Elongation Factor Ts (EF-Ts), encoded by the tsf gene, is a critical guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that regulates protein synthesis by interacting with Elongation Factor Tu (EF-Tu). In Salmonella enterica serovar Schwarzengrund, a multidrug-resistant pathogen associated with poultry and human infections, recombinant EF-Ts (rEF-Ts) is engineered to study its biochemical roles and potential applications in pathogenesis and therapeutic development .
S. Schwarzengrund exhibits multidrug resistance (MDR), linked to genomic islands and horizontal gene transfer . While EF-Ts is not directly a resistance factor, its role in translation efficiency may support survival under antibiotic pressure.
| Antimicrobial Agent | Resistance Rate in S. Schwarzengrund (%) |
|---|---|
| Streptomycin | 100 |
| Sulfamethoxazole | 93.6 |
| Kanamycin | 47.7 |
| Oxytetracycline | 92.7 |
| Data from broiler chicken isolates in Japan (2013–2016) . |
Pathogenicity Islands:
S. Schwarzengrund harbors horizontally acquired genomic regions (e.g., SPI-12) that encode virulence effectors regulated by systems like SsrB . While EF-Ts is not part of these islands, its conserved function in translation supports effector production.
Host Adaptation:
EF-Ts’s regulation of ternary complex stability may contribute to rapid protein synthesis during intracellular survival in macrophages, a hallmark of Salmonella pathogenesis .
Vaccine Development:
Recombinant EF-Tu (rEF-Tu) from other pathogens has shown promise as a vaccine antigen . Similar strategies could be explored for rEF-Ts in S. Schwarzengrund.
Antibiotic Adjuvant Research:
Targeting EF-Ts could disrupt translation fidelity, potentiating existing antibiotics against MDR strains .
KEGG: sew:SeSA_A0242
Recombinant Salmonella schwarzengrund Elongation factor Ts is produced using E. coli expression systems rather than being isolated directly from Salmonella schwarzengrund cultures . Several key differences exist between recombinant and native forms:
Affinity tags: Recombinant proteins typically contain affinity tags to facilitate purification. According to product information, "Tag type will be determined during the manufacturing process" .
Post-translational modifications: Native proteins may contain modifications that are absent in recombinant versions expressed in heterologous systems.
Folding characteristics: Expression conditions can affect protein folding, potentially resulting in conformational differences compared to the native form.
Purity: Recombinant preparations generally achieve higher purity (>85% by SDS-PAGE as reported) than would be practical from native sources.
Stability characteristics: Recombinant proteins may exhibit different stability profiles requiring specific storage conditions (-20°C or -80°C for extended storage) .
These differences should be considered when designing experiments, particularly for structural or functional studies where native conformation is critical.
To confirm that recombinant EF-Ts retains its native functionality, researchers should consider implementing the following validation approaches:
Nucleotide exchange assay: Measure the ability of recombinant EF-Ts to catalyze GDP/GTP exchange on EF-Tu using fluorescently labeled nucleotides or radioactive assays.
In vitro translation systems: Assess the capacity of recombinant EF-Ts to support protein synthesis in reconstituted translation systems, comparable to approaches used in studies of Salmonella enterica .
Binding affinity measurements: Determine binding kinetics between recombinant EF-Ts and EF-Tu using techniques such as surface plasmon resonance or isothermal titration calorimetry.
Structural integrity analysis: Compare secondary structure elements using circular dichroism or thermal shift assays to evaluate proper folding.
Complementation studies: Test whether the recombinant protein can complement EF-Ts deficiency in controlled systems.
Data from these validation experiments should be represented in tables comparing activity parameters between recombinant and control samples, with statistical analysis of replicate measurements.
Structural biology studies require careful optimization of sample preparation and experimental conditions:
Purification enhancement: While product information indicates >85% purity by SDS-PAGE , structural studies typically require >95% purity. Additional purification steps such as ion exchange or size exclusion chromatography are recommended.
Buffer screening: Systematically test different buffer compositions to identify conditions that maximize stability while maintaining native conformation. Starting recommendations include:
pH range: 7.0-8.0
Salt concentration: 50-200 mM NaCl
Stabilizing agents: 5-10% glycerol
Tag removal considerations: For crystallography studies, consider removing affinity tags using specific proteases if they interfere with crystal formation.
| Structural Technique | Key Optimization Parameters | Common Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray Crystallography | Protein concentration (10-20 mg/ml), crystallization conditions, cryoprotectants | Obtaining diffraction-quality crystals |
| NMR Spectroscopy | Isotopic labeling (15N, 13C), protein concentration (0.5-1 mM), sample stability | Size limitations (EF-Ts ~30 kDa is challenging) |
| Cryo-EM | Complex formation with larger partners, grid preparation, sample homogeneity | EF-Ts alone may be too small for high-resolution imaging |
The reconstitution recommendations provided in the product information (0.1-1.0 mg/mL in deionized sterile water with 5-50% glycerol) serve as a starting point, but optimization for specific structural techniques will be necessary.
Comparative analysis of Elongation factor Ts across Salmonella serovars can reveal important evolutionary and functional insights:
Alignment of EF-Ts sequences from different Salmonella serovars (including S. schwarzengrund, S. Typhimurium, S. Typhi, S. Heidelberg, and S. Minnesota referenced in the search results ) can identify:
Core conserved regions essential for function
Variable regions that may contribute to serovar-specific characteristics
Potential adaptation signatures related to host specificity
This comparative approach aligns with research methodologies seen in Salmonella genomic studies that examine evolutionary relationships between serovars and their virulence characteristics .
