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Kavanaugh LG, Dey D, Shafer WM, Conn GL. Structural and functional diversity of Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) efflux pump transporters with implications for antimicrobial resistance. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0008923. [PMID: 39235227 PMCID: PMC11426026 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00089-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThe discovery of bacterial efflux pumps significantly advanced our understanding of how bacteria can resist cytotoxic compounds that they encounter. Within the structurally and functionally distinct families of efflux pumps, those of the Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) superfamily are noteworthy for their ability to reduce the intracellular concentration of structurally diverse antimicrobials. RND systems are possessed by many Gram-negative bacteria, including those causing serious human disease, and frequently contribute to resistance to multiple antibiotics. Herein, we review the current literature on the structure-function relationships of representative transporter proteins of tripartite RND efflux pumps of clinically important pathogens. We emphasize their contribution to bacterial resistance to clinically used antibiotics, host defense antimicrobials and other biocides, as well as highlighting structural similarities and differences among efflux transporters that help bacteria survive in the face of antimicrobials. Furthermore, we discuss technical advances that have facilitated and advanced efflux pump research and suggest future areas of investigation that will advance antimicrobial development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan G Kavanaugh
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Graduate Program in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Debayan Dey
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, VA Medical Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Graeme L Conn
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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2
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Roy RK, Bera A, Patra N. Insights into Allosteric Inhibition of the AcrB Efflux Pump: Role of Distinct Binding Pockets, Protomer Preferences, and Crosstalk Disruption. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:5964-5976. [PMID: 39011748 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
AcrB, a key component in bacterial efflux processes, exhibits distinct binding pockets that influence inhibitor interactions. In addition to the well-known distal binding pocket within the periplasmic domain, a noteworthy pocket amidst the transmembrane (TM) helices serves as an alternate binding site for inhibitors. The bacterial efflux mechanism involves a pivotal functional rotation of the TM protein, inducing conformational changes in each protomer and propelling drugs toward the outer membrane domain. Surprisingly, inhibitors binding to the TM domain display a preference for L protomers over T protomers. Metadynamics simulations elucidate that Lys940 in the TM domain of AcrB can adopt two conformations in L protomers, whereas the energy barrier for such transitions is higher in T protomers. This phenomenon results in stable inhibitor binding in l protomers. Upon a detailed analysis of unbinding pathways using random accelerated molecular dynamics and umbrella sampling, we have identified three distinct routes for ligand exit from the allosteric site, specifically involving regions within the TM domains─TM4, TM5, and TM10. To explore allosteric crosstalk, we focused on the following key residues: Val452 from the TM domain and Ala831 from the porter domain. Surprisingly, our findings reveal that inhibitor binding disrupts this communication. The shortest path connecting Val452 and Ala831 increases upon inhibitor binding, suggesting sabotage of the natural interdomain communication dynamics. This result highlights the intricate interplay between inhibitor binding and allosteric signaling within our studied system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar Roy
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India
| | - Abhishek Bera
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India
| | - Niladri Patra
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India
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3
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Wang W, Ma Y, Ma Y, Zheng X, Yu J, Li L, Liu X, Gao H, Xu H, Wang M. Significant Impact of AcrB Amino Acid Polymorphism at Residue 716 on Susceptibility to Tigecycline and Other Antibiotics in Klebsiella pneumoniae. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:541-552. [PMID: 38181222 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
AcrAB-TolC is a multidrug RND-type efflux pump that is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria. As the substrate-binding subunit, AcrB was shown to modulate antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli, but the influence of AcrB mutation on Klebsiella pneumoniae, a major clinical pathogen, has not been well-studied. The finding of an R716L mutation in AcrB in a clinical tigecycline-nonsusceptible K. pneumoniae S1 strain inspired us to probe the role of AcrB residue 716 in antimicrobial resistance. This residue was subsequently subjected to saturation mutagenesis, followed by antibiotic susceptibility tests, survival assays, and antibiotic accumulation assays, showing strong influences of AcrB mutation on antimicrobial resistance. In particular, resistance levels to azithromycin, tetracycline, tigecycline, and cefoxitin were significantly changed by AcrB mutation at residue 716. Mutations to charged residues, polar residues, and residues that disrupt secondary structures have particularly reduced the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria, except for azithromycin, and the impact is not due to the abolishment of the efflux function of the pump. Therefore, it is concluded that residue 716 is an important residue that significantly influences antimicrobial resistance in K. pneumoniae, adding to our understanding of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in this key clinical pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Yanan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Yueyi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Xinrou Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Jianghao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Xuedong Liu
- Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, Shandong 266011, China
| | - Haidong Gao
- Oncology Laboratory, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266035, China
| | - Hai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
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4
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Wilhelm J, Pos KM. Molecular insights into the determinants of substrate specificity and efflux inhibition of the RND efflux pumps AcrB and AdeB. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001438. [PMID: 38358391 PMCID: PMC10924465 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacterial members of the Resistance Nodulation and cell Division (RND) superfamily form tripartite efflux pump systems that span the cell envelope. One of the intriguing features of the multiple drug efflux members of this superfamily is their ability to recognize different classes of antibiotics, dyes, solvents, bile salts, and detergents. This review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms of multiple drug efflux catalysed by the tripartite RND efflux system AcrAB-TolC from Eschericha coli. The determinants for sequential or simultaneous multiple substrate binding and efflux pump inhibitor binding are discussed. A comparison is made with the determinants for substrate binding of AdeB from Acinetobacter baumannii, which acts within the AdeABC multidrug efflux system. There is an apparent general similarity between the structures of AcrB and AdeB and their substrate specificity. However, the presence of distinct conformational states and different drug efflux capacities as revealed by single-particle cryo-EM and mutational analysis suggest that the drug binding and transport features exhibited by AcrB may not be directly extrapolated to the homolog AdeB efflux pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wilhelm
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Klaas Martinus Pos
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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5
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Gervasoni S, Mehla J, Bergen CR, Leus IV, Margiotta E, Malloci G, Bosin A, Vargiu AV, Lomovskaya O, Rybenkov VV, Ruggerone P, Zgurskaya HI. Molecular determinants of avoidance and inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexB efflux pump. mBio 2023; 14:e0140323. [PMID: 37493633 PMCID: PMC10470492 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01403-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transporters of the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily of proteins are the dominant multidrug efflux power of Gram-negative bacteria. The major RND efflux pump of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is MexAB-OprM, in which the inner membrane transporter MexB is responsible for the recognition and binding of compounds. The high importance of this pump in clinical antibiotic resistance made it a subject of intense investigations and a promising target for the discovery of efflux pump inhibitors. This study is focused on a series of peptidomimetic compounds developed as effective inhibitors of MexAB-OprM. We performed multi-copy molecular dynamics simulations, machine-learning (ML) analyses, and site-directed mutagenesis of MexB to investigate interactions of MexB with representatives of efflux avoiders, substrates, and inhibitors. The analysis of both direct and water-mediated protein-ligand interactions revealed characteristic patterns for each class, highlighting significant differences between them. We found that efflux avoiders poorly interact with the access binding site of MexB, and inhibition engages amino acid residues that are not directly involved in binding and transport of substrates. In agreement, machine-learning models selected different residues predictive of MexB substrates and inhibitors. The differences in interactions were further validated by site-directed mutagenesis. We conclude that the substrate translocation and inhibition pathways of MexB split at the interface (between the main putative binding sites) and at the deep binding pocket and that interactions outside of the hydrophobic patch contribute to the inhibition of MexB. This molecular-level information could help in the rational design of new inhibitors and antibiotics less susceptible to the efflux mechanism. IMPORTANCE Multidrug transporters recognize and expel from cells a broad range of ligands including their own inhibitors. The difference between the substrate translocation and inhibition routes remains unclear. In this study, machine learning and computational and experimental approaches were used to understand dynamics of MexB interactions with its ligands. Our results show that some ligands engage a certain combination of polar and charged residues in MexB binding sites to be effectively expelled into the exit funnel, whereas others engage aromatic and hydrophobic residues that slow down or hinder the next step in the transporter cycle. These findings suggest that all MexB ligands fit into this substrate-inhibitor spectrum depending on their physico-chemical structures and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gervasoni
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Jitender Mehla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Charles R. Bergen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Inga V. Leus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Enrico Margiotta
