1
|
Meng Q, Zhang Y, He D, Xia Y, Fu J, Dang C. Metagenomic perspectives on antibiotic resistance genes in tap water: The environmental characteristic, potential mobility and health threat. J Environ Sci (China) 2025; 147:582-596. [PMID: 39003073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.12.023] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
As an emerging environmental contaminant, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in tap water have attracted great attention. Although studies have provided ARG profiles in tap water, research on their abundance levels, composition characteristics, and potential threat is still insufficient. Here, 9 household tap water samples were collected from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in China. Additionally, 75 sets of environmental sample data (9 types) were downloaded from the public database. Metagenomics was then performed to explore the differences in the abundance and composition of ARGs. 221 ARG subtypes consisting of 17 types were detected in tap water. Although the ARG abundance in tap water was not significantly different from that found in drinking water plants and reservoirs, their composition varied. In tap water samples, the three most abundant classes of resistance genes were multidrug, fosfomycin and MLS (macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin) ARGs, and their corresponding subtypes ompR, fosX and macB were also the most abundant ARG subtypes. Regarding the potential mobility, vanS had the highest abundance on plasmids and viruses, but the absence of key genes rendered resistance to vancomycin ineffective. Generally, the majority of ARGs present in tap water were those that have not been assessed and are currently not listed as high-threat level ARG families based on the World Health Organization Guideline. Although the current potential threat to human health posed by ARGs in tap water is limited, with persistent transfer and accumulation, especially in pathogens, the potential danger to human health posed by ARGs should not be ignored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Meng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Da He
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Impacts of Hydraulic Projects and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem of Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yu Xia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jie Fu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Chenyuan Dang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Routray D, Ghatak A, Chaturvedi P, Petijová L, Weckwerth W, Ručová D, Bačkor M, Lang I, Goga M. Comparative analysis of geotypic variations in the proteome of Nostoc commune. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2370719. [PMID: 38913942 PMCID: PMC11197914 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2370719] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune is a filamentous terrestrial prokaryotic organism widely distributed, which suggest its high adaptive potential to environmental or abiotic stress. Physiological parameters and proteomic analysis were performed in two accession of N. commune with the aim to elucidate the differences of physiological trails between distant geotypes, namely Antarctic (AN) and central European (CE). The result obtained clearly showed that the AN geotype demonstrates elevated levels of total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins, indicative of its adaptation to environmental stress as referred by comparison to CE sample. Additionally, we employed LC-MS analysis to investigate the proteomes of N. commune from AN and CE geotypes. In total, 1147 proteins were identified, among which 646 proteins expressed significant (up-regulation) changes in both accessions. In the AN geotype, 83 exclusive proteins were identified compared to 25 in the CE geotype. Functional classification of the significant proteins showed a large fraction involved in photosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and protein biosynthesis. Further analysis revealed some defense-related proteins such as, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase, which are rather explicitly expressed in the AN N. commune. The last two proteins suggest a more stressful condition in AN N. commune. In summary, our findings highlight biochemical processes that safeguard the AN geotype of N. commune from extreme environmental challenges, not recorded in CE accession, probably due to less stressful environment in Europe. This study brings the first ever proteomic analysis of N. commune, emphasizing the need for additional investigations into the climate adaptation of this species with rather plastic genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Routray
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Arindam Ghatak
- Molecular Systems Biology Lab, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Metabolomics Center, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Palak Chaturvedi
- Molecular Systems Biology Lab, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Linda Petijová
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- Molecular Systems Biology Lab, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Metabolomics Center, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dajana Ručová
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Bačkor
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Ingeborg Lang
- Molecular Systems Biology Lab, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michal Goga
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Meepagala KM, Anderson CM, Techen N, Duke SO. Pantoea ananatis, a plant growth stimulating bacterium, and its metabolites isolated from Hydrocotyle umbellata (dollarweed). PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2331894. [PMID: 38516998 PMCID: PMC10962587 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2331894] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
A bacterium growing on infected leaves of Hydrocotyle umbellata, commonly known as dollarweed, was isolated and identified as Pantoea ananatis. An ethyl acetate extract of tryptic soy broth (TSB) liquid culture filtrate of the bacterium was subjected to silica gel chromatography to isolate bioactive molecules. Indole was isolated as the major compound that gave a distinct, foul odor to the extract, together with phenethyl alcohol, phenol, tryptophol, N-acyl-homoserine lactone, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol, cyclo(L-pro-L-tyr), and cyclo(dehydroAla-L-Leu). This is the first report of the isolation of cyclo(dehydroAla-L-Leu) from a Pantoea species. Even though tryptophol is an intermediate in the indoleacetic acid (IAA) pathway, we were unable to detect or isolate IAA. We investigated the effect of P. ananatis inoculum on the growth of plants. Treatment of Lemna paucicostata Hegelm plants with 4 × 109 colony forming units of P. ananatis stimulated their growth by ca. five-fold after 13 days. After 13 days of treatment, some control plants were browning, but treated plants were greener and no plants were browning. The growth of both Cucumis sativus (cucumber) and Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) plants was increased by ca. 20 to 40%, depending on the growth parameter and species, when the rhizosphere was treated with the bacterium after germination at the same concentration. Plant growth promotion by Pantoea ananatis could be due to the provision of the IAA precursor indole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumudini M. Meepagala
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, University, USA
| | - Caleb M. Anderson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, University, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Natascha Techen
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, USA
| | - Stephen O. Duke
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu B, Li M, Li X, Yang J, Yan H. An optimized caries model of Streptococcus mutans in rats and its application for evaluating prophylactic vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2345943. [PMID: 38757492 PMCID: PMC11110711 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2345943] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Dental caries is a prevalent oral disease that mainly results from Streptococcus mutans. Susceptibility to S. mutans decreased rapidly after weaning in a well-known rat model. However, owing to the lack of time to establish protective immunity ahead of challenge, the weaning rat model is suboptimal for assessing prophylactic vaccines against S. mutans infection. In this study, we found that, in adult rats, S. mutans cultured under air-restricted conditions showed dramatically increased colonization efficacy and accelerated development of dental caries compared with those cultured under air-unrestricted conditions. We propose that S. mutans cultured under air-restricted conditions can be used to develop an optimal caries model, especially for the evaluation of prophylactic efficacy against S. mutans. Therefore, we used the anti-caries vaccine, KFD2-rPAc, to reevaluate the protection against the challenge of S. mutans. In immunized rats, rPAc-specific protective antibodies were robustly elicited by KFD2-rPAc before the challenge. In addition to inhibiting the initial and long-term colonization of S. mutans in vivo, KFD2-rPAc immunization showed an 83% inhibitory efficacy against the development of caries, similar to that previously evaluated in a weaning rat model. These results demonstrate that culturing under air-restricted conditions can promote S. mutans infection in adult rats, thereby helping establish a rat infection model to evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of vaccines and anti-caries drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Liu
- Mucosal Immunity Research Group, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Li
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian Li
- Mucosal Immunity Research Group, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huimin Yan
- Mucosal Immunity Research Group, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Uchiyama H, Kudo T, Yamaguchi T, Obana N, Watanabe K, Abe K, Miyazaki H, Toyofuku M, Nomura N, Akeda Y, Nakao R. Mucosal adjuvanticity and mucosal booster effect of colibactin-depleted probiotic Escherichia coli membrane vesicles. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2337987. [PMID: 38658133 PMCID: PMC11057659 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2337987] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in development of novel vaccines against respiratory tract infections, due to COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we examined mucosal adjuvanticity and the mucosal booster effect of membrane vesicles (MVs) of a novel probiotic E. coli derivative lacking both flagella and potentially carcinogenic colibactin (ΔflhDΔclbP). ΔflhDΔclbP-derived MVs showed rather strong mucosal adjuvanticity as compared to those of a single flagellar mutant strain (ΔflhD-MVs). In addition, glycoengineered ΔflhDΔclbP-MVs displaying serotype-14 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (CPS14+MVs) were well-characterized based on biological and physicochemical parameters. Subcutaneous (SC) and intranasal (IN) booster effects of CPS14+MVs on systemic and mucosal immunity were evaluated in mice that have already been subcutaneously prime-immunized with the same MVs. With a two-dose regimen, an IN boost (SC-IN) elicited stronger IgA responses than homologous prime-boost immunization (SC-SC). With a three-dose regimen, serum IgG levels were comparable among all tested regimens. Homologous immunization (SC-SC-SC) elicited the highest IgM responses among all regimens tested, whereas SC-SC-SC failed to elicit IgA responses in blood and saliva. Furthermore, serum IgA and salivary SIgA levels were increased with an increased number of IN doses administrated. Notably, SC-IN-IN induced not only robust IgG response, but also the highest IgA response in both serum and saliva among the groups. The present findings suggest the potential of a heterologous three-dose administration for building both systemic and mucosal immunity, e.g. an SC-IN-IN vaccine regimen could be beneficial. Another important observation was abundant packaging of colibactin in MVs, suggesting increased applicability of ΔflhDΔclbP-MVs in the context of vaccine safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Uchiyama
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Kudo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomu Obana
- Tsukuba Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kenji Watanabe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Abe
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Miyazaki
- Department of Oculoplastic, Orbital and Lacrimal Surgery, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Oral Health Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Toyofuku
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Nomura
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Akeda
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoma Nakao
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Song Y, Lan Y, Li K, Qiao D, Cao Y, Xu H. Regulation of a novel DsGATA1 from Dunaliella salina on the synthesis of carotenoids under red light. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:82. [PMID: 38189955 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12894-6] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Dunaliella salina is a high-quality industrial effector for carotenoid production. The mechanism by which red light regulates carotenoid synthesis is still unclear. In this study, a transcription factor of DsGATA1 with a distinct structure was discovered in D. salina. The recognition motif of DsGATA1 was comparable to that of plant and fungal GATA, despite its evolutionary proximity to animal-derived GATA. The expression of DsGATA1 in D. salina was still noticeably decreased when exposed to red light. Analysis of physiological and biochemical transcriptomic data from overexpressed, interfering, and wild-type strains of DsGATA1 revealed that DsGATA1 acts as a global regulator of D. salina carotenoid synthesis. The upregulated genes in the CBP pathway by DsGATA1 were involved in its regulation of the synthesis of carotenoids. DsGATA1 also enhanced carotenoid accumulation under red light by affecting N metabolism. DsGATA1 was found to directly bind to the promoter of nitrate reductase to activate its expression, promoting D. salina nitrate uptake and accelerating biomass accumulation. DsGATA1 affected the expression of the genes encoding GOGAT, GDH, and ammonia transporter proteins. Moreover, our study revealed that the regulation of N metabolism by DsGATA1 led to the production of NO molecules that inhibited carotenoid synthesis. However, DsGATA1 significantly enhanced carotenoid synthesis by NO scavenger removal of NO. The D. salina carotenoid accumulation under red light was elevated by 46% in the presence of overexpression of DsGATA1 and NO scavenger. Nevertheless, our results indicated that DsGATA1 could be an important target for engineering carotenoid production. KEY POINTS: • DsGATA1 with a distinct structure and recognition motif was found in D. salina • DsGATA1 enhanced carotenoid production and biomass in D. salina under red light • DsGATA1 is involved in the regulation of N metabolism and carotenoid synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Song
- Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhong Lan
- Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Li
- Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dairong Qiao
- Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Cao
- Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Xu
- Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lv L, Yang C, Zhang X, Chen T, Luo M, Yu G, Chen Q. Autophagy-related protein PlATG2 regulates the vegetative growth, sporangial cleavage, autophagosome formation, and pathogenicity of peronophythora litchii. Virulence 2024; 15:2322183. [PMID: 38438325 PMCID: PMC10913709 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2322183] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process that is important for the development and pathogenicity of phytopathogenic fungi and for the defence response of plants. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy in the pathogenicity of the plant pathogenic oomycete Peronophythora litchii, the causal agent of litchi downy blight, have not been well characterized. In this study, the autophagy-related protein ATG2 homolog, PlATG2, was identified and characterized using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene replacement strategy in P. litchii. A monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining assay indicated that deletion of PlATG2 abolished autophagosome formation. Infection assays demonstrated that ΔPlatg2 mutants showed significantly impaired pathogenicity in litchi leaves and fruits. Further studies have revealed that PlATG2 participates in radial growth and asexual/sexual development of P. litchii. Moreover, zoospore release and cytoplasmic cleavage of sporangia were considerably lower in the ΔPlatg2 mutants than in the wild-type strain by FM4-64 staining. Taken together, our results revealed that PlATG2 plays a pivotal role in vegetative growth, sporangia and oospore production, zoospore release, sporangial cleavage, and plant infection of P. litchii. This study advances our understanding of the pathogenicity mechanisms of the phytopathogenic oomycete P. litchii and is conducive to the development of effective control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Lv
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, College of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Sanya, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Chengdong Yang
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, College of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Sanya, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, College of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Sanya, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Taixu Chen
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, College of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Sanya, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Manfei Luo
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, College of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Sanya, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Ge Yu
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, College of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Sanya, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Qinghe Chen
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, College of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Sanya, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao Z, Yang T, Xiang G, Zhang S, Cai Y, Zhong G, Pu J, Shen C, Zeng J, Chen C, Huang B. A novel small RNA PhaS contributes to polymyxin B-heteroresistance in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2366354. [PMID: 38979571 PMCID: PMC11238654 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2366354] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, polymyxin has been used as a last-resort therapy for carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections. The emergence of heteroresistance (HR) to polymyxin hampers the efficacy of polymyxin treatment by amplifying resistant subpopulation. However, the mechanisms behind polymyxin HR remain unclear. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) play an important role in regulating drug resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of sRNA on polymyxin B (PB)-HR in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. In this study, a novel sRNA PhaS was identified by transcriptome sequencing. PhaS expression was elevated in the PB heteroresistant subpopulation. Overexpression and deletion of PhaS were constructed in three carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strains. Population analysis profiling, growth curve, and time-killing curve analysis showed that PhaS enhanced PB-HR. In addition, we verified that PhaS directly targeted phoP through the green fluorescent protein reporter system. PhaS promoted the expression of phoP, thereby encouraging the expression of downstream genes pmrD and arnT. This upregulation of arnT promoted the 4-amino-4-deoxyL-arabinosaccharide (L-Ara4N) modification of lipid A in PhaS overexpressing strains, thus enhancing PB-HR. Further, within the promoter region of PhaS, specific PhoP recognition sites were identified. ONPG assays and RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that PhaS expression was positively modulated by PhoP and thus up-regulated by PB stimulation. To sum up, a novel sRNA enhancing PB-HR was identified and a positive feedback regulatory pathway of sRNA-PhoP/Q was demonstrated in the study. This helps to provide a more comprehensive and clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind polymyxin HR in carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoxiu Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shebin Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yimei Cai
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guosheng Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jieying Pu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on Emergency in TCM, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cong Shen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on Emergency in TCM, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianming Zeng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on Emergency in TCM, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cha Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Álvarez-Herrera C, Maisanaba S, Ruíz-Cabello ML, Repetto G. Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a predictor toxicity tool. MethodsX 2024; 13:102823. [PMID: 39036606 PMCID: PMC11259944 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102823] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is frequently used as a genetically manipulable model system, offering valuable understandings into cellular mechanisms. In the present study, a comprehensive step-by-step methodology for the research of the action mechanisms and detoxification by efflux pumps is showed. The protocol involves the thawing and culture of yeast cells in liquid medium under controlled conditions to ensure exponential growth. After that, a dose-response assessment is carried out by culturing wild-type cells in liquid medium, followed by exposure to increasing concentrations of the toxic substances. Optical density measurements are taken spectrophotometrically after exposure, and the process is repeated at least three times for quantitative analysis. Subsequently, defective mutants are selected to explore specific mechanisms of action or detoxification by efflux pumps, with cultures prepared and treated similarly to the wild type. Optical density measurements are again taken after exposure for quantitative analysis. This methodology ensures robust and reproducible results for the research toxic substances effects on S. pombe.-Schizosaccharomyces pombe is an adequate tool to evaluate contaminants toxicity.-Dose-responses curves are obtained on wild type to evaluate toxicity mechanisms.-This methodology ensures robust and reproducible results for the research toxic substances effects on S. pombe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Maisanaba
- Area of Toxicology, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | | | - Guillermo Repetto
- Area of Toxicology, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sahabudin E, Kubo S, Yuzir MAM, Othman N, Nadia Md Akhir F, Suzuki K, Yoneda K, Maeda Y, Suzuki I, Hara H, Iwamoto K. The cadmium tolerance and bioaccumulation mechanism of Tetratostichococcus sp. P1: insight from transcriptomics analysis. Bioengineered 2024; 15:2314888. [PMID: 38375815 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2024.2314888] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) has become a severe issue in relatively low concentration and attracts expert attention due to its toxicity, accumulation, and biomagnification in living organisms. Cd does not have a biological role and causes serious health issues. Therefore, Cd pollutants should be reduced and removed from the environment. Microalgae have great potential for Cd absorption for waste treatment since they are more environmentally friendly than existing treatment methods and have strong metal sorption selectivity. This study evaluated the tolerance and ability of the microalga Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 to remove Cd ions under acidic conditions and reveal mechanisms based on transcriptomics analysis. The results showed that Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 had a high Cd tolerance that survived under the presence of Cd up to 100 µM, and IC50, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration value, was 57.0 μM, calculated from the change in growth rate based on the chlorophyll content. Long-term Cd exposure affected the algal morphology and photosynthetic pigments of the alga. Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 removed Cd with a maximum uptake of 1.55 mg g-1 dry weight. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of the expression of genes related to metal binding, such as metallothionein. Group A, Group B transporters and glutathione, were also found upregulated. While the downregulation of the genes were related to photosynthesis, mitochondria electron transport, ABC-2 transporter, polysaccharide metabolic process, and cell division. This research is the first study on heavy metal bioremediation using Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 and provides a new potential microalga strain for heavy metal removal in wastewater.[Figure: see text]Abbreviations:BP: Biological process; bZIP: Basic Leucine Zipper; CC: Cellular component; ccc1: Ca (II)-sensitive cross complementary 1; Cd: Cadmium; CDF: Cation diffusion facilitator; Chl: Chlorophyll; CTR: Cu TRansporter families; DAGs: Directed acyclic graphs; DEGs: Differentially expressed genes; DVR: Divinyl chlorophyllide, an 8-vinyl-reductase; FPN: FerroportinN; FTIR: Fourier transform infrared; FTR: Fe TRansporter; GO: Gene Ontology; IC50: Growth half maximal inhibitory concentration; ICP: Inductively coupled plasma; MF: molecular function; NRAMPs: Natural resistance-associated aacrophage proteins; OD: Optical density; RPKM: Reads Per Kilobase of Exon Per Million Reads Mapped; VIT1: Vacuolar iron transporter 1 families; ZIPs: Zrt-, Irt-like proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eri Sahabudin
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shohei Kubo
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Muhamad Ali Muhammad Yuzir
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor'azizi Othman
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fazrena Nadia Md Akhir
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kengo Suzuki
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Euglena Co. Ltd, Minato‑ku, Japan
- Microalgae Production Control Technology Laboratory, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kohei Yoneda
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Maeda
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Iwane Suzuki
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Hara
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Koji Iwamoto
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen Y, Goh YX, Li P, Guan J, Chao Y, Qu H, Ou HY, Wang X. RES-Xre toxin-antitoxin locus knaAT maintains the stability of the virulence plasmid in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2316814. [PMID: 38323903 PMCID: PMC10896132 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2316814] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates have been increasingly reported worldwide, especially hypervirulent drug-resistant variants owing to the acquisition of a mobilizable virulence plasmid by a carbapenem-resistant strain. This pLVPK-like mobilizable plasmid encodes various virulence factors; however, information about its genetic stability is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules that facilitate the virulence plasmid to remain stable in K. pneumoniae. More than 3,000 TA loci in 2,000 K. pneumoniae plasmids were examined for their relationship with plasmid cargo genes. TA loci from the RES-Xre family were highly correlated with virulence plasmids of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. Overexpression of the RES toxin KnaT, encoded by the virulence plasmid-carrying RES-Xre locus knaAT, halts the cell growth of K. pneumoniae and E. coli, whereas co-expression of the cognate Xre antitoxin KnaA neutralizes the toxicity of KnaT. knaA and knaT were co-transcribed, representing the characteristics of a type II TA module. The knaAT deletion mutation gradually lost its virulence plasmid in K. pneumoniae, whereas the stability of the plasmid in E. coli was enhanced by adding knaAT, which revealed that the knaAT operon maintained the genetic stability of the large virulence plasmid in K. pneumoniae. String tests and mouse lethality assays subsequently confirmed that a loss of the virulence plasmid resulted in reduced pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae. These findings provide important insights into the role of the RES-Xre TA pair in stabilizing virulence plasmids and disseminating virulence genes in K. pneumoniae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongkui Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xian Goh
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiahao Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Chao
