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Nasser F, Gaudreau A, Lubega S, Zaker A, Xia X, Mer AS, D'Costa VM. Characterization of the diversity of type IV secretion system-encoding plasmids in Acinetobacter. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2320929. [PMID: 38530969 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2320929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The multi-drug resistant pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii has gained global attention as an important clinical challenge. Owing to its ability to survive on surfaces, its capacity for horizontal gene transfer, and its resistance to front-line antibiotics, A. baumannii has established itself as a successful pathogen. Bacterial conjugation is a central mechanism for pathogen evolution. The epidemic multidrug-resistant A. baumannii ACICU harbours a plasmid encoding a Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) with homology to the E. coli F-plasmid, and plasmids with homologous gene clusters have been identified in several A. baumannii sequence types. However the genetic and host strain diversity, global distribution, and functional ability of this group of plasmids is not fully understood. Using systematic analysis, we show that pACICU2 belongs to a group of almost 120 T4SS-encoding plasmids within four different species of Acinetobacter and one strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae from human and environmental origin, and globally distributed across 20 countries spanning 4 continents. Genetic diversity was observed both outside and within the T4SS-encoding cluster, and 47% of plasmids harboured resistance determinants, with two plasmids harbouring eleven. Conjugation studies with an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strain showed that the XDR plasmid could be successfully transferred to a more divergent A. baumanii, and transconjugants exhibited the resistance phenotype of the plasmid. Collectively, this demonstrates that these T4SS-encoding plasmids are globally distributed and more widespread among Acinetobacter than previously thought, and that they represent an important potential reservoir for future clinical concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Avery Gaudreau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Shareefah Lubega
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Arvin Zaker
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Xuhua Xia
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Arvind S Mer
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Vanessa M D'Costa
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Zhou Z, Keiblinger KM, Huang Y, Bhople P, Shi X, Yang S, Yu F, Liu D. Virome and metagenomic sequencing reveal the impact of microbial inoculants on suppressions of antibiotic resistome and viruses during co-composting. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135355. [PMID: 39068883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135355] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Co-composting with exogenous microbial inoculant, presents an effective approach for the harmless utilization of livestock manure and agroforestry wastes. However, the impact of inoculant application on the variations of viral and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remains poorly understood, particularly under varying manure quantity (low 10 % vs. high 20 % w/w). Thus, employing virome and metagenomic sequencing, we examined the influence of Streptomyces-Bacillus Inoculants (SBI) on viral communities, phytopathogen, ARGs, mobile genetic elements, and their interrelations. Our results indicate that SBI shifted dominant bacterial species from Phenylobacterium to thermotropic Bordetella, and the quantity of manure mediates the effect of SBI on whole bacterial community. Major ARGs and genetic elements experienced substantial changes with SBI addition. There was a higher ARGs elimination rate in the composts with low (∼76 %) than those with high manure (∼70 %) application. Virus emerged as a critical factor influencing ARG dynamics. We observed a significant variation in virus community, transitioning from Gemycircularvirus- (∼95 %) to Chlamydiamicrovirus-dominance. RDA analysis revealed that Gemycircularvirus was the most influential taxon in shaping ARGs, with its abundance decreased approximately 80 % after composting. Collectively, these findings underscore the role of microbial inoculants in modulating virus communities and ARGs during biowaste co-composting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Zhou
- The Germplasm Bank of Wild Species & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Katharina Maria Keiblinger
- Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Soil Research, University of Natural Resources and Life-Sciences, Vienna 1190, Austria
| | - Yimei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Parag Bhople
- Crops, Environment, and Land Use Department, Environment Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Wexford Y35TC98, Ireland
| | - Xiaofei Shi
- The Germplasm Bank of Wild Species & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Shimei Yang
- The Germplasm Bank of Wild Species & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Fuqiang Yu
- The Germplasm Bank of Wild Species & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China.
| | - Dong Liu
- The Germplasm Bank of Wild Species & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China.
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3
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Duchin Rapp Y, Lipsman V, Yuda L, Kublanov IV, Matsliyah D, Segev E. Algal exudates promote conjugation in marine Roseobacters. mBio 2024:e0106224. [PMID: 39189747 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01062-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a pivotal mechanism driving bacterial evolution, conferring adaptability within dynamic marine ecosystems. Among HGT mechanisms, conjugation mediated by type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) plays a central role in the ecological success of marine bacteria. However, the conditions promoting conjugation events in the marine environment are not well-understood. Roseobacters, abundant marine bacteria commonly associated with algae, possess a multitude of T4SSs. Many Roseobacters are heterotrophic bacteria that rely on algal secreted compounds to support their growth. These compounds attract bacteria, facilitating colonization and attachment to algal cells. Algae and their metabolites bring bacteria into close proximity, potentially promoting bacterial HGT. Investigation across various Roseobacters revealed that algal exudates indeed enhance plasmid transfer through conjugation. While algal exudates do not influence the transcription of bacterial conjugative machinery genes, they promote bacterial attachment, potentially stabilizing proximity and facilitating HGT. Notably, under conditions where attachment is less advantageous, the impact of algal exudates on conjugation is reduced. These findings suggest that algae enhance bacterial conjugation primarily by fostering attachment and highlight the importance of studying bacterial HGT within the context of algal-bacterial interactions. IMPORTANCE This study explores how algal-bacterial interactions influence horizontal gene transfer (HGT) among marine bacteria. HGT, a key driver of bacterial evolution, is facilitated by conjugation mediated by type IV secretion systems (T4SSs). Through investigating Roseobacters, abundant marine bacteria often found to be associated with algae, the study reveals that algal exudates enhance plasmid transfer via conjugation. This enhancement is attributed to the promotion of bacterial attachment by algal compounds, emphasizing the role of algal-bacterial interactions in shaping genetic exchange within dynamic marine ecosystems. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for elucidating bacterial adaptability and evolution in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yemima Duchin Rapp
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Valeria Lipsman
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lilach Yuda
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ilya V Kublanov
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dor Matsliyah
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Einat Segev
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Olanrewaju OS, Molale-Tom LG, Bezuidenhout CC. Genomic diversity, antibiotic resistance, and virulence in South African Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus lactis isolates. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:289. [PMID: 39102038 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04098-5] [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] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
This study presents the empirical findings of an in-depth genomic analysis of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus lactis isolates from South Africa. It offers valuable insights into their genetic characteristics and their significant implications for public health. The study uncovers nuanced variations in the gene content of these isolates, despite their similar GC contents, providing a comprehensive view of the evolutionary diversity within the species. Genomic islands are identified, particularly in E. faecalis, emphasizing its propensity for horizontal gene transfer and genetic diversity, especially in terms of antibiotic resistance genes. Pangenome analysis reveals the existence of a core genome, accounting for a modest proportion of the total genes, with 2157 core genes, 1164 shell genes, and 4638 cloud genes out of 7959 genes in 52 South African E. faecalis genomes (2 from this study, 49 south Africa genomes downloaded from NCBI, and E. faecalis reference genome). Detecting large-scale genomic rearrangements, including chromosomal inversions, underscores the dynamic nature of bacterial genomes and their role in generating genetic diversity. The study uncovers an array of antibiotic resistance genes, with trimethoprim, tetracycline, glycopeptide, and multidrug resistance genes prevalent, raising concerns about the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. Virulence gene profiling unveils a diverse repertoire of factors contributing to pathogenicity, encompassing adhesion, biofilm formation, stress resistance, and tissue damage. These empirical findings provide indispensable insights into these bacteria's genomic dynamics, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and virulence potential, underlining the pressing need to address antibiotic resistance and implement robust control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseyi Samuel Olanrewaju
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Lesego G Molale-Tom
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Cornelius C Bezuidenhout
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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5
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Macé K, Waksman G. Cryo-EM structure of a conjugative type IV secretion system suggests a molecular switch regulating pilus biogenesis. EMBO J 2024; 43:3287-3306. [PMID: 38886579 PMCID: PMC11294453 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00135-z] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Conjugative type IV secretion systems (T4SS) mediate bacterial conjugation, a process that enables the unidirectional exchange of genetic materials between a donor and a recipient bacterial cell. Bacterial conjugation is the primary means by which antibiotic resistance genes spread among bacterial populations (Barlow 2009; Virolle et al, 2020). Conjugative T4SSs form pili: long extracellular filaments that connect with recipient cells. Previously, we solved the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of a conjugative T4SS. In this article, based on additional data, we present a more complete T4SS cryo-EM structure than that published earlier. Novel structural features include details of the mismatch symmetry within the OMCC, the presence of a fourth VirB8 subunit in the asymmetric unit of both the arches and the inner membrane complex (IMC), and a hydrophobic VirB5 tip in the distal end of the stalk. Additionally, we provide previously undescribed structural insights into the protein VirB10 and identify a novel regulation mechanism of T4SS-mediated pilus biogenesis by this protein, that we believe is a key checkpoint for this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Macé
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR) - UMR6290, 35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Gabriel Waksman
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, Gower Street, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Vento JM, Durmusoglu D, Li T, Patinios C, Sullivan S, Ttofali F, van Schaik J, Yu Y, Wang Y, Barquist L, Crook N, Beisel CL. A cell-free transcription-translation pipeline for recreating methylation patterns boosts DNA transformation in bacteria. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2785-2796.e4. [PMID: 38936361 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.06.003] [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] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The bacterial world offers diverse strains for understanding medical and environmental processes and for engineering synthetic biological chassis. However, genetically manipulating these strains has faced a long-standing bottleneck: how to efficiently transform DNA. Here, we report imitating methylation patterns rapidly in TXTL (IMPRINT), a generalized, rapid, and scalable approach based on cell-free transcription-translation (TXTL) to overcome DNA restriction, a prominent barrier to transformation. IMPRINT utilizes TXTL to express DNA methyltransferases from a bacterium's restriction-modification systems. The expressed methyltransferases then methylate DNA in vitro to match the bacterium's DNA methylation pattern, circumventing restriction and enhancing transformation. With IMPRINT, we efficiently multiplex methylation by diverse DNA methyltransferases and enhance plasmid transformation in gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. We also develop a high-throughput pipeline that identifies the most consequential methyltransferases, and we apply IMPRINT to screen a ribosome-binding site library in a hard-to-transform Bifidobacterium. Overall, IMPRINT can enhance DNA transformation, enabling the use of sophisticated genetic manipulation tools across the bacterial world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Vento
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Deniz Durmusoglu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Constantinos Patinios
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sean Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Fani Ttofali
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - John van Schaik
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Yanying Yu
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lars Barquist
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Department of Biology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Nathan Crook
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Chase L Beisel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Vadakkepat AK, Xue S, Redzej A, Smith TK, Ho BT, Waksman G. Cryo-EM structure of the R388 plasmid conjugative pilus reveals a helical polymer characterized by an unusual pilin/phospholipid binary complex. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00227-2. [PMID: 39002540 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial conjugation is a process by which DNA is transferred unidirectionally from a donor cell to a recipient cell. It is the main means by which antibiotic resistance genes spread among bacterial populations. It is crucially dependent upon the elaboration of an extracellular appendage, termed "pilus," by a large double-membrane-spanning secretion system termed conjugative "type IV secretion system." Here we present the structure of the conjugative pilus encoded by the R388 plasmid. We demonstrate that, as opposed to all conjugative pili produced so far for cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure determination, the conjugative pilus encoded by the R388 plasmid is greatly stimulated by the presence of recipient cells. Comparison of its cryo-EM structure with existing conjugative pilus structures highlights a number of important differences between the R388 pilus structure and that of its homologs, the most prominent being the highly distinctive conformation of its bound lipid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav K Vadakkepat
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK.
