Brucella stationary-phase gene expression and virulence

Growth phase influences virulence in Candida auris systemic infection models

Candida auris is a growing public health concern, capable of causing long-term contamination of healthcare settings, skin colonization, and life-threatening bloodstream infections. However, C. auris pathogenesis is not well understood, which is exacerbated by limitations and discrepancies in existing animal infection models. Further, the effects of C. auris growth phase on virulence have not been examined, despite growth phase being linked to virulence in many bacterial species. To address this question, and to develop an immunocompetent murine model of infection, we directly compared log and stationary phase C. auris systemic infection in immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice at high and low doses of infection. Systemic infection with high dose log-phase C. auris results in rapid mortality between 2 hours and 1 day post infection, whereas stationary phase C. auris results in significantly extended survival. However, at low doses of infection, there was no difference in mortality kinetics between log and stationary phase cells. We observed that C. auris initially colonizes multiple organs but is rapidly cleared from the lungs and spleen, while kidney fungal burdens remain stable. Decreased fibrinogen levels and blood clotting in the lungs of mice infected with high dose log-phase C. auris suggest that blood clotting may drive rapid mortality, potentially associated with increased β-glucan exposure and mannan abundance observed in log phase C. auris. These results will inform the development of a more standardized animal model of systemic C. auris infection, which can be used to reveal key aspects of C. auris pathogenesis.

Current status of cyclopropane fatty acids on bacterial cell membranes characteristics and physiological functions

Wide-ranging sophisticated physiological activities of cell membranes are associated with changes in fatty acid structure and composition. The cfa gene is a core regulator of cell membrane fatty acid cyclopropanation reaction. Its encoded cyclopropane fatty acid synthase (CFA synthase) catalyzes the binding of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) to methylene groups, which undergoes cyclopropanation modification to produce cyclopropane fatty acids (CFAs). Compelling evidence suggests a large role for the cfa gene and CFAs in bacterial adaptive responses. This review provides an overview of the relationship of CFAs with bacterial cell membrane properties and physiological functions, including the roles of cell membrane fluidity, stability, and permeability to protons, bacterial growth, acid resistance, and especially in bacterial antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity. The dysregulation and inhibition of the cfa gene may serve as potential therapeutic targets against bacterial drug resistance and pathogenicity. Therefore, elucidating the biological function of CFAs during the stationary growth phase therefore provides invaluable insights into the bacterial pathogenesis and the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Gut microbiota modulates neurotransmitter and gut-brain signaling

Neurotransmitters, including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate, are essential transductors in the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA), playing critical roles both peripherally and centrally. Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiota modulates intestinal neurotransmitter metabolism and gut-to-brain signaling, shedding light on the crucial role of the gut microbiota in brain function and the pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric diseases, such as major depression disorder (MDD), anxiety, addiction and Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite the exciting findings, the mechanisms underlying the modulation of neurotransmitter metabolism and function by the gut microbiota are still being elucidated. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge about the role of the gut microbiota in neurotransmitter metabolism and function in animal and clinical experiments. Moreover, we will discuss the potential mechanisms through which gut microbiota-derived neurotransmitters contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases, thus highlighting a novel therapeutic target for these conditions.

The Impact of the Major Endoribonucleases RNase E and RNase III and of the sRNA StsR on Photosynthesis Gene Expression in Rhodobacter sphaeroides Is Growth-Phase-Dependent

Rhodobacter sphaeroides is a facultative phototrophic bacterium that performs aerobic respiration when oxygen is available. Only when oxygen is present at low concentrations or absent are pigment-protein complexes formed, and anoxygenic photosynthesis generates ATP. The regulation of photosynthesis genes in response to oxygen and light has been investigated for decades, with a focus on the regulation of transcription. However, many studies have also revealed the importance of regulated mRNA processing. This study analyzes the phenotypes of wild type and mutant strains and compares global RNA-seq datasets to elucidate the impact of ribonucleases and the small non-coding RNA StsR on photosynthesis gene expression in Rhodobacter. Most importantly, the results demonstrate that, in particular, the role of ribonuclease E in photosynthesis gene expression is strongly dependent on growth phase.

Comparison of CcrM-dependent methylation in Caulobacter crescentus and Brucella abortus by nanopore sequencing

Bacteria rely on DNA methylation for restriction-modification systems and epigenetic control of gene expression. Here, we use direct detection of methylated bases by nanopore sequencing to monitor global DNA methylation in Alphaproteobacteria, where use of this technique has not yet been reported. One representative of this order, Caulobacter crescentus, relies on DNA methylation to control cell cycle progression, but it is unclear whether other members of this order, such as Brucella abortus, depend on the same systems. We addressed these questions by first measuring CcrM-dependent DNA methylation in Caulobacter and show excellent correlation between nanopore-based detection and previously published results. We then directly measure the impact of Lon-mediated CcrM degradation on the epigenome, verifying that loss of Lon results in pervasive methylation. We also show that the AlkB demethylase has no global impact on DNA methylation during normal growth. Next, we report on the global DNA methylation in Brucella abortus for the first time and find that CcrM-dependent methylation is reliant on Lon but impacts the two chromosomes differently. Finally, we explore the impact of the MucR transcription factor, known to compete with CcrM methylation, on the Brucella methylome and share the results with a publicly available visualization package. Our work demonstrates the utility of nanopore-based sequencing for epigenome measurements in Alphaproteobacteria and reveals new features of CcrM-dependent methylation in a zoonotic pathogen.

Immuno-profiling of Brucella proteins for developing improved vaccines and DIVA capable serodiagnostic assays for brucellosis

Brucellosis remains a worldwide zoonotic disease with a serious impact on public health and livestock productivity. Controlling brucellosis in livestock is crucial for limiting human infections in the absence of effective human vaccines. Brucellosis control measures are majorly dependent on rigorous monitoring of disease outbreaks and mass vaccination of livestock. Live attenuated vaccines are available for livestock vaccination that play a vital role in brucellosis control programs in many countries. Even though the existing animal vaccines confer protection against brucellosis, they carry some drawbacks, including their infectivity to humans and interference with sero-monitoring. The available serodiagnostic assays for brucellosis depend on detecting anti-LPS antibodies in the serum. Since diagnosis plays a vital role in controlling brucellosis, developing improved serodiagnostic assays with enhanced specificity, sensitivity and DIVA capability is required. Therefore, it is essential to identify novel antigens for developing improved vaccines and serodiagnostic assays for brucellosis. In the present study, we performed a high throughput immunoprofiling of B. melitensis protein microarray using brucellosis-positive human and animal serum samples. The screening identified several serodominant proteins of Brucella that exhibited common or differential reactivity with sera from animals and humans. Subsequently, we cloned, expressed, and purified ten serodominant proteins, followed by analyzing their potential to develop next-generation vaccines and improved serodiagnostic assays for brucellosis. Further, we demonstrated the protective efficacy of one of the serodominant proteins against the B. melitensis challenge in mice. We found that the seroreactive protein, Dps (BMEI1980), strongly reacted with brucellosis-positive serum samples, but it did not react with sera from B. abortus S19-vaccinated cattle, indicating DIVA capability. A prototype lateral flow assay and indirect ELISA based on Dps protein exhibited high sensitivity, specificity, and DIVA capability. Thus, the present study identified promising candidates for developing improved vaccines and affordable, DIVA-capable serodiagnostic assays for animal and human brucellosis.