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health (CMDH), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongping Qu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yu Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu F, Zeng M, Zhou X, Huang F, Song Z. Aspergillus fumigatus escape mechanisms from its harsh survival environments. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:53. [PMID: 38175242 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12952-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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogenic mold and causes several diseases, including mycotoxicosis, allergic reactions, and systemic diseases (invasive aspergillosis), with high mortality rates. In its ecological niche, the fungus has evolved and mastered many reply strategies to resist and survive against negative threats, including harsh environmental stress and deficiency of essential nutrients from natural environments, immunity responses and drug treatments in host, and competition from symbiotic microorganisms. Hence, treating A. fumigatus infection is a growing challenge. In this review, we summarized A. fumigatus reply strategies and escape mechanisms and clarified the main competitive or symbiotic relationships between A. fumigatus, viruses, bacteria, or fungi in host microecology. Additionally, we discussed the contemporary drug repertoire used to treat A. fumigatus and the latest evidence of potential resistance mechanisms. This review provides valuable knowledge which will stimulate further investigations and clinical applications for treating and preventing A. fumigatus infections. KEY POINTS: • Harsh living environment was a great challenge for A. fumigatus survival. • A. fumigatus has evolved multiple strategies to escape host immune responses. • A. fumigatus withstands antifungal drugs via intrinsic escape mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 402160, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
- Molecular Biotechnology Platform, Public Center of Experimental Technology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Doloman A, Besteman MS, Sanders MG, Sousa DZ. Methanogenic partner influences cell aggregation and signalling of Syntrophobacterium fumaroxidans. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:127. [PMID: 38229305 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12955-w] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
For several decades, the formation of microbial self-aggregates, known as granules, has been extensively documented in the context of anaerobic digestion. However, current understanding of the underlying microbial-associated mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon remains limited. This study examined morphological and biochemical changes associated with cell aggregation in model co-cultures of the syntrophic propionate oxidizing bacterium Syntrophobacterium fumaroxidans and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, Methanospirillum hungatei or Methanobacterium formicicum. Formerly, we observed that when syntrophs grow for long periods with methanogens, cultures tend to form aggregates visible to the eye. In this study, we maintained syntrophic co-cultures of S. fumaroxidans with either M. hungatei or M. formicicum for a year in a fed-batch growth mode to stimulate aggregation. Millimeter-scale aggregates were observed in both co-cultures within the first 5 months of cultivation. In addition, we detected quorum sensing molecules, specifically N-acyl homoserine lactones, in co-culture supernatants preceding the formation of macro-aggregates (with diameter of more than 20 μm). Comparative transcriptomics revealed higher expression of genes related to signal transduction, polysaccharide secretion and metal transporters in the late-aggregation state co-cultures, compared to the initial ones. This is the first study to report in detail both biochemical and physiological changes associated with the aggregate formation in syntrophic methanogenic co-cultures. KEYPOINTS: • Syntrophic co-cultures formed mm-scale aggregates within 5 months of fed-batch cultivation. • N-acyl homoserine lactones were detected during the formation of aggregates. • Aggregated co-cultures exhibited upregulated expression of adhesins- and polysaccharide-associated genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Doloman
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Maaike S Besteman
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark G Sanders
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Z Sousa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, Princetonlaan 6, 3584, CB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wenbo L, Yewei Y, Hui Z, Zhongyu L. Hijacking host cell vesicular transport: New insights into the nutrient acquisition mechanism of Chlamydia. Virulence 2024; 15:2351234. [PMID: 38773735 PMCID: PMC11123459 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2351234] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia infection is an important cause of public health diseases, and no effective vaccine is currently available. Owing to its unique intracellular lifestyle, Chlamydia requires a variety of nutrients and substrates from host cells, particularly sphingomyelin, cholesterol, iron, amino acids, and the mannose-6-phosphate receptor, which are essential for inclusion development. Here, we summarize the recent advances in Chlamydia nutrient acquisition mechanism by hijacking host cell vesicular transport, which plays an important role in chlamydial growth and development. Chlamydia obtains the components necessary to complete its intracellular developmental cycle by recruiting Rab proteins (major vesicular trafficking regulators) and Rab effector proteins to the inclusion, interfering with Rab-mediated multivesicular trafficking, reorienting the nutrition of host cells, and reconstructing the intracellular niche environment. Consequently, exploring the role of vesicular transport in nutrient acquisition offers a novel perspective on new approaches for preventing and treating Chlamydia infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wenbo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yewei
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Hui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhongyu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cui Y, Du X, Li Y, Wang D, Lv Z, Yuan H, Chen Y, Liu J, Sun Y, Wang W. Imbalanced and Unchecked: The Role of Metal Dyshomeostasis in Driving COPD Progression. COPD 2024; 21:2322605. [PMID: 38591165 DOI: 10.1080/15412555.2024.2322605] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by persistent inflammation and oxidative stress, which ultimately leads to progressive restriction of airflow. Extensive research findings have cogently suggested that the dysregulation of essential transition metal ions, notably iron, copper, and zinc, stands as a critical nexus in the perpetuation of inflammatory processes and oxidative damage within the lungs of COPD patients. Unraveling the intricate interplay between metal homeostasis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling is of paramount importance in unraveling the intricacies of COPD pathogenesis. This comprehensive review aims to examine the current literature on the sources, regulation, and mechanisms by which metal dyshomeostasis contributes to COPD progression. We specifically focus on iron, copper, and zinc, given their well-characterized roles in orchestrating cytokine production, immune cell function, antioxidant depletion, and matrix remodeling. Despite the limited number of clinical trials investigating metal modulation in COPD, the advent of emerging methodologies tailored to monitor metal fluxes and gauge responses to chelation and supplementation hold great promise in unlocking the potential of metal-based interventions. We conclude that targeted restoration of metal homeostasis represents a promising frontier for ameliorating pathological processes driving COPD progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Cui
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinqian Du
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunqi Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Lv
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huihui Yuan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen T, Wang Y, Chi X, Xiong L, Lu P, Wang X, Chen Y, Luo Q, Shen P, Xiao Y. Genetic, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance characteristics associated with distinct morphotypes in ST11 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Virulence 2024; 15:2349768. [PMID: 38736039 PMCID: PMC11093053 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2349768] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
ST11 is the most common lineage among carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections in Asia. Diverse morphotypes resulting from genetic mutations are associated with significant differences in microbial characteristics among K. pneumoniae isolates. Here, we investigated the genetic determinants and critical characteristics associated with distinct morphotypes of ST11 CRKP. An ST11-KL47 CRKP isolate carrying a pLVPK-like virulence plasmid was isolated from a patient with a bloodstream infection; the isolate had the "mcsw" morphotype. Two distinct morphotypes ("ntrd" and "msdw") were derived from this strain during in vitro passage. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify mutations that cause the distinct morphotypes of ST11 CRKP. Transmission electron microscopy, antimicrobial susceptibility tests, growth assays, biofilm formation, virulence assays, membrane permeability assays, and RNA-seq analysis were used to investigate the specific characteristics associated with different morphotypes of ST11 CRKP. Compared with the parental mcsw morphotype, the ntrd morphotype resulted from mutation of genes involved in capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis (wza, wzc, and wbaP), a result validated by gene knockout experiments. This morphotype showed capsule deficiency and lower virulence potential, but higher biofilm production. By contrast, the msdw morphotype displayed competition deficiency and increased susceptibility to chlorhexidine and polymyxin B. Further analyses indicated that these characteristics were caused by interruption of the sigma factor gene rpoN by insertion mutations and deletion of the rpoN gene, which attenuated membrane integrity presumably by downregulating the phage shock protein operon. These data expand current understanding of genetic, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance characteristics associated with distinct morphotypes in ST11 CRKP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaohui Chi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luying Xiong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueting Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunbo Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yonghong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Burke Ó, Zeden MS, O'Gara JP. The pathogenicity and virulence of the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis. Virulence 2024; 15:2359483. [PMID: 38868991 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2359483] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The pervasive presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci on the skin and mucous membranes has long underpinned a casual disregard for the infection risk that these organisms pose to vulnerable patients in healthcare settings. Prior to the recognition of biofilm as an important virulence determinant in S. epidermidis, isolation of this microorganism in diagnostic specimens was often overlooked as clinically insignificant with potential delays in diagnosis and onset of appropriate treatment, contributing to the establishment of chronic infection and increased morbidity or mortality. While impressive progress has been made in our understanding of biofilm mechanisms in this important opportunistic pathogen, research into other virulence determinants has lagged S. aureus. In this review, the broader virulence potential of S. epidermidis including biofilm, toxins, proteases, immune evasion strategies and antibiotic resistance mechanisms is surveyed, together with current and future approaches for improved therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Órla Burke
- Microbiology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - James P O'Gara
- Microbiology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Teng JLL, Tang Y, Wong SSY, Yeung ML, Cai JP, Chen C, Chan E, Fong JYH, Au-Yeung RKH, Xiong L, Lau TCK, Lau SKP, Woo PCY. Mycolyltransferase is important for biofilm formation and pathogenesis of Tsukamurella keratitis. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2373317. [PMID: 38934251 PMCID: PMC11229725 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2373317] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Tsukamurella, a group of multi-drug resistant, Gram-positive, aerobic, and partially acid-fast bacteria, are emerging causes of bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis. However, the pathogenesis of Tsukamurella keratitis is largely unknown. To address this, we used New Zealand White rabbits to develop the first eye infection model and conducted in vitro tests to study the pathogenesis mechanisms of Tsukamurella. There is increasing evidence that biofilms play a significant role in ocular infections, leading us to hypothesize that biofilm formation is crucial for effective Tsukamurella infection. In order to look for potential candidate genes which are important in biofilm formation and Tsukamurella keratitis. We performed genome sequencing of two ocular isolates, T. pulmonis-PW1004 and T. tyrosinosolvens-PW899, to identify potential virulence factors. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we characterized their biological roles in mediating Tsukamurella keratitis. Our findings confirmed that Tsukamurella is an ocular pathogen by fulfilling Koch's postulates, and using genome sequence data, we identified tmytC, encoding a mycolyltransferase, as a crucial gene in biofilm formation and causing Tsukamurella keratitis in the rabbit model. This is the first report demonstrating the novel role of mycolyltransferase in causing ocular infections. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of Tsukamurella pathogenesis and provide a potential target for treatment. Specific inhibitors targeting TmytC could serve as an effective treatment option for Tsukamurella infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade Lee-Lee Teng
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Tang
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Samson Sai-Yin Wong
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Man Lung Yeung
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Pao Cai
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging infectious Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Elaine Chan