| | - Songlin Xue
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Adam Redzej
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Terry K Smith
- BSRC, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9AJ, UK
| | - Brian T Ho
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK; Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Gabriel Waksman
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK; Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Christi K, Hudson J, Egan S. Current approaches to genetic modification of marine bacteria and considerations for improved transformation efficiency. Microbiol Res 2024; 284:127729. [PMID: 38663232 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127729] [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] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Marine bacteria play vital roles in symbiosis, biogeochemical cycles and produce novel bioactive compounds and enzymes of interest for the pharmaceutical, biofuel and biotechnology industries. At present, investigations into marine bacterial functions and their products are primarily based on phenotypic observations, -omic type approaches and heterologous gene expression. To advance our understanding of marine bacteria and harness their full potential for industry application, it is critical that we have the appropriate tools and resources to genetically manipulate them in situ. However, current genetic tools that are largely designed for model organisms such as E. coli, produce low transformation efficiencies or have no transfer ability in marine bacteria. To improve genetic manipulation applications for marine bacteria, we need to improve transformation methods such as conjugation and electroporation in addition to identifying more marine broad host range plasmids. In this review, we aim to outline the reported methods of transformation for marine bacteria and discuss the considerations for each approach in the context of improving efficiency. In addition, we further discuss marine plasmids and future research areas including CRISPR tools and their potential applications for marine bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Christi
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer Hudson
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Suhelen Egan
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
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Kaur J, Verma H, Kaur J, Lata P, Dhingra GG, Lal R. In Silico Analysis of the Phylogenetic and Physiological Characteristics of Sphingobium indicum B90A: A Hexachlorocyclohexane-Degrading Bacterium. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:233. [PMID: 38904756 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03762-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The study focuses on the in silico genomic characterization of Sphingobium indicum B90A, revealing a wealth of genes involved in stress response, carbon monoxide oxidation, β-carotene biosynthesis, heavy metal resistance, and aromatic compound degradation, suggesting its potential as a bioremediation agent. Furthermore, genomic adaptations among nine Sphingomonad strains were explored, highlighting shared core genes via pangenome analysis, including those related to the shikimate pathway and heavy metal resistance. The majority of genes associated with aromatic compound degradation, heavy metal resistance, and stress response were found within genomic islands across all strains. Sphingobium indicum UT26S exhibited the highest number of genomic islands, while Sphingopyxis alaskensis RB2256 had the maximum fraction of its genome covered by genomic islands. The distribution of lin genes varied among the strains, indicating diverse genetic responses to environmental pressures. Additionally, in silico evidence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between plasmids pSRL3 and pISP3 of the Sphingobium and Sphingomonas genera, respectively, has been provided. The manuscript offers novel insights into strain B90A, highlighting its role in horizontal gene transfer and refining evolutionary relationships among Sphingomonad strains. The discovery of stress response genes and the czcABCD operon emphasizes the potential of Sphingomonads in consortia development, supported by genomic island analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder Kaur
- Department of Zoology, Gargi College, Siri Fort Road, New Delhi, 110049, India.
| | - Helianthous Verma
- Department of Zoology, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Jaspreet Kaur
- Department of Zoology, Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Pushp Lata
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Gauri Garg Dhingra
- Department of Zoology, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Rup Lal
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110019, India.
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Mohamed DS, Abd El-Baky RM, El-Mokhtar MA, Ghanem SK, Yahia R, Alqahtani AM, Abourehab MAS, Ahmed EF. Influence of selected non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals on antibiotic resistance gene transfer in Escherichia coli. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304980. [PMID: 38905247 PMCID: PMC11192386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) transfer rapidly among bacterial species all over the world contributing to the aggravation of antibiotic resistance crisis. Antibiotics at sub-inhibitory concentration induce horizontal gene transfer (HRT) between bacteria, especially through conjugation. The role of common non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals in the market in disseminating antibiotic resistance is not well studied. OBJECTIVES In this work, we indicated the effect of some commonly used non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals including antiemetic (metoclopramide HCl) and antispasmodics (hyoscine butyl bromide and tiemonium methyl sulfate) on the plasmid-mediated conjugal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between pathogenic E. coli in the gastric intestinal tract (GIT). METHODS Broth microdilution assay was used to test the antibacterial activity of the tested non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals. A conjugation mating system was applied in presence of the studied non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals to test their effect on conjugal transfer frequency. Plasmid extraction and PCR were performed to confirm the conjugation process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for imaging the effect of non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals on bacterial cells. RESULTS No antibacterial activity was reported for the used non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals. Plasmid-mediated conjugal transfer between isolates was induced by metoclopramide HCl but suppressed by hyoscine butyl bromide. Tiemonium methylsulfate slightly promoted conjugal transfer. Aggregation between cells and periplasmic bridges was clear in the case of metoclopramide HCl while in presence of hyoscine butyl bromide little affinity was observed. CONCLUSION This study indicates the contribution of non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals to the dissemination and evolution of antibiotic resistance at the community level. Metoclopramide HCl showed an important role in the spread of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Safwat Mohamed
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag Al Gadida City, Egypt
| | - Rehab Mahmoud Abd El-Baky
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ahmed El-Mokhtar
- Medical Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, El Fateh, Egypt
- Gilbert & Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar K. Ghanem
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag Al Gadida City, Egypt
| | - Ramadan Yahia
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Alaa M. Alqahtani
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Eman Farouk Ahmed
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag Al Gadida City, Egypt
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11
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Ott LC, Mellata M. Short-chain fatty acids inhibit bacterial plasmid transfer through conjugation in vitro and in ex vivo chicken tissue explants. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1414401. [PMID: 38903782 PMCID: PMC11187007 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1414401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The animal gut acts as a potent reservoir for spreading and maintaining conjugative plasmids that confer antimicrobial resistance (AMR), fitness, and virulence attributes. Interventions that inhibit the continued emergence and expansion of AMR and virulent strains in agricultural and clinical environments are greatly desired. This study aims to determine the presence and efficacy of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) inhibitory effects on the conjugal transfer of AMR plasmids. In vitro broth conjugations were conducted between donor Escherichia coli strains carrying AMP plasmids and the plasmid-less Escherichia coli HS-4 recipient strain. Conjugations were supplemented with ddH2O or SCFAs at 1, 0.1, 0.01, or 0.001 molar final concentration. The addition of SCFAs completely inhibited plasmid transfer at 1 and 0.1 molar and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced transfer at 0.01 molar, regardless of SCFA tested. In explant models for the chicken ceca, either ddH2O or a final concentration of 0.025 M SCFAs were supplemented to the explants infected with donor and recipient E. coli. In every SCFA tested, significant decreases in transconjugant populations compared to ddH2O-treated control samples were observed with minimal effects on donor and recipient populations. Finally, significant reductions in transconjugants for plasmids of each incompatibility type (IncP1ε, IncFIβ, and IncI1) tested were detected. This study demonstrates for the first time the broad inhibition ability of SCFAs on bacterial plasmid transfer and eliminates AMR with minimal effect on bacteria. Implementing interventions that increase the concentrations of SCFAs in the gut may be a viable method to reduce the risk, incidence, and rate of AMR emergence in agricultural and human environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C. Ott
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Melha Mellata
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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12
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Se J, Xie Y, Ma Q, Zhu L, Fu Y, Xu X, Shen C, Nannipieri P. Drying-wetting cycle enhances stress resistance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a model soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:123988. [PMID: 38648967 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123988] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Outbreaks of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 in farms are often triggered by heavy rains and flooding. Most cells die with the decreasing of soil moisture, while few cells enter a dormant state and then resuscitate after rewetting. The resistance of dormant cells to stress has been extensively studied, whereas the molecular mechanisms of the cross-resistance development of the resuscitated cells are poorly known. We performed a comparative proteomic analysis on O157:H7 before and after undergoing soil dry-wet alternation. A differential expression of 820 proteins was identified in resuscitated cells compared to exponential-phase cells, as determined by proteomics analysis. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that up-regulated proteins were associated with oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, ribosome activity, and transmembrane transporters, indicating increased energy production and protein synthesis in resuscitated O157:H7. Moreover, proteins related to acid, osmotic, heat, oxidative, antibiotic stress and horizontal gene transfer efficiency were up-regulated, suggesting a potential improvement in stress resistance. Subsequent validation experiments demonstrated that the survival rates of the resuscitated cells were 476.54 and 7786.34 times higher than the exponential-phase cells, with pH levels of 1.5 and 2.5, respectively. Similarly, resuscitated cells showed higher survival rates under osmotic stress, with 7.5%, 15%, and 30% NaCl resulting in survival rates that were 460.58, 1974.55, and 3475.31 times higher. Resuscitated cells also exhibited increased resistance to heat stress, with survival rates 69.64 and 139.72 times higher at 55 °C and 90 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) efficiency of resuscitated cells was significantly higher (153.12-fold) compared to exponential phase cells. This study provides new insights into bacteria behavior under changing soil moisture and this may explain O157:H7 outbreaks following rainfall and flooding, as the dry-wet cycle promotes stress cross-resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Se
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yinan Xie
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qingxu Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Yulong Fu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chaofeng Shen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Paolo Nannipieri
- Emeritus Professor, University of Firenze, Firenze, 50144, Italy
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13
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Yilmaz I, Ozbek T. Genome editing in Acinetobacter baumannii through enhanced natural transformation. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2300644. [PMID: 38412427 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300644] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii, a multidrug-resistant bacterium has become a significant cause of life-threatening infections acquired in hospitals worldwide. The existing drugs used to treat A. baumannii infections are rapidly losing efficacy, and the increasing antimicrobial resistance, which is expected to turn into a global health crisis, underscores the urgency to develop novel prevention and treatment strategies. We reasoned that the discovery of novel virulence targets for vaccine and therapy interventions requires a more enhanced method for the introduction of multiple elements of foreign DNA for genome editing than the current methods of natural transformation techniques. Herein, we employed a novel and a much-improved enhanced technique for the natural transformation of elements of the genome editing system CRISPR-Cas9 to suppress specific genomic regions linked to selectively suppress bacterial virulence. We modified the genome of the laboratory-adapted strain of A. baumannii BAA-747 by targeting the AmpC, as a marker gene, for disruption by three different genomic manipulation strategies, and created mutant strains of A. baumannii that are, at least, fourfold susceptible to ampicillin. This work has established an optimized enhanced natural transformation system that enables efficient genome editing of pathogenic bacteria in a laboratory setting, providing a valuable future tool for exploring the function of unidentified virulence genes in bacterial genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilknur Yilmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tulin Ozbek
