Identification of two substrates of FTS_1067 protein – An essential virulence factor of Francisella tularensis

Abstract

Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent intracellular pathogen with the capacity to infect a variety of hosts including humans. One of the most important proteins involved in F. tularensis virulence and pathogenesis is the protein DsbA. This protein is annotated as a lipoprotein with disulfide oxidoreductase/isomerase activity. Therefore, its interactions with different substrates, including probable virulence factors, to assist in their proper folding are anticipated. We aimed to use the immunopurification approach to find DsbA (gene locus FTS_1067) interacting partners in F. tularensis subsp. holarctica strain FSC200 and compare the identified substrates with proteins which were found in our previous comparative proteome analysis. As a result of our work two FTS_1067 substrates, D-alanyl-D-alanine carboxypeptidase family protein and HlyD family secretion protein, were identified. Bacterial two-hybrid systems were further used to test their relevance in confirming FTS_1067 protein interactions.

Francisella tularensis D-Ala D-Ala Carboxypeptidase DacD Is Involved in Intracellular Replication and It Is Necessary for Bacterial Cell Wall Integrity

“…tularensis SchuS4 and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica FSC200 (Ren et al, 2014 ; Qin et al, 2016 ; Pavkova et al, 2017 ; Spidlova et al, 2017 ) or as interacting partner of another virulence factor, TPR1 protein (FTL_0205) in F. tularensis subsp. holarctica LVS (Dieppedale et al, 2013 ).…”