scholarly journals Molecular and cell biological analysis of SwrB in Bacillus subtilis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M. Phillips ◽  
Sandra Sanchez ◽  
Tatyana A. Sysoeva ◽  
Briana M. Burton ◽  
Daniel B. Kearns
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Random Mutagenesis ◽  
Basal Bodies ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Swarming Motility ◽  
Bacterial Flagellum ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems ◽  
Critical Residues

ABSTRACTSwarming motility is flagellar-mediated movement over a solid surface and Bacillus subtilis cells require an increase in flagellar density to swarm. SwrB is a protein of unknown function required for swarming that is necessary to increase the number of flagellar hooks but not basal bodies. Previous work suggested that SwrB activates flagellar type III secretion but the mechanism by which it might perform this function is unknown. Here we show that SwrB likely acts sub-stoichiometrically as it localizes as puncta at the membrane in numbers fewer than that of flagellar basal bodies. Moreover the action of SwrB is likely transient as puncta of SwrB were not dependent on the presence of the basal bodies and rarely co-localized with flagellar hooks. Random mutagenesis of the SwrB sequence found that a histidine within the transmembrane segment was conditionally required for activity and punctate localization. Finally, three hydrophobic residues that precede a cytoplasmic domain of poor conservation abolished SwrB activity when mutated and caused aberrant migration during electrophoresis. Our data are consistent with a model in which SwrB interacts with the flagellum, changes conformation to activate type III secretion, and departs.IMPORTANCEType III secretion systems (T3SS) are elaborate nanomachines that form the core of the bacterial flagellum and injectisome of pathogens. The machines not only secrete proteins like virulence factors but also secrete the structural components for their own assembly. Moroever, proper construction requires complex regulation to ensure that the parts are roughly secreted in the order in which they are assembled. Here we explore a poorly understood activator the flagellar T3SS activation in Bacillus subtilis called SwrB. To aid mechanistic understanding, we determine the rules for subcellular punctate localization, the topology with respect to the membrane, and critical residues required for SwrB function.

scholarly journals Molecular and cell biological analysis of SwrB in Bacillus subtilis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M. Phillips ◽  
Sandra Sanchez ◽  
Tatyana A. Sysoeva ◽  
Briana M. Burton ◽  
Daniel B. Kearns
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Random Mutagenesis ◽  
Basal Bodies ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Swarming Motility ◽  
Bacterial Flagellum ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems ◽  
Critical Residues

Swarming motility is flagellar-mediated movement over a solid surface and Bacillus subtilis cells require an increase in flagellar density to swarm. SwrB is a protein of unknown function required for swarming that is necessary to increase the number of flagellar hooks but not basal bodies. Previous work suggested that SwrB activates flagellar type III secretion but the mechanism by which it might perform this function is unknown. Here we show that SwrB likely acts sub-stoichiometrically as it localizes as puncta at the membrane in numbers fewer than that of flagellar basal bodies. Moreover the action of SwrB is likely transient as puncta of SwrB were not dependent on the presence of the basal bodies and rarely co-localized with flagellar hooks. Random mutagenesis of the SwrB sequence found that a histidine within the transmembrane segment was conditionally required for activity and punctate localization. Finally, three hydrophobic residues that precede a cytoplasmic domain of poor conservation abolished SwrB activity when mutated and caused aberrant migration during electrophoresis. Our data are consistent with a model in which SwrB interacts with the flagellum, changes conformation to activate type III secretion, and departs. IMPORTANCE Type III secretion systems (T3SS) are elaborate nanomachines that form the core of the bacterial flagellum and injectisome of pathogens. The machines not only secrete proteins like virulence factors but also secrete the structural components for their own assembly. Moreover, proper construction requires complex regulation to ensure that the parts are roughly secreted in the order in which they are assembled. Here we explore a poorly understood activator of the flagellar T3SS activation in Bacillus subtilis called SwrB. To aid mechanistic understanding, we determine the rules for subcellular punctate localization, the topology with respect to the membrane, and critical residues required for SwrB function.

scholarly journals A ring-shaped conduit connects the mother cell and forespore during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (41) ◽  
pp. 11585-11590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher D. A. Rodrigues ◽  
Xavier Henry ◽  
Emmanuelle Neumann ◽  
Vilius Kurauskas ◽  
Laure Bellard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Mother Cell ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Spore Formation ◽  
Intermembrane Space ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Remote Homology ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems

