Siderophores of Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus thuringiensis

Plant growth promoting effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H-2-5 on crop plants and influence on physiological changes in soybean under soil salinity

This study was aimed to identify plant growth-promoting bacterial isolates from soil samples and to investigate their ability to improve plant growth and salt tolerance by analysing phytohormones production and phosphate solubilisation. Among the four tested bacterial isolates (I-2-1, H-1-4, H-2-3, and H-2-5), H-2-5 was able to enhance the growth of Chinese cabbage, radish, tomato, and mustard plants. The isolated bacterium H-2-5 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H-2-5 based on 16S rDNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis. The secretion of gibberellins (GA₄, GA₈, GA₉, GA₁₉, and GA₂₀) from B. amyloliquefaciens H-2-5 and their phosphate solubilisation ability may contribute to enhance plant growth. In addition, the H-2-5-mediated mitigation of short term salt stress was tested on soybean plants that were affected by sodium chloride. Abscisic acid (ABA) produced by the H-2-5 bacterium suppressed the NaCl-induced stress effects in soybean by enhancing plant growth and GA₄ content, and by lowering the concentration of ABA, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and proline. These results suggest that GAs, ABA production, and the phosphate solubilisation capacity of B. amyloliquefaciens H-2-5 are important stimulators that promote plant growth through their interaction and also to improve plant growth by physiological changes in soybean at saline soil.

Actinomycete Metabolome Induction/Suppression with N-Acetylglucosamine

The metabolite profiles of three sponge-derived actinomycetes, namely, Micromonospora sp. RV43, Rhodococcus sp. RV157, and Actinokineospora sp. EG49 were investigated after elicitation with N-acetyl-d-glucosamine. ¹H NMR fingerprint methodology was utilized to study the differences in the metabolic profiles of the bacterial extracts before and after elicitation. Our study found that the addition of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine modified the secondary metabolite profiles of the three investigated actinomycete isolates. N-Acetyl-d-glucosamine induced the production of 3-formylindole (11) and guaymasol (12) in Micromonospora sp. RV43, the siderophore bacillibactin 16, and surfactin antibiotic 17 in Rhodococcus sp. RV157 and increased the production of minor metabolites actinosporins E-H (21-24) in Actinokineospora sp. EG49. These results highlight the use of NMR fingerprinting to detect changes in metabolism following addition of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine. N-Acetyl-d-glucosamine was shown to have multiple effects including suppression of metabolites, induction of new metabolites, and increased production of minor compounds.

Identification of arsenic resistant endophytic bacteria from Pteris vittata roots and characterization for arsenic remediation application

Mitigation of arsenic (As) pollution is a topical environmental issue of high R&D priority. The present investigation was carried out to isolate As resistant endophytes from the roots of Indian ecotype Pteris vittata and characterize their As transformation and tolerance ability, plant growth promoting characteristics and their role to facilitate As uptake by the plant. A total of 8 root endophytes were isolated from plants grown in As amended soil (25 mg As kg(-1)). These isolates were studied for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), arsenite As(III) - arsenate As(V) transformation ability, plant growth promoting (PGP) characteristics through siderophore, indole acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphatase, ACC deaminase activity, and presence of arsenite oxidase (aox) and arsenite transporter (arsB) genes. On the basis of 16S rDNA sequence analysis, these isolates belong to Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes families under the genera Bacillus, Enterobacter, Stenotrophomonas and Rhizobium. All isolates were found As tolerant, of which one isolates showed highest tolerance up to 1000 mg L(-1) concentration in SLP medium. Five isolates were IAA positive with highest IAA production up to 60 mg/L and two isolates exhibited siderophore activity. Phosphatase activity was shown by only one isolate while ACC deaminase activity was absent in all the isolates. The As transformation study by silver nitrate test showed that only two strains had dual characteristics of As(III) oxidation and As (V) reduction, four strains exhibited either of the characteristics while other two didn't confirmed any of the two characteristics. Presence of aox gene was detected in two strains and arsB gene in six isolates. The strain with highest As tolerance also showed highest IAA production and occurrence of arsB gene. Present investigation may open up further scope of utilizing these endophytes for up gradation of phytoextraction process.

Bacillus cereus Response to a Proanthocyanidin Trimer, a Transcriptional and Functional Analysis

Proanthocyanidins are abundant in peanut skin, and in this study, the antibacterial effects of a peanut skin extract (PSE) against food-borne bacteria were investigated to find its minimum inhibitory concentration. Food-borne gram-positive bacteria, and in particular Bacillus cereus, was more sensitive to PSE. In particular, the inhibitory activity of epicatechin-(4β → 6)-epicatechin-(2β → O→7, 4β → 8)-catechin (EEC), a proanthocyanidin trimer from peanut skin, against B. cereus was stronger than that of procyanidin A1, a proanthocyanidin dimer. DNA microarray analysis of B. cereus treated with EEC was carried out, with a finding that 597 genes were significantly up-regulated. Analysis of the up-regulated genes suggested that EEC disrupted the normal condition of the cell membrane and wall of B. cereus and alter its usual nutritional metabolism. Moreover, treatment of B. cereus with EEC inhibited glucose uptake, suggesting that EEC affects the cell-surface adsorption.