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Bosin
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | | | | | - Valentin V. Rybenkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Helen I. Zgurskaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
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6
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Trampari E, Prischi F, Vargiu AV, Abi-Assaf J, Bavro VN, Webber MA. Functionally distinct mutations within AcrB underpin antibiotic resistance in different lifestyles. NPJ ANTIMICROBIALS AND RESISTANCE 2023; 1:2. [PMID: 38686215 PMCID: PMC11057200 DOI: 10.1038/s44259-023-00001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a pressing healthcare challenge and is mediated by various mechanisms, including the active export of drugs via multidrug efflux systems, which prevent drug accumulation within the cell. Here, we studied how Salmonella evolved resistance to two key antibiotics, cefotaxime and azithromycin, when grown planktonically or as a biofilm. Resistance to both drugs emerged in both conditions and was associated with different substitutions within the efflux-associated transporter, AcrB. Azithromycin exposure selected for an R717L substitution, while cefotaxime for Q176K. Additional mutations in ramR or envZ accumulated concurrently with the R717L or Q176K substitutions respectively, resulting in clinical resistance to the selective antibiotics and cross-resistance to other drugs. Structural, genetic, and phenotypic analysis showed the two AcrB substitutions confer their benefits in profoundly different ways. R717L reduces steric barriers associated with transit through the substrate channel 2 of AcrB. Q176K increases binding energy for cefotaxime, improving recognition in the distal binding pocket, resulting in increased efflux efficiency. Finally, we show the R717 substitution is present in isolates recovered around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Trampari
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ UK
| | - Filippo Prischi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ UK
| | - Attilio V. Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S. P. 8, km. 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Justin Abi-Assaf
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ UK
| | - Vassiliy N. Bavro
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ UK
| | - Mark A. Webber
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ UK
- Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UA UK
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7
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Athar M, Gervasoni S, Catte A, Basciu A, Malloci G, Ruggerone P, Vargiu AV. Tripartite efflux pumps of the RND superfamily: what did we learn from computational studies? MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 36972322 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has been long recognized as a priority to address for human health. Among all micro-organisms, the so-called multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, which are resistant to most, if not all drugs in our current arsenal, are particularly worrisome. The World Health Organization has prioritized the ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species) pathogens, which include four Gram-negative bacterial species. In these bacteria, active extrusion of antimicrobial compounds out of the cell by means of 'molecular guns' known as efflux pumps is a main determinant of MDR phenotypes. The resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily of efflux pumps connecting the inner and outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria is crucial to the onset of MDR and virulence, as well as biofilm formation. Thus, understanding the molecular basis of the interaction of antibiotics and inhibitors with these pumps is key to the design of more effective therapeutics. With the aim to contribute to this challenge, and complement and inspire experimental research, in silico studies on RND efflux pumps have flourished in recent decades. Here, we review a selection of such investigations addressing the main determinants behind the polyspecificity of these pumps, the mechanisms of substrate recognition, transport and inhibition, as well as the relevance of their assembly for proper functioning, and the role of protein-lipid interactions. The journey will end with a perspective on the role of computer simulations in addressing the challenges posed by these beautifully complex machineries and in supporting the fight against the spread of MDR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Athar
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Silvia Gervasoni
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Andrea Catte
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Andrea Basciu
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Attilio Vittorio Vargiu
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
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8
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Catte A, K. Ramaswamy V, Vargiu AV, Malloci G, Bosin A, Ruggerone P. Common recognition topology of mex transporters of Pseudomonas aeruginosa revealed by molecular modelling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1021916. [PMID: 36438787 PMCID: PMC9691783 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1021916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The secondary transporters of the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily mediate multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among these RND transporters, MexB, MexF, and MexY, with partly overlapping specificities, have been implicated in pathogenicity. Only the structure of the former has been resolved experimentally, which together with the lack of data about the functional dynamics of the full set of transporters, limited a systematic investigation of the molecular determinants defining their peculiar and shared features. In a previous work (Ramaswamy et al., Front. Microbiol., 2018, 9, 1144), we compared at an atomistic level the two main putative recognition sites (named access and deep binding pockets) of MexB and MexY. In this work, we expand the comparison by performing extended molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of these transporters and the pathologically relevant transporter MexF. We employed a more realistic model of the inner phospholipid membrane of P. aeruginosa and more accurate force-fields. To elucidate structure/dynamics-activity relationships we performed physico-chemical analyses and mapped the binding propensities of several organic probes on all transporters. Our data revealed the presence, also in MexF, of a few multifunctional sites at locations equivalent to the access and deep binding pockets detected in MexB. Furthermore, we report for the first time about the multidrug binding abilities of two out of five gates of the channels deputed to peripheral (early) recognition of substrates. Overall, our findings help to define a common “recognition topology” characterizing Mex transporters, which can be exploited to optimize transport and inhibition propensities of antimicrobial compounds.
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9
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Spatial Characteristics of the Efflux Pump MexB Determine Inhibitor Binding. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0067222. [DOI: 10.1128/aac.00672-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The multidrug efflux transporters MexB and MexY in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and AcrB in
Escherichia coli
contribute to these organisms’ multidrug resistance. Efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) ABI-PP inhibits MexB and AcrB, but not MexY.
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10
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Vergalli J, Chauvet H, Oliva F, Pajović J, Malloci G, Vargiu AV, Réfrégiers M, Ruggerone P, Pagès JM. A framework for dissecting affinities of multidrug efflux transporter AcrB to fluoroquinolones. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1062. [PMID: 36203030 PMCID: PMC9537517 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04024-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sufficient concentration of antibiotics close to their target is key for antimicrobial action. Among the tools exploited by bacteria to reduce the internal concentration of antibiotics, multidrug efflux pumps stand out for their ability to capture and expel many unrelated compounds out of the cell. Determining the specificities and efflux efficiency of these pumps towards their substrates would provide quantitative insights into the development of antibacterial strategies. In this light, we developed a competition efflux assay on whole cells, that allows measuring the efficacy of extrusion of clinically used quinolones in populations and individual bacteria. Experiments reveal the efficient competitive action of some quinolones that restore an active concentration of other fluoroquinolones. Computational methods show how quinolones interact with the multidrug efflux transporter AcrB. Combining experiments and computations unveils a key molecular mechanism acting in vivo to detoxify bacterial cells. The developed assay can be generalized to the study of other efflux pumps. A competitive efflux assay combined with computational approaches reveal how different quinolones interact with the prototypical bacterial multidrug efflux transporter AcrB, providing insights which may help optimise antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Vergalli
- UMR_MD1, U-1261, Aix-Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRBA, MCT, Marseille, France
| | - Hugo Chauvet
- DISCO beamline, Synchrotron Soleil, Saint-Aubin, France
| | - Francesco Oliva
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, (CA), Italy
| | - Jelena Pajović
- DISCO beamline, Synchrotron Soleil, Saint-Aubin, France.,University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physics, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, (CA), Italy
| | | | - Matthieu Réfrégiers
- DISCO beamline, Synchrotron Soleil, Saint-Aubin, France.,Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Rue Charles Sadron, Orléans, France
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, (CA), Italy
| | - Jean-Marie Pagès
- UMR_MD1, U-1261, Aix-Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRBA, MCT, Marseille, France.
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11
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Structural and functional analysis of the promiscuous AcrB and AdeB efflux pumps suggests different drug binding mechanisms. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6919. [PMID: 34824229 PMCID: PMC8617272 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27146-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon antibiotic stress Gram-negative pathogens deploy resistance-nodulation-cell division-type tripartite efflux pumps. These include a H+/drug antiporter module that recognizes structurally diverse substances, including antibiotics. Here, we show the 3.5 Å structure of subunit AdeB from the Acinetobacter baumannii AdeABC efflux pump solved by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. The AdeB trimer adopts mainly a resting state with all protomers in a conformation devoid of transport channels or antibiotic binding sites. However, 10% of the protomers adopt a state where three transport channels lead to the closed substrate (deep) binding pocket. A comparison between drug binding of AdeB and Escherichia coli AcrB is made via activity analysis of 20 AdeB variants, selected on basis of side chain interactions with antibiotics observed in the AcrB periplasmic domain X-ray co-structures with fusidic acid (2.3 Å), doxycycline (2.1 Å) and levofloxacin (2.7 Å). AdeABC, compared to AcrAB-TolC, confers higher resistance to E. coli towards polyaromatic compounds and lower resistance towards antibiotic compounds.
