Characterization of Six Bacteriophages of Serratia liquefaciens CP6 Isolated from the Sugar Beet Phytosphere

Six phages (ΦCP6-1 to ΦCP6-6) that are commonly found in the phytosphere of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris var. Amethyst) were investigated, and their relative impacts on their host (Serratia liquefaciens CP6) were compared. There were fundamental differences between the two most abundant predators of CP6 (ΦCP6-1 and ΦCP6-4). Like ΦCP6-2 and ΦCP6-5, ΦCP6-1 belonged to the family Siphoviridae, while ΦCP6-4 exhibited the morphology of the family Podoviridae. The other phages were members of the family Myoviridae. DNA-DNA cross-hybridization revealed that ΦCP6-1 and ΦCP6-4 had little common DNA, although all of the other phages exhibited some genetic similarity. Like ΦCP6-2, ΦCP6-3, and ΦCP6-5, ΦCP6-1 was capable of forming a lysogenic association with its host, while ΦCP6-4 and ΦCP6-6 appeared to be entirely virulent. Single-step growth curve experiments revealed that ΦCP6-4 had a much shorter latent period and a smaller burst size than ΦCP6-1. Also, ΦCP6-1 could transduce a number of host chromosomal markers with transfer frequencies of 2.9 × 10⁻⁹ to 3.9 × 10⁻⁷, whereas ΦCP6-4 could not transduce S. liquefaciens CP6 genes. When viewed in the context of the strikingly different temporal niches of these phages, our data provide an insight into how bacteriophage interactions with their hosts might reflect the natural ecology of bacteriophages. Our data also illustrate how the potential for gene transfer changes over time in an environment that supports several different phages.     

Characterization of Two Pore-Forming Proteins Isolated from the Outer Membrane of Synechococcus PCC 6301

Two major proteins, A and B, were isolated and purified from outer membranes of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC 6301 by gel filtration, anion-exchange chromatography, and preparative SDS-PAGE. Protein A revealed a single-channel conductance of 0.4 nanoSiemens (nS) in 1 M KCl, whereas preparations containing both proteins showed two different conductance maxima of 0.4 and 0.9 nS, suggesting that B also forms pores. The apparent molecular mass of the two closely migrating proteins was determined as 52 kDa, whereas native porin extracts revealed a relative molecular mass of ca. 140 kDa, indicating trimeric pore-forming units. Partial sequences of both proteins were obtained by N-terminal sequencing of tryptic peptides, and the C-terminal amino acid sequences were derived from the complete proteins. These sequences were aligned to protein sequences available in the databases. The results are discussed. Received: 22 August 1997 / Accepted: 1 October 1997     

Secretion of Serratia liquefaciens phospholipase from Escherichia coli

The Serratia liquefaciens phospholipase (PhIA) is secreted to the medium from its natural host. Here we present results which indicate that, when cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, secretion can be mediated by a putative host-encoded pathway, expression of which is controlled by FlhD (formerly FlbB), the master regulator of the flagellar/ chemotaxis regulon. In the absence of this secretion pathway, the synthesized phospholipase accumulates inside the host cell where it forms a complex with the PhlB protein. PhlB, which is encoded from the promoter distal gene of the phospholipase operon, inhibits the phospholipase activity of PhlA. Formation of this enzymatically inactive PhlA/PhlB complex is required for maintenance of cell viability.     

Biological Control of Fusarium-wilt in Carnation With Serratia liquefaciens and Hafnia alvei Isolated from Rhizosphere of Carnation

Serratia liquefaciens provided better protection of carnations from infection by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, than did Hafnia alvei. The protection occurred when the bacterial isolates were applied to the cuttings before rooting, but not when applied to the root system of rooted cuttings. S. liquefaciens was recovered from carnation stem segments along the stem up to the top after 60 days but after 120 days they were recovered only up to 2.5cm. Zones of inhibition of Fusarium-conidia sprayed on agar plates previously incubated with stem segments appeared around the bacterial colonies of S. liquifaciens after additional incubation for 24—48h.     

