Heterologous expression of the surface-layer-like protein SllB induces the formation of long filaments of Escherichia coli consisting of protein-stabilized outer membrane

Microbiology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 156 (12) ◽  
pp. 3584-3595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Linda Lederer ◽  
Tobias Jan Günther ◽  
Katrin Flemming ◽  
Johannes Raff ◽  
Karim Fahmy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Heterologous Expression ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Stationary Growth Phase ◽  
Foreign Protein ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Micro Organisms

Escherichia coli is one of the best studied micro-organisms and is the most widely used host in genetic engineering. The Gram-negative single cells are rod-shaped, and filaments are usually not found. Here, we describe the reproducible formation of elongated E. coli cells. During heterologous expression of the silent surface (S)-layer protein gene sllB from Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-A12 in E. coli BL21(DE3), the cells were arranged as long chains which were surrounded by highly stable sheaths. These filaments had a length of >100 μm. In the stationary growth phase, microscopic analyses demonstrated the formation of unusually long transparent tube-like structures which were enclosing separate single cells. The tube-like structures were isolated and analysed by SDS-PAGE, infrared-spectroscopy and different microscopic methods in order to identify their unusual composition and structure. The tube-like structures were found to be like outer membranes, containing high levels of proteins and to which the recombinant S-layer proteins were attached. Despite the entire structure being indicative of a disordered cell division, the bacterial cells were highly viable and stable. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the induction of drastic morphological changes in E. coli by the expression of a foreign protein has been reported.

scholarly journals Expression of the Staphylococcus aureusUDP-N-Acetylmuramoyl- l-Alanyl-d-Glutamate:l-Lysine Ligase in Escherichia coli and Effects on Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis and Cell Growth

1999 ◽  
Vol 181 (19) ◽  
pp. 5909-5914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Mengin-Lecreulx ◽  
Tim Falla ◽  
Didier Blanot ◽  
Jean van Heijenoort ◽  
David J. Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Diaminopimelic Acid ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
The Third ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Ca 50

ABSTRACT The monomer units in the Escherichia coli andStaphylococcus aureus cell wall peptidoglycans differ in the nature of the third amino acid in thel-alanyl-γ-d-glutamyl-X-d-alanyl-d-alanine side chain, where X is meso-diaminopimelic acid orl-lysine, respectively. The murE gene fromS. aureus encoding the UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanyl-d-glutamate:l-lysine ligase was identified and cloned into plasmid vectors. Induction of its overexpression in E. coli rapidly results in abnormal morphological changes and subsequent cell lysis. A reduction of 28% in the peptidoglycan content was observed in induced cells, and analysis of the peptidoglycan composition and structure showed that ca. 50% of themeso-diaminopimelic acid residues were replaced byl-lysine. Lysine was detected in both monomer and dimer fragments, but the acceptor units from the latter contained exclusivelymeso-diaminopimelic acid, suggesting that no transpeptidation could occur between the ɛ-amino group ofl-lysine and the α-carboxyl group ofd-alanine. The overall cross-linking of the macromolecule was only slightly decreased. Detection and analysis ofmeso-diaminopimelic acid- andl-lysine-containing peptidoglycan precursors confirmed the presence of l-lysine in precursors containing amino acids added after the reaction catalyzed by the MurE ligase and provided additional information about the specificity of the enzymes involved in these latter processes.

scholarly journals Erosion and Subsequent Transport State of Escherichia coli from Cowpats

2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 2875-2879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard William Muirhead ◽  
Robert Peter Collins ◽  
Philip James Bremer
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Rainfall Event ◽  
Buffer Strips ◽  
Simulated Rainfall ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Unattached Fraction ◽  
Over Time

