Vesiculation from Pseudomonas aeruginosa under SOS

Bacterial outer membrane vesicles: New insights and applications

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) (∼50-250 nm in diameter) are produced by both pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria as a canonical end product of secretion. In this review, we focus on the OMVs produced by gram-negative bacteria. We provide an overview of the OMV structure, various factors regulating their production, and their role in modulating host immune response using a few representative examples. In light of the importance of the diverse cargoes carried by OMVs, we discuss the different modes of their entry into the host cell and advances in the high-throughput detection of these OMVs. A conspicuous application of OMVs lies in the field of vaccination; we discuss its success in immunization against human diseases such as pertussis, meningitis, shigellosis and aqua-farming endangering diseases like edwardsiellosis.

Intrahost milieu modulates production of outer membrane vesicles, vesicle-associated Shiga toxin 2a and cytotoxicity in Escherichia coli O157:H7 and O104:H4

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are important virulence tools of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), but other biological functions of these nanostructures are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that modulation of OMV production enables EHEC to resist the intrahost environment during infection by investigating if simulated human gastrointestinal conditions affect OMV production in EHEC O157:H7 and O104:H4. All the conditions tested including a low pH, simulated ileal and colonic media, presence of mucin, intestinal epithelial cell lysate or antimicrobial peptides, as well as iron limitation, significantly increased OMV production by these pathogens. Accordingly, a maximum vesiculation in EHEC O104:H4 was observed immediately after its isolation from a patient's intestine, and rapidly decreased during passages in vitro. Most of the simulated intrahost conditions also upregulated the OMV-associated Shiga toxin 2a (Stx2a), the major EHEC virulence factor, and, as a result, OMV cytotoxicity. The data indicates that upregulation of OMV production by the human gastrointestinal milieu contributes to EHEC survival and adaptation within the host during infection. Moreover, the intrahost increase of vesiculation and OMV-associated Stx2a may augment EHEC virulence.

Prophage-triggered membrane vesicle formation through peptidoglycan damage in Bacillus subtilis

Bacteria release membrane vesicles (MVs) that play important roles in various biological processes. However, the mechanisms of MV formation in Gram-positive bacteria are unclear, as these cells possess a single cytoplasmic membrane that is surrounded by a thick cell wall. Here we use live cell imaging and electron cryo-tomography to describe a mechanism for MV formation in Bacillus subtilis. We show that the expression of a prophage-encoded endolysin in a sub-population of cells generates holes in the peptidoglycan cell wall. Through these openings, cytoplasmic membrane material protrudes into the extracellular space and is released as MVs. Due to the loss of membrane integrity, the induced cells eventually die. The vesicle-producing cells induce MV formation in neighboring cells by the enzymatic action of the released endolysin. Our results support the idea that endolysins may be important for MV formation in bacteria, and this mechanism may potentially be useful for the production of MVs for applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology.

It is unclear how Gram-positive bacteria, with a thick cell wall, can release membrane vesicles. Here, Toyofuku et al. show that a prophage-encoded endolysin can generate holes in the cell wall through which cytoplasmic membrane material protrudes and is released as vesicles.

Antibiotic-Mediated Modulations of Outer Membrane Vesicles in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O104:H4 and O157:H7

Ciprofloxacin, meropenem, fosfomycin, and polymyxin B strongly increase production of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in Escherichia coli O104:H4 and O157:H7. Ciprofloxacin also upregulates OMV-associated Shiga toxin 2a, the major virulence factor of these pathogens, whereas the other antibiotics increase OMV production without the toxin. These two effects might worsen the clinical outcome of infections caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli Our data support the existing recommendations to avoid antibiotics for treatment of these infections.

Exploring bacterial outer membrane barrier to combat bad bugs

One of the main fundamental mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria comprises an effective change in the membrane permeability to antibiotics. The Gram-negative bacterial complex cell envelope comprises an outer membrane that delimits the periplasm from the exterior environment. The outer membrane contains numerous protein channels, termed as porins or nanopores, which are mainly involved in the influx of hydrophilic compounds, including antibiotics. Bacterial adaptation to reduce influx through these outer membrane proteins (Omps) is one of the crucial mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance. Thus to interpret the molecular basis of the outer membrane permeability is the current challenge. This review attempts to develop a state of knowledge pertinent to Omps and their effective role in antibiotic influx. Further, it aims to study the bacterial response to antibiotic membrane permeability and hopefully provoke a discussion toward understanding and further exploration of prospects to improve our knowledge on physicochemical parameters that direct the translocation of antibiotics through the bacterial membrane protein channels.

