On mechanisms of colicin import: the outer membrane quandary

2018 ◽  
Vol 475 (23) ◽  
pp. 3903-3915 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Cramer ◽  
Onkar Sharma ◽  
S.D. Zakharov
Keyword(s):  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Catalytic Domain ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Crystal Structure Analysis ◽  
Multidrug Efflux Pump ◽  
Terminal Domain ◽  
Colicin E1 ◽  
N Terminus ◽  
T Domain

Current problems in the understanding of colicin import across the Escherichia coli outer membrane (OM), involving a range of cytotoxic mechanisms, are discussed: (I) Crystal structure analysis of colicin E3 (RNAase) with bound OM vitamin B12 receptor, BtuB, and of the N-terminal translocation (T) domain of E3 and E9 (DNAase) inserted into the OM OmpF porin, provide details of the initial interaction of the colicin central receptor (R)- and N-terminal T-domain with OM receptors/translocators. (II) Features of the translocon include: (a) high-affinity (Kd ≈ 10−9 M) binding of the E3 receptor-binding R-domain E3 to BtuB; (b) insertion of disordered colicin N-terminal domain into the OmpF trimer; (c) binding of the N-terminus, documented for colicin E9, to the TolB protein on the periplasmic side of OmpF. Reinsertion of the colicin N-terminus into the second of the three pores in OmpF implies a colicin anchor site on the periplasmic side of OmpF. (III) Studies on the insertion of nuclease colicins into the cytoplasmic compartment imply that translocation proceeds via the C-terminal catalytic domain, proposed here to insert through the unoccupied third pore of the OmpF trimer, consistent with in vitro occlusion of OmpF channels by the isolated E3 C-terminal domain. (IV) Discussion of channel-forming colicins focuses mainly on colicin E1 for which BtuB is receptor and the OM TolC protein the proposed translocator. The ability of TolC, part of a multidrug efflux pump, for which there is no precedent for an import function, to provide a trans-periplasmic import pathway for colicin E1, is questioned on the basis of an unfavorable hairpin conformation of colicin N-terminal peptides inserted into TolC.

scholarly journals Molecular Insights into an Antibiotic Enhancer Action of New Morpholine-Containing 5-Arylideneimidazolones in the Fight against MDR Bacteria

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 2062
Author(s):  
Aneta Kaczor ◽  
Karolina Witek ◽  
Sabina Podlewska ◽  
Veronique Sinou ◽  
Joanna Czekajewska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Modelling ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Potential Mechanism ◽  
Multidrug Efflux ◽  
Aromatic Rings ◽  
Allosteric Site ◽  
Multidrug Efflux Pump ◽  
Dual Action

In the search for an effective strategy to overcome antimicrobial resistance, a series of new morpholine-containing 5-arylideneimidazolones differing within either the amine moiety or at position five of imidazolones was explored as potential antibiotic adjuvants against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Compounds (7–23) were tested for oxacillin adjuvant properties in the Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strain ATCC 25923 and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus MRSA 19449. Compounds 14–16 were tested additionally in combination with various antibiotics. Molecular modelling was performed to assess potential mechanism of action. Microdilution and real-time efflux (RTE) assays were carried out in strains of K. aerogenes to determine the potential of compounds 7–23 to block the multidrug efflux pump AcrAB-TolC. Drug-like properties were determined experimentally. Two compounds (10, 15) containing non-condensed aromatic rings, significantly reduced oxacillin MICs in MRSA 19449, while 15 additionally enhanced the effectiveness of ampicillin. Results of molecular modelling confirmed the interaction with the allosteric site of PBP2a as a probable MDR-reversing mechanism. In RTE, the compounds inhibited AcrAB-TolC even to 90% (19). The 4-phenylbenzylidene derivative (15) demonstrated significant MDR-reversal “dual action” for β-lactam antibiotics in MRSA and inhibited AcrAB-TolC in K. aerogenes. 15 displayed also satisfied solubility and safety towards CYP3A4 in vitro.

