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Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious medical threat, particularly given the decreasing rate of discovery of new treatments. Although attempts to find new treatments continue, it has become clear that merely discovering new antimicrobials, even if they are new classes, will be insufficient. It is essential that new strategies be aggressively pursued. Toward that end, the search for treatments that can mitigate bacterial virulence and tilt the balance of host-pathogen interactions in favor of the host has become increasingly popular. In this review, we will discuss recent progress in this field, with a special focus on synthetic small molecule antivirulents that have been identified from high-throughput screens and on treatments that are effective against the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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An AY, Choi KYG, Baghela AS, Hancock REW. An Overview of Biological and Computational Methods for Designing Mechanism-Informed Anti-biofilm Agents. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:640787. [PMID: 33927701 PMCID: PMC8076610 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.640787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are complex and highly antibiotic-resistant aggregates of microbes that form on surfaces in the environment and body including medical devices. They are key contributors to the growing antibiotic resistance crisis and account for two-thirds of all infections. Thus, there is a critical need to develop anti-biofilm specific therapeutics. Here we discuss mechanisms of biofilm formation, current anti-biofilm agents, and strategies for developing, discovering, and testing new anti-biofilm agents. Biofilm formation involves many factors and is broadly regulated by the stringent response, quorum sensing, and c-di-GMP signaling, processes that have been targeted by anti-biofilm agents. Developing new anti-biofilm agents requires a comprehensive systems-level understanding of these mechanisms, as well as the discovery of new mechanisms. This can be accomplished through omics approaches such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, which can also be integrated to better understand biofilm biology. Guided by mechanistic understanding, in silico techniques such as virtual screening and machine learning can discover small molecules that can inhibit key biofilm regulators. To increase the likelihood that these candidate agents selected from in silico approaches are efficacious in humans, they must be tested in biologically relevant biofilm models. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of in vitro and in vivo biofilm models and highlight organoids as a new biofilm model. This review offers a comprehensive guide of current and future biological and computational approaches of anti-biofilm therapeutic discovery for investigators to utilize to combat the antibiotic resistance crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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53
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Yaeger LN, Coles VE, Chan DCK, Burrows LL. How to kill Pseudomonas-emerging therapies for a challenging pathogen. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1496:59-81. [PMID: 33830543 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
As the number of effective antibiotics dwindled, antibiotic resistance (AR) became a pressing concern. Some Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates are resistant to all available antibiotics. In this review, we identify the mechanisms that P. aeruginosa uses to evade antibiotics, including intrinsic, acquired, and adaptive resistance. Our review summarizes many different approaches to overcome resistance. Antimicrobial peptides have potential as therapeutics with low levels of resistance evolution. Rationally designed bacteriophage therapy can circumvent and direct evolution of AR and virulence. Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies are highlighted as immune-based treatments targeting specific P. aeruginosa antigens. This review also identifies promising drug combinations, antivirulence therapies, and considerations for new antipseudomonal discovery. Finally, we provide an update on the clinical pipeline for antipseudomonal therapies and recommend future avenues for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke N Yaeger
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria E Coles
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek C K Chan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lori L Burrows
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Kart D, Reçber T, Nemutlu E, Sagiroglu M. Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations of Ciprofloxacin Alone and Combinations with Plant-Derived Compounds against P. aeruginosa Biofilms and Their Effects on the Metabolomic Profile of P. aeruginosa Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10040414. [PMID: 33918895 PMCID: PMC8070142 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alternative anti-biofilm agents are needed to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The mechanisms behind these new agents also need to be revealed at a molecular level. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-biofilm effects of 10 plant-derived compounds on P. aeruginosa biofilms were investigated using minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) and virulence assays. The effects of ciprofloxacin and compound combinations on P. aeruginosa in mono and triple biofilms were compared. A metabolomic approach and qRT-PCR were applied to the biofilms treated with ciprofloxacin in combination with baicalein, esculin hydrate, curcumin, and cinnamaldehyde at sub-minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) concentrations to highlight the specific metabolic shifts between the biofilms and to determine the quorum sensing gene expressions, respectively. RESULTS The combinations of ciprofloxacin with curcumin, baicalein, esculetin, and cinnamaldehyde showed more reduced MBICs than ciprofloxacin alone. The quorum sensing genes were downregulated in the presence of curcumin and cinnamaldehyde, while upregulated in the presence of baicalein and esculin hydrate rather than for ciprofloxacin alone. The combinations exhibited different killing effects on P. aeruginosa in mono and triple biofilms without affecting its virulence. The findings of the decreased metabolite levels related to pyrimidine and lipopolysaccharide synthesis and to down-regulated alginate and lasI expressions strongly indicate the role of multifactorial mechanisms for curcumin-mediated P. aeruginosa growth inhibition. CONCLUSIONS The use of curcumin, baicalein, esculetin, and cinnamaldehyde with ciprofloxacin will help fight against P. aeruginosa biofilms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to define the effect of plant-based compounds as possible anti-biofilm agents with low MBICs for the treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilms through metabolomic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Kart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-533-690-7637
| | - Tuba Reçber
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey; (T.R.); (E.N.)