During spore formation in Bacillus subtilis a transenvelope complex is assembled across the double membrane that separates the mother cell and forespore. This complex (called the “A–Q complex”) is required to maintain forespore development and is composed of proteins with remote homology to components of type II, III, and IV secretion systems found in Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we show that one of these proteins, SpoIIIAG, which has remote homology to ring-forming proteins found in type III secretion systems, assembles into an oligomeric ring in the periplasmic-like space between the two membranes. Three-dimensional reconstruction of images generated by cryo-electron microscopy indicates that the SpoIIIAG ring has a cup-and-saucer architecture with a 6-nm central pore. Structural modeling of SpoIIIAG generated a 24-member ring with dimensions similar to those of the EM-derived saucer. Point mutations in the predicted oligomeric interface disrupted ring formation in vitro and impaired forespore gene expression and efficient spore formation in vivo. Taken together, our data provide strong support for the model in which the A–Q transenvelope complex contains a conduit that connects the mother cell and forespore. We propose that a set of stacked rings spans the intermembrane space, as has been found for type III secretion systems.

scholarly journals Regulation of bacterial Type III Secretion System export gate opening

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owain J. Bryant ◽  
Gillian M. Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Permeability Barrier ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Gate Opening ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems ◽  
Protein Entry ◽  
Critical Residues ◽  
Direct Delivery

AbstractType III Secretion Systems (T3SS) transport proteins from the bacterial cytosol for assembly into cell surface nanomachines or for direct delivery into target eukaryotic cells. At the core of the flagellar T3SS, the FlhAB-FliPQR export gate regulates protein entry into the export channel whilst maintaining the integrity of the cell membrane. Here, we identify critical residues in the export gate FliR plug that stabilise the closed conformation, preserving the membrane permeability barrier, and we show that the gate opens and closes in response to export substrate availability. Our data indicate that FlhAB-FliPQR gate opening, which is triggered by substrate export signals, is energised by FlhA in a proton motive force-dependent manner. We present evidence that the export substrate and the FliJ stalk of the flagellar ATPase provide mechanistically distinct, non-redundant gate-activating signals that are critical for efficient export.

scholarly journals Tandem Translation Generates a Chaperone for the Salmonella Type III Secretion System Protein SsaQ

2011 ◽  
Vol 286 (41) ◽  
pp. 36098-36107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiu-Jun Yu ◽  
Mei Liu ◽  
Steve Matthews ◽  
David W. Holden
Keyword(s):  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Eukaryotic Cell ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems ◽  
Function Loss ◽  
Bacterial Cytoplasm

Type III secretion systems (T3SSs) of bacterial pathogens involve the assembly of a surface-localized needle complex, through which translocon proteins are secreted to form a pore in the eukaryotic cell membrane. This enables the transfer of effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm to the host cell. A structure known as the C-ring is thought to have a crucial role in secretion by acting as a cytoplasmic sorting platform at the base of the T3SS. Here, we studied SsaQ, an FliN-like putative C-ring protein of the Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI-2)-encoded T3SS. ssaQ produces two proteins by tandem translation: a long form (SsaQL) composed of 322 amino acids and a shorter protein (SsaQS) comprising the C-terminal 106 residues of SsaQL. SsaQL is essential for SPI-2 T3SS function. Loss of SsaQS impairs the function of the T3SS both ex vivo and in vivo. SsaQS binds to its corresponding region within SsaQL and stabilizes the larger protein. Therefore, SsaQL function is optimized by a novel chaperone-like protein, produced by tandem translation from its own mRNA species.

scholarly journals Type III secretion systems and the evolution of mutualistic endosymbiosis

2002 ◽  
Vol 99 (19) ◽  
pp. 12397-12402 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Dale ◽  
G. R. Plague ◽  
B. Wang ◽  
H. Ochman ◽  
N. A. Moran
Keyword(s):  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems

scholarly journals Small-Molecule Type III Secretion System Inhibitors Block Assembly of the Shigella Type III Secreton

2008 ◽  
Vol 191 (2) ◽  
pp. 563-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas K. J. Veenendaal ◽  
Charlotta Sundin ◽  
Ariel J. Blocker
Keyword(s):  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Shigella Flexneri ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Incomplete Penetrance ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Bacterial Surface ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems

ABSTRACT Type III secretion systems (T3SSs) are essential virulence devices for many gram-negative bacteria that are pathogenic for plants, animals, and humans. They serve to translocate virulence effector proteins directly into eukaryotic host cells. T3SSs are composed of a large cytoplasmic bulb and a transmembrane region into which a needle is embedded, protruding above the bacterial surface. The emerging antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens urges the development of novel strategies to fight bacterial infections. Therapeutics that rather than kill bacteria only attenuate their virulence may reduce the frequency or progress of resistance emergence. Recently, a group of salicylidene acylhydrazides were identified as inhibitors of T3SSs in Yersinia, Chlamydia, and Salmonella species. Here we show that these are also effective on the T3SS of Shigella flexneri, where they block all related forms of protein secretion so far known, as well as the epithelial cell invasion and induction of macrophage apoptosis usually demonstrated by this bacterium. Furthermore, we show the first evidence for the detrimental effect of these compounds on T3SS needle assembly, as demonstrated by increased numbers of T3S apparatuses without needles or with shorter needles. Therefore, the compounds generate a phenocopy of T3SS export apparatus mutants but with incomplete penetrance. We discuss why this would be sufficient to almost completely block the later secretion of effector proteins and how this begins to narrow the search for the molecular target of these compounds.

