scholarly journals A Regulatory Checkpoint during Flagellar Biogenesis in Campylobacter jejuni Initiates Signal Transduction To Activate Transcription of Flagellar Genes

mBio ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Boll ◽  
David R. Hendrixson
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Flagellar Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Systems ◽  
Two Component ◽  
Flagellar Biogenesis

ABSTRACTMany polarly flagellated bacteria require similar two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) and σ54to activate transcription of genes essential for flagellar motility. Herein, we discovered that in addition to the flagellar type III secretion system (T3SS), theCampylobacter jejuniflagellar MS ring and rotor are required to activate the FlgSR TCS. Mutants lacking the FliF MS ring and FliG C ring rotor proteins were as defective as T3SS mutants in FlgSR- and σ54-dependent flagellar gene expression. Also, FliF and FliG required each other for stability, which is mediated by atypical extensions to the proteins. A FliF mutant that presumably does not interact with the T3SS protein FlhA did not support flagellar gene transcription, suggesting that FliF-T3SS interactions are essential to generate a signal sensed by the cytoplasmic FlgS histidine kinase. Furthermore, the flagellar T3SS was required for FlgS to immunoprecipitate with FliF and FliG. We propose a model whereby the flagellar T3SS facilitates FliF and FliG multimerization into the MS ring and rotor. As a result, these flagellar structures form a cytoplasmic complex that interacts with and is sensed by FlgS. The synthesis of these structures appears to be a regulatory checkpoint in flagellar biogenesis that the FlgS kinase monitors to initiate signal transduction that activates σ54and expression of genes required for the next stage of flagellation. Given that other polar flagellates have flagellar transcriptional hierarchies that are organized similarly as inC. jejuni, this regulatory checkpoint may exist in a broad range of bacteria to influence similar TCSs and flagellar gene transcription.IMPORTANCEDespite the presence of numerous two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) in bacteria, direct signals sensed by TCSs to activate signal transduction are known for only a minority. Polar flagellates, includingPseudomonas,Vibrio,Helicobacter, andCampylobacterspecies, require a similar TCS and σ54for flagellar gene transcription, but the activating signals for these TCSs are unknown. We explored signals that activate theCampylobacter jejuniFlgSR TCS to initiate σ54-dependent flagellar gene transcription. Our discoveries suggest that the FlgS histidine kinase monitors the formation of the flagellar type III secretion system and the surrounding MS and C rings. The synthesis of these structures creates a regulatory checkpoint in flagellar biogenesis that is sensed by FlgS to ensure proper transcription of the next set of genes for subsequent steps in flagellation. Given the conservation of flagellar-associated TCSs and transcriptional cascades in polar flagellates, this regulatory checkpoint in flagellar biogenesis likely impacts flagellation in a broad range of bacteria.

scholarly journals A Polar Flagellar Transcriptional Program Mediated by Diverse Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems and Basal Flagellar Proteins Is Broadly Conserved in Polar Flagellates

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Burnham ◽  
William P. Kolar ◽  
David R. Hendrixson
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Transcriptional Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Processes ◽  
Two Component ◽  
Two Component Signal Transduction ◽  
Flagellar Biogenesis ◽  
Signal Transduction Systems

