scholarly journals Roles of proteins containing immunoglobulin-like domains in the conjugation of bacterial plasmids.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Huttener ◽  
Jon Hergueta ◽  
Manuel Bernabeu ◽  
Alejandro Prieto ◽  
Sonia Aznar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
External Medium ◽  
Recipient Cell ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Bacterial Plasmids ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
High Molecular Weight Proteins ◽  
Environmental Temperatures

Horizontal transfer of bacterial plasmids generates genetic variability and contributes to the dissemination of the genes that enable bacterial cells to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Several aspects of the conjugative process have long been known, namely, those related to the proteins that participate in the establishment of cell-to-cell contact and to the enzymatic processes associated with the processing of plasmid DNA and its transfer to the recipient cell. In this work, we describe the role of newly identified proteins that influence the conjugation of several plasmids. Genes encoding high-molecular-weight proteins that contain one or several immunoglobulin-like domains (Big) are located in the transfer regions of several plasmids that usually harbor AMR determinants. These Big proteins are exported to the external medium and target two extracellular organelles: the flagella and the conjugative pili. The plasmid-encoded Big proteins facilitate conjugation by reducing cell motility (by binding to flagella) and facilitating cell-to-cell contact (by binding to the conjugative pilus). They use the same export machinery as that used by the conjugative pilus components. In the examples characterized in this paper, these proteins influence conjugation at environmental temperatures (i.e., 25C). This suggests that they may play relevant roles in the dissemination of plasmids in natural environments. As they are located in outer surface organelles, they could be targeted to control the dissemination of different bacterial plasmids carrying AMR determinants.

scholarly journals Sex difference in the mouse BAT transcriptome reveals a role of progesterone

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kasiphak Kaikaew ◽  
Aldo Grefhorst ◽  
Jacobie Steenbergen ◽  
Sigrid M.a. Swagemakers ◽  
Anke McLuskey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Expression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Gonadal Hormones ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Differential Expression Pattern ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Transcriptional Pattern ◽  
Genes Encoding

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a metabolically active organ that exhibits sex-differential features, i.e., being generally more abundant and active in females than in males. Although sex steroids, particularly estrogens, have been shown to regulate BAT thermogenic function, the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to sexual dimorphism in basal BAT activity have not been elucidated. Therefore, we assessed the transcriptome of interscapular BAT of male and female C57BL/6J mice by RNA sequencing and identified 295 genes showing ≥2-fold differential expression (adjusted P<0.05). In silico functional annotation clustering suggested an enrichment of genes encoding proteins involved in cell-cell contact, interaction, and adhesion. Ovariectomy reduced the expression of these genes in female BAT towards a male pattern whereas orchiectomy had marginal effects on the transcriptional pattern, indicating a prominent role of female gonadal hormones in this sex-differential expression pattern. Progesterone was identified as a possible upstream regulator of the sex-differentially expressed genes. Studying direct effects of progesterone in vitro in primary adipocytes showed that progesterone significantly altered the transcription of several of the identified genes, possibly via the glucocorticoid receptor. In conclusion, this study reveals a sexually dimorphic transcription profile in murine BAT at general housing conditions and demonstrates a role for progesterone in the regulation of the interscapular BAT transcriptome.

scholarly journals Exosomal Chaperones and miRNAs in Gliomagenesis: State-of-Art and Theranostics Perspectives

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 2626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celeste Caruso Bavisotto ◽  
Francesca Graziano ◽  
Francesca Rappa ◽  
Antonella Marino Gammazza ◽  
Mariantonia Logozzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Molecular Chaperones ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Recipient Cell ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Growth Activity ◽  
Substantial Change ◽  
State Of Art

Gliomas have poor prognosis no matter the treatment applied, remaining an unmet clinical need. As background for a substantial change in this situation, this review will focus on the following points: (i) the steady progress in establishing the role of molecular chaperones in carcinogenesis; (ii) the recent advances in the knowledge of miRNAs in regulating gene expression, including genes involved in carcinogenesis and genes encoding chaperones; and (iii) the findings about exosomes and their cargo released by tumor cells. We would like to trigger a discussion about the involvement of exosomal chaperones and miRNAs in gliomagenesis. Chaperones may be either targets for therapy, due to their tumor-promoting activity, or therapeutic agents, due to their antitumor growth activity. Thus, chaperones may well represent a Janus-faced approach against tumors. This review focuses on extracellular chaperones as part of exosomes’ cargo, because of their potential as a new tool for the diagnosis and management of gliomas. Moreover, since exosomes transport chaperones and miRNAs (the latter possibly related to chaperone gene expression in the recipient cell), and probably deliver their cargo in the recipient cells, a new area of investigation is now open, which is bound to generate significant advances in the understanding and treatment of gliomas.

