scholarly journals The wall-less bacterium Spiroplasma poulsonii builds a polymeric cytoskeleton composed of interacting MreB isoforms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florent Masson ◽  
Xavier Pierrat ◽  
Bruno Lemaitre ◽  
Alexandre Persat
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Heterologous Expression System ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Cell Wall Biogenesis ◽  
Rigid Cell Wall

A rigid cell wall defines the morphology of most bacteria. MreB, a bacterial homologue of actin, plays a major role in coordinating cell wall biogenesis and defining cell shape. In contrast with most bacteria, the Mollicutes family is devoid of cell wall. As a consequence, many Mollicutes have undefined morphologies. Spiroplasma species are an exception as they robustly grow with a characteristic helical shape, but how they maintain their morphology remains unclear. Paradoxal to their lack of cell wall, the genome of Spiroplasma contains five homologues of MreB (SpMreBs). Since MreB is a homolog of actin and that short MreB filaments participate in its function, we hypothesize that SpMreBs form a polymeric cytoskeleton. Here, we investigate the function of SpMreB in forming a polymeric cytoskeleton by focusing on the Drosophila endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii. We found that in vivo, Spiroplasma maintain a high concentration of all five MreB isoforms. By leveraging a heterologous expression system that bypasses the poor genetic tractability of Spiroplasma, we found that strong intracellular levels of SpMreb systematically produced polymeric filaments of various morphologies. Using co-immunoprecipitation and co-expression of fluorescent fusions, we characterized an interaction network between isoforms that regulate the filaments formation. Our results point to a sub-functionalization of each isoform which, when all combined in vivo, form a complex inner polymeric network that shapes the cell in a wall-independent manner. Our work therefore supports the hypothesis where MreB mechanically supports the cell membrane, thus forming a cytoskeleton.

scholarly journals Antigen 84, an Effector of Pleiomorphism in Mycobacterium smegmatis

2007 ◽  
Vol 189 (21) ◽  
pp. 7896-7910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liem Nguyen ◽  
Nicole Scherr ◽  
John Gatfield ◽  
Anne Walburger ◽  
Jean Pieters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Mycobacterium Smegmatis ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Gene Disruption ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis ◽  
Asymmetrically Distributed ◽  
Cell Wall Expansion

ABSTRACT While in most rod-shaped bacteria, morphology is based on MreB-like proteins that form an actin-like cytoskeletal scaffold for cell wall biosynthesis, the factors that determine the more flexible rod-like shape in actinobacteria such as Mycobacterium species are unknown. Here we show that a Mycobacterium smegmatis protein homologous to eubacterial DivIVA-like proteins, including M. tuberculosis antigen 84 (Ag84), localized symmetrically to centers of peptidoglycan biosynthesis at the poles and septa. Controlled gene disruption experiments indicated that the gene encoding Ag84, wag31, was essential; when overexpressed, cells became longer and wider, with Ag84 asymmetrically distributed at one pole. Many became grossly enlarged, bowling-pin-shaped cells having up to 80-fold-increased volume. In these cells, Ag84 accumulated predominantly at a bulbous pole that was apparently generated by uncontrolled cell wall expansion. In some cells, Ag84 was associated with exceptional sites of cell wall expansion (buds) that evolved into branches. M. bovis BCG Ag84 was able to form oligomers in vitro, perhaps reflecting its superstructure in vivo. These data suggested a role for Ag84 in cell division and modulating cell shape in pleiomorphic actinobacteria.

scholarly journals Dynamics of cell wall elasticity pattern shapes the cell during yeast mating morphogenesis

Open Biology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 160136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Goldenbogen ◽  
Wolfgang Giese ◽  
Marie Hemmen ◽  
Jannis Uhlendorf ◽  
Andreas Herrmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Cell Wall Elasticity ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Stiff Material ◽  
Mating Projection

The cell wall defines cell shape and maintains integrity of fungi and plants. When exposed to mating pheromone, Saccharomyces cerevisiae grows a mating projection and alters in morphology from spherical to shmoo form. Although structural and compositional alterations of the cell wall accompany shape transitions, their impact on cell wall elasticity is unknown. In a combined theoretical and experimental approach using finite-element modelling and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we investigated the influence of spatially and temporally varying material properties on mating morphogenesis. Time-resolved elasticity maps of shmooing yeast acquired with AFM in vivo revealed distinct patterns, with soft material at the emerging mating projection and stiff material at the tip. The observed cell wall softening in the protrusion region is necessary for the formation of the characteristic shmoo shape, and results in wider and longer mating projections. The approach is generally applicable to tip-growing fungi and plants cells.

