Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marc-Andre Leblanc, Morgan R. Fink, Thomas T. Perkins, Marcelo C. Sousa
Summary: The study shows that effector proteins from certain bacteria can be injected into host cells through a type III secretion system. These proteins need to be partially unfolded to pass through the narrow channel. Mechanical unfolding of the proteins revealed that they exhibit low force and high mechanical compliance, facilitating efficient secretion.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Sanchez-Garrido, David Ruano-Gallego, Jyoti S. Choudhary, Gad Frankel
Summary: Recent studies have shown that T3SS effectors interact with each other in the host, revealing their interdependency and context-dependent essentiality, which is of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of the pathogens.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catalina Rodriguez-Puerto, Rupak Chakraborty, Raksha Singh, Perla Rocha-Loyola, Clemencia M. Rojas
Summary: The plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) is capable of suppressing plant defense responses and promoting pathogenicity through its type III secretion system and a mitochondrial-localized effector, HopG1. HopG1 triggers necrotic cell death and interacts with a plant immunity-related protein, AtNHR2B, which attenuates its virulence functions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Zhi Xiong Zeng, Lu Yi Liu, Shui Bing Xiao, Jin Fang Lu, Ying Li Liu, Jing Li, Yuan Ze Zhou, Li Jing Liao, Duan You Li, Ying Zhou, Pin Nie, Hai Xia Xie
Summary: This study reveals the interaction between EscE and EsaH in Edwardsiella piscicida, and their role in stabilizing the T3SS needle protein EsaG. The EscE-EsaH complex acts as cochaperones and controls the secretion of T3SS needle protein EsaG, which in turn leads to the secretion of middle and late T3SS substrates. This research provides new insights into the regulation of protein secretion in E. piscicida.
Article
Fisheries
Xuangang Wang, Xiangfu Kong, Xiaobing Liu, Xubo Wang, Zhigang Wang, Jinxiang Liu, Quanqi Zhang, Haiyang Yu
Summary: Pyroptosis is a caspase-1-dependent form of programmed cell death characterized by cell lysis and inflammatory cytokine release. This study demonstrates that E. tarda infection triggers pyroptosis in macrophages of Japanese flounder, playing a vital role in the immune response. Treatment with a caspase-1 inhibitor significantly reduces pyroptosis, indicating the association of caspase-1 with pyroptosis.
Review
Cell Biology
Flavia Viana, Shruthi Sachidanandan Peringathara, Arshad Rizvi, Gunnar N. Schroeder
Summary: Proteases are powerful enzymes that irreversibly cleave peptide bonds to control critical cell fate decisions. Bacterial pathogens deliver protease effectors through secretion systems to manipulate host processes, with functional diversity reflecting adaptations to specific hosts. Emerging concepts like effector-triggered immunity provide insights into host defense against protease attacks.
CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qingbiao Xie, Bingzheng Wei, Zhaohong Zhan, Qiguang He, Kejian Wu, Yu Chen, Shiyao Liu, Chaozu He, Xiaolei Niu, Chunxia Li, Chaorong Tang, Jun Tao
Summary: The type III effectors (T3Es) of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) are crucial for efficient plant infection. While the functions of AvrE family T3Es have been reported, the role of XopAM in Xcc has not been studied. This research reveals that XopAM has different effects on host species, acts as a lipase targeting the cytomembrane, and interacts with the protein AMAR1 in Arabidopsis Col-0 to induce a hypersensitive response limiting Xcc proliferation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brianna Steiert, Carolina M. Icardi, Robert Faris, Paige N. McCaslin, Parker Smith, Aloysius J. Klingelhutz, Peter M. Yau, Mary M. Weber
Summary: The centrosome is crucial for mitotic spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, and cell division. Infection by Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) leads to blocked cytokinesis, supernumerary centrosomes, and multipolar spindles, but the mechanisms behind these cellular abnormalities remain largely unknown. This study shows that the secreted effector protein CteG binds to CETN2 and is necessary for infection-induced centrosome amplification. These findings provide insights into C.t.-induced cellular abnormalities and its potential contribution to cancer risk.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Dor Braverman, Jenia Gershberg, Neta Sal-Man
Summary: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a major cause of gastrointestinal illness in developing countries. In this study, the researchers investigated the role of transmembrane domain (TMD) in the secretion and function of translocated intimin receptor (Tir) in host cells. They found that the C-terminal TMD (TMD2) is critical for Tir to escape integration into the bacterial membrane, while the N-terminal TMD (TMD1) is important for Tir's postsecretion function in host cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Safirah Tasa Nerves Ratu, Atsushi Hirata, Christian Oliver Kalaw, Michiko Yasuda, Mitsuaki Tabuchi, Shin Okazaki
Summary: Bel2-5 in Bradyrhizobium elkanii interacts with host targets via multiple domains to execute both NF-independent symbiosis and nodulation restriction in Rj4 soybean.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dongying Liu, Yantao Luo, Xiaofeng Zheng, Xinye Wang, Minxia Chou, Gehong Wei
Summary: NopP, a T3SS effector of Mesorhizobium amorphae CCNWGS0123, is secreted through T3SS-I during early infection stages and its deficiency reduces nitrogenase activity in Robinia pseudoacacia nodules. TRAPPC13 has been identified as a target protein of NopP in R. pseudoacacia roots, showing colocalization on the plasma membrane. The interaction between NopP and TRAPPC13 affects genes associated with cell wall remodeling and plant innate immunity in early infection stages.
MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ankita Pandey, Hayoung Moon, Sera Choi, Hayeon Yoon, Maxim Prokchorchik, Jay Jayaraman, Rajendran Sujeevan, Yu Mi Kang, Honour C. McCann, Cecile Segonzac, Chul Min Kim, Soon Ju Park, Kee Hoon Sohn
Summary: In this study, the R. solanacearum effector RipJ was identified as playing a pathogenic role in a specific eggplant species and triggering bacterial wilt resistance. Despite belonging to the YopJ family of acetyltransferases, RipJ does not require conserved residues in the acetyltransferase catalytic triad to induce immunity.
MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sophie A. Howard, R. Christopher D. Furniss, Dora Bonini, Himani Amin, Patricia Paracuellos, David Zlotkin, Tiago R. D. Costa, Asaf Levy, Despoina A. I. Mavridou, Alain Filloux
Summary: The T6SS is a bacterial nanoscale weapon that delivers toxins into prey and plays a key role in the arms race between organisms. By using Hcp as bait, researchers identified uncharacterized toxins and investigated the role of Hcp in the T6SS mechanism.
Article
Immunology
Ines Serrano Pereira, Sara Vilela Pais, Vitor Borges, Maria Jose Borrego, Joao Paulo Gomes, Luis Jaime Mota
Summary: A study revealed that the CteG effector protein of Chlamydia trachomatis is involved in the lytic exit of host cells. Cells infected with wild-type C. trachomatis released more infectious chlamydiae in the culture supernatant compared to cells infected with a CteG-deficient strain. CteG also played a role in host cell cytotoxicity. Furthermore, CteG and Pgp4 were found to participate in a cascade of events leading to host cell lysis and release of infectious chlamydiae.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Brian C. Mooney, Melissa Mantz, Emmanuelle Graciet, Pitter F. Huesgen
