scholarly journals PFP1, a Gene Encoding an Epc-N Domain-Containing Protein, Is Essential for Pathogenicity of the Barley Pathogen Rhynchosporium commune

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1026-1035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia Siersleben ◽  
Daniel Penselin ◽  
Claudia Wenzel ◽  
Sylvie Albert ◽  
Wolfgang Knogge
Keyword(s):  
Upstream Region ◽  
Insertion Mutagenesis ◽  
Deletion Mutants ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Homologous Proteins ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Fungal Virulence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wild Type Level ◽  
Type Gene

ABSTRACTScald caused byRhynchosporium communeis an important foliar disease of barley. Insertion mutagenesis ofR. communegenerated a nonpathogenic fungal mutant which carries the inserted plasmid in the upstream region of a gene namedPFP1. The characteristic feature of the gene product is an Epc-N domain. This motif is also found in homologous proteins shown to be components of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes of fungi and animals. Therefore, PFP1 is suggested to be the subunit of a HAT complex inR. communewith an essential role in the epigenetic control of fungal pathogenicity. TargetedPFP1disruption also yielded nonpathogenic mutants which showed wild-type-like growthex planta, except for the occurrence of hyphal swellings. Complementation of the deletion mutants with the wild-type gene reestablished pathogenicity and suppressed the hyphal swellings. However, despite wild-type-levelPFP1expression, the complementation mutants did not reach wild-type-level virulence. This indicates that the function of the protein complex and, thus, fungal virulence are influenced by a position-affected long-range control ofPFP1expression.

scholarly journals The Type VI Secretion System Modulates Flagellar Gene Expression and Secretion in Citrobacter freundii and Contributes to Adhesion and Cytotoxicity to Host Cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 83 (7) ◽  
pp. 2596-2604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liyun Liu ◽  
Shuai Hao ◽  
Ruiting Lan ◽  
Guangxia Wang ◽  
Di Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secretion System ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Deletion Mutants ◽  
Citrobacter Freundii ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Mutant Strains

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) as a virulence factor-releasing system contributes to virulence development of various pathogens and is often activated upon contact with target cells.Citrobacter freundiistrain CF74 has a complete T6SS genomic island (GI) that containsclpV,hcp-2, andvgrT6SS genes. We constructedclpV,hcp-2,vgr, and T6SS GI deletion mutants in CF74 and analyzed their effects on the transcriptome overall and, specifically, on the flagellar system at the levels of transcription and translation. Deletion of the T6SS GI affected the transcription of 84 genes, with 15 and 69 genes exhibiting higher and lower levels of transcription, respectively. Members of the cell motility class of downregulated genes of the CF74ΔT6SS mutant were mainly flagellar genes, including effector proteins, chaperones, and regulators. Moreover, the production and secretion of FliC were also decreased inclpV,hcp-2,vgr, or T6SS GI deletion mutants in CF74 and were restored upon complementation. In swimming motility assays, the mutant strains were found to be less motile than the wild type, and motility was restored by complementation. The mutant strains were defective in adhesion to HEp-2 cells and were restored partially upon complementation. Further, the CF74ΔT6SS, CF74ΔclpV, and CF74Δhcp-2mutants induced lower cytotoxicity to HEp-2 cells than the wild type. These results suggested that the T6SS GI in CF74 regulates the flagellar system, enhances motility, is involved in adherence to host cells, and induces cytotoxicity to host cells. Thus, the T6SS plays a wide-ranging role inC. freundii.

scholarly journals Glutathione Synthesis Contributes to Virulence of Streptococcus agalactiae in a Murine Model of Sepsis

2019 ◽  
Vol 201 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Walker ◽  
Gary C. Port ◽  
Michael G. Caparon ◽  
Blythe E. Janowiak
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Neonatal Meningitis ◽  
Deletion Mutants ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Glutathione Synthesis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resistance Pathway