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jordan Yik-Hei Fong
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rex Kwok-Him Au-Yeung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lifeng Xiong
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Terrence Chi-Kong Lau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Susanna Kar-Pui Lau
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Patrick Chiu-Yat Woo
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine and Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Holbert S, Barilleau E, Yan J, Trotereau J, Koczerka M, Charton M, Le Vern Y, Pichon J, Grassl GA, Velge P, Wiedemann A. The Salmonella virulence protein PagN contributes to the advent of a hyper-replicating cytosolic bacterial population. Virulence 2024; 15:2357670. [PMID: 38804638 PMCID: PMC11135831 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2357670] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium is an intracellular pathogen that invades and colonizes the intestinal epithelium. Following bacterial invasion, Salmonella is enclosed within a membrane-bound vacuole known as a Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV). However, a subset of Salmonella has the capability to prematurely rupture the SCV and escape, resulting in Salmonella hyper-replication within the cytosol of epithelial cells. A recently published RNA-seq study provides an overview of cytosolic and vacuolar upregulated genes and highlights pagN vacuolar upregulation. Here, using transcription kinetics, protein production profile, and immunofluorescence microscopy, we showed that PagN is exclusively produced by Salmonella in SCV. Gentamicin protection and chloroquine resistance assays were performed to demonstrate that deletion of pagN affects Salmonella replication by affecting the cytosolic bacterial population. This study presents the first example of a Salmonella virulence factor expressed within the endocytic compartment, which has a significant impact on the dynamics of Salmonella cytosolic hyper-replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jin Yan
- IRSD - Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, ENVT, INRAE, INSERM, Université́ de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse, France
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
- Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, China
| | | | | | - Mégane Charton
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
- Service biologie vétérinaire et santé animale, Inovalys, Angers, France
| | - Yves Le Vern
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Guntram A. Grassl
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover Medical School and German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Agnès Wiedemann
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
- IRSD - Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive, ENVT, INRAE, INSERM, Université́ de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
He M, Yin S, Huang X, Li Y, Li B, Gong T, Liu Q. Insights into the regulatory role of bacterial sncRNA and its extracellular delivery via OMVs. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:29. [PMID: 38159117 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12855-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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) play important regulatory roles in bacterial physiological processes and host-pathogen interactions. Meanwhile, bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), as naturally secreted outer membrane structures, play a vital role in the interaction between bacteria and their living environment, including the host environment. However, most current studies focus on the biological functions of sncRNAs in bacteria or hosts, while neglecting the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the OMVs that encapsulate these sncRNAs. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the intracellular regulatory roles of bacterial sncRNAs in promoting pathogen survival by regulating virulence, modulating bacterial drug resistance, and regulating iron metabolism, and their extracellular regulatory function for influencing host immunity through host-pathogen interactions. Additionally, we introduce the key role played by OMVs, which serve as important cargoes in bacterial sncRNA-host interactions. We propose emerging pathways of sncRNA action to further discuss the mode of host-pathogen interactions, highlighting that the inhibition of sncRNA delivery by OMVs may prevent the occurrence of infection to some extent. Hence, this review lays the foundation for future prophylactic treatments against bacterial infections and strategies for addressing bacterial drug resistance. KEY POINTS: •sncRNAs have intracellular and extracellular regulatory functions in bacterial physiological processes and host-pathogen interactions. •OMVs are potential mediators between bacterial sncRNAs and host cells. •OMVs encapsulating sncRNAs have more potential biological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengdan He
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, The Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Center for Advanced Diagnostic Technology and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Shuanshuan Yin
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, The Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Center for Advanced Diagnostic Technology and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xinlei Huang
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi Li
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, The Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Center for Advanced Diagnostic Technology and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Biaoxian Li
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, The Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Center for Advanced Diagnostic Technology and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Tian Gong
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, The Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Center for Advanced Diagnostic Technology and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Qiong Liu
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, The Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Center for Advanced Diagnostic Technology and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Novak JK, Gardner JG. Current models in bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene regulation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:39. [PMID: 38175245 PMCID: PMC10766802 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12977-4] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The discovery and characterization of bacterial carbohydrate-active enzymes is a fundamental component of biotechnology innovation, particularly for renewable fuels and chemicals; however, these studies have increasingly transitioned to exploring the complex regulation required for recalcitrant polysaccharide utilization. This pivot is largely due to the current need to engineer and optimize enzymes for maximal degradation in industrial or biomedical applications. Given the structural simplicity of a single cellulose polymer, and the relatively few enzyme classes required for complete bioconversion, the regulation of cellulases in bacteria has been thoroughly discussed in the literature. However, the diversity of hemicelluloses found in plant biomass and the multitude of carbohydrate-active enzymes required for their deconstruction has resulted in a less comprehensive understanding of bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene regulation. Here we review the mechanisms of this process and common themes found in the transcriptomic response during plant biomass utilization. By comparing regulatory systems from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as drawing parallels to cellulase regulation, our goals are to highlight the shared and distinct features of bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene regulation and provide a set of guiding questions to improve our understanding of bacterial lignocellulose utilization. KEY POINTS: • Canonical regulatory mechanisms for bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene expression include hybrid two-component systems (HTCS), extracytoplasmic function (ECF)-σ/anti-σ systems, and carbon catabolite repression (CCR). • Current transcriptomic approaches are increasingly being used to identify hemicellulase-encoding gene regulatory patterns coupled with computational predictions for transcriptional regulators. • Future work should emphasize genetic approaches to improve systems biology tools available for model bacterial systems and emerging microbes with biotechnology potential. Specifically, optimization of Gram-positive systems will require integration of degradative and fermentative capabilities, while optimization of Gram-negative systems will require bolstering the potency of lignocellulolytic capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Novak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Gardner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mu X, Lei R, Yan S, Deng Z, Liu R, Liu T. The LysR family transcriptional regulator ORF-L16 regulates spinosad biosynthesis in Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:609-617. [PMID: 38784197 PMCID: PMC11108826 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinosad, a potent broad-spectrum bioinsecticide produced by Saccharopolyspora spinosa, has significant market potential. Despite its effectiveness, the regulatory mechanisms of spinosad biosynthesis remain unclear. Our investigation identified the crucial role of the LysR family transcriptional regulator ORF-L16, located upstream of spinosad biosynthetic genes, in spinosad biosynthesis. Through reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5'-Race), we unveiled that the spinosad biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) contains six transcription units and seven promoters. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) demonstrated that ORF-L16 bound to seven promoters within the spinosad BGC, indicating its involvement in regulating spinosad biosynthesis. Notably, deletion of ORF-L16 led to a drastic reduction in spinosad production from 1818.73 mg/L to 1.69 mg/L, accompanied by decreased transcription levels of spinosad biosynthetic genes, confirming its positive regulatory function. Additionally, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and EMSA confirmed that spinosyn A, the main product of the spinosad BGC, served as an effector of ORF-L16. Specifically, it decreased the binding affinity between ORF-L16 and spinosad BGC promoters, thus exerting negative feedback regulation on spinosad biosynthesis. This research enhances our comprehension of spinosad biosynthesis regulation and lays the groundwork for future investigations on transcriptional regulators in S. spinosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Mu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ru Lei
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shuqing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ran Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tiangang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Renaud EA, Maupin AJM, Bordat Y, Graindorge A, Berry L, Besteiro S. Iron depletion has different consequences on the growth and survival of Toxoplasma gondii strains. Virulence 2024; 15:2329566. [PMID: 38509723 PMCID: PMC10962585 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2329566] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite responsible for a pathology called toxoplasmosis, which primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and developing foetuses. The parasite can scavenge essential nutrients from its host to support its growth and survival. Among them, iron is one of the most important elements needed to sustain basic cellular functions as it is involved in a number of key metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, redox balance, and electron transport. We evaluated the effects of an iron chelator on the development of several parasite strains and found that they differed in their ability to tolerate iron depletion. The growth of parasites usually associated with a model of acute toxoplasmosis was strongly affected by iron depletion, whereas cystogenic strains were less sensitive as they were able to convert into persisting developmental forms that are associated with the chronic form of the disease. Ultrastructural and biochemical characterization of the impact of iron depletion on parasites also highlighted striking changes in both their metabolism and that of the host, with a marked accumulation of lipid droplets and perturbation of lipid homoeostasis. Overall, our study demonstrates that although acute iron depletion has an important effect on the growth of T. gondii, it has a more profound impact on actively dividing parasites, whereas less metabolically active parasite forms may be able to avoid some of the most detrimental consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eléa A. Renaud
- LPHI, University Montpellier, Inserm, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Yann Bordat
- LPHI, University Montpellier, Inserm, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Laurence Berry
- LPHI, University Montpellier, Inserm, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang Y, Liang S, Zhang S, Bai Q, Dai L, Wang J, Yao H, Zhang W, Liu G. Streptococcal arginine deiminase system defences macrophage bactericidal effect mediated by XRE family protein XtrSs. Virulence 2024; 15:2306719. [PMID: 38251714 PMCID: PMC10841013 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2306719] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The arginine deiminase system (ADS) has been identified in various bacteria and functions to supplement energy production and enhance biological adaptability. The current understanding of the regulatory mechanism of ADS and its effect on bacterial pathogenesis is still limited. Here, we found that the XRE family transcriptional regulator XtrSs negatively affected Streptococcus suis virulence and significantly repressed ADS transcription when the bacteria were incubated in blood. Electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) and lacZ fusion assays further showed that XtrSs directly bind to the promoter of ArgR, an acknowledged positive regulator of bacterial ADS, to repress ArgR transcription. Moreover, we provided compelling evidence that S. suis could utilize arginine via ADS to adapt to acid stress, while ΔxtrSs enhanced this acid resistance by upregulating the ADS operon. Moreover, whole ADS-knockout S. suis increased arginine and antimicrobial NO in the infected macrophage cells, decreased intracellular survival, and even caused significant attenuation of bacterial virulence in a mouse infection model, while ΔxtrSs consistently presented the opposite results. Our experiments identified a novel ADS regulatory mechanism in S. suis, whereby XtrSs regulated ADS to modulate NO content in macrophages, promoting S. suis intracellular survival. Meanwhile, our findings provide a new perspective on how Streptococci evade the host's innate immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zhang
