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Oliveira MNV, Santos TMA, Vale HMM, Delvaux JC, Cordero AP, Ferreira AB, Miguel PSB, Tótola MR, Costa MD, Moraes CA, Borges AC. Endophytic microbial diversity in coffee cherries of Coffea arabica from southeastern Brazil. Can J Microbiol 2013; 59:221-30. [PMID: 23586745 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2012-0674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The microbiota associated with coffee plants may play a critical role in the final expression of coffee quality. However, the microbial diversity in coffee cherries is still poorly characterized. Here, we investigated the endophytic diversity in cherries of Coffea arabica by using culture-independent approaches to identify the associated microbes, ultimately to better understand their ecology and potential role in determining coffee quality. Group-specific 16S rRNA and 26S rRNA genes polymerase chain reaction - denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and clone library sequencing showed that the endophytic community is composed of members of the 3 domains of life. Bacterial sequences showing high similarity with cultured and uncultured bacteria belonged to the Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Firmicutes phyla. Phylogenetic analyses of cloned sequences from Firmicutes revealed that most sequences fell into 3 major genera: Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Paenibacillus. Archaeal sequences revealed the presence of operational taxonomic units belonging to Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota phyla. Sequences from endophytic yeast were not recovered, but various distinct sequences showing high identity with filamentous fungi were found. There was no obvious correlation between the microbial composition and cultivar or geographic location of the coffee plant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating internal tissue colonization of plant fruits by members of the Archaea domain. The finding of archaeal small-subunit rRNA in coffee cherries, although not sufficient to indicate their role as active endophytes, certainly expands our perspectives toward considering members of this domain as potential endophytic microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo N V Oliveira
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil - 36570-000
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Popa E, Perera N, Kibédi-Szabó CZ, Guy-Evans H, Evans DR, Purcarea C. The smallest active carbamoyl phosphate synthetase was identified in the human gut archaeon Methanobrevibacter smithii. J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2012; 22:287-99. [PMID: 23107800 PMCID: PMC6158779 DOI: 10.1159/000342520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome of the major intestinal archaeon Methanobrevibacter smithii contains a complex gene system coding for carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPSase) composed of both full-length and reduced-size synthetase subunits. These ammonia-metabolizing enzymes could play a key role in controlling ammonia assimilation in M. smithii, affecting the metabolism of gut bacterial microbiota, with an impact on host obesity. In this study, we isolated and characterized the small (41 kDa) CPSase homolog from M. smithii. The gene was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant enzyme was purified in one step. Chemical cross-linking and size exclusion chromatography indicated a homodimeric/tetrameric structure, in accordance with a dimer-based CPSase activity and reaction mechanism. This small enzyme, MS-s, synthesized carbamoyl phosphate from ATP, bicarbonate, and ammonia and catalyzed the same ATP-dependent partial reactions observed for full-length CPSases. Steady-state kinetics revealed a high apparent affinity for ATP and ammonia. Sequence comparisons, molecular modeling, and kinetic studies suggest that this enzyme corresponds to one of the two synthetase domains of the full-length CPSase that catalyze the ATP-dependent phosphorylations involved in the three-step synthesis of carbamoyl phosphate. This protein represents the smallest naturally occurring active CPSase characterized thus far. The small M. smithii CPSase appears to be specialized for carbamoyl phosphate metabolism in methanogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Popa
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology Bucharest, Romanian Academy, Bucharest 060031, Romania
| | - Nirosha Perera
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
| | - Csaba Z. Kibédi-Szabó
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology Bucharest, Romanian Academy, Bucharest 060031, Romania
| | - Hedeel Guy-Evans
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
| | - David R. Evans
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Cristina Purcarea
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology Bucharest, Romanian Academy, Bucharest 060031, Romania
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Khelaifia S, Drancourt M. Susceptibility of archaea to antimicrobial agents: applications to clinical microbiology. Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18:841-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2012.03913.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Matarazzo F, Ribeiro AC, Faveri M, Taddei C, Martinez MB, Mayer MPA. The domain Archaea in human mucosal surfaces. Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18:834-40. [PMID: 22827611 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2012.03958.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Archaea present distinct features from bacteria and eukaryotes, and thus constitute one of the branches of the phylogenetic tree of life. Members of this domain colonize distinct niches in the human body, arranged in complex communities, especially in the intestines and the oral cavity. The diversity of archaea within these niches is limited to a few phylotypes, constituted in particular by methane-producing archaeal organisms. Although they are possibly symbionts, methanogens may play a role in the establishment of mucosal diseases by favouring the growth of certain bacterial groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Matarazzo
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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56