scholarly journals Role of a tryptophan anchor in human topoisomerase I structure, function and inhibition

2008 ◽  
Vol 411 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary S. Laco ◽  
Yves Pommier
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Topoisomerase I ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Functional Domain ◽  
Site Mutation ◽  
Supercoiled Dna ◽  
Terminal Domain ◽  
Tryptophan Residues ◽  
N Terminus

Human Top1 (topoisomerase I) relaxes supercoiled DNA during cell division and transcription. Top1 is composed of 765 amino acids and contains an unstructured N-terminal domain of 200 amino acids, and a structured functional domain of 565 amino acids that binds and relaxes supercoiled DNA. In the present study we examined the region spanning the junction of the N-terminal domain and functional domain (junction region). Analysis of several published Top1 structures revealed that three tryptophan residues formed a network of aromatic stacking interactions and electrostatic interactions that anchored the N-terminus of the functional domain to sub-domains containing the nose cone and active site. Mutation of the three tryptophan residues (Trp203/Trp205/Trp206) to an alanine residue, either individually or together, in silico revealed that the individual tryptophan residue's contribution to the tryptophan ‘anchor’ was additive. When the three tryptophan residues were mutated to alanine in vitro, the resulting mutant Top1 differed from wild-type Top1 in that it lacked processivity, exhibited resistance to camptothecin and was inactivated by urea. The results indicated that the tryptophan anchor stabilized the N-terminus of the functional domain and prevented the loss of Top1 structure and function.

scholarly journals CmeR Functions as a Pleiotropic Regulator and Is Required for Optimal Colonization of Campylobacter jejuni In Vivo

2008 ◽  
Vol 190 (6) ◽  
pp. 1879-1890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baoqing Guo ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Feng Shi ◽  
Yi-Wen Barton ◽  
Paul Plummer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Capsular Polysaccharide ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Multidrug Efflux ◽  
Multidrug Efflux Pump ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Dicarboxylate Transport

ABSTRACT CmeR functions as a transcriptional repressor modulating the expression of the multidrug efflux pump CmeABC in Campylobacter jejuni. To determine if CmeR also regulates other genes in C. jejuni, we compared the transcriptome of the cmeR mutant with that of the wild-type strain using a DNA microarray. This comparison identified 28 genes that showed a ≥2-fold change in expression in the cmeR mutant. Independent real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR experiments confirmed 27 of the 28 differentially expressed genes. The CmeR-regulated genes encode membrane transporters, proteins involved in C4-dicarboxylate transport and utilization, enzymes for biosynthesis of capsular polysaccharide, and hypothetical proteins with unknown functions. Among the genes whose expression was upregulated in the cmeR mutant, Cj0561c (encoding a putative periplasmic protein) showed the greatest increase in expression. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that this gene is strongly repressed by CmeR. The presence of the known CmeR-binding site, an inverted repeat of TGTAAT, in the promoter region of Cj0561c suggests that CmeR directly inhibits the transcription of Cj0561c. Similar to expression of cmeABC, transcription of Cj0561c is strongly induced by bile compounds, which are normally present in the intestinal tracts of animals. Inactivation of Cj0561c did not affect the susceptibility of C. jejuni to antimicrobial compounds in vitro but reduced the fitness of C. jejuni in chickens. Loss-of-function mutation of cmeR severely reduced the ability of C. jejuni to colonize chickens. Together, these findings indicate that CmeR governs the expression of multiple genes with diverse functions and is required for Campylobacter adaptation in the chicken host.

