scholarly journals A dynamic antibacterial T6SS in Pantoea agglomerans pv. betae delivers a lysozyme-like effector to antagonize competitors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Carobbi ◽  
Simone Di Nepi ◽  
Chaya M. Fridman ◽  
Yasmin Dar ◽  
Rotem Ben-Yaakov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Pantoea Agglomerans ◽  
Genomic Islands ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Associated Bacteria ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Immunity Genes ◽  
Catalytically Active ◽  
Competition Assays

ABSTRACTThe type VI secretion system (T6SS) is deployed by numerous Gram-negative bacteria to deliver toxic effectors into neighboring cells. The genome of Pantoea agglomerans pv. betae (Pab) phytopathogenic bacteria contains a gene cluster (T6SS1) predicted to encode a complete T6SS. Using secretion and competition assays, we found that T6SS1 in Pab is a functional antibacterial system that allows this pathogen to outcompete rival plant-associated bacteria found in its natural environment. Computational analysis of the T6SS1 gene cluster revealed that antibacterial effector and immunity proteins are encoded within three dynamic genomic islands that harbor arrays of orphan immunity genes or toxin and immunity cassettes. Functional analysis demonstrated that the specialized antibacterial effector VgrG contains a C-terminal catalytically active glucosaminidase domain that is used to degrade prey peptidoglycan. Moreover, we confirmed that a bicistronic unit at the end of the T6SS1 cluster encodes a novel antibacterial T6SS effector and immunity pair. Together, these results demonstrate that Pab T6SS1 is an antibacterial system delivering a lysozyme-like effector to eliminate competitors, and indicate that this bacterium contains novel T6SS effectors.Significance StatementIn this work, we describe the identification of a Pantoea agglomerans T6SS as an antibacterial determinant used by this phytopathogen to outcompete bacterial rivals. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth analysis of the T6SS gene cluster and the putative effector and immunity genes that comprise it, and we propose explanations for its dynamic evolution and effector diversification in Pantoea strains. Lastly, we experimentally validate two predicted effector and immunity pairs, and we demonstrate that one is a potent lysozyme-like toxin.

scholarly journals Modular Molecular Weaponry Plays a Key Role in Competition Within an Environmental Vibrio cholerae Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora A. S. Hussain ◽  
Paul C. Kirchberger ◽  
Rebecca J. Case ◽  
Yann F. Boucher
Keyword(s):  
Vibrio Cholerae ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Population Diversity ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Bacterial Competition ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Immunity Genes ◽  
Intraspecies Diversity ◽  
Competition Assays

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) operons of Vibrio cholerae contain extraordinarily diverse arrays of toxic effector and cognate immunity genes, which are thought to play an important role in the environmental lifestyle and adaptation of this human pathogen. Through the T6SS, proteinaceous “spears” tipped with antibacterial effectors are injected into adjacent cells, killing those not possessing immunity proteins to these effectors. Here, we investigate the T6SS-mediated dynamics of bacterial competition within a single environmental population of V. cholerae. We show that numerous members of a North American V. cholerae population possess strain-specific repertoires of cytotoxic T6SS effector and immunity genes. Using pairwise competition assays, we demonstrate that the vast majority of T6SS-mediated duels end in stalemates between strains with different T6SS repertoires. However, horizontally acquired effector and immunity genes can significantly alter the outcome of these competitions. Frequently observed horizontal gene transfer events can both increase or reduce competition between distantly related strains by homogenizing or diversifying the T6SS repertoire. Our results also suggest temperature-dependent outcomes in T6SS competition, with environmental isolates faring better against a pathogenic strain under native conditions than under those resembling a host-associated environment. Taken altogether, these interactions produce density-dependent fitness effects and a constant T6SS-mediated arms race in individual V. cholerae populations, which could ultimately preserve intraspecies diversity. Since T6SSs are widespread, we expect within-population diversity in T6SS repertoires and the resulting competitive dynamics to be a common theme in bacterial species harboring this machinery.

