Article
Food Science & Technology
Samantha V. Shetty, Michael R. Mazzucco, Paige Winokur, Sylvia V. Haigh, Kareem Rashid Rumah, Vincent A. Fischetti, Timothy Vartanian, Jennifer R. Linden
Summary: In this study, it was found that epsilon toxin (ETX) binds to and kills human lymphocytes expressing high levels of the myelin and lymphocyte protein MAL. ETX binding and cytotoxicity were highest for CD4+ cells. MAL gene expression was also highest in CD4+ cells. These findings suggest that ETX may affect the immune response in multiple sclerosis.
Article
Immunology
Mohammad Shokrzadeh, Ali Zeyar, Reza Golmohammadi, Seyed Hossein Mousavi, Seyed Ali Mirhosseini
Summary: The study found that Etx has significant oxidative stress effects on human lymphocytes at doses above 25 μM, and it significantly increases the number of micronuclei formed in lymphocytes. This indicates that Etx poses genetic toxicity and interferes with cell division processes.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Skye Marshall, Beth McGill, Helen Morcrette, C. Peter Winlove, Catalin Chimerel, Peter G. Petrov, Monika Bokori-Brown
Summary: This study investigates the activity of Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (Etx) in different cell lines and lipid environments. The results show that the efficiency of Etx binding to cells is species-specific and influenced by surface-exposed tyrosine residues, while the pore-forming ability of Etx is affected by both the cell and lipid environment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Bruggisser, Ioan Iacovache, Samuel C. Musson, Matteo T. Degiacomi, Horst Posthaus, Benoit Zuber
Summary: This study describes the structure of Clostridium perfringens beta-toxin (CPB) and its formation of an octameric pore complex with unique structural features. The research also identifies CPB as a member of a new subclass of the hemolysin-like family. Additionally, the study demonstrates that the structure of the pore can be modified without affecting its pore-forming ability, making it attractive for macromolecule sensing and nanotechnology. The cryo-electron microscopy structure of the CPB octameric pore will contribute to future developments in nanotechnology and basic research.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Masahiro Nagahama, Keiko Kobayashi, Masaya Takehara
Summary: The study found that lysosomal proteases cathepsin B and L facilitate the internalization of iota-toxin by activating ASMase, indicating their role in the cytotoxicity caused by the toxin.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John W. Finnie, Francisco A. Uzal
Summary: Clostridium perfringens type D epsilon toxin (ETX) causes severe neurological disease in ruminant livestock and is of worldwide distribution. The toxin can reach the brain through the bloodstream, leading to neurologic syndromes. ETX is also listed as a potential bioterrorism agent.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Luis F. Soto, Ana C. Romani, Gabriel Jimenez-Avalos, Yshoner Silva, Carla M. Ordinola-Ramirez, Rainer M. Lopez Lapa, David Requena
Summary: This study computationally screened the whole proteome of Clostridium perfringens and identified highly immunogenic proteins, domains, and epitopes. They found potential recombinant vaccine candidates, a potential sub-unit vaccine, and designed a multi-epitope protein. These findings are important for the development of safe and effective vaccines against C. perfringens infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Yao Zhou, Danyang Li, Diyin Li, Aizhong Chen, Liuqing He, Jianhua Luo, Liang Tao
Summary: In addition to LDLR, Clostridium novyi alpha-toxin (Tcn alpha) can also use LRP1 and Megalin as cellular entry receptors. The expression levels of LDLR and LRP1 vary in different cells, suggesting that the dominant entry receptor for Tcn alpha may be cell-type dependent.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Francisco A. Uzal, Federico Giannitti, Javier Asin
Summary: Yellow lamb disease is a poorly understood condition in young sheep caused by certain strains of Clostridium perfringens type A. It is characterized by hemolysis, jaundice, and anemia. Diagnosis of the disease is challenging due to the presence of the microorganism in the intestines of healthy sheep. There is currently no specific vaccine for yellow lamb disease.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jie Li, Xiaoyu Huang, Kaihui Xie, Juanli Zhang, Jiaojiao Yang, Zunqiang Yan, Shuangbao Gun
Summary: S100A9 plays an important role in C. perfringens type C-induced infectious diarrhea. Overexpression of S100A9 exacerbates cell damage and inflammatory response, inhibits cell proliferation, and disrupts cell-cell tight junctions. In contrast, inhibition of S100A9 expression alleviates inflammatory injury caused by infectious diarrhea.
Article
Microbiology
Zhifeng Sun, Mingmin Lu, Hyun Lillehoj, Youngsub Lee, Doyun Goo, Baohong Yuan, Xianghe Yan, CCharles Li
Summary: This study found that the collagen adhesion capability of Clostridium perfringens, the etiological agent for necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens, is correlated with its pathogenicity, especially for C. perfringens strains carrying crucial virulence factors such as netB, cnaA, and tpeL. These results suggest that the presence of the cnaA gene may be associated with the virulence of C. perfringens.
