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Antonova NP, Vasina DV, Lendel AM, Usachev EV, Makarov VV, Gintsburg AL, Tkachuk AP, Gushchin VA. Broad Bactericidal Activity of the Myoviridae Bacteriophage Lysins LysAm24, LysECD7, and LysSi3 against Gram-Negative ESKAPE Pathogens. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030284. [PMID: 30901901 PMCID: PMC6466606 DOI: 10.3390/v11030284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The extremely rapid spread of multiple-antibiotic resistance among Gram-negative pathogens threatens to move humankind into the so-called “post-antibiotic era” in which the most efficient and safe antibiotics will not work. Bacteriophage lysins represent promising alternatives to antibiotics, as they are capable of digesting bacterial cell wall peptidoglycans to promote their osmotic lysis. However, relatively little is known regarding the spectrum of lysin bactericidal activity against Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we present the results of in vitro activity assays of three putative and newly cloned Myoviridae bacteriophage endolysins (LysAm24, LysECD7, and LysSi3). The chosen proteins represent lysins with diverse domain organization (single-domain vs. two-domain) and different predicted mechanisms of action (lysozyme vs. peptidase). The enzymes were purified, and their properties were characterized. The enzymes were tested against a panel of Gram-negative clinical bacterial isolates comprising all Gram-negative representatives of the ESKAPE group. Despite exhibiting different structural organizations, all of the assayed lysins were shown to be capable of lysing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi strains. Less than 50 μg/mL was enough to eradicate growing cells over more than five orders of magnitude. Thus, LysAm24, LysECD7, and LysSi3 represent promising therapeutic agents for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia P Antonova
- N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia.
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Daria V Vasina
- N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia.
| | | | - Evgeny V Usachev
- N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Valentine V Makarov
- Center for Strategic Planning of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119435 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexander L Gintsburg
- N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Artem P Tkachuk
- N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Vladimir A Gushchin
- N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia.
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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52
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Koulenti D, Song A, Ellingboe A, Abdul-Aziz MH, Harris P, Gavey E, Lipman J. Infections by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Bacteria: What's new in our arsenal and what's in the pipeline? Int J Antimicrob Agents 2018; 53:211-224. [PMID: 30394301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria is an ever-growing concern, particularly among Gram-negative bacteria because of their intrinsic resistance and how quickly they acquire and spread new resistance mechanisms. Treating infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria is a challenge for medical practitioners and increases patient mortality and cost of care globally. This vulnerability, along with strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance development, prompts the development of new antibiotic agents and exploration of alternative treatment options. This article summarises the new antibiotics that have recently been approved for Gram-negative bacterial infections, looks down the pipeline at promising agents currently in phase I, II, or III clinical trials, and introduces new alternative avenues that show potential in combating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Koulenti
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Royal Brisbane Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; 2nd Critical Care Department, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Andrew Song
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Aaron Ellingboe
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Abdul-Aziz
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; School of Pharmacy, International Islamic University, Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Patrick Harris
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Pathology Queensland, Central Laboratory, Herston, Queensland, Australia; Infection Management Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emile Gavey
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Lipman
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Royal Brisbane Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane
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53
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Vázquez R, García E, García P. Phage Lysins for Fighting Bacterial Respiratory Infections: A New Generation of Antimicrobials. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2252. [PMID: 30459750 PMCID: PMC6232686 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lower respiratory tract infections and tuberculosis are responsible for the death of about 4.5 million people each year and are the main causes of mortality in children under 5 years of age. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial pathogen associated with severe pneumonia, although other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are involved in respiratory infections as well. The ability of these pathogens to persist and produce infection under the appropriate conditions is also associated with their capacity to form biofilms in the respiratory mucous membranes. Adding to the difficulty of treating biofilm-forming bacteria with antibiotics, many of these strains are becoming multidrug resistant, and thus the alternative therapeutics available for combating this kind of infections are rapidly depleting. Given these concerns, it is urgent to consider other unconventional strategies and, in this regard, phage lysins represent an attractive resource to circumvent some of the current issues in infection treatment. When added exogenously, lysins break specific bonds of the peptidoglycan and have potent bactericidal effects against susceptible bacteria. These enzymes possess interesting features, including that they do not trigger an adverse immune response and raise of resistance is very unlikely. Although Gram-negative bacteria had been considered refractory to these compounds, strategies to overcome this drawback have been developed recently. In this review we describe the most relevant in vitro and in vivo results obtained to date with lysins against bacterial respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Vázquez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernesto García
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro García
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
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Li M, Jin Y, Lin H, Wang J, Jiang X. Complete Genome of a Novel Lytic Vibrio parahaemolyticus Phage VPp1 and Characterization of Its Endolysin for Antibacterial Activities. J Food Prot 2018; 81:1117-1125. [PMID: 29927621 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-17-278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an important foodborne pathogen that is generally transmitted via raw or undercooked seafood. Endolysins originating from bacteriophages offer a new way to control bacterial pathogens. The objectives of this study were to sequence a novel lytic V. parahaemolyticus phage VPp1 and determine the antibacterial activities of the recombinant endolysin (LysVPp1) derived from this phage. The complete VPp1 genome contained a double-stranded DNA of 50,431 bp with a total G+C content of 41.35%. The genome was predicted to encode 67 open reading frames (ORFs), which were organized as nucleotide metabolism, replication, structure, packaging, lysis, and some additional functions. Two tRNAs were encoded to carry anticodons UGG and CCA. Among the functional proteins, ORF33 was deduced to encode endolysin, whereas no holin/antiholin or Rz/Rz1 lysis gene equivalents were found in the VPp1 genome. ORF33 was cloned and expressed. The endolysin LysVPp1 could lyse 9 of 12 V. parahaemolyticus strains, showing its relatively broader host spectrum than phage VPp1, which lysed only 3 of 12 V. parahaemolyticus strains. Furthermore, for EDTA-pretreated bacterial cells, the optical density of the LysVPp1 treatment group decreased by 0.4 at 450 nm, compared with less than 0.1 in control groups, demonstrating enhanced hydrolytic properties. These results contribute to the potential for development of novel enzybiotics for controlling V. parahaemolyticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhe Li
- 1 Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Yanqiu Jin
- 1 Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Hong Lin
- 1 Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Jingxue Wang
- 1 Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Xiuping Jiang
- 2 Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
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Phage-Derived Peptidoglycan Degrading Enzymes: Challenges and Future Prospects for In Vivo Therapy. Viruses 2018; 10:v10060292. [PMID: 29844287 PMCID: PMC6024856 DOI: 10.3390/v10060292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptidoglycan degrading enzymes are of increasing interest as antibacterial agents, especially against multi-drug resistant pathogens. Herein we present a review about the biological features of virion-associated lysins and endolysins, phage-derived enzymes that have naturally evolved to compromise the bacterial peptidoglycan from without and from within, respectively. These natural features may determine the adaptability of the enzymes to kill bacteria in different environments. Endolysins are by far the most studied group of peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes, with several studies showing that they can exhibit potent antibacterial activity under specific conditions. However, the lytic activity of most endolysins seems to be significantly reduced when tested against actively growing bacteria, something that may be related to fact that these enzymes are naturally designed to degrade the peptidoglycan from within dead cells. This may negatively impact the efficacy of the endolysin in treating some infections in vivo. Here, we present a critical view of the methods commonly used to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the antibacterial performance of PG-degrading enzymes, focusing on the major hurdles concerning in vitro-to-in vivo translation.
