Towards Structural Determination of the ComX Pheromone: Synthetic Studies on Peptides Containing Geranyltryptophan

Bacteria produce and respond to signal molecules depending on their cell density. This process is called “quorum sensing”. The ComX pheromone, controlled by quorum sensing, activates natural genetic competence in Bacillus subtilis. ComX is an oligopeptide with a posttranslational modification. It has been suggested that ComX pheromone is modified with an isoprenoid at its tryptophan residue, but the complete chemical structure is unknown. We first determined the molecular formula of ComX_RO-E-2, a competence factor for B. subtilis strain RO-E-2. Then we synthesized putative pheromones with 1-, 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-geranyl substituted tryptophan residues. The regio- and stereo-selective synthesis of the geranyl tryptophans was successful, and we prepared the six peptides with modified tryptophan residues. These peptides had the same molecular formula and showed similar hydrophobicity to the natural ComX_RO-E-2 in LC–MS analysis. But, none of them showed the same retention time as the natural pheromone and none exhibited its biological activity. These results suggest that the isoprenoid modification pattern of the tryptophan residue is more complex than postulated.     

Acid labile ComX pheromone from Bacillus mojavensis RO-H-1

Bacillus mojavensis strain RO-H-1 produces a posttranslationally modified hexapeptide, the ComX(RO-H-1) pheromone, that stimulates natural genetic competence controlled by quorum sensing. LC/ESI-MS analysis of partially purification of the ComX(RO-H-1) pheromone suggested a precise modification in its tryptophan residue. The corresponding ComX(RO-H-1) pheromone prepared by solid-phase synthesis was identical to the natural pheromone, and showed significant biological activity. These results indicated that the posttranslational modification of the ComX(RO-H-1) pheromone was geranylation on the tryptophan residue, resulting in the formation of a tricyclic structure. The ComX(RO-H-1) pheromone was immediately dehydrated by acid because of its extreme acid lability.     

Chemical Structure of Posttranslational Modification with A Farnesyl Group on Tryptophan

Bacillus subtilis and related bacilli produce a posttranslationally modified oligopeptide, the ComX pheromone, that stimulates natural genetic competence controlled by quorum sensing. The ComX_RO-C-2 pheromone from strain RO-C-2 must be modified with a farnesyl group on the Trp residue, but the precise structure is not known. Here we report the precise nature of posttranslational farnesylation of ComX_RO-C-2 pheromone on the Trp residue, resulting in the formation of a tricyclic structure. The ComX₁₆₈ pheromone, produced by the standard laboratory strain used in the study of B. subtilis, is also posttranslationally farnesylated according to phylogenetic resemblance.     

Identification of a quorum sensing pheromone posttranslationally farnesylated at the internal tryptophan residue from Bacillus subtilis subsp. natto

Bacillus subtilis subsp. natto produces poly-γ-glutamic acid under the control of quorum sensing. We identified ComX_natto pheromone as the quorum-sensing pheromone with an amino acid sequence of Lys-Trp-Pro-Pro-Ile-Glu and the tryptophan residue posttranslationally modified by a farnesyl group. ComX_natto pheromone is unique in the sense that the 5th tryptophan residue from the C-terminal is farnesylated.     

Lack of the Consensus Sequence Necessary for Tryptophan Prenylation in the ComX Pheromone Precursor

Recently we found that a single administration of T-2 toxin (T-2), a trichothecene mycotoxin, into mice induced DNA fragmentation, a biochemical hallmark of apoptosis, in the thymus.¹⁾ In this study, we investigated the effective chemical structure(s) of T-2-derived metabolites capable of inducing thymic apoptosis in vivo in mice. Metabolic conversion of T-2 to 3′-hydroxy-T-2 toxin (3′-OH-T-2) (Fig. 1) did not diminish the apoptosis-inducing activity, since essentially the same level of fragmented DNA was detected in the thymus taken from mice injected with either T-2 or 3′-OH-T-2. In contrast, hydrolysis of T-2 and 3′-OH-T-2 at the carbon-4 (C-4) position to HT-2 toxin (HT-2) and 3′-hydroxy-HT-2 toxin (3′-OH-HT-2), respectively, greatly decreased the level of DNA fragmentation. Similarly, hydrolysis of T-2 at the carbon-8 (C-8) position to neosolaniol strongly diminished its ability to induce DNA fragmentation. T-2 tetraol, having no ester groups, was unable to induce apoptosis. Based on the data presented in this study, we concluded that both the acetyl group at the C-4 position and the isovaleryl or 3′-hydroxyisovaleryl group at the C-8 position of the T-2 molecule are important for inducing cell death through apoptosis in the thymus.     

