scholarly journals Latex Clearing Protein—an Oxygenase Cleaving Poly(cis-1,4-Isoprene) Rubber at thecisDouble Bonds

2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (17) ◽  
pp. 5231-5240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Hiessl ◽  
Dietrich Böse ◽  
Sylvia Oetermann ◽  
Jessica Eggers ◽  
Jörg Pietruszka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exact Role ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conserved Domain ◽  
Domain Of Unknown Function ◽  
Temperature Optima ◽  
New Protein ◽  
Isoprene Rubber ◽  
Rubber Degradation

ABSTRACTGordonia polyisoprenivoransstrain VH2, a potent rubber-degrading actinomycete, harbors two latex clearing proteins (Lcps), which are known to be essential for the microbial degradation of rubber. However, biochemical information on the exact role of this protein in the degradation of polyisoprene was lacking. In this study, the gene encoding Lcp1VH2was heterologously expressed in strains ofEscherichia coli, the corresponding protein was purified, and its role in rubber degradation was examined by measurement of oxygen consumption as well as by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. It turned out that active Lcp1VH2is a monomer and is responsible for the oxidative cleavage of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) in synthetic as well as in natural rubber by the addition of oxygen (O2) to thecisdouble bonds. The resulting oligomers possess repetitive isoprene units with aldehyde (CHO-CH2—) and ketone (—CH2-CO-CH3) functional groups at the termini. Two fractions with average isoprene contents of 18 and 10, respectively, were isolated, thus indicating an endocleavage mechanism. The activity of Lcp1VH2was determined by applying a polarographic assay. Alkenes, acyclic terpenes, or other rubber-like polymers, such as poly(cis-1,4-butadiene) or poly(trans-1,4-isoprene), are not oxidatively cleaved by Lcp1VH2. The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme are at pH 7 and 30°C, respectively. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that active Lcp1VH2is a Cu(II)-containing oxygenase that exhibits a conserved domain of unknown function which cannot be detected in any other hitherto-characterized enzyme. The results presented here indicate that this domain might represent a new protein family of oxygenases.

scholarly journals A Mutant Defective in Sexual Development Produces Aseptate Ascogonia

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1856-1866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Bloemendal ◽  
Kathryn M. Lord ◽  
Christine Rech ◽  
Birgit Hoff ◽  
Ines Engh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Development ◽  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Sequence Analyses ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Domain Of Unknown Function ◽  
Sterile Mutant

ABSTRACT The transition from the vegetative to the sexual cycle in filamentous ascomycetes is initiated with the formation of ascogonia. Here, we describe a novel type of sterile mutant from Sordaria macrospora with a defect in ascogonial septum formation. This mutant, named pro22, produces only small, defective protoperithecia and carries a point mutation in a gene encoding a protein that is highly conserved throughout eukaryotes. Sequence analyses revealed three putative transmembrane domains and a C-terminal domain of unknown function. Live-cell imaging showed that PRO22 is predominantly localized in the dynamic tubular and vesicular vacuolar network of the peripheral colony region close to growing hyphal tips and in ascogonia; it is absent from the large spherical vacuoles in the vegetative hyphae of the subperipheral region of the colony. This points to a specific role of PRO22 in the tubular and vesicular vacuolar network, and the loss of intercalary septation in ascogonia suggests that PRO22 functions during the initiation of sexual development.

scholarly journals Microbial Gutta-Percha Degradation Shares Common Steps with Rubber Degradation by Nocardia nova SH22a

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 1140-1149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quan Luo ◽  
Sebastian Hiessl ◽  
Anja Poehlein ◽  
Alexander Steinbüchel
Keyword(s):  
Plasmid Dna ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Degradation Mechanism ◽  
Degradation Pathways ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gutta Percha ◽  
Optimized Protocol ◽  
Rubber Degradation