Comparative Genomics of Iron-Transporting Systems in Bacillus cereus Strains and Impact of Iron Sources on Growth and Biofilm Formation

Iron is an important element for bacterial viability, however it is not readily available in most environments. We studied the ability of 20 undomesticated food isolates of Bacillus cereus and two reference strains for capacity to use different (complex) iron sources for growth and biofilm formation. Studies were performed in media containing the iron scavenger 2,2-Bipyridine. Transcriptome analysis using B. cereus ATCC 10987 indeed showed upregulation of predicted iron transporters in the presence of 2,2-Bipyridine, confirming that iron was depleted upon its addition. Next, the impact of iron sources on growth performance of the 22 strains was assessed and correlations between growth stimulation and presence of putative iron transporter systems in the genome sequences were analyzed. All 22 strains effectively used Fe citrate and FeCl₃ for growth, and possessed genes for biosynthesis of the siderophore bacillibactin, whereas seven strains lacked genes for synthesis of petrobactin. Hemoglobin could be used by all strains with the exception of one strain that lacked functional petrobactin and IlsA systems. Hemin could be used by the majority of the tested strains (19 of 22). Notably, transferrin, ferritin, and lactoferrin were not commonly used by B. cereus for growth, as these iron sources could be used by 6, 3, and 2 strains, respectively. Furthermore, biofilm formation was found to be affected by the type of iron source used, including stimulation of biofilms at liquid-air interphase (FeCl₃ and Fe citrate) and formation of submerged type biofilms (hemin and lactoferrin). Our results show strain variability in the genome-encoded repertoire of iron-transporting systems and differences in efficacy to use complex iron sources for growth and biofilm formation. These features may affect B. cereus survival and persistence in specific niches.

Microbial siderophores and their potential applications: a review

Siderophores are small organic molecules produced by microorganisms under iron-limiting conditions which enhance the uptake of iron to the microorganisms. In environment, the ferric form of iron is insoluble and inaccessible at physiological pH (7.35-7.40). Under this condition, microorganisms synthesize siderophores which have high affinity for ferric iron. These ferric iron-siderophore complexes are then transported to cytosol. In cytosol, the ferric iron gets reduced into ferrous iron and becomes accessible to microorganism. In recent times, siderophores have drawn much attention due to its potential roles in different fields. Siderophores have application in microbial ecology to enhance the growth of several unculturable microorganisms and can alter the microbial communities. In the field of agriculture, different types of siderophores promote the growth of several plant species and increase their yield by enhancing the Fe uptake to plants. Siderophores acts as a potential biocontrol agent against harmful phyto-pathogens and holds the ability to substitute hazardous pesticides. Heavy-metal-contaminated samples can be detoxified by applying siderophores, which explicate its role in bioremediation. Siderophores can detect the iron content in different environments, exhibiting its role as a biosensor. In the medical field, siderophore uses the "Trojan horse strategy" to form complexes with antibiotics and helps in the selective delivery of antibiotics to the antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Certain iron overload diseases for example sickle cell anemia can be treated with the help of siderophores. Other medical applications of siderophores include antimalarial activity, removal of transuranic elements from the body, and anticancer activity. The aim of this review is to discuss the important roles and applications of siderophores in different sectors including ecology, agriculture, bioremediation, biosensor, and medicine.

Biodegradable siderophores: survey on their production, chelating and complexing properties

The academic and industrial research on the interactions of complexing agents with the environment has received more attention for more than half a century ago and has always been concerned with the applications of chelating agents in the environment. In contrast, in recent years, an increasing scholarly interest has been demonstrated in the chemical and biological degradation of chelating agents. This is reflected by the increasing number of chelating agents-related publications between 1950 and middle of 2016. Consequently, the discovery of new green biodegradable chelating agents is of great importance and has an impact in the non-biodegradable chelating agent’s replacement with their green chemistry analogs. To acquire iron, many bacteria growing aerobically, including marine species, produce siderophores, which are low-molecular-weight compounds produced to facilitate acquisition of iron. To date and to the best of our knowledge, this is a concise and complete review article of the current and previous relevant studies conducted in the field of production, purification of siderophore compounds and their metal complexes, and their roles in biology and medicine.

The Ligands of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin

Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), was originally identified in neutrophil granules as a heterodimer complex with gelatinase B (matrix metalloproteinase 9, MMP9), but more recently has been found to be secreted by damaged epithelial cells. Ngal is a member of the lipocalin family and subsequently named as lipocalin 2 on the basis of structural similarity with other members of the lipocalin family and its potential association with hydrophobic retinol and cholesterol oleate more strongly than their hydrophilic counterparts. In 2002, a landmark paper suggested that Ngal is a bacteriostatic agent which blocks iron acquisition by interacting with a number of bacterial siderophores, especially enterobactin. Since then, more siderophore-carrying functions have been reported than the possibility of hydrophobic ligand transport. In this setting, Ngal was renamed Siderocalin. Functions of siderocalin include not only bacteriostatic activity but potentially as a mediator of cell growth and differentiation; some of these functions appear to be referable to the holo siderocalin:siderophore:iron complex and recent work suggests that metabolic products may act as mammalian siderophores bound by Ngal. While still speculative, it may be that the mammalian siderophores can establish the missing link between Ngal and a number of its functions in vivo. This review provides an overview of the discoveries of the different ligands of Ngal and consequently related functions. Hydrophobic ligands, bacterial siderophores as well as their modified structures (synthetic siderophores), and mammalian siderophores are summarized.

