Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haichao Feng, Yu Lv, Tino Krell, Ruixin Fu, Yunpeng Liu, Zhihui Xu, Wenbin Du, Qirong Shen, Nan Zhang, Ruifu Zhang
Summary: Bacteria have evolved multiple signal transduction systems to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The chemoreceptor McpA of Bacillus velezensis SQR9 has been found to directly bind to 13 chemoattractants. Structural biology studies and mutagenesis experiments have identified key amino acid residues that play roles in recognizing multiple ligands. This discovery reveals a mechanism in which a single chemoreceptor can integrate diverse signals through two modules.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maximilian K. G. Ehrhardt, Monica L. Gerth, Jodie M. Johnston
Summary: Chemotaxis is the process of bacteria sensing chemical gradients and navigating towards favourable conditions through trans-membrane chemoreceptor proteins. Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) has a large number of chemoreceptors encoded in its genome, with many remaining uncharacterized.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Antonio Gavira, Miguel A. Matilla, Matilde Fernandez, Tino Krell
Summary: The PcaY_PP chemoreceptor from Pseudomonas putida KT2440 has an unusually broad signal range, forming a four-helix bundle structure in the ligand binding domain, and interacts with high-affinity ligands through an extensive hydrogen bonding network.
Article
Microbiology
Basanta Dhodary, Inmaculada Sampedro, Shekooh Behroozian, Victor Borza, Stephanie Her, Jane E. Hill
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It shows chemotaxis towards the non-proteinogenic amino acid l-ornithine. The chemoreceptors involved in P. aeruginosa's response to l-ornithine are PctA and PctB.
Article
Microbiology
Taha, Bassam A. Elgamoudi, Ekaterina P. Andrianova, Thomas Haselhorst, Christopher J. Day, Lauren E. Hartley-Tassell, Rebecca M. King, Tahria Najnin, Igor B. Zhulin, Victoria Korolik
Summary: In this study, the receptor-ligand interactions of a unique paralogue family of chemoreceptors, Tlp2, Tlp3, and Tlp4, in Campylobacter jejuni were described. These chemoreceptors may have arisen through domain duplications, with Tlp3 emerging more recently and responding to glycans. The diversity in sensory repertoire could provide C. jejuni with the ability to modulate responses to attractant and repellent signals and allow adaptation in host-pathogen interactions.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Felix Velando, Ana Tajuelo, David Martin-Mora, Wenhao Xu, Victor Sourjik, Jose A. Gavira, Tino Krell
Summary: Acetylcholine is shown to attract the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and this chemotaxis is mediated by the PctD chemoreceptor. The high-resolution structures of PctD-LBD with bound acetylcholine and choline, and PacA-LBD with bound betaine, reveal the molecular determinants for acetylcholine recognition.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shams T. A. Islam, Jie Zhang, Fabio Tonin, Renske Hinderks, Yanthi N. Deurloo, Vlada B. Urlacher, Peter-Leon Hagedoorn
Summary: Lignin valorization through laccase catalysis can release aromatic products, but different enzymes exhibit significant variations in conversion efficiency and rate. Trametes versicolor laccase follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics in converting Kraft lignin, with specific thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, making it a promising tool for guiding enzymatic lignin valorization strategies.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pablo F. Garrido, Margarida Bastos, Adrian Velazquez-Campoy, Alfredo Amigo, Philippe Dumas, Angel Pineiro
Summary: The injection of air into an isothermal titration calorimeter's sample cell allows for accurate determination of the surface tension of the target liquid, despite the periodic contribution from bubbles. The new algorithm successfully identifies and analyzes these contributions, improving the analysis of calorimetric signals.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Iago Dillion Lima Cavalcanti, Francisco Humberto Xavier Junior, Nereide Stela Santos Magalhaes, Mariane Cajuba de Britto Lira Nogueira
Summary: Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a technique for evaluating the thermodynamic profiles of connection between two molecules, allowing the experimental design of nanoparticles systems with drugs and/or biological molecules. In the field of pharmaceutical nanotechnology, ITC has been increasingly used to understand the interaction mechanisms in the formation of nanoparticles and the behavior of nanocarriers in in vivo studies. This technique provides quick and easy results to optimize the formulation process of nano-systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne Boyeldieu, Jean-Pierre Poli, Amine Ali Chaouche, Henri-Pierre Fierobe, Marie-Therese Giudici-Orticoni, Vincent Mejean, Cecile Jourlin-Castelli
Summary: Chemoreceptors are transmembrane proteins that detect compound gradients or signals in the surroundings of bacteria. MCP SO_1056 from Shewanella oneidensis can bind chromate and detect l-malate as an attractant, as well as nickel and cobalt as repellents.