ABSTRACTNocardia novaSH22a, a bacterium capable of degrading gutta-percha (GP) and natural rubber (NR), was used to investigate the GP degradation mechanism and the relations between the GP and NR degradation pathways. For this strain, a protocol of electroporation was systematically optimized, and an efficiency of up to 4.3 × 107CFU per μg of plasmid DNA was achieved. By applying this optimized protocol toN. novaSH22a, a Tn5096-based transposon mutagenesis library of this bacterium was constructed. Among about 12,000 apramycin-resistant transformants, we identified 76 stable mutants defective in GP or NR utilization. Whereas 10 mutants were specifically defective in GP utilization, the growth of the other 66 mutants was affected on both GP and NR. This indicated that the two degradation pathways are quite similar and share many common steps. The larger number of GP-degrading defective mutants could be explained in one of two ways: either (i) the GP pathway is more complex and harbors more specific steps or (ii) the steps for both pathways are almost identical, but in the case of GP degradation there are fewer enzymes involved in each step. The analysis of transposition loci and genetic studies on interesting genes confirmed the crucial role of an α-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase in the degradation of both GP and NR. We also demonstrated the probable involvement of enzymes participating in oxidoreduction reactions, β-oxidation, and the synthesis of complex cell envelope lipids in the degradation of GP.

scholarly journals The Catabolite Repressor/Activator Cra Is a Bridge Connecting Carbon Metabolism and Host Colonization in the Plant Drought Resistance-Promoting Bacterium Pantoea alhagi LTYR-11Z

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Muhang Li ◽  
Qiqi Li ◽  
Chaoqiong Chen ◽  
Meng Qu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Source ◽  
Carbon Metabolism ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Endophytic Bacterium ◽  
Bacterial Attachment ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Wheat Roots ◽  
Host Colonization ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Efficient root colonization is a prerequisite for application of plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria in improving health and yield of agricultural crops. We have recently identified an endophytic bacterium, Pantoea alhagi LTYR-11Z, with multiple PGP properties that effectively colonizes the root system of wheat and improves its growth and drought tolerance. To identify novel regulatory genes required for wheat colonization, we screened an LTYR-11Z transposon (Tn) insertion library and found cra to be a colonization-related gene. By using transcriptome (RNA-seq) analysis, we found that transcriptional levels of an eps operon, the ydiV gene encoding an anti-FlhD 4 C 2 factor, and the yedQ gene encoding an enzyme for synthesis of cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) were significantly downregulated in the Δ cra mutant. Further studies demonstrated that Cra directly binds to the promoters of the eps operon, ydiV , and yedQ and activates their expression, thus inhibiting motility and promoting exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and biofilm formation. Consistent with previous findings that Cra plays a role in transcriptional regulation in response to carbon source availability, the activating effects of Cra were much more pronounced when LTYR-11Z was grown within a gluconeogenic environment than when it was grown within a glycolytic environment. We further demonstrate that the ability of LTYR-11Z to colonize wheat roots is modulated by the availability of carbon sources. Altogether, these results uncover a novel strategy utilized by LTYR-11Z to achieve host colonization in response to carbon nutrition in the environment, in which Cra bridges a connection between carbon metabolism and colonization capacity of LTYR-11Z. IMPORTANCE Rapid and appropriate response to environmental signals is crucial for bacteria to adapt to competitive environments and to establish interactions with their hosts. Efficient colonization and persistence within the host are controlled by various regulatory factors that respond to specific environmental cues. The most common is nutrient availability. In this work, we unraveled the pivotal role of Cra in regulation of colonization ability of Pantoea alhagi LTYR-11Z in response to carbon source availability. Moreover, we identified three novel members of the Cra regulon involved in EPS synthesis, regulation of flagellar biosynthesis, and synthesis of c-di-GMP and propose a working model to explain the Cra-mediated regulatory mechanism that links carbon metabolism to host colonization. This study elucidates the regulatory role of Cra in bacterial attachment and colonization of plants, which raises the possibility of extending our studies to other bacteria associated with plant and human health.

scholarly journals Barriers to 3-Hydroxypropionate-Dependent Growth of Rhodobacter sphaeroides by Distinct Disruptions of the Ethylmalonyl Coenzyme A Pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 201 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Carlson ◽  
Angela Fleig ◽  
M. Kelsey Baron ◽  
Ivan A. Berg ◽  
Birgit E. Alber
Keyword(s):  
Rhodobacter Sphaeroides ◽  
Drug Target ◽  
Coenzyme A ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Gene Deletions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Growth Defects ◽  
Dependent Growth