Microbial-enhanced Selenium and Iron Biofortification of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)--Applications in Phytoremediation and Biofortification

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and other mammals. Most dietary Se is derived from crops. To develop a Se biofortification strategy for wheat, the effect of selenate fertilization and bacterial inoculation on Se uptake and plant growth was investigated. YAM2, a bacterium with 99% similarity to Bacillus pichinotyi, showed many plant growth promoting characteristics. Inoculation with YAM2 enhanced wheat growth, both in the presence and absence of selenate: YAM2-inoculated plants showed significantly higher dry weight, shoot length and spike length compared to un-inoculated plants. Selenate also stimulated wheat growth; Un-inoculated Se-treated plants showed a significantly higher dry weight and shoot length compared to control plants without Se. Bacterial inoculation significantly enhanced Se concentration in wheat kernels (167%) and stems (252%), as well as iron (Fe) levels in kernels (70%) and stems (147%), compared to un-inoculated plants. Inoculated Se-treated plants showed a significant increase in acid phosphatase activity, which may have contributed to the enhanced growth. In conclusion; Inoculation with Bacillus sp. YAM2 is a promising Se biofortification strategy for wheat and potentially other crops.

Production of the catechol type siderophore bacillibactin by the honey bee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae

The Gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus larvae is the etiological agent of American Foulbrood. This bacterial infection of honey bee brood is a notifiable epizootic posing a serious threat to global honey bee health because not only individual larvae but also entire colonies succumb to the disease. In the recent past considerable progress has been made in elucidating molecular aspects of host pathogen interactions during pathogenesis of P. larvae infections. Especially the sequencing and annotation of the complete genome of P. larvae was a major step forward and revealed the existence of several giant gene clusters coding for non-ribosomal peptide synthetases which might act as putative virulence factors. We here present the detailed analysis of one of these clusters which we demonstrated to be responsible for the biosynthesis of bacillibactin, a P. larvae siderophore. We first established culture conditions allowing the growth of P. larvae under iron-limited conditions and triggering siderophore production by P. larvae. Using a gene disruption strategy we linked siderophore production to the expression of an uninterrupted bacillibactin gene cluster. In silico analysis predicted the structure of a trimeric trithreonyl lactone (DHB-Gly-Thr)3 similar to the structure of bacillibactin produced by several Bacillus species. Mass spectrometric analysis unambiguously confirmed that the siderophore produced by P. larvae is identical to bacillibactin. Exposure bioassays demonstrated that P. larvae bacillibactin is not required for full virulence of P. larvae in laboratory exposure bioassays. This observation is consistent with results obtained for bacillibactin in other pathogenic bacteria.

Iron acquisition in Bacillus cereus: the roles of IlsA and bacillibactin in exogenous ferritin iron mobilization

In host-pathogen interactions, the struggle for iron may have major consequences on the outcome of the disease. To overcome the low solubility and bio-availability of iron, bacteria have evolved multiple systems to acquire iron from various sources such as heme, hemoglobin and ferritin. The molecular basis of iron acquisition from heme and hemoglobin have been extensively studied; however, very little is known about iron acquisition from host ferritin, a 24-mer nanocage protein able to store thousands of iron atoms within its cavity. In the human opportunistic pathogen Bacillus cereus, a surface protein named IlsA (Iron-regulated leucine rich surface protein type A) binds heme, hemoglobin and ferritin in vitro and is involved in virulence. Here, we demonstrate that IlsA acts as a ferritin receptor causing ferritin aggregation on the bacterial surface. Isothermal titration calorimetry data indicate that IlsA binds several types of ferritins through direct interaction with the shell subunits. UV-vis kinetic data show a significant enhancement of iron release from ferritin in the presence of IlsA indicating for the first time that a bacterial protein might alter the stability of the ferritin iron core. Disruption of the siderophore bacillibactin production drastically reduces the ability of B. cereus to utilize ferritin for growth and results in attenuated bacterial virulence in insects. We propose a new model of iron acquisition in B. cereus that involves the binding of IlsA to host ferritin followed by siderophore assisted iron uptake. Our results highlight a possible interplay between a surface protein and a siderophore and provide new insights into host adaptation of B. cereus and general bacterial pathogenesis.

Iron homeostasis is important for all living organisms; too much iron confers cell toxicity, and too little iron results in reduced cell fitness. While crucial for many cellular processes in both man and pathogens, a battle for this essential nutrient erupts during infection between the host and the invading bacteria. Iron is principally stored in ferritin, a large molecule able to bind several thousand iron ions. Although host ferritins represent a mine of iron for pathogens, studies of the mechanisms involved in its acquisition by bacteria are scarce. In the human opportunistic pathogen Bacillus cereus, the surface protein IlsA is able to bind several host iron sources in vitro. In this study, we show that IlsA acts as a ferritin receptor and enhances iron release from the ferritin through direct interaction with each ferritin subunit. Moreover, we demonstrate that the siderophore bacillibactin, a small secreted iron chelator, is essential for ferritin iron acquisition and takes part in B. cereus virulence. We propose a new iron acquisition model that provides new insights into bacterial host adaptation.

Turnerbactin, a novel triscatecholate siderophore from the shipworm endosymbiont Teredinibacter turnerae T7901

