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Singh MK, Kenney LJ. Visualizing the invisible: novel approaches to visualizing bacterial proteins and host-pathogen interactions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1334503. [PMID: 38415188 PMCID: PMC10898356 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1334503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Host-pathogen interactions play a critical role in infectious diseases, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is vital for developing effective therapeutic strategies. The visualization and characterization of bacterial proteins within host cells is key to unraveling the dynamics of these interactions. Various protein labeling strategies have emerged as powerful tools for studying host-pathogen interactions, enabling the tracking, localization, and functional analysis of bacterial proteins in real-time. However, the labeling and localization of Salmonella secreted type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors in host cells poses technical challenges. Conventional methods disrupt effector stoichiometry and often result in non-specific staining. Bulky fluorescent protein fusions interfere with effector secretion, while other tagging systems such as 4Cys-FLaSH/Split-GFP suffer from low labeling specificity and a poor signal-to-noise ratio. Recent advances in state-of-the-art techniques have augmented the existing toolkit for monitoring the translocation and dynamics of bacterial effectors. This comprehensive review delves into the bacterial protein labeling strategies and their application in imaging host-pathogen interactions. Lastly, we explore the obstacles faced and potential pathways forward in the realm of protein labeling strategies for visualizing interactions between hosts and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moirangthem Kiran Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Linda J. Kenney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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Ortiz SC, Pennington K, Thomson DD, Bertuzzi M. Novel Insights into Aspergillus fumigatus Pathogenesis and Host Response from State-of-the-Art Imaging of Host-Pathogen Interactions during Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030264. [PMID: 35330266 PMCID: PMC8954776 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus spores initiate more than 3,000,000 chronic and 300,000 invasive diseases annually, worldwide. Depending on the immune status of the host, inhalation of these spores can lead to a broad spectrum of disease, including invasive aspergillosis, which carries a 50% mortality rate overall; however, this mortality rate increases substantially if the infection is caused by azole-resistant strains or diagnosis is delayed or missed. Increasing resistance to existing antifungal treatments is becoming a major concern; for example, resistance to azoles (the first-line available oral drug against Aspergillus species) has risen by 40% since 2006. Despite high morbidity and mortality, the lack of an in-depth understanding of A. fumigatus pathogenesis and host response has hampered the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the clinical management of fungal infections. Recent advances in sample preparation, infection models and imaging techniques applied in vivo have addressed important gaps in fungal research, whilst questioning existing paradigms. This review highlights the successes and further potential of these recent technologies in understanding the host-pathogen interactions that lead to aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien C. Ortiz
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; (S.C.O.); (K.P.)
| | - Katie Pennington
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; (S.C.O.); (K.P.)
| | - Darren D. Thomson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK;
| | - Margherita Bertuzzi
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; (S.C.O.); (K.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Identification and Characterization of the Nuclease Activity of the Extracellular Proteins from Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:3651-3660. [PMID: 32939640 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pathogens have evolved an array of strategies to establish a productive infection. The extracellular proteins secreted by pathogens are one of unique mechanisms to evade the host innate immune response. Many secretory proteins transported by the bacterial secretion systems have been widely investigated in Salmonella. Certain extracellular nucleases are essential for bacterial pathogenesis. However, there is no current data available for the enzymatic properties of the proteins secreted by Salmonella. Therefore, in the present study we have identified and characterized the nuclease activity of the extracellular proteins from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. It was demonstrated that the extracellular proteins from S. Typhimurium exhibited the deoxyribonucleases activity against λDNA by agarose gel electrophoresis and agar plate diffusion method. The activity was observed at 16 °C, 37 °C and 42 °C, and found to be highest at 42 °C and inhibited at temperatures over 60 °C. The nuclease activity was stable under alkaline conditions (pH 7-10) and the optimum pH was 9.0. The nuclease activity was promoted at high ionic strength of Ba2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Ni2+. Nuclease zymography analysis revealed that there were four activity bands in the extracellular proteins; followed by LC-ESI/MS/MS analysis seven proteins were identified. As demonstrated by nuclease zymography, the recombinant 5'-nucleotidase protein expressed in the prokaryotic expression system displayed the DNase activity. To our knowledge, the present findings represent the first direct and unambiguous demonstration of the nuclease activity of the extracellular proteins from S. Typhimurium, and it provides an important fundamental for further investigation of the role of the extracellular proteins in pathogenicity and immune evasion.
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Self-Labeling Enzyme Tags for Translocation Analyses of Salmonella Effector Proteins. Methods Mol Biol 2020. [PMID: 32894488 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0791-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Salmonella enterica is an invasive, facultative intracellular pathogen with a highly sophisticated intracellular lifestyle. Invasion and intracellular proliferation are dependent on the translocation of effector proteins by two distinct type III secretion systems (T3SS) into the host cell. To unravel host-pathogen interactions, dedicated imaging techniques visualizing Salmonella effector proteins during the infection are essential. Here we describe a new approach utilizing self-labeling enzyme (SLE) tags as a universal labeling tool for tracing effector proteins. This method is able to resolve the temporal and spatial dynamics of effector proteins in living cells. The method is applicable to conventional confocal fluorescence microscopy, but also to tracking and localization microscopy (TALM), and super-resolution microscopy (SRM) of single molecules, allowing the visualization of effector proteins beyond the optical diffraction limit.