scholarly journals TREM2 is a receptor for non-glycosylated mycolic acids of mycobacteria that limits anti-mycobacterial macrophage activation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ei’ichi Iizasa ◽  
Yasushi Chuma ◽  
Takayuki Uematsu ◽  
Mio Kubota ◽  
Hiroaki Kawaguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Macrophage Activation ◽  
Mycolic Acid ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Lectin Receptors ◽  
Mycobacterial Cell ◽  
Mycobacterial Cell Wall

AbstractMycobacterial cell-wall glycolipids elicit an anti-mycobacterial immune response via FcRγ-associated C-type lectin receptors, including Mincle, and caspase-recruitment domain family member 9 (CARD9). Additionally, mycobacteria harbor immuno-evasive cell-wall lipids associated with virulence and latency; however, a mechanism of action is unclear. Here, we show that the DAP12-associated triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) recognizes mycobacterial cell-wall mycolic acid (MA)-containing lipids and suggest a mechanism by which mycobacteria control host immunity via TREM2. Macrophages respond to glycosylated MA-containing lipids in a Mincle/FcRγ/CARD9-dependent manner to produce inflammatory cytokines and recruit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-positive mycobactericidal macrophages. Conversely, macrophages respond to non-glycosylated MAs in a TREM2/DAP12-dependent but CARD9-independent manner to recruit iNOS-negative mycobacterium-permissive macrophages. Furthermore, TREM2 deletion enhances Mincle-induced macrophage activation in vitro and inflammation in vivo and accelerates the elimination of mycobacterial infection, suggesting that TREM2-DAP12 signaling counteracts Mincle-FcRγ-CARD9-mediated anti-mycobacterial immunity. Mycobacteria, therefore, harness TREM2 for immune evasion.

Contrasting roles of the innate receptors TREM2 versus Mincle in the recognition and response of macrophages to mycolic acid-containing lipids in mycobacterial cell walls

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ei'ichi Iizasa ◽  
Yasushi Chuma ◽  
Takayuki Uematsu ◽  
Mio Kubota ◽  
Hiroaki Kawaguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Mycobacterial Infection ◽  
Mycolic Acid ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Lectin Receptors ◽  
Mycobacterial Cell ◽  
Mycobacterial Cell Wall

Abstract Mycobacterial cell-wall glycolipids elicit an anti-mycobacterial immune response via FcRγ-associated C-type lectin receptors, including Mincle, and caspase-recruitment domain family member 9 (CARD9). Additionally, mycobacteria harbor immuno-evasive cell-wall lipids associated with virulence and latency; however, their mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we show that the DAP12-associated triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) recognizes mycobacterial cell-wall mycolic acid (MA)-containing lipids and suggest a mechanism by which mycobacteria control host immunity via TREM2. Macrophages responded to glycosylated MA-containing lipids in a Mincle/FcRγ/CARD9-dependent manner to produce inflammatory cytokines and recruit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-positive mycobactericidal macrophages. Conversely, macrophages responded to non-glycosylated MAs in a TREM2/DAP12-dependent but CARD9-independent manner to recruit iNOS-negative mycobacterium-permissive macrophages. Furthermore, TREM2 deletion enhanced Mincle-induced macrophage activation in vitro and inflammation in vivo and accelerated the elimination of mycobacterial infection, suggesting that TREM2-DAP12 signaling counteracts Mincle-FcRγ-CARD9-mediated anti-mycobacterial immunity. Mycobacteria, therefore, harness TREM2 for immune evasion.

scholarly journals FERONIA’s sensing of cell wall pectin activates ROP GTPase signaling in Arabidopsis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenwei Lin ◽  
Wenxin Tang ◽  
Charles T. Anderson ◽  
Zhenbiao Yang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Pavement Cell ◽  
Signaling Mechanism ◽  
Rop Gtpase ◽  
Surface Receptor ◽  
A Cell

ABSTRACTPlant cells need to monitor the cell wall dynamic to control the wall homeostasis required for a myriad of processes in plants, but the mechanisms underpinning cell wall sensing and signaling in regulating these processes remain largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate that receptor-like kinase FERONIA senses the cell wall pectin polymer to directly activate the ROP6 GTPase signaling pathway that regulates the formation of the cell shape in the Arabidopsis leaf epidermis. The extracellular malectin domain of FER directly interacts with de-methylesterified pectin in vivo and in vitro. Both loss-of-FER mutations and defects in the pectin biosynthesis and de-methylesterification caused changes in pavement cell shape and ROP6 signaling. FER is required for the activation of ROP6 by de-methylesterified pectin, and physically and genetically interacts with the ROP6 activator, RopGEF14. Thus, our findings elucidate a cell wall sensing and signaling mechanism that connects the cell wall to cellular morphogenesis via the cell surface receptor FER.