ABSTRACT Bacterial flagella are rotating nanomachines required for motility. Flagellar gene expression and protein secretion are coordinated for efficient flagellar biogenesis. Polar flagellates, unlike peritrichous bacteria, commonly order flagellar rod and hook gene transcription as a separate step after production of the MS ring, C ring, and flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) core proteins that form a competent fT3SS. Conserved regulatory mechanisms in diverse polar flagellates to create this polar flagellar transcriptional program have not been thoroughly assimilated. Using in silico and genetic analyses and our previous findings in Campylobacter jejuni as a foundation, we observed a large subset of Gram-negative bacteria with the FlhF/FlhG regulatory system for polar flagellation to possess flagellum-associated two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs). We present data supporting a general theme in polar flagellates whereby MS ring, rotor, and fT3SS proteins contribute to a regulatory checkpoint during polar flagellar biogenesis. We demonstrate that Vibrio cholerae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa require the formation of this regulatory checkpoint for the TCSs to directly activate subsequent rod and hook gene transcription, which are hallmarks of the polar flagellar transcriptional program. By reprogramming transcription in V. cholerae to more closely follow the peritrichous flagellar transcriptional program, we discovered a link between the polar flagellar transcription program and the activity of FlhF/FlhG flagellar biogenesis regulators in which the transcriptional program allows polar flagellates to continue to produce flagella for motility when FlhF or FlhG activity may be altered. Our findings integrate flagellar transcriptional and biogenesis regulatory processes involved in polar flagellation in many species. IMPORTANCE Relative to peritrichous bacteria, polar flagellates possess regulatory systems that order flagellar gene transcription differently and produce flagella in specific numbers only at poles. How transcriptional and flagellar biogenesis regulatory systems are interlinked to promote the correct synthesis of polar flagella in diverse species has largely been unexplored. We found evidence for many Gram-negative polar flagellates encoding two-component signal transduction systems with activity linked to the formation of flagellar type III secretion systems to enable production of flagellar rod and hook proteins at a discrete, subsequent stage during flagellar assembly. This polar flagellar transcriptional program assists, in some manner, the FlhF/FlhG flagellar biogenesis regulatory system, which forms specific flagellation patterns in polar flagellates in maintaining flagellation and motility when activity of FlhF or FlhG might be altered. Our work provides insight into the multiple regulatory processes required for polar flagellation.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Activity and Regulon of the Two-Component Regulatory System Composed by Cjj81176_1484 and Cjj81176_1483 of Campylobacter jejuni

2015 ◽  
Vol 197 (9) ◽  
pp. 1592-1605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. Luethy ◽  
Steven Huynh ◽  
Craig T. Parker ◽  
David R. Hendrixson
Keyword(s):  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Histidine Kinase ◽  
Intestinal Tract ◽  
Diarrheal Disease ◽  
Response Regulator ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Systems ◽  
Two Component ◽  
Genes Encoding

ABSTRACTCampylobacter jejuniis a leading cause of bacterial diarrheal disease and a frequent commensal of the intestinal tract in poultry and other animals. For optimal growth and colonization of hosts,C. jejuniemploys two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) to monitor environmental conditions and promote proper expression of specific genes. We analyzed the potential ofC. jejuniCjj81176_1484(Cjj1484) andCjj81176_1483(Cjj1483) to encode proteins of a cognate TCS that influences expression of genes possibly important forC. jejunigrowth and colonization. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the regulons of the Cjj81176_1484 (Cjj1484) histidine kinase and the Cjj81176_1483 (Cjj1483) response regulator contain many common genes, suggesting that these proteins likely form a cognate TCS. We found that this TCS generally functions to repress expression of specific proteins with roles in metabolism, iron/heme acquisition, and respiration. Furthermore, the TCS repressed expression ofCjj81176_0438andCjj81176_0439, which had previously been found to encode a gluconate dehydrogenase complex required for commensal colonization of the chick intestinal tract. However, the TCS and other specific genes whose expression is repressed by the TCS were not required for colonization of chicks. We observed that the Cjj1483 response regulator binds target promoters in both unphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms and influences expression of some specific genes independently of the Cjj1484 histidine kinase. This work further expands the signaling mechanisms ofC. jejuniand provides additional insights regarding the complex and multifactorial regulation of many genes involved in basic metabolism, respiration, and nutrient acquisition that the bacterium requires for optimal growth in different environments.IMPORTANCEBacterial two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) link environmental cues to expression of specific genes that enable optimal bacterial growth or colonization of hosts. We found that theCampylobacter jejuniCjj1484 histidine kinase and Cjj1483 response regulator function as a cognate TCS to largely repress expression of target genes encoding a gluconate dehydrogenase complex required for commensal colonization of the chick intestinal tract, as well as other genes encoding proteins for heme or iron acquisition, metabolism, and respiration. We also discovered different modes by which Cjj1483 may mediate repression with and without Cjj1484. This work provides insight into the signal transduction mechanisms of a leading cause of bacterial diarrheal disease and emphasizes the multifactorial and complex regulation of specific biological processes inC. jejuni.

scholarly journals Pseudomonas aeruginosa Magnesium Transporter MgtE Inhibits Type III Secretion System Gene Expression by Stimulating rsmYZ Transcription

2017 ◽  
Vol 199 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shubham Chakravarty ◽  
Cameron N. Melton ◽  
Adam Bailin ◽  
Timothy L. Yahr ◽  
Gregory G. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Type Iii Secretion System ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Magnesium Transporter