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12
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Berberine Derivatives as Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexXY-OprM Inhibitors: Activity and In Silico Insights. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216644. [PMID: 34771051 PMCID: PMC8587913 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural alkaloid berberine has been demonstrated to inhibit the Pseudomonas aeruginosa multidrug efflux system MexXY-OprM, which is responsible for tobramycin extrusion by binding the inner membrane transporter MexY. To find a structure with improved inhibitory activity, we compared by molecular dynamics investigations the binding affinity of berberine and three aromatic substituents towards the three polymorphic sequences of MexY found in P. aeruginosa (PAO1, PA7, and PA14). The synergy of the combinations of berberine or berberine derivatives/tobramycin against the same strains was then evaluated by checkerboard and time-kill assays. The in silico analysis evidenced different binding modes depending on both the structure of the berberine derivative and the specific MexY polymorphism. In vitro assays showed an evident MIC reduction (32-fold and 16-fold, respectively) and a 2–3 log greater killing effect after 2 h of exposure to the combinations of 13-(2-methylbenzyl)- and 13-(4-methylbenzyl)-berberine with tobramycin against the tobramycin-resistant strain PA7, a milder synergy (a 4-fold MIC reduction) against PAO1 and PA14, and no synergy against the ΔmexXY strain K1525, confirming the MexY-specific binding and the computational results. These berberine derivatives could thus be considered new hit compounds to select more effective berberine substitutions and their common path of interaction with MexY as the starting point for the rational design of novel MexXY-OprM inhibitors.
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13
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Zwama M, Nishino K. Ever-Adapting RND Efflux Pumps in Gram-Negative Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens: A Race against Time. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:774. [PMID: 34201908 PMCID: PMC8300642 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide. MDR in bacterial pathogens is a major challenge in healthcare, as bacterial infections are becoming untreatable by commercially available antibiotics. One of the main causes of MDR is the over-expression of intrinsic and acquired multidrug efflux pumps, belonging to the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily, which can efflux a wide range of structurally different antibiotics. Besides over-expression, however, recent amino acid substitutions within the pumps themselves-causing an increased drug efflux efficiency-are causing additional worry. In this review, we take a closer look at clinically, environmentally and laboratory-evolved Gram-negative bacterial strains and their decreased drug sensitivity as a result of mutations directly in the RND-type pumps themselves (from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Legionella pneumophila). We also focus on the evolution of the efflux pumps by comparing hundreds of efflux pumps to determine where conservation is concentrated and where differences in amino acids can shed light on the broad and even broadening drug recognition. Knowledge of conservation, as well as of novel gain-of-function efflux pump mutations, is essential for the development of novel antibiotics and efflux pump inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn Zwama
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nishino
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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14
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Schlick T, Portillo-Ledesma S, Myers CG, Beljak L, Chen J, Dakhel S, Darling D, Ghosh S, Hall J, Jan M, Liang E, Saju S, Vohr M, Wu C, Xu Y, Xue E. Biomolecular Modeling and Simulation: A Prospering Multidisciplinary Field. Annu Rev Biophys 2021; 50:267-301. [PMID: 33606945 PMCID: PMC8105287 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-091720-102019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We reassess progress in the field of biomolecular modeling and simulation, following up on our perspective published in 2011. By reviewing metrics for the field's productivity and providing examples of success, we underscore the productive phase of the field, whose short-term expectations were overestimated and long-term effects underestimated. Such successes include prediction of structures and mechanisms; generation of new insights into biomolecular activity; and thriving collaborations between modeling and experimentation, including experiments driven by modeling. We also discuss the impact of field exercises and web games on the field's progress. Overall, we note tremendous success by the biomolecular modeling community in utilization of computer power; improvement in force fields; and development and application of new algorithms, notably machine learning and artificial intelligence. The combined advances are enhancing the accuracy andscope of modeling and simulation, establishing an exemplary discipline where experiment and theory or simulations are full partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Schlick
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA;
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA
- New York University-East China Normal University Center for Computational Chemistry, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai 200122, China
| | | | - Christopher G Myers
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA;
| | - Lauren Beljak
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Justin Chen
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Sami Dakhel
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Daniel Darling
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Sayak Ghosh
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Joseph Hall
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Mikaeel Jan
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Emily Liang
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Sera Saju
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Mackenzie Vohr
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Chris Wu
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Yifan Xu
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Eva Xue
- College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
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15
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Kumar Roy R, Patra N. Configuration Flipping in Distal Pocket of Multidrug Transporter MexB Impacts the Efflux Inhibitory Mechanism. Chemphyschem 2020; 21:2516-2524. [PMID: 33079475 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202000759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
MexAB-OprM efflux pumps, found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, play a major role in drug resistance by extruding out drugs and antibiotic molecules from cells. Inhibitors are used to cease the potency of the efflux pumps. In this study, in-silico models are used to investigate the nature of the binding pocket of the MexAB-OprM efflux pump. First, we have performed classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to shed light on different aspects of protein-inhibitor interaction in the binding pocket of the pump. Using classical MD simulations, quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM), and various types of analyses, it is found that D13-9001 has a higher binding affinity towards the binding pocket compared to D1 and D2; the results are in sync with the experimental dat. Two stable configurations of D13-9001 are discovered inside the distal pocket which could be one of the primary reasons for the greater efficacy of D13-9001. The free energy barrier upon changing one state to another is calculated by employing umbrella sampling method. Finally, F178 is mutated to have the complete picture as it contributes significantly to the binding energy irrespective of the three inhibitors. Our results may help to design a new generation of inhibitors for such an efflux pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Dhanbad, 826004, India
| | - Niladri Patra
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Dhanbad, 826004, India
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16
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AlMatar M, Albarri O, Makky EA, Köksal F. Efflux pump inhibitors: new updates. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 73:1-16. [PMID: 32946075 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00160-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics ought to have ended the issue of bacterial infections, but this was not the case as it has led to the evolution of various mechanisms of bacterial resistance against various antibiotics. The efflux pump remains one of the mechanisms through which organisms develop resistance against antibiotics; this is because organisms can extrude most of the clinically relevant antibiotics from the interior cell environment to the exterior environment via the efflux pumps. Efflux pumps are thought to contribute significantly to biofilm formation as highlighted by various studies. Therefore, the inhibition of these efflux pumps can be a potential way of improving the activity of antibiotics, particularly now that the discovery of novel antibiotics is becoming tedious. Efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) are molecules that can inhibit efflux pumps; they have been considered potential therapeutic agents for rejuvenating the activity of antibiotics that have already lost their activity against bacteria. However, studies are yet to determine the specific substrates for such pumps; the effect of altered efflux activity of these pumps on biofilm formation is still being investigated. A clear knowledge of the involvement of efflux pumps in biofilm development could aid in developing new agents that can interfere with their function and help to prevent biofilms formation; thereby, improving the outcome of treatment strategies. This review focuses on the novel update of EPIs and discusses the evidence of the roles of efflux pumps in biofilm formation; the potential approaches towards overcoming the increasing problem of biofilm-based infections are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manaf AlMatar
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), 26300, Gambang, Kuantan, Malaysia.
| | - Osman Albarri
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences (Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü), Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Essam A Makky
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), 26300, Gambang, Kuantan, Malaysia.
| | - Fatih Köksal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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17
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Abstract
Efflux is an important mechanism in Gram-negative bacteria conferring multidrug resistance. Inhibition of efflux is an encouraging strategy to restore the antibacterial activity of antibiotics. Chlorpromazine and amitriptyline have been shown to behave as efflux inhibitors. However, their mode of action is poorly understood. Exposure of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli to chlorpromazine selected for mutations within genes encoding RamR and MarR, regulators of the multidrug tripartite efflux pump AcrAB-TolC. Further experiments with S. Typhimurium containing AcrB D408A (a nonfunctional efflux pump) and chlorpromazine or amitriptyline resulted in the reversion of the mutant acrB allele to the wild type. Together, this suggests these drugs are AcrB efflux substrates. Subsequent docking studies with AcrB from S. Typhimurium and E. coli, followed by molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations showed that chlorpromazine and amitriptyline bind at the hydrophobic trap, a preferred binding site for substrates and inhibitors within the distal binding pocket of AcrB. Based on these simulations, we suggest that chlorpromazine and amitriptyline inhibit AcrB-mediated efflux by interfering with substrate binding. Our findings provide evidence that these drugs are substrates and inhibitors of AcrB, yielding molecular details of their mechanism of action and informing drug discovery of new efflux inhibitors.IMPORTANCE Efflux pumps of the resistance nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily are major contributors to multidrug resistance for most of the Gram-negative ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) pathogens. The development of inhibitors of these pumps would be highly desirable; however, several issues have thus far hindered all efforts at designing new efflux inhibitory compounds devoid of adverse effects. An alternative route to de novo design relies on the use of marketed drugs, for which side effects on human health have been already assessed. In this work, we provide experimental evidence that the antipsychotic drugs chlorpromazine and amitriptyline are inhibitors of the AcrB transporter, the engine of the major RND efflux pumps in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Furthermore, in silico calculations have provided a molecular-level picture of the inhibition mechanism, allowing rationalization of experimental data and paving the way for similar studies with other classes of marketed compounds.
