scholarly journals Modulating Pathogenesis with Mobile-CRISPRi

2019 ◽  
Vol 201 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiuxin Qu ◽  
Neha K. Prasad ◽  
Michelle A. Yu ◽  
Shuyan Chen ◽  
Amy Lyden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Bacterial Genomes ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Animal Infection

ABSTRACT Conditionally essential (CE) genes are required by pathogenic bacteria to establish and maintain infections. CE genes encode virulence factors, such as secretion systems and effector proteins, as well as biosynthetic enzymes that produce metabolites not found in the host environment. Due to their outsized importance in pathogenesis, CE gene products are attractive targets for the next generation of antimicrobials. However, the precise manipulation of CE gene expression in the context of infection is technically challenging, limiting our ability to understand the roles of CE genes in pathogenesis and accordingly design effective inhibitors. We previously developed a suite of CRISPR interference-based gene knockdown tools that are transferred by conjugation and stably integrate into bacterial genomes that we call Mobile-CRISPRi. Here, we show the efficacy of Mobile-CRISPRi in controlling CE gene expression in an animal infection model. We optimize Mobile-CRISPRi in Pseudomonas aeruginosa for use in a murine model of pneumonia by tuning the expression of CRISPRi components to avoid nonspecific toxicity. As a proof of principle, we demonstrate that knock down of a CE gene encoding the type III secretion system (T3SS) activator ExsA blocks effector protein secretion in culture and attenuates virulence in mice. We anticipate that Mobile-CRISPRi will be a valuable tool to probe the function of CE genes across many bacterial species and pathogenesis models. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to global health. To optimize the use of our existing antibiotics and identify new targets for future inhibitors, understanding the fundamental drivers of bacterial growth in the context of the host immune response is paramount. Historically, these genetic drivers have been difficult to manipulate precisely, as they are requisite for pathogen survival. Here, we provide the first application of Mobile-CRISPRi to study conditionally essential virulence genes in mouse models of lung infection through partial gene perturbation. We envision the use of Mobile-CRISPRi in future pathogenesis models and antibiotic target discovery efforts.

scholarly journals Lifestyle and Horizontal Gene Transfer-Mediated Evolution of Mucispirillum schaedleri, a Core Member of the Murine Gut Microbiota

mSystems ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Loy ◽  
Carina Pfann ◽  
Michaela Steinberger ◽  
Buck Hanson ◽  
Simone Herp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Associated Bacteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gut Microbiota Composition

ABSTRACT Shifts in gut microbiota composition have been associated with intestinal inflammation, but it remains unclear whether inflammation-associated bacteria are commensal or detrimental to their host. Here, we studied the lifestyle of the gut bacterium Mucispirillum schaedleri, which is associated with inflammation in widely used mouse models. We found that M. schaedleri has specialized systems to handle oxidative stress during inflammation. Additionally, it expresses secretion systems and effector proteins and can modify the mucosal gene expression of its host. This suggests that M. schaedleri undergoes intimate interactions with its host and may play a role in inflammation. The insights presented here aid our understanding of how commensal gut bacteria may be involved in altering susceptibility to disease. Mucispirillum schaedleri is an abundant inhabitant of the intestinal mucus layer of rodents and other animals and has been suggested to be a pathobiont, a commensal that plays a role in disease. In order to gain insights into its lifestyle, we analyzed the genome and transcriptome of M. schaedleri ASF 457 and performed physiological experiments to test traits predicted by its genome. Although described as a mucus inhabitant, M. schaedleri has limited capacity for degrading host-derived mucosal glycans and other complex polysaccharides. Additionally, M. schaedleri reduces nitrate and expresses systems for scavenging oxygen and reactive oxygen species in vivo, which may account for its localization close to the mucosal tissue and expansion during inflammation. Also of note, M. schaedleri harbors a type VI secretion system and putative effector proteins and can modify gene expression in mucosal tissue, suggesting intimate interactions with its host and a possible role in inflammation. The M. schaedleri genome has been shaped by extensive horizontal gene transfer, primarily from intestinal Epsilon- and Deltaproteobacteria, indicating that horizontal gene transfer has played a key role in defining its niche in the gut ecosystem. IMPORTANCE Shifts in gut microbiota composition have been associated with intestinal inflammation, but it remains unclear whether inflammation-associated bacteria are commensal or detrimental to their host. Here, we studied the lifestyle of the gut bacterium Mucispirillum schaedleri, which is associated with inflammation in widely used mouse models. We found that M. schaedleri has specialized systems to handle oxidative stress during inflammation. Additionally, it expresses secretion systems and effector proteins and can modify the mucosal gene expression of its host. This suggests that M. schaedleri undergoes intimate interactions with its host and may play a role in inflammation. The insights presented here aid our understanding of how commensal gut bacteria may be involved in altering susceptibility to disease.

