Pseudomonas expression of an oxygen sensing prolyl hydroxylase homologue regulates neutrophil host responses in vitro and in vivo

Early detection of hepatobiliary involvement in cystic fibrosis: Biomarkers, radiologic methods, and genetic influences

Cystic fibrosis-related hepatobiliary involvement (CFHBI) is a term used to describe a spectrum of hepatobiliary involvement ranging from a transient elevation of transaminase levels to advanced cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease (aCFLD). While CFHBI is common among people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), aCFLD is rare impacting only approximately 5%-10% of the CF population. After respiratory/cardiorespiratory issues and transplant-related complications, aCFLD is now the 4th leading cause of mortality among PwCF. Additionally, aCFLD is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and is associated with significant morbidity. Despite this recognition, our ability to predict those patients at greatest risk for aCFLD, identify early aCFLD, and monitor the incremental progression of CFHBI is lacking. Here, we review the strengths and weaknesses of the common biomarkers and imaging modalities used in the evaluation and monitoring of CFHBI, as well as the current understanding of genetic modifiers related to aCFLD.

Inhibition of the Oxygen-Sensing Asparaginyl Hydroxylase Factor Inhibiting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor: A Potential Hypoxia Response Modulating Strategy

Factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (FIH) is a JmjC domain 2-oxogluarate and Fe(II)-dependent oxygenase that catalyzes hydroxylation of specific asparagines in the C-terminal transcriptional activation domain of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-α) isoforms. This modification suppresses the transcriptional activity of HIF by reducing its interaction with the transcriptional coactivators p300/CBP. By contrast with inhibition of the HIF prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs), inhibitors of FIH, which accepts multiple non-HIF substrates, are less studied; they are of interest due to their potential ability to alter metabolism (either in a HIF-dependent and/or -independent manner) and, provided HIF is upregulated, to modulate the course of the HIF-mediated hypoxic response. Here we review studies on the mechanism and inhibition of FIH. We discuss proposed biological roles of FIH including its regulation of HIF activity and potential roles of FIH-catalyzed oxidation of non-HIF substrates. We highlight potential therapeutic applications of FIH inhibitors.

CSF Levels of Elongation Factor Tu Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Malawian Adults With Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis

Background

Mortality from bacterial meningitis, predominately caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, exceeds 50% in sub-Saharan African countries with high HIV prevalence. Underlying causes of high mortality are poorly understood. We examined the host and pathogen proteome in the CSF of adults with proven pneumococcal meningitis (PM), testing if there was an association between differentially expressed proteins and outcome.

Materials/Methods

CSF proteomes were analyzed by quantitative Mass-Spectrometry. Spectra were identified using the Swissprot human and TIGR4 pneumococcal protein libraries. Proteins were quantitated and analyzed against mortality. Unique proteins in PM were identified against published normal CSF proteome. Random-Forest models were used to test for protein signatures discriminating outcome. Proteins of interest were tested for their effects on growth and neutrophil opsonophagocytic killing of S. pneumoniae.

Results

CSF proteomes were available for 57 Adults with PM (median age 32 years, 60% male, 70% HIV-1 co-infected, mortality 63%). Three hundred sixty individual human and 23 pneumococcal proteins were identified. Of the human protein hits, 30% were not expressed in normal CSF, and these were strongly associated with inflammation and primarily related to neutrophil activity. No human protein signature predicted outcome. However, expression of the essential S. pneumoniae protein Elongation Factor Tu (EF-Tu) was significantly increased in CSF of non-survivors [False Discovery Rate (q) <0.001]. Expression of EF-Tu was negatively co-correlated against expression of Neutrophil defensin (r 0.4 p p < 0.002), but not against complement proteins C3 or Factor H. In vitro, addition of EF-Tu protein impaired S. pneumoniae neutrophil killing in CSF.

Conclusions

Excessive S. pneumoniae EF-Tu protein in CSF was associated with reduced survival in meningitis in a high HIV prevalence population. We show EF-Tu may inhibit neutrophil mediated killing of S. pneumoniae in CSF. Further mechanistic work is required to better understand how S. pneumoniae avoids essential innate immune responses during PM through production of excess EF-Tu.