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18
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Jewel Y, Van Dinh Q, Liu J, Dutta P. Substrate-dependent transport mechanism in AcrB of multidrug resistant bacteria. Proteins 2020; 88:853-864. [PMID: 31998988 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The multidrug resistance (MDR) system effectively expels antibiotics out of bacteria causing serious issues during bacterial infection. In addition to drug, indole, a common metabolic waste of bacteria, is expelled by MDR system of gram-negative bacteria for their survival. Experimental results suggest that AcrB, one of the key components of MDR system, undergoes large scale conformation changes during the pumping due to proton-motive process. However, due to extremely short time scale, it is difficult to observe (experimentally) those changes in the AcrB, which might facilitate the pumping process. Molecular simulations can shed light to understand the conformational changes for transport of indole in AcrB. Examination of conformational changes using all-atom simulation is, however, impractical. Here, we develop a hybrid coarse-grained force field to study the conformational changes of AcrB in presence of indole in the porter domain of monomer II. Using the coarse-grained force field, we investigated the conformational changes of AcrB for a number of model systems considering the effect of protonation in aspartic acid (Asp) residues Asp407 and Asp408 in the transmembrane domain of monomer II. Our results show that in the presence of indole, protonation of Asp408 or Asp407 residue causes conformational changes from binding state to extrusion state in monomer II, while remaining two monomers (I and III) approach access state in AcrB protein. We also observed that all three AcrB monomers prefer to go back to access state in the absence of indole. Steered molecular dynamics simulations were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of indole transport mechanism for protonated systems. Identification of indole transport pathway through AcrB can be very helpful in understanding the drug efflux mechanism used by the MDR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yead Jewel
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Quyen Van Dinh
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Jin Liu
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Prashanta Dutta
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
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19
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Kobylka J, Kuth MS, Müller RT, Geertsma ER, Pos KM. AcrB: a mean, keen, drug efflux machine. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1459:38-68. [PMID: 31588569 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria are intrinsically resistant against cytotoxic substances by means of their outer membrane and a network of multidrug efflux systems, acting in synergy. Efflux pumps from various superfamilies with broad substrate preferences sequester and pump drugs across the inner membrane to supply the highly polyspecific and powerful tripartite resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux pumps with compounds to be extruded across the outer membrane barrier. In Escherichia coli, the tripartite efflux system AcrAB-TolC is the archetype RND multiple drug efflux pump complex. The homotrimeric inner membrane component acriflavine resistance B (AcrB) is the drug specificity and energy transduction center for the drug/proton antiport process. Drugs are bound and expelled via a cycle of mainly three consecutive states in every protomer, constituting a flexible alternating access channel system. This review recapitulates the molecular basis of drug and inhibitor binding, including mechanistic insights into drug efflux by AcrB. It also summarizes 17 years of mutational analysis of the gene acrB, reporting the effect of every substitution on the ability of E. coli to confer resistance toward antibiotics (http://goethe.link/AcrBsubstitutions). We emphasize the functional robustness of AcrB toward single-site substitutions and highlight regions that are more sensitive to perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kobylka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Miriam S Kuth
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Reinke T Müller
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eric R Geertsma
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Klaas M Pos
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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20
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Zwama M, Yamaguchi A, Nishino K. Phylogenetic and functional characterisation of the Haemophilus influenzae multidrug efflux pump AcrB. Commun Biol 2019; 2:340. [PMID: 31531401 PMCID: PMC6744504 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria can arise by the over-expression of multidrug efflux pumps, which can extrude a wide range of antibiotics. Here we describe the ancestral Haemophilus influenzae efflux pump AcrB (AcrB-Hi). We performed a phylogenetic analysis of hundreds of RND-type transporters. We found that AcrB-Hi is a relatively ancient efflux pump, which nonetheless can export the same range of antibiotics as its evolved colleague from Escherichia coli. AcrB-Hi was not inhibited by the efflux pump inhibitor ABI-PP, and could export bile salts weakly. This points to an environmental adaptation of RND transporters. We also explain the sensitivity of H. influenzae cells to β-lactams and novobiocin by the outer membrane porin OmpP2. This porin counterbalances the AcrB-Hi efflux by leaking the drugs back into the cells. We hypothesise that multidrug recognition by RND-type pumps is not an evolutionarily acquired ability, and has been present since ancient promiscuous transporters.
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Grants
- This work was supported by CREST and the Center of Innovation Program (COI) from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Program for the Promotion of Fundamental Studies in Health Sciences of the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Grants-in-Aid, Network Joint Research Center for Materials and Devices, Dynamic Alliance for Open Innovation Bridging Human, Environment and Materials from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT), Grant-in-Aid Research Activity Start-up (Kakenhi 18H06103) from MEXT, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) (Kakenhi 17H03983) from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn Zwama
- Department of Biomolecular Science and Regulation, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047 Japan
| | - Akihito Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Cell Membrane Biology, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047 Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nishino
- Department of Biomolecular Science and Regulation, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047 Japan
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21
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Molecular basis for the different interactions of congeneric substrates with the polyspecific transporter AcrB. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1397-1408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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22
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Atzori A, Malloci G, Prajapati JD, Basciu A, Bosin A, Kleinekathöfer U, Dreier J, Vargiu AV, Ruggerone P. Molecular Interactions of Cephalosporins with the Deep Binding Pocket of the RND Transporter AcrB. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:4625-4635. [PMID: 31070373 PMCID: PMC6939625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b01351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The drug/proton antiporter AcrB, part of the major efflux pump AcrABZ-TolC in Escherichia coli, is characterized by its impressive ability to transport chemically diverse compounds, conferring a multidrug resistance phenotype. However, the molecular features differentiating between good and poor substrates of the pump have yet to be identified. In this work, we combined molecular docking with molecular dynamics simulations to study the interactions between AcrB and two representative cephalosporins, cefepime and ceftazidime (a good and poor substrate of AcrB, respectively). Our analysis revealed different binding preferences of the two compounds toward the subsites of the large deep binding pocket of AcrB. Cefepime, although less hydrophobic than ceftazidime, showed a higher affinity than ceftazidime for the so-called hydrophobic trap, a region known for binding inhibitors and substrates. This supports the hypothesis that surface complementarity between the molecule and AcrB, more than the intrinsic hydrophobicity of the antibiotic, is a feature required for the interaction within this region. Oppositely, the preference of ceftazidime for binding outside the hydrophobic trap might not be optimal for triggering allosteric conformational changes needed to the transporter to accomplish its function. Altogether, our findings could provide valuable information for the design of new antibiotics less susceptible to the efflux mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Atzori
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | | | - Andrea Basciu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Andrea Bosin
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Ulrich Kleinekathöfer
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Jürg Dreier
- Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 487, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Attilio V. Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
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23
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Atzori A, Malviya VN, Malloci G, Dreier J, Pos KM, Vargiu AV, Ruggerone P. Identification and characterization of carbapenem binding sites within the RND-transporter AcrB. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1861:62-74. [PMID: 30416087 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular determinants for recognition, binding and transport of antibiotics by multidrug efflux systems is important for basic research and useful for the design of more effective antimicrobial compounds. Imipenem and meropenem are two carbapenems whose antibacterial activity is known to be poorly and strongly affected by MexAB-OprM, the major efflux pump transporter in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, not much is known regarding recognition and transport of these compounds by AcrAB-TolC, which is the MexAB-OprM homologue in Escherichia coli and by definition the paradigm model for structural studies on efflux pumps. Prompted by this motivation, we unveiled the molecular details of the interaction of imipenem and meropenem with the transporter AcrB by combining computer simulations with biophysical experiments. Regarding the interaction with the two main substrate binding regions of AcrB, the so-called access and deep binding pockets, molecular dynamics simulations revealed imipenem to be more mobile than meropenem in the former, while comparable mobilities were observed in the latter. This result is in line with isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning experiments, and binding free energy calculations, indicating a higher affinity for meropenem than imipenem at the deep binding pocket, while both sharing similar affinities at the access pocket. Our findings rationalize how different physico-chemical properties of compounds reflect on their interactions with AcrB. As such, they constitute precious information to be exploited for the rational design of antibiotics able to evade efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Atzori
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Viveka N Malviya
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Jürg Dreier
- Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 487, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaas M Pos
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy,.