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56
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Maciejewska B, Olszak T, Drulis-Kawa Z. Applications of bacteriophages versus phage enzymes to combat and cure bacterial infections: an ambitious and also a realistic application? Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:2563-2581. [PMID: 29442169 PMCID: PMC5847195 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8811-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. The "predator-prey" interactions are recognized as a potentially effective way to treat infections. Phages, as well as phage-derived proteins, especially enzymes, are intensively studied to become future alternative or supportive antibacterials used alone or in combination with standard antibiotic regimens treatment. There are many publications presenting phage therapy aspects, and some papers focused separately on the application of phage-derived enzymes. In this review, we discuss advantages and limitations of both agents concerning their specificity, mode of action, structural issues, resistance development, pharmacokinetics, product preparation, and interactions with the immune system. Finally, we describe the current regulations for phage-based product application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Maciejewska
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, S. Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Olszak
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, S. Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, S. Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland.
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Love MJ, Bhandari D, Dobson RCJ, Billington C. Potential for Bacteriophage Endolysins to Supplement or Replace Antibiotics in Food Production and Clinical Care. Antibiotics (Basel) 2018; 7:E17. [PMID: 29495476 PMCID: PMC5872128 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing concern about the emergence of bacterial strains showing resistance to all classes of antibiotics commonly used in human medicine. Despite the broad range of available antibiotics, bacterial resistance has been identified for every antimicrobial drug developed to date. Alarmingly, there is also an increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, rendering some patients effectively untreatable. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternatives to conventional antibiotics for use in the treatment of both humans and food-producing animals. Bacteriophage-encoded lytic enzymes (endolysins), which degrade the cell wall of the bacterial host to release progeny virions, are potential alternatives to antibiotics. Preliminary studies show that endolysins can disrupt the cell wall when applied exogenously, though this has so far proven more effective in Gram-positive bacteria compared with Gram-negative bacteria. Their potential for development is furthered by the prospect of bioengineering, and aided by the modular domain structure of many endolysins, which separates the binding and catalytic activities into distinct subunits. These subunits can be rearranged to create novel, chimeric enzymes with optimized functionality. Furthermore, there is evidence that the development of resistance to these enzymes may be more difficult compared with conventional antibiotics due to their targeting of highly conserved bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Love
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Dinesh Bhandari
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Renwick C J Dobson
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
| | - Craig Billington
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
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58
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Larpin Y, Oechslin F, Moreillon P, Resch G, Entenza JM, Mancini S. In vitro characterization of PlyE146, a novel phage lysin that targets Gram-negative bacteria. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192507. [PMID: 29408864 PMCID: PMC5800649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent rise of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria represents a serious threat to public health and makes the search for novel effective alternatives to antibiotics a compelling need. Bacteriophage (Phage) lysins are enzymes that hydrolyze the cell wall of bacteria and represent a promising alternative to tackle this ever-increasing problem. Despite their use is believed to be restricted to Gram-positive bacteria, recent findings have shown that they can also be used against Gram-negative bacteria. By using a phage genome-based screening approach, we identified and characterized a novel lysin, PlyE146, encoded by an Escherichia coli prophage and with a predicted molecular mass of ca. 17 kDa. PlyE146 is composed of a C-terminal cationic peptide and a N-terminal N-acetylmuramidase domain. Histidine-tagged PlyE146 was overexpressed from a plasmid in Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 and purified by NI-NTA chromatography. PlyE146 exhibited in vitro optimal bactericidal activity against E. coli K12 (3.6 log10 CFU/mL decrease) after 2 h of incubation at 37°C at a concentration of 400 μg/mL in the absence of NaCl and at pH 6.0. Under these conditions, PlyE146 displayed antimicrobial activity towards several other E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3 to 3.8-log10 CFU/mL decrease) and Acinetobacter baumannii (4.9 to >5-log10 CFU/mL decrease) strains. Therefore, PlyE146 represents a promising therapeutic agent against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii infections. However, further studies are required to improve the efficacy of PlyE146 under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Larpin
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frank Oechslin
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Moreillon
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégory Resch
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - José Manuel Entenza
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Stefano Mancini
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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59
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Maciejewska B, Źrubek K, Espaillat A, Wiśniewska M, Rembacz KP, Cava F, Dubin G, Drulis-Kawa Z. Modular endolysin of Burkholderia AP3 phage has the largest lysozyme-like catalytic subunit discovered to date and no catalytic aspartate residue. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14501. [PMID: 29109551 PMCID: PMC5674055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14797-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Endolysins are peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes utilized by bacteriophages to release the progeny from bacterial cells. The lytic properties of phage endolysins make them potential antibacterial agents for medical and industrial applications. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of phage AP3 modular endolysin (AP3gp15) containing cell wall binding domain and an enzymatic domain (DUF3380 by BLASTP), both widespread and conservative. Our structural analysis demonstrates the low similarity of an enzymatic domain to known lysozymes and an unusual catalytic centre characterized by only a single glutamic acid residue and no aspartic acid. Thus, our findings suggest distinguishing a novel class of muralytic enzymes having the activity and catalytic centre organization of DUF3380. The lack of amino acid sequence homology between AP3gp15 and other known muralytic enzymes may reflect the evolutionary convergence of analogous glycosidases. Moreover, the broad antibacterial spectrum, lack of cytotoxic effect on human cells and the stability characteristics of AP3 endolysin advocate for its future application development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Maciejewska
- Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Karol Źrubek
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
- Protein Crystallography Research Group, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Akbar Espaillat
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden. Molecular Biology Department, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Wiśniewska
- Protein Crystallography Research Group, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof P Rembacz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
- Protein Crystallography Research Group, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Felipe Cava
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden. Molecular Biology Department, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Grzegorz Dubin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
- Protein Crystallography Research Group, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland.