ABSTRACT Streptococcus agalactiae, a leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in neonates, utilizes multiple virulence factors to survive and thrive within the human host during an infection. Unique among the pathogenic streptococci, S. agalactiae uses a bifunctional enzyme encoded by a single gene (gshAB) to synthesize glutathione (GSH), a major antioxidant in most aerobic organisms. Since S. agalactiae can also import GSH, similar to all other pathogenic streptococcal species, the contribution of GSH synthesis to the pathogenesis of S. agalactiae disease is not known. In the present study, gshAB deletion mutants were generated in strains representing three of the most prevalent clinical serotypes of S. agalactiae and were compared against isogenic wild-type and gshAB knock-in strains. When cultured in vitro in a chemically defined medium under nonstress conditions, each mutant and its corresponding wild type had comparable growth rates, generation times, and growth yields. However, gshAB deletion mutants were found to be more sensitive than wild-type or gshAB knock-in strains to killing and growth inhibition by several different reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, deletion of gshAB in S. agalactiae strain COH1 significantly attenuated virulence compared to the wild-type or gshAB knock-in strains in a mouse model of sepsis. Taken together, these data establish that GSH is a virulence factor important for resistance to oxidative stress and that de novo GSH synthesis plays a crucial role in S. agalactiae pathogenesis and further suggest that the inhibition of GSH synthesis may provide an opportunity for the development of novel therapies targeting S. agalactiae disease. IMPORTANCE Approximately 10 to 30% of women are naturally and asymptomatically colonized by Streptococcus agalactiae. However, transmission of S. agalactiae from mother to newborn during vaginal birth is a leading cause of neonatal meningitis. Although colonized mothers who are at risk for transmission to the newborn are treated with antibiotics prior to delivery, S. agalactiae is becoming increasingly resistant to current antibiotic therapies, and new treatments are needed. This research reveals a critical stress resistance pathway, glutathione synthesis, that is utilized by S. agalactiae and contributes to its pathogenesis. Understanding the role of this unique bifunctional glutathione synthesis enzyme in S. agalactiae during sepsis may help elucidate why S. agalactiae produces such an abundance of glutathione compared to other bacteria.

scholarly journals Role of Flagellin-Homologous Proteins in Biofilm Formation by Pathogenic Vibrio Species

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
You-Chul Jung ◽  
Mi-Ae Lee ◽  
Kyu-Ho Lee
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Biological Significance ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Forming Process ◽  
Homologous Proteins ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pathogenic Vibrio ◽  
Biofilm Matrix

ABSTRACT The pathogenic bacterium Vibrio vulnificus exhibits the ability to form biofilm, for which initiation is dependent upon swimming motility by virtue of a polar flagellum. The filament of its flagellum is composed of multiple flagellin subunits, FlaA, -B, -C, and -D. In V. vulnificus genomes, however, open reading frames (ORFs) annotated by FlaE and -F are also present. Although neither FlaE nor FlaF is involved in filament formation and cellular motility, they are well expressed and secreted to the extracellular milieu through the secretion apparatus for flagellar assembly. In the extrapolymeric matrix of V. vulnificus biofilm, significant levels of FlaEF were detected. Mutants defective in both flaE and flaF formed significantly decreased biofilms compared to the wild-type biofilm. Thus, the potential role of FlaEF during the biofilm-forming process was investigated by exogenous addition of recombinant FlaEF (rFlaEF) to the biofilm assays. The added rFlaE and rFlaF were predominantly incorporated into the biofilm matrix formed by the wild type. However, biofilms formed by a mutant defective in exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis were not affected by added FlaEF. These results raised a possibility that FlaEF specifically interact with EPS within the biofilm matrix. In vitro pulldown assays using His-tagged rFlaEF or rFlaC revealed the specific binding of EPS to rFlaEF but not to rFlaC. Taken together, our results demonstrate that V. vulnificus FlaEF, flagellin-homologous proteins (FHPs), are crucial for biofilm formation by directly interacting with the essential determinant for biofilm maturation, EPS. Further analyses performed with other pathogenic Vibrio species demonstrated both the presence of FHPs and their important role in biofilm formation. IMPORTANCE Flagellar filaments of the pathogenic Vibrio species, including V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. cholerae, are composed of multiple flagellin subunits. In their genomes, however, there are higher numbers of the ORFs encoding flagellin-like proteins than the numbers of flagellin subunits required for filament assembly. Since these flagellin-homologous proteins (FHPs) are well expressed and excreted to environments via a flagellin transport channel, their extracellular role in the pathogenic Vibrio has been enigmatic. Their biological significance, which is not related with flagellar functions, has been revealed to be in maturation of biofilm structures. Among various components of the extracellular polymeric matrix produced in the V. vulnificus biofilms, the exopolysaccharides (EPS) are dominant constituents and crucial in maturation of biofilms. The enhancing role of the V. vulnificus FHPs in biofilm formation requires the presence of EPS, as indicated by highly specific interactions among two FHPs and three EPS.

scholarly journals A nucleosome positioned in the distal promoter region activates transcription of the human U6 gene.