| | - Emirhan Nemutlu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey; (T.R.); (E.N.)
- Bioanalytic and Omics Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Meral Sagiroglu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey;
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Ayerbe-Algaba R, Bayó N, Verdú E, Parra-Millán R, Seco J, Teixidó M, Pachón J, Giralt E, Smani Y. AOA-2 Derivatives as Outer Membrane Protein A Inhibitors for Treatment of Gram-Negative Bacilli Infections. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:634323. [PMID: 33643267 PMCID: PMC7907166 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.634323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we identified that a cyclic hexapeptide AOA-2 inhibited the interaction of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) like Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli to host cells thereby preventing the development of infection in vitro and in a murine sepsis peritoneal model. In this work, we aimed to evaluate in vitro a library of AOA-2 derivatives in order to improve the effect of AOA-2 against GNB infections. Ten AOA-2 derivatives were synthetized for the in vitro assays. Their toxicities to human lung epithelial cells (A549 cells) for 24 h were evaluated by determining the A549 cells viability using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The effect of these peptide derivatives and AOA-2 at 250, 125, 62.5, and 31.25 μg/mL on the attachment of A. baumannii ATCC 17978, P. aeruginosa PAO1 and E. coli ATCC 25922 strains to A549 cells was characterized by adherence and viability assays. None of the 10 derivatives showed toxicity to A549 cells. RW01 and RW06 have reduced more the adherence of ATCC 17978, PAO1 and ATCC 2599 strains to A549 cells when compared with the original compound AOA-2. Moreover, both peptides have increased slightly the viability of infected A549 cells by PAO1 and ATCC 25922 than those observed with AOA-2. Finally, RW01 and RW06 have potentiated the activity of colistin against ATCC 17978 strain in the same level with AOA-2. The optimization program of AOA-2 has generated two derivatives (RW01 and RW06) with best effect against interaction of GNB with host cells, specifically against P. aeruginosa and E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Ayerbe-Algaba
- Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Nuria Bayó
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Verdú
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Parra-Millán
- Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Jesús Seco
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Teixidó
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jerónimo Pachón
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)/University of Seville, Seville, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Ernest Giralt
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Younes Smani
- Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Peraman R, Sure SK, Dusthackeer VNA, Chilamakuru NB, Yiragamreddy PR, Pokuri C, Kutagulla VK, Chinni S. Insights on recent approaches in drug discovery strategies and untapped drug targets against drug resistance. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2021; 7:56. [PMID: 33686369 PMCID: PMC7928709 DOI: 10.1186/s43094-021-00196-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the various strategies undertaken in the clinical practice, the mortality rate due to antibiotic-resistant microbes has been markedly increasing worldwide. In addition to multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbes, the "ESKAPE" bacteria are also emerging. Of course, the infection caused by ESKAPE cannot be treated even with lethal doses of antibiotics. Now, the drug resistance is also more prevalent in antiviral, anticancer, antimalarial and antifungal chemotherapies. MAIN BODY To date, in the literature, the quantum of research reported on the discovery strategies for new antibiotics is remarkable but the milestone is still far away. Considering the need of the updated strategies and drug discovery approaches in the area of drug resistance among researchers, in this communication, we consolidated the insights pertaining to new drug development against drug-resistant microbes. It includes drug discovery void, gene paradox, transposon