The mechanism of chronic intracellular infection with Brucella spp

Globally, brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease. It is prevalent in more than 170 countries and regions. It mostly damages an animal's reproductive system and causes extreme economic losses to the animal husbandry industry. Once inside cells, Brucella resides in a vacuole, designated the BCV, which interacts with components of the endocytic and secretory pathways to ensure bacterial survival. Numerous studies conducted recently have revealed that Brucella's ability to cause a chronic infection depends on how it interacts with the host. This paper describes the immune system, apoptosis, and metabolic control of host cells as part of the mechanism of Brucella survival in host cells. Brucella contributes to both the body's non-specific and specific immunity during chronic infection, and it can aid in its survival by causing the body's immune system to become suppressed. In addition, Brucella regulates apoptosis to avoid being detected by the host immune system. The BvrR/BvrS, VjbR, BlxR, and BPE123 proteins enable Brucella to fine-tune its metabolism while also ensuring its survival and replication and improving its ability to adapt to the intracellular environment.

The Flagellar Transcriptional Regulator FtcR Controls Brucella melitensis 16M Biofilm Formation via a betI-Mediated Pathway in Response to Hyperosmotic Stress

The expression of flagellar proteins in Brucella species likely evolved through genetic transference from other microorganisms, and contributed to virulence, adaptability, and biofilm formation. Despite significant progress in defining the molecular mechanisms behind flagellar gene expression, the genetic program controlling biofilm formation remains unclear. The flagellar transcriptional factor (FtcR) is a master regulator of the flagellar system’s expression, and is critical for B. melitensis 16M’s flagellar biogenesis and virulence. Here, we demonstrate that FtcR mediates biofilm formation under hyperosmotic stress. Chromatin immunoprecipitation with next-generation sequencing for FtcR and RNA sequencing of ftcR-mutant and wild-type strains revealed a core set of FtcR target genes. We identified a novel FtcR-binding site in the promoter region of the osmotic-stress-response regulator gene betI, which is important for the survival of B. melitensis 16M under hyperosmotic stress. Strikingly, this site autoregulates its expression to benefit biofilm bacteria’s survival under hyperosmotic stress. Moreover, biofilm reduction in ftcR mutants is independent of the flagellar target gene fliF. Collectively, our study provides new insights into the extent and functionality of flagellar-related transcriptional networks in biofilm formation, and presents phenotypic and evolutionary adaptations that alter the regulation of B. melitensis 16M to confer increased tolerance to hyperosmotic stress.

Survival characteristics and transcriptome profiling reveal the adaptive response of the Brucella melitensis 16M biofilm to osmotic stress

Brucella can inhabit hostile environments, including osmotic stress. How Brucella responds collectively to osmotic stress is largely unexplored, particularly in spatially structured communities such as a biofilm. To gain insight into this growth mode, we set out to characterize the Brucella melitensis 16M biofilm, describe its phenotype, and carry out a comparative transcriptomic analysis between biofilms under osmotic stress and control conditions. We determined that the bacteria challenged with 1.5 M NaCl had a reduced ability to aggregate and form clumps and develop a biofilm; however, the salt stress promoted the release of the outer membrane vesicles from the biofilm. Together with the genotypical response to osmotic stress, we identified 279 differentially expressed genes in B. melitensis 16M grown under osmotic conditions compared with control conditions; 69 genes were upregulated and 210 downregulated. Under osmotic stress, the main changed genes of biofilm were predicted to be involved in flagellar assembly, cell envelope, translation, small RNA regulation, transport and binding proteins, and energy metabolism. In addition, the ABC transporter was enriched in the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. We highlight 12 essential ABC transporter genes associated with a bacterial response to osmotic stress at the biofilm stage, including one specific locus, BME_RS12880, mediating betaine accumulation in biofilms to eliminate osmotic stress. The current study results can help researchers gain insights into B. melitensis 16M biofilm adaptation to osmotic stress and provide information for developing intervention strategies to control Brucella.

Evaluation of Hematological, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Profile in Cattle Infected with Brucellosis in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Brucellosis is a well-known and harmful zoonotic disease that poses a severe threat to public health and wild and dairy animals. Due to a lack of monitoring and awareness, disease incidence has increased. Therefore, this study was conducted for the first time to ascertain the status of seroprevalence of brucellosis, hematological, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzymes in different breeds of cattle reared under tropical-desert conditions in Pakistan. This study comprised 570 cattle of different breeds. We recorded some epidemiological traits, including age and gender. The blood samples were obtained from all the cattle, screened with RBPT, and then confirmed by ELISA and PCR. The results recorded an overall 11.75%, 10.7%, and 9.64% prevalence of brucellosis based on RBPT, ELISA, and PCR. We obtained nonsignificant results in different age and sex groups of cattle. The results showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower values of erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin quantity, hematocrit, lymphocytes, and monocytes in infected cases. The results showed that the total leukocyte and neutrophil cells significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased. The lipid peroxidation parameters (MDA- and NO-scavenging activity of erythrocyte) increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in infected cattle, whereas significantly reduced antioxidant enzymes like SOD, RGSH, and CAT were. Similarly, significantly lower serum albumin levels and total serum proteins were recorded in infected cattle.

Brucella ovis Cysteine Biosynthesis Contributes to Peroxide Stress Survival and Fitness in the Intracellular Niche

Brucella ovis is an ovine intracellular pathogen with tropism for the male genital tract. To establish and maintain infection, B. ovis must survive stressful conditions inside host cells, including low pH, nutrient limitation, and reactive oxygen species. The same conditions are often encountered in axenic cultures during stationary phase. Studies of stationary phase may thus inform our understanding of Brucella infection biology, yet the genes and pathways that are important in Brucella stationary-phase physiology remain poorly defined. We measured fitness of a barcoded pool of B. ovis Tn-himar mutants as a function of growth phase and identified cysE as a determinant of fitness in stationary phase. CysE catalyzes the first step in cysteine biosynthesis from serine, and we provide genetic evidence that two related enzymes, CysK1 and CysK2, function redundantly to catalyze cysteine synthesis at steps downstream of CysE. Deleting cysE (ΔcysE) or both cysK1 and cysK2 (ΔcysK1 ΔcysK2) results in premature entry into stationary phase, reduced culture yield, and sensitivity to exogenous hydrogen peroxide. These phenotypes can be chemically complemented by cysteine or glutathione. ΔcysE and ΔcysK1 ΔcysK2 strains have no defect in host cell entry in vitro but have significantly diminished intracellular fitness between 2 and 24 h postinfection. Our study has uncovered unexpected redundancy at the CysK step of cysteine biosynthesis in B. ovis and demonstrates that cysteine anabolism is a determinant of peroxide stress survival and fitness in the intracellular niche.

The Mechanism of Facultative Intracellular Parasitism of Brucella

Brucellosis is a highly prevalent zoonotic disease characterized by abortion and reproductive dysfunction in pregnant animals. Although the mortality rate of Brucellosis is low, it is harmful to human health, and also seriously affects the development of animal husbandry, tourism and international trade. Brucellosis is caused by Brucella, which is a facultative intracellular parasitic bacteria. It mainly forms Brucella-containing vacuoles (BCV) in the host cell to avoid the combination with lysosome (Lys), so as to avoid the elimination of it by the host immune system. Brucella not only has the ability to resist the phagocytic bactericidal effect, but also can make the host cells form a microenvironment which is conducive to its survival, reproduction and replication, and survive in the host cells for a long time, which eventually leads to the formation of chronic persistent infection. Brucella can proliferate and replicate in cells, evade host immune response and induce persistent infection, which are difficult problems in the treatment and prevention of Brucellosis. Therefore, the paper provides a preliminary overview of the facultative intracellular parasitic and immune escape mechanisms of Brucella, which provides a theoretical basis for the later study on the pathogenesis of Brucella.