1997 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 4397-4405 ◽  
Author(s):  
W Stünkel ◽  
I Kober ◽  
K H Seifart
Keyword(s):  
Micrococcal Nuclease ◽  
Deletion Mutants ◽  
Dna Fragments ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Sequence Element ◽  
Proximal Sequence Element ◽  
Experimental Approaches ◽  
Type Gene ◽  
Distal Promoter ◽  
U6 Gene

To investigate the consequences of chromatin reconstitution for transcription of the human U6 gene, we assembled nucleosomes on both plasmids and linear DNA fragments containing the U6 gene. Initial experiments with DNA fragments revealed that U6 sequences located between the distal sequence element (DSE) and the proximal sequence element (PSE) lead to the positioning of a nucleosome partially encompassing these promoter elements. Furthermore, indirect end-labelling analyses of the reconstituted U6 wild-type plasmids showed strong micrococcal nuclease cuts near the DSE and PSE, indicating that a nucleosome is located between these elements. To investigate the influence that nucleosomes exert on U6 transcription, we used two different experimental approaches for chromatin reconstitution, both of which resulted in the observation that transcription of the U6 wild-type gene was enhanced after chromatin assembly. To ensure that the facilitated transcription of the nucleosomal templates is in fact due to a positioned nucleosome, we constructed mutants of the U6 gene in which the sequences between the DSE and PSE were progressively deleted. In contrast to what was observed with the wild-type genes, transcription of these deletion mutants was significantly inhibited when they were packaged into nucleosomes.

scholarly journals Efficient Production of Polymyxin in the Surrogate Host Bacillus subtilis by Introducing a ForeignectBGene and Disrupting theabrBGene

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (12) ◽  
pp. 4194-4199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soo-Young Park ◽  
Soo-Keun Choi ◽  
Jihoon Kim ◽  
Tae-Kwang Oh ◽  
Seung-Hwan Park
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Paenibacillus Polymyxa ◽  
Biosynthetic Gene Cluster ◽  
Upstream Region ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Knockout Mutant ◽  
Double Knockout ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Surrogate Host

ABSTRACTIn our previous study,Bacillus subtilisstrain BSK3S, containing a polymyxin biosynthetic gene cluster fromPaenibacillus polymyxa, could produce polymyxin only in the presence of exogenously addedl-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab). The dependence of polymyxin production on exogenous Dab was removed by introducing anectBgene encoding the diaminobutyrate synthase ofP. polymyxainto BSK3S (resulting in strain BSK4). We found, by observing the complete inhibition of polymyxin synthesis when thespo0Agene was knocked out (strain BSK4-0A), that Spo0A is indispensable for the production of polymyxin. Interestingly, theabrB-spo0Adouble-knockout mutant, BSK4-0A-rB, and the singleabrBmutant, BSK4-rB, showed 1.7- and 2.3-fold increases, respectively, in polymyxin production over that of BSK4. These results coincided with the transcription levels ofpmxAin the strains observed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The AbrB protein was shown to bind directly to the upstream region ofpmxA, indicating that AbrB directly inhibits the transcription of polymyxin biosynthetic genes. The BSK4-rB strain, producing high levels of polymyxin, will be useful for the development and production of novel polymyxin derivatives.

scholarly journals Genetic Manipulations of the Hyperthermophilic Piezophilic Archaeon Thermococcus barophilus

2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (7) ◽  
pp. 2299-2306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axel Thiel ◽  
Grégoire Michoud ◽  
Yann Moalic ◽  
Didier Flament ◽  
Mohamed Jebbar
Keyword(s):  
Gene Disruption ◽  
Negative Selection ◽  
Deletion Mutants ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Genetic Manipulations ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Flanking Regions ◽  
Markerless Deletion