scholarly journals F-pili dynamics by live-cell imaging

2008 ◽  
Vol 105 (46) ◽  
pp. 17978-17981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Clarke ◽  
Lucinda Maddera ◽  
Robin L. Harris ◽  
Philip M. Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Recipient Cell ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Donor Cells ◽  
Cell Cell

Bacteria have evolved numerous mechanisms for cell–cell communication, many of which have important consequences for human health. Among these is conjugation, the direct transfer of DNA from one cell to another. For Gram-negative bacteria, conjugation requires thin, flexible filaments (conjugative pili) that are elaborated by DNA donor cells. The structure, function, and especially the dynamics of conjugative pili are poorly understood. Here, we have applied live-cell imaging to characterize the dynamics of F-pili (conjugative pili encoded by the F plasmid of Escherichia coli). We establish that F-pili normally undergo cycles of extension and retraction in the absence of any obvious triggering event, such as contact with a recipient cell. When made, such contacts are able to survive the shear forces felt by bacteria in liquid media. Our data emphasize the role of F-pilus flexibility both in efficiently sampling a large volume surrounding donor cells in liquid culture and in establishing and maintaining cell–cell contact. Additionally and unexpectedly, we infer that extension and retraction are accompanied by rotation about the long axis of the filament.

DNA methylation in satellite repeats disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 757-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Francastel ◽  
Frédérique Magdinier
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Human Genome ◽  
Repetitive Dna ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Satellite Repeats ◽  
Tremendous Progress ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Dna Elements ◽  
Near Future

Abstract Despite the tremendous progress made in recent years in assembling the human genome, tandemly repeated DNA elements remain poorly characterized. These sequences account for the vast majority of methylated sites in the human genome and their methylated state is necessary for this repetitive DNA to function properly and to maintain genome integrity. Furthermore, recent advances highlight the emerging role of these sequences in regulating the functions of the human genome and its variability during evolution, among individuals, or in disease susceptibility. In addition, a number of inherited rare diseases are directly linked to the alteration of some of these repetitive DNA sequences, either through changes in the organization or size of the tandem repeat arrays or through mutations in genes encoding chromatin modifiers involved in the epigenetic regulation of these elements. Although largely overlooked so far in the functional annotation of the human genome, satellite elements play key roles in its architectural and topological organization. This includes functions as boundary elements delimitating functional domains or assembly of repressive nuclear compartments, with local or distal impact on gene expression. Thus, the consideration of satellite repeats organization and their associated epigenetic landmarks, including DNA methylation (DNAme), will become unavoidable in the near future to fully decipher human phenotypes and associated diseases.

scholarly journals A novel putative microtubule-associated protein is involved in arbuscule development during arbuscular mycorrhiza formation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Ho-Plágaro ◽  
Raúl Huertas ◽  
María I Tamayo-Navarrete ◽  
Elison Blancaflor ◽  
Nuria Gavara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Root ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Root Cells ◽  
Filament Dynamics ◽  
Fungal Structure ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Mycorrhizal Development

Abstract The formation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis requires plant root host cells to undergo major structural and functional reprogramming in order to house the highly branched AM fungal structure for the reciprocal exchange of nutrients. These morphological modifications are associated with cytoskeleton remodelling. However, molecular bases and the role of microtubules (MTs) and actin filament dynamics during AM formation are largely unknown. In this study, the tomato tsb gene, belonging to a Solanaceae group of genes encoding MT-associated proteins for pollen development, was found to be highly expressed in root cells containing arbuscules. At earlier stages of mycorrhizal development, tsb overexpression enhanced the formation of highly developed and transcriptionally active arbuscules, while tsb silencing hampers the formation of mature arbuscules and represses arbuscule functionality. However, at later stages of mycorrhizal colonization, tsb OE roots accumulate fully developed transcriptionally inactive arbuscules, suggesting that the collapse and turnover of arbuscules might be impaired by TSB accumulation. Imaging analysis of the MT cytoskeleton in cortex root cells overexpressing tsb revealed that TSB is involved in MT-bundling. Taken together, our results provide unprecedented insights into the role of novel MT-associated protein in MT rearrangements throughout the different stages of the arbuscule life cycle.

scholarly journals In vivo transcriptome analysis provides insights into host-dependent expression of virulence factors by Yersinia entomophaga MH96, during infection of Galleria mellonella