mutagenesis, vitamin biosynthesis inhibition, use of non-conventional media, host model, target through quorum sensing, genomic-chemical network, synthetic viability to targets, chemical versus biological space, combinational approach, photosensitization, antimicrobial peptides and transcriptome profiling. Furthermore, we optimally briefed about antievolution drugs, nanotheranostics and antimicrobial adjuvants and then followed by twelve selected new feasible drug targets for new drug design against drug resistance. Finally, we have also tabulated the chemical structures of potent molecules against antimicrobial resistance. CONCLUSION It is highly recommended to execute the anti-drug resistance research as integrated approach where both molecular and genetic research needs to be as integrative objective of drug discovery. This is time to accelerate new drug discovery research with advanced genetic approaches instead of conventional blind screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramalingam Peraman
- RERDS-CPR, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER)-Autonomous, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh India
| | - Sathish Kumar Sure
- RERDS-CPR, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER)-Autonomous, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh India
| | - V. N. Azger Dusthackeer
- grid.417330.20000 0004 1767 6138ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, Tamilnadu India
| | - Naresh Babu Chilamakuru
- RERDS-CPR, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER)-Autonomous, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh India
| | - Padmanabha Reddy Yiragamreddy
- RERDS-CPR, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER)-Autonomous, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh India
| | - Chiranjeevi Pokuri
- RERDS-CPR, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER)-Autonomous, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh India
| | - Vinay Kumar Kutagulla
- RERDS-CPR, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER)-Autonomous, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh India
| | - Santhivardhan Chinni
- RERDS-CPR, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER)-Autonomous, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh India
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Tung TT, Xuan HL. “Left-hand strategy” for the design, synthesis and discovery of novel triazole–mercaptobenzothiazole hybrid compounds as potent quorum sensing inhibitors and anti-biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj04436b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Triazole–benzothiazole hybrids as potent quorum sensing inhibitors and antibiofilm formation of Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Truong Thanh Tung
- Faculty of Pharmacy, PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
| | - Huy Luong Xuan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
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58
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Thanh TT, Xuan HL, Quoc TN. Benzo[ d]thiazole-2-thiol bearing 2-oxo-2-substituted-phenylethan-1-yl as potent selective lasB quorum sensing inhibitors of Gram-negative bacteria. RSC Adv 2021; 11:28797-28808. [PMID: 35478568 PMCID: PMC9038142 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03616e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing is a well-known term for describing bacterial cell–cell communication. Bacteria use quorum sensing pathways to respond to external factors such as nutrient availability, defense mechanisms, and coordinate host toxic behaviors such as biofilm formation, virulence production, and other pathogenesis. Discovery of novel compounds which inhibit quorum sensing without being antibiotic are currently emerging fields. Herein, the library of fifteen benzo[d]thiazole/quinoline-2-thiol bearing 2-oxo-2-substituted-phenylethan-1-yl compounds was designed, synthesized and evaluated to find novel quorum sensing inhibitors. Firstly, compounds were evaluated for their growth inhibitory activities at high concentrations up to 1000 μg mL−1 toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Under our conditions, twelve compounds showed moderate growth inhibitory activities in the concentration tested. To our delight, three compounds 3, 6 and 7 