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24
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Travers T, Wang KJ, López CA, Gnanakaran S. Sequence- and structure-based computational analyses of Gram-negative tripartite efflux pumps in the context of bacterial membranes. Res Microbiol 2018; 169:414-424. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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25
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Puvanendran D, Cece Q, Picard M. Reconstitution of the activity of RND efflux pumps: a “bottom-up” approach. Res Microbiol 2018; 169:442-449. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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Mapping the Dynamic Functions and Structural Features of AcrB Efflux Pump Transporter Using Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10470. [PMID: 29992991 PMCID: PMC6041327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug efflux pumps confer resistance to their bacterial hosts by pumping out a diverse range of compounds, including most antibiotics. Being more familiar with the details of functional dynamics and conformations of these types of pumps could help in discovering approaches to stop them functioning properly. Computational approaches, particularly conventional molecular dynamics simulations followed by diverse post simulation analysis, are powerful methods that help researchers by opening a new window to study phenomena that are not detectable in as much detail in vitro or in vivo as they are in silico. In this study, accelerated molecular dynamics simulations were applied to study the dynamics of AcrB efflux pump transporters in interaction with PAβN and tetracycline as an inhibitor and a substrate, respectively, to compare the differences in the dynamics and consequently the mechanism of action of the pump. The different dynamics for PAβN -bound form of AcrB compared to the TET-bound form is likely to affect the rotating mechanism typically observed for AcrB transporter. This shows the dynamics of the active AcrB transporter is different in a substrate-bound state compared to an inhibitor-bound state. This advances our knowledge and helps to unravel the mechanism of tripartite efflux pumps.
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27
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Ramaswamy VK, Vargiu AV, Malloci G, Dreier J, Ruggerone P. Molecular Determinants of the Promiscuity of MexB and MexY Multidrug Transporters of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1144. [PMID: 29910784 PMCID: PMC5992780 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary multidrug transporters of the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily contribute crucially to antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Compared to the most studied transporter AcrB of Escherichia coli, little is known about the molecular determinants of distinct polyspecificities of the most important RND transporters MexB and MexY of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In an effort to add knowledge on this topic, we performed an exhaustive atomic-level comparison of the main putative recognition sites (access and deep binding pockets) in these two Mex transporters. We identified an underlying link between some structural, chemical and dynamical features of the binding pockets and the physicochemical nature of the corresponding substrates recognized by either one or both pumps. In particular, mosaic-like lipophilic and electrostatic surfaces of the binding pockets provide for both proteins several multifunctional sites for diffuse binding of diverse substrates. Specific lipophilicity signatures of the weakly conserved deep pocket suggest a key role of this site as a selectivity filter as in Acr transporters. Finally, the different dynamics of the bottom-loop in MexB and MexY support its possible role in binding of large substrates. Our work represents the first comparative study of the major RND transporters in P. aeruginosa and also the first structure-based study of MexY, for which no experimental structure is available yet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Jürg Dreier
- Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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28
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Vargiu AV, Ramaswamy VK, Malloci G, Malvacio I, Atzori A, Ruggerone P. Computer simulations of the activity of RND efflux pumps. Res Microbiol 2018; 169:384-392. [PMID: 29407044 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The putative mechanism by which bacterial RND-type multidrug efflux pumps recognize and transport their substrates is a complex and fascinating enigma of structural biology. How a single protein can recognize a huge number of unrelated compounds and transport them through one or just a few mechanisms is an amazing feature not yet completely unveiled. The appearance of cooperativity further complicates the understanding of structure-dynamics-activity relationships in these complex machineries. Experimental techniques may have limited access to the molecular determinants and to the energetics of key processes regulating the activity of these pumps. Computer simulations are a complementary approach that can help unveil these features and inspire new experiments. Here we review recent computational studies that addressed the various molecular processes regulating the activity of RND efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Vittorio Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
| | - Venkata Krishnan Ramaswamy
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Ivana Malvacio
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Alessio Atzori
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
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Vargiu AV, Ramaswamy VK, Malvacio I, Malloci G, Kleinekathöfer U, Ruggerone P. Water-mediated interactions enable smooth substrate transport in a bacterial efflux pump. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:836-845. [PMID: 29339082 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efflux pumps of the Resistance-Nodulation-cell Division superfamily confer multi-drug resistance to Gram-negative bacteria. The most-studied polyspecific transporter belonging to this class is the inner-membrane trimeric antiporter AcrB of Escherichia coli. In previous studies, a functional rotation mechanism was proposed for its functioning, according to which the three monomers undergo concerted conformational changes facilitating the extrusion of substrates. However, the molecular determinants and the energetics of this mechanism still remain unknown, so its feasibility must be proven mechanistically. METHODS A computational protocol able to mimic the functional rotation mechanism in AcrB was developed. By using multi-bias molecular dynamics simulations we characterized the translocation of the substrate doxorubicin driven by conformational changes of the protein. In addition, we estimated for the first time the free energy profile associated to this process. RESULTS We provided a molecular view of the process in agreement with experimental data. Moreover, we showed that the conformational changes occurring in AcrB enable the formation of a layer of structured waters on the internal surface of the transport channel. This water layer, in turn, allows for a fairly constant hydration of the substrate, facilitating its diffusion over a smooth free energy profile. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal a new molecular mechanism of polyspecific transport whereby water contributes by screening potentially strong substrate-protein interactions. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE We provided a mechanistic understanding of a fundamental process related to multi-drug transport. Our results can help rationalizing the behavior of other polyspecific transporters and designing compounds avoiding extrusion or inhibitors of efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Vittorio Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
| | - Venkata Krishnan Ramaswamy
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Ivana Malvacio
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Ulrich Kleinekathöfer
- Department of Physics & Earth Sciences, Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
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30
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Cacciotto P, Ramaswamy VK, Malloci G, Ruggerone P, Vargiu AV. Molecular Modeling of Multidrug Properties of Resistance Nodulation Division (RND) Transporters. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1700:179-219. [PMID: 29177832 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7454-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Efflux pumps of the resistance nodulation division (RND) superfamily are among the major contributors to intrinsic and acquired multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Structural information on AcrAB-TolC and MexAB-OprM, major efflux pumps of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively, boosted intensive research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms ruling the active extrusion processes. In particular, several studies were devoted to the understanding of the determinants behind the extraordinary broad specificity of the RND transporters AcrB and MexB. In this chapter, we discuss the ever-growing role computational methods have been playing in deciphering key structural and dynamical features of these transporters and of their interaction with substrates and inhibitors. We further discuss and illustrate examples from our lab of how molecular docking, homology modeling, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and in silico free energy estimations can all together give precious insights into the processes of recognition and extrusion of substrates, as well as on the possible inhibition strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Cacciotto
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Venkata K Ramaswamy
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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31
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Jewel Y, Liu J, Dutta P. Coarse-grained simulations of conformational changes in the multidrug efflux transporter AcrB. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2017; 13:2006-2014. [PMID: 28770910 PMCID: PMC5614849 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00276a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The multidrug resistance (MDR) system actively pumps antibiotics out of cells causing serious health problems. During the pumping, AcrB (one of the key components of MDR) undergoes a series of large-scale and proton-motive conformational changes. Capturing the conformational changes through all-atom simulations is challenging. Here, we implement a hybrid coarse-grained force field to investigate the conformational changes of AcrB in the porter domain under different protonation states of Asp407/Asp408 in the trans-membrane domain. Our results show that protonation of Asp408 in monomer III (extrusion) stabilizes the asymmetric structure of AcrB; deprotonation of Asp408 induces clear opening of the entrance and closing of the exit leading to the transition from extrusion to access state. The structural changes in the porter domain of AcrB are strongly coupled with the proton translocation stoichiometry in the trans-membrane domain. Moreover, our simulations support the postulation that AcrB should adopt the symmetric resting state in a substrate-free situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yead Jewel
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2920
| | - Jin Liu
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2920
| | - Prashanta Dutta
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2920
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32
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Mowla R, Wang Y, Ma S, Venter H. Kinetic analysis of the inhibition of the drug efflux protein AcrB using surface plasmon resonance. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:878-886. [PMID: 28890187 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug efflux protein complexes such as AcrAB-TolC from Escherichia coli are paramount in multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria and are also implicated in other processes such as virulence and biofilm formation. Hence efflux pump inhibition, as a means to reverse antimicrobial resistance in clinically relevant pathogens, has gained increased momentum over the past two decades. Significant advances in the structural and functional analysis of AcrB have informed the selection of efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs). However, an accurate method to determine the kinetics of efflux pump inhibition was lacking. In this study we standardised and optimised surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to probe the binding kinetics of substrates and inhibitors to AcrB. The SPR method was also combined with a fluorescence drug binding method by which affinity of two fluorescent AcrB substrates were determined using the same conditions and controls as for SPR. Comparison of the results from the fluorescent assay to those of the SPR assay showed excellent correlation and provided validation for the methods and conditions used for SPR. The kinetic parameters of substrate (doxorubicin, novobiocin and minocycline) binding to AcrB were subsequently determined. Lastly, the kinetics of inhibition of AcrB were probed for two established inhibitors (phenylalanine arginyl β-naphthylamide and 1-1-naphthylmethyl-piperazine) and three novel EPIs: 4-isobutoxy-2-naphthamide (A2), 4-isopentyloxy-2-naphthamide (A3) and 4-benzyloxy-2-naphthamide (A9) have also been probed. The kinetic data obtained could be correlated with inhibitor efficacy and mechanism of action. This study is the first step in the quantitative analysis of the kinetics of inhibition of the clinically important RND-class of multidrug efflux pumps and will allow the design of improved and more potent inhibitors of drug efflux pumps. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Beyond the Structure-Function Horizon of Membrane Proteins edited by Ute Hellmich, Rupak Doshi and Benjamin McIlwain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumana Mowla
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Yinhu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shutao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Henrietta Venter
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, SA 5000, Australia.