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60
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Guo M, Feng C, Ren J, Zhuang X, Zhang Y, Zhu Y, Dong K, He P, Guo X, Qin J. A Novel Antimicrobial Endolysin, LysPA26, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:293. [PMID: 28289407 PMCID: PMC5326749 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The global increase in multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria has led to phage therapy being refocused upon. A novel endolysin, LysPA26, containing a lysozyme-like domain, was screened against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in this study. It had activity against MDR P. aeruginosa without pretreatment with an outer-membrane permeabilizer. LysPA26 could kill up to 4 log units P. aeruginosa in 30 min. In addition, temperature and pH effect assays revealed that LysPA26 had good stability over a broad range of pH and temperatures. Moreover, LysPA26 could kill other Gram-negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli, but not Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, LysPA26 could eliminate P. aeruginosa in biofilm formation. Our current results show that LysPA26 is a new and promising antimicrobial agent for the combat of Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingquan Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institutes of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Feng
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhou, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institutes of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Xuran Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institutes of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institutes of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Yongzhang Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institutes of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Ke Dong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institutes of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institutes of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Xiaokui Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institutes of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Jinhong Qin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institutes of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
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Al-Wrafy F, Brzozowska E, Górska S, Gamian A. Pathogenic factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa – the role of biofilm in pathogenicity and as a target for phage therapy. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2017; 71:78-91. [DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0010.3792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
<i>Pseudomonas</i> aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause several acute and chronic infections in humans, and it has become an important cause of nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance. Biofilm represents an important virulence factor for these bacteria, plays a role in <i>P. aeruginosa</i> infections and avoidance of immune defence mechanisms, and has the ability to protect the bacteria from antibiotics. Alginate, Psl and Pel, three exopolysaccharides, are the main components in biofilm matrix, with many biological functions attributed to them, especially with respect to the protection of the bacterial cell from antibiotics and the immune system. <i>Pseudomonas</i> infections, biofilm formation and development of resistance to antibiotics all require better understanding to achieve the best results using alternative treatment with phage therapy. This review describes the <i>P. aeruginosa</i> pathogenicity and virulence factors with a special focus on the biofilm and its role in infection and resistance to antibiotics and summarizes phage therapy as an alternative approach in treatment of <i>P. aeruginosa</i> infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fairoz Al-Wrafy
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland; Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Ewa Brzozowska
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sabina Górska
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Gamian
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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62
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Carvalho C, Costa AR, Silva F, Oliveira A. Bacteriophages and their derivatives for the treatment and control of food-producing animal infections. Crit Rev Microbiol 2017; 43:583-601. [DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2016.1271309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Carvalho
- CEB-UM: Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Costa
- CEB-UM: Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Filipe Silva
- CECAV-UTAD, Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Oliveira
- CEB-UM: Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Ma Q, Guo Z, Gao C, Zhu R, Wang S, Yu L, Qin W, Xia X, Gu J, Yan G, Lei L. Enhancement of the direct antimicrobial activity of Lysep3 against Escherichia coli by inserting cationic peptides into its C terminus. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2016; 110:347-355. [DOI: 10.1007/s10482-016-0806-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Khakhum N, Yordpratum U, Boonmee A, Tattawasart U, Rodrigues JLM, Sermswan RW. Cloning, expression, and characterization of a peptidoglycan hydrolase from the Burkholderia pseudomallei phage ST79. AMB Express 2016; 6:77. [PMID: 27637947 PMCID: PMC5025407 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-016-0251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The lytic phage ST79 of Burkholderia pseudomallei can lyse a broad range of its host including antibiotic resistant isolates from within using a set of proteins, holin, lysB, lysC and endolysin, a peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolase enzyme. The phage ST79 endolysin gene identified as peptidase M15A was cloned, expressed and purified to evaluate its potential to lyse pathogenic bacteria. The molecular size of the purified enzyme is approximately 18 kDa and the in silico study cited here indicated the presence of a zinc-binding domain predicted to be a member of the subfamily A of a metallopeptidase. Its activity, however, was reduced by the presence of Zn2+. When Escherichia coli PG was used as a substrate and subjected to digestion for 5 min with 3 μg/ml of enzyme, the peptidase M15A showed 2 times higher in lysis efficiency when compared to the commercial lysozyme. The enzyme works in a broad alkaligenic pH range of 7.5–9.0 and temperatures from 25 to 42 °C. The enzyme was able to lyse 18 Gram-negative bacteria in which the outer membrane was permeabilized by chloroform treatment. Interestingly, it also lysed Enterococcus sp., but not other Gram-positive bacteria. In general, endolysin cannot lyse Gram-negative bacteria from outside, however, the cationic amphipathic C-terminal in some endolysins showed permeability to Gram-negative outer membranes. Genetically engineered ST79 peptidase M15A that showed a broad spectrum against Gram-negative bacterial PG or, in combination with an antibiotic the same way as combined drug methodology, could facilitate an effective treatment of severe or antibiotic resistant cases.
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From endolysins to Artilysin®s: novel enzyme-based approaches to kill drug-resistant bacteria. Biochem Soc Trans 2016; 44:123-8. [PMID: 26862197 DOI: 10.1042/bst20150192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
One of the last untapped reservoirs in nature for the identification of new anti-microbials is bacteriophages, the natural killers of bacteria. Lytic bacteriophages encode peptidoglycan (PG) lytic enzymes able to degrade the PG layer in different steps of their infection cycle. Endolysins degrade the bacterial cell wall at the end of the infection cycle, causing lysis of the host to release the viral progeny. Recombinant endolysins have been successfully applied as anti-bacterial agent against antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. This has boosted the study of these enzymes as new anti-microbials in different fields (e.g. medical, food technology). A key example is the recent development of endolysin-based anti-bacterials against Gram-negative pathogens in which the exogenous application of endolysins is hindered by the outer membrane (OM). These novel anti-microbials, termed Artilysin®s, are able to pass through the OM and reach the PG where they exert their action. In addition, mycobacteria whose cell wall is structurally different from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have also been reported to be inhibited by mycobacteriophage-encoded endolysins. Endolysins and endolysin-based anti-microbials can be considered as ideal candidates for an alternative to antibiotics for several reasons: (1) their unique mode of action and activity against bacterial persisters (independent of an active host metabolism), (2) their selective activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens (including antibiotic resistant strains) and mycobacteria, (3) the limited resistance development reported so far. The present review summarizes and discusses the potential applications of endolysins as new anti-microbials.
