铜绿假单胞菌表面(氧化)低密度脂蛋白配体的研究

【背景】研究发现铜绿假单胞菌(Pseudomonas aeruginosa)与(氧化)低密度脂蛋白(Low density lipoprotein,LDL/oxidized low density lipoprotein,ox LDL)具有特异性相互作用,有报道证实P. aeruginosa表达的Rah U蛋白可以与LDL/ox LDL特异性结合。【目的】验证Rah U蛋白是否是P.aeruginosa表面主要的LDL/ox LDL配体。【方法】大肠杆菌表达Rah U蛋白(r Rah U),ELISA验证r Rah U与LDL/ox LDL的相互作用。利用同源重组的方法构建RahU基因缺失突变株(ΔRahU菌株)作为阴性对照菌株,制备小鼠抗r Rah U抗体,经WesternBlot及ELISA分别检测抗r Rah U抗体与P.aeruginosa野生型菌株膜蛋白中RahU蛋白及菌体表面RahU蛋白的结合。通过ELISA方法对P. aeruginosa野生型菌株及ΔRahU菌株与LDL/ox LDL的结合差异进行比较,并对不同蛋白酶水解ΔRahU菌体表面蛋白后ΔRahU菌株与LDL/ox LDL结合能力的差异进行比较。【结果】经ELISA验证rRahU与LDL/oxLDL存在特异性结合。Western Blot及ELISA方法证实小鼠抗rRahU抗体可以与P. aeruginosa野生型菌株膜蛋白中RahU蛋白及菌体表面RahU蛋白特异性结合,而不与ΔRahU菌株相互作用。P.aeruginosa野生型菌株及ΔRahU菌株与LDL/oxLDL结合能力无显著差异,且蛋白酶水解后ΔRahU菌株与LDL/oxLDL的结合能力相近。【结论】RahU蛋白是P. aeruginosa表面的LDL/oxLDL配体之一,但不是唯一的配体。     

截短表达的TTSuV2 ORF1重组蛋白对猪血清的免疫学反应

【目的】本文旨在了解猪细环病毒2(Torque teno sus virus 2,TTSu V2)病毒蛋白对猪血清的免疫学反应,明确TTSu V2 ORF1编码的氨基酸序列上特定片段的免疫原性,为TTSu V2的免疫学检测方法建立提供实验依据。【方法】以本实验室测序的TTSu V2毒株为研究对象,在大肠杆菌表达系统中克隆表达了TTSu V2ORF1基因上两相互重叠的基因片段,对表达产物进行纯化,分析了两重组蛋白(TTSu V2 ORF1a与TTSu V2ORF1ab)对猪血清抗体的免疫学反应。【结果】应用标签抗体进行Western Blotting分析的结果显示,重组TTSu V2 ORF1a与TTSu V2 ORF1ab蛋白成功表达。应用建立的ELISA方法对212份猪血清进行检测的结果表明,含有179个氨基酸的重组TTSu V2 ORF1a与含有416个氨基酸的重组TTSu V2 ORF1ab蛋白之间有显著的相关性,二者对猪血清的反应基本一致。采用猪血清进行Western Blotting分析的结果显示,血清抗体可特异性识别两重组蛋白。【讨论】TTSu V2 ORF1a与TTSu V2 ORF1ab相互重叠的179个氨基酸序列上(168-346)含有TTSu V2 ORF1关键的B细胞表位,重组蛋白TTSu V2 ORF1a适用于TTSu V2血清抗体免疫学检测。     