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Ramaswamy VK, Vargiu AV, Malloci G, Dreier J, Ruggerone P. Molecular Rationale behind the Differential Substrate Specificity of Bacterial RND Multi-Drug Transporters. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8075. [PMID: 28808284 PMCID: PMC5556075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08747-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance-Nodulation-cell Division (RND) transporters AcrB and AcrD of Escherichia coli expel a wide range of substrates out of the cell in conjunction with AcrA and TolC, contributing to the onset of bacterial multidrug resistance. Despite sharing an overall sequence identity of ~66% (similarity ~80%), these RND transporters feature distinct substrate specificity patterns whose underlying basis remains elusive. We performed exhaustive comparative analyses of the putative substrate binding pockets considering crystal structures, homology models and conformations extracted from multi-copy μs-long molecular dynamics simulations of both AcrB and AcrD. The impact of physicochemical and topographical properties (volume, shape, lipophilicity, electrostatic potential, hydration and distribution of multi-functional sites) within the pockets on their substrate specificities was quantitatively assessed. Differences in the lipophilic and electrostatic potentials among the pockets were identified. In particular, the deep pocket of AcrB showed the largest lipophilicity convincingly pointing out its possible role as a lipophilicity-based selectivity filter. Furthermore, we identified dynamic features (not inferable from sequence analysis or static structures) such as different flexibilities of specific protein loops that could potentially influence the substrate recognition and transport profile. Our findings can be valuable for drawing structure (dynamics)-activity relationship to be employed in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Krishnan Ramaswamy
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, I-09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, I-09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, I-09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Jürg Dreier
- Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 487, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, I-09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Comparative molecular dynamics study of neuromyelitis optica-immunoglobulin G binding to aquaporin-4 extracellular domains. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1859:1326-1334. [PMID: 28477975 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system in which most patients have serum autoantibodies (called NMO-IgG) that bind to astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). A potential therapeutic strategy in NMO is to block the interaction of NMO-IgG with AQP4. Building on recent observation that some single-point and compound mutations of the AQP4 extracellular loop C prevent NMO-IgG binding, we carried out comparative Molecular Dynamics (MD) investigations on three AQP4 mutants, TP137-138AA, N153Q and V150G, whose 295-ns long trajectories were compared to that of wild type human AQP4. A robust conclusion of our modeling is that loop C mutations affect the conformation of neighboring extracellular loop A, thereby interfering with NMO-IgG binding. Analysis of individual mutations suggested specific hydrogen bonding and other molecular interactions involved in AQP4-IgG binding to AQP4.
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35
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Computational modelling of efflux pumps and their inhibitors. Essays Biochem 2017; 61:141-156. [PMID: 28258237 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20160065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is based on the multifarious strategies that bacteria adopt to face antibiotic therapies, making it a key public health concern of our era. Among these strategies, efflux pumps (EPs) contribute significantly to increase the levels and profiles of resistance by expelling a broad range of unrelated compounds - buying time for the organisms to develop specific resistance. In Gram-negative bacteria, many of these chromosomally encoded transporters form multicomponent 'pumps' that span both inner and outer membranes and are driven energetically by a primary or secondary transporter component.One of the strategies to reinvigorate the efficacy of antimicrobials is by joint administration with EP inhibitors (EPI), which either block the substrate binding and/or hinder any of the transport-dependent steps of the pump. In this review, we provide an overview of multidrug-resistance EPs, their inhibition strategies and the relevant findings from the various computational simulation studies reported to date with respect to deciphering the mechanism of action of inhibitors with the purpose of improving their rational design.
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36
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Mahmood HY, Jamshidi S, Sutton JM, Rahman KM. Current Advances in Developing Inhibitors of Bacterial Multidrug Efflux Pumps. Curr Med Chem 2016; 23:1062-81. [PMID: 26947776 PMCID: PMC5425656 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160304150522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance represents a significant challenge to future healthcare provision. An acronym ESKAPEE has been derived from the names of the organisms recognised as the major threats although there are a number of other organisms, notably Neisseria gonorrhoeae, that have become equally challenging to treat in the clinic. These pathogens are characterised by the ability to rapidly develop and/or acquire resistance mechanisms in response to exposure to different antimicrobial agents. A key part of the armoury of these pathogens is a series of efflux pumps, which effectively exclude or reduce the intracellular concentration of a large number of antibiotics, making the pathogens significantly more resistant. These efflux pumps are the topic of considerable interest, both from the perspective of basic understanding of efflux pump function, and its role in drug resistance but also as targets for the development of novel adjunct therapies. The necessity to overcome antimicrobial resistance has encouraged investigations into the characterisation of resistance-modifying efflux pump inhibitors to block the mechanisms of drug extrusion, thereby restoring antibacterial susceptibility and returning existing antibiotics into the clinic. A greater understanding of drug recognition and transport by multidrug efflux pumps is needed to develop clinically useful inhibitors, given the breadth of molecules that can be effluxed by these systems. This review discusses different bacterial EPIs originating from both natural source and chemical synthesis and examines the challenges to designing successful EPIs that can be useful against multidrug resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Khondaker M Rahman
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Britannia House, London SE1 1DB, UK.
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37
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Kinana AD, Vargiu AV, Nikaido H. Effect of site-directed mutations in multidrug efflux pump AcrB examined by quantitative efflux assays. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 480:552-557. [PMID: 27789287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) family transporter AcrB plays a major role in the intrinsic and increased resistance of Escherichia coli to a large number of antibiotics. The distal binding pocket within this multidrug efflux transporter is very large, but the effort to define the roles of various residues facing this pocket through site-directed mutagenesis so far involved only the determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations of drugs in mutants. METHODS We measured in intact E. coli cells the kinetics of efflux of two substrates, nitrocefin (a cephalosporin) that is predicted mainly to bind to the upper, "groove" domain of the pocket, and L-alanyl-β-naphthylamide (Ala-Naph) that is likely to bind to the lower, "cave" domain, in a number of site-directed mutants of AcrB, where a hydrophobic or aromatic residue was changed into alanine. RESULTS The efflux of nitrocefin became attenuated by some mutations in the groove domain, such as I278A and F178A, but in some experiments a mutation in the cave domain, F628A produced a similar result. In some cases an increased value of KM was detected. The efflux of Ala-Naph was increased by mutations in the cave domain, such as F136A and I626A, but also by those in the groove domain (I277A, I278A, F178A). In most cases the increased Vmax values appeared to be responsible. F610A mutation had a profound effect on the efflux of both substrates, as reported earlier. CONCLUSIONS Our data show for the first time effects of various substrate-binding pocket mutations on the kinetics of efflux of two substrates by the AcrB pump. They also confirm interactions between substrates and drugs predicted by MD simulation studies, and also reveal areas that need future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred D Kinana
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3202, USA
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Hiroshi Nikaido
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3202, USA.