ABSTRACTIn this study, we developed a gene disruption system forThermococcus barophilususing simvastatin for positive selection and 5-fluoroorotic acid (5-FOA) for negative selection or counterselection to obtain markerless deletion mutants using single- and double-crossover events. Disruption plasmids carrying flanking regions of each targeted gene were constructed and introduced by transformation into wild-typeT. barophilusMP cells. Initially, apyrFdeletion mutant was obtained as a starting point for the construction of further markerless mutants. A deletion of thehisBgene was also constructed in the UBOCC-3256 (ΔpyrF) background, generating a strain (UBOCC-3260) that was auxotrophic for histidine. A functionalpyrForhisBallele fromT. barophiluswas inserted into the chromosome of UBOCC-3256 (ΔpyrF) or UBOCC-3260 (ΔpyrFΔhisB), allowing homologous complementation of these mutants. The piezophilic genetic tools developed in this study provide a way to construct strains with multiple genetic backgrounds that will allow further genetic studies for hyperthermophilic piezophilic archaea.

scholarly journals NsdC and NsdD Affect Aspergillus flavus Morphogenesis and Aflatoxin Production

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1104-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey W. Cary ◽  
Pamela Y. Harris-Coward ◽  
Kenneth C. Ehrlich ◽  
Brian M. Mack ◽  
Shubha P. Kale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Expression Data ◽  
Aflatoxin Biosynthesis ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conidium Formation ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Type Gene

ABSTRACT The transcription factors NsdC and NsdD are required for sexual development in Aspergillus nidulans . We now show these proteins also play a role in asexual development in the agriculturally important aflatoxin (AF)-producing fungus Aspergillus flavus . We found that both NsdC and NsdD are required for production of asexual sclerotia, normal aflatoxin biosynthesis, and conidiophore development. Conidiophores in nsdC and nsdD deletion mutants had shortened stipes and altered conidial heads compared to those of wild-type A. flavus . Our results suggest that NsdC and NsdD regulate transcription of genes required for early processes in conidiophore development preceding conidium formation. As the cultures aged, the Δ nsdC and Δ nsdD mutants produced a dark pigment that was not observed in the wild type. Gene expression data showed that although AflR is expressed at normal levels, a number of aflatoxin biosynthesis genes are expressed at reduced levels in both nsd mutants. Expression of aflD , aflM , and aflP was greatly reduced in nsdC mutants, and neither aflatoxin nor the proteins for these genes could be detected. Our results support previous studies showing that there is a strong association between conidiophore and sclerotium development and aflatoxin production in A. flavus.

scholarly journals Surface Lipoprotein PpiA of Streptococcus mutans Suppresses Scavenger Receptor MARCO-Dependent Phagocytosis by Macrophages

2011 ◽  
Vol 79 (12) ◽  
pp. 4933-4940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadashi Mukouhara ◽  
Takafumi Arimoto ◽  
Kasei Cho ◽  
Matsuo Yamamoto ◽  
Takeshi Igarashi
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Scavenger Receptor ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Macrophage Response ◽  
Human Macrophages ◽  
Scavenger Receptor A ◽  
Collagenous Structure

ABSTRACTStreptococcus mutansis associated with the initiation and progression of human dental caries and is occasionally isolated from the blood of patients with bacteremia and infective endocarditis. For the pathogen to survive in the infected host, surface lipoproteins ofS. mutansare likely to play important roles in interactions with the innate immune system. To clarify the role that a putative lipoprotein, peptidyl-prolylcis/trans-isomerase (PpiA), ofS. mutansplays in the macrophage response, we investigated the response of THP-1-derived macrophages toS. mutanschallenge. The deletion of the gene encoding Lgt eliminated PpiA on the cell surface ofS. mutans, which implies that PpiA is a lipoprotein that is lipid anchored in the cell membrane by Lgt. Human and murine peritoneal macrophages both showed higher phagocytic activities for theppiAandlgtmutants than the wild type, which indicates that the presence of PpiA reducesS. mutansphagocytosis. In addition, infection withS. mutansmarkedly induced mRNAs of macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) and scavenger receptor A (SR-A) in human macrophages. In particular, transcriptional and translational levels of MARCO in human macrophages infected with theppiAmutant were higher than those in macrophages infected with the wild type. Phagocytosis ofS. mutansby human macrophages markedly decreased after treatment with anti-MARCO IgG. These results demonstrate that theS. mutanslipoprotein PpiA contributes to suppression of MARCO-mediated phagocytosis of this bacterium by macrophages.