scholarly journals roles Hrp-dependent effector proteins and hrp gene regulation as determinants of virulence and host-specificity in Erwinia stewartii and E. herbicola pvs. gypsophilae and betae

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Coplin ◽  
Shulamit Manulis ◽  
Isaac Barash
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Regulatory Cascade ◽  
Effector Genes ◽  
Erwinia Stewartii

Gram-negative plant pathogenic bacteria employ specialized type-III secretion systems (TTSS) to deliver an arsenal of pathogenicity proteins directly into host cells. These secretion systems are encoded by hrp genes (for hypersensitive response and pathogenicity) and the effector proteins by so-called dsp or avr genes. The functions of effectors are to enable bacterial multiplication by damaging host cells and/or by blocking host defenses. We characterized essential hrp gene clusters in the Stewart's Wilt of maize pathogen, Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii (Pnss; formerly Erwinia stewartii) and the gall-forming bacterium, Pantoea agglomerans (formerly Erwinia herbicola) pvs. gypsophilae (Pag) and betae (Pab). We proposed that the virulence and host specificity of these pathogens is a function of a) the perception of specific host signals resulting in bacterial hrp gene expression and b) the action of specialized signal proteins (i.e. Hrp effectors) delivered into the plant cell. The specific objectives of the proposal were: 1) How is the expression of the hrp and effector genes regulated in response to host cell contact and the apoplastic environment? 2) What additional effector proteins are involved in pathogenicity? 3) Do the presently known Pantoea effector proteins enter host cells? 4) What host proteins interact with these effectors? We characterized the components of the hrp regulatory cascade (HrpXY ->7 HrpS ->7 HrpL ->7 hrp promoters), showed that they are conserved in both Pnss and Fag, and discovered that the regulation of the hrpS promoter (hrpSp) may be a key point in integrating apoplastic signals. We also analyzed the promoters recognized by HrpL and demonstrated the relationship between their composition and efficiency. Moreover, we showed that promoter strength can influence disease expression. In Pnss, we found that the HrpXY two-component signal system may sense the metabolic status of the bacterium and is required for full hrp gene expression in planta. In both species, acyl-homoserine lactone-mediated quorum sensing may also regulate epiphytic fitness and/or pathogenicity. A common Hrp effector protein, DspE/WtsE, is conserved and required for virulence of both species. When introduced into corn cells, Pnss WtsE protein caused water-soaked lesions. In other plants, it either caused cell death or acted as an Avr determinant. Using a yeast- two-hybrid system, WtsE was shown to interact with a number of maize signal transduction proteins that are likely to have roles in either programmed cell death or disease resistance. In Pag and Pab, we have characterized the effector proteins HsvG, HsvB and PthG. HsvG and HsvB are homologous proteins that determine host specificity of Pag and Pab on gypsophila and beet, respectively. Both possess a transcriptional activation domain that functions in yeast. PthG was found to act as an Avr determinant on multiple beet species, but was required for virulence on gypsophila. In addition, we demonstrated that PthG acts within the host cell. Additional effector genes have been characterized on the pathogenicity plasmid, pPATHₚₐg, in Pag. A screen for HrpL- regulated genes in Pnsspointed up 18 candidate effector proteins and four of these were required for full virulence. It is now well established that the virulence of Gram-negative plant pathogenic bacteria is governed by Hrp-dependent effector proteins. However; the mode of action of many effectors is still unresolved. This BARD supported research will significantly contribute to the understanding of how Hrp effectors operate in Pantoea spp. and how they control host specificity and affect symptom production. This may lead to novel approaches for genetically engineering plants resistant to a wide range of bacterial pathogens by inactivating the Hrp effectors with "plantabodies" or modifying their receptors, thereby blocking the induction of the susceptible response. Alternatively, innovative technologies could be used to interfere with the Hrp regulatory cascade by blocking a critical step or mimicking plant or quorum sensing signals.   

