Chlamydia trachomatis Alters Mitochondrial Protein Composition and Secretes Effector Proteins That Target Mitochondria

• DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00423-22
• Publication Date: 2022-10-26T13:00:29Z
• Authors: Zoe Dimond; Laura D. Bauler; Yixiang Zhang; Aaron Carmody; Ted Hackstadt
• Keywords: Intracellular parasite; Organelle

Mitochondria are critical cellular organelles that perform a wide variety of functions, including energy production and immune regulation. To these mitochondria contain approximately 1,500 proteins, the majority which encoded in nuclear genome, translated cytoplasm, translocated to using distinct mitochondrial targeting sequences (MTS). Bacterial proteins can also MTS localize mitochondria. For obligate intracellular human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis, interaction with various host cell promotes replication. However, extent mechanisms through cells interact directly remain unclear. We investigated presence C. trachomatis genome discovered 30 genes encoding around 70% or greater probability localization. Five upon ectopic expression HeLa cells. Mass spectrometry isolated from infected revealed two during infection. Comparison uninfected suggests chlamydial infection affects protein composition. Around 125 were significantly decreased absent Among proapoptotic factors those related fission/fusion dynamics. Conversely, 82 increased specific cells, many act as antiapoptotic upregulators metabolism. These data support notion specifically targets manipulate fate decisions metabolic function survival IMPORTANCE Obligate bacteria have evolved multiple means promote their replication within otherwise harsh environment eukaryotic cell. Nutrient acquisition avoidance defense an lifestyle. produce form ATP regulate programmed death responses invasive pathogenic microbes. Cell prior completion would be detrimental pathogen. produces at least possibly more target Collectively, modulates composition, favoring profile suggestive downregulation apoptosis.