Bacterial membrane vesicles transport their DNA cargo into host cells

Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are extracellular sacs containing biologically active products, such as proteins, cell wall components and toxins. OMVs are reported to contain DNA, however, little is known about the nature of this DNA, nor whether it can be transported into host cells. Our work demonstrates that chromosomal DNA is packaged into OMVs shed by bacteria during exponential phase. Most of this DNA was present on the external surfaces of OMVs, with smaller amounts located internally. The DNA within the internal compartments of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OMVs were consistently enriched in specific regions of the bacterial chromosome, encoding proteins involved in virulence, stress response, antibiotic resistance and metabolism. Furthermore, we demonstrated that OMVs carry DNA into eukaryotic cells, and this DNA was detectable by PCR in the nuclear fraction of cells. These findings suggest a role for OMV-associated DNA in bacterial-host cell interactions and have implications for OMV-based vaccines.

Gram-negative bacterial membrane vesicle release in response to the host-environment: different threats, same trick?

Bacteria are confronted with a multitude of stressors when occupying niches within the host. These stressors originate from host defense mechanisms, other bacteria during niche competition or result from physiological challenges such as nutrient limitation. To counteract these stressors, bacteria have developed a stress-induced network to mount the adaptations required for survival. These stress-induced adaptations include the release of membrane vesicles from the bacterial envelope. Membrane vesicles can provide bacteria with a plethora of immediate and ultimate benefits for coping with environmental stressors. This review addresses how membrane vesicles aid Gram-negative bacteria to cope with host-associated stress factors, focusing on vesicle biogenesis and the physiological functions. As many of the pathways, that drive vesicle biogenesis, confer we propose that shedding of membrane vesicles by Gram-negative bacteria entails an integrated part of general stress responses.

Environmentally controlled bacterial vesicle-mediated export

Over the past two decades, researchers studying both microbial and host cell communities have gained an appreciation for the ability of bacteria to produce, regulate, and functionally utilize outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as a means to survive and interact with their cellular and acellular environments. Common ground has emerged, as it appears that vesicle production is an environmentally controlled and specific secretion process; however, it has been challenging to discover the principles that govern fundamentals of vesicle-mediated transport. Namely, there does not appear to be a single mechanism modulating OMV export, nor universal "markers" for OMV cargo incorporation, nor particular host cell responses common to treatment with all OMVs. Given the diversity of species studied, their differences in envelope architecture and composition, the diversity of environmentally regulated bacterial processes, and the variety of interactions between bacteria and their abiotic and biotic environments, this is hardly surprising. Nevertheless, the ability of bacteria to control exported material in the context of a packaged insoluble particle, a vesicle, is emerging as a significant contribution to bacterial viability, biofilm communities, and bacterial-host interactions. In this review, we focus on detailing important, recent findings regarding the content and functional differences in bacterially secreted vesicles that are influenced by growth conditions.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outer Membrane Vesicles Triggered by Human Mucosal Fluid and Lysozyme Can Prime Host Tissue Surfaces for Bacterial Adhesion