Uncovering the Hidden Credentials of Brucella Virulence

Bacteria in the genus Brucella are important human and veterinary pathogens. The abortion and infertility they cause in food animals produce economic hardships in areas where the disease has not been controlled, and human brucellosis is one of the world's most common zoonoses. Brucella strains have also been isolated from wildlife, but we know much less about the pathobiology and epidemiology of these infections than we do about brucellosis in domestic animals. The brucellae maintain predominantly an intracellular lifestyle in their mammalian hosts, and their ability to subvert the host immune response and survive and replicate in macrophages and placental trophoblasts underlies their success as pathogens. We are just beginning to understand how these bacteria evolved from a progenitor alphaproteobacterium with an environmental niche and diverged to become highly host-adapted and host-specific pathogens. Two important virulence determinants played critical roles in this evolution: (i) a type IV secretion system that secretes effector molecules into the host cell cytoplasm that direct the intracellular trafficking of the brucellae and modulate host immune responses and (ii) a lipopolysaccharide moiety which poorly stimulates host inflammatory responses. This review highlights what we presently know about how these and other virulence determinants contribute to Brucella pathogenesis. Gaining a better understanding of how the brucellae produce disease will provide us with information that can be used to design better strategies for preventing brucellosis in animals and for preventing and treating this disease in humans.

Proteomic Analysis of Stationary Growth Stage Adaptation and Nutritional Deficiency Response of Brucella abortus

Brucellosis, an important bacterial zoonosis caused by Brucella species, has drawn increasing attention worldwide. As an intracellular pathogen, the ability of Brucella to deal with stress within the host cell is closely related to its virulence. Due to the similarity between the survival pressure on Brucella within host cells and that during the stationary phase, a label-free proteomics approach was used to study the adaptive response of Brucella abortus in the stationary stage to reveal the possible intracellular adaptation mechanism in this study. A total of 182 downregulated and 140 upregulated proteins were found in the stationary-phase B. abortus. B. abortus adapted to adverse environmental changes by regulating virulence, reproduction, transcription, translation, stress response, and energy production. In addition, both exponential- and stationary-phase B. abortus were treated with short-term starvation. The exponential B. abortus restricted cell reproduction and energy utilization and enhanced material transport in response to nutritional stress. Compared with the exponential phase, stationary Brucella adjusted their protein expression to a lesser extent under starvation. Therefore, B. abortus in the two growth stages significantly differed in the regulation of protein expression in response to the same stress. Overall, we outlined the adaptive mechanisms that B. abortus may employ during growth and compared the differences between exponential- and stationary-phase B. abortus in response to starvation.

EcAMSat spaceflight measurements of the role of σs in antibiotic resistance of stationary phase Escherichia coli in microgravity

We report the results of the EcAMSat (Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Satellite) autonomous space flight experiment, investigating the role of σs in the development of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) in microgravity (µ-g). The presence of σs, encoded by the rpoS gene, has been shown to increase antibiotic resistance in Earth gravity, but it was unknown if this effect occurs in µ-g. Two strains, wildtype (WT) UPEC and its isogenic ΔrpoS mutant, were grown to stationary phase aboard EcAMSat, an 11-kg small satellite, and in a parallel ground-based control experiment; cell growth rates for the two strains were found to be unaltered by µ-g. After starvation for over 24 h, stationary-phase cells were incubated with three doses of gentamicin (Gm), a common treatment for urinary tract infections (which have been reported in astronauts). Cellular metabolic activity was measured optically using the redox-based indicator alamarBlue (aB): both strains exhibited slower metabolism in µ-g, consistent with results from previous smallsat missions. The results also showed that µ-g did not enhance UPEC resistance to Gm; in fact, both strains were more susceptible to Gm in µ-g. It was also found, via a second ground-control experiment, that multi-week storage in the payload hardware stressed the cells, potentially obscuring small differential effects of the antibiotic between WT and mutant and/or between µ-g and ground. Overall, results showed that the ∆rpoS mutant was 34-37% less metabolically active than the WT for four different sets of conditions: ground without Gm, ground with Gm; µ-g without Gm, µ-g with Gm. We conclude therefore that the rpoS gene and its downstream products are important therapeutic targets for treating bacterial infections in space, much as they are on the ground.

Adaptation of the Alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides to stationary phase

Exhaustion of nutritional resources stimulates bacterial populations to adapt their growth behaviour. General mechanisms are known to facilitate this adaptation by sensing the environmental change and coordinating gene expression. However, the existence of such mechanisms among the Alphaproteobacteria remains unclear. This study focusses on global changes in transcript levels during growth under carbon-limiting conditions in a model Alphaproteobacterium, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a metabolically diverse organism capable of multiple modes of growth including aerobic and anaerobic respiration, anaerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis and fermentation. We identified genes that showed changed transcript levels independently of oxygen levels during the adaptation to stationary phase. We selected a subset of these genes and subjected them to mutational analysis, including genes predicted to be involved in manganese uptake, polyhydroxybutyrate production and quorum sensing and an alternative sigma factor. Although these genes have not been previously associated with the adaptation to stationary phase, we found that all were important to varying degrees. We conclude that while R. sphaeroides appears to lack a rpoS-like master regulator of stationary phase adaptation, this adaptation is nonetheless enabled through the impact of multiple genes, each responding to environmental conditions and contributing to the adaptation to stationary phase.

Global gene-expression profiles of intracellular survival of the BruAb2_1031 gene mutated Brucella abortus in professional phagocytes, RAW 264.7 cells

Background

Since recognizing the interaction between Brucella and host cells is crucial to the elucidation of the infectious process, Brucella researches have prioritized the investigation of genes related to pathogenicity. To demonstrate the roles of Brucella genes, RAW 264.7 cells were infected with the Brucella abortus wild-type and mutant strains (generated using transposon mutagenesis), after which the different transcriptional responses of the infected cells were determined using microarray.

Results

Following infection, enhanced strategies for intracellular survival, such as down-regulation of genes associated with cytokine responses and apoptosis, were observed in RAW 264.7 cells infected with C3 mutant strain when compared to the transcriptional responses of wild-type infected cells. Using sequence analysis, we determined the mutation site of a C3 mutant strain as the ATP-binding cassette transporter permease (BruAb2_1031). These results were evidenced by an increased level of intracellular survival of the C3 mutant strain.

Conclusions

Characteristics of each mutant strain including bacterial growth rate, abilities to induce cytokine production in macrophages after infection, internalization, and levels of intracellular survival and replication, were investigated by performing RAW 264.7 cell infection experiments. Our results indicate that the BruAb2_1031 gene might be closely related with intracellular survival of B. abortus in RAW 264.7 cells.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1223-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Payload hardware and experimental protocol development to enable future testing of the effect of space microgravity on the resistance to gentamicin of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and its σs-deficient mutant

Human immune response is compromised and bacteria can become more antibiotic resistant in space microgravity (MG). We report that under low-shear modeled microgravity (LSMMG), stationary-phase uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) become more resistant to gentamicin (Gm), and that this increase is dependent on the presence of σs (a transcription regulator encoded by the rpoS gene). UPEC causes urinary tract infections (UTIs), reported to afflict astronauts; Gm is a standard treatment, so these findings could impact astronaut health. Because LSMMG findings can differ from MG, we report preparations to examine UPEC's Gm sensitivity during spaceflight using the E. coli Anti-Microbial Satellite (EcAMSat) as a free-flying "nanosatellite" in low Earth orbit. Within EcAMSat's payload, a 48-microwell fluidic card contains and supports study of bacterial cultures at constant temperature; optical absorbance changes in cell suspensions are made at three wavelengths for each microwell and a fluid-delivery system provides growth medium and predefined Gm concentrations. Performance characterization is reported here for spaceflight prototypes of this payload system. Using conventional microtiter plates, we show that Alamar Blue (AB) absorbance changes can assess the Gm effect on E. coli viability, permitting telemetric transfer of the spaceflight data to Earth. Laboratory results using payload prototypes are consistent with wellplate and flask findings of differential sensitivity of UPEC and its ∆rpoS strain to Gm. if σs plays the same role in space MG as in LSMMG and Earth gravity, countermeasures discovered in recent Earth studies (aimed at weakening the UPEC antioxidant defense) to control UPEC infections would prove useful also in space flights. Further, EcAMSat results should clarify inconsistencies from previous space experiments on bacterial antibiotic sensitivity and other issues.