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Molecular basis for inhibition of AcrB multidrug efflux pump by novel and powerful pyranopyridine derivatives. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:3509-14. [PMID: 26976576 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1602472113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Escherichia coli AcrAB-TolC efflux pump is the archetype of the resistance nodulation cell division (RND) exporters from Gram-negative bacteria. Overexpression of RND-type efflux pumps is a major factor in multidrug resistance (MDR), which makes these pumps important antibacterial drug discovery targets. We have recently developed novel pyranopyridine-based inhibitors of AcrB, which are orders of magnitude more powerful than the previously known inhibitors. However, further development of such inhibitors has been hindered by the lack of structural information for rational drug design. Although only the soluble, periplasmic part of AcrB binds and exports the ligands, the presence of the membrane-embedded domain in AcrB and its polyspecific binding behavior have made cocrystallization with drugs challenging. To overcome this obstacle, we have engineered and produced a soluble version of AcrB [AcrB periplasmic domain (AcrBper)], which is highly congruent in structure with the periplasmic part of the full-length protein, and is capable of binding substrates and potent inhibitors. Here, we describe the molecular basis for pyranopyridine-based inhibition of AcrB using a combination of cellular, X-ray crystallographic, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations studies. The pyranopyridines bind within a phenylalanine-rich cage that branches from the deep binding pocket of AcrB, where they form extensive hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the increasing potency of improved inhibitors correlates with the formation of a delicate protein- and water-mediated hydrogen bond network. These detailed insights provide a molecular platform for the development of novel combinational therapies using efflux pump inhibitors for combating multidrug resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
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39
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Zuo Z, Weng J, Wang W. Insights into the Inhibitory Mechanism of D13-9001 to the Multidrug Transporter AcrB through Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2016; 120:2145-54. [PMID: 26900716 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b11942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The resistance-nodulation-cell division transporter AcrB is responsible for energy transduction and substrate recognition in the tripartite AcrAB-TolC efflux system in Escherichia coli. Despite a broad substrate specificity, only a few compounds have been cocrystallized with AcrB inside the distal binding pocket (DBP), including doxorubicin (DOX) and D13-9001. D13-9001 is a promising efflux pump inhibitor that potentiates the efficacy of a wide variety of antibiotics. To understand its inhibition effect under the framework of functional rotating mechanism, we performed targeted and steered molecular dynamics simulations to compare the binding and extrusion processes of this inhibitor and the substrate DOX in AcrB. The results demonstrate that, with respect to DOX, the interaction of D13-9001 with the hydrophobic trap results in delayed disassociation from the DBP. Notably, the detachment of D13-9001 is tightly correlated with the side-chain reorientation of Phe628 and large-scale displacement of Tyr327. Furthermore, the inhibitor induces much more significant conformational changes at the exit gate than DOX does, thereby causing higher energy cost for extrusion and contributing to the inhibitory effect in addition to the tight binding at DBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Zuo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwei Weng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenning Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
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40
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An overview of bacterial efflux pumps and computational approaches to study efflux pump inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2016; 8:195-210. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.15.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-organisms express a wide range of transmembrane pumps known as multidrug efflux pumps that improve the micro-organism's ability to survive in severe environments and contribute to resistance against antibiotic and antimicrobial agents. There is significant interest in developing efflux inhibitors as an adjunct to treatment with current and next generation of antibiotics. A greater understanding of drug recognition and transport by multidrug efflux pumps is needed to develop clinically useful inhibitors, given the breadth of molecules that can be effluxed by these systems. We summarize some structural and functional data that could provide insights into the inhibition of transport mechanisms of these intricate molecular nanomachines with a focus on the advances in computational approaches.
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41
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Stepwise substrate translocation mechanism revealed by free energy calculations of doxorubicin in the multidrug transporter AcrB. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13905. [PMID: 26365278 PMCID: PMC4595977 DOI: 10.1038/srep13905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AcrB is the inner membrane transporter of the tripartite multidrug efflux pump AcrAB-TolC in E. coli, which poses a major obstacle to the treatment of bacterial infections. X-ray structures have identified two types of substrate-binding pockets in the porter domains of AcrB trimer: the proximal binding pocket (PBP) and the distal binding pocket (DBP), and suggest a functional rotating mechanism in which each protomer cycles consecutively through three distinct conformational states (access, binding and extrusion). However, the details of substrate binding and translocation between the binding pockets remain elusive. In this work, we performed atomic simulations to obtain the free energy profile of the translocation of an antibiotic drug doxorubicin (DOX) inside AcrB. Our simulation indicates that DOX binds at the PBP and DBP with comparable affinities in the binding state protomer, and overcomes a 3 kcal/mol energy barrier to transit between them. Obvious conformational changes including closing of the PC1/PC2 cleft and shrinking of the DBP were observed upon DOX binding in the PBP, resulting in an intermediate state between the access and binding states. Taken together, the simulation results reveal a detailed stepwise substrate binding and translocation process in the framework of functional rotating mechanism.
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42
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Du D, van Veen HW, Murakami S, Pos KM, Luisi BF. Structure, mechanism and cooperation of bacterial multidrug transporters. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2015; 33:76-91. [PMID: 26282926 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cells from all domains of life encode energy-dependent trans-membrane transporters that can expel harmful substances including clinically applied therapeutic agents. As a collective body, these transporters perform as a super-system that confers tolerance to an enormous range of harmful compounds and consequently aid survival in hazardous environments. In the Gram-negative bacteria, some of these transporters serve as energy-transducing components of tripartite assemblies that actively efflux drugs and other harmful compounds, as well as deliver virulence agents across the entire cell envelope. We draw together recent structural and functional data to present the current models for the transport mechanisms for the main classes of multi-drug transporters and their higher-order assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dijun Du
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Hendrik W van Veen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Satoshi Murakami
- Division of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Department of Life Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Klaas M Pos
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ben F Luisi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
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Malloci G, Vargiu AV, Serra G, Bosin A, Ruggerone P, Ceccarelli M. A Database of Force-Field Parameters, Dynamics, and Properties of Antimicrobial Compounds. Molecules 2015; 20:13997-4021. [PMID: 26247924 PMCID: PMC6332394 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200813997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We present an on-line database of all-atom force-field parameters and molecular properties of compounds with antimicrobial activity (mostly antibiotics and some beta-lactamase inhibitors). For each compound, we provide the General Amber Force Field parameters for the major species at physiological pH, together with an analysis of properties of interest as extracted from µs-long molecular dynamics simulations in explicit water solution. The properties include number and population of structural clusters, molecular flexibility, hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecular surfaces, the statistics of intraand inter-molecular H-bonds, as well as structural and dynamical properties of solvent molecules within first and second solvation shells. In addition, the database contains several key molecular parameters, such as energy of the frontier molecular orbitals, vibrational properties, rotational constants, atomic partial charges and electric dipole moment, computed by Density Functional Theory. The present database (to our knowledge the first extensive one including dynamical properties) is part of a wider project aiming to build-up a database containing structural, physico-chemical and dynamical properties of medicinal compounds using different force-field parameters with increasing level of complexity and reliability. The database is freely accessible at http://www.dsf.unica.it/translocation/db/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Malloci
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Attilio Vittorio Vargiu
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Giovanni Serra
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Andrea Bosin
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Matteo Ceccarelli
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
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Reversal of the Drug Binding Pocket Defects of the AcrB Multidrug Efflux Pump Protein of Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 2015; 197:3255-64. [PMID: 26240069 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00547-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The AcrB protein of Escherichia coli, together with TolC and AcrA, forms a contiguous envelope conduit for the capture and extrusion of diverse antibiotics and cellular metabolites. In this study, we sought to expand our knowledge of AcrB by conducting genetic and functional analyses. We began with an AcrB mutant bearing an F610A substitution in the drug binding pocket and obtained second-site substitutions that overcame the antibiotic hypersusceptibility phenotype conferred by the F610A mutation. Five of the seven unique single amino acid substitutions--Y49S, V127A, V127G, D153E, and G288C--mapped in the periplasmic porter domain of AcrB, with the D153E and G288C mutations mapping near and at the distal drug binding pocket, respectively. The other two substitutions--F453C and L486W--were mapped to transmembrane (TM) helices 5 and 6, respectively. The nitrocefin efflux kinetics data suggested that all periplasmic suppressors significantly restored nitrocefin binding affinity impaired by the F610A mutation. Surprisingly, despite increasing MICs of tested antibiotics and the efflux of N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, the TM suppressors did not improve the nitrocefin efflux kinetics. These data suggest that the periplasmic substitutions act by influencing drug binding affinities for the distal binding pocket, whereas the TM substitutions may indirectly affect the conformational dynamics of the drug binding domain. IMPORTANCE The AcrB protein and its homologues confer multidrug resistance in many important human bacterial pathogens. A greater understanding of how these efflux pump proteins function will lead to the development of effective inhibitors against them. The research presented in this paper investigates drug binding pocket mutants of AcrB through the isolation and characterization of intragenic suppressor mutations that overcome the drug susceptibility phenotype of mutations affecting the drug binding pocket. The data reveal a remarkable structure-function plasticity of the AcrB protein pertaining to its drug efflux activity.