Biochemical and biophysical analyses of hypoxia sensing prolyl hydroxylases from Dictyostelium discoideum and Toxoplasma gondii

In animals, the response to chronic hypoxia is mediated by prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) that regulate the levels of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor α (HIFα). PHD homologues exist in other types of eukaryotes and prokaryotes where they act on non HIF substrates. To gain insight into the factors underlying different PHD substrates and properties, we carried out biochemical and biophysical studies on PHD homologues from the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum, and the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, both lacking HIF. The respective prolyl-hydroxylases (DdPhyA and TgPhyA) catalyze prolyl-hydroxylation of S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 (Skp1), a reaction enabling adaptation to different dioxygen availability. Assays with full-length Skp1 substrates reveal substantial differences in the kinetic properties of DdPhyA and TgPhyA, both with respect to each other and compared with human PHD2; consistent with cellular studies, TgPhyA is more active at low dioxygen concentrations than DdPhyA. TgSkp1 is a DdPhyA substrate and DdSkp1 is a TgPhyA substrate. No cross-reactivity was detected between DdPhyA/TgPhyA substrates and human PHD2. The human Skp1 E147P variant is a DdPhyA and TgPhyA substrate, suggesting some retention of ancestral interactions. Crystallographic analysis of DdPhyA enables comparisons with homologues from humans, Trichoplax adhaerens, and prokaryotes, informing on differences in mobile elements involved in substrate binding and catalysis. In DdPhyA, two mobile loops that enclose substrates in the PHDs are conserved, but the C-terminal helix of the PHDs is strikingly absent. The combined results support the proposal that PHD homologues have evolved kinetic and structural features suited to their specific sensing roles.

The putative bacterial oxygen sensor Pseudomonas prolyl hydroxylase (PPHD) suppresses antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an extracellular opportunistic bacterial pathogen commonly associated with infectious complications in susceptible individuals, such as those with underlying diseases including HIV/AIDS and cystic fibrosis. Antibiotic resistance in multiple strains of P. aeruginosa is a rapidly developing clinical problem. We have previously demonstrated that the oxygen levels at the site of P. aeruginosa infection can strongly influence virulence and antibiotic resistance in this pathogen, although the oxygen-sensing and -signaling mechanisms underpinning this response have remained unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential role of the putative oxygen sensor Pseudomonas prolyl hydroxylase (PPHD) in the control of virulence and antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa We found that a P. aeruginosa strain lacking PPHD (PAO310) exhibits increased virulence associated with increased bacterial motility. Furthermore, PPHD-deficient P. aeruginosa displayed enhanced antibiotic resistance against tetracycline through increased expression of the xenobiotic transporters mexEF-oprN and MexXY. Of note, the effect of the PPHD knockout on antibiotic resistance was phenocopied in bacteria exposed to atmospheric hypoxia. We conclude that PPHD is a putative bacterial oxygen sensor that may link microenvironmental oxygen levels to virulence and antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa.

Review of the British Thoracic Society Winter Meeting 2018, 5-7 December 2018, London, UK

INTRODUCTION

The Winter Meeting of the British Thoracic Society (BTS) is a platform for the latest clinical and scientific research in respiratory medicine. This review summarises some key symposia and presentations from the BTS Winter Meeting 2018.

METHODS

Key symposia and research presentations from the BTS Winter Meeting 2018 were attended and reviewed by the authors.

RESULTS

The seminal messages from the latest clinical and scientific research covering a range of respiratory diseases, including asthma, interstitial lung disease, infection, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary vascular disease, pleural disease and occupational lung disease were summarised in this review.

DISCUSSION

The BTS Winter Meeting 2018 brought the very best of respiratory research to an audience of scientists, physicians, nurses and allied health professionals. The Winter Meeting continues to be a highlight of the UK respiratory research calendar, and we look forward to the next meeting in December 2019.

Hydroxylation of protein constituents of the human translation system: structural aspects and functional assignments

During the current decade, data on the post-translational hydroxylation of specific amino acid residues of some ribosomal proteins and translation factors in both eukaryotes and eubacteria have accumulated. The reaction is catalyzed by dedicated oxygenases (so-called ribosomal oxygenases), whose action is impaired under hypoxia conditions. The modification occurs at amino acid residues directly involved in the formation of the main functional sites of ribosomes and factors. This review summarizes currently available data on the specific hydroxylation of protein constituents of eukaryotic and eubacterial translation systems with a special emphasis on the human system, as well as on the links between hypoxia impacts on the operation of ribosomal oxygenases, the functioning of the translational apparatus and human health problems.