Patupilone (epothilone B) inhibits growth and survival of multiple myeloma cells in vitro and in vivo

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 350-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Lin ◽  
Laurence Catley ◽  
Richard LeBlanc ◽  
Constantine Mitsiades ◽  
Renate Burger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Multidrug Efflux ◽  
Multidrug Efflux Pump ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Epothilone B ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Abstract In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of patupilone (epothilone B, EPO906), a novel nontaxane microtubule stabilizing agent, in treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Patupilone directly inhibited growth and survival of MM cells, including those resistant to conventional chemotherapies, such as the taxane paclitaxel. Patupilone induced G2M arrest of MM cells, with subsequent apoptosis. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), 2 known growth and survival factors for MM, did not protect MM.1S cells against patupilone-induced cell death. Proliferation of MM cells induced by adherence to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) was also inhibited by patupilone and was paralleled by down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. Importantly, stimulation of cells from patients with MM, either with IL-6 or by adherence to BMSCs, enhanced the anti-proliferative and proapoptotic effects of patupilone. Moreover, patupilone was effective against MM cell lines that overexpress the MDR1/P-glycoprotein multidrug efflux pump. In addition, patupilone was effective in slowing tumor growth and prolonging median survival of mice that received orthotopical transplants with MM tumor cells. Taken together, these preclinical findings suggest that patupilone may be a safe and effective drug in the treatment of MM, providing the framework for clinical studies to improve patient outcome in MM. (Blood. 2005;105:350-357)

scholarly journals Activities of Newer Fluoroquinolones against Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

2001 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1654-1659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Coyle ◽  
Glenn W. Kaatz ◽  
Michael J. Rybak
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Multidrug Efflux ◽  
Multidrug Efflux Pump ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Ciprofloxacin Resistance ◽  
Derivatives Of

ABSTRACT The incidence of ciprofloxacin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is low but steadily increasing, which raises concerns regarding the clinical impact of potential cross-resistance with newer fluoroquinolones. To investigate this problem, we utilized an in vitro pharmacodynamic model and compared the activities of gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and trovafloxacin to that of ciprofloxacin against two laboratory-derived, ciprofloxacin-resistant derivatives of S. pneumoniae (strains R919 and R921). Ciprofloxacin resistance in these strains involved the activity of a multidrug efflux pump and possibly, for R919, a mutation resulting in an amino acid substitution in GyrA. Gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and trovafloxacin achieved 99.9% killing of both R919 and R921 in ≤28 h. With respect to levofloxacin, significant regrowth of both mutants was observed at 48 h (P < 0.05). For gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, moxifloxacin, and trovafloxacin, regrowth was minimal at 48 h, with each maintaining 99.9% killing against both mutants. No killing of either R919 or R921 was observed with exposure to ciprofloxacin. During model experiments, resistance to gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, moxifloxacin, and trovafloxacin did not develop but the MICs of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin increased 1 to 2 dilutions for both R919 and R921. Although specific area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0–24)/MIC and maximum concentration of drug in serum (C max)/MIC ratios have not been defined for the fluoroquinolones with respect to gram-positive organisms, our study revealed that significant regrowth and/or resistance was associated with AUC0–24/MIC ratios of ≤31.7 and C max/MIC ratios of ≤3.1. It is evident that the newer fluoroquinolones tested possess improved activity against S. pneumoniae, including strains for which ciprofloxacin MICs were elevated.

scholarly journals Amino-Terminal Domain Exchange Redirects Origin-Specific Interactions of Adeno-Associated Virus Rep78 In Vitro

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 3230-3239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miran Yoon ◽  
Deborah H. Smith ◽  
Peter Ward ◽  
Francisco J. Medrano ◽  
Aneel K. Aggarwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Replication ◽  
Catalytic Domain ◽  
Adeno Associated Virus ◽  
Free System ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Terminal Domain ◽  
Site Specific Integration ◽  
Amino Terminal Domain