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Garrido V, Arrieta-Gisasola A, Migura-García L, Laorden L, Grilló MJ. Multidrug resistance in Salmonella isolates of swine origin: mobile genetic elements and plasmids associated with cephalosporin resistance with potential transmission to humans. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0026424. [PMID: 38695519 PMCID: PMC11107176 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00264-24] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of foodborne Salmonella strains carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in mobile genetic elements (MGE) is a significant public health threat in a One Health context requiring continuous surveillance. Resistance to ciprofloxacin and cephalosporins is of particular concern. Since pigs are a relevant source of foodborne Salmonella for human beings, we studied transmissible AMR genes and MGE in a collection of 83 strains showing 9 different serovars and 15 patterns of multidrug resistant (MDR) previously isolated from pigs raised in the conventional breeding system of Northern Spain. All isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and three isolates carried blaCMY-2 or blaCTX-M-9 genes responsible for cefotaxime resistance. Filter mating experiments showed that the two plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-9 were conjugative while that carrying blaCMY-2 was self-transmissible by transformation. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative analyses were performed on the isolates and plasmids. The IncC plasmid pSB109, carrying blaCMY-2, was similar to one found in S. Reading from cattle, indicating potential horizontal transfer between serovars and animal sources. The IncHI2 plasmids pSH102 in S. Heidelberg and pSTM45 in S. Typhimurium ST34, carrying blaCTX-M-9, shared similar backbones and two novel "complex class 1 integrons" containing different AMR and heavy metal genes. Our findings emphasize the importance of sequencing techniques to identify emerging AMR regions in conjugative and stable plasmids from livestock production. The presence of MGE carrying clinically relevant AMR genes raises public health concerns, requiring monitoring to mitigate the emergence of bacteria carrying AMR genes and subsequent spread through animals and food.IMPORTANCEThe emergence of foodborne Salmonella strains carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in mobile genetic elements (MGE) is a significant public health threat in a One Health context. Since pigs are a relevant source of foodborne Salmonella for humans, in this study, we investigate different aspects of AMR in a collection of 83 Salmonella showing nine different serovars and 15 patterns of multidrug resistant (MDR) isolated from pigs raised in the conventional breeding system. Our findings emphasize the importance of sequencing techniques to identify emerging AMR regions in conjugative and stable plasmids from livestock production. The presence of MGE carrying clinically relevant AMR genes raises public health concerns, requiring monitoring to mitigate the emergence of bacteria carrying AMR genes and subsequent spread through animals and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Garrido
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB; CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra), Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
| | - A. Arrieta-Gisasola
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, MikroIker Research Group, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - L. Migura-García
- Joint Research Unit IRTA-UAB in Animal Health, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
- Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Animal Health Program (CReSA), WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-Emerging Swine Diseases in Europe, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - L. Laorden
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, MikroIker Research Group, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - M. J. Grilló
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB; CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra), Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
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Giannantoni L, Bardini R, Savino A, Di Carlo S. Biology System Description Language (BiSDL): a modeling language for the design of multicellular synthetic biological systems. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:166. [PMID: 38664639 PMCID: PMC11046772 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05782-x] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Biology System Description Language (BiSDL) is an accessible, easy-to-use computational language for multicellular synthetic biology. It allows synthetic biologists to represent spatiality and multi-level cellular dynamics inherent to multicellular designs, filling a gap in the state of the art. Developed for designing and simulating spatial, multicellular synthetic biological systems, BiSDL integrates high-level conceptual design with detailed low-level modeling, fostering collaboration in the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle. BiSDL descriptions directly compile into Nets-Within-Nets (NWNs) models, offering a unique approach to spatial and hierarchical modeling in biological systems. RESULTS BiSDL's effectiveness is showcased through three case studies on complex multicellular systems: a bacterial consortium, a synthetic morphogen system and a conjugative plasmid transfer process. These studies highlight the BiSDL proficiency in representing spatial interactions and multi-level cellular dynamics. The language facilitates the compilation of conceptual designs into detailed, simulatable models, leveraging the NWNs formalism. This enables intuitive modeling of complex biological systems, making advanced computational tools more accessible to a broader range of researchers. CONCLUSIONS BiSDL represents a significant step forward in computational languages for synthetic biology, providing a sophisticated yet user-friendly tool for designing and simulating complex biological systems with an emphasis on spatiality and cellular dynamics. Its introduction has the potential to transform research and development in synthetic biology, allowing for deeper insights and novel applications in understanding and manipulating multicellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Giannantoni
- Department of Control and Computer Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 100129, Turin, TO, Italy
| | - Roberta Bardini
- Department of Control and Computer Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 100129, Turin, TO, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Savino
- Department of Control and Computer Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 100129, Turin, TO, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Carlo
- Department of Control and Computer Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 100129, Turin, TO, Italy
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16
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Webster LJ, Villa-Gomez D, Brown R, Clarke W, Schenk PM. A synthetic biology approach for the treatment of pollutants with microalgae. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1379301. [PMID: 38646010 PMCID: PMC11032018 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1379301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The increase in global population and industrial development has led to a significant release of organic and inorganic pollutants into water streams, threatening human health and ecosystems. Microalgae, encompassing eukaryotic protists and prokaryotic cyanobacteria, have emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for removing these pollutants and mitigating carbon emissions. Various microalgae species, such as C. vulgaris, P. tricornutum, N. oceanica, A. platensis, and C. reinhardtii, have demonstrated their ability to eliminate heavy metals, salinity, plastics, and pesticides. Synthetic biology holds the potential to enhance microalgae-based technologies by broadening the scope of treatment targets and improving pollutant removal rates. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in the synthetic biology of microalgae, focusing on genetic engineering tools to facilitate the removal of inorganic (heavy metals and salinity) and organic (pesticides and plastics) compounds. The development of these tools is crucial for enhancing pollutant removal mechanisms through gene expression manipulation, DNA introduction into cells, and the generation of mutants with altered phenotypes. Additionally, the review discusses the principles of synthetic biology tools, emphasizing the significance of genetic engineering in targeting specific metabolic pathways and creating phenotypic changes. It also explores the use of precise engineering tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs, to adapt genetic engineering to various microalgae species. The review concludes that there is much potential for synthetic biology based approaches for pollutant removal using microalgae, but there is a need for expansion of the tools involved, including the development of universal cloning toolkits for the efficient and rapid assembly of mutants and transgenic expression strains, and the need for adaptation of genetic engineering tools to a wider range of microalgae species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J. Webster
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Denys Villa-Gomez
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Reuben Brown
- Algae Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - William Clarke
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peer M. Schenk
- Algae Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Algae Biotechnology, Sustainable Solutions Hub, Global Sustainable Solutions Pty Ltd, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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17
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Fraikin N, Couturier A, Lesterlin C. The winding journey of conjugative plasmids toward a novel host cell. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 78:102449. [PMID: 38432159 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Horizontal transfer of plasmids by conjugation is a fundamental mechanism driving the widespread dissemination of drug resistance among bacterial populations. The successful colonization of a new host cell necessitates the plasmid to navigate through a series of sequential steps, each dependent on specific plasmid or host factors. This review explores recent advancements in comprehending the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern plasmid transmission, establishment, and long-term maintenance. Adopting a plasmid-centric perspective, we describe the critical steps and bottlenecks in the plasmid's journey toward a new host cell, encompassing exploration and contact initiation, invasion, establishment and control, and assimilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Fraikin
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Agathe Couturier
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Christian Lesterlin
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, 69007 Lyon, France.
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18
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Chiang BH, Vega G, Dunwoody SC, Patnode ML. Bacterial interactions on nutrient-rich surfaces in the gut lumen. Infect Immun 2024:e0048023. [PMID: 38506518 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00480-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal lumen is a turbulent, semi-fluid landscape where microbial cells and nutrient-rich particles are distributed with high heterogeneity. Major questions regarding the basic physical structure of this dynamic microbial ecosystem remain unanswered. Most gut microbes are non-motile, and it is unclear how they achieve optimum localization relative to concentrated aggregations of dietary glycans that serve as their primary source of energy. In addition, a random spatial arrangement of cells in this environment is predicted to limit sustained interactions that drive co-evolution of microbial genomes. The ecological consequences of random versus organized microbial localization have the potential to control both the metabolic outputs of the microbiota and the propensity for enteric pathogens to participate in proximity-dependent microbial interactions. Here, we review evidence suggesting that several bacterial species adopt organized spatial arrangements in the gut via adhesion. We highlight examples where localization could contribute to antagonism or metabolic interdependency in nutrient degradation, and we discuss imaging- and sequencing-based technologies that have been used to assess the spatial positions of cells within complex microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Huey Chiang
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences and Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Giovanni Vega
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences and Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Sarah C Dunwoody
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Michael L Patnode
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
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19
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Campos IC, Saraiva MMS, Benevides VP, Ferreira TS, Ferreira VA, Almeida AM, Berchieri Junior A. Low temperatures do not impair the bacterial plasmid conjugation on poultry meat. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:711-717. [PMID: 38191970 PMCID: PMC10920582 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01230-9] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Conjugation plays an important role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes. Besides, this process is influenced by many biotic and abiotic factors, especially temperature. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different conditions of temperature and storage (time and recipient) of poultry meat, intended for the final consumer, affect the plasmid transfer between pathogenic (harboring the IncB/O-plasmid) and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli organisms. The determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ampicillin, cephalexin, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime was performed before and after the conjugation assay. It was possible to recover transconjugants in the poultry meat at all the treatments, also these bacteria showed a significant increase of the MIC for all antimicrobials tested. Our results show that a non-pathogenic E. coli can acquire an IncB/O-plasmid through a conjugation process in poultry meat, even stored at low temperatures. Once acquired, the resistance genes endanger public health especially when it is about critically and highly important antimicrobials to human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella C Campos
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health from the School of Agriculture and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (FCAV-Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Mauro M S Saraiva
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health from the School of Agriculture and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (FCAV-Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil.
| | - Valdinete P Benevides
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health from the School of Agriculture and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (FCAV-Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Taísa S Ferreira
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health from the School of Agriculture and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (FCAV-Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Viviane A Ferreira
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health from the School of Agriculture and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (FCAV-Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Adriana M Almeida
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health from the School of Agriculture and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (FCAV-Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Angelo Berchieri Junior
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health from the School of Agriculture and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (FCAV-Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil.
