Synergism between bacterial GAPDH and OMVs: disparate mechanisms but co-operative action

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) shed from bacteria contribute to pathogenesis by promoting colonization of host tissues and trafficking virulence factors into host cells via fusion with the host cell plasma membrane. Glyeraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is also secreted by prokaryotes, but enhances pathogenesis by promoting adhesion of bacteria to host cell surfaces. However, GAPDH is also known to catalyze the fusion of membranes, and it has been shown to promote OMV activity in the non-pathogen Myxococcus xanthus. We suggest that during infection by Gram-negative bacteria, GAPDH and OMVs work synergistically to stimulate pathogenesis.