6S RNA in Rhodobacter sphaeroides: 6S RNA and pRNA transcript levels peak in late exponential phase and gene deletion causes a high salt stress phenotype

The function of 6S RNA, a global regulator of transcription, was studied in the photosynthetic α-proteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The cellular levels of R. sphaeroides 6S RNA peak toward the transition to stationary phase and strongly decrease during extended stationary phase. The synthesis of so-called product RNA transcripts (mainly 12-16-mers) on 6S RNA as template by RNA polymerase was found to be highest in late exponential phase. Product RNA ≥ 13-mers are expected to trigger the dissociation of 6S RNA:RNA polymerase complexes. A 6S RNA deletion in R. sphaeroides had no impact on growth under various metabolic and oxidative stress conditions (with the possible exception of tert-butyl hydroperoxide stress). However, the 6S RNA knockout resulted in a robust growth defect under high salt stress (0.25 M NaCl). Remarkably, the sspA gene encoding the putative salt stress-induced membrane protein SspA and located immediately downstream of the 6S RNA (ssrS) gene on the antisense strand was expressed at elevated levels in the ΔssrS strain when grown in the presence of 250 mM NaCl.

An RpoHI-Dependent Response Promotes Outgrowth after Extended Stationary Phase in the Alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Under unfavorable growth conditions, bacteria enter stationary phase and can maintain cell viability over prolonged periods with no increase in cell number. To obtain insights into the regulatory mechanisms that allow bacteria to resume growth when conditions become favorable again (outgrowth), we performed global transcriptome analyses at different stages of growth for the alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides The majority of genes were not differentially expressed across growth phases. After a short stationary phase (about 20 h after growth starts to slow down), only 7% of the genes showed altered expression (fold change of >1.6 or less than -1.6, corresponding to a log₂ fold change of >0.65 or less than -0.65, respectively) compared to expression at exponential phase. Outgrowth induced a distinct response in gene expression which was strongly influenced by the length of the preceding stationary phase. After a long stationary phase (about 64 h after growth starts to slow down), a much larger number of genes (15.1%) was induced in outgrowth than after a short stationary phase (1.7%). Many of those genes are known members of the RpoHI/RpoHII regulons and have established functions in stress responses. A main effect of RpoHI on the transcriptome in outgrowth after a long stationary phase was confirmed. Growth experiments with mutant strains further support an important function in outgrowth after prolonged stationary phase for the RpoHI and RpoHII sigma factors.IMPORTANCE In natural environments, the growth of bacteria is limited mostly by lack of nutrients or other unfavorable conditions. It is important for bacterial populations to efficiently resume growth after being in stationary phase, which may last for long periods. Most previous studies on growth-phase-dependent gene expression did not address outgrowth after stationary phase. This study on growth-phase-dependent gene regulation in a model alphaproteobacterium reveals, for the first time, that the length of the stationary phase strongly impacts the transcriptome during outgrowth. The alternative sigma factors RpoHI and RpoHII, which are important regulators of stress responses in alphaproteobacteria, play a major role during outgrowth following prolonged stationary phase. These findings provide the first insight into the regulatory mechanisms enabling efficient outgrowth.

Characterization of blue light irradiation effects on pathogenic and nonpathogenic Escherichia coli

Blue light irradiation (BLI) is an FDA-approved method for treating certain types of infections, like acne, and is becoming increasingly attractive as an antimicrobial strategy as the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" rises. However, no study has delineated the effectiveness of BLI throughout different bacterial growth phases, especially in more BLI-tolerant organisms such as Escherichia coli. While the vast majority of E. coli strains are nonpathogenic, several E. coli pathotypes exist that cause infection within and outside the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we compared the response of E. coli strains from five phylogenetic groups to BLI with a 455 nm wavelength (BLI₄₅₅ ), using colony-forming unit and ATP measurement assays. Our results revealed that BLI₄₅₅ is not bactericidal, but can retard E. coli growth in a manner that is dependent on culture age and strain background. This observation is critical, given that bacteria on and within mammalian hosts are found in different phases of growth.

Swine brucellosis: current perspectives

Brucella suis is a significant zoonotic species that is present in domestic livestock and wildlife in many countries worldwide. Transmission from animal reservoirs is the source of human infection as human-to-human transmission is very rare. Although swine brucellosis causes economic losses in domestic livestock, preventing human infection is the primary reason for its emphasis in disease control programs. Although disease prevalence varies worldwide, in areas outside of Europe, swine brucellosis is predominantly caused by B. suis biovars 1 and 3. In Europe, swine are predominantly infected with biovar 2 which is much less pathogenic in humans. In many areas worldwide, feral or wild populations of swine are important reservoir hosts. Like other Brucella spp. in their natural host, B. suis has developed mechanisms to survive in an intracellular environment and evade immune detection. Limitations in sensitivity and specificity of current diagnostics require use at a herd level, rather for individual animals. There is currently no commercial vaccine approved for preventing brucellosis in swine. Although not feasible in all situations, whole-herd depopulation is the most effective regulatory mechanism to control swine brucellosis.

Expression and regulation of the ery operon of Brucella melitensis in human trophoblast cells

Brucellosis is primarily a disease of domestic animals in which the bacteria localizes to fetal tissues such as embryonic trophoblast cells and fluids containing erythritol, which stimulates Brucella spp. growth. The utilization of erythritol is a characteristic of the genus Brucella. The ery operon contains four genes (eryA, eryB, eryC and eryD) for the utilization of erythritol, and plays a major role in the survival and multiplication of Brucella spp. The objective of the present study was to conduct a preliminary characterization of differential genes expression of the ery operon at several time points after Brucella infected embryonic trophoblast cells (HPT-8 cells). The result showed that the ery operon expression was higher in HPT-8 cells compared with the medium. The relative expression of eryA, eryB and eryC peaked at 2 h post-infection in HPT-8 cells, and eryD expression peaked at 3 h post-infection. The expression of eryA, eryB and eryC may be inhibited by increased eryD expression. However, the expression of the ery operon was stable in the presence of erythritol in cells. 2308Δery and 027Δery mutants of the ery operon were successfully constructed by homologous recombination, which were attenuated in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. The characterization of the ery operon genes and their expression profiles in response to Brucella infection further contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of infection and the pathogenesis of brucellosis.