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Horz HP, Seyfarth I, Conrads G. McrA and 16S rRNA gene analysis suggests a novel lineage of Archaea phylogenetically affiliated with Thermoplasmatales in human subgingival plaque. Anaerobe 2012; 18:373-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abstract
As members of the indigenous human microbiota found on several mucosal tissues, Methanobrevibacter smithii and Methanosphaera stadtmanae are exposed to the effects of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted by these epithelia. Although antimicrobial and molecular effects of AMPs on bacteria are well described, data for archaea are not available yet. Besides, it is not clear whether AMPs affect them as the archaeal cell envelope differs profoundly in terms of chemical composition and structure from that of bacteria. The effects of different synthetic AMPs on growth of M. smithii, M. stadtmanae, and Methanosarcina mazei were tested using a microtiter plate assay adapted to their anaerobic growth requirements. All three tested methanoarchaea were highly sensitive against derivatives of human cathelicidin, of porcine lysin, and a synthetic antilipopolysaccharide peptide (Lpep); however, sensitivities differed markedly among the methanoarchaeal strains. The potent AMP concentrations affecting growth were below 10 μM, whereas growth of Escherichia coli WBB01 was not affected at peptide concentrations up to 10 μM under the same anaerobic growth conditions. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the structural integrity of the methanoarchaeal cells is destroyed within 4 h after incubation with AMPs. The disruption of the cell envelope of M. smithii, M. stadtmanae, and M. mazei within a few minutes of exposure was verified by using LIVE/DEAD staining. Our results strongly suggest that the release of AMPs by eukaryotic epithelial cells is a potent defense mechanism targeting not only bacteria, but also methanoarchaea.
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Ahmed W, Sidhu JPS, Toze S. Evaluation of the nifH gene marker of Methanobrevibacter smithii for the detection of sewage pollution in environmental waters in Southeast Queensland, Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:543-550. [PMID: 22070524 DOI: 10.1021/es203372u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the host-specificity and -sensitivity of the nifH gene marker of Methanobrevibacter smithii by screening 272 fecal and wastewater samples from 11 animal species including humans in Southeast Queensland (SEQ), Australia. In addition, environmental water samples (n = 21) were collected during the dry and wet weather conditions and tested for the presence of the nifH marker along with other sewage-associated markers, namely, enterococci surface protein (esp) found in Enterococci faecium, Bacteroides HF183, adenoviruses (AVs), and polyomaviruses (PVs). The overall host-specificity of the nifH marker to differentiate between human and animal feces was 0.96 (maximum value of 1), while the overall sensitivity of this marker in human sourced feces and wastewater was 0.81 (maximum value of 1). Among the 21 environmental water samples tested, 2 (10%), 3 (14%), 12 (57%), 6 (29%), and 6 (29%) were positive for the nifH, esp, HF183, AVs and PVs markers, respectively. The prevalence of the nifH marker in environmental water samples, however, was low compared to other markers, suggesting that the use of this marker alone may not be sensitive enough to detect fecal pollution in environmental waters. The nifH marker, however, appears to be sewage-specific in SEQ, Australia, and therefore, it is recommended that this marker should be used as an additional marker in combination with the HF183 or viral markers such as AVs or PVs for accurate and sensitive detection of fecal pollution in SEQ waterways.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia.
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Santos TM, Pereira RV, Caixeta LS, Guard CL, Bicalho RC. Microbial diversity in bovine papillomatous digital dermatitis in Holstein dairy cows from upstate New York. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2011; 79:518-29. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2011.01234.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thiago M.A. Santos
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Cornell University; Ithaca; NY; USA
| | - Richard V. Pereira
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Cornell University; Ithaca; NY; USA
| | - Luciano S. Caixeta
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Cornell University; Ithaca; NY; USA
| | - Charles L. Guard
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Cornell University; Ithaca; NY; USA
| | - Rodrigo C. Bicalho
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Cornell University; Ithaca; NY; USA
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Lurie-Weinberger MN, Peeri M, Gophna U. Contribution of lateral gene transfer to the gene repertoire of a gut-adapted methanogen. Genomics 2011; 99:52-8. [PMID: 22056789 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2011.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Methanobrevibacter smithii is the most abundant archaeon in the human colon. As most of its neighbors are bacterial species, it is expected that lateral gene acquisition from bacteria might have contributed to the evolution and adaptation of this archaeon. We performed a tree-based genome-wide survey of putative lateral gene transfer products in M. smithii, using a phylogenetic pipeline. Over 15% of the coding genes of M. smithii are inferred to be bacterial in origin, based on this analysis. Laterally acquired genes have had the largest contribution to surface functions, and encode glycosyl-transferases and adhesin-like proteins. In addition, several important ABC transporters, especially metal transporters are of bacterial origin. Thus, bacterial genes contributed to the host-adaptation by allowing a larger variety of surface structures and increasing the efficiency of metal ion uptake in the competitive gut niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mor N Lurie-Weinberger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
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61
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Matarazzo F, Ribeiro AC, Feres M, Faveri M, Mayer MPA. Diversity and quantitative analysis of Archaea in aggressive periodontitis and periodontally healthy subjects. J Clin Periodontol 2011; 38:621-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-051x.2011.01734.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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62