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes numerous acute and chronic opportunistic infections in humans. One of its most formidable weapons is a type III secretion system (T3SS), which injects powerful toxins directly into host cells. The toxins lead to cell dysfunction and, ultimately, cell death. Identification of regulatory pathways that control T3SS gene expression may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutics to treat P. aeruginosa infections. In a previous study, we found that expression of the magnesium transporter gene mgtE inhibits T3SS gene transcription. MgtE-dependent inhibition appeared to interfere with the synthesis or function of the master T3SS transcriptional activator ExsA, although the exact mechanism was unclear. We now demonstrate that mgtE expression acts through the GacAS two-component system to activate rsmY and rsmZ transcription. This event ultimately leads to inhibition of exsA translation. This inhibitory effect is specific to exsA as translation of other genes in the exsCEBA operon is not inhibited by mgtE. Moreover, our data reveal that MgtE acts solely through this pathway to regulate T3SS gene transcription. Our study reveals an important mechanism that may allow P. aeruginosa to fine-tune T3SS activity in response to certain environmental stimuli. IMPORTANCE The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a critical virulence factor utilized by numerous Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to intoxicate and kill host cells. Elucidating T3SS regulatory mechanisms may uncover targets for novel anti-P. aeruginosa therapeutics and provide deeper understanding of bacterial pathogenesis. We previously found that the magnesium transporter MgtE inhibits T3SS gene transcription in P. aeruginosa. In this study, we describe the mechanism of MgtE-dependent inhibition of the T3SS. Our report also illustrates how MgtE might respond to environmental cues, such as magnesium levels, to fine-tune T3SS gene expression.

scholarly journals Ca 2+ -Induced Two-Component System CvsSR Regulates the Type III Secretion System and the Extracytoplasmic Function Sigma Factor AlgU in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000

2017 ◽  
Vol 200 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxwell R. Fishman ◽  
Johnson Zhang ◽  
Philip A. Bronstein ◽  
Paul Stodghill ◽  
Melanie J. Filiatrault
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Syringae ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Type Iii Secretion System ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tomato Dc3000 ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Two Component ◽  
Two Component Systems

ABSTRACT Two-component systems (TCSs) of bacteria regulate many different aspects of the bacterial life cycle, including pathogenesis. Most TCSs remain uncharacterized, with no information about the signal(s) or regulatory targets and/or role in bacterial pathogenesis. Here, we characterized a TCS in the plant-pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 composed of the histidine kinase CvsS and the response regulator CvsR. CvsSR is necessary for virulence of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000, since Δ cvsS and Δ cvsR strains produced fewer symptoms than the wild type (WT) and demonstrated reduced growth on multiple hosts. We discovered that expression of cvsSR is induced by Ca 2+ concentrations found in leaf apoplastic fluid. Thus, Ca 2+ can be added to the list of signals that promote pathogenesis of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 during host colonization. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next-generation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and global transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq), we discerned the CvsR regulon. CvsR directly activated expression of the type III secretion system regulators, hrpR and hrpS , that regulate P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 virulence in a type III secretion system-dependent manner. CvsR also indirectly repressed transcription of the extracytoplasmic sigma factor algU and production of alginate. Phenotypic analysis determined that CvsSR inversely regulated biofilm formation, swarming motility, and cellulose production in a Ca 2+ -dependent manner. Overall, our results show that CvsSR is a key regulatory hub critical for interaction with host plants. IMPORTANCE Pathogenic bacteria must be able to react and respond to the surrounding environment, make use of available resources, and avert or counter host immune responses. Often, these abilities rely on two-component systems (TCSs) composed of interacting proteins that modulate gene expression. We identified a TCS in the plant-pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae that responds to the presence of calcium, which is an important signal during the plant defense response. We showed that when P. syringae is grown in the presence of calcium, this TCS regulates expression of factors contributing to disease. Overall, our results provide a better understanding of how bacterial pathogens respond to plant signals and control systems necessary for eliciting disease.

scholarly journals Signal Pathway in Salt-Activated Expression of the Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 Type III Secretion System in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