scholarly journals A NanoLuc luciferase-based assay enabling the real-time analysis of protein secretion and injection by bacterial type III secretion systems

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sibel Westerhausen ◽  
Melanie Nowak ◽  
Claudia Torres-Vargas ◽  
Ursula Bilitewski ◽  
Erwin Bohn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Secretion ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Nanoluc Luciferase ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems

AbstractThe elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of secretion through bacterial protein secretion systems is impeded by a lack of assays to quantitatively assess secretion kinetics. Also the analysis of the biological role of these secretion systems as well as the identification of inhibitors targeting these systems would greatly benefit from the availability of a simple, quick and quantitative assay to monitor principle secretion and injection into host cells. Here we present a versatile solution to this need, utilizing the small and very bright NanoLuc luciferase to assess secretion and injection through the type III secretion system encoded by Salmonella pathogenicity island 1. The NanoLuc-based secretion assay features a very high signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity down to the nanoliter scale. The assay enables monitoring of secretion kinetics and is adaptable to a high throughput screening format in 384-well microplates. We further developed NanoLuc and split-NanoLuc-based assays that enable the monitoring of type III secretion-dependent injection of effector proteins into host cells.ImportanceThe ability to secrete proteins to the bacterial cell surface, to the extracellular environment, or even into target cells is one of the foundations of interbacterial as well as pathogen-host interaction. While great progress has been made in elucidating assembly and structure of secretion systems, our understanding of their secretion mechanism often lags behind, not last because of the challenge to quantitatively assess secretion function. Here, we developed a luciferase-based assay to enable the simple, quick, quantitative, and high throughput-compatible assessment of secretion and injection through virulence-associated type III secretion systems. The assay allows detection of minute amounts of secreted substrate proteins either in the supernatant of the bacterial culture or within eukaryotic host cells. It thus provides an enabling technology to elucidate the mechanisms of secretion and injection of type III secretion systems and is likely adaptable to assay secretion through other bacterial secretion systems.

scholarly journals Injectisome T3SS Subunits As Potential Chaperones In The Extracellular Export of Pectobacterium Carotovorum Subsp. Carotovorum Bacteriocins Carocin S1 And Carocin S3 Secreted Via Flagellar T3SS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hang-Cheng Chen ◽  
Reymund C. Derilo ◽  
Han-Ling Chen ◽  
Tzu-Rung Li ◽  
Ruchi Briam James S. Lagitnay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Insertional Mutagenesis ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Soft Rot ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Pectobacterium Carotovorum ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Unique Type ◽  
Bacterial Flagellum ◽  
Type Iii

Abstract Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) causes soft-rot disease in a wide variety of plants resulting in economic losses worldwide. It produces various types of bacteriocin to compete against related plant pathogens. Studies on how bacteriocins are extracellularly secreted are conducted to understand the mechanism of interbacterial competition. In this study, the secretion of the low-molecular-weight bacteriocins (LMWB) Carocin S1 and Carocin S3 produced by a multiple-bacteriocin producing strain of Pcc, 89-H-4, was investigated. Tn5 insertional mutagenesis was used to generate a mutant, TH22-6, incapable of LMWBs secretion. Sequence and homology analyses of the gene disrupted by transposon Tn5 insertion revealed that the gene sctT, an essential component of the injectisome type III secretion machinery (T3aSS), is required for the secretion of the bacteriocins. This result raised a question regarding the nature of the secretion mechanism of Pcc bacteriocins which was previously discovered to be secreted via T3bSS, a system that utilizes the bacterial flagellum for extracellular secretions. Our previous report has shown that bacteriocin Carocin S1 cannot be secreted by mutants that are defective of T3bSS-related genes such as flhA, flhC, flhD and fliC. We knocked out several genes making up the significant structural components of both T3aSS and T3bSS. The findings led us to hypothesize the potential roles of the T3aSS-related proteins, SctT, SctU and SctV, as flagellar T3SS chaperones in the secretion of Pcc bacteriocins. This current discovery and the findings of our previous study helped us to conceptualize a unique Type III secretion system for bacteriocin extracellular export which is a hybrid of the injectisome and flagellar secretion systems.

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