Shipworms are marine bivalve mollusks (Family Teredinidae) that use wood for shelter and food. They harbor a group of closely related, yet phylogenetically distinct, bacterial endosymbionts in bacteriocytes located in the gills. This endosymbiotic community is believed to support the host's nutrition in multiple ways, through the production of cellulolytic enzymes and the fixation of nitrogen. The genome of the shipworm endosymbiont Teredinibacter turnerae T7901 was recently sequenced and in addition to the potential for cellulolytic enzymes and diazotrophy, the genome also revealed a rich potential for secondary metabolites. With nine distinct biosynthetic gene clusters, nearly 7% of the genome is dedicated to secondary metabolites. Bioinformatic analyses predict that one of the gene clusters is responsible for the production of a catecholate siderophore. Here we describe this gene cluster in detail and present the siderophore product from this cluster. Genes similar to the entCEBA genes of enterobactin biosynthesis involved in the production and activation of dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) are present in this cluster, as well as a two-module non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS). A novel triscatecholate siderophore, turnerbactin, was isolated from the supernatant of iron-limited T. turnerae T7901 cultures. Turnerbactin is a trimer of N-(2,3-DHB)-L-Orn-L-Ser with the three monomeric units linked by Ser ester linkages. A monomer, dimer, dehydrated dimer, and dehydrated trimer of 2,3-DHB-L-Orn-L-Ser were also found in the supernatant. A link between the gene cluster and siderophore product was made by constructing a NRPS mutant, TtAH03. Siderophores could not be detected in cultures of TtAH03 by HPLC analysis and Fe-binding activity of culture supernatant was significantly reduced. Regulation of the pathway by iron is supported by identification of putative Fur box sequences and observation of increased Fe-binding activity under iron restriction. Evidence of a turnerbactin fragment was found in shipworm extracts, suggesting the production of turnerbactin in the symbiosis.

Functional and structural analysis of the siderophore synthetase AsbB through reconstitution of the petrobactin biosynthetic pathway from Bacillus anthracis

Petrobactin, a mixed catechol-carboxylate siderophore, is required for full virulence of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. The asbABCDEF operon encodes the biosynthetic machinery for this secondary metabolite. Here, we show that the function of five gene products encoded by the asb operon is necessary and sufficient for conversion of endogenous precursors to petrobactin using an in vitro system. In this pathway, the siderophore synthetase AsbB catalyzes formation of amide bonds crucial for petrobactin assembly through use of biosynthetic intermediates, as opposed to primary metabolites, as carboxylate donors. In solving the crystal structure of the B. anthracis siderophore biosynthesis protein B (AsbB), we disclose a three-dimensional model of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase-independent siderophore (NIS) synthetase. Structural characteristics provide new insight into how this bifunctional condensing enzyme can bind and adenylate multiple citrate-containing substrates followed by incorporation of both natural and unnatural polyamine nucleophiles. This activity enables formation of multiple end-stage products leading to final assembly of petrobactin. Subsequent enzymatic assays with the nonribosomal peptide synthetase-like AsbC, AsbD, and AsbE polypeptides show that the alternative products of AsbB are further converted to petrobactin, verifying previously proposed convergent routes to formation of this siderophore. These studies identify potential therapeutic targets to halt deadly infections caused by B. anthracis and other pathogenic bacteria and suggest new avenues for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of novel compounds.

Production of protocatechuic acid in Bacillus Thuringiensis ATCC33679

Protocatechuic acid, or 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, is produced by both soil and marine bacteria in the free form and as the iron binding component of the siderophore petrobactin. The soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki ATCC 33679, contains the asb operon, but does not produce petrobactin. Iron restriction resulted in diminished B. thuringiensis kurstaki ATCC 33679 growth and the production of catechol(s). The gene product responsible for protocatechuic acid (asbF) and its receptor (fatB) were expressed during stationary phase growth. Gene expression varied with growth temperature, with optimum levels occurring well below the Bacillus anthracis virulence temperature of 37 °C. Regulation of protocatechuic acid suggests a possible role for this compound during soil growth cycles.

Multiple ABC transporters are involved in the acquisition of petrobactin in Bacillus anthracis

In Bacillus anthracis the siderophore petrobactin is vital for iron acquisition and virulence. The petrobactin-binding receptor FpuA is required for these processes. Here additional components of petrobactin reacquisition are described. To identify these proteins, mutants of candidate permease and ATPase genes were generated allowing for characterization of multiple petrobactin ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-import systems. Either of two distinct permeases, FpuB or FatCD, is required for iron acquisition and play redundant roles in petrobactin transport. A mutant strain lacking both permeases, ΔfpuBΔfatCD, was incapable of using petrobactin as an iron source and exhibited attenuated virulence in a murine model of inhalational anthrax infection. ATPase mutants were generated in either of the permease mutant backgrounds to identify the ATPase(s) interacting with each individual permease channel. Mutants lacking the FpuB permease and FatE ATPase (ΔfpuBΔfatE) and a mutant lacking the distinct ATPases FpuC and FpuD generated in the ΔfatCD background (ΔfatCDΔfpuCΔfpuD) displayed phenotypic characteristics of a mutant deficient in petrobactin import. A mutant lacking all three of the identified ATPases (ΔfatEΔfpuCΔfpuD) exhibited the same growth defect in iron-depleted conditions. Taken together, these results provide the first description of the permease and ATPase proteins required for the import of petrobactin in B. anthracis.

Metal ion acquisition in Staphylococcus aureus: overcoming nutritional immunity

Transition metals are essential nutrients to virtually all forms of life, including bacterial pathogens. In Staphylococcus aureus, metal ions participate in diverse biochemical processes such as metabolism, DNA synthesis, regulation of virulence factors, and defense against oxidative stress. As an innate immune response to bacterial infection, vertebrate hosts sequester transition metals in a process that has been termed "nutritional immunity." To successfully infect vertebrates, S. aureus must overcome host sequestration of these critical nutrients. The objective of this review is to outline the current knowledge of staphylococcal metal ion acquisition systems, as well as to define the host mechanisms of nutritional immunity during staphylococcal infection.

Informatic strategies for the discovery of polyketides and nonribosomal peptides

A modern challenge and opportunity exists for in the ability to link genomic and metabolomic data, using novel informatic methods to find new bioactive natural products.