Recombinant EF-Ts can serve as a valuable tool in antimicrobial resistance research, particularly relevant given the increasing concern about resistance in nontyphoidal Salmonella :
Target-based screening: Develop high-throughput assays using recombinant EF-Ts to identify novel compounds that disrupt its interaction with EF-Tu.
Resistance mechanism studies: Investigate whether alterations in translation machinery components contribute to resistance phenotypes observed in Salmonella serovars like S. Heidelberg and S. Minnesota, which show high prevalence of resistance genes (sul2, tetA, blaCMY-2) .
Structure-based drug design: Utilize structural information about EF-Ts to design inhibitors specifically targeting bacterial translation.
| Experimental Approach | Methodology | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Binding studies | Surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry | Quantitative binding parameters for antimicrobial compounds |
| In vitro translation assays | Reconstituted translation systems with/without antibiotics | Effects of EF-Ts alterations on translation efficiency and antibiotic susceptibility |
| Mutation analysis | Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved residues | Identification of residues critical for function or antibiotic interaction |
These approaches align with broader antimicrobial resistance research in Salmonella, where understanding molecular mechanisms of resistance is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies .
Based on product information , researchers should adhere to the following storage and handling protocols:
Short-term storage: -20°C
Extended storage: -80°C
Working aliquots: 4°C for up to one week
Shelf life: 6 months for liquid form at -20°C/-80°C; 12 months for lyophilized form
Centrifuge vial briefly before opening
Reconstitute in deionized sterile water to 0.1-1.0 mg/mL
Add glycerol to 5-50% final concentration (50% is recommended) for long-term storage
Prepare small working aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
| Quality Parameter | Method | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | SDS-PAGE | >85% |
| Activity | Functional assays (e.g., nucleotide exchange) | Batch-specific |
| Structural integrity | Circular dichroism, thermal shift | Batch-specific |
Maintaining proper storage conditions is critical for preserving protein functionality, particularly for applications requiring native conformation.
Investigating EF-Ts in Salmonella pathogenesis requires multidisciplinary approaches similar to those used in S. Typhi research :
Conditional expression systems: Since EF-Ts is likely essential, use inducible promoters to control expression levels.
Domain-specific mutations: Introduce targeted mutations in functional domains to create variants with altered activity levels.
Reporter fusions: Create translational fusions to monitor EF-Ts expression and localization during infection.
Transcriptomics: Compare gene expression profiles between wild-type and EF-Ts-altered strains using RNA-seq methods similar to those developed for S. Typhi .
Proteomics: Quantify changes in protein synthesis patterns using mass spectrometry approaches to map peptides back to the genome, as described for S. Typhi .
These experimental approaches would provide comprehensive insights into how EF-Ts contributes to Salmonella pathogenesis beyond its canonical role in translation.
Comparative analysis across bacterial species provides broader evolutionary and functional context:
| Bacterial Species | Evolutionary Relationship | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Close relative within Enterobacteriaceae | High sequence similarity, potential functional conservation |
| Other Salmonella serovars | Within-genus comparison | Serovar-specific adaptations, potential host-specific features |
| Distant pathogens (e.g., Mycobacterium) | Cross-genus comparison | Structural adaptations reflecting divergent translation mechanics |
Interchangeability testing: Determine whether EF-Ts from different species can functionally substitute for each other in reconstituted systems.
Binding partner specificity: Compare interaction profiles with EF-Tu from various species.
Species-specific inhibition profiles: Assess differential susceptibility to inhibitors or antibiotics.
This comparative approach aligns with systems biology perspectives used in Salmonella research that examine the evolution of virulence mechanisms across the genus .
Studying EF-Ts in the context of multi-protein complexes requires specific methodological considerations:
Partner protein co-expression: Consider co-expressing EF-Ts with EF-Tu to improve complex stability.
Assembly conditions: Optimize buffer conditions, protein ratios, and incubation parameters to promote stable complex formation.
Interaction mapping: Use hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry or crosslinking approaches to identify interaction interfaces.
| Technique | Application | Key Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Size exclusion chromatography | Complex formation verification | Buffer composition, flow rate, detection wavelength |
| Native mass spectrometry | Stoichiometry determination | Ionization conditions, desalting parameters |
| Cryo-electron microscopy | Structural characterization | Sample concentration, grid preparation, image processing |
Translation system assembly: Incorporate purified EF-Ts into reconstituted translation systems with ribosomes, mRNAs, and other factors.
Dynamic measurements: Use fluorescence-based approaches to monitor complex assembly and disassembly kinetics.
These methodologies are consistent with structural biology approaches used in studying bacterial translation machinery components, as referenced in research on Salmonella enterica proteome characterization .
Several promising research directions emerge from current understanding:
Stress response roles: Investigate whether EF-Ts contributes to adaptation to host environments beyond its canonical translation function.
Antimicrobial resistance connections: Explore potential links between translation machinery adaptations and the emergence of resistance phenotypes observed in various Salmonella serovars .
Host-pathogen interface: Examine whether EF-Ts indirectly influences host-pathogen interactions by modulating expression of virulence factors.
Vaccine development applications: Consider approaches similar to the recombinant S. gallinarum vaccine strategy that could incorporate EF-Ts as an antigen or expression platform.
Cross-serovar comparative studies: Extend comparative analyses across multiple Salmonella serovars to identify potential correlations between EF-Ts sequence variations and epidemiological characteristics.