scholarly journals Respiratory heterogeneity shapes biofilm formation and host colonization in uropathogenic Escherichia coli

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Connor J. Beebout ◽  
Allison R. Eberly ◽  
Sabrina H. Werby ◽  
Seth A. Reasoner ◽  
John R. Brannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Atmospheric Oxygen ◽  
Chemical Gradients ◽  
Cytochrome Oxidases ◽  
Respiratory Plasticity ◽  
Heterogeneous Expression ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
Biofilm Community

AbstractBiofilms are multicellular bacterial communities encased in a self-secreted extracellular matrix comprised of polysaccharides, proteinaceous fibers, and DNA. Organization of these components lends spatial organization to the biofilm community such that biofilm residents can benefit from the production of common goods, while being protected from exogenous insults. Spatial organization is driven by the presence of chemical gradients, such as oxygen. Here we quantified and localized the expression of two Escherichia coli cytochrome oxidases in cells found in the biofilm state and defined their contribution to biofilm architecture. These studies elucidated a role for the high-affinity quinol oxidase cytochrome bd in matrix production and biofilm resident protection. Cytochrome bd was the most abundantly expressed respiratory complex in the biofilm community and was localized in the biofilm interior. Depletion of the cytochrome bd-expressing subpopulation led to decreased extracellular matrix and increased sensitivity of the community to exogenous stresses. Interrogation of the distribution of cytochrome oxidases in the planktonic state revealed that ∼15% of the population expresses cytochrome bd at atmospheric oxygen concentration, and this population dominates during acute urinary tract infection. These data point towards a bet-hedging mechanism in which heterogeneous expression of respiratory complexes ensures respiratory plasticity of E. coli across diverse host niches.

scholarly journals Respiratory Heterogeneity Shapes Biofilm Formation and Host Colonization in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Connor J. Beebout ◽  
Allison R. Eberly ◽  
Sabrina H. Werby ◽  
Seth A. Reasoner ◽  
John R. Brannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Bacterial Communities ◽  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Bet Hedging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dna Organization ◽  
Quinol Oxidases ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Biofilm Community

ABSTRACT Biofilms are multicellular bacterial communities encased in a self-secreted extracellular matrix comprised of polysaccharides, proteinaceous fibers, and DNA. Organization of these components lends spatial organization to the biofilm community such that biofilm residents can benefit from the production of common goods while being protected from exogenous insults. Spatial organization is driven by the presence of chemical gradients, such as oxygen. Here we show that two quinol oxidases found in Escherichia coli and other bacteria organize along the biofilm oxygen gradient and that this spatially coordinated expression controls architectural integrity. Cytochrome bd, a high-affinity quinol oxidase required for aerobic respiration under hypoxic conditions, is the most abundantly expressed respiratory complex in the biofilm community. Depletion of the cytochrome bd-expressing subpopulation compromises biofilm complexity by reducing the abundance of secreted extracellular matrix as well as increasing cellular sensitivity to exogenous stresses. Interrogation of the distribution of quinol oxidases in the planktonic state revealed that ∼15% of the population expresses cytochrome bd at atmospheric oxygen concentration, and this population dominates during acute urinary tract infection. These data point toward a bet-hedging mechanism in which heterogeneous expression of respiratory complexes ensures respiratory plasticity of E. coli across diverse host niches. IMPORTANCE Biofilms are multicellular bacterial communities encased in a self-secreted extracellular matrix comprised of polysaccharides, proteinaceous fibers, and DNA. Organization of these components lends spatial organization in the biofilm community. Here we demonstrate that oxygen gradients in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) biofilms lead to spatially distinct expression programs for quinol oxidases—components of the terminal electron transport chain. Our studies reveal that the cytochrome bd-expressing subpopulation is critical for biofilm development and matrix production. In addition, we show that quinol oxidases are heterogeneously expressed in planktonic populations and that this respiratory heterogeneity provides a fitness advantage during infection. These studies define the contributions of quinol oxidases to biofilm physiology and suggest the presence of respiratory bet-hedging behavior in UPEC.

