Eukaryotic catecholamine hormones influence the chemotactic control of Vibrio campbellii by binding to the coupling protein CheW

Abstract

Significance Host-emitted stress hormones significantly influence the growth and behavior of various bacterial species; however, their cellular targets have so far remained elusive. Here, we used customized probes and quantitative proteomics to identify the target of epinephrine and the α-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine in live cells of the aquatic pathogen Vibrio campbellii . Consequently, we have discovered the coupling protein CheW, which is in the center of the chemotaxis signaling network, as a target of both molecules. We not only demonstrate direct ligand binding to CheW but also elucidate how this affects chemotactic control. These findings are pivotal for further research on hormone-specific effects on bacterial behavior.

A chemical probe unravels the reactive proteome of health-associated catechols

“…3a, Table S5†). 42,43 An unbiased analysis 43–45 revealed the added masses of 754.4120 and 760.4206 corresponding to DA-P3 plus a heavy or a light isoDTB tag, respectively, and an additional methyl group (Fig. 3b, Table S5†).…”

High Osmotic Stress Increases OmpK36 Expression through the Regulation of KbvR to Decrease the Antimicrobial Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae

“…Three independent measurements were analyzed using the signal from thermophoresis plus T-Jump. The promoter region of modA , a gene of K. pneumoniae which has no putative KbvR-binding motif in its promoter, was amplified and used as the negative-control ligand ( 45 ).…”

Monitoring host–pathogen interactions using chemical proteomics

“…The catecholamine stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine (also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline) modulate a variety of virulence associated phenotypes in prokaryotes including enhanced motility of Vibrio campbelli. [83][84][85][86] The bacterial adrenergic sensor of these hormones was recently revealed using photoaffinity labelling in a study by Weigert Mun ˜oz et al 87 The catechol group is a widespread motif in bacterial siderophores to bind and scavenge iron. Catecholamines are also exploited by bacteria as so-called xenosiderophores to acquire iron from the host.…”