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Thummeepak R, Kitti T, Kunthalert D, Sitthisak S. Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteriophage ØABP-01 Endolysin (LysABP-01) in Combination with Colistin. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1402. [PMID: 27656173 PMCID: PMC5013039 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Endolysins are lytic enzymes produced by bacteriophages with their ability to degrade the cell wall of bacterial hosts. Endolysin (LysABP-01) from Acinetobacter baumannii bacteriophage ØABP-01 was cloned, overexpressed and characterized. Endolysin LysABP-01 has a globular structure consisting of lysozyme-like (N-acetyl-β-D-muramidase) catalytic domain. It contains 185 amino acids which correspond to a 21.1 kDa protein. The lytic activity of the recombinant endolysin protein was determined by a plate lysis assay for its ability to lyse the autoclaved cell (crude cell wall) of the different bacterial species. LysABP-01 can degrade the crude cell wall of A. baumannii strains, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but not of Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial activity of LysABP-01 and its synergism with various antibiotics were tested. The results exhibited elevated antibacterial activity in a combination of the sub-MIC LysABP-01 and colistin. The checkerboard assay for measuring antibiotic synergy of LysABP-01 and colistin was performed. This combination was synergistic against various drug-resistant strains of A. baumannii (FIC index < 0.5). In summary, our study highlights the ability of LysABP-01 endolysin to hydrolyze the A. baumannii cell wall and its synergistic interaction with colistin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rapee Thummeepak
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok Thailand
| | - Thawatchai Kitti
- Faculty of Oriental Medicine, Chiang Rai College, Chiang Rai Thailand
| | - Duangkamol Kunthalert
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, PhitsanulokThailand; Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, PhitsanulokThailand
| | - Sutthirat Sitthisak
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, PhitsanulokThailand; Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, PhitsanulokThailand
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Pires DP, Cleto S, Sillankorva S, Azeredo J, Lu TK. Genetically Engineered Phages: a Review of Advances over the Last Decade. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016; 80:523-43. [PMID: 27250768 PMCID: PMC4981678 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00069-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Soon after their discovery in the early 20th century, bacteriophages were recognized to have great potential as antimicrobial agents, a potential that has yet to be fully realized. The nascent field of phage therapy was adversely affected by inadequately controlled trials and the discovery of antibiotics. Although the study of phages as anti-infective agents slowed, phages played an important role in the development of molecular biology. In recent years, the increase in multidrug-resistant bacteria has renewed interest in the use of phages as antimicrobial agents. With the wide array of possibilities offered by genetic engineering, these bacterial viruses are being modified to precisely control and detect bacteria and to serve as new sources of antibacterials. In applications that go beyond their antimicrobial activity, phages are also being developed as vehicles for drug delivery and vaccines, as well as for the assembly of new materials. This review highlights advances in techniques used to engineer phages for all of these purposes and discusses existing challenges and opportunities for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Pires
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sara Cleto
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanna Sillankorva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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DUF3380 Domain from a Salmonella Phage Endolysin Shows Potent N-Acetylmuramidase Activity. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:4975-81. [PMID: 27287318 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00446-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Bacteriophage-encoded endolysins are highly diverse enzymes that cleave the bacterial peptidoglycan layer. Current research focuses on their potential applications in medicine, in food conservation, and as biotechnological tools. Despite the wealth of applications relying on the use of endolysin, little is known about the enzymatic properties of these enzymes, especially in the case of endolysins of bacteriophages infecting Gram-negative species. Automated genome annotations therefore remain to be confirmed. Here, we report the biochemical analysis and cleavage site determination of a novel Salmonella bacteriophage endolysin, Gp110, which comprises an uncharacterized domain of unknown function (DUF3380; pfam11860) in its C terminus and shows a higher specific activity (34,240 U/μM) than that of 14 previously characterized endolysins active against peptidoglycan from Gram-negative bacteria (corresponding to 1.7- to 364-fold higher activity). Gp110 is a modular endolysin with an optimal pH of enzymatic activity of pH 8 and elevated thermal resistance. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis coupled to mass spectrometry showed that DUF3380 has N-acetylmuramidase (lysozyme) activity cleaving the β-(1,4) glycosidic bond between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine residues. Gp110 is active against directly cross-linked peptidoglycans with various peptide stem compositions, making it an attractive enzyme for developing novel antimicrobial agents. IMPORTANCE We report the functional and biochemical characterization of the Salmonella phage endolysin Gp110. This endolysin has a modular structure with an enzymatically active domain and a cell wall binding domain. The enzymatic activity of this endolysin exceeds that of all other endolysins previously characterized using the same methods. A domain of unknown function (DUF3380) is responsible for this high enzymatic activity. We report that DUF3380 has N-acetylmuramidase activity against directly cross-linked peptidoglycans with various peptide stem compositions. This experimentally verified activity allows better classification and understanding of the enzymatic activities of endolysins, which mostly are inferred by sequence similarities. Three-dimensional structure predictions for Gp110 suggest a fold that is completely different from that of known structures of enzymes with the same peptidoglycan cleavage specificity, making this endolysin quite unique. All of these features, combined with increased thermal resistance, make Gp110 an attractive candidate for engineering novel endolysin-based antibacterials.
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Wang W, Li M, Lin H, Wang J, Mao X. The Vibrio parahaemolyticus-infecting bacteriophage qdvp001: genome sequence and endolysin with a modular structure. Arch Virol 2016; 161:2645-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-2957-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Taneja N, Kaur H. Insights into Newer Antimicrobial Agents Against Gram-negative Bacteria. Microbiol Insights 2016; 9:9-19. [PMID: 27013887 PMCID: PMC4803319 DOI: 10.4137/mbi.s29459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, drug resistance, especially against cephalosporins and carbapenems, among gram-negative bacteria is an important challenge, which is further enhanced by the limited availability of drugs against these bugs. There are certain antibiotics (colistin, fosfomycin, temocillin, and rifampicin) that have been revived from the past to tackle the menace of superbugs, including members of Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter species, and Pseudomonas species. Very few newer antibiotics have been added to the pool of existing drugs. There are still many antibiotics that are passing through various phases of clinical trials. The initiative of Infectious Disease Society of America to develop 10 novel antibiotics against gram-negative bacilli by 2020 is a step to fill the gap of limited availability of drugs. This review aims to provide insights into the current and newer drugs in pipeline for the treatment of gram-negative bacteria and also discusses the major challenging issues for their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Taneja
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Harsimran Kaur
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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71
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Yang H, Wang M, Yu J, Wei H. Antibacterial Activity of a Novel Peptide-Modified Lysin Against Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1471. [PMID: 26733995 PMCID: PMC4686776 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a growing threat to public health worldwide. Natural bacteriophage lysins are promising alternatives in the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens, but not Gram-negative ones, like Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, due to the barriers posed by their outer membranes. Recently, modifying a natural lysin with an antimicrobial peptide was found able to break the barriers, and to kill Gram-negative pathogens. Herein, a new peptide-modified lysin (PlyA) was constructed by fusing the cecropin A peptide residues 1–8 (KWKLFKKI) with the OBPgp279 lysin and its antibacterial activity was studied. PlyA showed good and broad antibacterial activities against logarithmic phase A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, but much reduced activities against the cells in stationary phase. Addition of outer membrane permeabilizers (EDTA and citric acid) could enhance the antibacterial activity of PlyA against stationary phase cells. Finally, no antibacterial activity of PlyA could be observed in some bio-matrices, such as culture media, milk, and sera. In conclusion, we reported here a novel peptide-modified lysin with significant antibacterial activity against both logarithmic (without OMPs) and stationary phase (with OMPs) A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa cells in buffer, but further optimization is needed to achieve broad activity in diverse bio-matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan, China
| | - Mengyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan, China
| | - Junping Yu
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan, China
| | - Hongping Wei
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan, China
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72
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Dong H, Zhu C, Chen J, Ye X, Huang YP. Antibacterial Activity of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Endolysin P28 against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1299. [PMID: 26635765 PMCID: PMC4656821 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Maltocin P28 is a phage-tail like bacteriocin produced by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia P28. The ORF8 of maltocin P28 gene cluster is predicted to encode an endolysin and we name it endolysin P28. Sequence analysis revealed that it contains the lysozyme_like superfamily conserved domain. Endolysin P28 has the four consensus motifs as that of Escherichia coli phage lambda gpR. In this study, endolysin P28 was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and purified with a C-terminal oligo-histidine tag. The antibacterial activity of endolysin P28 increased as the temperature rose from 25 to 45°C. Thermostability assays showed that endolysin P28 was stable up to 50°C, while its residual activity was reduced by 55% after treatment at 70°C for 30 min. Acidity and high salinity could enhance its antibacterial activity. Endolysin P28 exhibited a broad antibacterial activity against 14 out of 16 tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria besides S. maltophilia. Moreover, it could effectively lyse intact Gram-negative bacteria in the absence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as an outer membrane permeabilizer. Therefore, the characteristics of endolysin P28 make it a potential therapeutic agent against multi-drug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Dong