The type VI secretion system gene cluster ofSalmonella typhimurium: Required for full virulence in mice

2012 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 600-607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Liu ◽  
Ji-Tao Guo ◽  
Yong-Guo Li ◽  
Randal N. Johnston ◽  
Gui-Rong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Type Vi Secretion

scholarly journals Fur-Dam Regulatory Interplay at an Internal Promoter of the Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Type VI Secretion sci1 Gene Cluster

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yannick R. Brunet ◽  
Christophe S. Bernard ◽  
Eric Cascales
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Promoter ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Type Vi Secretion

ABSTRACT The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a weapon for delivering effectors into target cells that is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria. The T6SS is a highly versatile machine, as it can target both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, and it has been proposed that T6SSs are adapted to the specific needs of each bacterium. The expression of T6SS gene clusters and the activation of the secretion apparatus are therefore tightly controlled. In enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), the sci1 T6SS gene cluster is subject to a complex regulation involving both the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) and DNA adenine methylase (Dam)-dependent DNA methylation. In this study, an additional, internal, promoter was identified within the sci1 gene cluster using +1 transcriptional mapping. Further analyses demonstrated that this internal promoter is controlled by a mechanism strictly identical to that of the main promoter. The Fur binding box overlaps the −10 transcriptional element and a Dam methylation site, GATC-32. Hence, the expression of the distal sci1 genes is repressed and the GATC-32 site is protected from methylation in iron-rich conditions. The Fur-dependent protection of GATC-32 was confirmed by an in vitro methylation assay. In addition, the methylation of GATC-32 negatively impacted Fur binding. The expression of the sci1 internal promoter is therefore controlled by iron availability through Fur regulation, whereas Dam-dependent methylation maintains a stable ON expression in iron-limited conditions. IMPORTANCE Bacteria use weapons to deliver effectors into target cells. One of these weapons, the type VI secretion system (T6SS), assembles a contractile tail acting as a spring to propel a toxin-loaded needle. Its expression and activation therefore need to be tightly regulated. Here, we identified an internal promoter within the sci1 T6SS gene cluster in enteroaggregative E. coli. We show that this internal promoter is controlled by Fur and Dam-dependent methylation. We further demonstrate that Fur and Dam compete at the −10 transcriptional element to finely tune the expression of T6SS genes. We propose that this elegant regulatory mechanism allows the optimum production of the T6SS in conditions where enteroaggregative E. coli encounters competing species.

scholarly journals Dual Expression Profile of Type VI Secretion System Immunity Genes Protects Pandemic Vibrio cholerae

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e1003752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah T. Miyata ◽  
Daniel Unterweger ◽  
Sydney P. Rudko ◽  
Stefan Pukatzki
Keyword(s):  
Vibrio Cholerae ◽  
Expression Profile ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Immunity Genes ◽  
Dual Expression

scholarly journals H-NS regulates the Vibrio parahaemolyticus type VI secretion system 1

Microbiology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 160 (9) ◽  
pp. 1867-1873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dor Salomon ◽  
John A. Klimko ◽  
Kim Orth
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Vibrio Parahaemolyticus ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Environmental Signals ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Surface Sensing ◽  
Transcription Regulators ◽  
System 1

The marine bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a major cause of food-borne gastroenteritis, employs a type VI secretion system 1 (T6SS1), a recently discovered protein secretion system, to combat competing bacteria. Environmental signals such as temperature, salinity, cell density and surface sensing, as well as the quorum-sensing master regulator OpaR, were previously reported to regulate T6SS1 activity and expression. In this work, we set out to identify additional transcription regulators that control the tightly regulated T6SS1 activity. To this end, we determined the effect of deletions in several known virulence regulators and in two regulators encoded within the T6SS1 gene cluster on expression and secretion of the core T6SS component Hcp1 and on T6SS1-mediated anti-bacterial activity. We report that VP1391 and VP1407, transcriptional regulators encoded within the T6SS1 gene cluster, are essential for T6SS1 activity. Moreover, we found that H-NS, a bacterial histone-like nucleoid structuring protein, which mediates transcription silencing of horizontally acquired genes, serves as a repressor of T6SS1. We also show that activation of surface sensing and high salt conditions alleviate the H-NS-mediated repression. Our results shed light on the complex network of environmental signals and transcription regulators that govern the tight regulation over T6SS1 activity.

scholarly journals Role of the Type VI Secretion System in the Pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, the Causative Agent of Kiwifruit Bacterial Canker

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nana Wang ◽  
Ning Han ◽  
Runze Tian ◽  
Jiliang Chen ◽  
Xiaoning Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Pseudomonas Syringae ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Wild Type Strain ◽  
Deletion Mutants ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Bacterial Competition ◽  
Type Vi Secretion