ABSTRACT The unique ability of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) to site-specifically integrate its genome into a defined sequence on human chromosome 19 (AAVS1) makes it of particular interest for use in targeted gene delivery. The objective underlying this study is to provide evidence for the feasibility of retargeting site-specific integration into selected loci within the human genome. Current models postulate that AAV DNA integration is initiated through the interactions of the products of a single viral open reading frame,REP, with sequences present in AAVS1 that resemble the minimal origin for AAV DNA replication. Here, we present a cell-free system designed to dissect the Rep functions required to target site-specific integration using functional chimeric Rep proteins derived from AAV Rep78 and Rep1 of the closely related goose parvovirus. We show that amino-terminal domain exchange efficiently redirects the specificity of Rep to the minimal origin of DNA replication. Furthermore, we establish that the amino-terminal 208 amino acids of Rep78/68 constitute a catalytic domain of Rep sufficient to mediate site-specific endonuclease activity.

scholarly journals Functional characterization of an N-terminally-truncated mitochondrial porin expressed in Neurospora crassa

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 730-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabbir R. Shuvo ◽  
Uliana Kovaltchouk ◽  
Abdullah Zubaer ◽  
Ayush Kumar ◽  
William A.T. Summers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Helical Structure ◽  
Terminal Segment ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Mitochondrial Porin ◽  
N Terminus

Mitochondrial porin, which forms voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDAC) in the outer membrane, can be folded into a 19-β-stranded barrel. The N terminus of the protein is external to the barrel and contains α-helical structure. Targeted modifications of the N-terminal region have been assessed in artificial membranes, leading to different models for gating in vitro. However, the in vivo requirements for gating and the N-terminal segment of porin are less well-understood. Using Neurospora crassa porin as a model, the effects of a partial deletion of the N-terminal segment were investigated. The protein, ΔN2-12porin, is assembled into the outer membrane, albeit at lower levels than the wild-type protein. The resulting strain displays electron transport chain deficiencies, concomitant expression of alternative oxidase, and decreased growth rates. Nonetheless, its mitochondrial genome does not contain any significant mutations. Most of the genes that are expressed in high levels in porin-less N. crassa are expressed at levels similar to that of wild type or are slightly increased in ΔN2-12porin strains. Thus, although the N-terminal segment of VDAC is required for complete function in vivo, low levels of a protein lacking part of the N terminus are able to rescue some of the defects associated with the absence of porin.

scholarly journals Toxic Electrophiles Induce Expression of the Multidrug Efflux Pump MexEF-OprN in Pseudomonas aeruginosa through a Novel Transcriptional Regulator, CmrA

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Juarez ◽  
Katy Jeannot ◽  
Patrick Plésiat ◽  
Catherine Llanes
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Transcriptional Regulator ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Multidrug Efflux ◽  
Multidrug Efflux Pump ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Constitutive Overexpression

ABSTRACT The multidrug efflux system MexEF-OprN is produced at low levels in wild-type strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, in so-called nfxC mutants, mutational alteration of the gene mexS results in constitutive overexpression of the pump, along with increased resistance of the bacterium to chloramphenicol, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim. In this study, analysis of in vitro-selected chloramphenicol-resistant clones of strain PA14 led to the identification of a new class of MexEF-OprN-overproducing mutants (called nfxC2) exhibiting alterations in an as-yet-uncharacterized gene, PA14_38040 (homolog of PA2047 in strain PAO1). This gene is predicted to encode an AraC-like transcriptional regulator and was called cmrA (for chloramphenicol resistance activator). In nfxC2 mutants, the mutated CmrA increases its proper gene expression and upregulates the operon mexEF-oprN through MexS and MexT, resulting in a multidrug resistance phenotype without significant loss in bacterial virulence. Transcriptomic experiments demonstrated that CmrA positively regulates a small set of 11 genes, including PA14_38020 (homolog of PA2048), which is required for the MexS/T-dependent activation of mexEF-oprN. PA2048 codes for a protein sharing conserved domains with the quinol monooxygenase YgiN from Escherichia coli. Interestingly, exposure of strain PA14 to toxic electrophilic molecules (glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and cinnamaldehyde) strongly activates the CmrA pathway and upregulates MexEF-OprN and, thus, increases the resistance of P. aeruginosa to the pump substrates. A picture emerges in which MexEF-OprN is central in the response of the pathogen to stresses affecting intracellular redox homeostasis.