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan, China
| | - Xing Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Ping Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan, China ; Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation Wuhan, China
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73
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Li M, Li M, Lin H, Wang J, Jin Y, Han F. Characterization of the novel T4-like Salmonella enterica bacteriophage STP4-a and its endolysin. Arch Virol 2015; 161:377-84. [PMID: 26563319 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-015-2647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
While screening for new antimicrobial agents for multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica, the novel lytic bacteriophage STP4-a was isolated and characterized. Phage morphology revealed that STP4-a belongs to the family Myoviridae. Bacterial challenge assays showed that different serovars of Salmonella enterica were susceptible to STP4-a infection. The genomic characteristics of STP4-a, containing 159,914 bp of dsDNA with an average GC content of 36.86 %, were determined. Furthermore, the endolysin of STP4-a was expressed and characterized. The novel endolysin, LysSTP4, has hydrolytic activity towards outer-membrane-permeabilized S. enterica and Escherichia coli. These results provide essential information for the development of novel phage-based biocontrol agents against S. enterica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Food Safety Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengzhe Li
- Food Safety Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Lin
- Food Safety Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingxue Wang
- Food Safety Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanqiu Jin
- Food Safety Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Han
- Food Safety Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
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74
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Zhang C, Wang Y, Sun H, Ren H. Multiple-site mutations of phage Bp7 endolysin improves its activities against target bacteria. Virol Sin 2015; 30:386-95. [PMID: 26490045 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-015-3618-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of antibiotics has caused serious drug resistance. Bacteria that were once easily treatable are now extremely difficult to treat. Endolysin can be used as an alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria. To analyze the antibacterial activity of the endolysin of phage Bp7 (Bp7e), a 489-bp DNA fragment of endolysin Bp7e was PCR-amplified from a phage Bp7 genome and cloned, and then a pET28a-Bp7e prokaryotic expression vector was constructed. Two amino acids were mutated (L99A, M102E) to construct pET28a-Bp7Δe, with pET28a-Bp7e as a template. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that BP7e belongs to a T4-like phage endolysin group. Bp7e and its mutant Bp7Δe were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) as soluble proteins. They were purified by affinity chromatography, and then their antibacterial activities were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the recombinant proteins Bp7e and Bp7Δe showed obvious antibacterial activity against Micrococcus lysodeikticus but no activity against Staphylococcus aureus. In the presence of malic acid, Bp7e and Bp7Δe exhibited an effect on most E. coli strains which could be lysed by phage Bp7, but no effect on Salmonella paratyphi or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, Bp7Δe with double-site mutations showed stronger antibacterial activity and a broader lysis range than Bp7e.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhang
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Yuanchao Wang
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Huzhi Sun
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Huiying Ren
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
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75
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Gill EE, Franco OL, Hancock REW. Antibiotic adjuvants: diverse strategies for controlling drug-resistant pathogens. Chem Biol Drug Des 2015; 85:56-78. [PMID: 25393203 PMCID: PMC4279029 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The growing number of bacterial pathogens that are resistant to numerous antibiotics is a cause for concern around the globe. There have been no new broad-spectrum antibiotics developed in the last 40 years, and the drugs we have currently are quickly becoming ineffective. In this article, we explore a range of therapeutic strategies that could be employed in conjunction with antibiotics and may help to prolong the life span of these life-saving drugs. Discussed topics include antiresistance drugs, which are administered to potentiate the effects of current antimicrobials in bacteria where they are no longer (or never were) effective; antivirulence drugs, which are directed against bacterial virulence factors; host-directed therapies, which modulate the host's immune system to facilitate infection clearance; and alternative treatments, which include such therapies as oral rehydration for diarrhea, phage therapy, and probiotics. All of these avenues show promise for the treatment of bacterial infections and should be further investigated to explore their full potential in the face of a postantibiotic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Gill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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76
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Roach DR, Donovan DM. Antimicrobial bacteriophage-derived proteins and therapeutic applications. BACTERIOPHAGE 2015; 5:e1062590. [PMID: 26442196 DOI: 10.1080/21597081.2015.1062590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics have the remarkable power to control bacterial infections. Unfortunately, widespread use, whether regarded as prudent or not, has favored the emergence and persistence of antibiotic resistant strains of human pathogenic bacteria, resulting in a global health threat. Bacteriophages (phages) are parasites that invade the cells of virtually all known bacteria. Phages reproduce by utilizing the host cell's machinery to replicate viral proteins and genomic material, generally damaging and killing the cell in the process. Thus, phage can be exploited therapeutically as bacteriolytic agents against bacteria. Furthermore, understanding of the molecular processes involved in the viral life cycle, particularly the entry and cell lysis steps, has led to the development of viral proteins as antibacterial agents. Here we review the current preclinical state of using phage-derived endolysins, virion-associated peptidoglycan hydrolases, polysaccharide depolymerases, and holins for the treatment of bacterial infection. The scope of this review is a focus on the viral proteins that have been assessed for protective effects against human pathogenic bacteria in animal models of infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwayne R Roach
- Molecular Biology of the Genes in Extremophiles; Department of Microbiology; Institute Pasteur ; Paris, France
| | - David M Donovan
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory; NEA; Agricultural Research Service; US Department of Agriculture ; Beltsville, MD USA
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Briers Y, Lavigne R. Breaking barriers: expansion of the use of endolysins as novel antibacterials against Gram-negative bacteria. Future Microbiol 2015; 10:377-90. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria drives the search for novel classes of antibiotics to replenish our armamentarium against bacterial infections. This is particularly critical for Gram-negative pathogens, which are intrinsically resistant to many existing classes of antibiotics due to the presence of a protective outer membrane. In addition, the antibiotics development pipeline is mainly oriented to Gram-positive pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A promising novel class of antibacterials is endolysins. These enzymes encoded by bacterial viruses hydrolyze the peptidoglycan layer with high efficiency, resulting in abrupt osmotic lysis and cell death. Their potential as novel antibacterials to treat Gram-positive bacteria has been extensively demonstrated; however, the Gram-negative outer membrane has presented a formidable barrier for the use of endolysins against Gram-negatives until recently. This review reports on the most recent advances in the development of endolysins to kill Gram-negative species with a special focus on endolysin-engineered Artilysins®.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Briers
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department Biosystems, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 21, box 2462, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department Biosystems, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 21, box 2462, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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78
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Legotsky SA, Vlasova KY, Priyma AD, Shneider MM, Pugachev VG, Totmenina OD, Kabanov AV, Miroshnikov KA, Klyachko NL. Peptidoglycan degrading activity of the broad-range Salmonella bacteriophage S-394 recombinant endolysin. Biochimie 2014; 107 Pt B:293-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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The zeamine antibiotics affect the integrity of bacterial membranes. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 81:1139-46. [PMID: 25452285 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03146-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The zeamines (zeamine, zeamine I, and zeamine II) constitute an unusual class of cationic polyamine-polyketide-nonribosomal peptide antibiotics produced by Serratia plymuthica RVH1. They exhibit potent bactericidal activity, killing a broad range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant pathogens. Examination of their specific mode of action and molecular target revealed that the zeamines affect the integrity of cell membranes. The zeamines provoke rapid release of carboxyfluorescein from unilamellar vesicles with different phospholipid compositions, demonstrating that they can interact directly with the lipid bilayer in the absence of a specific target. DNA, RNA, fatty acid, and protein biosynthetic processes ceased simultaneously at subinhibitory levels of the antibiotics, presumably as a direct consequence of membrane disruption. The zeamine antibiotics also facilitated the uptake of small molecules, such as 1-N-phenylnaphtylamine, indicating their ability to permeabilize the Gram-negative outer membrane (OM). The valine-linked polyketide moiety present in zeamine and zeamine I was found to increase the efficiency of this process. In contrast, translocation of the large hydrophilic fluorescent peptidoglycan binding protein PBDKZ-GFP was not facilitated, suggesting that the zeamines cause subtle perturbation of the OM rather than drastic alterations or defined pore formation. At zeamine concentrations above those required for growth inhibition, membrane lysis occurred as indicated by time-lapse microscopy. Together, these findings show that the bactericidal activity of the zeamines derives from generalized membrane permeabilization, which likely is initiated by electrostatic interactions with negatively charged membrane components.