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Dridi B, Raoult D, Drancourt M. Archaea as emerging organisms in complex human microbiomes. Anaerobe 2011; 17:56-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2011.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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63
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Yamabe K, Maeda H, Kokeguchi S, Soga Y, Meguro M, Naruishi K, Asakawa S, Takashiba S. Antigenic group II chaperonin inMethanobrevibacter oralismay cross-react with human chaperonin CCT. Mol Oral Microbiol 2010; 25:112-22. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-1014.2009.00548.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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64
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DiGiulio DB, Romero R, Kusanovic JP, Gómez R, Kim CJ, Seok KS, Gotsch F, Mazaki-Tovi S, Vaisbuch E, Sanders K, Bik EM, Chaiworapongsa T, Oyarzún E, Relman DA. Prevalence and diversity of microbes in the amniotic fluid, the fetal inflammatory response, and pregnancy outcome in women with preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64:38-57. [PMID: 20331587 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00830.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The role played by microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) in preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (pPROM) is inadequately characterized, in part because of reliance on cultivation-based methods. METHOD OF STUDY Amniotic fluid from 204 subjects with pPROM was analyzed with both cultivation and molecular methods in a retrospective cohort study. Broad-range and group-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeted small subunit ribosomal DNA (rDNA), or other gene sequences, from bacteria, fungi, and archaea. Results were correlated with measurements of host inflammation, as well as pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS The prevalence of MIAC was 34% (70/204) by culture, 45% (92/204) by PCR, and 50% (101/204) by both methods combined. The number of bacterial species revealed by PCR (44 species-level phylotypes) was greater than that by culture (14 species) and included as-yet uncultivated taxa. Some taxa detected by PCR have been previously associated with the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., Coprobacillus sp.), the mouth (e.g., Rothia dentocariosa), or the vagina in the setting of bacterial vaginosis (e.g., Atopobium vaginae). The relative risk for histologic chorioamnionitis was 2.1 for a positive PCR [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4-3.0] and 2.0 for a positive culture (95% CI, 1.4-2.7). Bacterial rDNA abundance exhibited a dose relationship with gestational age at delivery (R(2) = 0.26; P < 0.01). A positive PCR was associated with lower mean birthweight, and with higher rates of respiratory distress syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis (P < 0.05 for each outcome). CONCLUSION MIAC in pPROM is more common than previously recognized and is associated in some cases with uncultivated taxa, some of which are typically associated with the gastrointestinal tract. The detection of MIAC by molecular methods has clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B DiGiulio
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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65
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Higuchi MDL, Kawakami J, Ikegami R, Clementino MBM, Kawamoto FM, Reis MM, Bocchi E. Do Archaea and bacteria co-infection have a role in the pathogenesis of chronic chagasic cardiopathy? Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 104 Suppl 1:199-207. [PMID: 19753475 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000900026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Chronic cardiopathy (CC) in Chagas disease is a fibrotic myocarditis with C5b-9 complement deposition. Mycoplasma and Chlamydia may interfere with the complement response. Proteolytic enzymes and archaeal genes that have been described in Trypanosoma cruzi may increase its virulence. Here we tested the hypothesis that different ratios of Mycoplasma, Chlamydia and archaeal organisms, which are frequent symbionts, may be associated with chagasic clinical forms. MATERIALS AND METHODS eight indeterminate form (IF) and 20 CC chagasic endomyocardial biopsies were submitted to in situ hybridization, electron and immunoelectron microscopy and PCR techniques for detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), Chlamydia pneumoniae(CP), C5b-9 and archaeal-like bodies. RESULTS MP and CP-DNA were always present at lower levels in CC than in IF (p < 0.001) and were correlated with each other only in CC. Electron microscopy revealed Mycoplasma, Chlamydia and two types of archaeal-like bodies. One had electron dense lipid content (EDL) and was mainly present in IF. The other had electron lucent content (ELC) and was mainly present in CC. In this group, ELC correlated negatively with the other microbes and EDL and positively with C5b-9. The CC group was positive for Archaea and T. cruzi DNA. In conclusion, different amounts of Mycoplasma, Chlamydia and archaeal organisms may be implicated in complement activation and may have a role in Chagas disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria de Lourdes Higuchi
- Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto do Coração, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