scholarly journals Migration of Type III Secretion System Transcriptional Regulators Links Gene Expression to Secretion

mBio ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Spyridoula N. Charova ◽  
Anastasia D. Gazi ◽  
Efstratios Mylonas ◽  
Charalambos Pozidis ◽  
Blanca Sabarit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Ternary Complex ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Transcriptional Regulators ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems

ABSTRACTMany plant-pathogenic bacteria of considerable economic importance rely on type III secretion systems (T3SSs) of the Hrc-Hrp 1 family to subvert their plant hosts. T3SS gene expression is regulated through the HrpG and HrpV proteins, while secretion is controlled by the gatekeeper HrpJ. A link between the two mechanisms was so far unknown. Here, we show that a mechanistic coupling exists between the expression and secretion cascades through the direct binding of the HrpG/HrpV heterodimer, acting as a T3SS chaperone, to HrpJ. The ternary complex is docked to the cytoplasmic side of the inner bacterial membrane and orchestrates intermediate substrate secretion, without affecting early substrate secretion. The anchoring of the ternary complex to the membranes potentially keeps HrpG/HrpV away from DNA. In their multiple roles as transcriptional regulators and gatekeeper chaperones, HrpV/HrpG provide along with HrpJ potentially attractive targets for antibacterial strategies.IMPORTANCEOn the basis of scientific/economic importance,Pseudomonas syringaeandErwinia amylovoraare considered among the top 10 plant-pathogenic bacteria in molecular plant pathology. Both employ type III secretion systems (T3SSs) of the Hrc-Hrp 1 family to subvert their plant hosts. For Hrc-Hrp 1, no functional link was known between the key processes of T3SS gene expression and secretion. Here, we show that a mechanistic coupling exists between expression and secretion cascades, through formation of a ternary complex involving the T3SS proteins HrpG, HrpV, and HrpJ. Our results highlight the functional and structural properties of a hitherto-unknown complex which orchestrates intermediate T3SS substrate secretion and may lead to better pathogen control through novel targets for antibacterial strategies.

scholarly journals hfqPlays Important Roles in Virulence and Stress Adaptation in Cronobacter sakazakii ATCC 29544

2015 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 2089-2098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seongok Kim ◽  
Hyelyeon Hwang ◽  
Kwang-Pyo Kim ◽  
Hyunjin Yoon ◽  
Dong-Hyun Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Soft Agar ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Neonatal Meningitis ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flagellar Biosynthesis

Cronobacterspp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause neonatal meningitis and sepsis with high mortality in neonates. Despite the peril associated withCronobacterinfection, the mechanisms of pathogenesis are still being unraveled. Hfq, which is known as an RNA chaperone, participates in the interaction with bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) to regulate posttranscriptionally the expression of various genes. Recent studies have demonstrated that Hfq contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous species of bacteria, and its roles are varied between bacterial species. Here, we tried to elucidate the role of Hfq inC. sakazakiivirulence. In the absence ofhfq,C. sakazakiiwas highly attenuated in disseminationin vivo, showed defects in invasion (3-fold) into animal cells and survival (103-fold) within host cells, and exhibited low resistance to hydrogen peroxide (102-fold). Remarkably, the loss ofhfqled to hypermotility on soft agar, which is contrary to what has been observed in other pathogenic bacteria. The hyperflagellated bacteria were likely to be attributable to the increased transcription of genes associated with flagellar biosynthesis in a strain lackinghfq. Together, these data strongly suggest thathfqplays important roles in the virulence ofC. sakazakiiby participating in the regulation of multiple genes.