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Song Liang
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shidan Zhang
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiankun Bai
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Dai
- Hainan Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Haikou, China
| | - Jinxiu Wang
- Hainan Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Haikou, China
| | - Huochun Yao
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangjin Liu
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schwardmann LS, Benninghaus L, Lindner SN, Wendisch VF. Prospects of formamide as nitrogen source in biotechnological production processes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:105. [PMID: 38204134 PMCID: PMC10781810 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12962-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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
This review presents an analysis of formamide, focussing on its occurrence in nature, its functional roles, and its promising applications in the context of the bioeconomy. We discuss the utilization of formamide as an innovative nitrogen source achieved through metabolic engineering. These approaches underscore formamide's potential in supporting growth and production in biotechnological processes. Furthermore, our review illuminates formamide's role as a nitrogen source capable of safeguarding cultivation systems against contamination in non-sterile conditions. This attribute adds an extra layer of practicality to its application, rendering it an attractive candidate for sustainable and resilient industrial practices. Additionally, the article unveils the versatility of formamide as a potential carbon source that could be combined with formate or CO2 assimilation pathways. However, its attributes, i.e., enriched nitrogen content and comparatively limited energy content, led to conclude that formamide is more suitable as a co-substrate and that its use as a sole source of carbon for biomass and bio-production is limited. Through our exploration of formamide's properties and its applications, this review underscores the significance of formamide as valuable resource for a large spectrum of industrial applications. KEY POINTS: • Formidases enable access to formamide as source of nitrogen, carbon, and energy • The formamide/formamidase system supports non-sterile fermentation • The nitrogen source formamide supports production of nitrogenous compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn S Schwardmann
- Genetics of Prokaryotes, Faculty of Biology and CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
- , Aminoverse B.V., Daelderweg 9, 6361 HK, Nuth, Beekdaelen, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie Benninghaus
- Genetics of Prokaryotes, Faculty of Biology and CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Steffen N Lindner
- Department of Biochemistry, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker F Wendisch
- Genetics of Prokaryotes, Faculty of Biology and CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Xiang SL, Xu KZ, Yin LJ, Rao Y, Wang B, Jia AQ. Dopamine, an exogenous quorum sensing signaling molecule or a modulating factor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa? Biofilm 2024; 8:100208. [PMID: 39036334 PMCID: PMC11260039 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized globally as an opportunistic pathogen of considerable concern due to its high virulence and pathogenicity, especially in immunocompromised individuals. While research has identified several endogenous quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecules that enhance the virulence and pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa, investigations on exogenous QS signaling molecules or modulating factors remain limited. This study found that dopamine serves as an exogenous QS signaling molecule or modulating factor of P. aeruginosa PAO1, enhancing the production of virulence factors and biofilms. Compared to the control group, treatment with 40 μM dopamine resulted in a 33.1 % increase in biofilm formation, 68.1 % increase in swimming mobility, 63.1 % increase in swarming mobility, 147.2 % increase in the signaling molecule 3-oxo-C12-HSL, and 50.5 %, 28.5 %, 27.0 %, and 33.2 % increases in the virulence factors alginate, rhamnolipids, protease, and pyocyanin, respectively. This study further explored the mechanism of dopamine regulating the biofilm formation and virulence of P. aeruginosa PAO1 through transcriptome and metabolome. Transcriptomic analysis showed that dopamine promoted the expression of virulence genes psl, alg, lasA, rhlABC, rml, and phz in P. aeruginosa PAO1. Metabolomic analysis revealed changes in the concentrations of tryptophan, pyruvate, ethanolamine, glycine, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, and alizarin. Furthermore, KEGG enrichment analysis of altered genes and metabolites indicated that dopamine enhanced phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan in P. aeruginosa PAO1. The results of this study will contribute to the development of novel exogenous QS signaling molecules or modulating factors and advance our understanding of the interactions between P. aeruginosa and the host environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Liang Xiang
- Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Kai-Zhong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Lu-Jun Yin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Yong Rao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Ai-Qun Jia
- Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cai Q, Wang JJ, Xie JT, Jiang DH. Functional characterization of BbEaf6 in Beauveria bassiana: Implications for fungal virulence and stress response. Virulence 2024; 15:2387172. [PMID: 39082211 PMCID: PMC11299629 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2387172] [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] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The Eaf6 protein, a conserved component of the NuA4 and NuA3 complexes in yeast and MOZ/MORF complexes in humans, plays crucial roles in transcriptional activation, gene regulation, and cell cycle control. Despite its significance in other organisms, the functional role of Eaf6 in entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) remained unexplored. Here, we investigate the function of BbEaf6, the Eaf6 homolog in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. We demonstrate that BbEaf6 is predominantly localized in nuclei, similar to its counterpart in other fungi. Deletion of BbEaf6 resulted in delayed conidiation, reduced conidial yield, and altered conidial properties. Transcriptomic analysis revealed dysregulation of the genes involved in asexual development and cell cycle progression in the ΔBbEaf6 mutant. Furthermore, the ΔBbEaf6 mutant exhibited decreased tolerance to various stresses, including ionic stress, cell wall perturbation, and DNA damage stress. Notably, the ΔBbEaf6 mutant displayed attenuated virulence in insect bioassays, accompanied by dysregulation of genes associated with cuticle penetration and haemocoel infection. Overall, our study elucidates the multifaceted role of BbEaf6 in stress response, development, and virulence in B. bassiana, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms governing fungal pathogenesis and potential targets for pest management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juan-Juan Wang
- School of Biological Science and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jia-Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dao-Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ko S, Nguyen HMT, Lee W, Kim D. Developing the PIP-eco: An integrated genomic pipeline for identification and characterization of Escherichia coli pathotypes encompassing hybrid forms. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:3040-3049. [PMID: 39175796 PMCID: PMC11340603 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.07.017] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains are distinguished by their diverse virulence factors, which contribute to a wide spectrum of diseases. These pathogens evolve through the horizontal transfer of virulence factors, resulting in the emergence of hybrid pathotypes with complex and heterogeneous characteristics. Recognizing their profound impact on public health, this study introduces the PIP-eco pipeline, a comprehensive analytical tool designed for the precise identification and characterization of E. coli pathotypes. This PIP-eco pipeline advances beyond traditional molecular techniques by facilitating detailed analysis of both single and hybrid pathotypes. It integrates targeted marker gene analysis, virulence factor-based phylogenetic analysis, and pathogenicity islands (PAIs) profiling to elucidate the genetic diversity of E. coli pathotypes and support their accurate classification. This integrative approach enables PIP-eco to uncover connections among various E. coli pathotypes, highlight shared virulence factors, and provide insights into their evolutionary trajectories. By utilizing experimentally validated marker genes, the pipeline ensures robust identification of pathotypes, particularly those of hybrid pathotypes. Additionally, PAI analysis offers comprehensive genetic investigations, revealing strain-specific variations and potential virulence mechanisms. As a result, the PIP-eco pipeline emerges as a useful tool for dissecting the evolutionary dynamics of E. coli and characterizing complex pathotypes, addressing the critical need for accurate detection and understanding of hybrid pathotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyoung Ko
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Huynh Minh Triet Nguyen
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Woojung Lee
- Division of Food Microbiology, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyuk Kim
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dong Z, Li L, Du G, Zhang Y, Wang X, Li S, Xiang W. A previously unidentified sugar transporter for engineering of high-yield Streptomyces. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:72. [PMID: 38194147 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12964-9] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Sugar transporters have significant contributions to regulate metabolic flux towards products and they are general potential targets for engineering of high-yield microbial cell factories. Streptomyces, well-known producers of natural product pharmaceuticals, contain an abundance of sugar transporters, while few of them are well characterized and applied. Here, we report a previously unidentified ATP-binding cassette (ABC) sugar transporter TP6568 found within a Streptomyces avermitilis transposon library, along with its key regulator GM006564. Subsequent in silico molecular docking and genetic experiments demonstrated that TP6568 possessed a broad substrate specificity. It could not only promote uptake of diverse monosaccharides and disaccharides, but also enhance the utilization of industrial carbon sources such as starch, sucrose, and dextrin. Constitutive overexpression of TP6568 resulted in decrease of residual total sugar by 36.16%, 39.04%, 38.40%, and 30.21% in engineered S. avermitilis S0, Streptomyces caniferus NEAU6, Streptomyces bingchenggensis BC-101-4, and Streptomyces roseosporus NRRL 11379 than their individual parent strain, respectively. Production of avermectin B1a, guvermectin, and milbemycin A3/A4 increased by 75.61%, 56.89%, and 41.13%, respectively. We then overexpressed TP6568 in combination with the regulator GM006564 in a high-yield strain S. avermitilis S45, and further fine-tuning of their overexpression levels boosted production of avermectin B1a by 50.97% to 7.02 g/L in the engineering strain. Our work demonstrates that TP6568 as a promising sugar transporter may have broad applications in construction of high-yield Streptomyces microbial cell factories for desirable natural product pharmaceuticals. KEY POINTS: • TP6568 from Streptomyces avermitilis was identified as a sugar transporter • TP6568 enhanced utilization of diverse industrially used sugars in Streptomyces • TP6568 is a useful transporter to construct high-yield Streptomyces cell factories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoxu Dong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guozhong Du
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiangjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Wensheng Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jeong GJ, Khan F, Tabassum N, Kim YM. Motility of Acinetobacter baumannii: regulatory systems and controlling strategies. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:3. [PMID: 38159120 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12975-6] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic zoonotic pathogenic bacterium that causes nosocomial infections ranging from minor to life-threatening. The clinical importance of this zoonotic pathogen is rapidly increasing due to the development of multiple resistance mechanisms and the synthesis of numerous virulence factors. Although no flagellum-mediated motility exists, it may move through twitching or surface-associated motility. Twitching motility is a coordinated multicellular movement caused by the extension, attachment, and retraction of type IV pili, which are involved in surface adherence and biofilm formation. Surface-associated motility is a kind of movement that does not need appendages and is most likely driven by the release of extra polymeric molecules. This kind of motility is linked to the production of 1,3-diaminopropane, lipooligosaccharide formation, natural competence, and efflux pump proteins. Since A. baumannii's virulence qualities are directly tied to motility, it is possible that its motility may be used as a specialized preventative or therapeutic measure. The current review detailed the signaling mechanism and involvement of various proteins in controlling A. baumannii motility. As a result, we have thoroughly addressed the role of natural and synthetic compounds that impede A. baumannii motility, as well as the underlying action mechanisms. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms behind A. baumannii's motility features will aid in the development of therapeutic drugs to control its infection. KEY POINTS: • Acinetobacter baumannii exhibits multiple resistance mechanisms. • A. baumannii can move owing to twitching and surface-associated motility. • Natural and synthetic compounds can attenuate A. baumannii motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geum-Jae Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kumari P, Yadav S, Sarkar S, Satheeshkumar PK. Cleavage of cell junction proteins as a host invasion strategy in leptospirosis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:119. [PMID: 38204132 PMCID: PMC10781872 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12945-y] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Infection and invasion are the prerequisites for developing the disease symptoms in a host. While the probable mechanism of host invasion and pathogenesis is known in many pathogens, very little information is available on Leptospira invasion/pathogenesis. For causing systemic infection Leptospira must transmigrate across epithelial barriers, which is the most critical and challenging step. Extracellular and membrane-bound proteases play a crucial role in the invasion process. An extensive search for the proteins experimentally proven to be involved in the invasion process through cell junction cleavage in other pathogens has resulted in identifying 26 proteins. The similarity searches on the Leptospira genome for counterparts of these 26 pathogenesis-related proteins identified at least 12 probable coding sequences. The proteins were either extracellular or membrane-bound with a proteolytic domain to cleave the cell junction proteins. This review will emphasize our current understanding of the pathogenic aspects of host cell junction-pathogenic protein interactions involved in the invasion process. Further, potential candidate proteins with cell junction cleavage properties that may be exploited in the diagnostic/therapeutic aspects of leptospirosis will also be discussed. KEY POINTS: • The review focussed on the cell junction cleavage proteins in bacterial pathogenesis • Cell junction disruptors from Leptospira genome are identified using bioinformatics • The review provides insights into the therapeutic/diagnostic interventions possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Kumari