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Wang M, Qazi IH, Wang L, Zhou G, Han H. Salmonella Virulence and Immune Escape. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8030407. [PMID: 32183199 PMCID: PMC7143636 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8030407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella genus represents the most common foodborne pathogens causing morbidity, mortality, and burden of disease in all regions of the world. The introduction of antimicrobial agents and Salmonella-specific phages has been considered as an effective intervention strategy to reduce Salmonella contamination. However, data from the United States, European countries, and low- and middle-income countries indicate that Salmonella cases are still a commonly encountered cause of bacterial foodborne diseases globally. The control programs have not been successful and even led to the emergence of some multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains. It is known that the host immune system is able to effectively prevent microbial invasion and eliminate microorganisms. However, Salmonella has evolved mechanisms of resisting host physical barriers and inhibiting subsequent activation of immune response through their virulence factors. There has been a high interest in understanding how Salmonella interacts with the host. Therefore, in the present review, we characterize the functions of Salmonella virulence genes and particularly focus on the mechanisms of immune escape in light of evidence from the emerging mainstream literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (M.W.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan
| | - Linli Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (M.W.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
- Correspondence: (H.H.); (G.Z.)
| | - Hongbing Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (M.W.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (H.H.); (G.Z.)
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Best A, Abu Kwaik Y. Nutrition and Bipartite Metabolism of Intracellular Pathogens. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:550-561. [PMID: 30655036 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The host is a nutrient-rich niche for microbial pathogens, but one that comes with obstacles and challenges. Many intracellular pathogens like Legionella pneumophila, Coxiella burnetii, Listeria monocytogenes, and Chlamydia trachomatis have developed bipartite metabolism within their hosts. This style of metabolic regulation enables pathogen sensing of specific nutrients to engage them into catabolic and anabolic processes, and contributes to temporal and spatial pathogen phenotypic modulation. Not only have intracellular pathogens adapted their metabolism to the host, they have also acquired idiosyncratic strategies to exploit host nutritional supplies and intercept metabolites. Francisella tularensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum alter host autophagy, Shigella flexneri intercepts all host pyruvate, while L. pneumophila induces host protein degradation and blocks protein translation. Strategies of pathogen manipulation of host nutrients could serve as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Best
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Yousef Abu Kwaik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA.
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Batan D, Braselmann E, Minson M, Nguyen DMT, Cossart P, Palmer AE. A Multicolor Split-Fluorescent Protein Approach to Visualize Listeria Protein Secretion in Infection. Biophys J 2018; 115:251-262. [PMID: 29653838 PMCID: PMC6050711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular food-borne pathogen that has evolved to enter mammalian host cells, survive within them, spread from cell to cell, and disseminate throughout the body. A series of secreted virulence proteins from Listeria are responsible for manipulation of host-cell defense mechanisms and adaptation to the intracellular lifestyle. Identifying when and where these virulence proteins are located in live cells over the course of Listeria infection can provide valuable information on the roles these proteins play in defining the host-pathogen interface. These dynamics and protein levels may vary from cell to cell, as bacterial infection is a heterogeneous process both temporally and spatially. No assay to visualize virulence proteins over time in infection with Listeria or other Gram-positive bacteria has been developed. Therefore, we adapted a live, long-term tagging system to visualize a model Listeria protein by fluorescence microscopy on a single-cell level in infection. This system leverages split-fluorescent proteins, in which the last strand of a fluorescent protein (a 16-amino-acid peptide) is genetically fused to the virulence protein of interest. The remainder of the fluorescent protein is produced in the mammalian host cell. Both individual components are nonfluorescent and will bind together and reconstitute fluorescence upon virulence-protein secretion into the host cell. We demonstrate accumulation and distribution within the host cell of the model virulence protein InlC in infection over time. A modular expression platform for InlC visualization was developed. We visualized InlC by tagging it with red and green split-fluorescent proteins and compared usage of a strong constitutive promoter versus the endogenous promoter for InlC production. This split-fluorescent protein approach is versatile and may be used to investigate other Listeria virulence proteins for unique mechanistic insights in infection progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Batan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Esther Braselmann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Michael Minson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
| | | | - Pascale Cossart
- Unité des Interactions Bactéries-Cellules, Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Infection, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Inserm U604, Paris, France; French National Institute for Agricultural Research, Unité Sous-Contrat 2020, Paris, France
| | - Amy E Palmer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado.
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