Stress response and virulence factors in bacterial pathogens relevant for Chilean aquaculture: current status and outlook of our knowledge

The study of the stress responses in bacteria has given us a wealth of information regarding the mechanisms employed by these bacteria in aggressive or even non-optimal living conditions. This information has been applied by several researchers to identify molecular targets related to pathogeny, virulence, and survival, among others, and to design new prophylactic or therapeutic strategies against them. In this study, our knowledge of these mechanisms has been summarized with emphasis on some aquatic pathogenic bacteria of relevance to the health and productive aspects of Chilean salmon farming (Piscirickettsia salmonis, Tenacibaculum spp., Renibacterium salmoninarum, and Yersinia ruckeri). This study will aid further investigations aimed at shedding more light on possible lines of action for these pathogens in the coming years.

Phosphoproteomic analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in response to stress induced by macrophages / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the role of protein phosphorylation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa) strains in response to stress triggered by mouse macrophages.Methods The strong cation exchange-immobilized metal affinity chromatography (SCX-IMAC) was performed to enrich phosphopeptides.The nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC-MS/MS) was carried out to identify and analyze phosphoproteome.Results Fourteen phosphopeptides from twelve proteins were identified within thirty-one phosphorylation sites on serine,threonine and tyrosine residues.Fifty percent of these phosphorylated proteins were membrane proteins,indicating that their phosphorylation modification was more critical for bacteria in response to the stress.In terms of biological process of Gene Ontology,these identified proteins were involved in stress response,iron transport,anaerobic respiration,response to hydrogen peroxide and signal transduction by phosphorylation,etc.Conclusion These phosphorylated proteins in P.aeruginosa strains are necessary for signal transduction and their response to harsh environment within the macrophages,such as iron limitation,hypoxia and oxidative stress.This study provides evidence for further investigation on virulence and pathogenesis of P.aeruginosa.