scholarly journals Combined Action of Human Commensal Bacteria and Amorphous Silica Nanoparticles on the Viability and Immune Responses of Dendritic Cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Malachin ◽  
Elisa Lubian ◽  
Fabrizio Mancin ◽  
Emanuele Papini ◽  
Regina Tavano
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Silica Nanoparticles ◽  
Amorphous Silica ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Commensal Bacteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Synergistic Induction ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT Dendritic cells (DCs) regulate the host-microbe balance in the gut and skin, tissues likely exposed to nanoparticles (NPs) present in drugs, food, and cosmetics. We analyzed the viability and the activation of DCs incubated with extracellular media (EMs) obtained from cultures of commensal bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis) or pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) in the presence of amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs). EMs and NPs synergistically increased the levels of cytotoxicity and cytokine production, with different nanoparticle dose-response characteristics being found, depending on the bacterial species. E. coli and S. epidermidis EMs plus NPs at nontoxic doses stimulated the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-12, IL-10, and IL-6, while E. coli and S. epidermidis EMs plus NPs at toxic doses stimulated the secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-4, and IL-5. On the contrary, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa EMs induced cytokines only when they were combined with NPs at toxic concentrations. The induction of maturation markers (CD86, CD80, CD83, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and major histocompatibility complex class II) by commensal bacteria but not by pathogenic ones was improved in the presence of noncytotoxic SiO2 NP doses. DCs consistently supported the proliferation and differentiation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-17A. The synergistic induction of CD86 was due to nonprotein molecules present in the EMs from all bacteria tested. At variance with this finding, the synergistic induction of IL-1β was prevalently mediated by proteins in the case of E. coli EMs and by nonproteins in the case of S. epidermidis EMs. A bacterial costimulus did not act on DCs after adsorption on SiO2 NPs but rather acted as an independent agonist. The inflammatory and immune actions of DCs stimulated by commensal bacterial agonists might be altered by the simultaneous exposure to engineered or environmental NPs.

scholarly journals Cooperative Immune Suppression by Escherichia coli and Shigella Effector Proteins

2018 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten F. de Jong ◽  
Neal M. Alto
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems

ABSTRACT The enteric attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and the invasive pathogens enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and Shigella encode type III secretion systems (T3SS) used to inject effector proteins into human host cells during infection. Among these are a group of effectors required for NF-κB-mediated host immune evasion. Recent studies have identified several effector proteins from A/E pathogens and EIEC/ Shigella that are involved in suppression of NF-κB and have uncovered their cellular and molecular functions. A novel mechanism among these effectors from both groups of pathogens is to coordinate effector function during infection. This cooperativity among effector proteins explains how bacterial pathogens are able to effectively suppress innate immune defense mechanisms in response to diverse classes of immune receptor signaling complexes (RSCs) stimulated during infection.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Tentative Epidemiological Cutoff Values for FiveBacillusSpecies Relevant for Use as Animal Feed Additives or for Plant Protection

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Agersø ◽  
Birgitte Stuer-Lauridsen ◽  
Karin Bjerre ◽  
Michelle Geervliet Jensen ◽  
Eric Johansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cutoff Values ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance Genes ◽  
Species Specific