Summary: Pathogens and hosts are locked in an evolutionary arms race, with pathogen effectors targeting host proteins and host proteins evolving to sense and counteract these effectors. Type III effector proteases are common among bacterial pathogens and modify host proteins irreversibly. Studying effector proteases in plants provides insights into how pathogens evade host immune responses, and how hosts detect and defend against these effectors.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuwen Guo, Qiaoxian Huang, Yuan Chen, Jianwen Wei, Jun Zheng, Leyong Wang, Yitao Wang, Ruibing Wang
Summary: A novel guanidinium-functionalized pillar[5]arene, GP5, was designed and synthesized to effectively combat bacterial biofilms. GP5 showed high antibacterial potency against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains and successfully disrupted preformed biofilms by penetrating biofilm barriers and destroying biofilm-enclosed bacteria. Additionally, host-guest complexation between GP5 and cefazolin sodium exhibited synergistic disruption activity against biofilms, providing a novel supramolecular platform for biofilm eradication.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edem Gavor, Yeu Khai Choong, Chacko Jobichen, Yu Keung Mok, R. Manjunatha Kini, J. Sivaraman
Summary: The study examined the sensitivity of metallocarboxypeptidases (MCPs) in the mosquito midgut to a plant protease inhibitor (PCI). The results indicated that the sensitivity of PCI is largely determined by key differences in the active-site regions of MCPs, providing insights for mosquito population/parasite control strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Varsha Ashok Walvekar, Karthik Ramesh, Chacko Jobichen, Muthu Kannan, J. Sivaraman, R. Manjunatha Kini, Yu Keung Mok
Summary: The specificity of Kazal-type protease inhibitors is determined by the sequence of the reactive-site loop. The crystal structure of Aedes aegypti trypsin inhibitor with mu-plasmin reveals differences in reactivities compared to other Kazal-type inhibitors. The scaffold instability of AaTI affects its ability to inhibit plasmin.
Article
Immunology
Katarina Widgren, GianPaolo Scalia Tomba, Ka Yin Leung, Johan Giesecke
Summary: This study examines the impact of childhood varicella vaccination on herpes zoster incidence using a mathematical model. The results indicate that the surge in herpes zoster incidence is related to the level and duration of boosting protection. The findings also suggest that the results may vary depending on whether the entire population or specific age groups are observed.
Article
Immunology
Ka Yin Leung, Qiyao Wang, Xiaochang Zheng, Mei Zhuang, Zhiyun Yang, Shuai Shao, Yigal Achmon, Bupe A. Siame
Summary: Edwardsiella species in aquatic environments can exist as planktonic cells or biofilms, facing various stresses and possessing the ability to transmit pathogenic and antibiotic resistance genes. Understanding the transitions of Edwardsiella in different environments can enhance our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of other aquatic bacteria.
Article
Biology
Edem Gavor, Yeu Khai Choong, Nikhil Kumar Tulsian, Digant Nayak, Fakhriedzwan Idris, Hariharan Sivaraman, Donald Heng Rong Ting, Alonso Sylvie, Yu Keung Mok, R. Manjunatha Kini, J. Sivaraman
Summary: Metallocarboxypeptidases are crucial in mosquito development and affect pathogen/parasite infection in the mosquito midgut. This study characterized the crystal structure of Aedes aegypti procarboxypeptidase B1 (PCPBAe1), its substrate specificity, and its interaction with Dengue virus (DENV). The research provides insights into how mosquito carboxypeptidases bind to and inhibit DENV, potentially offering a way to control mosquito populations.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Varsha Ashok Walvekar, Karthik Ramesh, Muthu Kannan, R. Manjunatha Kini, J. Sivaraman, Yu Keung Mok
Summary: This study demonstrates that the inhibitory specificity of Kazal-type protease inhibitors against FXIIa is not solely determined by the reactive-site loop sequence, but also involves additional regions such as the protein scaffold. Swapping certain regions between different inhibitors can enhance inhibitory activity, indicating the importance of ancillary regions in driving inhibitor specificity.