Immune interference in Mycobacterium tuberculosis intracellular iron acquisition through siderocalin recognition of carboxymycobactins

The innate immune system antibacterial protein Siderocalin (Scn) binds ferric carboxymycobactin (CMB) and also several catecholate siderophores. Although the recognition of catecholates by Scn has been thoroughly investigated, the binding interactions of Scn with the full spectrum of CMB isoforms have not been studied. Here we show that Scn uses different binding modes for the limited subset of bound CMB isoforms, resulting in a range of binding affinities that are much weaker than other siderophore targets of Scn. Understanding the binding interaction between Scn and CMBs provides clues for the influence of Scn on mycobacterial iron acquisition.

The siderophore-interacting protein YqjH acts as a ferric reductase in different iron assimilation pathways of Escherichia coli

Siderophore-interacting proteins (SIPs), such as YqjH from Escherichia coli, are widespread among bacteria and commonly associated with iron-dependent induction and siderophore utilization. In this study, we show by detailed biochemical and genetic analyses the reaction mechanism by which the YqjH protein is able to catalyze the release of iron from a variety of iron chelators, including ferric triscatecholates and ferric dicitrate, displaying the highest efficiency for the hydrolyzed ferric enterobactin complex ferric (2,3-dihydroxybenzoylserine)(3). Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that residues K55 and R130 of YqjH are crucial for both substrate binding and reductase activity. The NADPH-dependent iron reduction was found to proceed via single-electron transfer in a double-displacement-type reaction through formation of a transient flavosemiquinone. The capacity to reduce substrates with extremely negative redox potentials, though at low catalytic rates, was studied by displacing the native FAD cofactor with 5-deaza-5-carba-FAD, which is restricted to a two-electron transfer. In the presence of the reconstituted noncatalytic protein, the ferric enterobactin midpoint potential increased remarkably and partially overlapped with the effective E(1) redox range. Concurrently, the observed molar ratios of generated Fe(II) versus NADPH were found to be ~1.5-fold higher for hydrolyzed ferric triscatecholates and ferric dicitrate than for ferric enterobactin. Further, combination of a chromosomal yqjH deletion with entC single- and entC fes double-deletion backgrounds showed the impact of yqjH on growth during supplementation with ferric siderophore substrates. Thus, YqjH enhances siderophore utilization in different iron acquisition pathways, including assimilation of low-potential ferric substrates that are not reduced by common cellular cofactors.

[Analyze and compare metabolic pathways of Bacillus cereus group]

A large number of data and information was obtained from genome sequencing and high-throughput genomic studies, use of the information to study metabolic networks become a new hotspot in biological research. This article compared different methods to reconstruct metabolic networks and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of each methods, and then introduced some researches about carbohydrate metabolism pathways, amino acid metabolic pathways, and energy metabolism pathways of 9 strains of Bacillus cereus, 6 strains of B. anthracis,,6 strain of B. thuringiensis, and finds out their similarities and characteristics. These three strains have some necessary metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, tri-carboxylic acid cycle, alanine metabolism, histidine metabolism, and energy metabolism, but they may have some specific pathways. B cereus has higher efficiency in utilizing monosaccharide, B. anthracis is rich in degradation and transport pathways of amino acids. A glutamate metabolic bypass way exists in B. thuringiensis. Analysis of metabolic pathways provides a new way to study and use food toxin, anthrax toxin, and insecticidal toxin of these strains in future.

Chrysobactin siderophores produced by Dickeya chrysanthemi EC16

The plant pathogen Dickeya chrysanthemi EC16 (formerly known as Petrobacterium chrysanthemi EC16 and Erwinia chrysanthemi EC16) was found to produce a new triscatecholamide siderophore, cyclic trichrysobactin, the related catecholamide compounds, linear trichrysobactin and dichrysobactin, and the previously reported monomeric siderophore unit, chrysobactin. Chrysobactin is comprised of L-serine, D-lysine, and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA). Trichrysobactin is a cyclic trimer of chrysobactin joined by a triserine lactone backbone. The chirality of the ferric complex of cyclic trichrysobactin is found to be in the Λ configuration, similar to Fe(III)-bacillibactin, which contains a glycine spacer between the DHBA and L-threonine components and is opposite that of Fe(III)-enterobactin, which contains DHBA ligated directly to L-serine.

N(α)-methyl coprogen B, a potential marker of the airway colonization by Scedosporium apiospermum in patients with cystic fibrosis

Scedosporium apiospermum is an emerging pathogen colonizing the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). While usually responsible for chronic colonization without clinical signs, this fungus may cause severe and often lethal infections in lung transplant recipients. Early diagnosis of its airway colonization and appropriate treatment are required to eradicate the fungus when a lung transplantation is planned. Here we propose an alternative to mycological examination of sputum samples based on extraction of siderophores by chromatography on Amberlite XAD-4, followed by high performance liquid chromatography analysis of the siderophore extract. Improvement of the extraction procedure was performed in a fractional factorial design which revealed the importance of prior ammonium sulfate precipitation of the proteins, alkalinization of the obtained solution and stirring during extraction. In order to verify the specificity of N(α)-methyl coprogen B for S. apiospermum, the method was applied on culture supernatants of different filamentous fungi colonizing the airways of CF patients, including some aspergilli and Exophiala dermatitidis. N(α)-methyl coprogen B was detected exclusively for species of the S. apiospermum complex. Likewise, sputum samples from colonized and non-colonized CF patients were analyzed, and the siderophore was detected exclusively in three out of the five specimens which were found by culture to contain S. apiospermum. Together these results confirmed N(α)-methyl coprogen B as a marker of the airway colonization by species of the S. apiospermum complex.