ABSTRACT Processes by which fecal bacteria enter overland flow and their transportation state to surface waters are poorly understood, making the effectiveness of measures designed to intercept this pathway, such as vegetated buffer strips, difficult to predict. Freshly made and aged (up to 30 days) cowpats were exposed to simulated rainfall, and samples of the cowpat material and runoff were collected. Escherichia coli in the runoff samples were separated into attached (to particles) and unattached fractions, and the unattached fraction was analyzed to determine if the cells were clumped. Within cowpats, E. coli grew for 6 to 14 days, rather than following a typical logarithmic die-off curve. E. coli numbers in the runoff correlated with numbers inside the cowpat. Most of the E. coli organisms eroded from the cowpats were transported as single cells, and only a small percentage (about 8%) attached to particles. The erosion of E. coli from cowpats and the state in which the cells were transported did not vary with time within a single rainfall event or over time as the cowpats aged and dried out. These findings indicate that cowpats can remain a significant source of E. coli in overland flow for more than 30 days. As well, most of the E. coli organisms eroded from cowpats will occur as readily transportable single cells.

Interaction of Gram-Negative Bacteria with the Lysosomal Fraction of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes II. Changes in the Cell Envelope of Escherichia coli

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-318
Author(s):  
D. Friedberg ◽  
I. Friedberg ◽  
M. Shilo
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ◽  
Cytoplasmic Membrane ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Intact Cells ◽  
Lysosomal Fraction ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Absorbing Material

Interaction of lysosomal fraction with Escherichia coli caused damage to the cell envelope of these intact cells and to the cytoplasmic membrane of E. coli spheroplasts. The damage to the cytoplasmic membrane was manifested in the release of 260-nm absorbing material and β-galactosidase from the spheroplasts, and by increased permeability of cryptic cells to O -nitrophenyl-β- d -galactopyranoside; damage to the cell wall was measured by release of alkaline phosphatase. Microscope observation showed morphological changes in the cell envelope.

One-Step Preparation of Competent E. coli: Transformation and Storage of Bacterial Cells in the Same Solution

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (11) ◽  
pp. pdb.prot101212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Green ◽  
Joseph Sambrook
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Convenient Method ◽  
Plasmid Dna ◽  
Transformation Efficiency ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
E Coli ◽  
One Step ◽  
And Storage

This protocol describes a convenient method for the preparation, use, and storage of competent Escherichia coli. The reported transformation efficiency of this method is ∼5 × 107 transformants/µg of plasmid DNA.

PBP4 and PBP5 are involved in regulating exopolysaccharide synthesis during Escherichia coli biofilm formation

Microbiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 167 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sathi Mallick ◽  
Shanti Kiran ◽  
Tapas Kumar Maiti ◽  
Anindya S. Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Pentose Phosphate ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Surface Adhesion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Penicillin Binding Proteins ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Link Type

Escherichia coli low-molecular-mass (LMM) Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) help in hydrolysing the peptidoglycan fragments from their cell wall and recycling them back into the growing peptidoglycan matrix, in addition to their reported involvement in biofilm formation. Biofilms are external slime layers of extra-polymeric substances that sessile bacterial cells secrete to form a habitable niche for themselves. Here, we hypothesize the involvement of Escherichia coli LMM PBPs in regulating the nature of exopolysaccharides (EPS) prevailing in its extra-polymeric substances during biofilm formation. Therefore, this study includes the assessment of physiological characteristics of E. coli CS109 LMM PBP deletion mutants to address biofilm formation abilities, viability and surface adhesion. Finally, EPS from parent CS109 and its ΔPBP4 and ΔPBP5 mutants were purified and analysed for sugars present. Deletions of LMM PBP reduced biofilm formation, bacterial adhesion and their viability in biofilms. Deletions also diminished EPS production by ΔPBP4 and ΔPBP5 mutants, purification of which suggested an increased overall negative charge compared with their parent. Also, EPS analyses from both mutants revealed the appearance of an unusual sugar, xylose, that was absent in CS109. Accordingly, the reason for reduced biofilm formation in LMM PBP mutants may be speculated as the subsequent production of xylitol and a hindrance in the standard flow of the pentose phosphate pathway.