ABSTRACTBacillus megaterium(n= 29),Bacillus velezensis(n= 26),Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(n= 6),Bacillus paralicheniformis(n= 28), andBacillus licheniformis(n= 35) strains from different sources, origins, and time periods were tested for the MICs for nine antimicrobial agents by the CLSI-recommended method (Mueller-Hinton broth, 35°C, for 18 to 20 h), as well as with a modified CLSI method (Iso-Sensitest [IST] broth, 37°C [35°C forB. megaterium], 24 h). This allows a proposal of species-specific epidemiological cutoff values (ECOFFs) for the interpretation of antimicrobial resistance in these species. MICs determined by the modified CLSI method were 2- to 16-fold higher than with the CLSI-recommended method for several antimicrobials. The MIC distributions differed between species for five of the nine antimicrobials. Consequently, use of the modified CLSI method and interpretation of resistance by use of species-specific ECOFFs is recommended. The genome sequences of all strains were determined and used for screening for resistance genes against the ResFinder database and for multilocus sequence typing. A putative chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) gene was found in oneB. megateriumstrain with an elevated chloramphenicol MIC compared to the otherB. megateriumstrains. InB. velezensisandB. amyloliquefaciens, a putative tetracycline efflux gene,tet(L), was found in all strains (n= 27) with reduced tetracycline susceptibility but was absent in susceptible strains. AllB. paralicheniformisand 23% ofB. licheniformisstrains had elevated MICs for erythromycin and harboredermD. The presence of these resistance genes follows taxonomy suggesting they may be intrinsic rather than horizontally acquired. Reduced susceptibility to chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and clindamycin could not be explained in all species.IMPORTANCEWhen commercializing bacterial strains, likeBacillusspp., for feed applications or plant bioprotection, it is required that the strains are free of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes that could potentially spread to pathogenic bacteria, thereby adding to the pool of resistance genes that may cause treatment failures in humans or animals. Conversely, if antimicrobial resistance is intrinsic to a bacterial species, the risk of spreading horizontally to other bacteria is considered very low. Reliable susceptibility test methods and interpretation criteria at the species level are needed to accurately assess antimicrobial resistance levels. In the present study, tentative ECOFFs for fiveBacillusspecies were determined, and the results showed that the variation in MICs followed the respective species. Moreover, putative resistance genes, which were detected by whole-genome sequencing and suggested to be intrinsic rather that acquired, could explain the resistance phenotypes in most cases.

scholarly journals Disruption of VirB6 Paralogs in Anaplasma phagocytophilum Attenuates Its Growth

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francy L. Crosby ◽  
Ulrike G. Munderloh ◽  
Curtis M. Nelson ◽  
Michael J. Herron ◽  
Anna M. Lundgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Tandem Repeats ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Accession Number ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Obligate Intracellular

ABSTRACT Many pathogenic bacteria translocate virulence factors into their eukaryotic hosts by means of type IV secretion systems (T4SS) spanning the inner and outer membranes. Genes encoding components of these systems have been identified within the order Rickettsiales based upon their sequence similarities to other prototypical systems. Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains are obligate intracellular, tick-borne bacteria that are members of this order. The organization of these components at the genomic level was determined in several Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains, showing overall conservation, with the exceptions of the virB2 and virB6 genes. The virB6 loci are characterized by the presence of four virB6 copies (virB6-1 through virB6-4) arranged in tandem within a gene cluster known as the sodB-virB operon. Interestingly, the virB6-4 gene varies significantly in length among different strains due to extensive tandem repeats at the 3′ end. To gain an understanding of how these enigmatic virB6 genes function in A. phagocytophilum, we investigated their expression in infected human and tick cells. Our results show that these genes are expressed by A. phagocytophilum replicating in both cell types and that VirB6-3 and VirB6-4 proteins are surface exposed. Analysis of an A. phagocytophilum mutant carrying the Himar1 transposon within the virB6-4 gene demonstrated that the insertion not only disrupted its expression but also exerted a polar effect on the sodB-virB operon. Moreover, the altered expression of genes within this operon was associated with the attenuated in vitro growth of A. phagocytophilum in human and tick cells, indicating the importance of these genes in the physiology of this obligate intracellular bacterium in such different environments. IMPORTANCE Knowledge of the T4SS is derived from model systems, such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The structure of the T4SS in Rickettsiales differs from the classical arrangement. These differences include missing and duplicated components with structural alterations. Particularly, two sequenced virB6-4 genes encode unusual C-terminal structural extensions resulting in proteins of 4,322 (GenBank accession number AGR79286.1) and 9,935 (GenBank accession number ANC34101.1>) amino acids. To understand how the T4SS is used in A. phagocytophilum, we describe the expression of the virB6 paralogs and explore their role as the bacteria replicate within its host cell. Conclusions about the importance of these paralogs for colonization of human and tick cells are supported by the deficient phenotype of an A. phagocytophilum mutant isolated from a sequence-defined transposon insertion library.