2008 ◽  
Vol 190 (13) ◽  
pp. 4624-4631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideaki Mizusaki ◽  
Akiko Takaya ◽  
Tomoko Yamamoto ◽  
Shin-Ichi Aizawa
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Protein Secretion ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Type Iii Secretion System ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Two Component ◽  
Serovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium secretes virulence factors for invasion called Sip proteins or Sips into its hosts through a type III secretion system (T3SS). In the absence of a host, S. enterica induces Sip secretion in response to sucrose or simple salts, such as NaCl. We analyzed induction of host-independent Sip secretion by monitoring protein secretion by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), assembly of needle complexes by electron microscopy, and transcription of virulence regulatory genes by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (real-time PCR). SDS-PAGE showed that addition of sucrose or simple salts, such as NaCl, to the growth medium induced Sip secretion without altering flagellar protein secretion, which requires a distinct T3SS. Electron microscopy confirmed that the amount of secreted Sips increased as the number of assembled needle complexes increased. Real-time PCR revealed that added sucrose or NaCl enhanced transcription of hilA, hilC, and hilD, which encode known regulators of Salmonella virulence. However, epistasis analysis implicated HilD and HilA, but not HilC, in the direct pathway from the salt stimulus to the Sip secretion response. Further analyses showed that the BarA/SirA two-component signal transduction pathway, but not the two-component sensor kinase EnvZ, directly activated hilD and hilA transcription and thus Sip secretion in response to either sucrose or NaCl. Finally, real-time PCR showed that salt does not influence transcription of the BarA/SirA-dependent csrB and csrC genes. A model is proposed for the major pathway in which sucrose or salt signals to enhance virulence gene expression.

scholarly journals A Salmonella Virulence Factor Activates the NOD1/NOD2 Signaling Pathway

mBio ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Marijke Keestra ◽  
Maria G. Winter ◽  
Daisy Klein-Douwel ◽  
Mariana N. Xavier ◽  
Sebastian E. Winter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Type Iii Secretion System ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Iii

ABSTRACTThe invasion-associated type III secretion system (T3SS-1) ofSalmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) activates the transcription factor NF-κB in tissue culture cells and induces inflammatory responses in animal models through unknown mechanisms. Here we show that bacterial delivery or ectopic expression of SipA, a T3SS-1-translocated protein, led to the activation of the NOD1/NOD2 signaling pathway and consequent RIP2-mediated induction of NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses. SipA-mediated activation of NOD1/NOD2 signaling was independent of bacterial invasionin vitrobut required an intact T3SS-1. In the mouse colitis model, SipA triggered mucosal inflammation in wild-type mice but not in NOD1/NOD2-deficient mice. These findings implicate SipA-driven activation of the NOD1/NOD2 signaling pathway as a mechanism by which the T3SS-1 induces inflammatory responsesin vitroandin vivo.IMPORTANCESalmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) deploys a type III secretion system (T3SS-1) to induce intestinal inflammation and benefits from the ensuing host response, which enhances growth of the pathogen in the intestinal lumen. However, the mechanisms by which the T3SS-1 triggers inflammatory responses have not been resolved. Here we show that the T3SS-1 effector protein SipA induces NF-κB activation and intestinal inflammation by activating the NOD1/NOD2 signaling pathway. These data suggest that the T3SS-1 escalates innate responses through a SipA-mediated activation of pattern recognition receptors in the host cell cytosol.

scholarly journals Genetic Analysis of the Salmonella FliE Protein That Forms the Base of the Flagellar Axial Structure

mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan J. Hendriksen ◽  
Hee Jung Lee ◽  
Alexander J. Bradshaw ◽  
Keiichi Namba ◽  
Fabienne F. V. Chevance ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Type Iii Secretion System ◽  
Adaptor Protein ◽  
Ring Structure ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Dual Roles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bacterial Flagellum ◽  
Type Iii

The FliE component of the bacterial flagellum is the first protein secreted through the flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) that is capable of self-assembly into the growing bacterial organelle. The FliE protein plays dual roles in the assembly of the Salmonella flagellum as the final component of the flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) and as an adaptor protein that anchors the rod (drive shaft) of the flagellar motor to the membrane-imbedded MS-ring structure.

scholarly journals FlhF and Its GTPase Activity Are Required for Distinct Processes in Flagellar Gene Regulation and Biosynthesis in Campylobacter jejuni

2009 ◽  
Vol 191 (21) ◽  
pp. 6602-6611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Balaban ◽  
Stephanie N. Joslin ◽  
David R. Hendrixson
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Flagellar Gene ◽  
Gtpase Activity ◽  
Gtp Hydrolysis ◽  
Genetic Analyses ◽  
Flagellar Biosynthesis ◽  
Two Component

