The Type IX Secretion System and Its Role in Bacterial Function and Pathogenesis

2021 ◽  
pp. 002203452110515
Author(s):  
P.D. Veith ◽  
M.D. Glew ◽  
D.G. Gorasia ◽  
E. Cascales ◽  
E.C. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Outer Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Molecular Architecture ◽  
Cargo Proteins ◽  
Type Ix Secretion System ◽  
Insight Into

Porphyromonas, Tannerella, and Prevotella species found in severe periodontitis use the Type IX Secretion System (T9SS) to load their outer membrane surface with an array of virulence factors. These virulence factors are then released on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which penetrate the host to dysregulate the immune response to establish a positive feedback loop of chronic, inflammatory destruction of the tooth’s supporting tissues. In this review, we present the latest information on the molecular architecture of the T9SS and provide mechanistic insight into its role in secretion and attachment of cargo proteins to produce a virulence coat on cells and OMVs. The recent molecular structures of the T9SS motor comprising PorL and PorM as well as the secretion pore Sov, together with advances in the overall interactome, have provided insight into the possible mechanisms of secretion. We propose the presence of PorL/M motors arranged in a circle at the inner membrane with bent periplasmic rotors interacting with the PorN protein. At the outer membrane, we envisage a slide carousel model where the PorN protein is driven around a circular track composed of PorK. Cargo proteins are transported by PorN to PorW and the Sov translocon just as slides are rotated to the projection window. Secreted proteins are proposed to then be shuttled along highways consisting of the PorV shuttle protein to an array of attachment complexes distributed around the cell. The cell surface attachment of cargo is a hallmark of the T9SS, and in Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, this attachment is achieved via covalent bonding to a linking sugar synthesized by the Wbp/Vim pathway. The cell-surface attached cargo are enriched on OMVs, which are then released from the cell.

scholarly journals Type IX Secretion System Cargo Proteins Are Glycosylated at the C Terminus with a Novel Linking Sugar of the Wbp/Vim Pathway

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul D. Veith ◽  
Mikio Shoji ◽  
Richard A. J. O’Hair ◽  
Michael G. Leeming ◽  
Shuai Nie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Porphyromonas Gingivalis ◽  
Biosynthetic Pathway ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Tannerella Forsythia ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Cargo Proteins ◽  
Type Ix Secretion System

ABSTRACT Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia use the type IX secretion system to secrete cargo proteins to the cell surface where they are anchored via glycolipids. In P. gingivalis, the glycolipid is anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS), of partially known structure. Modified cargo proteins were deglycosylated using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and digested with trypsin or proteinase K. The residual modifications were then extensively analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. The C terminus of each cargo protein was amide-bonded to a linking sugar whose structure was deduced to be 2-N-seryl, 3-N-acetylglucuronamide in P. gingivalis and 2-N-glycyl, 3-N-acetylmannuronic acid in T. forsythia. The structures indicated the involvement of the Wbp pathway to produce 2,3-di-N-acetylglucuronic acid and a WbpS amidotransferase to produce the uronamide form of this sugar in P. gingivalis. The wbpS gene was identified as PGN_1234 as its deletion resulted in the inability to produce the uronamide. In addition, the P. gingivalis vimA mutant which lacks A-LPS was successfully complemented by the T. forsythia vimA gene; however, the linking sugar was altered to include glycine rather than serine. After removal of the acetyl group at C-2 by the putative deacetylase, VimE, VimA presumably transfers the amino acid to complete the biosynthesis. The data explain all the enzyme activities required for the biosynthesis of the linking sugar accounting for six A-LPS-specific genes. The linking sugar is therefore the key compound that enables the attachment of cargo proteins in P. gingivalis and T. forsythia. We propose to designate this novel linking sugar biosynthetic pathway the Wbp/Vim pathway. IMPORTANCE Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, two pathogens associated with severe gum disease, use the type IX secretion system (T9SS) to secrete and attach toxic arrays of virulence factor proteins to their cell surfaces. The proteins are tethered to the outer membrane via glycolipid anchors that have remained unidentified for more than 2 decades. In this study, the first sugar molecules (linking sugars) in these anchors are identified and found to be novel compounds. The novel biosynthetic pathway of these linking sugars is also elucidated. A diverse range of bacteria that do not have the T9SS were found to have the genes for this pathway, suggesting that they may synthesize similar linking sugars for utilization in different systems. Since the cell surface attachment of virulence factors is essential for virulence, these findings reveal new targets for the development of novel therapies.

scholarly journals The Type IX Secretion System: Advances in Structure, Function and Organisation