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Ichiishi S, Tanaka K, Nakao K, Izumi K, Mikamo H, Watanabe K. First isolation of Desulfovibrio from the human vaginal flora. Anaerobe 2010; 16:229-33. [PMID: 20159048 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2010.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2009] [Revised: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Four Desulfovibrio species, including 2 subtypes of 1 species, namely, Desulfovibrio piger, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans MB subtype and Essex 6 subtype, Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis, and Desulfovibrio vulgaris, have been isolated from the human oral and intestinal flora, but not previously from the vaginal flora. They are opportunistic pathogens and have been considered as possible environmental and etiologic agents involved in ulcerative colitis and chronic periodontitis. We isolated Desulfovibrio intestinalis from vaginal specimens of four Japanese women; a species which has not been previously isolated from humans. The vaginal isolates were highly resistant to cefoxitin, piperacillin, and piperacillin-tazobactam but were susceptible to the other antimicrobial agents tested. Our findings suggested that vaginal Desulfovibrio species may be involved in gynecological or obstetric pathology, and provides additional information of the medical relevance on human Desulfovibrio species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suguru Ichiishi
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
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Jiang YT, Xia WW, Li CL, Jiang W, Liang JP. Preliminary study of the presence and association of bacteria and archaea in teeth with apical periodontitis. Int Endod J 2010; 42:1096-103. [PMID: 19912381 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2009.01639.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate, by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the presence and association of bacteria and archaea in primary and secondary root canal infections. METHODOLOGY A total of 77 root canal samples from 77 Chinese patients, 42 with necrotic pulp tissues (primary infection) and 35 with failed prior conventional root canal treatment (secondary infection), aseptically exposed at the first patient visit, were studied. Total RNA was isolated directly from each sample, and 16S rRNA gene-based RT-PCR assays were used to determine the presence of bacteria and archaea, respectively. RESULTS Bacteria were detected in 39/42 (93%) of root canal samples from teeth with primary infections, and archaea in 16/42 (38%). In the cases diagnosed as secondary root-infected canals, bacteria were detected in 30/35 (86%), whilst archaea were detected in 6/35 (17%) of cases. Amongst the canals, which were positive for bacteria, archaea were always found in combination with bacteria. The incidence of symptomatic cases positive for both bacteria and archaea (16/22, 73%) were significantly higher than those positive for bacteria alone (21/47, 45%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the presence of archaea in root canal infections and further implicates them in an association with clinical symptoms. The nature of this association requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y T Jiang
- Department of Endodontics and Operative Dentistry, School of Stomatology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai
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Li CL, Liu DL, Jiang YT, Zhou YB, Zhang MZ, Jiang W, Liu B, Liang JP. Prevalence and molecular diversity of Archaea in subgingival pockets of periodontitis patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 24:343-6. [PMID: 19572899 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-302x.2009.00514.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and molecular diversity of Archaea in the subgingival crevices of patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS Subgingival plaque was collected from 41 patients with chronic periodontitis and 15 healthy subjects. The prevalence of Archaea in those plaque samples was tested by polymerase chain reaction with two broad-range archaeal primer sets. Amplicons from eight Archaea-positive plaque samples were cloned and sequenced for molecular diversity analysis using one of these two primer sets and a novel third primer set. RESULTS Archaea were detected in the subgingival plaque of patients with chronic periodontitis at a prevalence of 70.7-73.2%, but were not detected in healthy subjects. Using one primer set, all sequences of the archaeal amplicons were identified as Methanobrevibacter oralis-like species. With another primer set, the amplicons were also found to be identical to the uncultured M. oralis-like species except one phylotype was found to belong to the class Thermoplasmata. CONCLUSION Archaea might be correlated with periodontal diseases. The diversity of Archaea associated with periodontitis was limited. Almost all sequenced amplicons fell into the genus Methanobrevibacter of the Euryarcheota phylum. M. oralis-like species was the predominant but non-exclusive archaeon in the subgingival dental plaque of patients with periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Li
- Department of Periodontology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China
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High prevalence of Methanobrevibacter smithii and Methanosphaera stadtmanae detected in the human gut using an improved DNA detection protocol. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7063. [PMID: 19759898 PMCID: PMC2738942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Accepted: 08/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The low and variable prevalence of Methanobrevibacter smithii and Methanosphaera stadtmanae DNA in human stool contrasts with the paramount role of these methanogenic Archaea in digestion processes. We hypothesized that this contrast is a consequence of the inefficiencies of current protocols for archaeon DNA extraction. We developed a new protocol for the extraction and PCR-based detection of M. smithii and M. stadtmanae DNA in human stool. Methodology/Principal Findings Stool specimens collected from 700 individuals were filtered, mechanically lysed twice, and incubated overnight with proteinase K prior to DNA extraction using a commercial DNA extraction kit. Total DNA was used as a template for quantitative real-time PCR targeting M. smithii and M. stadtmanae 16S rRNA and rpoB genes. Amplification of 16S rRNA and rpoB yielded positive detection of M. smithii in 95.7% and M. stadtmanae in 29.4% of specimens. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene PCR products from 30 randomly selected specimens (15 for M. smithii and 15 for M. stadtmanae) yielded a sequence similarity of 99–100% using the reference M. smithii ATCC 35061 and M. stadtmanae DSM 3091 sequences. Conclusions/Significance In contrast to previous reports, these data indicate a high prevalence of the methanogens M. smithii and M. stadtmanae in the human gut, with the former being an almost ubiquitous inhabitant of the intestinal microbiome.