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of human morbidity and mortality that often targets epithelial surfaces. Host immunocompromise, or the presence of indwelling medical devices, including contact lenses, can predispose to infection. While medical devices are known to accumulate bacterial biofilms, it is not well understood why resistant epithelial surfaces become susceptible to P. aeruginosa. Many bacteria, including P. aeruginosa, release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in response to stress that can fuse with host cells to alter their function. Here, we tested the hypothesis that mucosal fluid can trigger OMV release to compromise an epithelial barrier. This was tested using tear fluid and corneal epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. After 1 h both human tear fluid, and the tear component lysozyme, greatly enhanced OMV release from P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 compared to phosphate buffered saline (PBS) controls (∼100-fold). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and SDS-PAGE showed tear fluid and lysozyme-induced OMVs were similar in size and protein composition, but differed from biofilm-harvested OMVs, the latter smaller with fewer proteins. Lysozyme-induced OMVs were cytotoxic to human corneal epithelial cells in vitro and murine corneal epithelium in vivo. OMV exposure in vivo enhanced Ly6G/C expression at the corneal surface, suggesting myeloid cell recruitment, and primed the cornea for bacterial adhesion (∼4-fold, P < 0.01). Sonication disrupted OMVs retained cytotoxic activity, but did not promote adhesion, suggesting the latter required OMV-mediated events beyond cell killing. These data suggest that mucosal fluid induced P. aeruginosa OMVs could contribute to loss of epithelial barrier function during medical device-related infections.

Explosive cell lysis as a mechanism for the biogenesis of bacterial membrane vesicles and biofilms

Many bacteria produce extracellular and surface-associated components such as membrane vesicles (MVs), extracellular DNA and moonlighting cytosolic proteins for which the biogenesis and export pathways are not fully understood. Here we show that the explosive cell lysis of a sub-population of cells accounts for the liberation of cytosolic content in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Super-resolution microscopy reveals that explosive cell lysis also produces shattered membrane fragments that rapidly form MVs. A prophage endolysin encoded within the R- and F-pyocin gene cluster is essential for explosive cell lysis. Endolysin-deficient mutants are defective in MV production and biofilm development, consistent with a crucial role in the biogenesis of MVs and liberation of extracellular DNA and other biofilm matrix components. Our findings reveal that explosive cell lysis, mediated through the activity of a cryptic prophage endolysin, acts as a mechanism for the production of bacterial MVs.

Outer-membrane vesicles from Gram-negative bacteria: biogenesis and functions

Outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) are spherical buds of the outer membrane filled with periplasmic content and are commonly produced by Gram-negative bacteria. The production of OMVs allows bacteria to interact with their environment, and OMVs have been found to mediate diverse functions, including promoting pathogenesis, enabling bacterial survival during stress conditions and regulating microbial interactions within bacterial communities. Additionally, because of this functional versatility, researchers have begun to explore OMVs as a platform for bioengineering applications. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in the study of OMVs, focusing on new insights into the mechanisms of biogenesis and the functions of these vesicles.

Genome-Wide Assessment of Outer Membrane Vesicle Production in Escherichia coli

The production of outer membrane vesicles by Gram-negative bacteria has been well documented; however, the mechanism behind the biogenesis of these vesicles remains unclear. Here a high-throughput experimental method and systems-scale analysis was conducted to determine vesiculation values for the whole genome knockout library of Escherichia coli mutant strains (Keio collection). The resultant dataset quantitatively recapitulates previously observed phenotypes and implicates nearly 150 new genes in the process of vesiculation. Gene functional and biochemical pathway analyses suggest that mutations that truncate outer membrane structures such as lipopolysaccharide and enterobacterial common antigen lead to hypervesiculation, whereas mutants in oxidative stress response pathways result in lower levels. This study expands and refines the current knowledge regarding the cellular pathways required for outer membrane vesiculation in E. coli.

Proteome Profiles of Outer Membrane Vesicles and Extracellular Matrix of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms

In the present work, two different proteomic platforms, gel-based and gel-free, were used to map the matrix and outer membrane vesicle exoproteomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms. These two proteomic strategies allowed us a confident identification of 207 and 327 proteins from enriched outer membrane vesicles and whole matrix isolated from biofilms. Because of the physicochemical characteristics of these subproteomes, the two strategies showed complementarity, and thus, the most comprehensive analysis of P. aeruginosa exoproteome to date was achieved. Under our conditions, outer membrane vesicles contribute approximately 20% of the whole matrix proteome, demonstrating that membrane vesicles are an important component of the matrix. The proteomic profiles were analyzed in terms of their biological context, namely, a biofilm. Accordingly relevant metabolic processes involved in cellular adaptation to the biofilm lifestyle as well as those related to P. aeruginosa virulence capabilities were a key feature of the analyses. The diversity of the matrix proteome corroborates the idea of high heterogeneity within the biofilm; cells can display different levels of metabolism and can adapt to local microenvironments making this proteomic analysis challenging. In addition to analyzing our own primary data, we extend the analysis to published data by other groups in order to deepen our understanding of the complexity inherent within biofilm populations.