scholarly journals Substrate Interaction with the EssC Coupling Protein of the Type VIIb Secretion System

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Mietrach ◽  
Diana Damián-Aparicio ◽  
Benjamin Mielich-Süss ◽  
Daniel Lopez ◽  
Sebastian Geibel
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Atpase Domain ◽  
Bacterial Persistence ◽  
Substrate Transport ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coupling Protein

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus employs the type VIIb secretion system (T7SSb) to secrete effector proteins that either have antibacterial activities or promote bacterial persistence in mouse infection models. Here, we present the crystal structure of the ATPase domain D3 of the EssC coupling protein from S. aureus USA300_FPR3757, an integral component of the T7SSb complex, resolved at a 1.7-Å resolution. EssC-D3 shares structural homology with FtsK/SpoIII-like ATPase domains of T7SSa and T7SSb and exhibits a conserved pocket on the surface with differential amino acid composition. In T7SSa, substrate EsxB interacts with the D3 domain through this pocket. Here, we identify amino acids in this pocket that are essential for effector protein secretion in the T7SSb. Our results reveal that the adjacent ATPase domain D2 is a substrate binding site on EssC and that substrates bound to D2 require domain D3 for further transport. Point mutations in the Walker B motif of domain D3 have diametric effects on secretion activity, either abolishing or boosting it, pointing to a critical role of domain D3 in the substrate transport. Finally, we identify ATPase domain D3 as a virulence determinant of S. aureus USA300_FPR3757 using an invertebrate in vivo infection model. IMPORTANCE The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a rising problem in antibiotic treatment (S. Boyle-Vavra and R. S. Daum, Lab Invest 87:3–9, 2007, https://doi.org/10.1038/labinvest.3700501). We have used the multidrug-resistant S. aureus USA300_FPR3757 as a model organism to study the T7SSb. Effector proteins of this system have been associated with abscess formation and bacterial persistence in mouse models (M. L. Burts, A. C. DeDent, and D. M. Missiakas, Mol Microbiol 69:736–746, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06324.x; M. L. Burts, W. A. Williams, K. DeBord, and D. M. Missiakas, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102:1169–1174, 2005, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0405620102). We determined the structure of the essential ATPase domain D3 of the T7SSb at atomic resolution and validated a surface-exposed pocket as a potential drug target to block secretion. Furthermore, our study provides new mechanistic insights into the T7SSb substrate transport.

scholarly journals T4SP Database 2.0: An Improved Database for Type IV Secretion Systems in Bacterial Genomes with New Online Analysis Tools

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Han ◽  
Weiwen Yu ◽  
Yujun Qiang ◽  
Wen Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Recipient Cell ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Type Iv Secretion ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Bacterial Genomes ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Type Iv Secretion Systems ◽  
User Friendly

Type IV secretion system (T4SS) can mediate the passage of macromolecules across cellular membranes and is essential for virulent and genetic material exchange among bacterial species. The Type IV Secretion Project 2.0 (T4SP 2.0) database is an improved and extended version of the platform released in 2013 aimed at assisting with the detection of Type IV secretion systems (T4SS) in bacterial genomes. This advanced version provides users with web server tools for detecting the existence and variations of T4SS genes online. The new interface for the genome browser provides a user-friendly access to the most complete and accurate resource of T4SS gene information (e.g., gene number, name, type, position, sequence, related articles, and quick links to other webs). Currently, this online database includes T4SS information of 5239 bacterial strains.Conclusions. T4SS is one of the most versatile secretion systems necessary for the virulence and survival of bacteria and the secretion of protein and/or DNA substrates from a donor to a recipient cell. This database on virB/D genes of the T4SS system will help scientists worldwide to improve their knowledge on secretion systems and also identify potential pathogenic mechanisms of various microbial species.

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