Evidence for two recA genes mediating DNA repair in Bacillus megaterium

Microbiology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 151 (3) ◽  
pp. 775-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannes Nahrstedt ◽  
Christine Schröder ◽  
Friedhelm Meinhardt
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Dna Repair ◽  
Mitomycin C ◽  
Bacillus Megaterium ◽  
Functional Complementation ◽  
Homologous Gene ◽  
Gene Products ◽  
Null Mutant ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Increased Sensitivity

Isolation and subsequent knockout of a recA-homologous gene in Bacillus megaterium DSM 319 resulted in a mutant displaying increased sensitivity to mitomycin C. However, this mutant did not exhibit UV hypersensitivity, a finding which eventually led to identification of a second functional recA gene. Evidence for recA duplicates was also obtained for two other B. megaterium strains. In agreement with potential DinR boxes located within their promoter regions, expression of both genes (recA1 and recA2) was found to be damage-inducible. Transcription from the recA2 promoter was significantly higher than that of recA1. Since a recA2 knockout could not be achieved, functional complementation studies were performed in Escherichia coli. Heterologous expression in a RecA null mutant resulted in increased survival after UV irradiation and mitomycin C treatment, proving both recA gene products to be functional in DNA repair. Thus, there is evidence for an SOS-like pathway in B. megaterium that differs from that of Bacillus subtilis.

Bacterial Multicellularity: The Biology of Escherichia coli Building Large-Scale Biofilm Communities

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego O. Serra ◽  
Regine Hengge
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Second Messengers ◽  
Emergent Properties ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Chemical Gradients ◽  
Life Itself ◽  
Scale Matrix

Biofilms are a widespread multicellular form of bacterial life. The spatial structure and emergent properties of these communities depend on a polymeric extracellular matrix architecture that is orders of magnitude larger than the cells that build it. Using as a model the wrinkly macrocolony biofilms of Escherichia coli, which contain amyloid curli fibers and phosphoethanolamine (pEtN)-modified cellulose as matrix components, we summarize here the structure, building, and function of this large-scale matrix architecture. Based on different sigma and other transcription factors as well as second messengers, the underlying regulatory network reflects the fundamental trade-off between growth and survival. It controls matrix production spatially in response to long-range chemical gradients, but it also generates distinct patterns of short-range matrix heterogeneity that are crucial for tissue-like elasticity and macroscopic morphogenesis. Overall, these biofilms confer protection and a potential for homeostasis, thereby reducing maintenance energy, which makes multicellularity an emergent property of life itself. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

scholarly journals The Biology of the Escherichia coli Extracellular Matrix

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Hufnagel ◽  
William H. Depas ◽  
Matthew R. Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Extracellular Matrix

scholarly journals Identification and characterization of a phase-variable element that regulates the autotransporter UpaE in uropathogenicEscherichia coli

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.J. Battaglioli ◽  
K.G.K Goh ◽  
T. S. Atruksang ◽  
K. Schwartz ◽  
M. A. Schembri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Urinary Tract Infection ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Reference Strain ◽  
Invertible Element ◽  
Matrix Proteins ◽  
Phase Variable ◽  
Third Phase ◽  
Strain Cft073

AbstractUropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) are the most common etiological agent of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). An important mechanism of gene regulation in UPEC is phase variation that involves inversion of a promoter-containing DNA element via enzymatic activity of tyrosine recombinases, resulting in biphasic, ON or OFF expression of target genes. The UPEC reference strain CFT073 has five tyrosine site-specific recombinases that function at two previously characterized promoter inversion systems,fimSandhyxS. Three of the five recombinases are located proximally to their cognate target elements, which is typical of promoter inversion systems. The genes for the other two recombinases, IpuA and IpuB are located distal from these sites. Here, we identified and characterized a third phase variable invertible element in CFT073,ipuSlocated proximal toipuAandipuB. The inversion ofipuSis catalyzed by four of the five CFT073 recombinases. Orientation of the element drives transcription of a two-gene operon containingipuR, a predicted LuxR-type regulator, andupaE, a predicted autotransporter. We show that the predicted autotransporter UpaE is surface-located and facilitates biofilm formation as well as adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins in a K-12 recombinant background. Consistent with this phenotype, theipuSON condition in CFT073 results in defective swimming motility, increased adherence to human kidney epithelial cells, and a positive competitive kidney colonization advantage in experimental mouse UTI infections. Overall, the identification of a third phase-switch in UPEC that is regulated by a shared set of recombinases describes a complex phase-variable virulence network in UPEC.ImportanceUropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) is the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). ON versus OFF phase-switching by inversion of small DNA elements at two chromosome sites in UPEC regulates the expression of important virulence factors, including the type 1 fimbriae adhesion organelle. In this report, we describe a third invertible element,ipuS, in the UPEC reference strain CFT073. The inversion ofipuScontrols the phase variable expression ofupaE, an autotransporter gene that encodes a surface protein involved in adherence to extracellular matrix proteins and colonization of the kidneys in a murine model of UTI.

scholarly journals Sialyloligosaccharide chains of laminin as an extracellular matrix target for S fimbriae of Escherichia coli.