do not affect the growth of the bacteria which were chosen for the evaluation of quorum sensing inhibitor activities. In the LasB system, our compounds 3, 6, 7 showed promising quorum-sensing inhibitors with IC50 of 115.2 μg mL−1, 182.2 μg mL−1 and 45.5 μg mL−1, respectively. In the PqsR system, no activity observed suggesting that the selectivity of the compound toward the LasB system. In addition, 7 showed the moderate anti-biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Docking studies revealed that 3, 6 and 7 binding to the active site of Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing LasR system with better affinity compared to reference compounds 4-NPO. Finally, computation calculations suggest that compounds are a good template for further drug development. Benzo[d]thiazole-2-thiol bearing 2-oxo-2-substituted-phenylethan-1-yl as potent selective lasB quorum sensing inhibitors and anti-biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung Truong Thanh
- PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
| | - Huy Luong Xuan
- PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
| | - Thang Nguyen Quoc
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
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59
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Thioether-linked dihydropyrrol-2-one analogues as PqsR antagonists against antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 31:115967. [PMID: 33434766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Pseudomonas quinolone system (pqs) is one of the key quorum sensing systems in antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa and is responsible for the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation. Thus, synthetic small molecules that can target the PqsR (MvfR) receptor can be utilized as quorum sensing inhibitors to treat P. aeruginosa infections. In this study, we report the synthesis of novel thioether-linked dihydropyrrol-2-one (DHP) analogues as PqsR antagonists. Compound 7g containing a 2-mercaptopyridyl linkage effectively inhibited the pqs system with an IC50 of 32 µM in P. aeruginosa PAO1. Additionally, these inhibitors significantly reduced bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation without affecting planktonic growth. The molecular docking study suggest that these inhibitors bind with the ligand binding domain of the MvfR as a competitive antagonist.
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60
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An In Vitro Cell Culture Model for Pyoverdine-Mediated Virulence. Pathogens 2020; 10:pathogens10010009. [PMID: 33374230 PMCID: PMC7824568 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a multidrug-resistant, opportunistic pathogen that utilizes a wide-range of virulence factors to cause acute, life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients, especially those in intensive care units. It also causes debilitating chronic infections that shorten lives and worsen the quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients. One of the key virulence factors in P. aeruginosa is the siderophore pyoverdine, which provides the pathogen with iron during infection, regulates the production of secreted toxins, and disrupts host iron and mitochondrial homeostasis. These roles have been characterized in model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans and mice. However, an intermediary system, using cell culture to investigate the activity of this siderophore has been absent. In this report, we describe such a system, using murine macrophages treated with pyoverdine. We demonstrate that pyoverdine-rich filtrates from P. aeruginosa exhibit substantial cytotoxicity, and that the inhibition of pyoverdine production (genetic or chemical) is sufficient to mitigate virulence. Furthermore, consistent with previous observations made in C. elegans, pyoverdine translocates into cells and disrupts host mitochondrial homeostasis. Most importantly, we observe a strong correlation between pyoverdine production and virulence in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, confirming pyoverdine’s value as a promising target for therapeutic intervention. This in vitro cell culture model will allow rapid validation of pyoverdine antivirulents in a simple but physiologically relevant manner.
