The Bacterial Enhancer Binding Protein VasH Promotes Expression of a Type VI Secretion System in Vibrio fischeri during Symbiosis

Quorum sensing inhibits interference competition among bacterial symbionts within a host

The symbioses that animals form with bacteria play important roles in health and disease, but the molecular details underlying how bacterial symbionts initially assemble within a host remain unclear.1,2,3 The bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri establishes a light-emitting symbiosis with the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes by colonizing specific epithelium-lined crypt spaces within a symbiotic organ called the light organ.4 Competition for these colonization sites occurs between different strains of V. fischeri, with the lancet-like type VI secretion system (T6SS) facilitating strong competitive interference that results in strain incompatibility within a crypt space.5,6 Although recent studies have identified regulators of this T6SS, how the T6SS is controlled as symbionts assemble in vivo remains unknown.7,8 Here, we show that T6SS activity is suppressed by N-octanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C8 HSL), which is a signaling molecule that facilitates quorum sensing in V. fischeri and is important for efficient symbiont assembly.9,10 We find that this signaling depends on the quorum-sensing regulator LitR, which lowers expression of the needle subunit Hcp, a key component of the T6SS, by repressing transcription of the T6SS regulator VasH. We show that LitR-dependent quorum sensing inhibits strain incompatibility within the squid light organ. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which regulatory networks that promote symbiosis also control competition among symbionts, which in turn may affect the overall symbiont diversity that assembles within a host.

Regulation of type VI secretion systems at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational level

Bacteria live in complex polymicrobial communities and are constantly competing for resources. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread antagonistic mechanism used by Gram-negative bacteria to gain an advantage over competitors. T6SSs translocate toxic effector proteins inside target prokaryotic cells in a contact-dependent manner. In addition, some T6SS effectors can be secreted extracellularly and contribute to the scavenging scarce metal ions. Bacteria deploy their T6SSs in different situations, categorizing these systems into offensive, defensive and exploitative. The great variety of bacterial species and environments occupied by such species reflect the complexity of regulatory signals and networks that control the expression and activation of the T6SSs. Such regulation is tightly controlled at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational level by abiotic (e.g. pH, iron) or biotic (e.g. quorum-sensing) cues. In this review, we provide an update on the current knowledge about the regulatory networks that modulate the expression and activity of T6SSs across several species, focusing on systems used for interbacterial competition.

The type-VI secretion system of the beneficial symbiont Vibrio fischeri

The mutualistic symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes and the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri is a powerful experimental system for determining how intercellular interactions impact animal-bacterial associations. In nature, this symbiosis features multiple strains of V. fischeri within each adult animal, which indicates that different strains initially colonize each squid. Various studies have demonstrated that certain strains of V. fischeri possess a type-VI secretion system (T6SS), which can inhibit other strains from establishing symbiosis within the same host habitat. The T6SS is a bacterial melee weapon that enables a cell to kill adjacent cells by translocating toxic effectors via a lancet-like apparatus. This review describes the progress that has been made in understanding the factors that govern the structure and expression of the T6SS in V. fischeri and its effect on the symbiosis.

How It All Begins: Bacterial Factors Mediating the Colonization of Invertebrate Hosts by Beneficial Symbionts

Beneficial associations with bacteria are widespread across animals, spanning a range of symbiont localizations, transmission routes, and functions. While some of these associations have evolved into obligate relationships with permanent symbiont localization within the host, the majority require colonization of every host generation from the environment or via maternal provisions. Across the broad diversity of host species and tissue types that beneficial bacteria can colonize, there are some highly specialized strategies for establishment yet also some common patterns in the molecular basis of colonization. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying the early stage of beneficial bacterium-invertebrate associations, from initial contact to the establishment of the symbionts in a specific location of the host's body. We first reflect on general selective pressures that can drive the transition from a free-living to a host-associated lifestyle in bacteria. We then cover bacterial molecular factors for colonization in symbioses from both model and nonmodel invertebrate systems where these have been studied, including terrestrial and aquatic host taxa. Finally, we discuss how interactions between multiple colonizing bacteria and priority effects can influence colonization. Taking the bacterial perspective, we emphasize the importance of developing new experimentally tractable systems to derive general insights into the ecological factors and molecular adaptations underlying the origin and establishment of beneficial symbioses in animals.

Prevalence and diversity of type VI secretion systems in a model beneficial symbiosis

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is widely distributed in diverse bacterial species and habitats where it is required for interbacterial competition and interactions with eukaryotic cells. Previous work described the role of a T6SS in the beneficial symbiont, Vibrio fischeri, during colonization of the light organ of Euprymna scolopes squid. However, the prevalence and diversity of T6SSs found within the distinct symbiotic structures of this model host have not yet been determined. Here, we analyzed 73 genomes of isolates from squid light organs and accessory nidamental glands (ANGs) and 178 reference genomes. We found that the majority of these bacterial symbionts encode diverse T6SSs from four distinct classes, and most share homology with T6SSs from more distantly related species, including pathogens of animals and humans. These findings indicate that T6SSs with shared evolutionary histories can be integrated into the cellular systems of host-associated bacteria with different effects on host health. Furthermore, we found that one T6SS in V. fischeri is located within a genomic island with high genomic plasticity. Five distinct genomic island genotypes were identified, suggesting this region encodes diverse functional potential that natural selection can act on. Finally, analysis of newly described T6SSs in roseobacter clade ANG isolates revealed a novel predicted protein that appears to be a fusion of the TssB-TssC sheath components. This work underscores the importance of studying T6SSs in diverse organisms and natural habitats to better understand how T6SSs promote the propagation of bacterial populations and impact host health.

