Processing and secretion of ROP13: A unique Toxoplasma effector protein

Like most intracellular pathogens, Toxoplasma synthesizes and secretes an arsenal of proteins to successfully invade its host cell and hijack host functions for intracellular survival. The rhoptries are key secretory organelles that inject proteins into the host cell where they are positioned to co-opt host processes, although little is known regarding how these proteins exert their functions. We show here that the rhoptry protein ROP13 is synthesized as a pre-pro-protein that is processed in the parasite. Processing occurs at a conserved SφXE cleavage site as mutagenesis of glutamic acid to alanine at the P1 position disrupts ROP13 maturation. We also demonstrate that processing of the prodomain is not necessary for rhoptry targeting and secretion. While gene disruption reveals that ROP13 is not essential for growth in fibroblasts in vitro or for virulence in vivo, we find that ROP13 is a soluble effector protein that can access the cytoplasm of host cells. Exogenously expressed ROP13 in human cells remains cytosolic but also appears toxic, suggesting that over-expression of this effector protein is disrupting some function within the host cell.     

Specific residues of a conserved domain in the N terminus of the human cytomegalovirus pUL50 protein determine its intranuclear interaction with pUL53

Herpesviral capsids are assembled in the host cell nucleus and are subsequently translocated to the cytoplasm. During this process it has been demonstrated that the human cytomegalovirus proteins pUL50 and pUL53 interact and form, together with other viral and cellular proteins, the nuclear egress complex at the nuclear envelope. In this study we provide evidence that specific residues of a conserved N-terminal region of pUL50 determine its intranuclear interaction with pUL53. In silico evaluation and biophysical analyses suggested that the conserved region forms a regular secondary structure adopting a globular fold. Importantly, site-directed replacement of individual amino acids by alanine indicated a strong functional influence of specific residues inside this globular domain. In particular, mutation of the widely conserved residues Glu-56 or Tyr-57 led to a loss of interaction with pUL53. Consistent with the loss of binding properties, mutants E56A and Y57A showed a defective function in the recruitment of pUL53 to the nuclear envelope in expression plasmid-transfected and human cytomegalovirus-infected cells. In addition, in silico analysis suggested that residues 3-20 form an amphipathic α-helix that appears to be conserved among Herpesviridae. Point mutants revealed a structural role of this N-terminal α-helix for pUL50 stability rather than a direct role in the binding of pUL53. In contrast, the central part of the globular domain including Glu-56 and Tyr-57 is directly responsible for the functional interaction with pUL53 and thus determines formation of the basic nuclear egress complex.     

家蚕微孢子虫孢壁蛋白与其发芽的相关性

为了研究孢壁蛋白与家蚕微孢子虫发芽（孢原质弹出）的相关性,我们采用碳酸钾诱导微孢子虫体外发芽结合密度梯度离心的方法（简称GDGC法）,收集纯化发芽后的孢子空壳（简称孢壳）,对发芽液、纯化的孢壳及成熟孢子的孢壁蛋白组分进行了分析。结果表明：GDGC法可以获得高纯度孢壳,计算出其密度为1．130g/cm^3;与发芽前成熟孢子提取的孢壁蛋白相比,空孢壳可以提取到主要孢壁蛋白SWP32、SWP30、SWP25,同时发现SWP32、SWP25丰度有所降低;结合碳酸钾发芽液的蛋白电泳分析,发现孢壳上丰度降低的SWP32在发芽液蛋白样品中存在,LC—MS／MS数据分析也发现SWP32、SWP30、SWP25在碳酸钾处理液中都有存在;而用碳酸钾溶液处理冷冻孢子时,未观察到发芽现象,电泳结果显示此时K2CO,溶液中只有SWP30条带,说明在碳酸钾溶液诱导的发芽过程中SWP32和SWP25从孢壳上脱落可能与发芽相关而不是被碱性的碳酸钾溶解下来的[动物学报54（6）：1068—1074,2008]。     

Speciation of Phlebotomus sandflies of the subgenus Larroussius coincided with the late Miocene-Pliocene aridification of the Mediterranean subregion

The phylogcny and mode of speciation of Mediterranean Phlebotomus of the subgenus Larroussius were inferred by comparative sequence analyses of a fragment of mitochondrial DNA (Cytochrome b) and of a nuclear gene (Elongation factor alpha). The molecular phytogenies were congruent basally, where their clades matched the species complexes defined by a few genitalic characters of each sex. Reticulate evolution was suggested for the most derived species complex [Phlebotomus perniciosus): the molecular phytogenies were incongruent, and mitochondrial-marker distribution was consistent with introgressive hybridizations not between sister species but between species whose ranges now overlap or abut. By considering the molecular phytogenies, the mitochondrial molecular clock and the ecological niches of the species, as well as the historical biogeography and palaeoecology of the Mediterranean subregion, we propose that the derived lineages arose from a sequential series of speciation events associated with habitat shifts promoted by progressive aridification. This 'taxon pulse'-like speciation occurred in the Pliocene, later than previously proposed in a vicariance hypothesis that invoked only tectonic events, but too early for Pleistocene Ice-age refugia to have played any role other than the isolation of geographical races. Speciation occurred before the proposed divergence of members of the Leishmania donovani complex and this helped to rule out any vector-parasite co-speciation or co-cladogenesis.     