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Nam YD, Chang HW, Kim KH, Roh SW, Kim MS, Jung MJ, Lee SW, Kim JY, Yoon JH, Bae JW. Bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryal diversity in the intestines of Korean people. J Microbiol 2008; 46:491-501. [PMID: 18974948 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-008-0199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Accepted: 10/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryal diversity in fecal samples from ten Koreans were analyzed and compared by using the PCR-fingerprinting method, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The bacteria all belonged to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, which were known to be the dominant bacterial species in the human intestine. Most of the archaeal sequences belonged to the methane-producing archaea but several halophilic archarea-related sequences were also detected unexpectedly. While a small number of eukaryal sequences were also detected upon DGGE analysis, these sequences were related to fungi and stramenopiles (Blastocystis hominis). With regard to the bacterial and archaeal DGGE analysis, all ten samples had one and two prominent bands, respectively, but many individual-specific bands were also observed. However, only five of the ten samples had small eukaryal DGGE bands and none of these bands was observed in all five samples. Unweighted pair group method and arithmetic averages clustering algorithm (UPGMA) clustering analysis revealed that the archaeal and bacterial communities in the ten samples had relatively higher relatedness (the average Dice coefficient values were 68.9 and 59.2% for archaea and bacteria, respectively) but the eukaryal community showed low relatedness (39.6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Do Nam
- Biological Resources Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea
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Yamabe K, Maeda H, Kokeguchi S, Tanimoto I, Sonoi N, Asakawa S, Takashiba S. Distribution of Archaea in Japanese patients with periodontitis and humoral immune response to the components. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2008; 287:69-75. [PMID: 18707623 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2008.01304.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is controversy regarding the existence of archaeal pathogens. Periodontitis is one of the human diseases in which Archaea have been suggested to have roles as pathogens. This study was performed to investigate the distribution of Archaea in Japanese patients with periodontitis and to examine the serum IgG responses to archaeal components. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 111 periodontal pockets of 49 patients (17 with aggressive periodontitis and 32 with chronic periodontitis), and 30 subgingival plaque samples were collected from 17 healthy subjects. By PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene, Archaea were detected in 15 plaque samples (13.5% of total samples) from 11 patients (29.4% of patients with aggressive periodontitis and 18.8% of patients with chronic periodontitis). Archaea were detected mostly (14/15) in severe diseased sites (pocket depth > or =6 mm), while no amplicons were observed in any samples from healthy controls. Sequence analysis of the PCR products revealed that the majority of Archaea in periodontal pockets were a Methanobrevibacter oralis-like phylotype. Western immunoblotting detected IgG antibodies against M. oralis in eight of the 11 sera from patients. These results suggest the potential of Archaea (M. oralis) as an antigenic pathogen of periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kokoro Yamabe
- Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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72
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Meyer J, Michalke K, Kouril T, Hensel R. Volatilisation of metals and metalloids: An inherent feature of methanoarchaea? Syst Appl Microbiol 2008; 31:81-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2008.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2007] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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73
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y Galperin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
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74
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Vianna ME, Conrads G, Gomes BPFA, Horz HP. Identification and quantification of archaea involved in primary endodontic infections. J Clin Microbiol 2006; 44:1274-82. [PMID: 16597851 PMCID: PMC1448633 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.44.4.1274-1282.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the domain Archaea, one of the three domains of life, are a highly diverse group of prokaryotes, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. Despite their abundance and ubiquity on earth, including their close association with humans, animals, and plants, so far no pathogenic archaea have been described. As some archaea live in close proximity to anaerobic bacteria, for instance, in the human gut system and in periodontal pockets, the aim of our study was to assess whether archaea might possibly be involved in human endodontic infections, which are commonly polymicrobial. We analyzed 20 necrotic uniradicular teeth with radiographic evidence of apical periodontitis and with no previous endodontic treatment. Using real-time quantitative PCR based on the functional gene mcrA (encoding the methyl coenzyme M reductase, specific to methanogenic archaea) and on archaeal 16S rRNA genes, we found five cases to be positive. Direct sequencing of PCR products from both genes showed that the archaeal community was dominated by a Methanobrevibacter oralis-like phylotype. The size of the archaeal population at the diseased sites ranged from 1.3 x 10(5) to 6.8 x 10(5) 16S rRNA gene target molecule numbers and accounted for up to 2.5% of the total prokaryotic community (i.e., bacteria plus archaea). Our findings show that archaea can be intimately connected with infectious diseases and thus support the hypothesis that members of the domain Archaea may have a role as human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Vianna