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhana G. Gorasia ◽  
Paul D. Veith ◽  
Eric C. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Structure Function ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Gliding Motility ◽  
Flavobacterium Johnsoniae ◽  
Bacteroidetes Phylum ◽  
Transcription Regulators ◽  
Type Ix Secretion System ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Made In

The type IX secretion system (T9SS) is specific to the Bacteroidetes phylum. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen for periodontitis, utilises the T9SS to transport many proteins—including its gingipain virulence factors—across the outer membrane and attach them to the cell surface. Additionally, the T9SS is also required for gliding motility in motile organisms, such as Flavobacterium johnsoniae. At least nineteen proteins have been identified as components of the T9SS, including the three transcription regulators, PorX, PorY and SigP. Although the components are known, the overall organisation and the molecular mechanism of how the T9SS operates is largely unknown. This review focusses on the recent advances made in the structure, function, and organisation of the T9SS machinery to provide further insight into this highly novel secretion system.

scholarly journals The essential Porphyromonas gingivalis type IX secretion system component PorZ delivers anionic-lipopolysaccharide to the PorU sortase for transpeptidase processing of cargos

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariusz Madej ◽  
Zuzanna Nowakowska ◽  
Miroslaw Ksiazek ◽  
Anna M. Lasica ◽  
Danuta Mizgalska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Porphyromonas Gingivalis ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
System Component ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cargo Proteins ◽  
Type Ix Secretion System ◽  
Lps Binding

AbstractCargo proteins of the type IX secretion system (T9SS) in human pathogens from phylum Bacteroidetes invariably possess a conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) that functions as a signal for outer membrane (OM) translocation. In Porphyromonas gingivalis, the CTD of selected cargos is cleaved off after translocation, and anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS) is attached. This transpeptidase reaction anchors secreted proteins to the OM. PorZ, a cell surface-associated protein, is an essential component of the T9SS whose function was previously unknown. We recently solved the crystal structure of PorZ, and found that it consists of two β-propeller moieties followed by a CTD. In this study, we performed structure-based modelling suggesting that PorZ is a carbohydrate-binding protein. We found that recombinant PorZ specifically binds A-LPS. Binding was blocked by monoclonal antibodies that specifically react with a phosphorylated branched mannan in the anionic polysaccharide (A-PS) component of the A-LPS, but not with the core oligosaccharide or the lipid A endotoxin. Examination of A-LPS derived from a cohort of mutants producing various truncations of A-PS confirmed that the phosphorylated branched mannan is indeed the PorZ ligand. Moreover, purified recombinant PorZ interacted with the PorU sortase in an A-LPS–dependent manner. This interaction on the cell surface is crucial for the function of the attachment complex composed of PorU, PorZ, and the integral OM β-barrel proteins PorV and PorQ, which is involved in post-translational modification and retention of T9SS cargos on the bacterial surface.Author summaryBacteria have evolved multiple systems to transport effector proteins to their surface or into the surrounding milieu. These proteins have a wide range of functions, including attachment, motility, nutrient acquisition, and toxicity in the host. Porphyromonas gingivalis, the human pathogen responsible for severe gum diseases (periodontitis), uses a recently characterized type IX secretion system (T9SS) to translocate and anchor secreted virulence effectors to the cell surface. Anchorage is facilitated by sortase, an enzyme that covalently attaches T9SS cargo proteins to a unique anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS) moiety of P. gingivalis. Here, we show that the T9SS component PorZ interacts with sortase and specifically binds A-LPS. Binding is mediated by a phosphorylated branched mannan repeat in A-LPS polysaccharide. A-LPS– bound PorZ interacts with sortase with significantly greater affinity, facilitating modification of cargo proteins by the cell-surface attachment complex of the T9SS.

scholarly journals PorZ, an Essential Component of the Type IX Secretion System of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Delivers Anionic Lipopolysaccharide to the PorU Sortase for Transpeptidase Processing of T9SS Cargo Proteins

mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariusz Madej ◽  
Zuzanna Nowakowska ◽  
Miroslaw Ksiazek ◽  
Anna M. Lasica ◽  
Danuta Mizgalska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Porphyromonas Gingivalis ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Carbohydrate Binding ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Essential Component ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cargo Proteins ◽  
Type Ix Secretion System