ABSTRACT Rhodobacter sphaeroides is able to use 3-hydroxypropionate as the sole carbon source through the reductive conversion of 3-hydroxypropionate to propionyl coenzyme A (propionyl-CoA). The ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway is not required in this process because a crotonyl-CoA carboxylase/reductase (Ccr)-negative mutant still grew with 3-hydroxypropionate. Much to our surprise, a mutant defective for another specific enzyme of the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway, mesaconyl-CoA hydratase (Mch), lost its ability for 3-hydroxypropionate-dependent growth. Interestingly, the Mch-deficient mutant was rescued either by introducing an additional ccr in-frame deletion that resulted in the blockage of an earlier step in the pathway or by heterologously expressing a gene encoding a thioesterase (YciA) that can act on several CoA intermediates of the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway. The mch mutant expressing yciA metabolized only less than half of the 3-hydroxypropionate supplied, and over 50% of that carbon was recovered in the spent medium as free acids of the key intermediates mesaconyl-CoA and methylsuccinyl-CoA. A gradual increase in growth inhibition due to the blockage of consecutive steps of the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway by gene deletions suggests that the growth defects were due to the titration of free CoA and depletion of the CoA pool in the cell rather than to detrimental effects arising from the accumulation of a specific metabolite. Recovery of carbon in mesaconate for the wild-type strain expressing yciA demonstrated that carbon flux through the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway occurs during 3-hydroxypropionate-dependent growth. A possible role of the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway is proposed that functions outside its known role in providing tricarboxylic acid intermediates during acetyl-CoA assimilation. IMPORTANCE Mutant analysis is an important tool utilized in metabolic studies to understand which role a particular pathway might have under certain growth conditions for a given organism. The importance of the enzyme and of the pathway in which it participates is discretely linked to the resulting phenotype observed after mutation of the corresponding gene. This work highlights the possibility of incorrectly interpreting mutant growth results that are based on studying a single unit (gene and encoded enzyme) of a metabolic pathway rather than the pathway in its entirety. This work also hints at the possibility of using an enzyme as a drug target although the enzyme may participate in a nonessential pathway and still be detrimental to the cell when inhibited.

scholarly journals Strain-Specific Regulatory Role of Eukaryote-Like Serine/Threonine Phosphatase in Pneumococcal Adherence

2012 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 1361-1372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivangi Agarwal ◽  
Shivani Agarwal ◽  
Preeti Pancholi ◽  
Vijay Pancholi
Keyword(s):  
High Efficiency ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knockout Mutants ◽  
Catalytically Active

ABSTRACTStreptococcus pneumoniaeexploits a battery of virulence factors to colonize the host. Although the eukaryote-like Ser/Thr kinase ofS. pneumoniae(StkP) has been implicated in physiology and virulence, the role of its cotranscribing phosphatase (PhpP) has remained elusive. The construction of nonpolar markerlessphpPknockout mutants (ΔphpP) in two pathogenic strains, D39 (type 2) and 6A-EF3114 (type 6A), indicated that PhpP is not indispensable for pneumococcal survival. Further, PhpP also participates in the regulation of cell wall biosynthesis/division, adherence, and biofilm formation in a strain-specific manner. Additionally, we provide hitherto-unknownin vitroandin vivoevidence of a physiologically relevant biochemical link between the StkP/PhpP-mediated cognate regulation and the two-component regulatory system TCS06 (RR06/HK06) that regulates the expression of the gene encoding an important pneumococcal surface adhesin, CbpA, which was found to be significantly upregulated in ΔphpPmutants. In particular, StkP (threonine)-phosphorylated RR06 bound to thecbpApromoter with high efficiency even in the absence of the HK06-responsive and catalytically active aspartate 51 residue. Together, our findings unravel the significant contributions of PhpP in pneumococcal physiology and adherence.

scholarly journals The Mycoplasma gallisepticum Virulence Factor Lipoprotein MslA Is a Novel Polynucleotide Binding Protein

2013 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
pp. 3220-3226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yumiko Masukagami ◽  
Kelly A. Tivendale ◽  
Karim Mardani ◽  
Idan Ben-Barak ◽  
Philip F. Markham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Mycoplasma Gallisepticum ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Significant Sequence Similarity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Double Stranded Dna ◽  
Biochemical Function ◽  
Predicted Binding Site