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20
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Huo M, Xu X, Mi K, Ma W, Zhou Q, Lin X, Cheng G, Huang L. Co-selection mechanism for bacterial resistance to major chemical pollutants in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169223. [PMID: 38101638 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169223] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial resistance is an emerging global public health problem, posing a significant threat to animal and human health. Chemical pollutants present in the environment exert selective pressure on bacteria, which acquire resistance through co-resistance, cross-resistance, co-regulation, and biofilm resistance. Resistance genes are horizontally transmitted in the environment through four mechanisms including conjugation transfer, bacterial transformation, bacteriophage transduction, and membrane vesicle transport, and even enter human bodies through the food chain, endangering human health. Although the co-selection effects of bacterial resistance to chemical pollutants has attracted widespread attention, the co-screening mechanism and co-transmission mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this article summarises the current research status of the co-selection effects and mechanism of environmental pollutants resistance, emphasising the necessity of studying the co-selection mechanism of bacteria against major chemical pollutants, and lays a solid theoretical foundation for conducting risk assessment of bacterial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixia Huo
- National Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiangyue Xu
- National Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kun Mi
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wenjin Ma
- National Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- National Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xudong Lin
- National Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guyue Cheng
- National Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei 430070, China; National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lingli Huang
- National Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei 430070, China; National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; MOA Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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21
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Sahoo P. Complementary supramolecular drug associates in perfecting the multidrug therapy against multidrug resistant bacteria. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352483. [PMID: 38415251 PMCID: PMC10897028 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352483] [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] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The inappropriate and inconsistent use of antibiotics in combating multidrug-resistant bacteria exacerbates their drug resistance through a few distinct pathways. Firstly, these bacteria can accumulate multiple genes, each conferring resistance to a specific drug, within a single cell. This accumulation usually takes place on resistance plasmids (R). Secondly, multidrug resistance can arise from the heightened expression of genes encoding multidrug efflux pumps, which expel a broad spectrum of drugs from the bacterial cells. Additionally, bacteria can also eliminate or destroy antibiotic molecules by modifying enzymes or cell walls and removing porins. A significant limitation of traditional multidrug therapy lies in its inability to guarantee the simultaneous delivery of various drug molecules to a specific bacterial cell, thereby fostering incremental drug resistance in either of these paths. Consequently, this approach prolongs the treatment duration. Rather than using a biologically unimportant coformer in forming cocrystals, another drug molecule can be selected either for protecting another drug molecule or, can be selected for its complementary activities to kill a bacteria cell synergistically. The development of a multidrug cocrystal not only improves tabletability and plasticity but also enables the simultaneous delivery of multiple drugs to a specific bacterial cell, philosophically perfecting multidrug therapy. By adhering to the fundamental tenets of multidrug therapy, the synergistic effects of these drug molecules can effectively eradicate bacteria, even before they have the chance to develop resistance. This approach has the potential to shorten treatment periods, reduce costs, and mitigate drug resistance. Herein, four hypotheses are presented to create complementary drug cocrystals capable of simultaneously reaching bacterial cells, effectively destroying them before multidrug resistance can develop. The ongoing surge in the development of novel drugs provides another opportunity in the fight against bacteria that are constantly gaining resistance to existing treatments. This endeavour holds the potential to combat a wide array of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pathik Sahoo
- International Center for Materials and Nanoarchitectronics (MANA), Research Center for Advanced Measurement and Characterization (RCAMC), National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Japan
- Foundation of Physics Research Center (FoPRC), Celico, Italy
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22
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Michaelis C, Berger TMI, Kuhlmann K, Ghulam R, Petrowitsch L, Besora Vecino M, Gesslbauer B, Pavkov-Keller T, Keller W, Grohmann E. Effect of TraN key residues involved in DNA binding on pIP501 transfer rates in Enterococcus faecalis. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1268647. [PMID: 38380428 PMCID: PMC10877727 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1268647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Conjugation is a major mechanism that facilitates the exchange of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria. The broad-host-range Inc18 plasmid pIP501 harbors 15 genes that encode for a type IV secretion system (T4SS). It is a membrane-spanning multiprotein complex formed between conjugating donor and recipient cells. The penultimate gene of the pIP501 operon encodes for the cytosolic monomeric protein TraN. This acts as a transcriptional regulator by binding upstream of the operon promotor, partially overlapping with the origin of transfer. Additionally, TraN regulates traN and traO expression by binding upstream of the PtraNO promoter. This study investigates the impact of nine TraN amino acids involved in binding to pIP501 DNA through site-directed mutagenesis by exchanging one to three residues by alanine. For three traN variants, complementation of the pIP501∆traN knockout resulted in an increase of the transfer rate by more than 1.5 orders of magnitude compared to complementation of the mutant with native traN. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) was used to assess the binding affinities of three TraN double-substituted variants and one triple-substituted variant to its cognate pIP501 double-stranded DNA. The MST data strongly correlated with the transfer rates obtained by biparental mating assays in Enterococcus faecalis. The TraN variants TraN_R23A-N24A-Q28A, TraN_H82A-R86A, and TraN_G100A-K101A not only exhibited significantly lower DNA binding affinities but also, upon complementation of the pIP501∆traN knockout, resulted in the highest pIP501 transfer rates. This confirms the important role of the TraN residues R23, N24, Q28, H82, R86, G100, and K101 in downregulating pIP501 transfer. Although TraN is not part of the mating pair formation complex, TraE, TraF, TraH, TraJ, TraK, and TraM were coeluted with TraN in a pull-down. Moreover, TraN homologs are present not only in Inc18 plasmids but also in RepA_N and Rep_3 family plasmids, which are frequently found in enterococci, streptococci, and staphylococci. This points to a widespread role of this repressor in conjugative plasmid transfer among Firmicutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Michaelis
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Kirill Kuhlmann
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rangina Ghulam
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Petrowitsch
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Bernd Gesslbauer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth—University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tea Pavkov-Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth—University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Walter Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth—University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Grohmann
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Microbiology, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin, Germany
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23
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Tripathi S, Voogdt CGP, Bassler SO, Anderson M, Huang PH, Sakenova N, Capraz T, Jain S, Koumoutsi A, Bravo AM, Trotter V, Zimmerman M, Sonnenburg JL, Buie C, Typas A, Deutschbauer AM, Shiver AL, Huang KC. Randomly barcoded transposon mutant libraries for gut commensals I: Strategies for efficient library construction. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113517. [PMID: 38142397 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113517] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Randomly barcoded transposon mutant libraries are powerful tools for studying gene function and organization, assessing gene essentiality and pathways, discovering potential therapeutic targets, and understanding the physiology of gut bacteria and their interactions with the host. However, construction of high-quality libraries with uniform representation can be challenging. In this review, we survey various strategies for barcoded library construction, including transposition systems, methods of transposon delivery, optimal library size, and transconjugant selection schemes. We discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach, as well as factors to consider when selecting a strategy. In addition, we highlight experimental and computational advances in arraying condensed libraries from mutant pools. We focus on examples of successful library construction in gut bacteria and their application to gene function studies and drug discovery. Given the need for understanding gene function and organization in gut bacteria, we provide a comprehensive guide for researchers to construct randomly barcoded transposon mutant libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Tripathi
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Carlos Geert Pieter Voogdt
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Oliver Bassler
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Grabengasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mary Anderson
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Po-Hsun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nazgul Sakenova
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tümay Capraz
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sunit Jain
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Alexandra Koumoutsi
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Afonso Martins Bravo
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valentine Trotter
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michael Zimmerman
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Justin L Sonnenburg
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Cullen Buie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Athanasios Typas
- Genome Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Adam M Deutschbauer
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Anthony L Shiver
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Kerwyn Casey Huang
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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24
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Hollensteiner J, Schneider D, Poehlein A, Brinkhoff T, Daniel R. Pan-genome analysis of six Paracoccus type strain genomes reveal lifestyle traits. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287947. [PMID: 38117845 PMCID: PMC10732464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Paracoccus capable of inhabiting a variety of different ecological niches both, marine and terrestrial, is globally distributed. In addition, Paracoccus is taxonomically, metabolically and regarding lifestyle highly diverse. Until now, little is known on how Paracoccus can adapt to such a range of different ecological niches and lifestyles. In the present study, the genus Paracoccus was phylogenomically analyzed (n = 160) and revisited, allowing species level classification of 16 so far unclassified Paracoccus sp. strains and detection of five misclassifications. Moreover, we performed pan-genome analysis of Paracoccus-type strains, isolated from a variety of ecological niches, including different soils, tidal flat sediment, host association such as the bluespotted cornetfish, Bugula plumosa, and the reef-building coral Stylophora pistillata to elucidate either i) the importance of lifestyle and adaptation potential, and ii) the role of the genomic equipment and niche adaptation potential. Six complete genomes were de novo hybrid assembled using a combination of short and long-read technologies. These Paracoccus genomes increase the number of completely closed high-quality genomes of type strains from 15 to 21. Pan-genome analysis revealed an open pan-genome composed of 13,819 genes with a minimal chromosomal core (8.84%) highlighting the genomic adaptation potential and the huge impact of extra-chromosomal elements. All genomes are shaped by the acquisition of various mobile genetic elements including genomic islands, prophages, transposases, and insertion sequences emphasizing their genomic plasticity. In terms of lifestyle, each mobile genetic elements should be evaluated separately with respect to the ecological context. Free-living genomes, in contrast to host-associated, tend to comprise (1) larger genomes, or the highest number of extra-chromosomal elements, (2) higher number of genomic islands and insertion sequence elements, and (3) a lower number of intact prophage regions. Regarding lifestyle adaptations, free-living genomes share genes linked to genetic exchange via T4SS, especially relevant for Paracoccus, known for their numerous extrachromosomal elements, enabling adaptation to dynamic environments. Conversely, host-associated genomes feature diverse genes involved in molecule transport, cell wall modification, attachment, stress protection, DNA repair, carbon, and nitrogen metabolism. Due to the vast number of adaptive genes, Paracoccus can quickly adapt to changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Hollensteiner
- Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Schneider
- Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Poehlein
- Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Brinkhoff
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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25