A Function of 40 kDa Outer Membrane Protein in Serratia marcescens

The function of one of the outer membrane proteins of Serratia marcescens was investigated. S. marcescens with an abundant 40 kDa outer membrane protein was induced to form spheroplast at a high rate in an isotonic medium in the presence of calcium, although the spheroplasts were generally fragile in the isotonic environment. The degree of spheroplast induction was correlated to the amount of the 40 kDa protein present in the membrane. In the 40 kDa proteinless mutant strains, the spheroplast induction rate was remarkably decreased. Autoradiography of the outer membrane revealed the presence of a calcium-binding protein as a radioactive band whose position coincided with the 40 kDa protein. These results suggest that the 40 kDa protein has an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of the cell wall against osmotic shock.     

The Yersinia HPI is present in Serratia liquefaciens isolated from meat

AIMS: The aim of the study was to screen the Enterobacteriaceae flora of meat for the presence of bacteria harbouring the Yersinia high-pathogenicity island (HPI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacteria from 29 meat and 29 liver samples were isolated on violet-red bile glucose agar. A total of 197 isolates were screened for the presence of the irp2 gene, encoded within the HPI, by PCR. One isolate that was positive for irp2 gene was also positive for the fyuA, irp1, ybtP/ybtQ, ybtX/ybtS and int/asn tRNA genes by PCR. The presence of fyuA, irp1 and irp2 genes was confirmed by Southern hybridization. CONCLUSIONS: The isolate was identified as Serratia liquefaciens by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and by ribotyping. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report of a Serratia harbouring the Yersinia HPI. Serratia is a frequently occurring Enterobacteriaceae genus in chill-stored meat.     

A Proteomic Approach to Understand the Role of the Outer Membrane Porins in the Organic Solvent-Tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PseA

Solvent-tolerant microbes have the unique ability to thrive in presence of organic solvents. The present study describes the effect of increasing hydrophobicity (log P_ow values) of organic solvents on the outer membrane proteome of the solvent-tolerant Pseudomonas aeruginosa PseA cells. The cells were grown in a medium containing 33% (v/v) alkanes of increasing log P_ow values. The outer membrane proteins were extracted by alkaline extraction from the late log phase cells and changes in the protein expression were studied by 2-D gel electrophoresis. Seven protein spots showed significant differential expression in the solvent exposed cells. The tryptic digest of the differentially regulated proteins were identified by LC-ESI MS/MS. The identity of these proteins matched with porins OprD, OprE, OprF, OprH, Opr86, LPS assembly protein and A-type flagellin. The reported pI values of these proteins were in the range of 4.94–8.67 and the molecular weights were in the range of 19.5–104.5 kDa. The results suggest significant down-regulation of the A-type flagellin, OprF and OprD and up-regulation of OprE, OprH, Opr86 and LPS assembly protein in presence of organic solvents. OprF and OprD are implicated in antibiotic uptake and outer membrane stability, whereas A-type flagellin confers motility and chemotaxis. Up-regulated OprE is an anaerobically-induced porin while Opr86 is responsible for transport of small molecules and assembly of the outer membrane proteins. Differential regulation of the above porins clearly indicates their role in adaptation to solvent exposure.     

Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Serratia marcescens and Enterobacter liquefaciens

Production of 5'-nucleotides by Serratia marcescens and Enterobacter liquefaciens correlates with deoxyribonuclease production, indicating the close relationship between these two organisms. To determine further relationships, susceptibilities of 279 strains of the tribe Klebsielleae were determined by the high-potency disc method, agar-dilution method, or both, by using 14 antibiotics. Ninety-seven per cent of S. marcescens (201 of 207 strains) and 100% of E. liquefaciens (17 strains) had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 mug/ml or greater with colistin and polymyxin B. With these two antibiotics, 93% of other Enterobacter species (28 strains) had MIC values of less than 1.6 mug/ml, and 100% of Klebsiella (27 strains) had MIC values less than 1.6 mug/ml. Consistent patterns were not noted with the other antibiotics tested, but the results with colistin and polymyxin B provide additional evidence of the close relationship of S. marcescens and E. liquefaciens.     