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80
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Endersen L, Guinane CM, Johnston C, Neve H, Coffey A, Ross RP, McAuliffe O, O'Mahony J. Genome analysis of Cronobacter phage vB_CsaP_Ss1 reveals an endolysin with potential for biocontrol of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. J Gen Virol 2014; 96:463-477. [PMID: 25371517 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.068494-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages and their derivatives are continuously gaining impetus as viable alternative therapeutic agents to control harmful multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, particularly in the food industry. The reduced efficacy of conventional antibiotics has resulted in a quest to find novel alternatives in the war against infectious disease. This study describes the full-genome sequence of Cronobacter phage vB_CsaP_Ss1, with subsequent cloning and expression of its endolysin, capable of hydrolysing Gram-negative peptidoglycan. Cronobacter phage vB_CsaP_Ss1 is composed of 42 205 bp of dsDNA with a G+C content of 46.1 mol%. A total of 57 ORFs were identified of which 18 could be assigned a putative function based on similarity to characterized proteins. The genome of Cronobacter phage vB_CsaP_Ss1 showed little similarity to any other bacteriophage genomes available in the database and thus was considered unique. In addition, functional analysis of the predicted endolysin (LysSs1) was also investigated. Zymographic experiments demonstrated the hydrolytic activity of LysSs1 against Gram-negative peptidoglycan, and this endolysin thus represents a novel candidate with potential for use against Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Endersen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
| | - Caitriona M Guinane
- Biotechnology Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Horst Neve
- Department of Microbiology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Hermann-Weigmann-Strasse 1, Kiel, Germany
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- Biotechnology Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Olivia McAuliffe
- Biotechnology Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Jim O'Mahony
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
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81
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Oliveira H, Thiagarajan V, Walmagh M, Sillankorva S, Lavigne R, Neves-Petersen MT, Kluskens LD, Azeredo J. A thermostable Salmonella phage endolysin, Lys68, with broad bactericidal properties against gram-negative pathogens in presence of weak acids. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108376. [PMID: 25290100 PMCID: PMC4188523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance rates are increasing among several problematic Gram-negative pathogens, a fact that has encouraged the development of new antimicrobial agents. This paper characterizes a Salmonella phage endolysin (Lys68) and demonstrates its potential antimicrobial effectiveness when combined with organic acids towards Gram-negative pathogens. Biochemical characterization reveals that Lys68 is more active at pH 7.0, maintaining 76.7% of its activity when stored at 4°C for two months. Thermostability tests showed that Lys68 is only completely inactivated upon exposure to 100°C for 30 min, and circular dichroism analysis demonstrated the ability to refold into its original conformation upon thermal denaturation. It was shown that Lys68 is able to lyse a wide panel of Gram-negative bacteria (13 different species) in combination with the outer membrane permeabilizers EDTA, citric and malic acid. While the EDTA/Lys68 combination only inactivated Pseudomonas strains, the use of citric or malic acid broadened Lys68 antibacterial effect to other Gram-negative pathogens (lytic activity against 9 and 11 species, respectively). Particularly against Salmonella Typhimurium LT2, the combinatory effect of malic or citric acid with Lys68 led to approximately 3 to 5 log reductions in bacterial load/CFUs after 2 hours, respectively, and was also able to reduce stationary-phase cells and bacterial biofilms by approximately 1 log. The broad killing capacity of malic/citric acid-Lys68 is explained by the destabilization and major disruptions of the cell outer membrane integrity due to the acidity caused by the organic acids and a relatively high muralytic activity of Lys68 at low pH. Lys68 demonstrates good (thermo)stability properties that combined with different outer membrane permeabilizers, could become useful to combat Gram-negative pathogens in agricultural, food and medical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Oliveira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Maarten Walmagh
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sanna Sillankorva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Teresa Neves-Petersen
- Nanomedicine Department, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- Medical Faculty, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Leon D. Kluskens
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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82
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Abstract
The global threat to public health posed by emerging multidrug-resistant bacteria in the past few years necessitates the development of novel approaches to combat bacterial infections. Endolysins encoded by bacterial viruses (or phages) represent one promising avenue of investigation. These enzyme-based antibacterials efficiently kill Gram-positive bacteria upon contact by specific cell wall hydrolysis. However, a major hurdle in their exploitation as antibacterials against Gram-negative pathogens is the impermeable lipopolysaccharide layer surrounding their cell wall. Therefore, we developed and optimized an approach to engineer these enzymes as outer membrane-penetrating endolysins (Artilysins), rendering them highly bactericidal against Gram-negative pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Artilysins combining a polycationic nonapeptide and a modular endolysin are able to kill these (multidrug-resistant) strains in vitro with a 4 to 5 log reduction within 30 min. We show that the activity of Artilysins can be further enhanced by the presence of a linker of increasing length between the peptide and endolysin or by a combination of both polycationic and hydrophobic/amphipathic peptides. Time-lapse microscopy confirmed the mode of action of polycationic Artilysins, showing that they pass the outer membrane to degrade the peptidoglycan with subsequent cell lysis. Artilysins are effective in vitro (human keratinocytes) and in vivo (Caenorhabditis elegans). Bacterial resistance to most commonly used antibiotics is a major challenge of the 21st century. Infections that cannot be treated by first-line antibiotics lead to increasing morbidity and mortality, while millions of dollars are spent each year by health care systems in trying to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria and to prevent cross-transmission of resistance. Endolysins—enzymes derived from bacterial viruses—represent a completely novel, promising class of antibacterials based on cell wall hydrolysis. Specifically, they are active against Gram-positive species, which lack a protective outer membrane and which have a low probability of resistance development. We modified endolysins by protein engineering to create Artilysins that are able to pass the outer membrane and become active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, two of the most hazardous drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
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83
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Savoia D. New perspectives in the management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Future Microbiol 2014; 9:917-28. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.14.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a major health problem, especially for immune-compromised and cystic fibrosis patients, owing to the particular drug resistance of the microorganism. The aim of this review is to provide recent insights into strategies under investigation for prevention and therapy of these infections. In this survey, the approach directed against bacterial biofilm formation and quorum-sensing systems was focused, along with the evaluation of the treatment with bacteriophages. New interesting, developmental studies and clinical trials to prevent or treat infections due to this opportunistic pathogen are based on active and passive immunotherapy. Some monoclonal antibodies and different vaccines against this microorganism have been developed in the last few decades, even though to date none of them have obtained market authorization.