ABSTRACTAlthough lipoproteins of mycoplasmas are thought to play a crucial role in interactions with their hosts, very few have had their biochemical function defined. The gene encoding the lipoprotein MslA inMycoplasma gallisepticumhas recently been shown to be required for virulence, but the biochemical function of this gene is not known. Although this gene has no significant sequence similarity to any gene of known function, it is located within an operon inM. gallisepticumthat contains a homolog of a gene previously shown to be a nonspecific exonuclease. We mutagenized both genes to facilitate expression inEscherichia coliand then examined the functions of the recombinant proteins. The capacity of MslA to bind polynucleotides was examined, and we found that the protein bound single- and double-stranded DNA, as well as single-stranded RNA, with a predicted binding site of greater than 1 nucleotide but less than or equal to 5 nucleotides in length. Recombinant MslA cleaved into two fragmentsin vitro, both of which were able to bind oligonucleotides. These findings suggest that the role of MslA may be to act in concert with the lipoprotein nuclease to generate nucleotides for transport into the mycoplasma cell, as the remaining genes in the operon are predicted to encode an ABC transporter.

scholarly journals Identification of a Fifth Antibacterial Toxin Produced by a SingleBacteroides fragilisStrain

2019 ◽  
Vol 201 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M. Shumaker ◽  
Valentina Laclare McEneany ◽  
Michael J. Coyne ◽  
Pamela A. Silver ◽  
Laurie E. Comstock
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Membrane Attack Complex ◽  
Bacteroides Fragilis ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ecosystem Studies ◽  
High Concentrations

ABSTRACTBacteroidalesare the most abundant Gram-negative bacteria of the healthy human colonic microbiota, comprising nearly 50% of the colonic bacteria in many individuals. Numerous species and strains of gutBacteroidalesare present simultaneously at high concentrations in this ecosystem. Studies are revealing that gutBacteroideshas numerous antibacterial weapons to antagonize closely related members. In this study, we identify a new diffusible antibacterial toxin produced byBacteroides fragilis638R, designated BSAP-4. This is the fifth antibacterial toxin produced by this strain and the second toxin of this strain with a membrane attack complex/perforin domain (MACPF). We identify the target molecule of sensitive cells as a β-barrel outer membrane protein (OMP) with calycin-like domains. As with other MACPF toxins, the gene encoding the target in sensitive strains is in the same genetic region asbsap-4in producing strains. A comparison ofB. fragilisstrains showed there are two sensitive variants of this OMP that are 87% similar to each other and 50% similar to the resistant OMP. Unlike other MACPF toxins, there are numerousB. fragilisstrains that harbor the resistant OMP withoutbsap-4. Several OMP variants from strains that are BSAP-4 resistant under the conditions of our assay confer BSAP-4 sensitivity toBacteroides thetaiotaomicronwhen constitutively expressed. Using a reporter assay, we show that the BSAP-4 receptor gene is differentially expressed in sensitive and resistant strains leading to apparent BSAP-4 resistance under the conditions of our assay, despite harboring the BSAP-4 target gene.IMPORTANCEThe intestinal microbiota is a diverse microbial ecosystem that provides numerous benefits to humans. The factors that govern its establishment and stability are just beginning to be elucidated. Identification and characterization of antimicrobial toxins produced by its members and their killing range are essential to understanding the role of antagonism in community composition and stability. Here, we identify a fifth antimicrobial toxin produced by a singleBacteroides fragilisstrain and identify its target. The finding of such a large number of toxins that antagonize competing members suggests that this feature substantially contributes to the fitness of these bacteria. In addition, these toxins may have applications in genetically engineered gut bacteria to allow engraftment or to antagonize a potentially pathogenic member.

scholarly journals Role of Toxin-Antitoxin-Regulated Persister Population and Indole in Bacterial Heat Tolerance

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshimitsu Masuda ◽  
Erika Sakamoto ◽  
Ken-ichi Honjoh ◽  
Takahisa Miyamoto
Keyword(s):  
Heat Tolerance ◽  
Gene Knockout ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Persister Cells ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Normal Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indole Production

ABSTRACT YafQ is an endoribonuclease toxin that degrades target gene transcripts such as that of tnaA, a gene encoding tryptophanase to synthesize indole from tryptophan. DinJ is the cognate antitoxin of YafQ, and the YafQ-DinJ system was reported to regulate persister formation by controlling indole production in Escherichia coli. In this study, we investigated the role of YafQ-DinJ, indole production, and persister population in bacterial heat tolerance. yafQ (ΔyafQ), dinJ (ΔdinJ), and tnaA (ΔtnaA) single-gene knockout mutants showed approximately 10-fold higher heat tolerance than wild-type (WT) E. coli BW25113. Persister fractions of all mutants were slightly larger than that of the WT. Interestingly, these persister cells showed an approximately 100-fold higher heat tolerance than normal cells, but there was no difference among the persister cells of all mutants and the WT in terms of heat tolerance. Indole and its derivatives promoted a drastic reduction of bacterial heat tolerance by just 10 min of pretreatment, which is not sufficient to affect persister formation before heat treatment. Surprisingly, indole and its derivatives also reduced the heat tolerance of persister cells. Among the tested derivatives, 5-iodoindole exhibited the strongest effect on both normal and persister cells. IMPORTANCE Our study demonstrated that a small persister population exhibits significantly higher heat tolerance than normal cells and that this small fraction contributes to the heat tolerance of the total bacterial population. This study also demonstrated that indole, known to inhibit persister formation, and its derivatives are very promising candidates to reduce the heat tolerance of not only normal bacterial cells but also persister cells.