Vanchrobactin and anguibactin siderophores produced by Vibrio sp. DS40M4

The marine bacterium Vibrio sp. DS40M4 has been found to produce a new triscatechol amide siderophore, trivanchrobactin (1), a related new biscatecholamide compound, divanchrobactin (2), and the previously reported siderophores vanchrobactin (3) and anguibactin (4). Vanchrobactin is comprised of l-serine, d-arginine, and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, while trivanchrobactin is a linear trimer of vanchrobactin joined by two serine ester linkages. The cyclic trivanchrobactin product was not detected. In addition to siderophore production, extracts of Vibrio sp. DS40M4 were screened for biologically active molecules; anguibactin was found to be cytotoxic against the P388 murine leukemia cell line (IC(50) < 15 microM).

Natural products version 2.0: connecting genes to molecules

Natural products have played a prominent role in the history of organic chemistry, and they continue to be important as drugs, biological probes, and targets of study for synthetic and analytical chemists. In this Perspective, we explore how connecting Nature's small molecules to the genes that encode them has sparked a renaissance in natural product research, focusing primarily on the biosynthesis of polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides. We survey monomer biogenesis, coupling chemistries from templated and non-templated pathways, and the broad set of tailoring reactions and hybrid pathways that give rise to the diverse scaffolds and functionalization patterns of natural products. We conclude by considering two questions: What would it take to find all natural product scaffolds? What kind of scientists will be studying natural products in the future?

Siderophore-mediated iron acquisition in Bacillus anthracis and related strains

Recent observations have shed light on some of the endogenous iron-acquisition mechanisms of members of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato group. In particular, pathogens in the B. cereus group use siderophores with both unique chemical structures and biological roles. This review will focus on recent discoveries in siderophore biosynthesis and biology in this group, which contains numerous human pathogens, most notably the causative agent of anthrax, Bacillus anthracis.

Competitive exclusion as a mode of action of a novel Bacillus cereus aquaculture biological agent

AIMS

To determine the contribution of potential modes of action of a Bacillus cereus aquaculture biological control agent in inhibition of the fish pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila.

METHODS AND RESULTS

When B. cereus was tested in plate well inhibition studies, no production of antimicrobial compounds was detected. Bacillus cereus had a high growth rate (0.96 h(-1)), whereas Aer. hydrophila concentration decreased by c. 70% in co-culture experiments. In nutrient limitation studies, B. cereus had a significantly higher growth rate when cultured under glucose (P < 0.05) and iron (P < 0.01) limitation in comparison with Aer. hydrophila. Bacillus cereus glucose (0.30 g l(-1) h(-1)) and iron (0.60 mg l(-1) h(-1)) uptake rates were also significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the Aer. hydrophila glucose (0.14 g l(-1) h(-1)) and iron (0.43 mg l(-1) h(-1)) uptake rates. Iron uptake was facilitated by siderophore production shown in time profile studies where relative siderophore production was c. 60% through the late exponential and sporulation phases.

CONCLUSIONS

Competitive exclusion by higher growth rate, competition for organic carbon and iron, facilitated by siderophore production, could be identified as mechanisms of pathogen growth inhibition by B. cereus.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study is the first elucidation of the mechanism of action of our novel B. cereus biological agent in growth attenuation of pathogenic Aer. hydrophila. This study enhances the application knowledge and attractiveness for adoption of B. cereus NRRL 100132 for exploitation in aquaculture.

Genetic analysis of petrobactin transport in Bacillus anthracis

Iron acquisition mechanisms play an important role in the pathogenesis of many infectious microbes. In Bacillus anthracis, the siderophore petrobactin is required for both growth in iron-depleted conditions and for full virulence of the bacterium. Here we demonstrate the roles of two putative petrobactin binding proteins FatB and FpuA (encoded by GBAA5330 and GBAA4766 respectively) in B. anthracis iron acquisition and pathogenesis. Markerless deletion mutants were created using allelic exchange. The Delta fatB strain was capable of wild-type levels of growth in iron-depleted conditions, indicating that FatB does not play an essential role in petrobactin uptake. In contrast, Delta fpuA bacteria exhibited a significant decrease in growth under low-iron conditions when compared with wild-type bacteria. This mutant could not be rescued by the addition of exogenous purified petrobactin. Further examination of this strain demonstrated increased levels of petrobactin accumulation in the culture supernatants, suggesting no defect in siderophore synthesis or export but, instead, an inability of Delta fpuA to import this siderophore. Delta fpuA spores were also significantly attenuated in a murine model of inhalational anthrax. These results provide the first genetic evidence demonstrating the role of FpuA in petrobactin uptake.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of trilactone siderophores: where chiral recognition occurs in enterobactin and bacillibactin iron transport

Bacillibactin and enterobactin are hexadentate catecholate siderophores produced by bacteria upon iron limitation to scavenge ferric ion and seem to be the ultimate siderophores of their two respective domains: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Iron acquisition mediated by these trilactone-based ligands necessitates enzymatic hydrolysis of the scaffold for successful intracellular iron delivery. The esterases BesA and Fes hydrolyze bacillibactin and enterobactin, respectively, as well as the corresponding iron complexes. Bacillibactin binds iron through three 2,3-catecholamide moieties linked to a trithreonine scaffold via glycine spacers, whereas in enterobactin the iron-binding moieties are directly attached to a tri-l-serine backbone; although apparently minor, these structural differences result in markedly different iron coordination properties and iron transport behavior. Comparison of the solution thermodynamic and circular dichroism properties of bacillibactin, enterobactin and the synthetic analogs d-enterobactin, SERGlyCAM and d-SERGlyCAM has determined the role of each different feature in the siderophores' molecular structures in ferric complex stability and metal chirality. While opposite metal chiralities in the different complexes did not affect transport and incorporation in Bacillus subtilis, ferric complexes formed with the various siderophores did not systematically promote growth of the bacteria. The bacillibactin esterase BesA is less specific than the enterobactin esterase Fes; BesA can hydrolyze the trilactones of both siderophores, while only the tri-l-serine trilactone is a substrate of Fes. Both enzymes are stereospecific and cannot cleave tri-d-serine lactones. These data provide a complete picture of the microbial iron transport mediated by these two siderophores, from initial recognition and transport to intracellular iron release.

