formation required for secretion by this recently discovered secretion system. The juxtaposition of the FHA domains suggests potential for interacting with other components of the secretion system. The structural data were used to guide an analysis of which domains are required for the T7SS machine to function in pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus. The extreme C-terminal ATPase domain appears to be essential for EssC activity as a key part of the T7SS, whereas D2 and FHA domains are required for the production of a stable and functional protein.
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