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Suhani Yadav
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Sresha Sarkar
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Padikara K Satheeshkumar
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fang J, Zhou G, Zhao H, Xie D, Zhang J, Kües U, Xiao Y, Fang Z, Liu J. An apoptosis-inducing factor controls programmed cell death and laccase expression during fungal interactions. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:135. [PMID: 38229306 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12988-1] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Apoptotic-like programmed cell death (PCD) is one of the main strategies for fungi to resist environmental stresses and maintain homeostasis. The apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) has been shown in different fungi to trigger PCD through upregulating reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study identified a mitochondrial localized AIF homolog, CcAIF1, from Coprinopsis cinerea monokaryon Okayama 7. Heterologous overexpression of CcAIF1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae caused apoptotic-like PCD of the yeast cells. Ccaif1 was increased in transcription when C. cinerea interacted with Gongronella sp. w5, accompanied by typical apoptotic-like PCD in C. cinerea, including phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation. Decreased mycelial ROS levels were observed in Ccaif1 silenced C. cinerea transformants during cocultivation, as well as reduction of the apoptotic levels, mycelial growth, and asexual sporulation. By comparison, Ccaif1 overexpression led to the opposite phenotypes. Moreover, the transcription and expression levels of laccase Lcc9 decreased by Ccaif1 silencing but increased firmly in Ccaif1 overexpression C. cinerea transformants in coculture. Thus, in conjunction with our previous report that intracellular ROS act as signal molecules to stimulate defense responses, we conclude that CcAIF1 is a regulator of ROS to promote apoptotic-like PCD and laccase expression in fungal-fungal interactions. In an axenic culture of C. cinerea, CcAIF1 overexpression and H2O2 stimulation together increased laccase secretion with multiplied production yield. The expression of two other normally silent isozymes, Lcc8 and Lcc13, was unexpectedly triggered along with Lcc9. KEY POINTS: • Mitochondrial CcAIF1 induces PCD during fungal-fungal interactions • CcAIF1 is a regulator of ROS to trigger the expression of Lcc9 for defense • CcAIF1 overexpression and H2O2 stimulation dramatically increase laccase production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junnan Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Huifang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Dengdeng Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Jingna Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Ursula Kües
- Molecular Wood Biotechnology and Technical Mycology, Büsgen‑Institute, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Yazhong Xiao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Zemin Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
| | - Juanjuan Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Andersen JB, Rybtke M, Tolker-Nielsen T. The dynamics of biofilm development and dispersal should be taken into account when quantifying biofilm via the crystal violet microtiter plate assay. Biofilm 2024; 8:100207. [PMID: 39021701 PMCID: PMC11253283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The crystal violet microtiter plate biofilm assay is often used to compare the amount of biofilm formed by a mutant versus wild-type or a compound-treated biofilm versus the non-treatment control. In many of these studies the amount of biofilm is assessed only at one single time point. However, if the dynamics of biofilm development of the mutant (or compound-treated biofilm) is different than that of the wild-type (or non-treatment control), then biofilm quantification at a single time point may give misleading results. To overcome this shortcoming of the common biofilm quantification technique, we recommend to use a serial dilution-based crystal violet microtiter plate biofilm assay for easy assessment of the dynamics of biofilm development and dispersal. We demonstrate that the dilution-resolved crystal violet assay displays the dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development and dispersal as efficient as a time-resolved crystal violet assay. In addition, focusing on mutants of different parts of the c-di-GMP signaling system in P. aeruginosa, we provide an example illustrating the need to assess biofilm dynamics instead of quantifying biofilm biomass at a single time point.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bo Andersen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Rybtke
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tim Tolker-Nielsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
He J, Yang Z, Wang M, Jia R, Chen S, Liu M, Zhao X, Yang Q, Wu Y, Zhang S, Huang J, Ou X, Sun D, Tian B, He Y, Wu Z, Cheng A, Zhu D. Integrative and conjugative elements of Pasteurella multocida: Prevalence and signatures in population evolution. Virulence 2024; 15:2359467. [PMID: 38808732 PMCID: PMC11141479 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2359467] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is a bacterial pathogen responsible for a range of infections in humans and various animal hosts, causing significant economic losses in farming. Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are important horizontal gene transfer elements, potentially enabling host bacteria to enhance adaptability by acquiring multiple functional genes. However, the understanding of ICEs in P. multocida and their impact on the transmission of this pathogen remains limited. In this study, 42 poultry-sourced P. multocida genomes obtained by high-throughput sequencing together with 393 publicly available P. multocida genomes were used to analyse the horizontal transfer of ICEs. Eighty-two ICEs were identified in P. multocida, including SXT/R391 and Tn916 subtypes, as well as three subtypes of ICEHin1056 family, with the latter being widely prevalent in P. multocida and carrying multiple resistance genes. The correlations between insertion sequences and resistant genes in ICEs were also identified, and some ICEs introduced the carbapenem gene blaOXA-2 and the bleomycin gene bleO to P. multocida. Phylogenetic and collinearity analyses of these bioinformatics found that ICEs in P. multocida were transmitted vertically and horizontally and have evolved with host specialization. These findings provide insight into the transmission and evolution mode of ICEs in P. multocida and highlight the importance of understanding these elements for controlling the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao He
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhishuang Yang
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mafeng Liu
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinxin Zhao
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaqiu Zhang
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xumin Ou
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Di Sun
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Tian
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu He
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dekang Zhu
- Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sicence and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- International Joint Research Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yu M, Song T, Yu J, Cao H, Pan X, Qi Z, Du Y, Liu W, Liu Y. UvVelC is important for conidiation and pathogenicity in the rice false smut pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens. Virulence 2024; 15:2301243. [PMID: 38240294 PMCID: PMC10802205 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2301243] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Rice false smut disease is one of the most significant rice diseases worldwide. Ustilaginoidea virens is the causative agent of this disease. Although several developmental and pathogenic genes have been identified and functionally analyzed, the pathogenic molecular mechanisms of U. virens remain elusive. The velvet family regulatory proteins are involved in fungal development, conidiation, and pathogenicity. In this study, we demonstrated the function of the VelC homolog UvVELC in U. virens. We identified the velvet family protein UvVELC and characterized its functions using a target gene deletion-strategy. Deletion of UvVELC resulted in conidiation failure and pathogenicity. The UvVELC expression levels during infection suggested that this gene might be involved in the early infection process. UvVELC is also important in resistance to abiotic stresses, the utilization efficiency of glucose, stachyose, raffinose, and other sugars, and the expression of transport-related genes. Moreover, UvVELC could physically interact with UvVEA in yeast, and UvVELC/UvVEA double-knockout mutants also failed in conidiation and pathogenicity. These results indicate that UvVELC play a critical role in the conidiation and pathogenicity in U. virens. Functional analysis indicated that UvVELC-mediated conidiation and nutrient acquisition from rice regulates the pathogenicity of U. virens. Understanding the function of the UvVELC homolog could provide a potential molecular target for controlling rice false smut disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Yu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianqiao Song
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjie Yu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Huijuan Cao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiayan Pan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongqiang Qi
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Du
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Wende Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Insistant of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yongfeng Liu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Do DT, Yang MR, Vo TNS, Le NQK, Wu YW. Unitig-centered pan-genome machine learning approach for predicting antibiotic resistance and discovering novel resistance genes in bacterial strains. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1864-1876. [PMID: 38707536 PMCID: PMC11067008 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.035] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In current genomic research, the widely used methods for predicting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) often rely on prior knowledge of known AMR genes or reference genomes. However, these methods have limitations, potentially resulting in imprecise predictions owing to incomplete coverage of AMR mechanisms and genetic variations. To overcome these limitations, we propose a pan-genome-based machine learning approach to advance our understanding of AMR gene repertoires and uncover possible feature sets for precise AMR classification. By building compacted de Brujin graphs (cDBGs) from thousands of genomes and collecting the presence/absence patterns of unique sequences (unitigs) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we determined that using machine learning models on unitig-centered pan-genomes showed significant promise for accurately predicting the antibiotic resistance or susceptibility of microbial strains. Applying a feature-selection-based machine learning algorithm led to satisfactory predictive performance for the training dataset (with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of > 0.929) and an independent validation dataset (AUC, approximately 0.77). Furthermore, the selected unitigs revealed previously unidentified resistance genes, allowing for the expansion of the resistance gene repertoire to those that have not previously been described in the literature on antibiotic resistance. These results demonstrate that our proposed unitig-based pan-genome feature set was effective in constructing machine learning predictors that could accurately identify AMR pathogens. Gene sets extracted using this approach may offer valuable insights into expanding known AMR genes and forming new hypotheses to uncover the underlying mechanisms of bacterial AMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duyen Thi Do
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ren Yang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tran Nam Son Vo
- Department of Business Administration, College of Management, Lunghwa University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Nguyen Quoc Khanh Le