A region corresponding to second aspartate-rich motif in tryptophan isoprenylating enzyme,ComQ, serves as a substrate-binding site

Posttranslational isoprenylation of a tryptophan residue identified from Bacillus quorum sensing pheromone, ComX pheromone, is unique and essential for the bioactivity. A modifying enzyme, ComQ, forms ComX pheromone from the ComX precursor and isoprenyl pyrophosphate and exhibits moderate similarity to isoprenyl pyrophosphate synthases. We investigated non-conserved region in ComQ, corresponding to isopentenyl pyrophosphate binding region of the synthases, using in vitro cell-free isoprenylation. These results suggested that the only conserved aspartic acid residue in the region of ComQ is critical for enzyme activity and responsible for ComX binding. Our findings should contribute to basic understanding of the mechanism of tryptophan isoprenylation.     

Anionic lipopeptides from Bacillus mojavensis I4 as effective antihypertensive agents: Production,characterization, and identification

A new isolated Bacillus mojavensis strain I4 was found as producer of biosurfactants by different screening methods, such as parafilm M test, hemolytic activity, oil displacement test, emulsification index, surface tension, and lipase production assay. Enhanced biosurfactants production was obtained using glucose and glutamic acid as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The optimal production of the biosurfactants was obtained by using a C/N ratio of 17, pH of 7.0, and temperature of 37°C. The surface tension was reduced to 29 mN/m and the emulsification index E24 of 62% was achieved after 72 h of culture. The purified biosurfactants showed stability with regard to surface tension reduction and emulsification in a wide range of temperatures (4–120°C), pH (4–10), and salinity (2–12% of NaCl). The thin‐layer chromatography showed that the produced biosurfactants were lipopeptides. The biosurfactants were characterized as a group of anionic lipopeptides with zeta potential measurement. Chromatographic characterization using HPLC revealed that I4 lipopeptides contained numerous isoforms and surfactin was the major component. Moreover, the I4 lipopeptides showed interesting angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitory activity.     

Kinetic constants determination for an alkaline protease from Bacillus mojavensis using response surface methodology

The kinetic constants for an alkaline protease from Bacillus mojavensis were determined using a central composite circumscribed design (CCCD) where concentration of substrate (casein) and the assay temperature were varied around their center point. The K(m),V(max), K(cat), activation energy (E(a)) and temperature coefficient (q(10)) were determined and the values of these kinetic constants obtained were found comparable to that obtained with conventional methods. The Michaelis-Menten constant (K(m)) for casein decreased with corresponding increase in V(max), as reaction temperature was raised from 45-60 degrees C. The protease exhibited K(m) of 0.0357 mg/ml, 0.0270 mg/ml, 0.0259 mg/ml, and 0.0250 mg/ml at 45, 50, 55, and 60 degrees C, respectively, whereas V(max) values at these temperatures were 74.07, 99.01, 116.28, and 120.48 microg/ml/min, respectively, as determined by response surface methodology. The Arrhenius plot suggested that the enzyme undergoes thermal activation above 45 degrees C until 60-65 degrees C followed by thermal inactivation. Likewise, the energy of activation (E(a)) was more between 45-55 degrees C (9747 cal/mol) compared to E(a) between 50-60 degrees C (4162 cal/mol).     