KPNB1和Ran蛋白共同介导新城疫病毒基质蛋白的入核转运

【目的】鉴定与新城疫病毒(Newcastle disease virus,NDV)基质蛋白(matrix protein,M)入核相关的细胞蛋白,以阐明NDV M蛋白细胞核定位的分子机制。【方法】从鸡胚成纤维细胞中分别克隆核转运受体蛋白KPNA1–KPNA6和KPNB1基因,将其构建到真核表达载体,并与表达NDV M蛋白的重组真核表达载体分别共转染HEK-293T细胞,通过免疫共沉淀方法鉴定与NDV M蛋白相互作用的核转运受体蛋白。另外,将M蛋白与Ran蛋白突变体或与M蛋白互作的核转运受体蛋白缺失体分别共表达,通过荧光共定位确定M蛋白入核转运相关的细胞蛋白。【结果】构建的重组真核表达载体在HEK-293T细胞中能够正确表达;通过间接免疫荧光观察发现,重组蛋白中除Myc-KPNA2蛋白定位在细胞质外,其它核转运受体蛋白均与M蛋白表现出相同的细胞核定位。免疫共沉淀试验结果表明,M蛋白与KPNA1蛋白和KPNB1蛋白均存在相互作用。进一步通过荧光共定位观察发现,M蛋白与KPNA1蛋白缺失体(DN-KPNA1)共表达不改变M蛋白的细胞核定位,而与KPNB1蛋白缺失体(DN-KPNB1)共表达后导致M蛋白变为细胞质定位,说明M蛋白入核转运需要KPNB1蛋白的参与。另外,将M蛋白与Ran蛋白突变体Ran-Q69L共表达,荧光观察发现M蛋白同样由细胞核定位变为细胞质定位,说明M蛋白入核转运还需要Ran蛋白的辅助。【结论】KPNB1和Ran蛋白共同介导NDV M蛋白的入核转运,其过程是KPNB1蛋白首先和M蛋白发生相互作用并形成复合物,然后通过Ran蛋白的辅助作用完成入核转运。     

鸭甲肝病毒1型和3型间接ELISA方法的建立与应用

【目的】研究鸭甲肝病毒(Duck hepatitis A virus,DHAV)1型VP3和3型VP1串联基因在大肠杆菌中的表达,并以纯化的重组蛋白为抗原建立鸭病毒性肝炎抗体检测的间接ELISA方法。【方法】设计2对特异性引物,提取鸭甲肝病毒1型(DHAV-1)和3型(DHAV-3)的RNA,分别RT-PCR扩增得到714bp的DHAV-1VP3和720bp的DHAV-3 VP1基因,并克隆至p MD18-T载体中,然后依次将DHAV-1 VP3和DHAV-3 VP1定向插入p ET-32a(+)表达载体,获得重组表达载体p ET-1VP3-3VP1,进行IPTG(Isopropyl-beta-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside)诱导表达分析,以纯化的重组蛋白为抗原建立间接ELISA方法并应用于临床。【结果】经IPTG诱导表达,在大肠杆菌中可稳定、高效地表达DHAV-1VP3-3VP1蛋白。Western blot检测结果表明,表达的重组蛋白与DHAV-1和DHAV-3阳性血清均能发生特异性反应。确定间接ELISA方法的抗原最佳包被浓度为1.0μg/孔,血清最佳稀释度为1∶200,临界值为OD6 50值≥0.38,建立的间接ELISA方法具有较好的敏感性、特异性和重复性。该方法与中和试验分别检测DHAV-3阳性血清,两种方法的符合率各为96.3%和96.7%;初步临床应用结果表明该方法可用于雏鸭母源抗体和免疫后抗体的消长变化的检测。【结论】以大肠杆菌表达的DHAV-1VP3-3VP1重组蛋白建立的间接ELISA方法可用于DHAV-1和DHAV-3抗体的检测。     

ELP[I]50标签在重组硫氧还蛋白分离纯化中的应用及PEG对其相变温度的影响

【目的】使用自行设计的类弹性蛋白(Elastin-like protein, ELP) ELP[I]50作为非色谱纯化标签, 分离纯化重组硫氧还蛋白(Thioredoxin, Trx), 并研究聚乙二醇(Polyethylene glycol, PEG)对ELP[I]50-Trx相变温度(Inverse temperature transition, Tt)的影响。【方法】人工合成Trx基因, 将其亚克隆到自行构建的表达载体pET28编码ELP[I]50标签下游, 转入大肠杆菌BLR(DE3)进行表达。融合蛋白表达后, 采用可逆相变循环(Inverse transition cycling, ITC)分离纯化, 并检测不同浓度PEG时的Tt值。【结果】成功表达、分离纯化出融合蛋白ELP[I]50-Trx, 检测出该蛋白浓度为25 μmol/L时, Tt为28.6 °C; 而当PEG的浓度为5%、10%、15%、20%时, Tt分别降至22.3 °C、15.9 °C、6 °C、0 °C。【结论】ELP[I]50标签高效纯化重组蛋白具有操作简便、成本较低、易于扩大的优势, 而PEG能降低蛋白的Tt值, 进一步增强分离纯化效果, 扩大使用范围, 可望应用于分离纯化多种重组蛋白。     