Article
Microbiology
Kevin S. Johnson, Bassam A. Elgamoudi, Freda E-C Jen, Christopher J. Day, Emily Goers Sweeney, Megan L. Pryce, Karen Guillemin, Thomas Haselhorst, Victoria Korolik, Karen M. Ottemann
Summary: The Helicobacter pylori chemoreceptor TIpA plays a role in dampening host inflammation during chronic stomach colonization by sensing multiple attractant ligands as well as antagonist ones. This ability to regulate chemotactic responses by antagonistic chemoreceptor ligands is an emerging theme in chemotaxis systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tzu-Yi Tai, Fanrui Sha, Xiaoliang Wang, Xingjie Wang, Kaikai Ma, Kent O. Kirlikovali, Shengyi Su, Timur Islamoglu, Satoshi Kato, Omar K. Farha
Summary: This study presents the first systematic investigation on the thermodynamics of protein immobilization in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). It demonstrates that MOFs provide a hydrophobic stabilizing microenvironment for proteins, leading to an entropically driven encapsulation process. Among a series of Zr-MOFs, pyrene-based NU-1000 exhibits the most favorable encapsulation process for insulin.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Orian Elimelech, Meirav Oded, Daniel Harries, Uri Banin
Summary: Binary compositions of surface ligands significantly improve the colloidal stability and fluorescence quantum yield of nanocrystals (NCs). In this study, the thermodynamics of a ligand exchange reaction of CdSe NCs with alkylthiol mixtures were investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). It was found that the interligand interactions determine the clustering patterns of the ligand shell structure. This work provides fundamental insights for the design of smart surfaces in NC-based applications.
Article
Thermodynamics
Ziga Medos, Isidora Cobanov, Marija Bester-Rogac, Bojan Sarac
Summary: This research paper examines the issues associated with power compensation isothermal titration calorimetry, highlighting the possibility of obtaining different enthalpy values with different instruments and setting parameters. It emphasizes that modern calorimeters' dynamic power compensation mode may lead to overcompensation of heat effects, resulting in experimental results heavily reliant on chosen parameters. To avoid these problems, the paper suggests checking raw signals and conducting experiments with low or disabled power compensation when observing switching effects.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Hao Wang, Mengqi Zhang, Yujuan Xu, Renjie Zong, Nan Xu, Minliang Guo
Summary: This study identifies Atu0526 from Agrobacterium as a chemoreceptor for the broad-spectrum antibacterial agent formic acid, playing a crucial role in its chemotactic function. The binding of formic acid to Atu0526 promotes the growth of Agrobacterium. In vivo experiments show that the substitution of arginine at a key site significantly affects the chemotaxis of Agrobacterium towards formic acid.
Article
Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Elizabet Monteagudo-Cascales, Tino Krell
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Elizabet Monteagudo-Cascales, Jean Paul Cerna-Vargas, Vadim M. Gumerov, Igor B. Zhulin, Tino Krell
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gema Lozano-Terol, Julia Gallego-Jara, Rosa Alba Sola-Martinez, Alvaro Ortega, Adrian Martinez Vivancos, Manuel Canovas Diaz, Teresa de Diego Puente
Summary: The regulation of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway by lysine acetylation of the OPRTase enzyme was investigated in this study. It was found that acetylation of the OPRTase enzyme may block the pathway, leading to a decrease in enzymatic activity. Further experiments revealed that site-specific acetylation of the OPRTase enzyme resulted in significant changes in kinetic parameters. In vivo studies suggested that the acetylation of this enzyme is regulated by a nonenzymatic acetyl-P-dependent mechanism and can be reversed by the CobB deacetylase. Complementation assays showed that the expression of acetylated enzymes led to a profile similar to that of the increment pyrE strain, highlighting the importance of lysine acetylation in regulating the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway in Escherichia coli. These findings are of great relevance, as they provide insights into the essential role of this pathway and the potential for targeting the OPRTase enzyme in antimicrobial, antiviral, and cancer treatments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel A. Matilla, Roberta Genova, David Martin-Mora, Sandra Maass, Doerte Becher, Tino Krell
Summary: Chemosensory and two-component systems control virulence traits in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with inorganic phosphate deficiency inducing virulence. The abundance of chemosensory and two-component signaling proteins varied greatly with growth conditions, and chemoreceptors showed a preference for amino acids and polyamines. This study provides a reference for exploring sensing preferences and signaling mechanisms in other bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jose A. Gavira, Miriam Rico-Jimenez, Alvaro Ortega, Natalia Petukhova, Dmitrii S. Bug, Albert Castellvi, Yuri B. Porozov, Igor B. Zhulin, Tino Krell, Miguel A. Matilla
Summary: Bacteria have evolved signal transduction systems to adapt to their environment. This study focused on the binding of the signal transduction receptor, AdmX, to the agonist IAA and the antagonist IPA. Structural changes were observed when AdmX binds to IPA, providing insights into the inhibitory effects of antagonists in signal transduction.