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Chen D, Yin Y, Hu Y, Cao L, Zhao C, Li B. Transposon-aided capture (TRACA) of plasmids from the human gut. Lett Appl Microbiol 2023; 76:ovad132. [PMID: 38031336 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovad132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiota consists of a vast and diverse assemblage of microorganisms that play a pivotal role in maintaining host health. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the human gut microbiota remains uncultivated. Plasmids, a type of MGE, assume a critical function in the biological evolution and adaptation of bacteria to varying environments. To investigate the plasmids present within the gut microbiota community, we used the transposon-aided capture method (TRACA) to explore plasmids derived from the gut microbiota. In this study, fecal samples were collected from two healthy human volunteers and subsequently subjected to the TRACA method for plasmid isolation. Then, the complete sequence of the plasmids was obtained using the genome walking method, and sequence identity was also analyzed. A total of 15 plasmids were isolated. At last, 13 plasmids were successfully sequenced, of which 12 plasmids were highly identical to the plasmids in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database and were all small plasmids. Furthermore, a putative novel plasmid, named pMRPHD, was isolated, which had mobilized elements (oriT and oriV) and a potential type II restriction-modification (R-M) system encoded by DNA cytosine methyltransferase and type II restriction enzyme (Ban I), whose specific functions and applications warrant further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Research and Development of Plant Resources in Nanling Area, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 130 Yangzitang Road, Lingling District, Yongzhou 425199, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yeshi Yin
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Research and Development of Plant Resources in Nanling Area, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 130 Yangzitang Road, Lingling District, Yongzhou 425199, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yunfei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Research and Development of Plant Resources in Nanling Area, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 130 Yangzitang Road, Lingling District, Yongzhou 425199, Hunan Province, China
| | - Linyan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Research and Development of Plant Resources in Nanling Area, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 130 Yangzitang Road, Lingling District, Yongzhou 425199, Hunan Province, China
| | - Changhui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Research and Development of Plant Resources in Nanling Area, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 130 Yangzitang Road, Lingling District, Yongzhou 425199, Hunan Province, China
| | - Baiyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Research and Development of Plant Resources in Nanling Area, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 130 Yangzitang Road, Lingling District, Yongzhou 425199, Hunan Province, China
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26
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Goldlust K, Ducret A, Halte M, Dedieu-Berne A, Erhardt M, Lesterlin C. The F pilus serves as a conduit for the DNA during conjugation between physically distant bacteria. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2310842120. [PMID: 37963249 PMCID: PMC10666033 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310842120] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Horizontal transfer of F-like plasmids by bacterial conjugation is responsible for disseminating antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants among pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae species, a growing health concern worldwide. Central to this process is the conjugative F pilus, a long extracellular filamentous polymer that extends from the surface of plasmid donor cells, allowing it to probe the environment and make contact with the recipient cell. It is well established that the F pilus can retract to bring mating pair cells in tight contact before DNA transfer. However, whether DNA transfer can occur through the extended pilus has been a subject of active debate. In this study, we use live-cell microscopy to show that while most transfer events occur between cells in direct contact, the F pilus can indeed serve as a conduit for the DNA during transfer between physically distant cells. Our findings enable us to propose a unique model for conjugation that revises our understanding of the DNA transfer mechanism and the dissemination of drug resistance and virulence genes within complex bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Goldlust
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, Lyon69007, France
| | - Adrien Ducret
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, Lyon69007, France
| | - Manuel Halte
- Institute for Biology/Molecular Microbiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin10115, Germany
| | - Annick Dedieu-Berne
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, Lyon69007, France
| | - Marc Erhardt
- Institute for Biology/Molecular Microbiology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin10115, Germany
- Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens, Berlin10117, Germany
| | - Christian Lesterlin
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, Lyon69007, France
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27
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Allard N, Collette A, Paquette J, Rodrigue S, Côté JP. Systematic investigation of recipient cell genetic requirements reveals important surface receptors for conjugative transfer of IncI2 plasmids. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1172. [PMID: 37973843 PMCID: PMC10654706 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05534-2] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial conjugation is a major horizontal gene transfer mechanism. While the functions encoded by many conjugative plasmids have been intensively studied, the contribution of recipient chromosome-encoded genes remains largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the genetic requirement of recipient cells for conjugation of IncI2 plasmid TP114, which was recently shown to transfer at high rates in the gut microbiota. We performed transfer assays with ~4,000 single-gene deletion mutants of Escherichia coli. When conjugation occurs on a solid medium, we observed that recipient genes impairing transfer rates were not associated with a specific cellular function. Conversely, transfer assays performed in broth were largely dependent on the lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway. We further identified specific structures in lipopolysaccharides used as recipient cell surface receptors by PilV adhesins associated with the type IVb accessory pilus of TP114. Our strategy is applicable to study other mobile genetic elements and understand important host cell factors for their dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Allard
- Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Arianne Collette
- Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Josianne Paquette
- Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Sébastien Rodrigue
- Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada.
| | - Jean-Philippe Côté
- Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada.
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28
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Irby I, Brown SP. The social lives of viruses and other mobile genetic elements: a commentary on Leeks et al. 2023. J Evol Biol 2023; 36:1582-1586. [PMID: 37975503 PMCID: PMC10805371 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14239] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Illustration of life-histories of phages and plasmids through horizontal and vertical transmission (see Figure 1 for more information).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Irby
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Sam P Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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29
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Taton A, Gilderman TS, Ernst DC, Omaga CA, Cohen LA, Rey-Bedon C, Golden JW, Golden SS. Synechococcus elongatus Argonaute reduces natural transformation efficiency and provides immunity against exogenous plasmids. mBio 2023; 14:e0184323. [PMID: 37791787 PMCID: PMC10653904 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01843-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE S. elongatus is an important cyanobacterial model organism for the study of its prokaryotic circadian clock, photosynthesis, and other biological processes. It is also widely used for genetic engineering to produce renewable biochemicals. Our findings reveal an SeAgo-based defense mechanism in S. elongatus against the horizontal transfer of genetic material. We demonstrate that deletion of the ago gene facilitates genetic studies and genetic engineering of S. elongatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Taton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Tami S. Gilderman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Dustin C. Ernst
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Carla A. Omaga
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lucas A. Cohen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Camilo Rey-Bedon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - James W. Golden
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Susan S. Golden
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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30
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Van Camp PJ, Prasath VBS, Haslam DB, Porollo A. MGS2AMR: a gene-centric mining of metagenomic sequencing data for pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance profile. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:223. [PMID: 37833777 PMCID: PMC10571262 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01674-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of pathogenic bacteria from clinical specimens and evaluating their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are laborious tasks that involve in vitro cultivation, isolation, and susceptibility testing. Recently, a number of methods have been developed that use machine learning algorithms applied to the whole-genome sequencing data of isolates to approach this problem. However, making AMR assessments from more easily available metagenomic sequencing data remains a big challenge. RESULTS We present the Metagenomic Sequencing to Antimicrobial Resistance (MGS2AMR) pipeline, which detects antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) and their possible organism of origin within a sequenced metagenomics sample. This in silico method allows for the evaluation of bacterial AMR directly from clinical specimens, such as stool samples. We have developed two new algorithms to optimize and annotate the genomic assembly paths within the raw Graphical Fragment Assembly (GFA): the GFA Linear Optimal Path through seed segments (GLOPS) algorithm and the Adapted Dijkstra Algorithm for GFA (ADAG). These novel algorithms improve the sensitivity of ARG detection and aid in species annotation. Tests based on 1200 microbiome samples show a high ARG recall rate and correct assignment of the ARG origin. The MGS2AMR output can further be used in many downstream applications, such as evaluating AMR to specific antibiotics in samples from emerging intestinal infections. We demonstrate that the MGS2AMR-derived data is as informative for the entailing prediction models as the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. The performance of these models is on par with our previously published method (WGS2AMR), which is based on the sequencing data of bacterial isolates. CONCLUSIONS MGS2AMR can provide researchers with valuable insights into the AMR content of microbiome environments and may potentially improve patient care by providing faster quantification of resistance against specific antibiotics, thereby reducing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The presented pipeline also has potential applications in other metagenome analyses focused on the defined sets of genes. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter-Jan Van Camp
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - V B Surya Prasath
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - David B Haslam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Aleksey Porollo
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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31
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Sim MJW, Brennan P, Wahl KL, Lu J, Rajagopalan S, Sun PD, Long EO. Innate receptors with high specificity for HLA class I-peptide complexes. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadh1781. [PMID: 37683038 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adh1781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Genetic studies associate killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their HLA class I ligands with a variety of human diseases. The basis for these associations and the relative contribution of inhibitory and activating KIR to NK cell responses are unclear. Because KIR binding to HLA-I is peptide dependent, we performed systematic screens, which totaled more than 3500 specific interactions, to determine the specificity of five KIR for peptides presented by four HLA-C ligands. Inhibitory KIR2DL1 was largely peptide sequence agnostic and could bind ~60% of hundreds of HLA-peptide complexes tested. Inhibitory KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3, and activating KIR2DS1 and KIR2DS4 bound only 10% and down to 1% of HLA-peptide complexes tested, respectively. Activating KIR2DS1, previously described as weak, had high binding affinity for HLA-C, with high peptide sequence specificity. Our data revealed MHC-restricted peptide recognition by germline-encoded NK receptors and suggest that NK cell responses can be shaped by HLA-I-bound immunopeptidomes in the context of disease or infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm J W Sim
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Paul Brennan
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Katherine L Wahl
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Jinghua Lu
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Sumati Rajagopalan
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Peter D Sun
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Eric O Long
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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Qamar MU, Ejaz H, Mohsin M, Hadjadj L, Karadeniz A, Rolain JM, Saleem Z, Diene SM. Co-existence of NDM-, aminoglycoside- and fluoroquinolone-resistant genes in carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli clinical isolates from Pakistan. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:959-969. [PMID: 37656032 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0068] [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: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: To determine the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant genes in carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CRECO). Methods: A total of 290 carbapenem-resistant bacteria were collected from tertiary care hospitals in Lahore (Pakistan). These isolates were confirmed by VITEK 2 and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight. The minimum inhibitory concentration was performed by VITEK 2. Sequence typing, resistant gene identification, DNA hybridization and replicate typing were also performed. Results: 33 out of 290 (11.3%) were CRECO and carried blaNDM; 69, 18 and 12% were NDM-1, NDM-5 and NDM-7, respectively, with 100% resistance to β-lactams and β-lactam inhibitors. ST405 and ST468 were mostly identified. NDM-ECO carried approximately 50-450 kb of plasmids and 16 (55%) were associated with IncA/C. Conclusion: NDM-1-producing E. coli are highly prevalent in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman Qamar