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Dreier J, Ruggerone P. Interaction of antibacterial compounds with RND efflux pumps in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:660. [PMID: 26217310 PMCID: PMC4495556 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to intrinsic antibiotic resistance and the propensity of this pathogen to accumulate diverse resistance mechanisms. Hyperexpression of efflux pumps of the Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division (RND)-type multidrug efflux pumps (e.g., MexAB-OprM), chromosomally encoded by mexAB-oprM, mexCD-oprJ, mexEF-oprN, and mexXY (-oprA) is often detected in clinical isolates and contributes to worrying multi-drug resistance phenotypes. Not all antibiotics are affected to the same extent by the aforementioned RND efflux pumps. The impact of efflux on antibiotic activity varies not only between different classes of antibiotics but also between members of the same family of antibiotics. Subtle differences in physicochemical features of compound-pump and compound-solvent interactions largely determine how compounds are affected by efflux activity. The combination of different high-resolution techniques helps to gain insight into the functioning of these molecular machineries. This review discusses substrate recognition patterns based on experimental evidence and computer simulations with a focus on MexB, the pump subunit of the main RND transporter in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg Dreier
- Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd.,Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Cagliari – Cittadella UniversitariaMonserrato, Italy
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46
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Opperman TJ, Nguyen ST. Recent advances toward a molecular mechanism of efflux pump inhibition. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:421. [PMID: 25999939 PMCID: PMC4419859 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) in Gram-negative pathogens, such as the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, poses a significant threat to our ability to effectively treat infections caused by these organisms. A major component in the development of the MDR phenotype in Gram-negative bacteria is overexpression of Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND)-type efflux pumps, which actively pump antibacterial agents and biocides from the periplasm to the outside of the cell. Consequently, bacterial efflux pumps are an important target for developing novel antibacterial treatments. Potent efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) could be used as adjunctive therapies that would increase the potency of existing antibiotics and decrease the emergence of MDR bacteria. Several potent inhibitors of RND-type efflux pump have been reported in the literature, and at least three of these EPI series were optimized in a pre-clinical development program. However, none of these compounds have been tested in the clinic. One of the major hurdles to the development of EPIs has been the lack of biochemical, computational, and structural methods that could be used to guide rational drug design. Here, we review recent reports that have advanced our understanding of the mechanism of action of several potent EPIs against RND-type pumps.
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Yamaguchi A, Nakashima R, Sakurai K. Structural basis of RND-type multidrug exporters. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:327. [PMID: 25941524 PMCID: PMC4403515 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial multidrug exporters are intrinsic membrane transporters that act as cellular self-defense mechanism. The most notable characteristics of multidrug exporters is that they export a wide range of drugs and toxic compounds. The overexpression of these exporters causes multidrug resistance. Multidrug-resistant pathogens have become a serious problem in modern chemotherapy. Over the past decade, investigations into the structure of bacterial multidrug exporters have revealed the multidrug recognition and export mechanisms. In this review, we primarily discuss RND-type multidrug exporters particularly AcrAB-TolC, major drug exporter in Gram-negative bacteria. RND-type drug exporters are tripartite complexes comprising a cell membrane transporter, an outer membrane channel and an adaptor protein. Cell membrane transporters and outer membrane channels are homo-trimers; however, there is no consensus on the number of adaptor proteins in these tripartite complexes. The three monomers of a cell membrane transporter have varying conformations (access, binding, and extrusion) during transport. Drugs are exported following an ordered conformational change in these three monomers, through a functional rotation mechanism coupled with the proton relay cycle in ion pairs, which is driven by proton translocation. Multidrug recognition is based on a multisite drug-binding mechanism, in which two voluminous multidrug-binding pockets in cell membrane exporters recognize a wide range of substrates as a result of permutations at numerous binding sites that are specific for the partial structures of substrate molecules. The voluminous multidrug-binding pocket may have numerous binding sites even for a single substrate, suggesting that substrates may move between binding sites during transport, an idea named as multisite-drug-oscillation hypothesis. This hypothesis is consistent with the apparently broad substrate specificity of cell membrane exporters and their highly efficient ejection of drugs from the cell. Substrates are transported through dual multidrug-binding pockets via the peristaltic motion of the substrate translocation channel. Although there are no clinically available inhibitors of bacterial multidrug exporters, efforts to develop inhibitors based on structural information are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihito Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Cell Membrane Structural Biology, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Nakashima
- Laboratory of Cell Membrane Structural Biology, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keisuke Sakurai
- Laboratory of Cell Membrane Structural Biology, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University Ibaraki, Japan
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Wang B, Weng J, Wang W. Substrate binding accelerates the conformational transitions and substrate dissociation in multidrug efflux transporter AcrB. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:302. [PMID: 25918513 PMCID: PMC4394701 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The tripartite efflux pump assembly AcrAB-TolC is the major multidrug resistance transporter in E. coli. The inner membrane transporter AcrB is a homotrimer, energized by the proton movement down the transmembrane electrochemical gradient. The asymmetric crystal structures of AcrB with three monomers in distinct conformational states [access (A), binding (B) and extrusion (E)] support a functional rotating mechanism, in which each monomer of AcrB cycles among the three states in a concerted way. However, the relationship between the conformational changes during functional rotation and drug translocation has not been totally understood. Here, we explored the conformational changes of the AcrB homotrimer during the ABE to BEA transition in different substrate-binding states using targeted MD simulations. It was found that the dissociation of substrate from the distal binding pocket of B monomer is closely related to the concerted conformational changes in the translocation pathway, especially the side chain reorientation of Phe628 and Tyr327. A second substrate binding at the proximal binding pocket of A monomer evidently accelerates the conformational transitions as well as substrate dissociation in B monomer. The acceleration effect of the multi-substrate binding mode provides a molecular explanation for the positive cooperativity observed in the kinetic studies of substrate efflux and deepens our understanding of the functional rotating mechanism of AcrB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwei Weng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Wenning Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University Shanghai, China ; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai, China
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Li XZ, Plésiat P, Nikaido H. The challenge of efflux-mediated antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Clin Microbiol Rev 2015; 28:337-418. [PMID: 25788514 PMCID: PMC4402952 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00117-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 939] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is a growing threat to antibiotic therapy. The chromosomally encoded drug efflux mechanisms that are ubiquitous in these bacteria greatly contribute to antibiotic resistance and present a major challenge for antibiotic development. Multidrug pumps, particularly those represented by the clinically relevant AcrAB-TolC and Mex pumps of the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily, not only mediate intrinsic and acquired multidrug resistance (MDR) but also are involved in other functions, including the bacterial stress response and pathogenicity. Additionally, efflux pumps interact synergistically with other resistance mechanisms (e.g., with the outer membrane permeability barrier) to increase resistance levels. Since the discovery of RND pumps in the early 1990s, remarkable scientific and technological advances have allowed for an in-depth understanding of the structural and biochemical basis, substrate profiles, molecular regulation, and inhibition of MDR pumps. However, the development of clinically useful efflux pump inhibitors and/or new antibiotics that can bypass pump effects continues to be a challenge. Plasmid-borne efflux pump genes (including those for RND pumps) have increasingly been identified. This article highlights the recent progress obtained for organisms of clinical significance, together with methodological considerations for the characterization of MDR pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Zhi Li
- Human Safety Division, Veterinary Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Plésiat
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Faculté de Médecine-Pharmacie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Hiroshi Nikaido
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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50
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AcrB drug-binding pocket substitution confers clinically relevant resistance and altered substrate specificity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:3511-6. [PMID: 25737552 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1419939112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections is increasing globally and the need to understand the underlying mechanisms is paramount to discover new therapeutics. The efflux pumps of Gram-negative bacteria have a broad substrate range and transport antibiotics out of the bacterium, conferring intrinsic multidrug resistance (MDR). The genomes of pre- and posttherapy MDR clinical isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium from a patient that failed antibacterial therapy and died were sequenced. In the posttherapy isolate we identified a novel G288D substitution in AcrB, the resistance-nodulation division transporter in the AcrAB-TolC tripartite MDR efflux pump system. Computational structural analysis suggested that G288D in AcrB heavily affects the structure, dynamics, and hydration properties of the distal binding pocket altering specificity for antibacterial drugs. Consistent with this hypothesis, recreation of the mutation in standard Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains showed that G288D AcrB altered substrate specificity, conferring decreased susceptibility to the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin by increased efflux. At the same time, the substitution increased susceptibility to other drugs by decreased efflux. Information about drug transport is vital for the discovery of new antibacterials; the finding that one amino acid change can cause resistance to some drugs, while conferring increased susceptibility to others, could provide a basis for new drug development and treatment strategies.
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