Review
Microbiology
Ruben Cebrian, Marta Martinez-Garcia, Matilde Fernandez, Federico Garcia, Manuel Martinez-Bueno, Eva Valdivia, Oscar. P. P. Kuipers, Manuel Montalban-Lopez, Mercedes Maqueda
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global public health and economy. Antimicrobial peptides, such as AS-48, offer a promising solution due to their unique mechanisms of action and stability. AS-48 has demonstrated potential against a wide range of pathogens and could be a valuable tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Amalia Roca, Miguel A. Matilla
Summary: The plant microbiome plays a crucial role in plant fitness and health, as antibiotics produced by plant-associated bacteria protect plants against phytopathogens. This article highlights the biotechnological potential of antibiotic-producing plant-associated bacteria as biocontrol agents and the heterologous expression of antibiotic biosynthetic gene clusters in non-pathogenic plant-associated bacteria. It also provides a list of approved or pending approval active substances in the European Union, indicating the significant emergence and biotechnological applicability of biopesticides. Progress in this research field will contribute to the development of novel biopesticides for agricultural pest control.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel A. Matilla, Rita E. Monson, George P. C. Salmond
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miriam Rico-Jimenez, Salvador Munoz-Mira, Cristina Lomas-Martinez, Tino Krell, Miguel A. Matilla
Summary: Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a key signal molecule that modulates plant-microorganism interactions, but its functions in bacteria and regulatory processes remain largely unknown. This study found that IAA synthesis deficiency leads to global transcriptional changes in the rhizobacterium Serratia plymuthica A153, especially in gene clusters related to aromatic acid metabolism and auxin catabolism. The biocharacterization of regulatory proteins, including TyrR, revealed their essential roles in IAA production. Understanding IAA biosynthesis in beneficial phytobacteria has important biotechnological implications for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Felix Velando, Miguel A. Matilla, Igor B. Zhulin, Tino Krell
Summary: Amino acids are important nutrients and function as signals for signal transduction pathways. Different bacteria use different chemoreceptors to recognize and navigate amino acid gradients. In this study, we found that the phytobacterium Pectobacterium atrosepticum uses three non-homologous chemoreceptors to detect multiple proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tino Krell, Jose A. Gavira, Amalia Roca, Miguel A. A. Matilla
Summary: Microorganisms are exposed to a variety of signal molecules in their natural environments. Detection of these signals leads to changes in microbial metabolism and physiology. Auxin, a plant hormone, is produced not only in plants but also in all kingdoms of life, making it an important signal molecule in regulating microbial processes.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wenhao Xu, Jean Paul Cerna-Vargas, Ana Tajuelo, Andrea Lozano-Montoya, Melissa Kivoloka, Nicolas Krink, Elizabet Monteagudo-Cascales, Miguel A. Matilla, Tino Krell, Victor Sourjik
Summary: In this study, new chemoeffectors for the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa were systematically identified and characterized. The study revealed new chemoattractants and a bidirectional pH sensing mechanism in P. aeruginosa.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jean Paul Cerna-Vargas, Beatriz Sanchez-Romera, Miguel A. Matilla, Alvaro Ortega, Tino Krell
Summary: Solute binding proteins (SBPs) are important proteins in prokaryotes, which play essential roles in substrate transport and signal transduction. By analyzing the three-dimensional structures of SBPs and their ligands, we have identified 26 SBP Pfam families, each with a preference for a specific ligand class. Evolutionary analysis suggests a functional link between SBPs and chemoreceptors.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Tino Krell
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Tino Krel
Summary: Bacteria adapt to their natural hosts and environments through multiple sensing strategies, such as chemotaxis. In the context of plant pathology, chemotaxis allows phytopathogenic bacteria to detect plant-derived molecules and initiate the infective process. However, the function of plant pathogen chemoreceptors remains poorly understood. Advancing our knowledge of phytopathogen chemoreceptor function is crucial for developing anti-infective therapies for controlling phytopathogens.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)