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber R Paulson ◽  
Maureen O’Callaghan ◽  
Xue-Xian Zhang ◽  
Paul B Rainey ◽  
Mark R H Hurst
Keyword(s):  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Insecticidal Toxin ◽  
Heat Stable ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Cell Densities

Abstract The function of microbes can be inferred from knowledge of genes specifically expressed in natural environments. Here, we report the in vivo transcriptome of the entomopathogenic bacterium Yersinia entomophaga MH96, captured during initial, septicemic, and pre-cadaveric stages of intrahemocoelic infection in Galleria mellonella. A total of 1285 genes were significantly upregulated by MH96 during infection; 829 genes responded to in vivo conditions during at least one stage of infection, 289 responded during two stages of infection, and 167 transcripts responded throughout all three stages of infection compared to in vitro conditions at equivalent cell densities. Genes upregulated during the earliest infection stage included components of the insecticidal toxin complex Yen-TC (chi1, chi2, and yenC1), genes for rearrangement hotspot element containing protein yenC3, cytolethal distending toxin cdtAB, and vegetative insecticidal toxin vip2. Genes more highly expressed throughout the infection cycle included the putative heat-stable enterotoxin yenT and three adhesins (usher-chaperone fimbria, filamentous hemagglutinin, and an AidA-like secreted adhesin). Clustering and functional enrichment of gene expression data also revealed expression of genes encoding type III and VI secretion system-associated effectors. Together these data provide insight into the pathobiology of MH96 and serve as an important resource supporting efforts to identify novel insecticidal agents.

scholarly journals The Role of Cdh1p in Maintaining Genomic Stability in Budding Yeast

Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 165 (2) ◽  
pp. 489-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen E Ross ◽  
Orna Cohen-Fix
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Chromosome Loss ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinase ◽  
Anaphase Promoting Complex ◽  
Growth Defects ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Specificity Factor

Abstract Cdh1p, a substrate specificity factor for the cell cycle-regulated ubiquitin ligase, the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), promotes exit from mitosis by directing the degradation of a number of proteins, including the mitotic cyclins. Here we present evidence that Cdh1p activity at the M/G1 transition is important not only for mitotic exit but also for high-fidelity chromosome segregation in the subsequent cell cycle. CDH1 showed genetic interactions with MAD2 and PDS1, genes encoding components of the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint that acts at metaphase to prevent premature chromosome segregation. Unlike cdh1Δ and mad2Δ single mutants, the mad2Δ cdh1Δ double mutant grew slowly and exhibited high rates of chromosome and plasmid loss. Simultaneous deletion of PDS1 and CDH1 caused extensive chromosome missegregation and cell death. Our data suggest that at least part of the chromosome loss can be attributed to kinetochore/spindle problems. Our data further suggest that Cdh1p and Sic1p, a Cdc28p/Clb inhibitor, have overlapping as well as nonoverlapping roles in ensuring proper chromosome segregation. The severe growth defects of both mad2Δ cdh1Δ and pds1Δ cdh1Δ strains were rescued by overexpressing Swe1p, a G2/M inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinase, Cdc28p/Clb. We propose that the failure to degrade cyclins at the end of mitosis leaves cdh1Δ mutant strains with abnormal Cdc28p/Clb activity that interferes with proper chromosome segregation.

scholarly journals Potential Role of Phospholipases in Virulence and Fungal Pathogenesis

2000 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Ghannoum
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factor ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Microbial Pathogens ◽  
Immunogold Electron Microscopy ◽  
Lytic Enzymes ◽  
Fungal Virulence ◽  
Phospholipase B ◽  
Genes Encoding

SUMMARY Microbial pathogens use a number of genetic strategies to invade the host and cause infection. These common themes are found throughout microbial systems. Secretion of enzymes, such as phospholipase, has been proposed as one of these themes that are used by bacteria, parasites, and pathogenic fungi. The role of extracellular phospholipase as a potential virulence factor in pathogenic fungi, including Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus, has gained credence recently. In this review, data implicating phospholipase as a virulence factor in C. albicans, Candida glabrata, C. neoformans, and A. fumigatus are presented. A detailed description of the molecular and biochemical approaches used to more definitively delineate the role of phospholipase in the virulence of C. albicans is also covered. These approaches resulted in cloning of three genes encoding candidal phospholipases (caPLP1, caPLB2, and PLD). By using targeted gene disruption, C. albicans null mutants that failed to secrete phospholipase B, encoded by caPLB1, were constructed. When these isogenic strain pairs were tested in two clinically relevant murine models of candidiasis, deletion of caPLB1 was shown to lead to attenuation of candidal virulence. Importantly, immunogold electron microscopy studies showed that C. albicans secretes this enzyme during the infectious process. These data indicate that phospholipase B is essential for candidal virulence. Although the mechanism(s) through which phospholipase modulates fungal virulence is still under investigations, early data suggest that direct host cell damage and lysis are the main mechanisms contributing to fungal virulence. Since the importance of phospholipases in fungal virulence is already known, the next challenge will be to utilize these lytic enzymes as therapeutic and diagnostic targets.

