Characterization of a (p)ppApp Synthetase Belonging to a New Family of Polymorphic Toxin Associated with Temperate Phages

Polymorphic toxins (PTs) are a broad family of toxins involved in interbacterial competition and pathogenesis. PTs are modular proteins that are comprised of a conserved N-terminal domain responsible for its transport, and a variable C-terminal domain bearing toxic activity. Although the mode of transport has yet to be elucidated, a new family of putative PTs containing an N-terminal MuF domain, resembling the Mu coliphage F protein, was identified in prophage genetic elements. The C-terminal toxin domains of these MuF PTs are predicted to bear nuclease, metallopeptidase, ADP-ribosyl transferase and RelA_-SpoT activities. In this study, we characterized the MuF-RelA_SpoT toxin associated with the temperate phage of Streptococcus pneumoniae SPNA45. We show that the RelA_SpoT domain has (p)ppApp synthetase activity, which is bactericidal under our experimental conditions. We further determine that the two genes located downstream encode two immunity proteins, one binding to and inactivating the toxin and the other detoxifying the cell via a pppApp hydrolase activity. Finally, based on protein sequence alignments, we propose a signature for (p)ppApp synthetases that distinguishes them from (p)ppGpp synthetases.(c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Polymorphic toxins (PTs) are a broad family of toxins involved in interbacterial competition and pathogenesis. In this study, a new family of PTs containing an N-terminal MuF domain was identified. The MuF-RelA_SpoT toxin associated with the temperate phage of Streptococcus pneumoniae SPNA45 was characterized, demonstrating its (p)ppApp synthetase activity. The study also proposed a signature for (p)ppApp synthetases and identified two immunity proteins associated with the toxin.