Bacillus subtilis and B. mojavensis strains connected to food poisoning produce the heat stable toxin amylosin

Aim:  To screen and characterize toxic, heat-stable substances produced by food borne strains from Bacillus subtilis group.
Methods and Results:  Using the boar sperm motility inhibition assay, six isolates from two outbreaks, out of the 94 isolates from 26 foods, were found to produce ethanol-soluble heat-stable substances that were toxic to sperm cells by depleting the mitochondrial membrane potentials. The toxic isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis and B mojavensis. Colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2) were used to model the contact with the human digestive tract. The extract of B. subtilis F 2564/96 depolarized the mitochondria in intact Caco-2 cells similarly as in sperm cells. The substance responsible for these effects was purified using HPLC and identified by electron spray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry analysis as amylosin. The temperature requirement for amylosin production was 21–37°C for B. subtilis and 11–21°C for B. mojavensis . Both species produced amylosin in air as well as in 7–8% CO₂ with 8–9% O_2.
Conclusions:  Food borne illness related strains of B. subtilis and B. mojavensis, produced the heat-stable toxin amylosin.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  This is the first report that suggests a role for the heat-stable, ion-channel forming toxin amylosin, as a virulence factor in food borne Bacillus .     

解淀粉芽孢杆菌Q-426群体感应系统ComX信息素前体肽的合成研究

采用Fmoc固相合成法合成了解淀粉芽孢杆菌Q-426群体感应系统Com X信息素的前体五肽。利用反向半制备色谱(RP-HPLC)和液质联用仪(LC-MS)对合成的五肽进行了分离纯化及纯度分析。建立了检测游离氨基酸的新方法,并详细考察了合成条件对树脂上肽链连接效率的影响。结果表明,新型NNA试剂(茚三酮+正丁醇+乙酸溶液)可替代传统的Kaiser试剂用于Fmoc固相合成中游离氨基的检测;在35℃下,使用DCM和DMF对树脂交替溶胀1h后,树脂上肽链的连接效率最高。合成的Com X信息素前体五肽粗品产率为98%,纯度为58.60%;经半制备型高效液相纯化后,纯度达99%。抑菌实验表明,Com X信息素前体五肽具有明显的生物活性。     

Re-identification of the halotolerant, biosurfactant-producing Bacillus licheniformis strain JF-2 as Bacillus mojavensis strain JF-2

Bacillus strain JF-2 (ATCC 39307) is a halotolerant, biosurfactant-producing bacterium that was initially described as a member of the species Bacillus licheniformis based on a limited set of phenotypic characteristics. Here, genetic and phenotypic analyses were employed to determine the relationship of Bacillus strain JF-2 to other Bacillus strains. The restriction patterns with AluI and analysis of gyrA and 16S rRNA gene sequences grouped Bacillus strain JF-2 with B. mojavensis^T and not with B. licheniformis^T. DNA–DNA similarity showed JF-2 was 75% similar to B. mojavensis^T and only 11% similar to B. licheniformis^T. Both strain JF-2 and B. mojavensis^T required DNA for anaerobic growth, but B. licheniformis^T did not. B. mojavensis^T and strain JF-2 did not grow anaerobically in thioglycollate medium or aerobically with propionate while B. licheniformis^T grew under these conditions. DNA–DNA similarity, gene sequence data and phenotypic characteristics all support the assignment of JF-2 as a member of the species B. mojavensis.     

Inducible Phage Tail-like Particles of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum and Its Related Strains

Two new kinds of high molecular bacteriocin, named as clostocins O and M, were found in Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum and its related strains. Production of both clostocins was inducible by mitomycin C (MC) or ultraviolet ray. The active clostocins appeared in the bacterial cells at about 105 min after MC-treatment, increased rapidly during next 75 min and then released into the medium with the cell lysis. The clear lysis of O- and M-producing cells was observed at 3.5 hr and 4 hr respectively after MC-treatment. Clostocin O killed M-producing strains, and clostocin M did O-producing strains. Electron microscopic observation revealed that clostocins O and M were phage tail-like particles with contractile sheath round a core. The particles resembled some pyocins and also the tail of phage HM 3 of Cl. saccharoperbutylacetonicum.