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Hasan Ejaz
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashkoor Mohsin
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Linda Hadjadj
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Faculté de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Aylin Karadeniz
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Faculté de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Faculté de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Zikria Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Seydina M Diene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Faculté de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
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Brülisauer L, León-Sampedro R, Hall AR. Clinical antibiotic-resistance plasmids have small effects on biofilm formation and population growth in Escherichia coli in vitro. Plasmid 2023; 128:102706. [PMID: 37652194 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2023.102706] [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] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AR) mechanisms encoded on plasmids can affect other phenotypic traits in bacteria, including biofilm formation. These effects may be important contributors to the spread of AR and the evolutionary success of plasmids, but it is not yet clear how common such effects are for clinical plasmids/bacteria, and how they vary among different plasmids and host strains. Here, we used a combinatorial approach to test the effects of clinical AR plasmids on biofilm formation and population growth in clinical and laboratory Escherichia coli strains. In most of the 25 plasmid-bacterium combinations tested, we observed no significant change in biofilm formation upon plasmid introduction, contrary to the notion that plasmids frequently alter biofilm formation. In a few cases we detected altered biofilm formation, and these effects were specific to particular plasmid-bacterium combinations. By contrast, we found a relatively strong effect of a chromosomal streptomycin-resistance mutation (in rpsL) on biofilm formation. Further supporting weak and host-strain-dependent effects of clinical plasmids on bacterial phenotypes in the combinations we tested, we found growth costs associated with plasmid carriage (measured in the absence of antibiotics) were moderate and varied among bacterial strains. These findings suggest some key clinical resistance plasmids cause only mild phenotypic disruption to their host bacteria, which may contribute to the persistence of plasmids in the absence of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Brülisauer
- Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ricardo León-Sampedro
- Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Centro de Investigación Biológica en Red, Epidemiología y Salud Pública- CIBERESP, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alex R Hall
- Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Montelongo Hernandez C, Putonti C, Wolfe AJ. Urinary Plasmids Reduce Permissivity to Coliphage Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0130923. [PMID: 37409956 PMCID: PMC10433841 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01309-23] [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: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbial community of the urinary tract (urinary microbiota or urobiota) has been associated with human health. Bacteriophages (phages) and plasmids present in the urinary tract, like in other niches, may shape urinary bacterial dynamics. While urinary Escherichia coli strains associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) and their phages have been catalogued for the urobiome, bacterium-plasmid-phage interactions have yet to be explored. In this study, we characterized urinary E. coli plasmids and their ability to decrease permissivity to E. coli phage (coliphage) infection. Putative F plasmids were predicted in 47 of 67 urinary E. coli isolates, and most of these plasmids carried genes that encode toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules, antibiotic resistance, and/or virulence. Urinary E. coli plasmids, from urinary microbiota strains UMB0928 and UMB1284, were conjugated into E. coli K-12 strains. These transconjugants included genes for antibiotic resistance and virulence, and they decreased permissivity to coliphage infection by the laboratory phage P1vir and the urinary phages Greed and Lust. Plasmids in one transconjugant were maintained in E. coli K-12 for up to 10 days in the absence of antibiotic resistance selection; this included the maintenance of the antibiotic resistance phenotype and decreased permissivity to phage. Finally, we discuss how F plasmids present in urinary E. coli strains could play a role in coliphage dynamics and the maintenance of antibiotic resistance in urinary E. coli. IMPORTANCE The urinary tract contains a resident microbial community called the urinary microbiota or urobiota. Evidence exists that it is associated with human health. Bacteriophages (phages) and plasmids present in the urinary tract, like in other niches, may shape urinary bacterial dynamics. Bacterium-plasmid-phage interactions have been studied primarily in laboratory settings and are yet to be thoroughly tested in complex communities. This is especially true of the urinary tract, where the bacterial genetic determinants of phage infection are not well understood. In this study, we characterized urinary E. coli plasmids and their ability to decrease permissivity to E. coli phage (coliphage) infection. Urinary E. coli plasmids, encoding antibiotic resistance and transferred by conjugation into naive laboratory E. coli K-12 strains, decreased permissivity to coliphage infection. We propose a model by which urinary plasmids present in urinary E. coli strains could help to decrease phage infection susceptibility and maintain the antibiotic resistance of urinary E. coli. This has consequences for phage therapy, which could inadvertently select for plasmids that encode antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Montelongo Hernandez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Catherine Putonti
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alan J. Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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Rudenko O, Baseggio L, McGuigan F, Barnes AC. Transforming the untransformable with knockout minicircles: High-efficiency transformation and vector-free allelic exchange knockout in the fish pathogen Photobacterium damselae. Microbiologyopen 2023; 12:e1374. [PMID: 37642481 PMCID: PMC10441182 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1374] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene inactivation studies are critical in pathogenic bacteria, where insights into species biology can guide the development of vaccines and treatments. Allelic exchange via homologous recombination is a generic method of targeted gene editing in bacteria. However, generally applicable protocols are lacking, and suboptimal approaches are often used for nonstandard but epidemiologically important species. Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Pdp) is a primary pathogen of fish in aquaculture and has been considered hard to transform since the mid-1990s. Consequently, conjugative transfer of RK2/RP4 suicide vectors from Escherichia coli S17-1/SM10 donor strains, a system prone to off-target mutagenesis, was used to deliver the allelic exchange DNA in previous studies. Here we have achieved efficient electrotransformation in Pdp using a salt-free highly concentrated sucrose solution, which performs as a hypertonic wash buffer, cryoprotectant, and electroporation buffer. High-efficiency transformation has enabled vector-free mutagenesis for which we have employed circular minimalistic constructs (knockout minicircles) containing only allelic exchange essentials that were generated by Gibson assembly. Preparation of competent cells using sucrose and electroporation/integration of minicircles had virtually no detectable off-target promutagenic effect. In contrast, a downstream sacB selection apparently induced several large deletions via mobilization of transposable elements. Electroporation of minicircles into sucrose-treated cells is a versatile broadly applicable approach that may facilitate allelic exchange in a wide range of microbial species. The method permitted inactivation of a primary virulence factor unique to Pdp, apoptogenic toxin AIP56, demonstrating the efficacy of minicircles for difficult KO targets located on the high copy number of small plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Rudenko
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Marine ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Laura Baseggio
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Marine ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Fynn McGuigan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular BiosciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Andrew C. Barnes
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Marine ScienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Drehkopf S, Scheibner F, Büttner D. Functional characterization of VirB/VirD4 and Icm/Dot type IV secretion systems from the plant-pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1203159. [PMID: 37593760 PMCID: PMC10432156 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1203159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many Gram-negative plant- and animal-pathogenic bacteria employ type IV secretion (T4S) systems to transport proteins or DNA/protein complexes into eukaryotic or bacterial target cells. T4S systems have been divided into minimized and expanded T4S systems and resemble the VirB/VirD4 T4S system from the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the Icm/Dot T4S system from the human pathogen Legionella pneumophila, respectively. The only known plant pathogen with both types of T4S systems is Xanthomonas euvesicatoria which is the causal agent of bacterial spot disease on pepper and tomato plants. Results and discussion In the present study, we show that virB/virD4 and icm/dot T4S genes are expressed and encode components of oligomeric complexes corresponding to known assemblies of VirB/VirD4 and Icm/Dot proteins. Both T4S systems are dispensable for the interaction of X. euvesicatoria with its host plants and do not seem to confer contact-dependent lysis of other bacteria, which was previously shown for the chromosomally encoded VirB/VirD4 T4S system from Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. The corresponding chromosomal T4S gene cluster from X. euvesicatoria is incomplete, however, the second plasmid-localized vir gene cluster encodes a functional VirB/VirD4 T4S system which contributes to plasmid transfer. In agreement with this finding, we identified the predicted relaxase TraI as substrate of the T4S systems from X. euvesicatoria. TraI and additional candidate T4S substrates with homology to T4S effectors from X. axonopodis pv. citri interact with the T4S coupling protein VirD4. Interestingly, however, the predicted C-terminal VirD4-binding sites are not sufficient for T4S, suggesting the contribution of additional yet unknown mechanisms to the targeting of T4S substrates from X. euvesicatoria to both VirB/VirD4 and Icm/Dot T4S systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniela Büttner
- Institute for Biology, Department of Genetics, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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37
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Alav I, Buckner MMC. Non-antibiotic compounds associated with humans and the environment can promote horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37462915 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2233603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer plays a key role in the global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR genes are often carried on self-transmissible plasmids, which are shared amongst bacteria primarily by conjugation. Antibiotic use has been a well-established driver of the emergence and spread of AMR. However, the impact of commonly used non-antibiotic compounds and environmental pollutants on AMR spread has been largely overlooked. Recent studies found common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, artificial sweeteners, food preservatives, and environmental pollutants, can increase the conjugative transfer of AMR plasmids. The potential mechanisms by which these compounds promote plasmid transmission include increased membrane permeability, upregulation of plasmid transfer genes, formation of reactive oxygen species, and SOS response gene induction. Many questions remain around the impact of most non-antibiotic compounds on AMR plasmid conjugation in clinical isolates and the long-term impact on AMR dissemination. By elucidating the role of routinely used pharmaceuticals, food additives, and pollutants in the dissemination of AMR, action can be taken to mitigate their impact by closely monitoring use and disposal. This review will discuss recent progress on understanding the influence of non-antibiotic compounds on plasmid transmission, the mechanisms by which they promote transfer, and the level of risk they pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilyas Alav
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michelle M C Buckner
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Siguier P, Campos M, Cornet F, Bouet JY, Guynet C. Atypical low-copy number plasmid segregation systems, all in one? Plasmid 2023; 127:102694. [PMID: 37301314 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2023.102694] [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] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plasmid families harbor different maintenances functions, depending on their size and copy number. Low copy number plasmids rely on active partition systems, organizing a partition complex at specific centromere sites that is actively positioned using NTPase proteins. Some low copy number plasmids lack an active partition system, but carry atypical intracellular positioning systems using a single protein that binds to the centromere site but without an associated NTPase. These systems have been studied in the case of the Escherichia coli R388 and of the Staphylococcus aureus pSK1 plasmids. Here we review these two systems, which appear to be unrelated but share common features, such as their distribution on plasmids of medium size and copy number, certain activities of their centromere-binding proteins, StbA and Par, respectively, as well as their mode of action, which may involve dynamic interactions with the nucleoid-packed chromosome of their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Siguier
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse F-31000, France
| | - Manuel Campos
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse F-31000, France
| | - François Cornet
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse F-31000, France
| | - Jean-Yves Bouet
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse F-31000, France
| | - Catherine Guynet
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et de Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse F-31000, France.