Skin-Derived C-Terminal Filaggrin-2 Fragments Are Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Directed Antimicrobials Targeting Bacterial Replication

Soil- and waterborne bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa are constantly challenging body surfaces. Since infections of healthy skin are unexpectedly rare, we hypothesized that the outermost epidermis, the stratum corneum, and sweat glands directly control the growth of P. aeruginosa by surface-provided antimicrobials. Due to its high abundance in the upper epidermis and eccrine sweat glands, filaggrin-2 (FLG2), a water-insoluble 248 kDa S100 fused-type protein, might possess these innate effector functions. Indeed, recombinant FLG2 C-terminal protein fragments display potent antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and other Pseudomonads. Moreover, upon cultivation on stratum corneum, P. aeruginosa release FLG2 C-terminus-containing FLG2 fragments from insoluble material, indicating liberation of antimicrobially active FLG2 fragments by the bacteria themselves. Analyses of the underlying antimicrobial mechanism reveal that FLG2 C-terminal fragments do not induce pore formation, as known for many other antimicrobial peptides, but membrane blebbing, suggesting an alternative mode of action. The association of the FLG2 fragment with the inner membrane of treated bacteria and its DNA-binding implicated an interference with the bacterial replication that was confirmed by in vitro and in vivo replication assays. Probably through in situ-activation by soil- and waterborne bacteria such as Pseudomonads, FLG2 interferes with the bacterial replication, terminates their growth on skin surface and thus may contributes to the skin's antimicrobial defense shield. The apparent absence of FLG2 at certain body surfaces, as in the lung or of burned skin, would explain their higher susceptibility towards Pseudomonas infections and make FLG2 C-terminal fragments and their derivatives candidates for new Pseudomonas-targeting antimicrobials.

NlpI-mediated modulation of outer membrane vesicle production through peptidoglycan dynamics in Escherichia coli

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are ubiquitously secreted from the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria. These heterogeneous structures are composed of OM filled with periplasmic content from the site of budding. By analyzing mutants that have vesicle production phenotypes, we can gain insight into the mechanism of OMV budding in wild-type cells, which has thus far remained elusive. In this study, we present data demonstrating that the hypervesiculation phenotype of the nlpI deletion mutant of Escherichia coli correlates with changes in peptidoglycan (PG) dynamics. Our data indicate that in stationary phase cultures the nlpI mutant exhibits increased PG synthesis that is dependent on spr, consistent with a model in which NlpI controls the activity of the PG endopeptidase Spr. In log phase, the nlpI mutation was suppressed by a dacB mutation, suggesting that NlpI regulates penicillin-binding protein 4 (PBP4) during exponential growth. The data support a model in which NlpI negatively regulates PBP4 activity during log phase, and Spr activity during stationary phase, and that in the absence of NlpI, the cell survives by increasing PG synthesis. Further, the nlpI mutant exhibited a significant decrease in covalent outer membrane (OM-PG) envelope stabilizing cross-links, consistent with its high level of OMV production. Based on these results, we propose that one mechanism wild-type Gram-negative bacteria can use to modulate vesiculation is by altering PG-OM cross-linking via localized modulation of PG degradation and synthesis.

Modulation of bacterial outer membrane vesicle production by envelope structure and content

Background

Vesiculation is a ubiquitous secretion process of Gram-negative bacteria, where outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are small spherical particles on the order of 50 to 250 nm composed of outer membrane (OM) and lumenal periplasmic content. Vesicle functions have been elucidated in some detail, showing their importance in virulence factor secretion, bacterial survival, and biofilm formation in pathogenesis. Furthermore, OMVs serve as an envelope stress response, protecting the secreting bacteria from internal protein misfolding stress, as well as external envelope stressors. Despite their important functional roles very little is known about the regulation and mechanism of vesicle production. Based on the envelope architecture and prior characterization of the hypervesiculation phenotypes for mutants lacking the lipoprotein, Lpp, which is involved in the covalent OM-peptidoglycan (PG) crosslinks, it is expected that an inverse relationship exists between OMV production and PG-crosslinked Lpp.