scholarly journals Spo0A Suppresses sin Locus Expression in Clostridioides difficile

mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Babita Adhikari Dhungel ◽  
Revathi Govind
Keyword(s):  
Diarrheal Disease ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
The United States ◽  
Upstream Region ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Master Regulator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile

ABSTRACT Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of nosocomial infection and is the causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The severity of the disease is directly associated with toxin production, and spores are responsible for the transmission and persistence of the organism. Previously, we characterized sin locus regulators SinR and SinR′ (we renamed it SinI), where SinR is the regulator of toxin production and sporulation. The SinI regulator acts as its antagonist. In Bacillus subtilis, Spo0A, the master regulator of sporulation, controls SinR by regulating the expression of its antagonist, sinI. However, the role of Spo0A in the expression of sinR and sinI in C. difficile had not yet been reported. In this study, we tested spo0A mutants in three different C. difficile strains, R20291, UK1, and JIR8094, to understand the role of Spo0A in sin locus expression. Western blot analysis revealed that spo0A mutants had increased SinR levels. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of its expression further supported these data. By carrying out genetic and biochemical assays, we show that Spo0A can bind to the upstream region of this locus to regulates its expression. This study provides vital information that Spo0A regulates the sin locus, which controls critical pathogenic traits such as sporulation, toxin production, and motility in C. difficile. IMPORTANCE Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrheal disease in the United States. During infection, C. difficile spores germinate, and the vegetative bacterial cells produce toxins that damage host tissue. In C. difficile, the sin locus is known to regulate both sporulation and toxin production. In this study, we show that Spo0A, the master regulator of sporulation, controls sin locus expression. Results from our study suggest that Spo0A directly regulates the expression of this locus by binding to its upstream DNA region. This observation adds new detail to the gene regulatory network that connects sporulation and toxin production in this pathogen.

scholarly journals Current Concepts of Biliary Atresia and Matrix Metalloproteinase-7: A Review of Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Nomden ◽  
Leonie Beljaars ◽  
Henkjan J. Verkade ◽  
Jan B. F. Hulscher ◽  
Peter Olinga
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase ◽  
Biliary Atresia ◽  
Adaptive Immune Response ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
T Helper 1 ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 7

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare cholangiopathy of infancy in which the bile ducts obliterate, leading to profound cholestasis and liver fibrosis. BA is hypothesized to be caused by a viral insult that leads to over-activation of the immune system. Patients with BA are surgically treated with a Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), which aims to restore bile flow from the liver to the intestines. After KPE, progressive liver fibrosis is often observed in BA patients, even despite surgical success and clearance of their jaundice. The innate immune response is involved during the initial damage to the cholangiocytes and further differentiation of the adaptive immune response into a T-helper 1 cell (Th1) response. Multiple studies have shown that there is continuing elevation of involved cytokines that can lead to the progressive liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism by which the progressive injury occurs is not fully elucidated. Recently, matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) has been investigated to be used as a biomarker to diagnose BA. MMPs are involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, but also have non-ECM related functions. The role of MMP-7 and other MMPs in liver fibrosis is just starting to be elucidated. Multiple studies have shown that serum MMP-7 measurements are able to accurately diagnose BA in a cohort of cholestatic patients while hepatic MMP-7 expression correlated with BA-related liver fibrosis. While the mechanism by which MMP-7 can be involved in the pathophysiology of BA is unclear, MMP-7 has been investigated in other fibrotic pathologies such as renal and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. MMP-7 is involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, reducing cell-to-cell contact by shedding of E-cadherin, amplifying inflammation and fibrosis via osteopontin (OPN) and TNF-α while it also appears to play a role in induction of angiogenesis This review aims to describe the current understandings of the pathophysiology of BA. Subsequently, we describe how MMP-7 is involved in other pathologies, such as renal and pulmonary fibrosis. Then, we propose how MMP-7 can potentially be involved in BA. By doing this, we aim to describe the putative role of MMP-7 as a prognostic biomarker in BA and to provide possible new therapeutic and research targets that can be investigated in the future.

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