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84
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Art-175 is a highly efficient antibacterial against multidrug-resistant strains and persisters of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:3774-84. [PMID: 24752267 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02668-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Artilysins constitute a novel class of efficient enzyme-based antibacterials. Specifically, they covalently combine a bacteriophage-encoded endolysin, which degrades the peptidoglycan, with a targeting peptide that transports the endolysin through the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Art-085, as well as Art-175, its optimized homolog with increased thermostability, are each composed of the sheep myeloid 29-amino acid (SMAP-29) peptide fused to the KZ144 endolysin. In contrast to KZ144, Art-085 and Art-175 pass the outer membrane and kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including multidrug-resistant strains, in a rapid and efficient (∼ 5 log units) manner. Time-lapse microscopy confirms that Art-175 punctures the peptidoglycan layer within 1 min, inducing a bulging membrane and complete lysis. Art-175 is highly refractory to resistance development by naturally occurring mutations. In addition, the resistance mechanisms against 21 therapeutically used antibiotics do not show cross-resistance to Art-175. Since Art-175 does not require an active metabolism for its activity, it has a superior bactericidal effect against P. aeruginosa persisters (up to >4 log units compared to that of the untreated controls). In summary, Art-175 is a novel antibacterial that is well suited for a broad range of applications in hygiene and veterinary and human medicine, with a unique potential to target persister-driven chronic infections.
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85
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Bacteriophages and Their Derivatives as Biotherapeutic Agents in Disease Prevention and Treatment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1155/2014/382539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The application of bacteriophages for the elimination of pathogenic bacteria has received significantly increased attention world-wide in the past decade. This is borne out by the increasing prevalence of bacteriophage-specific conferences highlighting significant and diverse advances in the exploitation of bacteriophages. While bacteriophage therapy has been associated with the Former Soviet Union historically, since the 1990s, it has been widely and enthusiastically adopted as a research topic in Western countries. This has been justified by the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in many prominent human pathogenic bacteria. Discussion of the therapeutic aspects of bacteriophages in this review will include the uses of whole phages as antibacterials and will also describe studies on the applications of purified phage-derived peptidoglycan hydrolases, which do not have the constraint of limited bacterial host-range often observed with whole phages.
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86
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Fothergill JL, Winstanley C, James CE. Novel therapeutic strategies to counterPseudomonas aeruginosainfections. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 10:219-35. [DOI: 10.1586/eri.11.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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87
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Improving the lethal effect of cpl-7, a pneumococcal phage lysozyme with broad bactericidal activity, by inverting the net charge of its cell wall-binding module. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:5355-65. [PMID: 23959317 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01372-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phage endolysins are murein hydrolases that break the bacterial cell wall to provoke lysis and release of phage progeny. Recently, these enzymes have also been recognized as powerful and specific antibacterial agents when added exogenously. In the pneumococcal system, most cell wall associated murein hydrolases reported so far depend on choline for activity, and Cpl-7 lysozyme constitutes a remarkable exception. Here, we report the improvement of the killing activity of the Cpl-7 endolysin by inversion of the sign of the charge of the cell wall-binding module (from -14.93 to +3.0 at neutral pH). The engineered variant, Cpl-7S, has 15 amino acid substitutions and an improved lytic activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multiresistant strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, and other pathogens. Moreover, we have demonstrated that a single 25-μg dose of Cpl-7S significantly increased the survival rate of zebrafish embryos infected with S. pneumoniae or S. pyogenes, confirming the killing effect of Cpl-7S in vivo. Interestingly, Cpl-7S, in combination with 0.01% carvacrol (an essential oil), was also found to efficiently kill Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida, an effect not described previously. Our findings provide a strategy to improve the lytic activity of phage endolysins based on facilitating their pass through the negatively charged bacterial envelope, and thereby their interaction with the cell wall target, by modulating the net charge of the cell wall-binding modules.
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88
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Pastagia M, Schuch R, Fischetti VA, Huang DB. Lysins: the arrival of pathogen-directed anti-infectives. J Med Microbiol 2013; 62:1506-1516. [PMID: 23813275 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.061028-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysins represent a novel class of anti-infectives derived from bacteriophage. Lysins are bacterial cell-wall hydrolytic enzymes that selectively and rapidly kill (≥3 log c.f.u. in 30 min) specific Gram-positive bacteria providing a targeted therapeutic approach with minimal impact on unrelated commensal flora. The potential for bacterial resistance to lysins is considered low due to targeting of highly conserved peptidoglycan components. Through cutting-edge genetic engineering, lysins can be assembled into large libraries of anti-infective agents tailored to any bacterium of interest including drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens such as meticillin- and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Lysins can eliminate bacteria systemically and topically from mucosal surfaces and biofilms, as evidenced by experimental models of sepsis, endocarditis, pneumonia, meningitis, and nasopharyngeal, skin and vaginal decolonization. Furthermore, lysins can act synergistically with antibiotics and, in the process, resensitize bacteria to non-susceptible antibiotics. Clinical trials are being prepared to assess the safety and pharmacokinetic properties of lysins in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Pastagia
- Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.,ContraFect Corporation, 28 Wells Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701, USA
| | - Raymond Schuch
- Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.,ContraFect Corporation, 28 Wells Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701, USA
| | | | - David B Huang
- ContraFect Corporation, 28 Wells Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701, USA
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89
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Schmelcher M, Donovan DM, Loessner MJ. Bacteriophage endolysins as novel antimicrobials. Future Microbiol 2013; 7:1147-71. [PMID: 23030422 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.12.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 474] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endolysins are enzymes used by bacteriophages at the end of their replication cycle to degrade the peptidoglycan of the bacterial host from within, resulting in cell lysis and release of progeny virions. Due to the absence of an outer membrane in the Gram-positive bacterial cell wall, endolysins can access the peptidoglycan and destroy these organisms when applied externally, making them interesting antimicrobial candidates, particularly in light of increasing bacterial drug resistance. This article reviews the modular structure of these enzymes, in which cell wall binding and catalytic functions are separated, as well as their mechanism of action, lytic activity and potential as antimicrobials. It particularly focuses on molecular engineering as a means of optimizing endolysins for specific applications, highlights new developments that may render these proteins active against Gram-negative and intracellular pathogens and summarizes the most recent applications of endolysins in the fields of medicine, food safety, agriculture and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schmelcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition & Health, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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90
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Adaptive and mutational resistance: role of porins and efflux pumps in drug resistance. Clin Microbiol Rev 2013; 25:661-81. [PMID: 23034325 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00043-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 528] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The substantial use of antibiotics in the clinic, combined with a dearth of new antibiotic classes, has led to a gradual increase in the resistance of bacterial pathogens to these compounds. Among the various mechanisms by which bacteria endure the action of antibiotics, those affecting influx and efflux are of particular importance, as they limit the interaction of the drug with its intracellular targets and, consequently, its deleterious effects on the cell. This review evaluates the impact of porins and efflux pumps on two major types of resistance, namely, mutational and adaptive types of resistance, both of which are regarded as key phenomena in the global rise of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic microorganisms. In particular, we explain how adaptive and mutational events can dramatically influence the outcome of antibiotic therapy by altering the mechanisms of influx and efflux of antibiotics. The identification of porins and pumps as major resistance markers has opened new possibilities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies directed specifically against these mechanisms.