Results

In this study, we found that subtle modifications of PG remodeling and crosslinking modulate OMV production, inversely correlating with bound Lpp levels. However, this inverse relationship was not found in strains in which OMV production is driven by an increase in “periplasmic pressure” resulting from the accumulation of protein, PG fragments, or lipopolysaccharide. In addition, the characterization of an nlpA deletion in backgrounds lacking either Lpp- or OmpA-mediated envelope crosslinks demonstrated a novel role for NlpA in envelope architecture.

Conclusions

From this work, we conclude that OMV production can be driven by distinct Lpp concentration-dependent and Lpp concentration-independent pathways.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-014-0324-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Biogenesis and multifaceted roles of outer membrane vesicles from Gram-negative bacteria

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released from Gram-negative bacteria consist of lipids, proteins, lipopolysaccharides and other molecules. OMVs are associated with several biological functions such as horizontal gene transfer, intracellular and intercellular communication, transfer of contents to host cells, and eliciting an immune response in host cells. Although hypotheses have been made concerning the mechanism of biogenesis of these vesicles, research on OMV formation is far from complete. The roles of outer membrane components, bacterial quorum sensing molecules and some specific proteins in OMV biogenesis have been studied. This review discusses the different models that have been proposed for OMV biogenesis, along with details of the biological functions of OMVs and the likely scope of future research.

Epoxide-mediated differential packaging of Cif and other virulence factors into outer membrane vesicles

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that contain a number of secreted bacterial proteins, including phospholipases, alkaline phosphatase, and the CFTR inhibitory factor (Cif). Previously, Cif, an epoxide hydrolase, was shown to be regulated at the transcriptional level by epoxides, which serve as ligands of the repressor, CifR. Here, we tested whether epoxides have an effect on Cif levels in OMVs. We showed that growth of P. aeruginosa in the presence of specific epoxides but not a hydrolysis product increased Cif packaging into OMVs in a CifR-independent fashion. The outer membrane protein, OprF, was also increased under these conditions, but alkaline phosphatase activity was not significantly altered. Additionally, we demonstrated that OMV shape and density were affected by epoxide treatment, with two distinct vesicle fractions present when cells were treated with epibromohydrin (EBH), a model epoxide. Vesicles isolated from the two density fractions exhibited different protein profiles in Western blotting and silver staining. We have shown that a variety of clinically or host-relevant treatments, including antibiotics, also alter the proteins packaged in OMVs. Proteomic analysis of purified OMVs followed by an analysis of transposon mutant OMVs yielded mutants with altered vesicle packaging. Finally, epithelial cell cytotoxicity was reduced in the vesicles formed in the presence of EBH, suggesting that this epoxide alters the function of the OMVs. Our data support a model whereby clinically or host-relevant signals mediate differential packaging of virulence factors in OMVs, which results in functional consequences for host-pathogen interactions.

Extracellular membrane vesicles secreted by mycoplasma Acholeplasma laidlawii PG8 are enriched in virulence proteins

Mycoplasmas (class Mollicutes), the smallest prokaryotes capable of self-replication, as well as Archaea, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria constitutively produce extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, little is known regarding the content and functions of mycoplasma vesicles. Here, we present for the first time a proteomics-based characterisation of extracellular membrane vesicles from Acholeplasma laidlawii PG8. The ubiquitous mycoplasma is widespread in nature, found in humans, animals and plants, and is the causative agent of phytomycoplasmoses and the predominant contaminant of cell cultures. Taking a proteomics approach using LC-ESI-MS/MS, we identified 97 proteins. Analysis of the identified proteins indicated that A. laidlawii-derived EVs are enriched in virulence proteins that may play critical roles in mycoplasma-induced pathogenesis. Our data will help to elucidate the functions of mycoplasma-derived EVs and to develop effective methods to control infections and contaminations of cell cultures by mycoplasmas. In the present study, we have documented for the first time the proteins in EVs secreted by mycoplasma vesicular proteins identified in this study are likely involved in the adaptation of bacteria to stressors, survival in microbial communities and pathogen-host interactions. These findings suggest that the secretion of EVs is an evolutionally conserved and universal process that occurs in organisms from the simplest wall-less bacteria to complex organisms and indicate the necessity of developing new approaches to control infects.