ABSTRACT Cargo proteins of the type IX secretion system (T9SS) in human pathogens from the Bacteroidetes phylum invariably possess a conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) that functions as a signal for outer membrane (OM) translocation. In Porphyromonas gingivalis, the CTD of cargos is cleaved off after translocation, and anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS) is attached. This transpeptidase reaction anchors secreted proteins to the OM. PorZ, a cell surface-associated protein, is an essential component of the T9SS whose function was previously unknown. We recently solved the crystal structure of PorZ and found that it consists of two β-propeller moieties, followed by a CTD. In this study, we performed structure-based modeling, suggesting that PorZ is a carbohydrate-binding protein. Indeed, we found that recombinant PorZ specifically binds A-LPS in vitro. Binding was blocked by monoclonal antibodies that specifically react with a phosphorylated branched mannan in the anionic polysaccharide (A-PS) component of A-LPS, but not with the core oligosaccharide or the lipid A endotoxin. Examination of A-LPS derived from a cohort of mutants producing various truncations of A-PS confirmed that the phosphorylated branched mannan is indeed the PorZ ligand. Moreover, purified recombinant PorZ interacted with the PorU sortase in an A-LPS-dependent manner. This interaction on the cell surface is crucial for the function of the “attachment complex” composed of PorU, PorZ, and the integral OM β-barrel proteins PorV and PorQ, which is involved in posttranslational modification and retention of T9SS cargos on the bacterial surface. IMPORTANCE Bacteria have evolved multiple systems to transport effector proteins to their surface or into the surrounding milieu. These proteins have a wide range of functions, including attachment, motility, nutrient acquisition, and toxicity in the host. Porphyromonas gingivalis, the human pathogen responsible for severe gum diseases (periodontitis), uses a recently characterized type IX secretion system (T9SS) to translocate and anchor secreted virulence effectors to the cell surface. Anchorage is facilitated by sortase, an enzyme that covalently attaches T9SS cargo proteins to a unique anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS) moiety of P. gingivalis. Here, we show that the T9SS component PorZ interacts with sortase and specifically binds A-LPS. Binding is mediated by a phosphorylated branched mannan repeat in A-LPS polysaccharide. A-LPS-bound PorZ interacts with sortase with significantly higher affinity, facilitating modification of cargo proteins by the cell surface attachment complex of the T9SS.

scholarly journals In situ structure and organisation of the type IX secretion system

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
DG Gorasia ◽  
G Chreifi ◽  
CA Seers ◽  
CA Butler ◽  
JE Heath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Electron Tomography ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Gliding Motility ◽  
Type B ◽  
Surface Attachment ◽  
Flavobacterium Johnsoniae ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Type Ix Secretion System

AbstractThe Bacteroidetes type IX secretion system (T9SS) consists of at least 19 components that translocate proteins with a type A or type B C-terminal domain (CTD) signal across the outer membrane. The overall organisation and architecture of this system including how the secretion pore (Sov) interacts with the other components is unknown. We used cryo-electron tomography to obtain the first images of the T9SS including PorK/N rings inside intact Porphyromonas gingivalis cells. Using proteomics, we identified a novel complex between Sov, PorV and PorA and showed that Sov interacts with the PorK/N rings via PorW and a new component PGN_1783. A separate complex comprising the outer membrane β-barrel protein PorP, PorE, and the type B CTD protein PG1035 was also identified. Similarly, the Flavobacterium johnsoniae PorP-like protein, SprF was found bound to the major gliding motility adhesin, SprB. Based on these data, we propose cell surface anchorage for type B CTD proteins to PorP-like proteins and a unique model where the PorK/N rings function as an outer membrane barrier to maintain the close proximity of the translocon to the shuttle and attachment complexes inside the rings, ensuring the harmonized secretion and cell surface attachment of the T9SS substrates.

scholarly journals Complementation in trans of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide biosynthetic mutants demonstrates lipopolysaccharide exchange

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle D. Glew ◽  
Dhana G. Gorasia ◽  
Paul J. McMillan ◽  
Catherine A. Butler ◽  
Paul D. Veith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Porphyromonas Gingivalis ◽  
Bacterial Pathogen ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Outer Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Oral Microbiota ◽  
Cargo Proteins ◽  
In Trans ◽  
Type Ix Secretion System ◽  
Black Pigmentation