The HiPIP from the acidophilic Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is correctly processed and translocated in Escherichia coli, in spite of the periplasm pH difference between these two micro-organisms

Microbiology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 151 (5) ◽  
pp. 1421-1431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrice Bruscella ◽  
Laure Cassagnaud ◽  
Jeanine Ratouchniak ◽  
Gaël Brasseur ◽  
Elisabeth Lojou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans ◽  
Biochemical Properties ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Iron Sulfur Cluster ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Iron Sulfur ◽  
Sulfur Protein ◽  
Tat System ◽  
Micro Organisms

The gene encoding a putative high-potential iron–sulfur protein (HiPIP) from the strictly acidophilic and chemolithoautotrophic Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ATCC 33020 has been cloned and sequenced. This potential HiPIP was overproduced in the periplasm of the neutrophile and heterotroph Escherichia coli. As shown by optical and EPR spectra and by electrochemical studies, the recombinant protein has all the biochemical properties of a HiPIP, indicating that the iron–sulfur cluster was correctly inserted. Translocation of this protein in the periplasm of E. coli was not detected in a ΔtatC mutant, indicating that it is dependent on the Tat system. The genetic organization of the iro locus in strains ATCC 23270 and ATCC 33020 is different from that found in strains Fe-1 and BRGM. Indeed, in A. ferrooxidans ATCC 33020 and ATCC 23270 (the type strain), iro was not located downstream from purA but was instead downstream from petC2, encoding cytochrome c 1 from the second A. ferrooxidans cytochrome bc 1 complex. These findings underline the genotypic heterogeneity within the A. ferrooxidans species. The results suggest that Iro transfers electrons from a cytochrome bc 1 complex to a terminal oxidase, as proposed for the HiPIP in photosynthetic bacteria.

scholarly journals Bacterial Secretions of Nonpathogenic Escherichia coli Elicit Inflammatory Pathways: a Closer Investigation of Interkingdom Signaling

mBio ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Zargar ◽  
David N. Quan ◽  
Karen K. Carter ◽  
Min Guo ◽  
Herman O. Sintim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Negative Feedback ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Phenotypic Differences ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Autoinducer 2 ◽  
Human Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACTThere have been many studies on the relationship between nonpathogenic bacteria and human epithelial cells; however, the bidirectional effects of the secretomes (secreted substances in which there is no direct bacterium-cell contact) have yet to be fully investigated. In this study, we use a transwell model to explore the transcriptomic effects of bacterial secretions from two different nonpathogenicEscherichia colistrains on the human colonic cell line HCT-8 using next-generation transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq).E. coliBL21 and W3110, while genetically very similar (99.1% homology), exhibit key phenotypic differences, including differences in their production of macromolecular structures (e.g., flagella and lipopolysaccharide) and in their secretion of metabolic byproducts (e.g., acetate) and signaling molecules (e.g., quorum-sensing autoinducer 2 [AI-2]). After analysis of differential epithelial responses to the respective secretomes, this study shows for the first time that a nonpathogenic bacterial secretome activates the NF-κB-mediated cytokine-cytokine receptor pathways while also upregulating negative-feedback components, including the NOD-like signaling pathway. Because of AI-2's relevance as a bacterium-bacterium signaling molecule and the differences in its secretion rates between these strains, we investigated its role in HCT-8 cells. We found that the expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 8 (IL-8) responded to AI-2 with a pattern of rapid upregulation before subsequent downregulation after 24 h. Collectively, these data demonstrate that secreted products from nonpathogenic bacteria stimulate the transcription of immune-related biological pathways, followed by the upregulation of negative-feedback elements that may serve to temper the inflammatory response.IMPORTANCEThe symbiotic relationship between the microbiome and the host is important in the maintenance of human health. There is a growing need to further understand the nature of these relationships to aid in the development of homeostatic probiotics and also in the design of novel antimicrobial therapeutics. To our knowledge, this is the first global-transcriptome study of bacteria cocultured with human epithelial cells in a model to determine the transcriptional effects of epithelial cells in which epithelial and bacterial cells are allowed to “communicate” with each other only through diffusible small molecules and proteins. By beginning to demarcate the direct and indirect effects of bacteria on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, two-way interkingdom communication can potentially be mediated between host and microbe.

