Dissection of the function of the RmpM periplasmic protein from Neisseria meningitidis

Microbiology (Reading). 2016 Feb;162(2):364-375. doi: 10.1099/mic.0.000227. Epub 2015 Dec 16.

Abstract

RmpM is a periplasmic protein from Neisseria meningitidis that comprises an N-terminal domain (residues 1-47) and a separate globular C-terminal domain (residues 65-219) responsible for binding to peptidoglycan. Here we show, through the use of size exclusion chromatography and pull-down assays, that a recombinant N-terminal fragment of RmpM binds to both the major outer membrane porins, PorA and PorB. Analysis by semi-native SDS-PAGE established that both recombinant full-length RmpM and an N-terminal fragment, but not the C-terminal peptidoglycan-binding domain, were sufficient to stabilize the PorA and PorB oligomeric complexes. Evidence from binding assays indicated that the meso-diaminopimelate moiety plays an important role in peptidoglycan recognition by RmpM. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that two highly conserved residues, Asp120 and Arg135, play an important role in peptidoglycan binding. The yield of outer membrane vesicles, which have been used extensively as a vaccine against N. meningitidis, was considerably higher in an N. meningitidis strain expressing a truncated N-terminal fragment of RmpM (ΔC-term rmpM) than in the WT strain. The native oligomeric state of the PorA/PorB complexes was maintained in this strain. We conclude that the dual functions of RmpM are independent, and that it is possible to use this knowledge to engineer a strain with higher yield of outer membrane vesicles, whilst preserving PorA and PorB, which are key protective antigens, in their native oligomeric state.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Bacterial / genetics
  • Antigens, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Diaminopimelic Acid / metabolism
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Neisseria meningitidis / metabolism*
  • Peptidoglycan / metabolism
  • Periplasmic Proteins / genetics
  • Periplasmic Proteins / metabolism*
  • Porins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • Peptidoglycan
  • Periplasmic Proteins
  • Porins
  • RmpM protein, Neisseria
  • porin protein, Neisseria
  • Diaminopimelic Acid