- Professional Master Program in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Clinical Big Data Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang T, Ray S, Melican K, Richter-Dahlfors A. The maturation of native uropathogenic Escherichia coli biofilms seen through a non-interventional lens. Biofilm 2024; 8:100212. [PMID: 39114648 PMCID: PMC11305213 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100212] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are a significant global health challenge. The UPEC biofilm lifestyle is believed to play an important role in infection recurrency and treatment resistance, but our understanding of how the extracellular matrix (ECM) components curli and cellulose contribute to biofilm formation and pathogenicity is limited. Here, we study the spatial and temporal development of native UPEC biofilm using agar-based detection methods where the non-toxic, optically active fluorescent tracer EbbaBiolight 680 reports the expression and structural location of curli in real-time. An in vitro screen of the biofilm capacity of common UPEC strains reveals significant strain variability and identifies UPEC No. 12 (UPEC12) as a strong biofilm former at 28 °C and 37 °C. Non-interventional microscopy, including time-lapse and 2-photon, reveal significant horizontal and vertical heterogeneity in the UPEC12 biofilm structure. We identify region-specific expression of curli, with a shift in localization from the bottom of the flat central regions of the biofilm to the upper surface in the topographically dramatic intermediate region. When investigating if the rdar morphotype affects wettability of the biofilm surface, we found that the nano-architecture of curli guided by cellulose, rather than the rdar macrostructures, leads to increased hydrophobicity of the biofilm. By providing new insights at exceptional temporal and spatial resolution, we demonstrate how non-interventional analysis of native biofilms will facilitate the next generation of understanding into the roles of ECM components during growth of UPEC biofilms and their contribution to the pathogenesis of UTI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Zhang
- AIMES-Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sanhita Ray
- AIMES-Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Keira Melican
- AIMES-Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Richter-Dahlfors
- AIMES-Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Seabaugh JA, Anderson DM. Pathogenicity and virulence of Yersinia. Virulence 2024; 15:2316439. [PMID: 38389313 PMCID: PMC10896167 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2316439] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Yersinia includes human, animal, insect, and plant pathogens as well as many symbionts and harmless bacteria. Within this genus are Yersinia enterocolitica and the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis complex, with four human pathogenic species that are highly related at the genomic level including the causative agent of plague, Yersinia pestis. Extensive laboratory, field work, and clinical research have been conducted to understand the underlying pathogenesis and zoonotic transmission of these pathogens. There are presently more than 500 whole genome sequences from which an evolutionary footprint can be developed that details shared and unique virulence properties. Whereas the virulence of Y. pestis now seems in apparent homoeostasis within its flea transmission cycle, substantial evolutionary changes that affect transmission and disease severity continue to ndergo apparent selective pressure within the other Yersiniae that cause intestinal diseases. In this review, we will summarize the present understanding of the virulence and pathogenesis of Yersinia, highlighting shared mechanisms of virulence and the differences that determine the infection niche and disease severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarett A. Seabaugh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
| | - Deborah M. Anderson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lucidi M, Visaggio D, Migliaccio A, Capecchi G, Visca P, Imperi F, Zarrilli R. Pathogenicity and virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii: Factors contributing to the fitness in healthcare settings and the infected host. Virulence 2024; 15:2289769. [PMID: 38054753 PMCID: PMC10732645 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2289769] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections and hospital outbreaks, particularly in intensive care units. Much of the success of A. baumannii relies on its genomic plasticity, which allows rapid adaptation to adversity and stress. The capacity to acquire novel antibiotic resistance determinants and the tolerance to stresses encountered in the hospital environment promote A. baumannii spread among patients and long-term contamination of the healthcare setting. This review explores virulence factors and physiological traits contributing to A. baumannii infection and adaptation to the hospital environment. Several cell-associated and secreted virulence factors involved in A. baumannii biofilm formation, cell adhesion, invasion, and persistence in the host, as well as resistance to xeric stress imposed by the healthcare settings, are illustrated to give reasons for the success of A. baumannii as a hospital pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Lucidi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Visaggio
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Imperi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Zarrilli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kajsikova M, Kajsik M, Bocanova L, Papayova K, Drahovska H, Bukovska G. Endolysin EN572-5 as an alternative to treat urinary tract infection caused by Streptococcus agalactiae. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:79. [PMID: 38189950 PMCID: PMC10774192 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12949-8] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is an opportunistic pathogen causing urinary tract infection (UTI). Endolysin EN572-5 was identified in prophage KMB-572-E of the human isolate Streptococcus agalactiae KMB-572. The entire EN572-5 gene was cloned into an expression vector and the corresponding recombinant protein EN572-5 was expressed in Escherichia coli in a soluble form, isolated by affinity chromatography, and characterized. The isolated protein was highly active after 30 min incubation in a temperature range of - 20 °C to 37 °C and in a pH range of 5.5-8.0. The endolysin EN572-5 lytic activity was tested on different Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. The enzyme lysed clinical GBS (n = 31/31) and different streptococci (n = 6/8), and also exhibited moderate lytic activity against UPEC (n = 4/4), but no lysis of beneficial vaginal lactobacilli (n = 4) was observed. The ability of EN572-5 to eliminate GBS during UTI was investigated using an in vitro model of UPSA. After the administration of 3 μM EN572-5, a nearly 3-log decrease of urine bacterial burden was detected within 3 h. To date, no studies have been published on the use of endolysins against S. agalactiae during UTI. KEY POINTS: • A lytic protein, EN572-5, from a prophage of a human GBS isolate has been identified. • This protein is easily produced, simple to prepare, and stable after lyophilization. • The bacteriolytic activity of EN572-5 was demonstrated for the first time in human urine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kajsikova
- Department of Genomics and Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biology SAS, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Kajsik
- Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovicova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Bocanova
- Department of Genomics and Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biology SAS, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Papayova
- Department of Genomics and Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biology SAS, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Hana Drahovska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovicova 6, 841 15, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Bukovska
- Department of Genomics and Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biology SAS, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Xu JT, Yu JF, Cheng T, Feng A, Yang P, Gu J, Yu HJ, Deng JY. The T120P or M172V mutation on rv2172c confers high level para-aminosalicylic acid resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2374030. [PMID: 39023395 PMCID: PMC11271092 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2374030] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Although para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) has been used to treat tuberculosis for decades, mechanisms of resistance to this drug in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) clinical isolates have not been thoroughly investigated. Previously, we found that decreased methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) activity of Rv2172c led to increased sensitivity to antifolates in M. tuberculosis. In this study, we collected the genome-sequencing data of 173 PAS-resistant and 803 PAS-sensitive clinical isolates and analyzed rv2172c mutations in those 976 isolates. The results showed that two mutations (T120P and M172V) on rv2172c could be identified in a certain proportion (6.36%) of PAS-resistant isolates. The results of AlphaFold2 prediction indicated that the T120P or M172V mutation might affect the enzymatic activity of Rv2172c by influencing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) binding, and this was verified by subsequent biochemical analysis, demonstrating the role of residues Thr120 and Met172 on NADH binding and enzymatic activity of Rv2172c. In addition, the effect of rv2172c T120P or M172V mutation on methionine production and PAS resistance was determined in M. tuberculosis. The results showed that both T120P and M172V mutations caused increased intracellular methionine concentrations and high level PAS resistance. In summary, we discovered new molecular markers and also a novel mechanism of PAS resistance in M. tuberculosis clinical isolates and broadened the understanding of the NADH-dependent MTHFR catalytic mechanism of Rv2172c in M. tuberculosis, which will facilitate the molecular diagnosis of PAS resistance and also the development of new drugs targeting Rv2172c.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Tian Xu
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji-Fang Yu
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Cheng
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ao Feng
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Gu
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Jun Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiao-Yu Deng
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Jiao J, Lv X, Shen C, Morigen M. Genome and transcriptomic analysis of the adaptation of Escherichia coli to environmental stresses. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2132-2140. [PMID: 38817967 PMCID: PMC11137339 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In natural niches, bacteria are forced to spend most of their lives under various environmental stresses, such as nutrient limitation, heavy metal pollution, heat and antibiotic stress. To cope with adverse environments, bacterial genome can during the life cycle, produce potential adaptive mutants. The genomic changes, especially mutations, in the genes that encode RNA polymerase and transcription factors, might lead to variations in the transcriptome. These variations enable bacteria to cope with environmental stresses through physiological adaptation in response to stress. This paper reviews the recent contributions of genomic and transcriptomic analyses in understanding the adaption mechanism of Escherichia coli to environmental stresses. Various genomic changes have been observed in E. coli strains in laboratory or under natural stresses, including starvation, heavy metals, acidic conditions, heat shock and antibiotics. The mutations include slight changes (one to several nucleotides), deletions, insertions, chromosomal rearrangements and variations in copy numbers. The transcriptome of E. coli largely changes due to genomic mutations. However, the transcriptional profiles vary due to variations in stress selections. Cellular adaptation to the selections is associated with transcriptional changes resulting from genomic mutations. Changes in genome and transcriptome are cooperative and jointly affect the adaptation of E. coli to different environments. This comprehensive review reveals that coordination of genome mutations and transcriptional variations needs to be explored further to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of bacterial adaptation to stresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianlu Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiaoli Lv
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chongjie Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Morigen Morigen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hasan MK, Jeannine Brady L. Nucleic acid-binding KH domain proteins influence a spectrum of biological pathways including as part of membrane-localized complexes. J Struct Biol X 2024; 10:100106. [PMID: 39040530 PMCID: PMC11261784 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjsbx.2024.100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
K-Homology domain (KH domain) proteins bind single-stranded nucleic acids, influence protein-protein interactions of proteins that harbor them, and are found in all kingdoms of life. In concert with other functional protein domains KH domains contribute to a variety of critical biological activities, often within higher order machineries including membrane-localized protein complexes. Eukaryotic KH domain proteins are linked to developmental processes, morphogenesis, and growth regulation, and their aberrant expression is often associated with cancer. Prokaryotic KH domain proteins are involved in integral cellular activities including cell division and protein translocation. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic KH domains share structural features, but are differentiated based on their structural organizations. In this review, we explore the structure/function relationships of known examples of KH domain proteins, and highlight cases in which they function within or at membrane surfaces. We also summarize examples of KH domain proteins that influence bacterial virulence and pathogenesis. We conclude the article by discussing prospective research avenues that could be pursued to better investigate this largely understudied protein category.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Kamrul Hasan
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - L. Jeannine Brady