Immunodetection of Outer Membrane Proteins by Flow Cytometry of Isolated Mitochondria

Methods to detect and monitor mitochondrial outer membrane protein components in animal tissues are vital to study mitochondrial physiology and pathophysiology. This protocol describes a technique where mitochondria isolated from rodent tissue are immunolabeled and analyzed by flow cytometry. Mitochondria are isolated from rodent spinal cords and subjected to a rapid enrichment step so as to remove myelin, a major contaminant of mitochondrial fractions prepared from nervous tissue. Isolated mitochondria are then labeled with an antibody of choice and a fluorescently conjugated secondary antibody. Analysis by flow cytometry verifies the relative purity of mitochondrial preparations by staining with a mitochondrial specific dye, followed by detection and quantification of immunolabeled protein. This technique is rapid, quantifiable and high-throughput, allowing for the analysis of hundreds of thousands of mitochondria per sample. It is applicable to assess novel proteins at the mitochondrial surface under normal physiological conditions as well as the proteins that may become mislocalized to this organelle during pathology. Importantly, this method can be coupled to fluorescent indicator dyes to report on certain activities of mitochondrial subpopulations and is feasible for mitochondria from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) as well as liver.     

黏质沙雷菌短尾噬菌体中国分离株的鉴定

以黏质沙雷菌jn01株为宿主菌,从环境污水中分离噬菌体,经反复挑取噬菌斑,获得1株纯化的噬菌体,定名为SmPjn。SmPjn在双层琼脂平板上可形成直径约2mm,圆形、透明的噬菌斑,边缘清晰。透射电镜观察,该噬菌体有一短尾,长（7± 1.25）nm,头部长、宽分别为（58± 2.16）nm×（55±0.47）nm,属短尾噬菌体科（Podoviridae）。可裂解jn01以外的2株黏质沙雷菌;与宿主菌共培养4h后的最佳感染复数为1;一步生长曲线表明该噬菌体的潜伏期约为50min,平均爆发量约为1125pfu/cell。基因组为大于27 kb的DNA,可分别被HindⅢ、EcoRⅠ切成11和9个电泳片段。本报道为国内首次分离黏质沙雷菌短尾噬菌体。     

Cloning of the genes of the chitin utilization regulon of Serratia liquefaciens.

The set of genes that determine the expression of the enzymes involved in chitin degradation by Serratia liquefaciens was cloned. The role of each gene was investigated, and for the first time regulatory genes were identified in this system. The chiA and chiB genes coded for separate chitinase activities. The chiC region coded for a chitobiase activity, but it was not formally separated from chiB. Transposon mutagenesis and deletion analysis identified a region, chiD, whose absence led to higher expression of chiA, chiB, and chiC. chiD may therefore be a gene that codes for a repressor. Loss of function of another adjacent region, chiE, prevented induction unless a chiE+ strain was a near neighbor, suggesting that this gene may code for a protein that is involved in the synthesis of the inducer. chiB, chiC, chiD, and chiE are closely linked, while chiA is in a separate location on the chromosome.     

Characterization of Serologically Dominant Outer Membrane Proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The proteins of the outer membrane of Neisseria gonorrhoeae play an important role in the serotyping system defined by K. H. Johnston et al. (J. Exp. Med. 143:741–758, 1976). This study attempted to delineate the molecular arrangement of the major proteins of the outer membrane of the gonococcus by using three approaches. First, natural protein-protein relationships were demonstrated by symmetrical, two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Second, proteins exposed on the surface of outer membrane vesicles were cross-linked by using the bifunctional reagents dimethyl-3,3′-dithiobispropionimidate and dithiobis[succinimidyl propionate]. Third, specific antigen-antibody interactions on the surface of membrane vesicles were analyzed by radioautographic techniques. The major proteins of the outer membrane of the gonococcus were defined, and a nomenclature was devised to take into account the effects of heat and reducing agents on the resolution of these proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results of cross-linking experiments strongly suggest that two of the major proteins of the gonococcal outer membrane (proteins 1 and 3) form a hydrophobically associated trimeric unit in situ which can be stabilized by selective cross-linking reagents. Results substantiated that these proteins are responsible for imparting serotypic specificity.     