scholarly journals Ornithine Decarboxylase-Mediated Production of Putrescine Influences Ganoderic Acid Biosynthesis by Regulating Reactive Oxygen Species in Ganoderma lucidum

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen-Gao Wu ◽  
Jia-Long Tian ◽  
Rui Liu ◽  
Peng-Fei Cao ◽  
Tian-Jun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Ornithine Decarboxylase ◽  
Ganoderma Lucidum ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Ganoderic Acid ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Transcript Levels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies

ABSTRACT Putrescine is an important polyamine that participates in a variety of stress responses. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of putrescine. A homolog of the gene encoding ODC was cloned from Ganoderma lucidum. In the ODC-silenced strains, the transcript levels of the ODC gene and the putrescine content were significantly decreased. The ODC-silenced strains were more sensitive to oxidative stress. The content of ganoderic acid was increased by approximately 43 to 46% in the ODC-silenced strains. The content of ganoderic acid could be recovered after the addition of exogenous putrescine. Additionally, the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was significantly increased by approximately 1.3-fold in the ODC-silenced strains. The ROS content was significantly reduced after the addition of exogenous putrescine. The gene transcript levels and the activities of four major antioxidant enzymes were measured to further explore the effect of putrescine on the intracellular ROS levels. Further studies showed that the effect of the ODC-mediated production of putrescine on ROS might be a factor influencing the biosynthesis of ganoderic acid. Our study reports the role of putrescine in large basidiomycetes, providing a basis for future studies of the physiological functions of putrescine in microbes. IMPORTANCE It is well known that ODC and the ODC-mediated production of putrescine play an important role in resisting various environmental stresses, but there are few reports regarding the mechanisms underlying the effect of putrescine on secondary metabolism in microorganisms, particularly in fungi. G. lucidum is gradually becoming a model organism for studying environmental regulation and metabolism. In this study, a homolog of the gene encoding ODC was cloned in Ganoderma lucidum. We found that the transcript level of the ODC gene and the content of putrescine were significantly decreased in the ODC-silenced strains. The content of ganoderic acid was significantly increased in the ODC-silenced strains. Further studies showed that the effect of the ODC-mediated production of putrescine on ROS might be a factor influencing the biosynthesis of ganoderic acid. Our study reports the role of putrescine in large basidiomycetes, providing a basis for future studies of the physiological functions of putrescine in microbes.

Long-term management of patients with multiple brain metastases after shaped beam radiosurgery

2004 ◽  
pp. 406-412
Author(s):  
Paul Okunieff ◽  
Michael C. Schell ◽  
Russell Ruo ◽  
E. Ronald Hale ◽  
Walter G. O'Dell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Multiple Metastases ◽  
Extracranial Disease ◽  
Successful Control ◽  
The Brain

✓ The role of radiosurgery in the treatment of patients with advanced-stage metastatic disease is currently under debate. Previous randomized studies have not consistently supported the use of radiosurgery to treat patients with numbers of brain metastases. In negative-results studies, however, intracranial tumor control was high but extracranial disease progressed; thus, patient survival was not greatly affected, although neurocognitive function was generally maintained until death. Because the future promises improved systemic (extracranial) therapy, the successful control of brain disease is that much more crucial. Thus, for selected patients with multiple metastases to the brain who remain in good neurological condition, aggressive lesion-targeting radiosurgery should be very useful. Although a major limitation to success of this therapy is the lack of control of extracranial disease in most patients, it is clear that well-designed, aggressive treatment substantially decreases the progression of brain metastases and also improves neurocognitive survival. The authors present the management and a methodology for rational treatment of a patient with breast cancer who has harbored 24 brain metastases during a 3-year period.

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