OMP31 of Brucella melitensis 16M impairs the apoptosis of macrophages triggered by TNF-α

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of microorganisms play important roles in directly interacting with host cells. Brucella species inhibit the apoptosis of host cells to benefit their own intracellular survival and replication. However, the association between OMP31 of Brucella and host cell apoptosis, and the underlying mechanism are unclear. In this study, an OMP31 gene deletion mutant based on B. melitensis 16M was constructed. Following the infection of RAW264.7 cells with B. melitensis 16M or the mutant strain, colony formation, apoptosis, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and the levels of key downstream factors of the apoptosis pathways triggered by TNF-α, namely caspase-3, -8 and -9, cytochrome c, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were detected. The mutant strain was shown to have the same phenotype as the parent strain using traditional microbiological tests. However, the mutant strain had impaired intracellular survival, with higher levels of apoptosis and TNF-α expression in infected RAW164.7 macrophages than the parent strain. The downstream factors of apoptosis triggered by TNF-α, including increased caspase-8, -3 and -9, cytochrome c and Bax, and decreased Bcl-2, indicated that the classical and mitochondrial cell death pathways were involved. It may be concluded that OMP31 from Brucella inhibited apoptosis and benefitted the intracellular survival of this microorganism. Furthermore, TNF-α may have served as a switch triggering classical death and mitochondrial cell death pathways.

Structural and functional insights into the stationary-phase survival protein SurE, an important virulence factor of Brucella abortus

The stationary-phase survival protein SurE from Brucella abortus (BaSurE) is a metal-dependent phosphatase that is essential for the survival of this bacterium in the stationary phase of its life cycle. Here, BaSurE has been biochemically characterized and its crystal structure has been determined to a resolution of 1.9 Å. BaSurE was found to be a robust enzyme, showing activity over wide ranges of temperature and pH and with various phosphoester substrates. The active biomolecule is a tetramer and each monomer was found to consist of two domains: an N-terminal domain, which forms an approximate α + β fold, and a C-terminal domain that belongs to the α/β class. The active site lies at the junction of these two domains and was identified by the presence of conserved negatively charged residues and a bound Mg(2+) ion. Comparisons of BaSurE with its homologues have revealed both common features and differences in this class of enzymes. The number and arrangement of some of the equivalent secondary structures, which are seen to differ between BaSurE and its homologues, are responsible for a difference in the size of the active-site area and the overall oligomeric state of this enzyme in other organisms. As it is absent in mammals, it has the potential to be a drug target.

Deletion of the Small RNA Chaperone Protein Hfq down Regulates Genes Related to Virulence and Confers Protection against Wild-Type Brucella Challenge in Mice

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic epidemics worldwide. Brucella, the etiological pathogen of brucellosis, has unique virulence characteristics, including the ability to survive within the host cell. Hfq is a bacterial chaperone protein that is involved in the survival of the pathogen under stress conditions. Moreover, hfq affects the expression of a large number of target genes. In the present study, we characterized the expression and regulatory patterns of the target genes of Hfq during brucellosis. The results revealed that hfq expression is highly induced in macrophages at the early infection stage and at the late stage of mouse infection. Several genes related to virulence, including omp25, omp31, vjbR, htrA, gntR, and dnaK, were found to be regulated by hfq during infection in BALB/c mice. Gene expression and cytokine secretion analysis revealed that an hfq-deletion mutant induced different cytokine profiles compared with that induced by 16M. Infection with the hfq-deletion mutant induced protective immune responses against 16M challenge. Together, these results suggest that hfq is induced during infection and its deletion results in significant attenuation which affects the host immune response caused by Brucella infection. By regulating genes related to virulence, hfq promotes the virulence of Brucella. The unique characteristics of the hfq-deletion mutant, including its decreased virulence and the ability to induce protective immune response upon infection, suggest that it represents an attractive candidate for the design of a live attenuated vaccine against Brucella.

Identification of a Novel Small Non-Coding RNA Modulating the Intracellular Survival of Brucella melitensis

Bacterial small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) are gene expression modulators respond to environmental changes, stressful conditions, and pathogenesis. In this study, by using a combined bioinformatic and experimental approach, eight novel sRNA genes were identified in intracellular pathogen Brucella melitensis. BSR0602, one sRNA that was highly induced in stationary phase, was further examined and found to modulate the intracellular survival of B. melitensis. BSR0602 was present at very high levels in vitro under stresses similar to those encountered during infection in host macrophages. Furthermore, BSR0602 was found to be highly expressed in the spleens of infected mice, suggesting its potential role in the control of pathogenesis. BSR0602 targets the mRNAs coding for gntR, a global transcriptional regulator, which is required for B. melitensis virulence. Overexpression of BSR0602 results in distinct reduction in the gntR mRNA level. B. melitensis with high level of BSR0602 is defective in bacteria intracellular survival in macrophages and defective in growth in the spleens of infected mice. Therefore, BSR0602 may directly inhibit the expression of gntR, which then impairs Brucellae intracellular survival and contributes to Brucella infection. Our findings suggest that BSR0602 is responsible for bacterial adaptation to stress conditions and thus modulate B. melitensis intracellular survival.

Non-coding RNA regulation in pathogenic bacteria located inside eukaryotic cells

Intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved distinct lifestyles inside eukaryotic cells. Some pathogens coexist with the infected cell in an obligate intracellular state, whereas others transit between the extracellular and intracellular environment. Adaptation to these intracellular lifestyles is regulated in both space and time. Non-coding small RNAs (sRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulatory molecules that fine-tune important processes in bacterial physiology including cell envelope architecture, intermediate metabolism, bacterial communication, biofilm formation, and virulence. Recent studies have shown production of defined sRNA species by intracellular bacteria located inside eukaryotic cells. The molecules targeted by these sRNAs and their expression dynamics along the intracellular infection cycle remain, however, poorly characterized. Technical difficulties linked to the isolation of “intact” intracellular bacteria from infected host cells might explain why sRNA regulation in these specialized pathogens is still a largely unexplored field. Transition from the extracellular to the intracellular lifestyle provides an ideal scenario in which regulatory sRNAs are intended to participate; so much work must be done in this direction. This review focuses on sRNAs expressed by intracellular bacterial pathogens during the infection of eukaryotic cells, strategies used with these pathogens to identify sRNAs required for virulence, and the experimental technical challenges associated to this type of studies. We also discuss varied techniques for their potential application to study RNA regulation in intracellular bacterial infections.

Sigma S-dependent antioxidant defense protects stationary-phase Escherichia coli against the bactericidal antibiotic gentamicin

Stationary-phase bacteria are important in disease. The σ(s)-regulated general stress response helps them become resistant to disinfectants, but the role of σ(s) in bacterial antibiotic resistance has not been elucidated. Loss of σ(s) rendered stationary-phase Escherichia coli more sensitive to the bactericidal antibiotic gentamicin (Gm), and proteomic analysis suggested involvement of a weakened antioxidant defense. Use of the psfiA genetic reporter, 3'-(p-hydroxyphenyl) fluorescein (HPF) dye, and Amplex Red showed that Gm generated more reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mutant. HPF measurements can be distorted by cell elongation, but Gm did not affect stationary-phase cell dimensions. Coadministration of the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) decreased drug lethality particularly in the mutant, as did Gm treatment under anaerobic conditions that prevent ROS formation. Greater oxidative stress, due to insufficient quenching of endogenous ROS and/or respiration-linked electron leakage, therefore contributed to the greater sensitivity of the mutant; infection by a uropathogenic strain in mice showed this to be the case also in vivo. Disruption of antioxidant defense by eliminating the quencher proteins, SodA/SodB and KatE/SodA, or the pentose phosphate pathway proteins, Zwf/Gnd and TalA, which provide NADPH for ROS decomposition, also generated greater oxidative stress and killing by Gm. Thus, besides its established mode of action, Gm also kills stationary-phase bacteria by generating oxidative stress, and targeting the antioxidant defense of E. coli can enhance its efficacy. Relevant aspects of the current controversy on the role of ROS in killing by bactericidal drugs of exponential-phase bacteria, which represent a different physiological state, are discussed.

