Mounting, structure and autocleavage of a type VI secretion-associated Rhs polymorphic toxin

ABSTRACT: Bacteria have evolved effectors or toxins to outcompete other bacteria or to hijack host cell pathways. One broad family of bacterial polymorphic toxins regroups multidomain proteins with a modular organization, that comprise a C-terminal toxin domain fused to a N-terminal domain that adapt to the delivery apparatus. Polymorphic toxins include bacteriocins, contact-dependent growth inhibition systems, and specialized Hcp, VgrG, PAAR or Rhs Type VI secretion (T6SS) components. We recently described and characterized Tre23, a toxin domain fused to a T6SS-associated Rhs protein in Photorhabdus laumondii. Here, we show that the Rhs polymorphic toxin forms a complex with the T6SS spike protein VgrG and a cognate chaperone EagR. Using truncation derivatives and cross-linking mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that VgrG-EagR-Rhs complex formation requires the VgrG C-terminal β-helix and the Rhs Nterminal prePAAR and PAAR domains. We then report the cryo-electron-microscopy structure of the Rhs-EagR complex, demonstrating that the Rhs central region forms a β-barrel cage-like structure that encapsulates the C-terminal toxin domain, and provide evidence for processing of the Rhs protein through aspartyl autoproteolysis. We propose a model for Rhs loading on the T6SS, transport and delivery into the target cell.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Escherichia Coli Bacteria

SUBMITTER: Martial Rey  

LAB HEAD: Julia Chamot-Rooke

PROVIDER: PXD028652 | Pride | 2021-11-30

REPOSITORIES: Pride