scholarly journals Mmp10 is required for post-translational methylation of arginine at the active site of methyl-coenzyme M reductase

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhe Lyu ◽  
Chau-wen Chou ◽  
Hao Shi ◽  
Ricky Patel ◽  
Evert C. Duin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Site ◽  
Methane Formation ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Coenzyme M ◽  
Methane Cycle ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Whole Cells ◽  
Type Gene ◽  
Methyl Coenzyme M Reductase

AbstractCatalyzing the key step for anaerobic methane production and oxidation, methyl-coenzyme M reductase or Mcr plays a key role in the global methane cycle. The McrA subunit possesses up to five post-translational modifications (PTM) at its active site. Bioinformatic analyses had previously suggested that methanogenesis marker protein 10 (Mmp10) could play an important role in methanogenesis. To examine its role, MMP1554, the gene encoding Mmp10 inMethanococcus maripaludis, was deleted with a new genetic tool, resulting in the specific loss of the 5-(S)-methylarginine PTM of residue 275 in the McrA subunit and a 40~60 % reduction in the maximal rates of methane formation by whole cells. Methylation was restored by complementations with the wild-type gene. However, the rates of methane formation of the complemented strains were not always restored to the wild type level. This study demonstrates the importance of Mmp10 and the methyl-Arg PTM on Mcr activity.

scholarly journals A DNase from a Fungal Phytopathogen Is a Virulence Factor Likely Deployed as Counter Defense against Host-Secreted Extracellular DNA

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee-Jin Park ◽  
Weiwei Wang ◽  
Gilberto Curlango-Rivera ◽  
Zhongguo Xiong ◽  
Zeran Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Gene ◽  
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Fungal Culture ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Plant Host ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extracellular Traps ◽  
Fungal Plant Pathogen

ABSTRACT Histone-linked extracellular DNA (exDNA) is a component of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs have been shown to play a role in immune response to bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoan parasites. Mutation of genes encoding group A Streptococcus extracellular DNases (exDNases) results in reduced virulence in animals, a finding that implies that exDNases are deployed as counter defense against host DNA-containing NETs. Is the exDNA/exDNase mechanism also relevant to plants and their pathogens? It has been demonstrated previously that exDNA is a component of a matrix secreted from plant root caps and that plants also carry out an extracellular trapping process. Treatment with DNase I destroys root tip resistance to infection by fungi, the most abundant plant pathogens. We show that the absence of a single gene encoding a candidate exDNase results in significantly reduced virulence of a fungal plant pathogen to its host on leaves, the known infection site, and on roots. Mg2+-dependent exDNase activity was demonstrated in fungal culture filtrates and induced when host leaf material was present. It is speculated that the enzyme functions to degrade plant-secreted DNA, a component of a complex matrix akin to neutrophil extracellular traps of animals. IMPORTANCE We document that the absence of a single gene encoding a DNase in a fungal plant pathogen results in significantly reduced virulence to a plant host. We compared a wild-type strain of the maize pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus and an isogenic mutant lacking a candidate secreted DNase-encoding gene and demonstrated that the mutant is reduced in virulence on leaves and on roots. There are no previous reports of deletion of such a gene from either an animal or plant fungal pathogen accompanied by comparative assays of mutants and wild type for alterations in virulence. We observed DNase activity, in fungal culture filtrates, that is Mg2+ dependent and induced when plant host leaf material is present. Our findings demonstrate not only that fungi use extracellular DNases (exDNases) for virulence, but also that the relevant molecules are deployed in above-ground leaves as well as below-ground plant tissues. Overall, these data provide support for a common defense/counter defense virulence mechanism used by animals, plants, and their fungal and bacterial pathogens and suggest that components of the mechanism might be novel targets for the control of plant disease.

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