BIOSCIENCE REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tanaya Bagga, Nikhil Kumar Tulsian, Yu Keung Mok, R. Manjunatha Kini, J. Sivaraman
Summary: This study reveals the interaction and ubiquitination process between TRIM69 and Dengue NS2B-NS3 Delta pro, and identifies the conservation of TRIM69 targeting regions across various flaviviruses.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chang Lu, Nian Zhang, Sihoi Kou, Liangliang Gao, Bo Peng, Yunlu Dai, Jun Zheng
Summary: In this research, sanguinarine was shown to act synergistically with various aminoglycosides, effectively potentiating their killing ability on diverse bacterial pathogens. Mechanistic studies revealed elevated intracellular ROS and DNA oxidative levels in cells treated with the combination of sanguinarine and aminoglycosides. Additionally, the presence of aminoglycosides promoted the uptake of sanguinarine and sanguinarine was shown to eliminate persister cells and established biofilm cells both in vivo and in vitro. This study provides a novel approach to reduce the clinical dosages of aminoglycosides.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Elizabeth N. Mutubuki, Tessa van der Maaden, Ka Yin Leung, Albert Wong, Anna D. Tulen, Simeon de Bruijn, Lotte Haverman, Hans Knoop, Eelco Franz, Albert Jan van Hoek, Cees C. van den Wijngaard
Summary: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, severity, risk factors, and impact on quality of life of persisting symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study is a prospective and retrospective cohort study with a one-year follow-up. Symptom severity will be assessed for fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and cognitive impairment. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Edem Gavor, Yeu Khai Choong, Yonghao Liu, Julien Pompon, Eng Eong Ooi, Yu Keung Mok, Haiyan Liu, R. Manjunatha Kini, J. Sivaraman
Summary: This study identified interactions between mosquito saliva proteins and human receptor proteins, and showed that certain proteins can activate CD4(+) T cells. These interactions may have implications for mosquito-borne viral infections.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shih-Chia Yeh, Mayra Diosa-Toro, Wei-Lian Tan, Florian Rachenne, Arthur Hain, Celestia Pei Xuan Yeo, Ines Bribes, Benjamin Wong Wei Xiang, Gayathiri Sathiamoorthy Kannan, Menchie Casayuran Manuel, Dorothee Misse, Yu Keung Mok, Julien Pompon
Summary: This study successfully identified 14 RBPs in Aedes aegypti cells that interact with DENV 2 3'UTR, providing new insights into the pro- and anti-viral functions of these RBPs in mosquitoes. The findings have important implications for the design of novel therapeutic interventions against Dengue viruses and for studying the role of RBPs in virus-vector interactions.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kylie E. C. Ainslie, Jantien A. Backer, Pieter T. de Boer, Albert Jan van Hoek, Don Klinkenberg, Hester Korthals Altes, Ka Yin Leung, Hester de Melker, Fuminari Miura, Jacco Wallinga
Summary: This study used mathematical modeling to analyze the effectiveness of expanding COVID-19 vaccination to adolescents and children in the Netherlands during the summer of 2021. The results showed that regardless of whether vaccination was extended, a large COVID-19 wave is expected in the winter of 2021/22, followed by a smaller second wave in spring 2022. Extending vaccination to adolescents and children can reduce the incidence of infections and severe diseases, and may have some preventive effect on transmission to older age groups.
Article
Immunology
Tessa van der Maaden, Elizabeth N. Mutubuki, Simeon de Bruijn, Ka Yin Leung, Hans Knoop, Jaap Slootweg, Anna D. Tulen, Albert Wong, Albert Jan van Hoek, Eelco Franz, Cees C. van den Wijngaard
Summary: This prospective study evaluates symptoms 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to controls, and examines the impact of vaccination prior to infection. The results show that fatigue, cognitive impairment, and dyspnea are significantly higher in cases than in controls. Vaccination prior to infection provides significant protection against loss of smell and taste in cases under the age of 65.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Marion de Vries, Liesbeth Claassen, Mattijs Lambooij, Ka Yin Leung, Kees Boersma, Aura Timen
Summary: This study examined COVID-19 vaccination intentions and various beliefs among residents of the Netherlands, finding that the strongest determinant of vaccination intentions is the belief that the COVID-19 crisis will only end if many people get vaccinated. Other strong determinants include beliefs about vaccine safety, (social) benefits of vaccination, social norms, and vaccine effectiveness. The study suggests addressing these specific beliefs in communications to stimulate vaccine uptake.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)