Article
Immunology
Lore Van Damme, Natasja Cox, Chana Callens, Michelle Dargatz, Monika Fluegel, Sarah Hark, Frank Thiemann, Stefan Pelzer, Freddy Haesebrouck, Richard Ducatelle, Filip Van Immerseel, Evy Goossens
Summary: Clostridium perfringens produces ECM-degrading enzymes that play a role in avian necrotic enteritis. Different variants of the colA gene encoding collagenase were identified, with some variants linked to necrotic enteritis strains. Truncated collagenases may contribute to the pathology of necrotic enteritis by degrading collagen type IV in the intestinal villi.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Liyou Dong, Renata M. C. Ariens, Antoine H. P. America, Aman Paul, Teun Veldkamp, Jurriaan J. Mes, Harry J. Wichers, Coen Govers
Summary: The study investigated the antimicrobial capacity of insect-derived digest against C. perfringens, with fractions containing black soldier fly larvae protein showing significant inhibition of bacterial growth. It also found that exposure to the digest resulted in a significant reduction in abundance and diversity of healthy microbiota, mainly affecting Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while increasing SCFA secretion. This suggests that black soldier fly larvae protein could be a promising additional tool in combating C. perfringens infection.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Wei Wan, Yue Li, Jing Wang, Zhiying Jin, Wenwen Xin, Lin Kang, Junhong Wang, Xiaoyang Li, Yakun Cao, Hao Yang, Jinglin Wang, Shan Gao
Summary: In this study, a new type of dissolving microneedle patch (dMN) with a nanoparticle adjuvant was developed to enhance immune response and deliver the rETX(Y196E)-C protein vaccine. The dMN vaccine showed good mechanical properties, immunogenicity, and protection, effectively preventing ETX poisoning.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohammad Ali Shamshirgaran, Mehdi Golchin, Elham Mohammadi
Summary: In this study, a recombinant Lactobacillus casei strain expressing the NetB protein of Clostridium perfringens was used as a probiotic-based vector vaccine to immunize broiler chickens against necrotic enteritis. The vaccinated birds showed significant protection against the disease and developed strong antibody responses. This study suggests that a probiotic-based vector vaccine could be a promising candidate for controlling necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Leticia Labat-de-Hoz, Armando Rubio-Ramos, Javier Casares-Arias, Miguel Bernabe-Rubio, Isabel Correas, Miguel A. Alonso
Summary: Primary cilia are microtubule-based protrusions surrounded by a ciliary membrane equipped with selected receptors that control important signaling pathways in cell growth and development. This review presents a model of primary ciliogenesis by an alternative route involving the midbody remnant from cytokinesis, which delivers membranes to the centrosome for ciliary membrane assembly. The involvement of the midbody remnant in primary cilium formation and its regulation by the ESCRT machinery are discussed, along with the emerging roles of membrane compartmentalization.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miguel Bernabe-Rubio, Minerva Bosch-Fortea, Esther Garcia, Jorge Bernardino de la Serna, Miguel A. Alonso
Summary: This study uses a method based on STED microscopy and RICS to demonstrate the important role of lipid liquid-liquid immiscibility in primary ciliogenesis through the midbody remnant.
Review
Cell Biology
Armando Rubio-Ramos, Leticia Labat-de-Hoz, Isabel Correas, Miguel A. Alonso
Summary: The MAL gene encodes a 17-kDa protein that is expressed in human T cells, polarized epithelial cells, and myelin-forming cells, with lipid-like properties and preference for detergent-insoluble membranes rich in condensed cell membranes. Studies suggest that MAL functions in specialized membranes of various cell types, including polarized epithelial cells, T lymphocytes, and myelin-forming cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Cacho-Navas, Natalia Reglero-Real, Natalia Colas-Algora, Susana Barroso, Gema de Rivas, Kostantinos Stamatakis, Jorge Feito, German Andres, Manuel Fresno, Leonor Kremer, Isabel Correas, Miguel A. Alonso, Jaime Millan
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigate the mechanisms of ICAM-1 localization and its impact on lymphocyte-hepatic epithelial cell interaction. They discover that plasmolipin plays a crucial role in ICAM-1 polarization and its absence impairs ICAM-1 transcytosis, leading to increased T-cell adhesion to hepatic epithelial cells.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Leticia Labat-de-Hoz, Miguel A. Alonso
Summary: Mutations in formin genes play a role in various inherited human disorders including intellectual disability, renal disease, and hearing loss. In addition to genetic diseases, alterations in formin genes are also associated with different pathological conditions such as cancer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Armando Rubio-Ramos, Miguel Bernabe-Rubio, Leticia Labat-de-Hoz, Javier Casares-Arias, Leonor Kremer, Isabel Correas, Miguel A. Alonso