Mycoplasma Contamination of Cell Cultures: Vesicular Traffic in Bacteria and Control over Infectious Agents

Cell cultures are subject to contamination either with cells of other cultures or with microorganisms, including fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Mycoplasma contamination of cell cultures is of particular importance. Since cell cultures are used for the production of vaccines and physiologically active compounds, designing a system for controlling contaminants becomes topical for fundamental science and biotechnological production. The discovery of extracellular membrane vesicles in mycoplasmas makes it necessary to take into consideration the bacterial vesicular traffic in systems designed for controlling infectious agents. The extracellular vesicles of bacteria mediate the traffic of proteins and genes, participate in cell-to-cell interactions, as well as in the pathogenesis and development of resistance to antibiotics. The present review discusses the features of mycoplasmas, their extracellular vesicles, and the interaction between contaminants and eukaryotic cells. Furthermore, it provides an analysis of the problems associated with modern methods of diagnosis and eradication of mycoplasma contamination from cell cultures and prospects for their solution.

Viral and cellular SOS-regulated motor proteins: dsDNA translocation mechanisms with divergent functions

DNA damage attacks on bacterial cells have been known to activate the SOS response, a transcriptional response affecting chromosome replication, DNA recombination and repair, cell division and prophage induction. All these functions require double-stranded (ds) DNA translocation by ASCE hexameric motors. This review seeks to delineate the structural and functional characteristics of the SOS response and the SOS-regulated DNA translocases FtsK and RuvB with the phi29 bacteriophage packaging motor gp16 ATPase as a prototype to study bacterial motors. While gp16 ATPase, cellular FtsK and RuvB are similarly comprised of hexameric rings encircling dsDNA and functioning as ATP-driven DNA translocases, they utilize different mechanisms to accomplish separate functions, suggesting a convergent evolution of these motors. The gp16 ATPase and FtsK use a novel revolution mechanism, generating a power stroke between subunits through an entropy-DNA affinity switch and pushing dsDNA inward without rotation of DNA and the motor, whereas RuvB seems to employ a rotation mechanism that remains to be further characterized. While FtsK and RuvB perform essential tasks during the SOS response, their roles may be far more significant as SOS response is involved in antibiotic-inducible bacterial vesiculation and biofilm formation as well as the perspective of the bacteria-cancer evolutionary interaction.

Identification and characterization of outer membrane vesicle-associated proteins in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a primary cause of enteric diseases and has acquired a variety of virulence factors during its evolution into a pathogen. Secreted virulence factors interact with commensal flora and host cells and enable Salmonella to survive and thrive in hostile environments. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released from many Gram-negative bacteria function as a mechanism for the secretion of complex mixtures, including virulence factors. We performed a proteomic analysis of OMVs that were isolated under standard laboratory and acidic minimal medium conditions and identified 14 OMV-associated proteins that were observed in the OMV fraction isolated only under the acidic minimal medium conditions, which reproduced the nutrient-deficient intracellular milieu. The inferred roles of these 14 proteins were diverse, including transporter, enzyme, and transcriptional regulator. The absence of these proteins influenced Salmonella survival inside murine macrophages. Eleven of these proteins were predicted to possess secretion signal sequences at their N termini, and three (HupA, GlnH, and PhoN) of the proteins were found to be translocated into the cytoplasm of host cells. The comparative proteomic profiling of OMVs performed in this study revealed different protein compositions in the OMVs isolated under the two different conditions, which indicates that the OMV cargo depends on the growth conditions and provides a deeper insight into how Salmonella utilizes OMVs to adapt to environmental changes.