免疫共沉淀筛选细胞内与A型流感病毒M2蛋白相互作用的蛋白

摘要：【目的】筛选细胞内与A型流感病毒M2蛋白（A/M2）相互作用的蛋白质。【方法】将A/M2编码序列插入真核表达载体pCAGGS-CFlag,重组质粒pCAGGS-CFlag-A/M2转染HEK-293T细胞,裂解细胞,以Flag单抗偶联的琼脂糖球珠免疫沉淀A/M2-Flag蛋白,清洗去除非特异性结合的杂蛋白后,SDS-PAGE银染法显示与A/M2共沉淀的蛋白,从胶上切下此蛋白条带进行质谱分析。【结果】成功构建了A/M2的表达质粒,免疫印迹证实了A/M2蛋白在293T细胞中能够表达,免疫共沉淀筛选到与A/M2结合的多种蛋白,分析质谱结果,确定ataxin 10和3个真核翻译起始因子(eIF)为候选蛋白。【结论】ataxin 10与A/M2相互作用为流感病毒感染或接种流感疫苗引发小脑性共济失调提供了解释,eIF与A/M2相互作用表明A/M2可能在调控病毒蛋白合成方面起重要作用。     

VP3 G–H环中氨基酸突变对O型口蹄疫病毒生物学特性的影响

【目的】为了研究O型口蹄疫病毒VP3G–H环中氨基酸突变对其生物学特性的影响。【方法】借助口蹄疫病毒反向遗传操作技术平台拯救出2株定点突变体rHN~(V3174Y)和rHN~(D3173N+V3174E+N3179C)。进行蚀斑形成试验、一步生长曲线的绘制、TCID_(50)和LD_(50)的测定、间接免疫荧光与激光共聚焦显微镜检测。【结果】结果显示,与骨架病毒rHN相比,虽然rHN~(V3174Y)和rHN~(D3173N+V3174E+N3179C)对BHK-21细胞的感染性及其蚀斑表型和复制动力学无显著性差异;但rHN~(V3174Y)和rHN~(D3173N+V3174E+N3179C)对乳鼠的致病力明显减弱,且均获得了小窝蛋白介导侵染CHO-K1细胞的能力。【结论】VP3上第3174位特征性氨基酸突变影响O型口蹄疫病毒感染宿主细胞的毒力及其内吞作用路径,这有助于我们认知VP3 G–H环在口蹄疫病毒粒子立体空间构象中潜在的作用。     

A型流感病毒PB1-F2蛋白与MOAP-1的相互作用

【目的】探讨A型流感病毒PB1-F2蛋白和人类凋亡调节因子1(MOAP-1)之间的相互作用。【方法】构建pACT2-MOAP-1重组质粒,与pGBKT7-PB1-F2质粒共转化酵母AH109,检测转化菌在四缺培养基的生长情况及β半乳糖苷酶报告基因的活性;利用GST pull-down和免疫共沉淀(Co-IP)技术进一步验证PB1-F2与宿主细胞蛋白MOAP-1的相互作用;通过过表达PB1-F2和MOAP-1,检测PB1-F2对MOAP-1蛋白表达水平的影响。【结果】酵母双杂交结果表明,PB1-F2和MOAP-1可以在酵母细胞内特异性结合。GST pull-down和Co-IP实验也进一步证实了这两种蛋白的相互作用,而且PB1-F2可上调外源MOAP-1的蛋白水平。【结论】流感病毒PB1-F2与MOAP-1存在相互作用,PB1-F2可能通过与MOAP-1的相互作用参与调控细胞生长及凋亡过程。     

磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧化酶基因的敲除对于谷氨酸棒杆菌V1生理代谢的影响

【目的】L-缬氨酸生物合成的前体物质是丙酮酸。为了增加磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸向丙酮酸的代谢流向,优化L-缬氨酸前体物质的供应,以一株积累L-缬氨酸的谷氨酸棒杆菌V1(Corynebacterium glutamicum V1)为对象,构建磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧化酶(PEPC)基因敲除的重组菌株C.glutamicum V1-Δpepc,并研究pepc敲除后菌株生理特性的改变。【方法】运用交叉PCR方法得到pepc基因内部缺失的同源片段Δpepc,并构建敲除质粒pK18mobsacB-Δpepc。利用同源重组技术获得pepc基因缺陷突变株C.glutamicum V1-Δpepc。采用摇瓶发酵对C.glutamicum V1-Δpepc进行发酵特性的研究。对谷氨酸棒杆菌模式菌株C.glutamicum ATCC 13032、出发菌株C.glutamicum V1和敲除菌株C.glu-tamicum V1-Δpepc的丙酮酸激酶(Pyruvate kinase,PK)、丙酮酸脱氢酶(Pyruvate dehydro-genase,PDH)、丙酮酸羧化酶(Pyruvate carboxylase,PC)分别进行测定和分析。【结果】PCR验证以及PEPC酶活测定都表明筛选到pepc缺陷的突变菌株C.glutamicum V1-Δpepc,摇瓶发酵结果表明,突变菌株C.glutamicum V1-Δpepc不再积累L-缬氨酸而是积累L-精氨酸达到7.48 g/L。酶活测定结果表明出发菌株的PDH和PC酶活均低于模式菌株C.glu-tamicum ATCC13032和重组菌株C.glutamicum V1-Δpepc,出发菌株的PK与PEPC酶活与模式菌株没有较大的差异。【结论】研究表明,通过切断PEPC参与的三羧酸循环的回补途径,增加磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸向丙酮酸的流向使丙酮酸向TCA循环的流量增加,精氨酸的累积量提高。同时,以丙酮酸为前体的L-缬氨酸和丙氨酸的积累量降低。     

鼠伤寒沙门菌六型分泌系统效应蛋白Clpv对巨噬细胞极化的影响北大核心

【目的】探讨Ⅵ型分泌系统(typeⅥsecretion system,T6SS)效应蛋白Clpv在鼠伤寒沙门菌(Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium)致病过程中的功能。【方法】以鼠伤寒沙门菌SL1344基因组为模板克隆clpv基因,并比较与其他革兰氏阴性菌台湾假单胞菌(Pseudomonas taiwanensis)、植生拉乌尔菌(Raoultella planticola)、鳗利斯顿氏菌(Listonella anguillarum)、菠萝多源菌(Pantoea ananatis)、粘放线菌(Actinomyces viscosus)和大肠埃希菌(Escherichia coli)的同源性;将clpv基因克隆至pEGFP-N1载体构建重组质粒pEGFP-Clpv,利用Western blotting、实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,q-PCR)、荧光显微镜以及流式细胞术检测蛋白表达、定位及诱导小鼠巨噬细胞M1型和M2型极化水平。【结果】clpv基因全长为2637 bp,与台湾假单胞菌的同源性最高;Western blotting、qPCR和免疫荧光检测表明重组蛋白大小约120 kDa,在细胞中有明显绿色荧光并且主要定位于细胞膜;q-PCR和流式细胞术结果发现Clpv转染组巨噬细胞M1型极化显著增加(P<0.01),M2型巨噬细胞极化显著减少(P<0.01)。【结论】成功克隆表达鼠伤寒沙门菌T6SS效应蛋白Clpv,并明确其胞内表达定位以及对巨噬细胞极化的影响。     

Binding of the low-density lipoprotein by streptococcal collagen-like protein Scl1 of Streptococcus pyogenes

Several bacterial genera express proteins that contain collagen-like regions, which are associated with variable (V) non-collagenous regions. The streptococcal collagen-like proteins, Scl1 and Scl2, of group A Streptococcus (GAS) are members of this 'prokaryotic collagen' family, and they too contain an amino-terminal non-collagenous V region of unknown function. Here, we use recombinant rScl constructs, derived from several Scl1 and Scl2 variants, and affinity chromatography to identify Scl ligands present in human plasma. First, we show that Scl1, but not Scl2, proteins from different GAS serotypes bind the same ligand identified as apolipoprotein B (ApoB100), which is a major component of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Scl1 binding to purified ApoB100 and LDL is specific and concentration-dependent. Furthermore, the non-collagenous V region of the Scl1 protein is responsible for LDL/ApoB100 binding because only those rScls, constructed by domain swapping, which contain the V region from Scl1 proteins, were able to bind to ApoB100 and LDL ligands, and this binding was inhibited by antibodies directed against the Scl1-V region. Electron microscopy images of Scl1-LDL complexes showed that the globular V domain of Scl1 interacted with spherical particles of LDL. Importantly, live M28-type GAS cells absorbed plasma LDL on the cell surface and this binding depended on the surface expression of the Scl1.28, but not Scl2.28, protein. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the non-collagenous globular domains of Scl1 and Scl2 evolved independently to form separate lineages, which differ in amino acid sequence, and these differences may account for the variations in binding patterns of Scl1 and Scl2 proteins. Present studies provide insight into the structure-function relationship of the Scl proteins and also underline the importance of lipoprotein binding by GAS.     