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterial pathogen contributing to human periodontitis, exports and anchors cargo proteins to its surface enabling the production of black pigmentation using a type IX secretion system (T9SS) and conjugation to A-lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS). To determine whether T9SS components need to be assembled “in situ” for correct secretion and A-LPS modification of cargo proteins, combinations of non-pigmented mutants lacking A-LPS or a T9SS component were mixed to investigate in trans complementation. Re-acquisition of pigmentation only occurred between an A-LPS mutant and a T9SS mutant which coincided with A-LPS modification of cargo-proteins detected by Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation/quantitative mass spectrometry. Complementation also occurred using an A-LPS mutant mixed with outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) or purified A-LPS. Fluorescence experiments demonstrated that OMVs can fuse with and transfer lipid to P. gingivalis leading to the conclusion that complementation of T9SS function occurred through A-LPS transfer between cells. None of the two strain crosses involving only the five T9SS OM component mutants produced black pigmentation implying that the OM proteins cannot be transferred in a manner that restores function and surface pigmentation and hence a more ordered temporal in situ assembly of T9SS components maybe required. Our results show that LPS can be transferred between cells or between cells and OMVs to complement deficiencies in LPS biosynthesis and hemin-related pigmentation to reveal a potentially new mechanism by which the oral microbial community is modulated to produce clinical consequences in the human host. Importance Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen contributing to periodontitis in humans leading to tooth loss. The oral microbiota is essential in this pathogenic process and changes from predominantly Gram-positive (health) to predominantly Gram-negative (disease) species. P. gingivalis uses its type IX secretion system (T9SS) to secrete and conjugate virulence proteins to anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS). This study investigated whether components of this secretion system could be complemented and found that it was possible for A-LPS biosynthetic mutants to be complemented in trans both by strains that had the A-LPS on the cell surface and by exogenous sources of A-LPS. This is the first known example of LPS exchange in a human bacterial pathogen which causes disease through complex microbiota-host interactions.

scholarly journals Protein Interactome Analysis of the Type IX Secretion System Identifies PorW as the Missing Link between the PorK/N Ring Complex and the Sov Translocon

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhana G. Gorasia ◽  
Ignacio Lunar Silva ◽  
Catherine A. Butler ◽  
Maïalène Chabalier ◽  
Thierry Doan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Protein Secretion ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Surface Attachment ◽  
Protein Interactome ◽  
Core Module ◽  
Ring Complex ◽  
Protein Secretion System ◽  
Type Ix Secretion System

The T9SS is a newly identified protein secretion system of the Fibrobacteres - Chlorobi - Bacteroidetes superphylum used by pathogens associated with diseases of humans, fish, and poultry for the secretion and cell surface attachment of virulence factors. The T9SS comprises three known modules: (i) the trans-envelope core module comprising the PorL/M motor and the PorK/N ring, (ii) the outer membrane Sov translocon, and (iii) the cell surface attachment complex.

scholarly journals The Carboxy-Terminal Region ofFlavobacterium johnsoniaeSprB Facilitates Its Secretion by the Type IX Secretion System and Propulsion by the Gliding Motility Machinery

2019 ◽  
Vol 201 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surashree S. Kulkarni ◽  
Joseph J. Johnston ◽  
Yongtao Zhu ◽  
Zachary T. Hying ◽  
Mark J. McBride
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Type A ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Gliding Motility ◽  
Foreign Protein ◽  
Type B ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Ix Secretion System

ABSTRACTFlavobacterium johnsoniaeSprB moves rapidly along the cell surface, resulting in gliding motility. SprB secretion requires the type IX secretion system (T9SS). Proteins secreted by the T9SS typically have conserved C-terminal domains (CTDs) belonging to the type A CTD or type B CTD family. Attachment of 70- to 100-amino-acid type A CTDs to a foreign protein allows its secretion. Type B CTDs are common but have received little attention. Secretion of the foreign protein superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) fused to regions spanning the SprB type B CTD (sfGFP-CTDSprB) was analyzed. CTDs of 218 amino acids or longer resulted in secretion of sfGFP, whereas a 149-amino-acid region did not. Some sfGFP was secreted in soluble form, whereas the rest was attached on the cell surface. Surface-attached sfGFP was rapidly propelled along the cell, suggesting productive interaction with the motility machinery. This did not result in rapid cell movement, which apparently requires additional regions of SprB. Secretion of sfGFP-CTDSprBrequired coexpression withsprF, which lies downstream ofsprB. SprF is similar in sequence toPorphyromonas gingivalisPorP. MostF. johnsoniaegenes encoding proteins with type B CTDs lie immediately upstream ofporP/sprF-like genes. sfGFP was fused to the type B CTD from one such protein (Fjoh_3952). This resulted in secretion of sfGFP only when it was coexpressed with its cognate PorP/SprF-like protein. These results highlight the need for extended regions of type B CTDs and for coexpression with the appropriate PorP/SprF-like protein for efficient secretion and cell surface localization of cargo proteins.IMPORTANCETheF. johnsoniaegliding motility adhesin SprB is delivered to the cell surface by the type IX secretion system (T9SS) and is rapidly propelled along the cell by the motility machinery. How this 6,497-amino-acid protein interacts with the secretion and motility machines is not known. Fusion of the C-terminal 218 amino acids of SprB to a foreign cargo protein resulted in its secretion, attachment to the cell surface, and rapid movement by the motility machinery. Efficient secretion of SprB required coexpression with the outer membrane protein SprF. Secreted proteins that have sequence similarity to SprB in their C-terminal regions are common in the phylumBacteroidetesand may have roles in adhesion, motility, and virulence.

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