It was also found that M-producing strains had simultaneously the ability of production of low molecular bacteriocin, named as clostocin D.     

Extracellular biosynthesis,characterization, optimization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Bacillus mojavensis BTCB15 and its antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant pathogens

Abstract

Biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles is an area of interest among researchers because of its eco-friendly approach. Current study focuses at biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and optimization of physico-chemical conditions to obtain mono-dispersed and stable AgNPs having antimicrobial activity. Initially Bacillus mojavensis BTCB15 produced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of 105?nm. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by particle size analyzer, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Whereas, under optimal conditions of temperature 55?°C, pH 8, addition of surfactant Tween 20, and metal ion K₂SO₄, about 104% size reduction was achieved with average size of 2.3nm. Molecular characterization revealed 98% sequence homology with Bacillus mojavensis. AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.5?µg/µl against Escherichia coli BTCB03, Klebsiella pneumonia BTCB04, Acinetobacter sp. BTCB05, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa BTCB01 but none against Staphylococcus aureus BTCB02. Highest antibacterial activity was observed at 0.27?µg/µl and lowest at 0.05?µg/µl of AgNPs indicated by zone of inhibition. Conclusively, under optimum conditions, Bacillus mojavensis BTCB15 was able to produce AgNPs of 2.3?nm size and had antibacterial activity against multi drug resistant pathogens.     

Quorum quenching by Bacillus cereus U92: a double-edged sword in biological control of plant diseases

In the present survey, quorum quenching activity was examined from a biocontrol point of view. Acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) degrading bacteria were isolated from tomato rhizosphere using two standard bioreporter strains and different synthetic AHLs and then identified according to 16S rDNA sequences. Five isolates capable of inactivating both short and long 3oxo-substituted AHLs showed high similarity with the genera Bacillus, Microbacterium and Arthrobacter, and thereby Bacillus cereus U92 was determined as the most efficient quorum quencher strain. In the quantitative experiments, this strain remarkably inactivated all synthetic AHLs up to 80%. In the laboratory co-cultures, B. cereus U92 efficiently quenched QS-regulated phenotypes in Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas chlororaphis and Chromobacterium violaceum. The strain successfully reduced the frequency of Ti-plasmid conjugal transfer in A. tumefaciens by about 99% in the binary cultures. Meanwhile, in a more natural environment, this strain acted as a biocontrol agent, efficient in alleviating QS-regulated crown gall incidence on tomato roots (up to 90%) as well as attenuating Pectobacterium soft rot on potato tubers (up to 60%). On the other hand, reducing phenazine production in P. chlororaphis operated as a suppressor of its QS-regulated biocontrol activity and also inhibited pyocyanin production in P. aeruginosa, a plant growth-promoting bacterium, by 75%. In general, B. cereus U92 seems very promising in the biological control of pathogenic bacteria; however, its broad AHL-degrading activity has a detrimental role on beneficial microbes which should not be neglected.     

Potential for control of seedling blight of wheat caused by Fusarium graminearum and related species using the bacterial endophyte Bacillus mojavensis

Fusarium-infected wheat seed decreases germination, seedling emergence, and causes post emergence seedling death, and can contribute to wheat scab and ear rot of maize, with consequent production of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. Current seed treatments have proved ineffective in controlling seedling blight and scab. A patented endophytic bacterial strain, Bacillus mojavensis RRC 101, and several other strains of this species were studied to determine in vitro antagonism to some Fusarium species and to assess the potential of this bacterium to serve as an endophytic biocontrol for seedling blight of wheat produced by species within the F. graminearum complex, as well as other species of Fusarium. Seedling emergence and seed germination were two tests used as indicators of seedling blight. These tests were conducted in growth rooms with two wheat cultivars highly susceptible to scab, Norm and Pioneer 2552, and other cultivars with varying resistance to scab. The results indicated that all strains of this bacterium were antagonistic in vitro to the strains of F. graminearum and its seven related species, as well as four strains of F. pseudograminearum and the two strains of F. verticillioides. Germination of the highly scab susceptible cultivar 2552 was increased from 77 to 97% when planted in soil containing a mixed inoculum of F. graminearum and related species. Seedling emergence in the very susceptible wheat cultivar Norm increased from 20 to 82% when treated with the bacterium. The data indicated that inoculating wheat kernels with B. mojavensis reduced seedling blight of wheat produced by F. graminearum and related Fusarium species indicating the potential for this bacterium as a biocontrol under field condition.     

