P3-10 Control of the subcellular localization of host nuclear proteins by Brucella effectors

Abstract

Bacterial targeting of the nucleus is a major virulence strategy shared by a number of plant and animal pathogens. In order to manipulate nuclear functions and eukaryotic gene expression, bacteria inject into host cells nuclear-targeting effector proteins, known as nucleomodulins. We have recently identified two such effectors from Brucella abortus that we named NyxA and NyxB. We have found that these two effectors modulate subcellular spatial dynamics of nuclear proteins during infection. We show that NyxA and NyxB target the host de-SUMOylase SENP3, extensively impacting nuclear dynamics. SENP3 is required for efficient intracellular replication within host cells. Furthermore, we have found that key components of ribosomal biogenesis machinery accumulate in the host cytosol of infected cells, suggesting a novel host response to infection. The consequences of these interactions will be further discussed in the context ofBrucella pathogenesis.