Ferric stability constants of representative marine siderophores: marinobactins, aquachelins, and petrobactin

The coordination of iron(III) to the marine amphiphilic marinobactin and aquachelin siderophores, as well as to petrobactin, an unusual 3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl siderophore is reported. Potentiometric titrations were performed on the apo siderophore to determine the ligand pK(a) values, as well as the complex formed with addition of 1 equiv of Fe(III). The log K(ML) values for Fe(III)-marinobactin-E and Fe(III)-aquachelin-C are 31.80 and 31.4, respectively, consistent with the similar coordination environment in each complex, while log K(ML) for Fe(III)-petrobactin is estimated to be about 43. The pK(a) of the beta-hydroxyaspartyl hydroxyl group was determined to be 10.8 by (1)H NMR titration. (13)C NMR and IR spectroscopy were used to investigate Ga(III) coordination to the marinobactins. The coordination-induced shifts (CIS) in the (13)C NMR spectrum of Ga(III)-marinobactin-C compared to apo-marinobactin-C indicates that the hydroxamate groups are coordinated to Ga(III); however, the lack of CISs for the carbons of the beta-hydroxyamide group suggests this moiety is not coordinated in the Ga(III) complex. Differences in the IR spectrum of Ga(III)-marinobactin-C and Fe(III)-marinobactin-C in the 1600-1700 cm(-1) region also corroborates Fe(III) is coordinated to the beta-hydroxyamide moiety, whereas Ga(III) is not coordinated.

Characterization of a Bacillus subtilis transporter for petrobactin, an anthrax stealth siderophore

Iron deprivation activates the expression of components of the siderophore-mediated iron acquisition systems in Bacillus subtilis, including not only the synthesis and uptake of its siderophore bacillibactin but also expression of multiple ABC transporters for iron scavenging using xenosiderophores. The yclNOPQ operon is shown to encode the complete transporter for petrobactin (PB), a photoreactive 3,4-catecholate siderophore produced by many members of the B. cereus group, including B. anthracis. Isogenic disruption mutants in the yclNOPQ transporter, including permease YclN, ATPase YclP, and a substrate-binding protein YclQ, are unable to use either PB or the photoproduct of FePB (FePB(nu)) for iron delivery and growth, in contrast to the wild-type B. subtilis. Complementation of the mutations with the copies of the respective genes restores this capability. The YclQ receptor binds selectively iron-free and ferric PB, the PB precursor, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB), and FePB(nu) with high affinity; the ferric complexes are seen in ESI-MS, implying strong electrostatic interaction between the protein-binding pocket and siderophore. The first structure of a gram-positive siderophore receptor is presented. The 1.75-A crystal structure of YclQ reveals a bilobal periplasmic binding protein (PBP) fold consisting of two alpha/beta/alpha sandwich domains connected by a long alpha-helix with the binding pocket containing conserved positively charged and aromatic residues and large enough to accommodate FePB. Orthologs of the B. subtilis PB-transporter YclNOPQ in PB-producing Bacilli are likely contributors to the pathogenicity of these species and provide a potential target for antibacterial strategies.

IlsA, a unique surface protein of Bacillus cereus required for iron acquisition from heme, hemoglobin and ferritin

The human opportunistic pathogen Bacillus cereus belongs to the B. cereus group that includes bacteria with a broad host spectrum. The ability of these bacteria to colonize diverse hosts is reliant on the presence of adaptation factors. Previously, an IVET strategy led to the identification of a novel B. cereus protein (IlsA, Iron-regulated leucine rich surface protein), which is specifically expressed in the insect host or under iron restrictive conditions in vitro. Here, we show that IlsA is localized on the surface of B. cereus and hence has the potential to interact with host proteins. We report that B. cereus uses hemoglobin, heme and ferritin, but not transferrin and lactoferrin. In addition, affinity tests revealed that IlsA interacts with both hemoglobin and ferritin. Furthermore, IlsA directly binds heme probably through the NEAT domain. Inactivation of ilsA drastically decreases the ability of B. cereus to grow in the presence of hemoglobin, heme and ferritin, indicating that IlsA is essential for iron acquisition from these iron sources. In addition, the ilsA mutant displays a reduction in growth and virulence in an insect model. Hence, our results indicate that IlsA is a key factor within a new iron acquisition system, playing an important role in the general virulence strategy adapted by B. cereus to colonize susceptible hosts.

Iron is an essential compound for almost all living organisms, taking part in basic cellular homeostasis. Preventing access to iron sources for invading pathogens is one of the defense systems used by hosts to avoid pathogen colonization. To counteract this, pathogens have developed mechanisms to acquire nutrient iron during infection. Bacillus cereus is an opportunistic bacterium able to infect both insects and mammals; thus, it should have systems enabling iron uptake from these hosts. Here we describe, for the first time, a unique surface protein, called IlsA, which is essential for iron uptake from two very different iron binding molecules: ferritin and hemoglobin. IlsA is only produced in iron limited environments. We show that during insect infection, its expression is specific to insect hemocoel (blood), where ferritin is the major iron-binding molecule. Interestingly, the IlsA mutant has reduced survival in in vivo infection and in vitro when heme, hemoglobin and ferritin are the sole iron sources available. Thus, as IlsA is important for iron uptake from the major iron rich molecules in insects and mammals, we suggest that this new iron acquisition system may be a key factor that is evolutionary adapted to infection of such diverse hosts.