High‐density lipoprotein acts as an opsonin to enhance phagocytosis of group A streptococcus by U937 cells

We have previously demonstrated that high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) can specifically bind to streptococcal collagen‐like protein 1 (Scl1) of M41‐type group A Streptococcus (GAS). However, the pathological or physiological significance of Scl1?HDL interaction is unknown. Here, the hypothesis that HDL acts as an opsonin to enhance phagocytosis of HDL‐bound GAS by monocytes given that some scavenger receptors can mediate the endocytosis of HDL was tested by using FITC‐labeled bacteria, human U937 monocytes and HDL for phagocytic assays. HDL (10 µg/mL) was found to significantly enhance internalization of M41‐type (ATCC 12373) GAS by U937 cells after 60 min incubation, compared with an HDL‐free group. The internalized GAS were dead after 60 min incubation with U937 cells regardless of presence and absence of HDL. Although very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) could specifically bind to ATCC 12373 strain, it did not promote phagocytosis of GAS. Additionally, LDL, HDL and VLDL did not enhance phagocytosis of CMCC 32198 strain because this strain did not bind to these lipoproteins. A physiological concentration of HDL (1000 µg/mL) had a similar effect. Anti‐CD36 antibody completely abolished opsonic phagocytosis whereas anti‐CD4 antibody did not, indicating that CD36 is the major scavenger receptor mediating the uptake of HDL‐opsonized GAS by U937 cells. Furthermore, because rScl1 competitively blocked the interaction of ATCC 12373 strain with HDL recombinant Scl1 (rScl1) derived from M41‐type GAS, it significantly decreased opsonophagocytosis of ATCC 12373 strain but not of CMCC 32198 strain. Therefore, our findings suggest that HDL may be an opsonin that enhances CD36‐dependent opsonophagocytosis of GAS by U937 cells.

     

The Scl1 protein of M6-type group A Streptococcus binds the human complement regulatory protein, factor H, and inhibits the alternative pathway of complement

Non-specific activation of the complement system is regulated by the plasma glycoprotein factor H (FH). Bacteria can avoid complement-mediated opsonization and phagocytosis through acquiring FH to the cell surface. Here, we characterize an interaction between the streptococcal collagen-like protein Scl1.6 of M6-type group A Streptococcus (GAS) and FH. Using affinity chromatography with immobilized recombinant Scl1.6 protein, we co-eluted human plasma proteins with molecular weight of 155 kDa, 43 kDa and 38 kDa. Mass spectrometry identified the 155 kDa band as FH and two other bands as isoforms of the FH-related protein-1. The identities of all three bands were confirmed by Western immunoblotting with specific antibodies. Structure-function relation studies determined that the globular domain of the Scl1.6 variant specifically binds FH while fused to collagenous tails of various lengths. This binding is not restricted to Scl1.6 as the phylogenetically linked Scl1.55 variant also binds FH. Functional analyses demonstrated the cofactor activity of the rScl1.6-bound FH for factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b. Finally, purified FH bound to the Scl1.6 protein present in the cell wall material obtained from M6-type GAS. In conclusion, we have identified a functional interaction between Scl1 and plasma FH, which may contribute to GAS evasion of complement-mediated opsonization and phagocytosis.     

Identification of the first prokaryotic collagen sequence motif that mediates binding to human collagen receptors, integrins alpha2beta1 and alpha11beta1