1993 ◽  
Vol 61 (10) ◽  
pp. 4480-4484 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Virkola ◽  
J Parkkinen ◽  
J Hacker ◽  
T K Korhonen
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Extracellular Matrix

scholarly journals Aerobic Fermentation of d-Glucose by an Evolved Cytochrome Oxidase-Deficient Escherichia coli Strain

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (24) ◽  
pp. 7561-7569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliy A. Portnoy ◽  
Markus J. Herrgård ◽  
Bernhard Ø. Palsson
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Aerobic Growth ◽  
Acid Fermentation ◽  
Mixed Acid Fermentation ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Knockout Strain ◽  
Mixed Acid ◽  
Cytochrome Oxidases

ABSTRACT Fermentation of glucose to d-lactic acid under aerobic growth conditions by an evolved Escherichia coli mutant deficient in three terminal oxidases is reported in this work. Cytochrome oxidases (cydAB, cyoABCD, and cbdAB) were removed from the E. coli K12 MG1655 genome, resulting in the ECOM3 (E. coli cytochrome oxidase mutant) strain. Removal of cytochrome oxidases reduced the oxygen uptake rate of the knockout strain by nearly 85%. Moreover, the knockout strain was initially incapable of growing on M9 minimal medium. After the ECOM3 strain was subjected to adaptive evolution on glucose M9 medium for 60 days, a growth rate equivalent to that of anaerobic wild-type E. coli was achieved. Our findings demonstrate that three independently adaptively evolved ECOM3 populations acquired different phenotypes: one produced lactate as a sole fermentation product, while the other two strains exhibited a mixed-acid fermentation under oxic growth conditions with lactate remaining as the major product. The homofermenting strain showed a d-lactate yield of 0.8 g/g from glucose. Gene expression and in silico model-based analyses were employed to identify perturbed pathways and explain phenotypic behavior. Significant upregulation of ygiN and sodAB explains the remaining oxygen uptake that was observed in evolved ECOM3 strains. E. coli strains produced in this study showed the ability to produce lactate as a fermentation product from glucose and to undergo mixed-acid fermentation during aerobic growth.

scholarly journals The ability of haemolysins expressed by atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli to bind to extracellular matrix components

2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline A Magalhães ◽  
Sarita S Rossato ◽  
Ângela S Barbosa ◽  
Thiago O dos Santos ◽  
Waldir P Elias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Enteropathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components ◽  
Matrix Components

scholarly journals Polyamine-Mediated Resistance of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli to Nitrosative Stress

2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (3) ◽  
pp. 928-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean M. Bower ◽  
Matthew A. Mulvey
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Resistance Mutation ◽  
Reactive Nitrogen ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Exogenous Addition ◽  
Reactive Nitrogen Intermediates ◽  
Transposon Mutants ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
K 12

ABSTRACT During the course of a urinary tract infection, substantial levels of nitric oxide and reactive nitrogen intermediates are generated. We have found that many uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli display far greater resistance to nitrosative stress than the K-12 reference strain MG1655. By selecting and screening for uropathogenic E. coli transposon mutants that are unable to grow in the presence of acidified nitrite, the cadC gene product was identified as a key facilitator of nitrosative stress resistance. Mutation of cadC, or its transcriptional targets cadA and cadB, results in loss of significant production of the polyamine cadaverine and increased sensitivity to acidified nitrite. Exogenous addition of cadaverine or other polyamines rescues growth of cad mutants under nitrosative stress. In wild-type cells, the concentration of cadaverine produced per cell is substantially increased by exposure to acidified nitrite. The mechanism behind polyamine-mediated rescue from nitrosative stress is unclear, but it is not attributable solely to chemical quenching of reactive nitrogen species or reduction in mutation frequency.

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