Advancement of knowledge of Brucella over the past 50 years

Fifty years ago, bacteria in the genus Brucella were known to cause infertility and reproductive losses. At that time, the genus was considered to contain only 3 species: Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, and Brucella suis. Since the early 1960s, at least 7 new species have been identified as belonging to the Brucella genus (Brucella canis, Brucella ceti, Brucella inopinata, Brucella microti, Brucella neotomae, Brucella ovis, and Brucella pinnipedialis) with several additional new species under consideration for inclusion. Although molecular studies have found such high homology that some authors have proposed that all Brucella are actually 1 species, the epidemiologic and diagnostic benefits for separating the genus based on phenotypic characteristics are more compelling. Although pathogenic Brucella spp have preferred reservoir hosts, their ability to infect numerous mammalian hosts has been increasingly documented. The maintenance of infection in new reservoir hosts, such as wildlife, has become an issue for both public health and animal health regulatory personnel. Since the 1960s, new information on how Brucella enters host cells and modifies their intracellular environment has been gained. Although the pathogenesis and histologic lesions of B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis in their preferred hosts have not changed, additional knowledge on the pathology of these brucellae in new hosts, or of new species of Brucella in their preferred hosts, has been obtained. To this day, brucellosis remains a significant human zoonosis that is emerging or reemerging in many parts of the world.

The invA gene of Brucella melitensis is involved in intracellular invasion and is required to establish infection in a mouse model

Some of the mechanisms underlying the invasion and intracellular survival of B. melitensis are still unknown, including the role of a subfamily of NUDIX enzymes, which have been described in other bacterial species as invasins and are present in Brucella spp. We have generated a mutation in the coding gene of one of these proteins, the invA gene (BMEI0215) of B. melitensis strain 133, to understand its role in virulence. HeLa cell invasion results showed that mutant strain survival was decreased 5-fold compared with that of the parental strain at 2 h pi (P<0.001). In a goat macrophage infection assay, mutant strain replication was 8-fold less than in the parental strain at 24 h pi (P<0.001); yet, at 48 h pi, no significant differences in intracellular replication were observed. Additionally, colocalization of the invA mutant with calregulin was significantly lower at 24 h pi compared with that of the parental strain. Furthermore, the mutant strain exhibited a low level of colocalization with cathepsin D, which was similar to the parental strain colocalization at 24 h pi. In vivo infection results demonstrated that spleen colonization was significantly lower with the mutant than with the parental strain. The immune response, measured in terms of antibody switching and IFN-γ transcription, was similar for Rev1 and infection with the mutant, although it was lower than the immune response elicited by the parental strain. Consequently, these results indicate that the invA gene is important during invasion but not for intracellular replication. Additionally, mutation of the invA gene results in in vivo attenuation.

Haemophilus ducreyi Hfq contributes to virulence gene regulation as cells enter stationary phase

To adapt to stresses encountered in stationary phase, Gram-negative bacteria utilize the alternative sigma factor RpoS. However, some species lack RpoS; thus, it is unclear how stationary-phase adaptation is regulated in these organisms. Here we defined the growth-phase-dependent transcriptomes of Haemophilus ducreyi, which lacks an RpoS homolog. Compared to mid-log-phase organisms, cells harvested from the stationary phase upregulated genes encoding several virulence determinants and a homolog of hfq. Insertional inactivation of hfq altered the expression of ~16% of the H. ducreyi genes. Importantly, there were a significant overlap and an inverse correlation in the transcript levels of genes differentially expressed in the hfq inactivation mutant relative to its parent and the genes differentially expressed in stationary phase relative to mid-log phase in the parent. Inactivation of hfq downregulated genes in the flp-tad and lspB-lspA2 operons, which encode several virulence determinants. To comply with FDA guidelines for human inoculation experiments, an unmarked hfq deletion mutant was constructed and was fully attenuated for virulence in humans. Inactivation or deletion of hfq downregulated Flp1 and impaired the ability of H. ducreyi to form microcolonies, downregulated DsrA and rendered H. ducreyi serum susceptible, and downregulated LspB and LspA2, which allow H. ducreyi to resist phagocytosis. We propose that, in the absence of an RpoS homolog, Hfq serves as a major contributor of H. ducreyi stationary-phase and virulence gene regulation. The contribution of Hfq to stationary-phase gene regulation may have broad implications for other organisms that lack an RpoS homolog.

Pathogenic bacteria encounter a wide range of stresses in their hosts, including nutrient limitation; the ability to sense and respond to such stresses is crucial for bacterial pathogens to successfully establish an infection. Gram-negative bacteria frequently utilize the alternative sigma factor RpoS to adapt to stresses and stationary phase. However, homologs of RpoS are absent in some bacterial pathogens, including Haemophilus ducreyi, which causes chancroid and facilitates the acquisition and transmission of HIV-1. Here, we provide evidence that, in the absence of an RpoS homolog, Hfq serves as a major contributor of stationary-phase gene regulation and that Hfq is required for H. ducreyi to infect humans. To our knowledge, this is the first study describing Hfq as a major contributor of stationary-phase gene regulation in bacteria and the requirement of Hfq for the virulence of a bacterial pathogen in humans.

Impact of Hfq on global gene expression and intracellular survival in Brucella melitensis

Brucella melitensis is a facultative intracellular bacterium that replicates within macrophages. The ability of brucellae to survive and multiply in the hostile environment of host macrophages is essential to its virulence. The RNA-binding protein Hfq is a global regulator that is involved in stress resistance and pathogenicity. Here we demonstrate that Hfq is essential for stress adaptation and intracellular survival in B. melitensis. A B. melitensis hfq deletion mutant exhibits reduced survival under environmental stresses and is attenuated in cultured macrophages and mice. Microarray-based transcriptome analyses revealed that 359 genes involved in numerous cellular processes were dysregulated in the hfq mutant. From these same samples the proteins were also prepared for proteomic analysis to directly identify Hfq-regulated proteins. Fifty-five proteins with significantly affected expression were identified in the hfq mutant. Our results demonstrate that Hfq regulates many genes and/or proteins involved in metabolism, virulence, and stress responses, including those potentially involved in the adaptation of Brucella to the oxidative, acid, heat stress, and antibacterial peptides encountered within the host. The dysregulation of such genes and/or proteins could contribute to the attenuated hfq mutant phenotype. These findings highlight the involvement of Hfq as a key regulator of Brucella gene expression and facilitate our understanding of the role of Hfq in environmental stress adaptation and intracellular survival of B. melitensis.

Defensin DEFB103 bidirectionally regulates chemokine and cytokine responses to a pro-inflammatory stimulus

Human β defensin DEFB103 acts as both a stimulant and an attenuator of chemokine and cytokine responses: a dichotomy that is not entirely understood. Our predicted results using an in silico simulation model of dendritic cells and our observed results in human myeloid dendritic cells, show that DEFB103 significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced 6 responses, attenuated 7 responses, and both enhanced/attenuated the CXCL1 and TNF responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis hemagglutinin B (HagB). In murine JAWSII dendritic cells, DEFB103 significantly attenuated, yet rarely enhanced, the Cxcl2, Il6, and Csf3 responses to HagB; and in C57/BL6 mice, DEFB103 significantly enhanced, yet rarely attenuated, the Cxcl1, Csf1, and Csf3 responses. Thus, DEFB103 influences pro-inflammatory activities with the concentration of DEFB103 and order of timing of DEFB103 exposure to dendritic cells, with respect to microbial antigen exposure to cells, being paramount in orchestrating the onset, magnitude, and composition of the chemokine and cytokine response.