scholarly journals Light-induction of endocannabinoids and activation of Drosophila TRPC channels

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takaaki Sokabe ◽  
Heather B Bradshaw ◽  
Makoto Tominaga ◽  
Emma Leishman ◽  
Craig Montell
Keyword(s):  
Trp Channels ◽  
Classical Model ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Photoreceptor Cells ◽  
Signaling Cascades ◽  
Trpc Channels ◽  
Light Stimulation ◽  
Heterologous Expression System ◽  
Stimulation Of

Drosophila phototransduction represents a classical model for signaling cascades that culminate with activation of TRP channels. TRP and TRPL are the canonical TRP (TRPC) channels, which are gated by light stimulation of rhodopsin and engagement of Gq and phospholipase Cβ (PLC). Despite decades of investigation, the mechanism of TRP activation in photoreceptor cells is unresolved. Here, using a combination of genetics, lipidomics and Ca2+ imaging, we found that light increased the levels of an abundant endocannabinoid, 2-linoleoyl glycerol (2-LG) in vivo. The elevation in 2-LG strictly depended on the PLC encoded by norpA. Moreover, this endocannabinoid upregulated TRPC-dependent Ca2+ influx in a heterologous expression system and in dissociated ommatidia from compound eyes. We propose that 2-LG is a physiologically relevant endocannabinoid that activates TRPC channels in photoreceptor cells.

scholarly journals Protein phosphatase SppA regulates apical growth and dephosphorylates cell polarity determinant DivIVA in Streptomyces coelicolor

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Passot ◽  
Stuart Cantlay ◽  
Klas Flardh
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Cell Polarity ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Streptomyces Coelicolor ◽  
Polar Growth ◽  
Hyphal Branching ◽  
Tip Extension

Bacteria that exhibit polar growth, i.e. build their peptidoglycan cell walls in restricted zones at cell poles, often show large morphological diversity and plasticity. However, their mechanisms for regulation of cell shape and cell wall assembly are poorly understood. The Gram-positive Streptomyces bacteria, like other Actinobacteria, depend on the essential coiled coil protein DivIVA for establishment of cell polarity and direction of polar growth. Streptomycetes grow as filamentous hyphae that exhibit tip extension. New hyphal tips are generated by lateral branching. Cell shape is largely determined by the control of cell wall growth at these hyphal tips. The Ser/Thr protein kinase AfsK is involved in controlling polar growth and directly phosphorylates DivIVA. Here, we identify a protein phosphatase in Streptomyces coelicolor , SppA, that dephosphorylates DivIVA in vivo and in vitro and affects growth and cell shape. An sppA mutant shows reduced rate of hyphal tip extension, altered hyphal branching patterns, and exhibits frequent spontaneous hyphal growth arrests, all contributing to the unusually dense mycelial structure and slow growth rate that characterize sppA mutants. These phenotypes are largely suppressed in an afsK sppA double mutant, showing that AfsK and SppA partially affect the same regulatory pathway and share target proteins that are involved control of polar growth in S. coelicolor . Strains with a non-phosphorylatable mutant DivIVA were constructed and confirm that the effect of afsK on hyphal branching during normal growth is mediated by DivIVA phosphorylation. However, the phenotypic effects of sppA deletion are independent of DivIVA phosphorylation and must be mediated via other substrates. Altogether, this study identifies a PPP-family protein phosphatase directly involved in the control of polar growth and cell shape determination in S. coelicolor and underscore the importance of eukaryotic-type Ser/Thr phosphorylation in regulation of growth and cell envelope biogenesis in Actinobacteria.

scholarly journals TheCryptococcus neoformansTitan cell is an inducible and regulated morphotype underlying pathogenesis

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivy M. Dambuza ◽  
Thomas Drake ◽  
Ambre Chapuis ◽  
Leanne Taylor-Smith ◽  
Nathalie LeGrave ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Cell Size ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Lavage Fluid ◽  
Environmental Stimuli ◽  
Altered Cell ◽  
Bacterial Peptidoglycan