The geranyl-modified tryptophan residue is crucial for ComXRO-E-2 pheromone biological activity

The ComX pheromone is an isoprenoidal oligopeptide containing a modified tryptophan residue, which stimulates natural genetic competence in gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus. We have reported the structure of the ComX_RO-E-2 pheromone, which is produced by the RO-E-2 strain of Bacillus subtilis. ComX_RO-E-2 analogs with substituted amino acids and isoprenoid modified tryptophan residues (e.g., prenyl, geranyl, and farnesyl), were synthesized and examined for biological activity. These results indicate that Phe-Trp^∗(Ger)-NH₂ is the minimum pharmacophore of the ComX_RO-E-2 pheromone. Furthermore, the length of the isoprenoid moiety (i.e., modification style), and the presence of double bonds, are crucial for biological activity. The modification style of the ComX pheromone is more important than the peptide sequence with respect to biological activity.     

Bacillus mojavensis strain 32A, a bioflocculant-producing bacterium isolated from an Egyptian salt production pond

Bacillus mojavensis strain 32A that exhibited 96.11% flocculation efficiency for clay suspensions was selected from other 15 comparative strains. Under growth condition, strain 32A was able to produce 5.2 g/L of purified biopolymer. Its constituent was mainly polysaccharide and protein with proportional of 98.4-1.6% respectively. FTIR spectrum was confirming its chemical analysis. This biopolymer attain very fast sedimentation rate. The cost-effective biopolymer and CaCl₂ dosages were 3 mg/L and 5 ml/L respectively that posed 89.7% flocculation efficiency. These dosages were suitable only for clay concentrations ?5 g/L. The maximum flocculation efficiency of the biopolymer recorded at pH 1.0 of clay suspension. The too high (>75 °C) or too low (<25 °C) clay suspension temperature was unfavorable for the biopolymer flocculation performance. The biopolymer solution utilized high thermal stability over the temperature range of 5-60 °C. Furthermore, its pH stability recorded at pH range of 5-9.     

Massilia sp. BS-1, a Novel Violacein-Producing Bacterium Isolated from Soil

A novel bacterium, Massilia sp. BS-1, producing violacein and deoxyviolacein was isolated from a soil sample collected from Akita Prefecture, Japan. The 16S ribosomal DNA of strain BS-1 displayed 93% homology with its nearest violacein-producing neighbor, Janthinobacterium lividum. Strain BS-1 grew well in a synthetic medium, but required both L-tryptophan and a small amount of L-histidine to produce violacein.     

苏云金芽孢杆菌以色列亚种cyt1 Aa基因在球形芽孢杆菌中表达

将编码cyt1Aa基因和 p2 0蛋白基因的DNA片段分别克隆连接于两个不同的穿梭载体 pBU 4和pMK 3上 ,构建了重组质粒 pBA 30和 pMA 6,通过电击法 ,将重组质粒分别转化 B .s野生株2 2 97,获得了转化菌株Bs 97 30和Bs 97 6。SDS PAGE和Westernblot分析证实了cyt1Aa基因在转化菌株Bs 97 30中获得了表达 ,而在转化菌株Bs 97 6中未检测到cyt1Aa基因表达的蛋白。转化菌株Bs 97 30中 ,cyt1Aa基因与B .s二元毒素基因同步于菌体生长的对数期起始表达 ,并持续至芽孢形成。生测结果表明 ,转化菌株Bs 97 30中cyt1Aa基因的表达并未明显增强其对敏感和抗性致倦库蚊幼虫的毒力。其原因可能是弱毒性的 cyt1Aa蛋白在转化菌株中的表达量不高。