scholarly journals Colicin E1 Fragments Potentiate Antibiotics by Plugging TolC

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Jimmy Budiardjo ◽  
Jacqueline J. Deay ◽  
Anna L. Calkins ◽  
Virangika K. Wimalasena ◽  
Daniel Montezano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Protein ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Outer Membrane Protein ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Outer Membrane Proteins ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Colicin E1 ◽  
Antibiotic Efflux

AbstractThe double membrane architecture of Gram-negative bacteria forms a barrier that is effectively impermeable to extracellular threats. Accordingly, researchers have shown increasing interest in developing antibiotics that target the accessible, surface-exposed proteins embedded in the outer membrane. TolC forms the outer membrane channel of an antibiotic efflux pump in Escherichia coli. Drawing from prior observations that colicin E1, a toxin produced by and lethal to E. coli, can bind to the TolC channel, we investigate the capacity of colicin E1 fragments to ‘plug’ TolC and inhibit its efflux function. First, using single-molecule fluorescence, we show that colicin E1 fragments that do not include the cytotoxic domain localize at the cell surface. Next, using real-time efflux measurements and minimum inhibitory concentration assays, we show that exposure of wild-type E. coli to fragments of colicin E1 indeed disrupts TolC efflux and heightens bacterial susceptibility to four common classes of antibiotics. This work demonstrates that extracellular plugging of outer membrane transporters can serve as a novel method to increase antibiotic susceptibility. In addition to the utility of these protein fragments as starting points for the development of novel antibiotic potentiators, the variety of outer membrane protein colicin binding partners provides an array of options that would allow our method to be used to inhibit other outer membrane protein functions.SignificanceWe find that fragments of a protein natively involved in intraspecies bacterial warfare can be exploited to plug the E. coli outer membrane antibiotic efflux machinery. This plugging disables a primary form of antibiotic resistance. Given the diversity of bacterial species of similar bacterial warfare protein targets, we anticipate that this method of plugging is generalizable to disabling the antibiotic efflux of other proteobacteria. Moreover, given the diversity of the targets of bacterial warfare proteins, this method could be used for disabling the function of a wide variety of other bacterial outer membrane proteins.

scholarly journals Elucidating the Genetic Basis of Crystalline Biofilm Formation in Proteus mirabilis

2014 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 1616-1626 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Holling ◽  
D. Lednor ◽  
S. Tsang ◽  
A. Bissell ◽  
L. Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Proteus Mirabilis ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Multidrug Efflux Pump ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Biofilm Development

ABSTRACTProteus mirabilisforms extensive crystalline biofilms on urethral catheters that occlude urine flow and frequently complicate the management of long-term-catheterized patients. Here, using random transposon mutagenesis in conjunction within vitromodels of the catheterized urinary tract, we elucidate the mechanisms underpinning the formation of crystalline biofilms byP. mirabilis. Mutants identified as defective in blockage of urethral catheters had disruptions in genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and efflux systems but were unaffected in general growth, survival in bladder model systems, or the ability to elevate urinary pH. Imaging of biofilms directly on catheter surfaces, along with quantification of levels of encrustation and biomass, confirmed that the mutants were attenuated specifically in the ability to form crystalline biofilms compared with that of the wild type. However, the biofilm-deficient phenotype of these mutants was not due to deficiencies in attachment to catheter biomaterials, and defects in later stages of biofilm development were indicated. For one blocking-deficient mutant, the disrupted gene (encoding a putative multidrug efflux pump) was also found to be associated with susceptibility to fosfomycin, and loss of this system or general inhibition of efflux pumps increased sensitivity to this antibiotic. Furthermore, homologues of this system were found to be widely distributed among other common pathogens of the catheterized urinary tract. Overall, our findings provide fundamental new insight into crystalline biofilm formation byP. mirabilis, including the link between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in this organism, and indicate a potential role for efflux pump inhibitors in the treatment or prevention ofP. mirabiliscrystalline biofilms.

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