AbstractFungi undergo changes in cell shape in response to environmental stimuli that drive pathogenesis and niche adaptation, such as the yeast-to-hyphal transition of dimorphic fungi in response to changing temperature. The basidiomyceteCryptococcus neoformansundergoes an unusual morphogenetic transition in the host lung from haploid yeast to large, highly polyploid cells termed Titan cells. Titan cells influence fungal interaction with host cells, including through increased drug resistance, altered cell size, and altered Pathogen Associated Molecular Pattern exposure. Despite the important role these cells play in pathogenesis, understanding the environmental stimuli that drive the morphological transition, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their unique biology, has been hampered by the lack of a reproduciblein vitroinduction system. Here we demonstrate reproduciblein vitroTitan cell induction in response to environmental stimuli consistent with the host lung.In vitroTitan cells exhibit all the properties ofin vivogenerated Titan cells, the current gold standard, including altered capsule, cell wall, size, high mother cell ploidy, and aneuploid progeny. We identify bacterial peptidoglycan as a serum compound associated with shift in cell size and ploidy, and demonstrate the capacity of bronchial lavage fluid andE. colico-culture to induce Titanisation. Additionally, we demonstrate the capacity of our assay to identify established and previously undescribed regulators of Titanisationin vitroand investigate the Titanisation capacity of clinical isolates and their impact on disease outcome. Together, these findings provide new insight into the environmental stimuli and molecular mechanisms underlying the yeast-to-titan transition and establish an essentialin vitromodel for the future characterization of this important morphotype.Author SummaryChanges in cell shape underlie fungal pathogenesis by allowing immune evasion and dissemination.AspergillusandCandida albicanshyphae drive tissue penetration.Histoplasma capsulatumandC. albicansyeast growth allows evasion and dissemination. As major virulence determinates, morphogenic transitions are extensively studied in animal models andin vitro. The pathogenic fungusCryptococcus neoformansis a budding yeast that, in the host lung, switches to an unusual morphotype termed the Titan cell. Titans are large, polyploid, have altered cell wall and capsule, and produce haploid daughters. Their size prevents engulfment by phagocytes, yet they are linked to dissemination and altered immune response. Despite their important influence on disease, replicating the yeast-to-Titan switchin vitrohas proved challenging. Here we show that Titans are induced by host-relevant stimuli, including serum and bronchio-alveolar lavage fluid. We identify bacterial peptidoglycan as a relevant inducing compound and predict anin vivoTitan defect for a clinical isolate. Genes regulatingin vivoTitanisation also influencein vitroformation. Titanisation is a conserved morphogenic switch across theC. neoformansspecies complex. Together, we show that Titan cells are a regulated morphotype analogous to the yeast-to-hyphal transition and establish new ways to study Titans outside the host lung.

Sites of Adsorption of the Bacteriophages T3 and T5 on the Wall of Escherichia Coli B.

1967 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 96-97
Author(s):  
Manfred E. Bayer
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Cell Wall ◽  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Receptor Sites ◽  
Rigid Cell Wall ◽  
Host Cell Surface ◽  
Bacterial Viruses ◽  
Escherichia Coli B

Bacterial viruses adsorb specifically to receptors on the host cell surface. Although the chemical composition of some of the cell wall receptors for bacteriophages of the T-series has been described and the number of receptor sites has been estimated to be 150 to 300 per E. coli cell, the localization of the sites on the bacterial wall has been unknown.When logarithmically growing cells of E. coli are transferred into a medium containing 20% sucrose, the cells plasmolize: the protoplast shrinks and becomes separated from the somewhat rigid cell wall. When these cells are fixed in 8% Formaldehyde, post-fixed in OsO4/uranyl acetate, embedded in Vestopal W, then cut in an ultramicrotome and observed with the electron microscope, the separation of protoplast and wall becomes clearly visible, (Fig. 1, 2). At a number of locations however, the protoplasmic membrane adheres to the wall even under the considerable pull of the shrinking protoplast. Thus numerous connecting bridges are maintained between protoplast and cell wall. Estimations of the total number of such wall/membrane associations yield a number of about 300 per cell.

In vitro and in vivo polysaccharides assembly: ultrastructural and cytochemical study of growing plant cell wall components.

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 434-435
Author(s):  
D. Reis ◽  
B. Vian ◽  
J. C. Roland
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Plant Cell Wall ◽  
Higher Plants ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cytochemical Study ◽  
Wall Components

Wall morphogenesis in higher plants is a problem still open to controversy. Until now the possibility of a transmembrane control and the involvement of microtubules were mostly envisaged. Self-assembly processes have been observed in the case of walls of Chlamydomonas and bacteria. Spontaneous gelling interactions between xanthan and galactomannan from Ceratonia have been analyzed very recently. The present work provides indications that some processes of spontaneous aggregation could occur in higher plants during the formation and expansion of cell wall.Observations were performed on hypocotyl of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus) for which growth characteristics and wall composition have been previously defined.In situ, the walls of actively growing cells (primary walls) show an ordered three-dimensional organization (fig. 1). The wall is typically polylamellate with multifibrillar layers alternately transverse and longitudinal. Between these layers intermediate strata exist in which the orientation of microfibrils progressively rotates. Thus a progressive change in the morphogenetic activity occurs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document