The type VI secretion system (T6SS), a macromolecular machine, plays an important role in the pathogenicity of many Gram-negative bacteria. However, the role of T6SS in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the pathogen of kiwifruit bacterial canker, is yet to be studied. Here, we found a T6SS gene cluster consisting of 13 core genes (A-J) in the genome of Psa M228 based on a genome-wide analysis. To determine whether the T6SS gene cluster affects the pathogenicity of Psa M228, T6SS and its 13 core gene deletion mutants were constructed and their pathogenicity was determined. The deletion mutants showed different degrees of reduction in pathogenicity compared with the wild-type strain M228; in tssM and tssJ mutants, pathogenicity was significantly reduced by 78.7 and 71.3%, respectively. The pathogenicity results were also confirmed by electron microscopy. To further confirm that the reduction in pathogenicity is related to the function of T6SS, we selected the T6SS gene cluster, comprising tssM and tssJ, for further analyses. Western blot results revealed that tssM and tssJ were necessary for hemolytic co-regulatory protein secretion, indicating that they encode a functional T6SS. Further, we explored the mechanism by which T6SS affects the pathogenicity of Psa M228. The ability of bacterial competition, biofilm formation, hydrogen peroxide tolerance, and proteolytic activity were all weakened in the deletion mutants M228ΔT6SS, M228ΔtssM, and M228ΔtssJ. All these properties of the two gene complementation mutants were restored to the same levels as those of the wild-type strain, M228. Quantitative real-time results showed that during the interaction between the deletion mutant M228ΔT6SS and the host, expression levels of T3SS transcriptional regulatory gene hrpR, structural genes hrpZ, hrcC, hopP1, and effector genes hopH1 and hopM1 were down-regulated at different levels. Taken together, our data provide evidence for the first time that the T6SS plays an important role in the pathogenicity of Psa, probably via effects on bacterial competition, biofilm formation, and environmental adaptability. Moreover, a complicated relationship exists between T6SS and T3SS.

scholarly journals Plant-Pathogenic Agrobacterium tumefaciens Strains Have Diverse Type VI Effector-Immunity Pairs and Vary in In-Planta Competitiveness

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 961-971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Feng Wu ◽  
Mary Nia M. Santos ◽  
Shu-Ting Cho ◽  
Hsing-Hua Chang ◽  
Yi-Ming Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Agrobacterium Tumefaciens ◽  
Exceptional Case ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
In Planta ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Immunity Genes ◽  
Genetic Features ◽  
Dynamics Of Populations

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is used by gram-negative bacteria to translocate effectors that can antagonize other bacterial cells. Models predict the variation in collections of effector and cognate immunity genes determine competitiveness and can affect the dynamics of populations and communities of bacteria. However, the outcomes of competition cannot be entirely explained by compatibility of effector-immunity (EI) pairs. Here, we characterized the diversity of T6SS loci of plant-pathogenic Agrobacterium tumefaciens and showed that factors other than EI pairs can impact interbacterial competition. All examined strains encode T6SS active in secretion and antagonism against Escherichia coli. The spectra of EI pairs as well as compositions of gene neighborhoods are diverse. Almost 30 in-planta competitions were tested between different genotypes of A. tumefaciens. Fifteen competitions between members of different species-level groups resulted in T6SS-dependent suppression in in-planta growth of prey genotypes. In contrast, ten competitions between members within species-level groups resulted in no significant effect on the growth of prey genotypes. One strain was an exceptional case and, despite encoding a functional T6SS and toxic effector protein, could not compromise the growth of the four tested prey genotypes. The data suggest T6SS-associated EI pairs can influence the competitiveness of strains of A. tumefaciens, but genetic features have a significant role on the efficacy of interbacterial antagonism.

scholarly journals The Antibacterial and Anti-Eukaryotic Type VI Secretion System MIX-Effector Repertoire in Vibrionaceae

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasmin Dar ◽  
Dor Salomon ◽  
Eran Bosis
Keyword(s):  
Secretion System ◽  
Computational Approach ◽  
Peptidoglycan Hydrolase ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Aquatic Bacteria ◽  
Immunity Protein ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Immunity Genes

Vibrionaceae is a widespread family of aquatic bacteria that includes emerging pathogens and symbionts. Many Vibrionaceae harbor a type VI secretion system (T6SS), which is a secretion apparatus used to deliver toxins, termed effectors, into neighboring cells. T6SSs mediate both antibacterial and anti-eukaryotic activities. Notably, antibacterial effectors are encoded together with a gene that encodes a cognate immunity protein so as to antagonize the toxicity of the effector. The MIX (Marker for type sIX effectors) domain has been previously defined as a marker of T6SS effectors carrying polymorphic C-terminal toxins. Here, we set out to identify the Vibrionaceae MIX-effector repertoire and to analyze the various toxin domains they carry. We used a computational approach to search for the MIX-effectors in the Vibrionaceae genomes, and grouped them into clusters based on the C-terminal toxin domains. We classified MIX-effectors as either antibacterial or anti-eukaryotic, based on the presence or absence of adjacent putative immunity genes, respectively. Antibacterial MIX-effectors carrying pore-forming, phospholipase, nuclease, peptidoglycan hydrolase, and protease activities were found. Furthermore, we uncovered novel virulence MIX-effectors. These are encoded by “professional MIXologist” strains that employ a cocktail of antibacterial and anti-eukaryotic MIX-effectors. Our findings suggest that certain Vibrionaceae adapted their antibacterial T6SS to mediate interactions with eukaryotic hosts or predators.