Co-evolution with lytic phage selects for the mucoid phenotype of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25

The effects of co-evolution with lytic phage on bacterial virulence-related traits are largely unknown. In this study we investigate the incidence of the mucoid phenotype of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 in response to co-evolution with the lytic phage phi2 (φ2). The mucoid phenotype of Pseudomonas spp. is due to overproduction of alginate and is a considerable virulence factor contributing to the intractability of infections most notably in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung, but also in pathogenic infections of plants. Our data show that this phenotype can evolve as an adaptive response to phage predation and is favoured under specific abiotic conditions, in particular a homogenous spatial structure and a high rate of nutrient replacement. The mucoid phenotype remains partially sensitive to phage infection, which facilitates ‘apparent competition'' with phage-sensitive competitors, partially offsetting the costs of alginate production. Although P. fluorescens SBW25 is not a pathogen, several key characteristics typical of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from CF lung were noted, including loss of motility on mucoid conversion and a high rate of spontaneous reversion to the wild-type phenotype. Although the genetic mechanisms of this phenotype remain unknown, they do not include mutations at many of the commonly reported loci implicated in mucoid conversion, including mucA and algU. These data not only further our understanding of the potential role phage have in the ecology and evolution of bacteria virulence in both natural and clinical settings, but also highlight the need to consider both biotic and abiotic variables if bacteriophages are to be used therapeutically.     

Characteristics and application of S1–P1 nucleases in biotechnology and medicine

3′–nucleases/nucleotidases of the S1–P1 family (EC 3.1.30.1) are single–strand–specific or non-specific zinc–dependent phosphoesterases present in plants, fungi, protozoan parasites, and in some bacteria. They participate in a wide variety of biological processes and their current biotechnological applications rely on their single–strand preference, nucleotide non-specificity, a broad range of catalytic conditions and high stability. We summarize the present and potential utilization of these enzymes in biotechnology and medicine in the context of their biochemical and structure–function properties. Explanation of unanswered questions for bacterial and trypanosomatid representatives could facilitate development of emerging applications in medicine.     

Ca2+ signals triggered by bacterial pathogens and microdomains

Recent reports have highlighted the pivotal role of Ca²⁺ during host cell infection by bacterial pathogens. Here, we review how bacterial pore-forming toxins (PFTs) trigger global Ca²⁺ signals to regulate cell adhesion-, inflammatory- or death processes. We comment recent reports describing the role of bacterial effectors injected by a type III secretion system (T3SS) as well as host cell players in the formation of Ca²⁺ microdomains during Shigella invasion and Chlamydia extrusion of host cells. We discuss how modeling and comparison between bacterial-induced and physiological Ca²⁺ microdomains provides insight into the critical parameters shaping the duration of local Ca²⁺ responses.     

Quorum Sensing Is a Language of Chemical Signals and Plays an Ecological Role in Algal-Bacterial Interactions

Algae are ubiquitous in the marine environment, and the ways in which they interact with bacteria are of particular interest in the field of marine ecology. The interactions between primary producers and bacteria impact the physiology of both partners, alter the chemistry of their environment, and shape microbial diversity. Although algal-bacterial interactions are well known and studied, information regarding the chemical-ecological role of this relationship remains limited, particularly with respect to quorum sensing (QS), which is a system of stimuli and response correlated to population density. In the microbial biosphere, QS is pivotal in driving community structure and regulating behavioral ecology, including biofilm formation, virulence, antibiotic resistance, swarming motility, and secondary metabolite production. Many marine habitats, such as the phycosphere, harbor diverse populations of microorganisms and various signal languages (such as QS-based autoinducers). QS-mediated interactions widely influence algal-bacterial symbiotic relationships, which in turn determine community organization, population structure, and ecosystem functioning. Understanding infochemicals-mediated ecological processes may shed light on the symbiotic interactions between algae host and associated microbes. In this review, we summarize current achievements about how QS modulates microbial behavior, affects symbiotic relationships, and regulates phytoplankton chemical-ecological processes. Additionally, we present an overview of QS-modulated co-evolutionary relationships between algae and bacterioplankton, and consider the potential applications and future perspectives of QS.     

Antagonistic effects of a Mhc class I allele on malaria-infected house sparrows

Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex ( Mhc ) play a fundamental role during the immune response because MHC molecules expressed on cell surface allow the recognition and presentation of antigenic peptides to T-lymphocytes. Although Mhc alleles have been found to correlate with pathogen resistance in several host-parasite systems, several studies have also reported associations between Mhc alleles and an accrued infection risk or an accelerated disease progression. The existence of these susceptibility alleles is puzzling, as the cost generated by the infection should rapidly eliminate them from the population. Here, we show that susceptibility alleles may be maintained in a population of house sparrows ( Passer domesticus ) if they have antagonistic effects on different malaria parasites. We found that one Mhc class I allele was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in the risk to be infected with a Plasmodium strain, but with a 6.4-fold reduction in the risk to harbour a Haemoproteus strain. We suggest that this antagonistic effect might arise because Mhc genes can alter the competitive interactions between malaria parasites within the host.