Summary: This study demonstrates that the proteolipid MALL can adopt different conformations in the cell depending on its physical environment, and this finding has potential biomedical implications.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
John T. Loh, Jennifer H. B. Shuman, Aung Soe Lin, Natalie Favret, M. Blanca Piazuelo, Simon Mallal, Abha Chopra, Mark S. McClain, Timothy L. Cover
Summary: Gastric inflammation was found to increase the activity of Cag T4SS in Helicobacter pylori, resulting in mutations in the katA gene. These mutations led to increased production of catalase, which enhanced the bacterium's resistance to hydrogen peroxide.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leticia Labat-de-Hoz, Laura Comas, Armando Rubio-Ramos, Javier Casares-Arias, Laura Fernandez-Martin, David Pantoja-Uceda, M. Teresa Martin, Leonor Kremer, M. Angeles Jimenez, Isabel Correas, Miguel A. Alonso
Summary: This study reveals the structure and function of the N-terminal extension of the INF2 protein, which is involved in the activation of INF2 by interacting with CaM.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
John T. T. Loh, Emily L. L. Struttmann, Natalie Favret, M. Lorena Harvey, Suman B. B. Pakala, Abha Chopra, Mark S. S. McClain, Timothy L. L. Cover
Summary: Both Helicobacter pylori infection and a high-salt diet are risk factors for gastric cancer. We found that the fur-R88H mutation in H. pylori is positively selected under high-salt conditions, both in vivo and in vitro. The fur-R88H mutation enhances H. pylori fitness under high-salt conditions but reduces fitness under routine culture conditions.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mark S. McClain, Kaeli N. Bryant, W. Hayes McDonald, Holly M. Scott Algood, Timothy L. Cover
Summary: The Lol system plays a crucial role in exporting lipoproteins to the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. In the human gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the Lol system deviates from the E. coli paradigm. This study identifies a LolD-like protein, HP0179, in H. pylori, providing insights into the lipoprotein localization processes in this bacterium.
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Leticia Labat-de-Hoz, Armando Rubio-Ramos, Isabel Correas, Miguel A. Alonso
Summary: The MAL family of integral membrane proteins includes MAL, MAL2, MALL, PLLP, CMTM8, MYADM, and MYADML2, which play important roles in controlling specialized pathways of membrane traffic and cell signaling. Dysregulation of MAL-family genes, primarily through gene methylation, is observed in specific cancer types. MAL-family members, such as MAL2 in breast cancer, MAL2 and MALL in pancreatic cancer, and MAL and MYADM in lung cancer, have potential applications as cancer biomarkers. Validated antibodies to some MAL-family proteins support their use as biomarkers in routine clinical practice.
Article
Immunology
Sirena C. Tran, Mark S. Mcclain, Timothy L. Cover
Summary: Helicobacter pylori strains containing the cag pathogenicity island (PAI) are associated with the development of gastric adenocarcinoma and peptic ulcer disease. The cag PAI encodes a secreted effector protein (CagA) and a type IV secretion system (Cag T4SS). This study investigated the role of the CagY antenna region in Cag T4SS OMCC assembly and function.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jennifer H. B. Shuman, Aung Soe Lin, Mandy D. Westland, Kaeli N. Bryant, M. Blanca Piazuelo, Michelle L. Reyzer, Audra M. Judd, W. Hayes Mcdonald, Mark S. Mcclain, Kevin L. Schey, Holly M. S. Algood, Timothy L. Cover
Summary: This study investigates the molecular alterations in the gastric tissues induced by Helicobacter pylori using a Mongolian gerbil model of gastric carcinogenesis. The results show that H. pylori infection can cause loss and diffuse delocalization of proteins normally localized to the gastric corpus, resulting in marked changes in the normal gastric molecular partitioning.
Article
Immunology
Matthew S. Jung, M. Blanca Piazuelo, Lee C. Brackman, Mark S. McClain, Holly M. Scott Algood
Summary: In this study, the physiological consequences of deleting the lnt gene in H. pylori and the role of Lnt in the host response to H. pylori were investigated using in vitro and in vivo models. The results showed that lnt is essential for H. pylori colonization and identified lipoprotein synthesis as a potential therapeutic target for H. pylori infection.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Javier Casares-Arias, Miguel A. Alonso, Alvaro San Paulo, Maria Ujue Gonzalez
Summary: This protocol enables correlative light and electron microscopy imaging of cell surface features without the need for dedicated equipment. Cells are cultured and fixed on transparent substrates for confocal microscopy imaging, with no conductive coating used in scanning electron microscopy workflow. The protocol can be applied to different cell types and surface features, with fiducial markers facilitating alignment of optical and topographical images.