Sequence of Colonization Determines the Composition of Mixed Biofilms by Escherichia coli O157:H7 and O111:H8 Strains†

2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (8) ◽  
pp. 1554-1559 ◽  
Author(s):  
RONG WANG ◽  
NORASAK KALCHAYANAND ◽  
JAMES L. BONO
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The United States ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Cell Percentage ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Biofilm Development

Bacterial biofilms are one of the potential sources of cross-contamination in food processing environments. Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 and O111:H8 are important foodborne pathogens capable of forming biofilms, and the coexistence of these two STEC serotypes has been detected in various food samples and in multiple commercial meat plants throughout the United States. Here, we investigated how the coexistence of these two STEC serotypes and their sequence of colonization could affect bacterial growth competition and mixed biofilm development. Our data showed that E. coli O157:H7 strains were able to maintain a higher cell percentage in mixed biofilms with the co-inoculated O111:H8 companion strains, even though the results of planktonic growth competition were strain dependent. On solid surfaces with preexisting biofilms, the sequence of colonization played a critical role in determining the composition of the mixed biofilms because early stage precolonization significantly affected the competition results between the E. coli O157:H7 and O111:H8 strains. The precolonizer of either serotype was able to outgrow the other serotype in both planktonic and biofilm phases. The competitive interactions among the various STEC serotypes would determine the composition and structure of the mixed biofilms as well as their potential risks to food safety and public health, which is largely influenced by the dominant strains in the mixtures. Thus, the analysis of mixed biofilms under various conditions would be of importance to determine the nature of mixed biofilms composed of multiple microorganisms and to help implement the most effective disinfection operations accordingly.

scholarly journals HypVW is an HOCl-Sensing Two Component System in Escherichia coli

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara El Hajj ◽  
Camille Henry ◽  
Alexandra Vergnes ◽  
Laurent Loiseau ◽  
Brasseur Gael ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Hypochlorous Acid ◽  
Methionine Sulfoxide ◽  
Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Two Component ◽  
Redox Switch ◽  
Two Component Systems ◽  
Methionine Residues

Two component systems (TCS) are signalling pathways that allow bacterial cells to sense, respond and adapt to fluctuating environments. Among the classical TCS of Escherichia coli, YedVW has been recently showed to be involved in the regulation of msrPQ, encoding for the periplasmic methionine sulfoxide reductase system. In this study, we demonstrate that hypochlorous acid (HOCl) induces the expression of msrPQ in a YedVW dependant manner, whereas H2O2, NO and paraquat (a superoxide generator) do not. Therefore, YedV appears to be an HOCl-sensing histidine kinase. Based on this finding, we proposed to rename this system HypVW.  Moreover, using a directed mutagenesis approach, we show that Met residues located in the periplasmic loop of HypV (formerly YedV) are important for its activity. Given that HOCl oxidizes preferentially Met residues, we bring evidences that HypV could be activated via the reversible oxidation of its methionine residues, thus conferring to MsrPQ a role in switching HypVW off. Based on these results, we propose that the activation of HypV by HOCl could occur through a Met redox switch. HypVW appears to be the first characterized TCS able to detect HOCl in E. coli. This study represents an important step in understanding the mechanisms of reactive chlorine species resistance in prokaryotes.

scholarly journals Determination of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin susceptibility among urinary Escherichia coli isolates

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 3274
Author(s):  
Rachana Kanaujia ◽  
Amit Kumar ◽  
Malay Bajpai
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Urinary Tract Infections ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Therapeutic Alternatives ◽  
Micro Organisms ◽  
Staphylococcus Spp

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections. For treatment of UTIs, there are limited antibiotics due to increased resistance among uropathogens. Two older antibiotics; Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin have become novel oral therapeutic options against uropathogens. Aim of the study was to identify UTI causing micro-organisms and evaluate in-vitro activity of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin against most common isolated organism (E. coli).Methods: Results of urine samples culture and susceptibility testing over a period of 1 year were analysed and included in this study.Results: Micro-organisms were isolated from 568 urine samples. Most commonly isolated organism was Escherichia coli (40.50%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (20.07%) and Staphylococcus spp. (17.07%). Susceptibility of E. coli to nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin was 91.74% and 65.65% respectively. Conclusion: Good activity of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin against E. coli indicates that these two drugs are potential therapeutic alternatives for urinary tract infections.

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