A Common Pathway for Activation of Host-Targeting and Bacteria-Targeting Toxins in Human Intestinal Bacteria
Yiqiao Bao, Andrew A Verdegaal, Brent W. Anderson, Natasha A. Barry, Jing He, Xiang Gao, Andrew L. Goodman
Abstract
The human intestine harbors a highly complex microbial community; interpersonal variation in this community can impact pathogen susceptibility, metabolism, and other aspects of health. Here, we identified and characterized a commensal-targeting antibacterial protein encoded in the gut microbiome. Notably, a shared pathway activates this antibacterial toxin and a host-targeting toxin. These findings highlight unexpected commonalities between host- and bacterium-targeting toxins in intestinal bacteria.
Topics & Concepts
BacteriaMicrobiomeBiologyMicrobiologyPathogenHuman pathogenIntestinal bacteriaHuman microbiomeHost (biology)Computational biologyBioinformaticsGeneticsGut microbiota and healthProbiotics and Fermented FoodsClostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research