Outer Cell Envelope Glycoprotein from Two Strains of Serratia marcescens

Cell envelope glycoproteins were extracted with sodium dodecyl sulfate from isolated cell walls of two strains of Serratia marcescens and purified by gel filtration column chromatography on Sepharose 4B. There was no significant difference in the chemical composition. Both fractions contained approximately 50% proteins and 10% carbohydrates. Glucosamine and glucose were identified as the only sugar components in the carbohydrate moiety. Immunochemically they shared at least one common antigenic component with each other and possibly with their corresponding lipopolysaccharide fractions.     

液化沙雷氏菌磷脂酶A1的克隆表达及乳糖自诱导发酵

为了利用大肠杆菌高效生产重组磷脂酶,克隆了液化沙雷氏菌磷脂酶A1的编码基因pla,分别使用pET-28a(+)和pET-20b(+)载体,实现了磷脂酶A1在大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中的功能表达.重组菌利用载体pET-28a(+)在原始信号肽的介导下胞外PLA1酶活达40.8 U/mL,占总酶活的91％.重组菌转接至优化后的发酵诱导培养基:蛋白胨10 g/L,酵母粉5g/L,葡萄糖0.8 g/L,乳糖5 g/L,25 mmol/L Na2HPO4,25 mmol/L KH2PO4和1 mmol/L MgSO4;菌体生长6h后,添加7.5 g/L的甘氨酸,37℃恒温发酵24 h,重组菌胞外PLA1酶活达到128.7 U/mL.     

Outer Membrane Proteins and Serosubtyping with Outer Membrane Vesicles from Clinical Isolates of Neisseria meningitidis

The currently practiced protocol for routine serosubtyping of Neisseria meningitidis relies on reactivity of whole cells to monoclonal antibodies against the class 1 outer membrane protein (OMP) in ELISAs or dot-blots. This procedure, however, failed to yield serosubtyping information in 28% (48/174) of clinical isolates (1993–1994) in the province of Québec, Canada. These 48 strains were characterized by OMP profiles and ELISAs with outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Forty out of the 48 strains expressed class 1 OMP, indicating that the inability to assign a serosubtype was not owing to the absence of the class 1 OMP. Of these, 15 (38%) were serosubtypable in ELISAs with outer membrane vesicles. Thus, 81% (141/174) of all meningococcal strains were serosubtypable with ELISAs using whole-cells or OMVs. Because the routinely used procedure for serosubtyping of meningococci is limited in providing serosubtype information, alternate procedures are proposed to obtain comprehensive information for epidemiological identification of this bacterium. Received: 11 June 1996 / Accepted: 5 July 1996     

Biofilm Formation and Quorum-Sensing-Molecule Production by Clinical Isolates of Serratia liquefaciens

Serratia spp. are opportunistic human pathogens responsible for an increasing number of nosocomial infections. However, little is known about the virulence factors and regulatory circuits that may enhance the establishment and long-term survival of Serratia liquefaciens in the hospital environment. In this study, two reporter strains, Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 and VIR24, and high-resolution triple-quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to detect and to quantify N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing signals in 20 S. liquefaciens strains isolated from clinical samples. Only four of the strains produced sufficient amounts of AHLs to activate the sensors. Investigation of two of the positive strains by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-MS confirmed the presence of significant amounts of short-acyl-chain AHLs (N-butyryl-l-homoserine lactone [C₄-HSL] and N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone [C₆-HSL]) in both strains, which exhibited a complex and strain-specific signal profile that included minor amounts of other short-acyl-chain AHLs (N-octanoyl-l-homoserine lactone [C₈-HSL] and N-3-oxohexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone [OC₆-HSL]) and long-acyl-chain (C₁₀, C₁₂, and C₁₄) AHLs. No correlation between biofilm formation and the production of large amounts of AHLs could be established. Fimbria-like structures were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the presence of the type 1 fimbrial adhesin gene fimH in all strains was confirmed by PCR. The ability of S. liquefaciens to adhere to abiotic surfaces and to form biofilms likely contributes to its persistence in the hospital environment, increasing the probability of causing nosocomial infections. Therefore, a better understanding of the adherence properties of this species will provide greater insights into the diseases it causes.