scholarly journals Activation of the type VI secretion system in the squid symbiont Vibrio fischeri requires the transcriptional regulator TasR and the structural proteins TssM and TssA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Smith ◽  
Fernanda Salvato ◽  
Aditi Garikipati ◽  
Manuel Kleiner ◽  
Alecia N. Septer
Keyword(s):  
Vibrio Fischeri ◽  
Transcriptional Regulator ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Genomic Islands ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Differential Proteomics ◽  
Regulatory Factors ◽  
Type Vi Secretion

Bacteria have evolved diverse strategies to compete for a niche, including the type VI secretion system (T6SS), a contact-dependent killing mechanism. T6SSs are common in bacterial pathogens, commensals, and beneficial symbionts, where they affect the diversity and spatial structure of host-associated microbial communities. Although T6SS gene clusters are often located on genomic islands (GIs), which may be transferred as a unit, the regulatory strategies that promote gene expression once the T6SS genes are transferred into a new cell are not known. We used the squid symbiont, Vibrio fischeri , to identify essential regulatory factors that control expression of a strain-specific T6SS encoded on a GI. We found that a transcriptional reporter for this T6SS is active only in strains that contain the T6SS-encoding GI, suggesting the GI encodes at least one essential regulator. A transposon screen identified seven mutants that could not activate the reporter. These mutations mapped exclusively to three genes on the T6SS-containing GI that encode two essential structural proteins (a TssA-like protein and TssM) and a transcriptional regulator (TasR). Using T6SS reporters, RT-PCR, competition assays, and differential proteomics, we found that all three genes are required for expression of many T6SS components, except for the TssA-like protein and TssM, which are constitutively expressed. Based on these findings, we propose a model whereby T6SS expression requires conserved structural proteins, in addition to the essential regulator TasR, and this ability to self-regulate may be a strategy to activate T6SS expression upon transfer of T6SS-encoding elements into a new bacterial host. Importance Interbacterial weapons like the T6SS are often located on mobile genetic elements and their expression is highly regulated. We found that two conserved structural proteins are required for T6SS expression in Vibrio fischeri . These structural proteins also contain predicted GTPase and GTP binding domains, suggesting their role in promoting T6SS expression may involve sensing the energetic state of the cell. Such a mechanism would provide a direct link between T6SS activation and cellular energy levels, providing a “checkpoint” to ensure the cell has sufficient energy to build such a costly weapon. Because these regulatory factors are encoded within the T6SS gene cluster, they are predicted to move with the genetic element to activate T6SS expression in a new host cell.

scholarly journals Plasmid-encoded H-NS controls extracellular matrix composition in a modern Acinetobacter baumannii urinary isolate

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saida Benomar ◽  
Gisela Di Venanzio ◽  
Mario F Feldman
Keyword(s):  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Matrix Composition ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Bacterial Host ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Species Deletion

Acinetobacter baumannii is emerging as a multidrug-resistant (MDR) nosocomial pathogen of increasing threat to human health worldwide. The recent MDR urinary isolate UPAB1 carries the plasmid pAB5, a member of a family of large conjugative plasmids (LCP). LCP encode several antibiotic resistance genes and repress the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to enable their dissemination, employing two TetR transcriptional regulators. Furthermore, pAB5 controls the expression of additional chromosomally encoded genes, impacting UPAB1 virulence. Here we show that a pAB5-encoded H-NS transcriptional regulator represses the synthesis of the exopolysaccharide PNAG and the expression of a previously uncharacterized three-gene cluster that encodes a protein belonging to the CsgG/HfaB family. Members of this protein family are involved in amyloid or polysaccharide formation in other species. Deletion of the CsgG homolog abrogated PNAG production and Cup pili formation, resulting in a subsequent reduction in biofilm formation. Although this gene cluster is widely distributed in Gram-negative bacteria, it remains largely uninvestigated. Our results illustrate the complex cross-talks that take place between plasmids and the chromosomes of their bacterial host, which in this case can contribute to the pathogenesis of Acinetobacter.

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