- Division of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, University Hospital (RWTH), Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52057 Aachen, Germany
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75
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Ufnar JA, Wang SY, Christiansen JM, Yampara-Iquise H, Carson CA, Ellender RD. Detection of the nifH gene of Methanobrevibacter smithii: a potential tool to identify sewage pollution in recreational waters. J Appl Microbiol 2006; 101:44-52. [PMID: 16834590 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.02989.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The goal of this study was to develop and test the efficacy of a PCR assay for the environmental detection of the nifH gene of Methanobrevibacter smithii, a methanogen found in human faeces and sewage. METHODS AND RESULTS PCR primers for the nifH gene of M. smithii were designed, tested and used to detect the presence or absence of this organism in faecal and environmental samples. Specificity analysis showed that the Mnif primers amplified products only in M. smithii pure culture strains (100%), human faeces (29%), human sewage samples (93%) and sewage-contaminated water samples (100%). No amplification was observed when primers were tested against 43 bacterial stock cultures, 204 animal faecal samples, 548 environmental bacterial isolates and water samples from a bovine waste lagoon and adjacent polluted creek. Sequencing of PCR products from sewers demonstrated that a 222-bp product was the nifH gene of M. smithii. The minimal amount of total DNA required for the detection of M. smithii was 10 ng for human faeces, 10 ng for faecally contaminated water and 5 ng for sewage. Recreational water seeded with M. smithii established a lower detection limit of 13 cells ml(-1). CONCLUSIONS The Mnif assay developed during this investigation showed successful detection of M. smithii in individual human faecal samples, sewage and sewage-contaminated water but not in uncontaminated marine water or bovine-contaminated waters. The Mnif assay appears to be a potentially useful method to detect sewage-polluted coastal waters. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study was the first to utilize methanogens as an indicator of sewage pollution. Mnif PCR detection of M. smithii was shown to be a rapid, inexpensive and reliable test for determining the presence or absence of sewage pollution in coastal recreational waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Ufnar
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001, USA
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76
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Abstract
The domain Archaea represents a third line of evolutionary descent, separate from Bacteria and Eucarya. Initial studies seemed to limit archaea to various extreme environments. These included habitats at the extreme limits that allow life on earth, in terms of temperature, pH, salinity, and anaerobiosis, which were the homes to hyper thermo philes, extreme (thermo)acidophiles, extreme halophiles, and methanogens. Typical environments from which pure cultures of archaeal species have been isolated include hot springs, hydrothermal vents, solfataras, salt lakes, soda lakes, sewage digesters, and the rumen. Within the past two decades, the use of molecular techniques, including PCR-based amplification of 16S rRNA genes, has allowed a culture-independent assessment of microbial diversity. Remarkably, such techniques have indicated a wide distribution of mostly uncultured archaea in normal habitats, such as ocean waters, lake waters, and soil. This review discusses organisms from the domain Archaea in the context of the environments where they have been isolated or detected. For organizational purposes, the domain has been separated into the traditional groups of methanogens, extreme halophiles, thermoacidophiles, and hyperthermophiles, as well as the uncultured archaea detected by molecular means. Where possible, we have correlated known energy-yielding reactions and carbon sources of the archaeal types with available data on potential carbon sources and electron donors and acceptors present in the environments. From the broad distribution, metabolic diversity, and sheer numbers of archaea in environments from the extreme to the ordinary, the roles that the Archaea play in the ecosystems have been grossly underestimated and are worthy of much greater scrutiny.Key words: Archaea, methanogen, extreme halophile, hyperthermophile, thermoacidophile, uncultured archaea, habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Chaban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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77
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Abstract
Archaea is a highly diverse group of prokaryotes, whose members have been traditionally recognized as extremophiles. Recently, some of these microorganisms have also been found to thrive in nonextreme environments, including the human body. Methanogenic archaea have been detected in samples from subgingival plaque associated with periodontal disease and a pathogenetic role is suspected. The purpose of this study was to survey samples taken from different types of endodontic infections for the presence of archaea. Samples were taken from untreated and treated root canals associated with asymptomatic chronic periradicular lesions as well as from cases diagnosed as acute periradicular abscesses. Overall, 96 samples were obtained. DNA from samples was extracted by using two different protocols and used as template for polymerase chain reaction amplification using oligonucleotide universal primers for the domains Archaea or Bacteria. Samples were also checked for the presence of spirochetes by making use of a group-specific primer. While bacteria were present in all samples, no case yielded archaeal DNA. Spirochetes occurred in a high number of cases. Our findings suggested that members of the Archaea domain are not members of the microbiota present in different types of endodontic infections and thereby may not be implicated in the etiology of apical periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Siqueira
- Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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78
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Rieu-Lesme F, Delbès C, Sollelis L. Recovery of partial 16S rDNA sequences suggests the presence of Crenarchaeota in the human digestive ecosystem. Curr Microbiol 2005; 51:317-21. [PMID: 16187155 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-005-0036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2005] [Accepted: 05/24/2005] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human feces collected from 10 healthy teenagers was analyzed for the presence of Crenarchaeota. After a first polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with Archaea-specific primers, a nested real-time PCR was performed using Crenarchaeota-specific primers. Real-time Crenarchaeotal PCR products detected from four subjects were cloned and the sequencing revealed that most of the partial 16S rRNA gene sequences were highly similar (> or = 97% homology) to sequences affiliated to the Sulfolobus group of the Crenarchaeota phylum. Our findings suggest for the first time that Crenarchaeota might be present in the microbiota of the human digestive ecosystem in which this phylum has never been found yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Rieu-Lesme
- Unité de Microbiologie, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (I.N.R.A.), 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France.
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79
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Lange M, Westermann P, Ahring BK. Archaea in protozoa and metazoa. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2004; 66:465-74. [PMID: 15630514 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-004-1790-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2004] [Revised: 09/20/2004] [Accepted: 10/02/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The presence of Archaea is currently being explored in various environments, including extreme geographic positions and eukaryotic habitats. Methanogens are the dominating archaeal organisms found in most animals, from unicellular protozoa to humans. Many methanogens can contribute to the removal of hydrogen, thereby improving the efficiency of fermentation or the reductive capacity of energy-yielding reactions. They may also be involved in tissue damage in periodontal patients. Recent molecular studies demonstrated the presence of Archaea other than methanogens in some animals-but so far, not in humans. The roles of these microorganisms have not yet been established. In the present review, we present the state of the art regarding the archaeal microflora in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lange
- BioCentrum, Technical University of Denmark, BioCentrum, Building 227, Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
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80
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Lepp PW, Brinig MM, Ouverney CC, Palm K, Armitage GC, Relman DA. Methanogenic Archaea and human periodontal disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:6176-81. [PMID: 15067114 PMCID: PMC395942 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0308766101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaea have been isolated from the human colon, vagina, and oral cavity, but have not been established as causes of human disease. In this study, we reveal a relationship between the severity of periodontal disease and the relative abundance of archaeal small subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU rDNA) in the subgingival crevice by using quantitative PCR. Furthermore, the relative abundance of archaeal small subunit rDNA decreased at treated sites in association with clinical improvement. Archaea were harbored by 36% of periodontitis patients and were restricted to subgingival sites with periodontal disease. The presence of archaeal cells at these sites was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization. The archaeal community at diseased sites was dominated by a Methanobrevibacter oralis-like phylotype and a distinct Methanobrevibacter subpopulation related to archaea that inhabit the gut of numerous animals. We hypothesize that methanogens participate in syntrophic relationships in the subgingival crevice that promote colonization by secondary fermenters during periodontitis. Because they are potential alternative syntrophic partners, our finding of larger Treponema populations sites without archaea provides further support for this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Lepp
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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81
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Abstract
Archaea have been isolated from the human colon, vagina, and oral cavity, but have not been established as causes of human disease. In this study, we reveal a relationship between the severity of periodontal disease and the relative abundance of archaeal small subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU rDNA) in the subgingival crevice by using quantitative PCR. Furthermore, the relative abundance of archaeal small subunit rDNA decreased at treated sites in association with clinical improvement. Archaea were harbored by 36% of periodontitis patients and were restricted to subgingival sites with periodontal disease. The presence of archaeal cells at these sites was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization. The archaeal community at diseased sites was dominated by a Methanobrevibacter oralis-like phylotype and a distinct Methanobrevibacter subpopulation related to archaea that inhabit the gut of numerous animals. We hypothesize that methanogens participate in syntrophic relationships in the subgingival crevice that promote colonization by secondary fermenters during periodontitis. Because they are potential alternative syntrophic partners, our finding of larger Treponema populations sites without archaea provides further support for this hypothesis.