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wen X, Lin J, Yang C, Li Y, Cheng H, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Ma H, Mao Y, Liao X, Wang M. Automated characterization and analysis of expression compatibility between regulatory sequences and metabolic genes in Escherichia coli. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:647-657. [PMID: 38817827 PMCID: PMC11137365 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.05.010] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Utilizing standardized artificial regulatory sequences to fine-tuning the expression of multiple metabolic pathways/genes is a key strategy in the creation of efficient microbial cell factories. However, when regulatory sequence expression strengths are characterized using only a few reporter genes, they may not be applicable across diverse genes. This introduces great uncertainty into the precise regulation of multiple genes at multiple expression levels. To address this, our study adopted a fluorescent protein fusion strategy for a more accurate assessment of target protein expression levels. We combined 41 commonly-used metabolic genes with 15 regulatory sequences, yielding an expression dataset encompassing 520 unique combinations. This dataset highlighted substantial variation in protein expression level under identical regulatory sequences, with relative expression levels ranging from 2.8 to 176-fold. It also demonstrated that improving the strength of regulatory sequences does not necessarily lead to significant improvements in the expression levels of target proteins. Utilizing this dataset, we have developed various machine learning models and discovered that the integration of promoter regions, ribosome binding sites, and coding sequences significantly improves the accuracy of predicting protein expression levels, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.72, where the promoter sequence exerts a predominant influence. Our study aims not only to provide a detailed guide for fine-tuning gene expression in the metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli but also to deepen our understanding of the compatibility issues between regulatory sequences and target genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Jiawei Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- School of Biological Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Chunhe Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- School of Biological Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Ying Li
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- School of Biological Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Haijiao Cheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Hongwu Ma
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Yufeng Mao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Xiaoping Liao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin, 300308, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Suban S, Yemini S, Shor A, Waldman Ben-Asher H, Yaron O, Karako-Lampert S, Sendersky E, Golden SS, Schwarz R. A cyanobacterial sigma factor F controls biofilm-promoting genes through intra- and intercellular pathways. Biofilm 2024; 8:100217. [PMID: 39188729 PMCID: PMC11345509 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria frequently constitute integral components of microbial communities known as phototrophic biofilms, which are widespread in various environments. Moreover, assemblages of these organisms, which serve as an expression platform, simplify harvesting the biomass, thereby holding significant industrial relevance. Previous studies of the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 revealed that its planktonic growth habit results from a biofilm-suppression mechanism that depends on an extracellular inhibitor, an observation that opens the door to investigating cyanobacterial intercellular communication. Here, we demonstrate that the RNA polymerase sigma factor SigF1, is required for this biofilm-suppression mechanism whereas the S. elongatus paralog SigF2 is not involved in biofilm regulation. Comprehensive transcriptome analyses identified distinct regulons under the control of each of these sigma factors. sigF1 inactivation substantially lowers transcription of genes that code for the primary pilus subunit and consequently prevents pilus assembly. Moreover, additional data demonstrate absence of the biofilm inhibitor from conditioned medium of the sigF1 mutant, further validating involvement of the pilus assembly complex in secretion of the biofilm inhibitor. Consequently, expression is significantly upregulated for the ebfG-operon that encodes matrix components and the genes that encode the corresponding secretion system, which are repressed by the biofilm inhibitor in the wild type. Thus, this study uncovers a basic regulatory component of cyanobacterial intercellular communication, a field that is in its infancy. Elevated expression of biofilm-promoting genes in a sigF1 mutant supports an additional layer of regulation by SigF1 that operates via an intracellular mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiran Suban
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Sapir Yemini
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Anna Shor
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Hiba Waldman Ben-Asher
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Orly Yaron
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Sarit Karako-Lampert
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Susan S. Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Liu Y, Yuan J, Li Y, Bi Y, Prusky DB. The sensor protein AaSho1 regulates infection structures differentiation, osmotic stress tolerance and virulence via MAPK module AaSte11-AaPbs2-AaHog1 in Alternaria alternata. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1594-1607. [PMID: 38680872 PMCID: PMC11047198 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The high-osmolarity-sensitive protein Sho1 functions as a key membrane receptor in phytopathogenic fungi, which can sense and respond to external stimuli or stresses, and synergistically regulate diverse fungal biological processes through cellular signaling pathways. In this study, we investigated the biological functions of AaSho1 in Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of pear black spot. Targeted gene deletion revealed that AaSho1 is essential for infection structure differentiation, response to external stresses and synthesis of secondary metabolites. Compared to the wild-type (WT), the ∆AaSho1 mutant strain showed no significant difference in colony growth, morphology, conidial production and biomass accumulation. However, the mutant strain exhibited significantly reduced levels of melanin production, cellulase (CL) and ploygalacturonase (PG) activities, virulence, resistance to various exogenous stresses. Moreover, the appressorium and infection hyphae formation rates of the ∆AaSho1 mutant strain were significantly inhibited. RNA-Seq results showed that there were four branches including pheromone, cell wall stress, high osmolarity and starvation in the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) cascade pathway. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid experiments showed that AaSho1 activates the MAPK pathway via AaSte11-AaPbs2-AaHog1. These results suggest that AaSho1 of A. alternata is essential for fungal development, pathogenesis and osmotic stress response by activating the MAPK cascade pathway via Sho1-Ste11-Pbs2-Hog1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- College of Horticulture, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongcai Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Bi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dov B. Prusky
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization Volcani Center Information Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Camargo A, Ramírez JD, Kiu R, Hall LJ, Muñoz M. Unveiling the pathogenic mechanisms of Clostridium perfringens toxins and virulence factors. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2341968. [PMID: 38590276 PMCID: PMC11057404 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2341968] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens causes multiple diseases in humans and animals. Its pathogenic effect is supported by a broad and heterogeneous arsenal of toxins and other virulence factors associated with a specific host tropism. Molecular approaches have indicated that most C. perfringens toxins produce membrane pores, leading to osmotic cell disruption and apoptosis. However, identifying mechanisms involved in cell tropism and selective toxicity effects should be studied more. The differential presence and polymorphisms of toxin-encoding genes and genes encoding other virulence factors suggest that molecular mechanisms might exist associated with host preference, receptor binding, and impact on the host; however, this information has not been reviewed in detail. Therefore, this review aims to clarify the current state of knowledge on the structural features and mechanisms of action of the major toxins and virulence factors of C. perfringens and discuss the impact of genetic diversity of toxinotypes in tropism for several hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anny Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raymond Kiu
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Lindsay J. Hall
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Instituto de Biotecnología-UN (IBUN), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Mondragón-Rosas F, Florencio-Martínez LE, Villa-Delavequia GS, Manning-Cela RG, Carrero JC, Nepomuceno-Mejía T, Martínez-Calvillo S. Characterization of Tau95 led to the identification of a four-subunit TFIIIC complex in trypanosomatid parasites. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:109. [PMID: 38204130 PMCID: PMC10781861 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12903-8] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) synthetizes small essential non-coding RNA molecules such as tRNAs and 5S rRNA. In yeast and vertebrates, RNAP III needs general transcription factors TFIIIA, TFIIIB, and TFIIIC to initiate transcription. TFIIIC, composed of six subunits, binds to internal promoter elements in RNAP III-dependent genes. Limited information is available about RNAP III transcription in the trypanosomatid protozoa Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major, which diverged early from the eukaryotic lineage. Analyses of the first published draft of the trypanosomatid genome sequences failed to recognize orthologs of any of the TFIIIC subunits, suggesting that this transcription factor is absent in these parasites. However, a putative TFIIIC subunit was recently annotated in the databases. Here we characterize this subunit in T. brucei and L. major and demonstrate that it corresponds to Tau95. In silico analyses showed that both proteins possess the typical Tau95 sequences: the DNA binding region and the dimerization domain. As anticipated for a transcription factor, Tau95 localized to the nucleus in insect forms of both parasites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated that Tau95 binds to tRNA and U2 snRNA genes in T. brucei. Remarkably, by performing tandem affinity purifications we identified orthologs of TFIIIC subunits Tau55, Tau131, and Tau138 in T. brucei and L. major. Thus, contrary to what was assumed, trypanosomatid parasites do possess a TFIIIC complex. Other putative interacting partners of Tau95 were identified in T. brucei and L. major. KEY POINTS: • A four-subunit TFIIIC complex is present in T. brucei and L. major • TbTau95 associates with tRNA and U2 snRNA genes • Putative interacting partners of Tau95 might include some RNAP II regulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Mondragón-Rosas
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Unidad de Biomedicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Luis E Florencio-Martínez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Unidad de Biomedicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Gino S Villa-Delavequia
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Unidad de Biomedicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Rebeca G Manning-Cela
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Av. IPN 2508, Ciudad de Mexico, CP 07360, México
| | - Julio C Carrero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico, 04510, México
| | - Tomás Nepomuceno-Mejía
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Unidad de Biomedicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Santiago Martínez-Calvillo
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Unidad de Biomedicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México, CP 54090, México.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wang H, Li H, Liu Z, Zhu Z, Cao Y. Activity of thonningianin A against Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:96. [PMID: 38212967 PMCID: PMC10784352 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12996-1] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections are increasing rapidly, and antifungal agents used in clinics are limited. Therefore, novel antifungal agents with high efficiency are urgently required. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of thonningianin A (THA), a natural compound that is widely found in plants. We first determined the activity of THA against Candida albicans, one of the most common fungal pathogens, and found that THA showed antifungal activity against all C. albicans tested, including several fluconazole-resistant isolates. THA also inhibits the growth of non-Candida albicans species. In addition, THA displayed antibiofilm activity and could not only inhibit biofilm formation but also destroy mature biofilms. The in vivo antifungal efficacy of THA was confirmed in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Further studies revealed that THA could enhance intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and regulate the transcription of several redox-related genes. Specifically, caspase activity and expression of CaMCA1, a caspase-encoding gene in C. albicans, were remarkably increased upon THA treatment. Consistent with this, in the presence of THA, the Camca1 null mutant displayed higher survival rates and reduced caspase activity compared to the wild-type or CaMCA1-reintroduced strains, indicating an important role of CaMCA1 in the antifungal activity of THA. Taken together, our results indicate that THA possesses excellent antifungal activity and may be a promising novel antifungal candidate. KEY POINTS: • THA exhibits activity against Candida species, including fluconazole-resistant isolates • THA inhibits biofilm formation and destroys mature biofilm • Elevated ROS production and CaMCA1-mediated caspase activity are involved in the antifungal mechanisms of THA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - ZhiWei Liu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - ZhenYu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - YingYing Cao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.
| |
Collapse
|