VasH Contributes to Virulence of Aeromonas hydrophila and Is Necessary to the T6SS-mediated Bactericidal Effect

Aeromonas hydrophila is a Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly distributed in aquatic surroundings and has been considered as a pathogen of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. In this study, a virulent strain A. hydrophila GD18, isolated from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), was characterized to belong to a new sequence type ST656. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that GD18 was closer to environmental isolates, however distantly away from the epidemic ST251 clonal group. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) was known to target both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells by delivering various effector proteins in diverse niches by Gram-negative bacteria. Genome-wide searching and hemolysin co-regulated protein (Hcp) expression test showed that GD18 possessed a functional T6SS and is conditionally regulated. Further analysis revealed that VasH, a σ54-transcriptional activator, was strictly required for the functionality of T6SS in A. hydrophila GD18. Mutation of vasH gene by homologous recombination significantly abolished the bactericidal property. Then the virulence contribution of VasH was characterized in both in vitro and in vivo models. The results supported that VasH not only contributed to the bacterial cytotoxicity and resistance against host immune cleaning, but also was required for virulence and systemic dissemination of A. hydrophila GD18. Taken together, these findings provide a perspective for understanding the VasH-mediated regulation mechanism and T6SS-mediated virulence and bactericidal effect of A. hydrophila.

Vibrio fischeri imports and assimilates sulfate during symbiosis with Euprymna scolopes

Sulfur is in cellular components of bacteria and is, therefore, an element necessary for growth. However, mechanisms by which bacteria satisfy their sulfur needs within a host are poorly understood. Vibrio fischeri is a bacterial symbiont that colonizes, grows, and produces bioluminescence within the light organ of the Hawaiian bobtail squid, which provides an experimental platform for investigating sulfur acquisition in vivo. Like other γ-proteobacteria, V. fischeri fuels sulfur-dependent anabolic processes with intracellular cysteine. Within the light organ, the abundance of a ΔcysK mutant, which cannot synthesize cysteine through sulfate assimilation, is attenuated, suggesting sulfate import is necessary for V. fischeri to establish symbiosis. Genes encoding sulfate-import systems of other bacteria that assimilate sulfate were not identified in the V. fischeri genome. A transposon mutagenesis screen implicated YfbS as a sulfate importer. YfbS is necessary for growth on sulfate and in the marine environment. During symbiosis, a ΔyfbS mutant is attenuated and strongly expresses sulfate-assimilation genes, which is a phenotype associated with sulfur-starved cells. Together, these results suggest V. fischeri imports sulfate via YfbS within the squid light organ, which provides insight into the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria harvest sulfur in vivo.

A lasting symbiosis: how Vibrio fischeri finds a squid partner and persists within its natural host

As our understanding of the human microbiome progresses, so does the need for natural experimental animal models that promote a mechanistic understanding of beneficial microorganism-host interactions. Years of research into the exclusive symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, and the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri have permitted a detailed understanding of those bacterial genes underlying signal exchange and rhythmic activities that result in a persistent, beneficial association, as well as glimpses into the evolution of symbiotic competence. Migrating from the ambient seawater to regions deep inside the light-emitting organ of the squid, V. fischeri experiences, recognizes and adjusts to the changing environmental conditions. Here, we review key advances over the past 15 years that are deepening our understanding of these events.

The transcriptional regulator Zur regulates the expression of ZnuABC and T6SS4 in response to stresses in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Zinc homeostasis is crucial for the development and stress resistance of bacteria in the environment. Serial zinc sensing transcriptional regulators, zinc transporters and zinc binding proteins were found to maintain the zinc homeostasis in bacteria. Zur is a zinc uptake regulator that is widely distributed in species, and ZnuABC, as well as the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS4) function in zinc acquisition. Here, we report that the regulator Zur inhibits the expression of the ZnuABC which inhibition could be eliminated at low zinc level, and upregulates the T6SS4 operon in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to facilitate Zn²⁺ uptake and oxidative stress resistance. Zur regulates the expression of ZnuABC and T6SS4 by directly binding to their promoter regions. Zur senses the Zn²⁺ concentration and represses ZnuABC in a Zn²⁺-containing environment. Zur works as an auxiliary regular activator of T6SS4, facilitating oxidative stress resistance. This study revealed the dual function of regulator Zur on ZnuABC and T6SS4, and enriched the knowledge of Zn²⁺ homeostasis maintenance in Y. pseudotuberculosis.