Brucella melitensis MucR, an orthologue of Sinorhizobium meliloti MucR, is involved in resistance to oxidative, detergent, and saline stresses and cell envelope modifications

Brucella spp. and Sinorhizobium meliloti are alphaproteobacteria that share not only an intracellular lifestyle in their respective hosts, but also a crucial requirement for cell envelope components and their timely regulation for a successful infectious cycle. Here, we report the characterization of Brucella melitensis mucR, which encodes a zinc finger transcriptional regulator that has previously been shown to be involved in cellular and mouse infections at early time points. MucR modulates the surface properties of the bacteria and their resistance to environmental stresses (i.e., oxidative stress, cationic peptide, and detergents). We show that B. melitensis mucR is a functional orthologue of S. meliloti mucR, because it was able to restore the production of succinoglycan in an S. meliloti mucR mutant, as detected by calcofluor staining. Similar to S. meliloti MucR, B. melitensis MucR also represses its own transcription and flagellar gene expression via the flagellar master regulator ftcR. More surprisingly, we demonstrate that MucR regulates a lipid A core modification in B. melitensis. These changes could account for the attenuated virulence of a mucR mutant. These data reinforce the idea that there is a common conserved circuitry between plant symbionts and animal pathogens that regulates the relationship they have with their hosts.

Role of glutamate metabolism in bacterial responses towards acid and other stresses

Glutamate plays a central role in a wide range of metabolic processes in bacterial cells. This review focuses on the involvement of glutamate in bacterial stress responses. In particular, it reviews the role of glutamate metabolism in response against acid stress and other stresses. The glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) system has been implicated in acid tolerance in several bacterial genera. This system facilitates intracellular pH homoeostasis by consuming protons in a decarboxylation reaction that produces γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) from glutamate. An antiporter system is usually present to couple the uptake of glutamate to the efflux of GABA. Recent insights into the functioning of this system will be discussed. Finally, the intracellular fate of GABA will also be discussed. Many bacteria are capable of metabolizing GABA to succinate via the GABA shunt pathway. The role and regulation of this pathway will be addressed in the review.

MicroRNA expression profile in RAW264.7 cells in response to Brucella melitensis infection

MicroRNA (miRNA) is small non-coding RNA with approximate 22 nt in length. Recent studies indicate that miRNAs play significant roles in pathogen-host interactions. Brucella organisms are Gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria that cause Brucellosis. Brucella strains infect macrophages and establish chronic infection by altering host life activities including apoptosis and autophagy. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression profiles in mock- and Brucella-infected RAW264.7 cells using high-throughput sequencing approach. In total, 344 unique miRNAs were co-expressed in the two libraries, in which 57 miRNAs were differentially expressed. Eight differentially expressed miRNAs with high abundance were subjected to further analysis. The GO enrichment analysis suggests that the putative target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in apoptosis, autophagy and immune response. In particular, a total of 25 target genes are involved in regulating apoptosis and autophagy, indicating that these miRNAs may play important regulatory roles in the Brucella-host interactions. Furthermore, the interactions of miR-1981 and its target genes, Bcl-2 and Bid, were validated by luciferase assay. The results show that miR-1981 mimic up-regulated the luciferase activity of psiCHECK-2 Bcl-2 3′ UTR, but the luciferase activity of psiCHECK-2 Bid 3′ UTR was not changed significantly. Taken together, these data provide valuable framework on Brucella induced miRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells, and suggest that Brucella may establish chronic infection by regulating miRNA expression profile.

SodA is a major metabolic antioxidant in Brucella abortus 2308 that plays a significant, but limited, role in the virulence of this strain in the mouse model

The gene designated BAB1_0591 in the Brucella abortus 2308 genome sequence encodes the manganese-cofactored superoxide dismutase SodA. An isogenic sodA mutant derived from B. abortus 2308, designated JB12, displays a small colony phenotype, increased sensitivity in vitro to endogenous superoxide generators, hydrogen peroxide and exposure to acidic pH, and a lag in growth when cultured in rich and minimal media that can be rescued by the addition of all 20 amino acids to the growth medium. B. abortus JB12 exhibits significant attenuation in both cultured murine macrophages and experimentally infected mice, but this attenuation is limited to the early stages of infection. Addition of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin to infected macrophages does not alleviate the attenuation exhibited by JB12, suggesting that the basis for the attenuation of the B. abortus sodA mutant is not an increased sensitivity to exogenous superoxide generated through the oxidative burst of host phagocytes. It is possible, however, that the increased sensitivity of the B. abortus sodA mutant to acid makes it less resistant than the parental strain to killing by the low pH encountered during the early stages of the development of the brucella-containing vacuoles in macrophages. These experimental findings support the proposed role for SodA as a major cytoplasmic antioxidant in brucella. Although this enzyme provides a clear benefit to B. abortus 2308 during the early stages of infection in macrophages and mice, SodA appears to be dispensable once the brucellae have established an infection.

Impact of Hfq on global gene expression and virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella pneumoniae is responsible for a wide range of clinical symptoms. How this bacterium adapts itself to ever-changing host milieu is still a mystery. Recently, small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) have received considerable attention for their functions in fine-tuning gene expression at a post-transcriptional level to promote bacterial adaptation. Here we demonstrate that Hfq, an RNA-binding protein, which facilitates interactions between sRNAs and their mRNA targets, is critical for K. pneumoniae virulence. A K. pneumoniae mutant lacking hfq (Δhfq) failed to disseminate into extra-intestinal organs and was attenuated on induction of a systemic infection in a mouse model. The absence of Hfq was associated with alteration in composition of envelope proteins, increased production of capsular polysaccharides, and decreased resistance to H₂O₂, heat shock, and UV irradiation. Microarray-based transcriptome analyses revealed that 897 genes involved in numerous cellular processes were deregulated in the Δhfq strain. Interestingly, Hfq appeared to govern expression of many genes indirectly by affecting sigma factor RpoS and RpoE, since 19.5% (175/897) and 17.3% (155/897) of Hfq-dependent genes belong to the RpoE- and RpoS-regulon, respectively. These results indicate that Hfq regulates global gene expression at multiple levels to modulate the physiological fitness and virulence potential of K. pneumoniae.

Common ancestry and novel genetic traits of Francisella novicida-like isolates from North America and Australia as revealed by comparative genomic analyses

Francisella novicida is a close relative of Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia. The genomes of F. novicida-like clinical isolates 3523 (Australian strain) and Fx1 (Texas strain) were sequenced and compared to F. novicida strain U112 and F. tularensis strain Schu S4. The strain 3523 chromosome is 1,945,310 bp and contains 1,854 protein-coding genes. The strain Fx1 chromosome is 1,913,619 bp and contains 1,819 protein-coding genes. NUCmer analyses revealed that the genomes of strains Fx1 and U112 are mostly colinear, whereas the genome of strain 3523 has gaps, translocations, and/or inversions compared to genomes of strains Fx1 and U112. Using the genome sequence data and comparative analyses with other members of the genus Francisella, several strain-specific genes that encode putative proteins involved in RTX toxin production, polysaccharide biosynthesis/modification, thiamine biosynthesis, glucuronate utilization, and polyamine biosynthesis were identified. The RTX toxin synthesis and secretion operon of strain 3523 contains four open reading frames (ORFs) and was named rtxCABD. Based on the alignment of conserved sequences upstream of operons involved in thiamine biosynthesis from various bacteria, a putative THI box was identified in strain 3523. The glucuronate catabolism loci of strains 3523 and Fx1 contain a cluster of nine ORFs oriented in the same direction that appear to constitute an operon. Strains U112 and Schu S4 appeared to have lost the loci for RTX toxin production, thiamine biosynthesis, and glucuronate utilization as a consequence of host adaptation and reductive evolution. In conclusion, comparative analyses provided insights into the common ancestry and novel genetic traits of these strains.