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91
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Abstract
Peptidoglycan (PG) is the major structural component of the bacterial cell wall. Bacteria have autolytic PG hydrolases that allow the cell to grow and divide. A well-studied group of PG hydrolase enzymes are the bacteriophage endolysins. Endolysins are PG-degrading proteins that allow the phage to escape from the bacterial cell during the phage lytic cycle. The endolysins, when purified and exposed to PG externally, can cause "lysis from without." Numerous publications have described how this phenomenon can be used therapeutically as an effective antimicrobial against certain pathogens. Endolysins have a characteristic modular structure, often with multiple lytic and/or cell wall-binding domains (CBDs). They degrade the PG with glycosidase, amidase, endopeptidase, or lytic transglycosylase activities and have been shown to be synergistic with fellow PG hydrolases or a range of other antimicrobials. Due to the coevolution of phage and host, it is thought they are much less likely to invoke resistance. Endolysin engineering has opened a range of new applications for these proteins from food safety to environmental decontamination to more effective antimicrobials that are believed refractory to resistance development. To put phage endolysin work in a broader context, this chapter includes relevant studies of other well-characterized PG hydrolase antimicrobials.
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92
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Walmagh M, Boczkowska B, Grymonprez B, Briers Y, Drulis-Kawa Z, Lavigne R. Characterization of five novel endolysins from Gram-negative infecting bacteriophages. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2012; 97:4369-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-012-4294-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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93
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Hurley MN, Cámara M, Smyth AR. Novel approaches to the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis. Eur Respir J 2012; 40:1014-23. [PMID: 22743672 PMCID: PMC3461346 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00042012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa chronically infects patients with cystic fibrosis and is associated with greater morbidity. There has been limited progress on the clinical development of new antibiotics with novel modes of action. This review addresses some of the latest research developments on the exploitation of candidate adjuvant therapeutic agents that may act alongside conventional antibiotics as an alternative therapeutic strategy. After considering key mechanisms this opportunistic pathogen employs to control virulence, the progress of various strategies including the inhibition of quorum sensing, efflux pumps and lectins, and the use of iron chelators, bacteriophages, immunisation and immunotherapy is reviewed. Both therapeutic approaches in early development and clinical phase are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Hurley
- Dept of Child Health, University of Nottingham, E Floor, East Block, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UHUK.
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94
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Characterization of modular bacteriophage endolysins from Myoviridae phages OBP, 201φ2-1 and PVP-SE1. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36991. [PMID: 22615864 PMCID: PMC3352856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptidoglycan lytic enzymes (endolysins) induce bacterial host cell lysis in the late phase of the lytic bacteriophage replication cycle. Endolysins OBPgp279 (from Pseudomonas fluorescens phage OBP), PVP-SE1gp146 (Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis phage PVP-SE1) and 201φ2-1gp229 (Pseudomonas chlororaphis phage 201φ2-1) all possess a modular structure with an N-terminal cell wall binding domain and a C-terminal catalytic domain, a unique property for endolysins with a Gram-negative background. All three modular endolysins showed strong muralytic activity on the peptidoglycan of a broad range of Gram-negative bacteria, partly due to the presence of the cell wall binding domain. In the case of PVP-SE1gp146, this domain shows a binding affinity for Salmonella peptidoglycan that falls within the range of typical cell adhesion molecules (K(aff) = 1.26 × 10(6) M(-1)). Remarkably, PVP-SE1gp146 turns out to be thermoresistant up to temperatures of 90 °C, making it a potential candidate as antibacterial component in hurdle technology for food preservation. OBPgp279, on the other hand, is suggested to intrinsically destabilize the outer membrane of Pseudomonas species, thereby gaining access to their peptidoglycan and exerts an antibacterial activity of 1 logarithmic unit reduction. Addition of 0.5 mM EDTA significantly increases the antibacterial activity of the three modular endolysins up to 2-3 logarithmic units reduction. This research work offers perspectives towards elucidation of the structural differences explaining the unique biochemical and antibacterial properties of OBPgp279, PVP-SE1gp146 and 201φ2-1gp229. Furthermore, these endolysins extensively enlarge the pool of potential antibacterial compounds used against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.
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95
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Mycobacteriophage endolysins: diverse and modular enzymes with multiple catalytic activities. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34052. [PMID: 22470512 PMCID: PMC3314691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The mycobacterial cell wall presents significant challenges to mycobacteriophages – viruses that infect mycobacterial hosts – because of its unusual structure containing a mycolic acid-rich mycobacterial outer membrane attached to an arabinogalactan layer that is in turn linked to the peptidoglycan. Although little is known about how mycobacteriophages circumvent these barriers during the process of infection, destroying it for lysis at the end of their lytic cycles requires an unusual set of functions. These include Lysin B proteins that cleave the linkage of mycolic acids to the arabinogalactan layer, chaperones required for endolysin delivery to peptidoglycan, holins that regulate lysis timing, and the endolysins (Lysin As) that hydrolyze peptidoglycan. Because mycobacterial peptidoglycan contains atypical features including 3→3 interpeptide linkages, it is not surprising that the mycobacteriophage endolysins also have non-canonical features. We present here a bioinformatic dissection of these lysins and show that they are highly diverse and extensively modular, with an impressive number of domain organizations. Most contain three domains with a novel N-terminal predicted peptidase, a centrally located amidase, muramidase, or transglycosylase, and a C-terminal putative cell wall binding domain.
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96
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Lim JA, Shin H, Kang DH, Ryu S. Characterization of endolysin from a Salmonella Typhimurium-infecting bacteriophage SPN1S. Res Microbiol 2012; 163:233-41. [PMID: 22289622 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The full genome sequence of bacteriophage SPN1S, which infects Salmonella, contains genes that encode homologues of holin, endolysin and Rz/Rz1-like accessory proteins, which are 4 phage lysis proteins. The ability of these proteins to lyse Escherichia coli cells when overexpressed was evaluated. In contrast to other endolysins, the expression of endolysin and Rz/Rz1-like proteins was sufficient to cause lysis. The endolysin was tagged with oligohistidine at the N-terminus and purified by affinity chromatography. The endolysin has a lysozyme-like superfamily domain, and its activity was much stronger than that of lysozyme from chicken egg white. We used the chelating agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), to increase outer membrane permeability, and it greatly enhanced the lytic activity of SPN1S endolysin. The antimicrobial activity of endolysin was stable over broad pH and temperature ranges and was active from pH 7.0 to 10.5 and from 25 °C to 45 °C. The SPN1S endolysin could kill most of the tested Gram-negative strains, but the Gram-positive strains were resistant. SPN1S endolysin, like lysozyme, cleaves the glycosidic bond of peptidoglycan. These results suggested that SPN1S endolysin has potential as a therapeutic agent against Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-A Lim
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Center for Agricultural Biomaterials, and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea
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