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Piscon B, Pia Esposito E, Fichtman B, Samburski G, Efremushkin L, Amselem S, Harel A, Rahav G, Zarrilli R, Gal-Mor O. The Effect of Outer Space and Other Environmental Cues on Bacterial Conjugation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0368822. [PMID: 36995224 PMCID: PMC10269834 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03688-22] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial conjugation is one of the most abundant horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mechanisms, playing a fundamental role in prokaryote evolution. A better understanding of bacterial conjugation and its cross talk with the environment is needed for a more complete understanding of HGT mechanisms and to fight the dissemination of malicious genes between bacteria. Here, we studied the effect of outer space, microgravity, and additional key environmental cues on transfer (tra) gene expression and conjugation efficiency, using the under studied broad-host range plasmid pN3, as a model. High resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed the morphology of the pN3 conjugative pili and mating pair formation during conjugation. Using a nanosatellite carrying a miniaturized lab, we studied pN3 conjugation in outer space, and used qRT-PCR, Western blotting and mating assays to determine the effect of ground physicochemical parameters on tra gene expression and conjugation. We showed for the first time that bacterial conjugation can occur in outer space and on the ground, under microgravity-simulated conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that microgravity, liquid media, elevated temperature, nutrient depletion, high osmolarity and low oxygen significantly reduce pN3 conjugation. Interestingly, under some of these conditions we observed an inverse correlation between tra gene transcription and conjugation frequency and found that induction of at least traK and traL can negatively affect pN3 conjugation frequency in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results uncover pN3 regulation by various environmental cues and highlight the diversity of conjugation systems and the different ways in which they may be regulated in response to abiotic signals. IMPORTANCE Bacterial conjugation is a highly ubiquitous and promiscuous process, by which a donor bacterium transfers a large portion of genetic material to a recipient cell. This mechanism of horizontal gene transfer plays an important role in bacterial evolution and in the ability of bacteria to acquire resistance to antimicrobial drugs and disinfectants. Bacterial conjugation is a complex and energy-consuming process, that is tightly regulated and largely affected by various environmental signals sensed by the bacterial cell. Comprehensive knowledge about bacterial conjugation and the ways it is affected by environmental cues is required to better understand bacterial ecology and evolution and to find new effective ways to counteract the threating dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes between bacterial populations. Moreover, characterizing this process under stress or suboptimal growth conditions such as elevated temperatures, high salinity or in the outer space, may provide insights relevant to future habitat environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bar Piscon
- The Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eliana Pia Esposito
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Boris Fichtman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Guy Samburski
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD., Herzliya Pituach, Israel & SpacePharma SA, Courgenay, Switzerland
| | - Lihi Efremushkin
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD., Herzliya Pituach, Israel & SpacePharma SA, Courgenay, Switzerland
| | - Shimon Amselem
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD., Herzliya Pituach, Israel & SpacePharma SA, Courgenay, Switzerland
| | - Amnon Harel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Galia Rahav
- The Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raffaele Zarrilli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ohad Gal-Mor
- The Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Almuzaini AM. Phytochemicals: potential alternative strategy to fight Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1188752. [PMID: 37261108 PMCID: PMC10228746 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1188752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise of multidrug resistant (MDR) microorganisms is a great hazard worldwide and has made it difficult to treat many infectious diseases adequately. One of the most prevalent causes of outbreaks of foodborne illness worldwide is Salmonella. The ability of this and other harmful bacteria to withstand antibiotics has recently proven crucial to their effective control. Since the beginning of time, herbal medicines and phytochemicals have been employed for their potent antibacterial action and there is a growing trend toward the production of plant based natural products for the prevention and treatment of pathogenic infections. Numerous phytochemicals have been proven effective against the molecular determinants responsible for attaining drug resistance in pathogens like efflux pumps, membrane proteins, bacterial cell communications and biofilms. The medicinal plants having antibacterial activity and antibiotics combination with phytochemicals have shown synergetic activity against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The inhibitory effects of tannins on rumen proteolytic bacteria can be exploited in ruminant nutrition. Improved control of the rumen ecology and practical use of this feed additive technology in livestock production will be made possible by a better knowledge of the modulatory effects of phytochemicals on the rumen microbial populations in combination with fermentation. This review focuses on the development of antibacterial resistance in Salmonella, the mechanism of action of phytochemicals and the use of phytochemicals against S. enterica serovar Typhimurium. The advances and potential future applications of phytochemicals in the fight against resistant are also discussed.
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Han K, Li Y, Zhang Z, Sun L, Wang ET, Li Y. Comparative genome analysis of Sesbania cannabina-nodulating Rhizobium spp. revealing the symbiotic and transferrable characteristics of symbiosis plasmids. Microb Genom 2023; 9. [PMID: 37133904 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation between legumes and rhizobia makes a great contribution to the terrestrial ecosystem. The successful symbiosis between the partners mainly depends on the nod and nif genes in rhizobia, while the specific symbiosis is mainly determined by the structure of Nod factors and the corresponding secretion systems (type III secretion system; T3SS), etc. These symbiosis genes are usually located on symbiotic plasmids or a chromosomal symbiotic island, both could be transferred interspecies. In our previous studies, Sesbania cannabina-nodulating rhizobia across the world were classified into 16 species of four genera and all the strains, especially those of Rhizobium spp., harboured extraordinarily highly conserved symbiosis genes, suggesting that horizontal transfer of symbiosis genes might have happened among them. In order to learn the genomic basis of diversification of rhizobia under the selection of host specificity, we performed this study to compare the complete genome sequences of four Rhizobium strains associated with S. cannabina, YTUBH007, YTUZZ027, YTUHZ044 and YTUHZ045. Their complete genomes were sequenced and assembled at the replicon level. Each strain represents a different species according to the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values calculated using the whole-genome sequences; furthermore, except for YTUBH007, which was classified as Rhizobium binae, the remaining three strains were identified as new candidate species. A single symbiotic plasmid sized 345-402 kb containing complete nod, nif, fix, T3SS and conjugal transfer genes was detected in each strain. The high ANI and amino acid identity (AAI) values, as well as the close phylogenetic relationships among the entire symbiotic plasmid sequences, indicate that they have the same origin and the entire plasmid has been transferred among different Rhizobium species. These results indicate that S. cannabina stringently selects a certain symbiosis gene background of the rhizobia for nodulation, which might have forced the symbiosis genes to transfer from some introduced rhizobia to the related native or local-condition-adapted bacteria. The existence of almost complete conjugal transfer related elements, but not the gene virD, indicated that the self-transfer of the symbiotic plasmid in these rhizobial strains may be realized via a virD-independent pathway or through another unidentified gene. This study provides insight for the better understanding of high-frequency symbiotic plasmid transfer, host-specific nodulation and the host shift for rhizobia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunming Han
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Characteristic Agricultural Bioresource Conservation & Germplasm Innovative Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong 264005, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Characteristic Agricultural Bioresource Conservation & Germplasm Innovative Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong 264005, PR China
| | - Zhenpeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Bioresource Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, PR China
| | - Liqin Sun
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Characteristic Agricultural Bioresource Conservation & Germplasm Innovative Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong 264005, PR China
| | - En Tao Wang
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Yan Li
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Characteristic Agricultural Bioresource Conservation & Germplasm Innovative Utilization, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong 264005, PR China
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Fortunato G, Vaz-Moreira I, Gajic I, Manaia CM. Insight into phylogenomic bias of bla VIM-2 or bla NDM-1 dissemination amongst carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 61:106788. [PMID: 36924802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) are ubiquitous opportunistic pathogens that combine intrinsic and acquired multidrug resistance phenotypes. Due to different types of acquired genes, carbapenem resistance has been expanding in this species. This study hypothesised that the spread of carbapenem resistance among P. aeruginosa is influenced by phylogenomic features, being distinct for different genes. METHODS To test this hypothesis, the genomes of P. aeruginosa harbouring blaVIM-2 or blaNDM-1 genes were compared. The blaVIM-2 gene was selected because, although frequent, it is almost restricted to this species and blaNDM-1 gene due to its wide interspecies distribution. A group of genomes harbouring the genes blaVIM-2 (n = 116) or blaNDM-1 (n = 27), available in GenBank, was characterised based on core phylogenomic analysis, functional categories in the accessory genome and mobile genetic elements flanking the selected genes. RESULTS Most blaVIM-2 gene hosts belonged to multilocus sequence types (ST) ST111 (n = 32 of 116) and ST233 (n = 27 of 116) and were reported in Europe (n = 75 of 116). The blaNDM-1 gene hosts were distributed by different STs (ST38, ST773, ST235, ST357 and ST654), frequently from Asia (n = 11 of 27). Significant differences in the prevalence of functional protein/enzyme annotations per number of accessory genomes were observed between blaVIM-2+ and blaNDM-1+. The blaVIM-2 gene was frequently inserted in the Tn402-like and Tn21 transposons family and rarely in IS6100, while blaNDM-1 gene was preferentially flanked by ISAba125 and bleMBL genes or associated with IS91 insertion sequence. CONCLUSION The hypothesis that carbapenem resistance gene acquisition is not random among phylogenomic lineages was confirmed, suggesting the importance of phylogeny in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianuario Fortunato
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivone Vaz-Moreira
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ina Gajic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Célia M Manaia
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Porto, Portugal.
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43
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Kreida S, Narita A, Johnson MD, Tocheva EI, Das A, Ghosal D, Jensen GJ. Cryo-EM structure of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens T4SS-associated T-pilus reveals stoichiometric protein-phospholipid assembly. Structure 2023; 31:385-394.e4. [PMID: 36870333 PMCID: PMC10168017 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Agrobacterium tumefaciens causes crown gall disease in plants by the horizontal transfer of oncogenic DNA. The conjugation is mediated by the VirB/D4 type 4 secretion system (T4SS) that assembles an extracellular filament, the T-pilus, and is involved in mating pair formation between A. tumefaciens and the recipient plant cell. Here, we present a 3 Å cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the T-pilus solved by helical reconstruction. Our structure reveals that the T-pilus is a stoichiometric assembly of the VirB2 major pilin and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) phospholipid with 5-start helical symmetry. We show that PG head groups and the positively charged Arg 91 residues of VirB2 protomers form extensive electrostatic interactions in the lumen of the T-pilus. Mutagenesis of Arg 91 abolished pilus formation. While our T-pilus structure is architecturally similar to previously published conjugative pili structures, the T-pilus lumen is narrower and positively charged, raising questions of whether the T-pilus is a conduit for ssDNA transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kreida
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Akihiro Narita
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Matthew D Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elitza I Tocheva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anath Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, and Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Debnath Ghosal
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Grant J Jensen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84604, USA.