Many pathogenic bacteria interact with human integrins to enter host cells and to augment host colonization. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) employs molecular mimicry by direct interactions between the cell surface streptococcal collagen-like protein-1 (Scl1) and the human collagen receptor, integrin alpha2beta1. The collagen-like (CL) region of the Scl1 protein mediates integrin-binding, although, the integrin binding motif was not defined. Here, we used molecular cloning and site-directed mutagenesis to identify the GLPGER sequence as the alpha2beta1 and the alpha11beta1 binding motif. Electron microscopy experiments mapped binding sites of the recombinant alpha2-integrin-inserted domain to the GLPGER motif of the recombinant Scl (rScl) protein. rScl proteins and a synthetic peptide harboring the GLPGER motif mediated the attachment of C2C12-alpha2+myoblasts expressing the alpha2beta1 integrin as the sole collagen receptor. The C2C12-alpha11+myoblasts expressing the alpha11beta1 integrin also attached to GLPGER-harboring rScl proteins. Furthermore, the C2C12-alpha11+cells attached to rScl1 more efficiently than C2C12-alpha2+cells, suggesting that the alpha11beta1 integrin may have a higher binding affinity for the GLPGER sequence. Human endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts adhered to rScl proteins, indicating that multiple cell types may recognize and bind the Scl proteins via their collagen receptors. This work is a stepping stone toward defining the utilization of collagen receptors by microbial collagen-like proteins that are expressed by pathogenic bacteria.     

Adaptation of the group A Streptococcus adhesin Scl1 to bind fibronectin type III repeats within wound‐associated extracellular matrix: implications for cancer therapy

The human‐adapted pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) utilizes wounds as portals of entry into host tissue, wherein surface adhesins interact with the extracellular matrix, enabling bacterial colonization. The streptococcal collagen‐like protein 1 (Scl1) is a major adhesin of GAS that selectively binds to two fibronectin type III (FnIII) repeats within cellular fibronectin, specifically the alternatively spliced extra domains A and B, and the FnIII repeats within tenascin‐C. Binding to FnIII repeats was mediated through conserved structural determinants present within the Scl1 globular domain and facilitated GAS adherence and biofilm formation. Isoforms of cellular fibronectin that contain extra domains A and B, as well as tenascin‐C, are present for several days in the wound extracellular matrix. Scl1‐FnIII binding is therefore an example of GAS adaptation to the host's wound environment. Similarly, cellular fibronectin isoforms and tenascin‐C are present in the tumor microenvironment. Consistent with this, FnIII repeats mediate GAS attachment to and enhancement of biofilm formation on matrices deposited by cancer‐associated fibroblasts and osteosarcoma cells. These data collectively support the premise for utilization of the Scl1‐FnIII interaction as a novel method of anti‐neoplastic targeting in the tumor microenvironment.     

Characterization of the immune response to collagen-like proteins Scl1 and Scl2 of serotype M1 and M28 group A Streptococcus

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections may trigger autoimmune sequelae thought to involve streptococcal antibodies cross-reactive to human antigens. Here, the antigenicity of the streptococcal collagen-like (CL) proteins, Scl1 and Scl2, that exhibit structural similarity to human collagen, was analyzed. Antibodies to Scl1.1 protein were detected in human sera from healthy individuals previously infected with M1 GAS and from patients with various GAS infections, as well as in sera from mice infected with M1 GAS. Linear B-cell epitope mapping identified immunoreactive peptides corresponding to the CL region of Scl1.1. Humoral responses to Scl1.28 and Scl2.28 were also detected in pediatric patients and mice infected with M28 GAS.     

The group A streptococcal collagen‐like protein‐1, Scl1, mediates biofilm formation by targeting the extra domain A‐containing variant of cellular fibronectin expressed in wounded tissue

Wounds are known to serve as portals of entry for group A Streptococcus (GAS). Subsequent tissue colonization is mediated by interactions between GAS surface proteins and host extracellular matrix components. We recently reported that the streptococcal collagen‐like protein‐1, Scl1, selectively binds the cellular form of fibronectin (cFn) and also contributes to GAS biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. One structural feature of cFn, which is predominantly expressed in response to tissue injury, is the presence of a spliced variant containing extra domain A (EDA/EIIIA). We now report that GAS biofilm formation is mediated by the Scl1 interaction with EDA‐containing cFn. Recombinant Scl1 proteins that bound cFn also bound recombinant EDA within the C‐C’ loop region recognized by the α₉β₁ integrin. The extracellular 2‐D matrix derived from human dermal fibroblasts supports GAS adherence and biofilm formation. Altogether, this work identifies and characterizes a novel molecular mechanism by which GAS utilizes Scl1 to specifically target an extracellular matrix component that is predominantly expressed at the site of injury in order to secure host tissue colonization.     