Structural changes and differentially expressed genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa exposed to meropenem-ciprofloxacin combination

The effect of a meropenem-ciprofloxacin combination (MCC) on the susceptibility of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA) clinical isolates was determined using checkerboard and time-kill curve techniques. Structural changes and differential gene expression that resulted from the synergistic action of the MCC against one of the P. aeruginosa isolates (1071-MRPA]) were evaluated using electron microscopy and representational difference analysis (RDA), respectively. The differentially expressed, SOS response-associated, and resistance-associated genes in 1071-MRPA exposed to meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and the MCC were monitored by quantitative PCR. The MCC was synergistic against 25% and 40.6% of MDR P. aeruginosa isolates as shown by the checkerboard and time-kill curves, respectively. The morphological and structural changes that resulted from the synergistic action of the MCC against 1071-MRPA were a summation of the effects observed with each antimicrobial alone. One exception included outer membrane vesicles, which were seen in a greater amount upon ciprofloxacin exposure but were significantly inhibited upon MCC exposure. Cell wall- and DNA repair-associated genes were differentially expressed in 1071-MRPA exposed to meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and the MCC. However, some of the RDA-detected, resistance-associated, and SOS response-associated genes were expressed at significantly lower levels in 1071-MRPA exposed to the MCC. The MCC may be an alternative for the treatment of MDR P. aeruginosa. The effect of this antimicrobial combination may be not only the result of a summation of the effects of meropenem and ciprofloxacin but also a result of differential action that likely inhibits protective mechanisms in the bacteria.

Adaptation of mycoplasmas to antimicrobial agents: Acholeplasma laidlawii extracellular vesicles mediate the export of ciprofloxacin and a mutant gene related to the antibiotic target

This study demonstrated that extracellular membrane vesicles are involved with the development of resistance to fluoroquinolones by mycoplasmas (class Mollicutes). This study assessed the differences in susceptibility to ciprofloxacin among strains of Acholeplasma laidlawii PG8. The mechanisms of mycoplasma resistance to antibiotics may be associated with a mutation in a gene related to the target of quinolones, which could modulate the vesiculation level. A. laidlawii extracellular vesicles mediated the export of the nucleotide sequences of the antibiotic target gene as well as the traffic of ciprofloxacin. These results may facilitate the development of effective approaches to control mycoplasma infections, as well as the contamination of cell cultures and vaccine preparations.

Offense and defense: microbial membrane vesicles play both ways

Microbes have evolved over millennia to become adapted and specialized to the environments that they occupy. These environments may include water or soil, extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents, and can even include a host organism. To become adapted to these locations, microbes have evolved specific tools to mediate interactions with the environment. One such tool that prokaryotes have evolved includes the production of membrane vesicles (MVs). MVs are 10-300 nm spherical blebs derived from the outermost membrane and have known functions in protein secretion, immune activation and suppression, stress response, attachment, internalization and virulence. In this review, we consider the highly conserved role of membrane vesicles derived from Gram-negative, Gram-positive and archaeal species as a mechanism to facilitate intermicrobial and microbe-host interaction. We examine both the offensive and defensive capabilities of MVs in regard to the interaction of MVs with both host and microbial cells in their environment.

Association of Acinetobacter baumannii EF-Tu with cell surface, outer membrane vesicles, and fibronectin

A conundrum has long lingered over association of cytosol elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) with bacterial surface. Here we investigated it with Acinetobacter baumannii, an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with a wide spectrum of infectious diseases. The gene for A. baumannii EF-Tu was sequenced, and recombinant EF-Tu was purified for antibody development. EF-Tu on the bacterial surface and the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) was revealed by immune electron microscopy, and its presence in the outer membrane (OM) and the OMV subproteomes was verified by Western blotting with the EF-Tu antibodies and confirmed by proteomic analyses. EF-Tu in the OM and the OMV subproteomes bound to fibronectin as detected by Western blot and confirmed by a label-free real-time optical sensor. The sensor that originates from photonic crystal structure in a total-Internal-reflection (PC-TIR) configuration was functionalized with fibronectin for characterizing EF-Tu binding. Altogether, with a novel combination of immunological, proteomical, and biophysical assays, these results suggest association of A. baumannii EF-Tu with the bacterial cell surface, OMVs, and fibronectin.