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44
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Maphosa S, Moleleki LN, Motaung TE. Bacterial secretion system functions: evidence of interactions and downstream implications. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 37083586 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Unprecedented insights into the biology and functions of bacteria have been and continue to be gained through studying bacterial secretion systems in isolation. This method, however, results in our understanding of the systems being primarily based on the idea that they operate independently, ignoring the subtleties of downstream interconnections. Gram-negative bacteria are naturally able to adapt to and navigate their frequently varied and dynamic surroundings, mostly because of the covert connections between secretion systems. Therefore, to comprehend some of the linked downstream repercussions for organisms that follow this discourse, it is vital to have mechanistic insights into how the intersecretion system functions in bacterial rivalry, virulence, and survival, among other things. To that purpose, this paper discusses a few key instances of molecular antagonistic and interdependent relationships between bacterial secretion systems and their produced functional products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silindile Maphosa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lucy N Moleleki
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Thabiso E Motaung
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
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45
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Shi H, Hu X, Xu J, Hu B, Ma L, Lou L. Conjugation-mediated transfer of antibiotic resistance genes influenced by primary soil components and underlying mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161232. [PMID: 36586689 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161232] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Soil is the main natural reservoir of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Their dissemination and proliferation were largely motivated by conjugative transfer, while the influence of soil components on bacterial conjugative transfer and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the present study, two Escherichia coli strains were exposed to soil minerals (quartz, kaolinite and montmorillonite) and organic matters (humic acid, biochar and soot) respectively to investigate their impact on ARGs conjugation. The results showed that quartz had no significant effect on conjugation; montmorillonite promoted the growth of the donor, but inhibited the recipient and conjugant; kaolinite and three organic matters significantly promoted the production of conjugant, while biochar promoted and then inhibited it with time prolong. Within the range of bacterial concentration involved in this study, the concentration of conjugant increased with the ratio of the concentration of donor and recipient (RD/R), indicating that the variation of conjugant production was mainly mediated by changing RD/R. Further observation of biochar treatment group showed that the bacterial responses such as cell membrane permeability, cell surface hydrophobicity and biofilm formation ability shifted with the exposure time, which might be a potential factor affecting conjugative transfer. Collectively, our findings suggest that the type and exposure time of soil components jointly affected conjugation, while the change of RD/R and related bacterial responses are the main underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Shi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China; Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310020, PR China
| | - Xinyi Hu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China; Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310020, PR China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China
| | - Baolan Hu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China; Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310020, PR China
| | - Liping Ma
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Liping Lou
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China; Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310020, PR China.
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Pauli B, Ajmera S, Kost C. Determinants of synergistic cell-cell interactions in bacteria. Biol Chem 2023; 404:521-534. [PMID: 36859766 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria are ubiquitous and colonize virtually every conceivable habitat on earth. To achieve this, bacteria require different metabolites and biochemical capabilities. Rather than trying to produce all of the needed materials by themselves, bacteria have evolved a range of synergistic interactions, in which they exchange different commodities with other members of their local community. While it is widely acknowledged that synergistic interactions are key to the ecology of both individual bacteria and entire microbial communities, the factors determining their establishment remain poorly understood. Here we provide a comprehensive overview over our current knowledge on the determinants of positive cell-cell interactions among bacteria. Taking a holistic approach, we review the literature on the molecular mechanisms bacteria use to transfer commodities between bacterial cells and discuss to which extent these mechanisms favour or constrain the successful establishment of synergistic cell-cell interactions. In addition, we analyse how these different processes affect the specificity among interaction partners. By drawing together evidence from different disciplines that study the focal question on different levels of organisation, this work not only summarizes the state of the art in this exciting field of research, but also identifies new avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Pauli
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Shiksha Ajmera
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Christian Kost
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany.,Center of Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Barbarastrasse 11, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
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47
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Wen LL, Kuo PY, Thuy TTD, Duong TTT, Huang YT, Hsueh PR, Chen YC, Kao CY. Genome-based characterization of conjugative IncHI1B plasmid carrying carbapenemase genes bla VIM-1, bla IMP-23, and truncated bla OXA-256in Klebsiella pneumoniae NTU107224. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 110:105420. [PMID: 36868443 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The wide dissemination of plasmids carrying antibiotic resistance determinants among bacteria is a severe threat to global public health. Here, we characterized an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae NTU107224 by whole genome sequencing (WGS) in combination with phenotypic tests. Broth dilution method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of NTU107224 to 24 antibiotics. The whole genome sequence of NTU107224 was determined by Nanopore/Illumina hybrid genome sequencing. Conjugation assay was performed to determine the transferability of plasmids in NTU107224 to recipient K. pneumoniae 1706. Larvae infection model was used to determine the effect(s) of conjugative plasmid pNTU107224-1 on bacterial virulence. Among the 24 antibiotics tested, XDR K. pneumoniae NTU107224 had low MICs only for amikacin (≤1 μg/mL), polymyxin B (0.25 μg/mL), colistin (0.25 μg/mL), eravacycline (0.25 μg/mL), cefepime/zidebactam (1 μg/mL), omadacycline (4 μg/mL), and tigecycline (0.5 μg/mL). Whole genome sequencing showed that the closed NTU107224 genome comprises a 5,076,795-bp chromosome, a 301,404-bp plasmid named pNTU107224-1, and a 78,479-bp plasmid named pNTU107224-2. IncHI1B plasmid pNTU107224-1 contained three class 1 integrons accumulated various antimicrobial resistance genes (including carbapenemase genes blaVIM-1, blaIMP-23, and truncated blaOXA-256) and the blast results suggested the dissemination of IncHI1B plasmids in China. By day 7 after infection, larvae infected with K. pneumoniae 1706 and transconjugant had 70% and 15% survival rates, respectively. We found that the conjugative plasmid pNTU107224-1 is closely related to IncHI1B plasmids disseminated in China and contributes to the virulence and antibiotic resistance of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Wen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yun Kuo
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tran Thi Dieu Thuy
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tran Thi Thuy Duong
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tsung Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Ph.D. Program for Aging, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yen Kao
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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48
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Zhao H, Liu X, Sun Y, Liu J, Waigi MG. Effects and mechanisms of plant growth regulators on horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes through plasmid-mediated conjugation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 318:137997. [PMID: 36720410 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A vast number of bacteria occur in both soil and plants, with some of them harboring antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). When bacteria congregate on the interface of soil particles or on plant root surfaces, these ARGs can be transferred between bacteria via conjugation, leading to the formation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that threaten human health. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are widely used in agricultural production, promoting plant growth and increasing crop yields. However, until now, little information has been known about the effects of PGRs on the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs. In this study, with Escherichia coli DH5α (carrying RP4 plasmid with TetR, AmpR, KanR) as the donor and E. coli HB101 as the recipient, a series of diparental conjugation experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of indoleacetic acid (IAA), ethel (ETH) and gibberellin (GA3) on HGT of ARGs via plasmid-mediated conjugation. Furthermore, the mechanisms involved were also clarified. The results showed that all three PGRs affected the ARG transfer frequency by inducing the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, changing the cell membrane permeability, and regulating the gene transcription of traA, traL, trfAp, trbBp, kilA, and korA in plasmid RP4. In detail, 50-100 mg⋅L-1 IAA, 20-50 mg⋅L-1 ETH and 1500-2500 mg⋅L-1 GA3 all significantly promoted the ARG conjugation. This study indicated that widespread use of PGRs in agricultural production could affect the HGT of ARGs via plasmid-mediated conjugation, and the application of reasonable concentrations of PGRs could reduce the ARG transmission in both soil environments and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Yulong Sun
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Juan Liu
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China.
| | - Michael Gatheru Waigi
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
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49
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Shen M, Goldlust K, Daniel S, Lesterlin C, Yamaichi Y. Recipient UvrD helicase is involved in single- to double-stranded DNA conversion during conjugative plasmid transfer. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:2790-2799. [PMID: 36772829 PMCID: PMC10085688 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissemination of antibiotic resistance, a current societal challenge, is often driven by horizontal gene transfer through bacterial conjugation. During conjugative plasmid transfer, single-stranded (ss) DNA is transferred from the donor to the recipient cell. Subsequently, a complete double-stranded (ds) plasmid molecule is generated and plasmid-encoded genes are expressed, allowing successful establishment of the transconjugant cell. Such dynamics of transmission can be modulated by host- or plasmid-encoded factors, either in the donor or in the recipient cell. We applied transposon insertion sequencing to identify host-encoded factors that affect conjugative transfer frequency in Escherichia coli. Disruption of the recipient uvrD gene decreased the acquisition frequency of conjugative plasmids belonging to different incompatibility groups. Results from various UvrD mutants suggested that dsDNA binding activity and interaction with RNA polymerase are dispensable, but ATPase activity is required for successful plasmid establishment of transconjugant cells. Live-cell microscopic imaging showed that the newly transferred ssDNA within a uvrD- recipient often failed to be converted to dsDNA. Our work suggested that in addition to its role in maintaining genome integrity, UvrD is also key for the establishment of horizontally acquired plasmid DNA that drives genome diversity and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjia Shen
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.,Graduate School of Structure and Dynamics of Living Systems, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Kelly Goldlust
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Sandra Daniel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Christian Lesterlin
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Yoshiharu Yamaichi
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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50
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McKeithen-Mead SA, Grossman AD. Timing of integration into the chromosome is critical for the fitness of an integrative and conjugative element and its bacterial host. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010524. [PMID: 36780569 PMCID: PMC9956884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are major contributors to genome plasticity in bacteria. ICEs reside integrated in the chromosome of a host bacterium and are passively propagated during chromosome replication and cell division. When activated, ICEs excise from the chromosome and may be transferred through the ICE-encoded conjugation machinery into a recipient cell. Integration into the chromosome of the new host generates a stable transconjugant. Although integration into the chromosome of a new host is critical for the stable acquisition of ICEs, few studies have directly investigated the molecular events that occur in recipient cells during generation of a stable transconjugant. We found that integration of ICEBs1, an ICE of Bacillus subtilis, occurred several generations after initial transfer to a new host. Premature integration in new hosts led to cell death and hence decreased fitness of the ICE and transconjugants. Host lethality due to premature integration was caused by rolling circle replication that initiated in the integrated ICEBs1 and extended into the host chromosome, resulting in catastrophic genome instability. Our results demonstrate that the timing of integration of an ICE is linked to cessation of autonomous replication of the ICE, and that perturbing this linkage leads to a decrease in ICE and host fitness due to a loss of viability of transconjugants. Linking integration to cessation of autonomous replication appears to be a conserved regulatory scheme for mobile genetic elements that both replicate and integrate into the chromosome of their host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saria A. McKeithen-Mead
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alan D. Grossman
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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