Scl1-dependent internalization of group A Streptococcus via direct interactions with the alpha2beta(1) integrin enhances pathogen survival and re-emergence

The molecular pathogenesis of infections caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS) is not fully understood. We recently reported that a recombinant protein derived from the collagen-like surface protein, Scl1, bound to the human collagen receptor, integrin α₂β₁. Here, we investigate whether the same Scl1 variant expressed by GAS cells interacts with the integrin α₂β₁ and affects the biological outcome of host–pathogen interactions. We demonstrate that GAS adherence and internalization involve direct interactions between surface expressed Scl1 and the α₂β₁ integrin, because (i) both adherence and internalization of the scl1- inactivated mutant were significantly decreased, and were restored by in-trans complementation of Scl1 expression, (ii) GAS internalization was reduced by pre-treatment of HEp-2 cells with anti-α₂ integrin-subunit antibody and type I collagen, (iii) recombinant α₂-I domain bound the wild-type GAS cells and (iv) internalization of wild-type cells was significantly increased in C2C12 cells expressing the α₂β₁ integrin as the only collagen-binding integrin. Next, we determined that internalized GAS re-emerges from epithelial cells into the extracellular environment. Taken together, our data describe a new molecular mechanism used by GAS involving the direct interaction between Scl1 and integrins, which increases the overall capability of the pathogen to survive and re-emerge.     

Detergent extraction of cholera toxin and gangliosides from cultured cells and isolated membranes

Choleragen, when bound to various cultured cells, resisted extraction by Triton X-100 under conditions which retained the cytoskeletal framework of the cells. This resistance (> 75% of the bound toxin) was observed in Friend erythroleukemic, mouse neuroblastoma N18 and NB41A and rat glioma C6 cells even though the different cells varied over 1000-fold in the number of toxin receptors. The extent of extraction did not depend on whether the cells were in monolayer culture or in suspension or whether choleragen was bound at 0 or 37°C. A similar resistance to extraction was also observed in membranes isolated from toxin-treated cells. Using more drastic conditions and other non-ionic detergents, 90% of the bound choleragen was solubilized from cells and membranes. When rat glioma C6 cells, which bind only small amounts of choleragen, were incubated with the ganglioside G_M1, toxin binding was increased and the bound toxin was also resistant to extraction. When these cells were incubated with [³H]G_M1, up to 70% of the cell-associated G_M1 was extracted under the mild conditions. When the G_M1-labeled cells were incubated with choleragen or its B (binding) component, there was a significant reduction in the solubilization of G_M1. Similar results were obtained with isolated membranes. When choleragen-receptor complexes were isolated from N18 cells labeled with [³H]galactose by immunoadsorption, only labeled G_M1 was specifically recovered. These results suggest that it is the choleragen-ganglioside complex that is resistant to detergent extraction.     

Adhesion of Mycoplasma pneumoniae to sulfated glycolipids and inhibition by dextran sulfate

A virulent strain of Mycoplasma pneumoniae was metabolically labeled with [3H]palmitate and studied for binding to glycolipids and to WiDr human colon adenocarcinoma cells. The organism binds strongly to sulfatide and other sulfated glycolipids, such as seminolipid and lactosylsulfatide which all contain terminal Gal(3SO4) beta 1-residues and weakly to some neolactoseries neutral glycolipids. M. pneumoniae do not bind gangliosides including the sialylneolacto-series and other neutral glycolipids that were tested. Only metabolically active M. pneumoniae cells bind to sulfatide, as binding is maximal in RPMI medium at 37 degrees C and almost completely abolished in nutrient-deficient medium or by keeping the cells at 4 degrees C. Dextran sulfate but not other sulfated or anionic polysaccharides at 10 micrograms/ml completely inhibits binding of M. pneumoniae to purified sulfatide. Dextran sulfate does not inhibit binding to the neolacto-series neutral glycolipids. Dextran sulfate partially inhibits adhesion of M. pneumoniae to cultured human colon adenocarcinoma cells (WiDr). The biological relevance of these data is suggested by our finding that sulfatide occurs in large amounts in human trachea, lung, and WiDr cells. Thus, there are at least two distinct receptors that mediate binding of M. pneumoniae to cells: glycolipids containing terminal Gal(3SO4) beta 1-residues as reported here, and glycoproteins containing terminal NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc sequences (Roberts, D. D., Olson, L. D., Barile, M. F., Ginsburg, V., and Krivan, H. C. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 9289-9293).