Temporal production of the two Bacillus anthracis siderophores, petrobactin and bacillibactin

Bacillus anthracis secretes two siderophores, petrobactin (PB) and bacillibactin (BB). These siderophores were temporally produced during germination and outgrowth of spores (the usual infectious form of B. anthracis) in low-iron medium. The siderophore PB was made first while BB secretion began several hours later. Spore outgrowth early in an infection may require PB, whereas delayed BB production suggests a role for BB in the later stages of the infection. Incubation of cultures (inoculated as vegetative cells) at 37 degrees C, as compared to 2 degrees C, increased PB production and decreased secretion of BB, suggesting that the production of PB and BB responded to the host temperature signal. The dual siderophores of B. anthracis may fulfill independent roles in the life cycle of B. anthracis.

Siderophore-mediated iron acquisition systems in Bacillus cereus: Identification of receptors for anthrax virulence-associated petrobactin

During growth under iron limitation, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis, two human pathogens from the Bacillus cereus group of Gram-positive bacteria, secrete two siderophores, bacillibactin (BB) and petrobactin (PB), for iron acquisition via membrane-associated substrate-binding proteins (SBPs) and other ABC transporter components. Since PB is associated with virulence traits in B. anthracis, the PB-mediated iron uptake system presents a potential target for antimicrobial therapies; its characterization in B. cereus is described here. Separate transporters for BB, PB, and several xenosiderophores are suggested by (55)Fe-siderophore uptake studies. The PB precursor, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB), and the photoproduct of FePB (FePB(nu)) also mediate iron delivery into iron-deprived cells. Putative SBPs were recombinantly expressed, and their ligand specificity and binding affinity were assessed using fluorescence spectroscopy. The noncovalent complexes of the SBPs with their respective siderophores were characterized using ESI-MS. The differences between solution phase behavior and gas phase measurements are indicative of noncovalent interactions between the siderophores and the binding sites of their respective SBPs. These studies combined with bioinformatics sequence comparison identify SBPs from five putative transporters specific for BB and enterobactin (FeuA), 3,4-DHB and PB (FatB), PB (FpuA), schizokinen (YfiY), and desferrioxamine and ferrichrome (YxeB). The two PB receptors show different substrate ranges: FatB has the highest affinity for ferric 3,4-DHB, iron-free PB, FePB, and FePB(nu), whereas FpuA is specific to only apo- and ferric PB. The biochemical characterization of these SBPs provides the first identification of the transporter candidates that most likely play a role in the B. cereus group pathogenicity.

Siderophores of Marinobacter aquaeolei: petrobactin and its sulfonated derivatives

Siderophores are low molecular weight, high-affinity iron(III) ligands, produced by bacteria to solubilize and promote iron uptake under low iron conditions. Two prominent structural features characterize the majority of the marine siderophores discovered so far: (1) a predominance of suites of amphiphilic siderophores composed of an iron(III)-binding headgroup that is appended by one or two of a series of fatty acids and (2) a prevalence of siderophores that contain alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid moieties (e.g., beta-hydroxyaspartic acid or citric acid) which are photoreactive when coordinated to Fe(III). Variation of the fatty acid chain length affects the relative amphiphilicity within a suite of siderophores. Catecholate sulfonation is another structural variation that would affect the hydrophilicity of a siderophore. In addition to a review of the marine amphiphilic siderophores, we report the production of petrobactin disulfonate by Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8.

Chapter 17. Siderophore biosynthesis a substrate specificity assay for nonribosomal peptide synthetase-independent siderophore synthetases involving trapping of acyl-adenylate intermediates with hydroxylamine

Siderophores are an important group of structurally diverse natural products that play key roles in ferric iron acquisition in most microorganisms. Two major pathways exist for siderophore biosynthesis. One is dependent on nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) multienzymes. The enzymology of several NRPS-dependent pathways to structurally diverse siderophores has been intensively studied for more than 10 years and is generally well understood. The other major pathway is NRPS-independent. It relies on a novel family of synthetase enzymes that until recently has received very little attention. Over the last 2 years, these enzymes have begun to be intensively investigated and several examples have now been characterized. In this article, we give an overview of the enzymology of NRPS-dependent and NRPS-independent pathways for siderophore biosynthesis, using selected examples to highlight key features. An important facet of many studies of the enzymology of siderophore biosynthesis has been to investigate the substrate specificity of the synthetase enzymes involved. For NRPS-dependent pathways, the ATP-pyrophophate exchange assay has been widely used to investigate the substrate specificity of adenylation domains within the synthetase multienzymes. This assay is ineffective for NRPS-independent siderophore (NIS) synthetases, probably because pyrophosphate is not released from the enzyme after the carboxylic acid substrate and ATP react to form an acyl adenylate. An alternative assay for enzymes that form acyl adenylates involves trapping of the activated carboxyl group with hydroxylamine to form a hydroxamic acid that can be converted to its ferric complex and detected spectrophotometrically. This assay has not been widely used for NRPS adenylation domains. Here, we show that it is an effective assay for examining the carboxylic acid substrate specificity of NIS synthetases. Application of the assay to the type B NIS synthetase AcsA shows that it is selective for alpha-ketoglutaric acid, confirming a bioinformatics-based prediction of the substrate specificity of this enzyme.