ABSTRACT FlhF proteins are putative GTPases that are often necessary for one or more steps in flagellar organelle development in polarly flagellated bacteria. In Campylobacter jejuni, FlhF is required for σ54-dependent flagellar gene expression and flagellar biosynthesis, but how FlhF influences these processes is unknown. Furthermore, the GTPase activity of any FlhF protein and the requirement of this speculated activity for steps in flagellar biosynthesis remain uncharacterized. We show here that C. jejuni FlhF hydrolyzes GTP, indicating that these proteins are GTPases. C. jejuni mutants producing FlhF proteins with reduced GTPase activity were not severely defective for σ54-dependent flagellar gene expression, unlike a mutant lacking FlhF. Instead, these mutants had a propensity to lack flagella or produce flagella in improper numbers or at nonpolar locations, indicating that GTP hydrolysis by FlhF is required for proper flagellar biosynthesis. Additional studies focused on elucidating a possible role for FlhF in σ54-dependent flagellar gene expression were conducted. These studies revealed that FlhF does not influence production of or signaling between the flagellar export apparatus and the FlgSR two-component regulatory system to activate σ54. Instead, our data suggest that FlhF functions in an independent pathway that converges with or works downstream of the flagellar export apparatus-FlgSR pathway to influence σ54-dependent gene expression. This study provides corroborative biochemical and genetic analyses suggesting that different activities of the C. jejuni FlhF GTPase are required for distinct steps in flagellar gene expression and biosynthesis. Our findings are likely applicable to many polarly flagellated bacteria that utilize FlhF in flagellar biosynthesis processes.

scholarly journals Diversification of Campylobacter jejuni Flagellar C-Ring Composition Impacts Its Structure and Function in Motility, Flagellar Assembly, and Cellular Processes

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Louie D. Henderson ◽  
Teige R. S. Matthews-Palmer ◽  
Connor J. Gulbronson ◽  
Deborah A. Ribardo ◽  
Morgan Beeby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Spatial Regulation ◽  
Flagellar Motors ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Flagellar Assembly ◽  
And Function ◽  
Conserved Core ◽  
Flagellar Biogenesis

ABSTRACT Bacterial flagella are reversible rotary motors that rotate external filaments for bacterial propulsion. Some flagellar motors have diversified by recruiting additional components that influence torque and rotation, but little is known about the possible diversification and evolution of core motor components. The mechanistic core of flagella is the cytoplasmic C ring, which functions as a rotor, directional switch, and assembly platform for the flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) ATPase. The C ring is composed of a ring of FliG proteins and a helical ring of surface presentation of antigen (SPOA) domains from the switch proteins FliM and one of two usually mutually exclusive paralogs, FliN or FliY. We investigated the composition, architecture, and function of the C ring of Campylobacter jejuni, which encodes FliG, FliM, and both FliY and FliN by a variety of interrogative approaches. We discovered a diversified C. jejuni C ring containing FliG, FliM, and both FliY, which functions as a classical FliN-like protein for flagellar assembly, and FliN, which has neofunctionalized into a structural role. Specific protein interactions drive the formation of a more complex heterooligomeric C. jejuni C-ring structure. We discovered that this complex C ring has additional cellular functions in polarly localizing FlhG for numerical regulation of flagellar biogenesis and spatial regulation of division. Furthermore, mutation of the C. jejuni C ring revealed a T3SS that was less dependent on its ATPase complex for assembly than were other systems. Our results highlight considerable evolved flagellar diversity that impacts motor output, biogenesis, and cellular processes in different species. IMPORTANCE The conserved core of bacterial flagellar motors reflects a shared evolutionary history that preserves the mechanisms essential for flagellar assembly, rotation, and directional switching. In this work, we describe an expanded and diversified set of core components in the Campylobacter jejuni flagellar C ring, the mechanistic core of the motor. Our work provides insight into how usually conserved core components may have diversified by gene duplication, enabling a division of labor of the ancestral protein between the two new proteins, acquisition of new roles in flagellar assembly and motility, and expansion of the function of the flagellum beyond motility, including spatial regulation of cell division and numerical control of flagellar biogenesis in C. jejuni. Our results highlight that relatively small changes, such as gene duplications, can have substantial ramifications on the cellular roles of a molecular machine.

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