Structural basis for the recognition of MucA by MucB and AlgU in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Alginate production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is regulated by the alternate σ factor AlgU, which in turn is regulated by the MucABCD system. The anti-σ factor MucA binds AlgU in the cytoplasm and prevents AlgU from binding to the RNA polymerase for transcription. MucB binds MucA in the periplasm and inhibits proteolysis of MucA and subsequent release of AlgU. In this work, we report crystal structures of MucA in complex with AlgU and MucB. A structure of MucB alone reveals the structural changes required for MucA recognition. A unique disulfide bond is identified in MucB, and mutation of this disulfide bond results in a shift from monomer to MucB dimers or tetramers. As MucB tetramers have previously been shown to be unable to bind MucA, this suggests a redox-sensitive stress response mechanism in MucB. The AlgU-MucA structure reveals a conserved σ factor/anti-σ factor complex, but AlgU lacks a disulfide bond conserved in many other σ factors. Our structures reveal the molecular basis for MucA recognition by MucB in the periplasm and AlgU in the cytoplasm, thus providing an important step in understanding the mechanisms that regulate a key signal transduction pathway involved in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis. DATABASE: The atomic coordinates and structure factors for MucAcyto -AlgU, MucB, and MucAperi -MucB have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) with the accession code 6IN7, 6IN8, and 6IN9, respectively.

Structural analysis of activating mutants of YfiB from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

Bacterial cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP) is an important messenger molecule that influences diverse cellular processes including motility, virulence and cytotoxicity systems, polysaccharide synthesis and biofilm formation. The YfiBNR tripartite signalling system in P. aeruginosa modulates the cellular c-di-GMP levels in response to signals received from the periplasm. In this study, we analyse the structures of activating mutants of the outer membrane protein YfiB that give rise to increased surface attachment and biofilm formation. The F48S and W55L mutants of YfiB(27-168) crystallize in the same dimeric arrangement as our previously reported YfiB structures that preclude complex formation with YfiR. The L43P mutant of YfiB(27-168) is monomeric and forms a stable complex with YfiR. The YfiB(L43P)-YfiR crystal structure reveals a dramatic rearrangement of the N-terminal fragment, which is implicated in increased YfiB activation and membrane attachment, upon YfiR binding. Comparison with our previous complex structure between YfiB(59-168) and YfiR reveals extensive interactions between the N-terminal fragment of YfiB (residues 35-55) and YfiR.

Crystal structure of a glutamate-1-semialdehyde-aminomutase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

The C5 pathway in bacteria is responsible for the synthesis of 5-aminolevulinic acid, which forms the core skeleton of cofactors required for metabolism. One of the key actors in this pathway is a pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate (PMP)/pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) dependent enzyme called glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminomutase (GSAM). In this study, we crystallized the expression product of the uncharacterized pa4088 gene from the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. The resulting high-resolution structure confirms it to be a member of the GSAM family. Continuous electron density indicates the presence of a PLP cofactor with a Schiff base linkage between the PLP cofactor and the ε-amino group of Lys286. A crystal structure of a K286A mutant in complex with PMP is also reported. As GSAM enzymes are not present in mammalian cells, this work provides a starting point for the investigation of GSAM as a target for drug development against P. aeruginosa infection.

Structure and characterization of a NAD(P)H-dependent carbonyl reductase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

To investigate the function of the pa4079 gene from the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, we determined its crystal structure and confirmed it to be a NAD(P)-dependent short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase. Structural similarity and activity for a broad range of substrates indicate that PA4079 functions as a carbonyl reductase. Comparison of apo- and holo-PA4079 shows that NADP stabilizes the active site specificity loop, and small molecule binding induces rotation of the Tyr183 side chain by approximately 90° out of the active site. Quantitative real-time PCR results show that pa4079 maintains high expression levels during antibiotic exposure. This work provides a starting point for understanding substrate recognition and selectivity by PA4079, as well as its possible reduction of antimicrobial drugs. DATABASE: Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) under the following accession numbers: apo PA4079 (condition I), 5WQM; apo PA4079 (condition II), 5WQN; PA4079 + NADP (condition I), 5WQO; PA4079 + NADP (condition II), 5WQP.