Decreasing oxidative stress in response to treatment in patients with brucellosis: could it be used to monitor treatment?

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to evaluate oxidant and antioxidant status in patients with acute brucellosis before and after therapy, and to determine whether this index could be used to monitor the treatment of brucellosis.

METHODS

Thirty patients with a diagnosis of acute brucellosis and 37 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured in patients before and after therapy, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. These measurements were also taken for the healthy control group and the values were compared.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of TOS and OSI were significantly higher in patients with brucellosis before therapy as compared to the treated group (t: 11.19, p<0.000 and t: 9.91, p<0.000, respectively). After treatment, TOS and OSI levels were lower, whereas in contrast, TAS levels were significantly higher (t: -4.17, p<0.000). TOS and OSI levels were found to be significantly higher in the patients before treatment than in the control group (t: 15.01, p<0.000 and t: 15.00, p<0.000, respectively). TAS levels in patients before treatment were lower than in the controls and the difference was significant (t: -8.03, p<0.000). TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group (t: 4.58, p<0.000 and t: 9.91, p<0.000, respectively). TAS levels in the treated group were lower than in the control group and the difference was significant (t: -3.02, p<0.004).

CONCLUSION

Reduced TAS capacity and elevated TOS levels may lead to considerable oxidative stress in brucellosis. Increased oxidative stress may cause severe oxidative damage in the body, and even though this damage ameliorates considerably with 6weeks of treatment, normal healthy levels are not attained. In addition, it appears possible that these oxidant and antioxidant parameters could be used to monitor treatment.

Identification of a single-nucleotide insertion in the promoter region affecting the sodC promoter activity in Brucella neotomae

Brucella neotomae is not known to be associated with clinical disease in any host species. Previous research suggested that B. neotomae might not express detectable levels of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), a periplasmic enzyme known to be involved in protecting Brucella from oxidative bactericidal effects of host phagocytes. This study was undertaken to investigate the genetic basis for the disparity in SOD expression in B. neotomae. Our Western blot and SOD enzyme assay analyses indicated that B. neotomae does express SOD, but at a substantially reduced level. Nucleotide sequence analysis of region upstream to the sodC gene identified a single-nucleotide insertion in the potential promoter region. The same single-nucleotide insertion was also detected in the sodC promoter of B. suis strain Thomsen, belonging to biovar 2 in which SOD expression was undetectable previously. Examination of the sodC promoter activities using translational fusion constructs with E. coli β-galactosidase demonstrated that the B. neotomae and B. suis biovar 2 promoters were very weak in driving gene expression. Site-directed mutation studies indicated that the insertion of A in the B. neotomae sodC promoter reduced the promoter activity. Increasing the level of SOD expression in B. neotomae through complementation with B. abortus sodC gene did not alter the bacterial survival in J774A.1 macrophage-like cells and in tissues of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. These results for the first time demonstrate the occurrence of a single-nucleotide polymorphism affecting promoter function and gene expression in Brucella.

Comparative study of the roles of AhpC and KatE as respiratory antioxidants in Brucella abortus 2308

Brucella strains are exposed to potentially toxic levels of H2O2 both as a consequence of their aerobic metabolism and through the respiratory burst of host phagocytes. To evaluate the relative contributions of the sole catalase KatE and the peroxiredoxin AhpC produced by these strains in defense against H2O2-mediated toxicity, isogenic katE, ahpC, and katE ahpC mutants were constructed and the phenotypic properties of these mutants compared with those of the virulent parental strain B. abortus 2308. The results of these studies indicate that AhpC is the primary detoxifier of endogenous H2O2 generated by aerobic metabolism. KatE, on the other hand, plays a major role in scavenging exogenous and supraphysiologic levels of H2O2, although this enzyme can play a supporting role in the detoxification of H2O2 of endogenous origin if AhpC is absent. B. abortus ahpC and katE mutants exhibit wild-type virulence in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, but the B. abortus ahpC katE double mutant is extremely attenuated, and this attenuation is not relieved in derivatives of C57BL/6 mice that lack NADPH oxidase (cybb) or inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2) activity. These experimental findings indicate that the generation of endogenous H2O2 represents a relevant environmental stress that B. abortus 2308 must deal with during its residence in the host and that AhpC and KatE perform compensatory roles in detoxifying this metabolic H2O2.

Bovine brucellosis

Infection of cattle caused by Brucella abortus (ie, bovine brucellosis) has been of political importance in the United States for many decades. The most common clinical manifestation of brucellosis in natural hosts is reproductive loss resulting from abortion, birth of weak offspring, or infertility. Brucellosis regulatory programs were primarily developed as the most efficient way to prevent human infections. This article discusses cattle vaccination with B abortus strains 19 and RB51. Other reservoir hosts for this organism and other Brucella spp in cattle have also been visited.

Survival of the fittest: how Brucella strains adapt to their intracellular niche in the host

Brucella strains produce abortion and infertility in their natural hosts and a zoonotic disease in humans known as undulant fever. These bacteria do not produce classical virulence factors, and their capacity to successfully survive and replicate within a variety of host cells underlies their pathogenicity. Extensive replication of the brucellae in placental trophoblasts is associated with reproductive tract pathology in natural hosts, and prolonged persistence in macrophages leads to the chronic infections that are a hallmark of brucellosis in both natural hosts and humans. This review describes how Brucella strains have efficiently adapted to their intracellular lifestyle in the host.

Caspase-2 mediated apoptotic and necrotic murine macrophage cell death induced by rough Brucella abortus

Brucella species are Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacteria that cause zoonotic brucellosis. Survival and replication inside macrophages is critical for establishment of chronic Brucella infection. Virulent smooth B. abortus strain 2308 inhibits programmed macrophage cell death and replicates inside macrophages. Cattle B. abortus vaccine strain RB51 is an attenuated rough, lipopolysaccharide O antigen-deficient mutant derived from smooth strain 2308. B. abortus rough mutant RA1 contains a single wboA gene mutation in strain 2308. Our studies demonstrated that live RB51 and RA1, but not strain 2308 or heat-killed Brucella, induced both apoptotic and necrotic cell death in murine RAW264.7 macrophages and bone marrow derived macrophages. The same phenomenon was also observed in primary mouse peritoneal macrophages from mice immunized intraperitoneally with vaccine strain RB51 using the same dose as regularly performed in protection studies. Programmed macrophage cell death induced by RB51 and RA1 was inhibited by a caspase-2 inhibitor (Z-VDVAD-FMK). Caspase-2 enzyme activation and cleavage were observed at the early infection stage in macrophages infected with RB51 and RA1 but not strain 2308. The inhibition of macrophage cell death promoted the survival of rough Brucella cells inside macrophages. The critical role of caspase-2 in mediating rough B. abortus induced macrophage cell death was confirmed using caspase-2 specific shRNA. The mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was activated in macrophages infected with rough B. abortus as demonstrated by increase in mitochondrial membrane permeability and the release of cytochrome c to cytoplasm in macrophages infected with rough Brucella. These results demonstrate that rough B. abortus strains RB51 and RA1 induce apoptotic and necrotic murine macrophage cell death that is mediated by caspase-2. The biological relevance of Brucella O antigen and caspase-2-mediated macrophage cell death in Brucella pathogenesis and protective Brucella immunity is discussed.