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82
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Abstract
Archaea are microorganisms that are distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. They are prevalent in extreme environments, and yet found in most ecosystems. They are a natural component of the microbiota of most, if not all, humans and other animals. Despite their ubiquity and close association with humans, animals and plants, no pathogenic archaea have been identified. Because no archaeal pathogens have yet been identified, there is a general assumption that archaeal pathogens do not exist. This review examines whether this is a good assumption by investigating the potential for archaea to be or become pathogens. This is achieved by addressing: the diversity of archaea versus known pathogens, opportunities for archaea to demonstrate pathogenicity and be detected as pathogens, reports linking archaea with disease, and immune responses to archaea. In addition, molecular and genomic data are examined for the presence of systems utilised in pathogenesis. The view of this report is that, although archaea can presently be described as non-pathogenic, they have the potential to be (discovered as) pathogens. The present optimistic view that there are no archaeal pathogens is tainted by a severe lack of relevant knowledge, which may have important consequences in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cavicchioli
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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83
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Eckburg
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305, USA
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84
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Bahl H, Scholz H, Bayan N, Chami M, Leblon G, Gulik-Krzywicki T, Shechter E, Fouet A, Mesnage S, Tosi-Couture E, Gounon P, Mock M, Conway de Macario E, Macario AJ, Fernández-Herrero LA, Olabarría G, Berenguer J, Blaser MJ, Kuen B, Lubitz W, Sára M, Pouwels PH, Kolen CP, Boot HJ, Resch S. Molecular biology of S-layers. FEMS Microbiol Rev 1997; 20:47-98. [PMID: 9276928 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.1997.tb00304.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this chapter we report on the molecular biology of crystalline surface layers of different bacterial groups. The limited information indicates that there are many variations on a common theme. Sequence variety, antigenic diversity, gene expression, rearrangements, influence of environmental factors and applied aspects are addressed. There is considerable variety in the S-layer composition, which was elucidated by sequence analysis of the corresponding genes. In Corynebacterium glutamicum one major cell wall protein is responsible for the formation of a highly ordered, hexagonal array. In contrast, two abundant surface proteins from the S-layer of Bacillus anthracis. Each protein possesses three S-layer homology motifs and one protein could be a virulence factor. The antigenic diversity and ABC transporters are important features, which have been studied in methanogenic archaea. The expression of the S-layer components is controlled by three genes in the case of Thermus thermophilus. One has repressor activity on the S-layer gene promoter, the second codes for the S-layer protein. The rearrangement by reciprocal recombination was investigated in Campylobacter fetus. 7-8 S-layer proteins with a high degree of homology at the 5' and 3' ends were found. Environmental changes influence the surface properties of Bacillus stearothermophilus. Depending on oxygen supply, this species produces different S-layer proteins. Finally, the molecular bases for some applications are discussed. Recombinant S-layer fusion proteins have been designed for biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bahl
- Universität Rostock, Germany
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85
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Macario AJ. Heat-shock proteins and molecular chaperones: implications for pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL & LABORATORY RESEARCH 1995; 25:59-70. [PMID: 7663007 DOI: 10.1007/bf02592359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cells react to physical (e.g., heat) or chemical (e.g., anoxia, low pH) stressors, mounting a stress (heat-shock) response. Most genes are turned down or off, while a few are activated. The latter encode the stress or heat-shock proteins (Hsps), whose levels increase in stressed cells. Various Hsps are molecular chaperones. These, and other molecular chaperones that are not Hsps, help the other cellular proteins to achieve their native state (correct folding or functional conformation), reach their final destination (e.g., the endoplasmic reticulum or the mitochondria), resist denaturing by stressors, and regain the native state after partial denaturation. Thus the Hsps and molecular chaperones occupy the stage's center whenever and wherever there is cellular and tissue injury caused by local or systemic stressors via protein damage. This feature, their participation in protein folding and transport, and their evolutionary conservation within the three phylogenetic domains, strongly suggest a vital role for Hsps and molecular chaperones. Their importance in pathogenesis, and as diagnostic markers and prognostic indicators, is beginning to be appreciated. The role of Hsps and molecular chaperones in cell recovery from injury by a variety of noxae of clinical and surgical relevance is also being assessed. Consequently, the potential of these molecules (and corresponding genes) as targets for treatment or as therapeutic tools is emerging and is being explored. Stroke, myocardial infarction, inflammatory syndromes, infectious and parasitic diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and aging are but some examples of conditions in which Hsps and molecular chaperones are being scrutinized. The era of Hsp and molecular chaperone pathology has dawned. It is likely that genetic and acquired defects of Hsp and molecular chaperone structure and function will be identified, and will play a primary, or auxiliary but determinant, role in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Macario
- Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12201-0509, USA
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86
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Plummer DC, Walters WA. Female genital tract discharge. BAILLIERE'S CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY 1993; 7:139-58. [PMID: 8513641 DOI: 10.1016/s0950-3552(05)80150-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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