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61
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Yang W, Wei Q, Tong Q, Cui K, He G, Lin L, Ma LZ, Cornelis P, Wang Y. Traditional Chinese Medicine Tanreqing Inhibits Quorum Sensing Systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:517462. [PMID: 33391189 PMCID: PMC7775676 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.517462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can infect a wide variety of hosts including humans, plants, and animals. The production of virulence factors is the determinant of the infection paradigm and is under orchestrated regulation via cell-to-cell communication process called quorum sensing (QS). To disable QS circuits and prevent bacterial infections, a large battery of anti-QS agents, particularly from traditional Chinese medicine have been developed. Here, we used P. aeruginosa as a model microorganism to investigate the effect of traditional Chinese medicine Tanreqing (TRQ) formula on bacterial pathogenicity. Phenotypic analysis showed that TRQ treatment could completely inhibit the production of phenazine pyocyanin and moderately inhibit the production of virulence factors such as rhamnolipids, elastase, and alkaline protease. Further transcriptomic analyses revealed that TRQ treatment could significantly attenuate the expression of QS-regulated genes in P. aeruginosa and TRQ-treated P. aeruginosa regulon shared a large overlap with QS regulon. Component contribution to QS inhibition shed light on the indispensable role of all five components in TRQ formula. Further genetic analysis indicated that upstream regulators of QS systems, including two-component systems GacS/GacA and PprA/PprB, were both inhibited by TRQ treatment. Finally, our TRQ formula could efficiently protect Caenorhabditis elegans from killing by P. aeruginosa. Altogether, we have proved TRQ formula as an effective and specific agent to attenuate bacterial virulence and combat bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Yang
- Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Wei
- Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Tong
- School of Biological Engineering and Food Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiyu Cui
- Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gaiying He
- Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Longfei Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lvyan Z Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pierre Cornelis
- Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Université, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Signaux et Microenvironnement, LMSM EA4312, Évreux, France
| | - Yi Wang
- Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Grossman S, Soukarieh F, Richardson W, Liu R, Mashabi A, Emsley J, Williams P, Cámara M, Stocks MJ. Novel quinazolinone inhibitors of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing transcriptional regulator PqsR. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112778. [PMID: 32927392 PMCID: PMC7684530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Rising numbers of cases of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa over recent years have created an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches to cure potentially fatal infections. One such approach is virulence attenuation where anti-virulence compounds, designed to reduce pathogenicity without affording bactericidal effects, are employed to treat infections. P. aeruginosa uses the pqs quorum sensing (QS) system, to coordinate the expression of a large number of virulence determinants as well as bacterial-host interactions and hence represents an excellent anti-virulence target. We report the synthesis and identification of a new series of thiazole-containing quinazolinones capable of inhibiting PqsR, the transcriptional regulator of the pqs QS system. The compounds demonstrated high potency (IC50 < 300 nM) in a whole-cell assay, using a mCTX:PpqsA-lux-based bioreporter for the P. aeruginosa PAO1-L and PA14 strains. Structural evaluation defined the binding modes of four analogues in the ligand-binding domain of PqsR through X-ray crystallography. Further work showed the ability of 6-chloro-3((2-pentylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (18) and 6-chloro-3((2-hexylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (19) to attenuate production of the PqsR-regulated virulence factor pyocyanin. Compounds 18 and 19 showed a low cytotoxic profile in the A549 human epithelial lung cell line making them suitable candidates for further pre-clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Grossman
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Fadi Soukarieh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - William Richardson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ruiling Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Alaa Mashabi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jonas Emsley
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Miguel Cámara
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Michael J Stocks
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK.
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Baldelli V, D’Angelo F, Pavoncello V, Fiscarelli EV, Visca P, Rampioni G, Leoni L. Identification of FDA-approved antivirulence drugs targeting the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing effector protein PqsE. Virulence 2020; 11:652-668. [PMID: 32423284 PMCID: PMC7549961 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1770508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to cause both chronic and acute infections mainly relies on its capacity to finely modulate the expression of virulence factors through a complex network of regulatory circuits, including the pqs quorum sensing (QS) system. While in most QS systems the signal molecule/receptor complexes act as global regulators that modulate the expression of QS-controlled genes, the main effector protein of the pqs system is PqsE. This protein is involved in the synthesis of the QS signal molecules 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones (AQs), but it also modulates the expression of genes involved in virulence factors production and biofilm formation via AQ-independent pathway(s). P. aeruginosa pqsE mutants disclose attenuated virulence in plant and animal infection models, hence PqsE is considered a good target for the development of antivirulence drugs against P. aeruginosa. In this study, the negative regulation exerted by PqsE on its own transcription has been exploited to develop a screening system for the identification of PqsE inhibitors in a library of FDA-approved drugs. This led to the identification of nitrofurazone and erythromycin estolate, two antibiotic compounds that reduce the expression of PqsE-dependent virulence traits and biofilm formation in the model strain P. aeruginosa PAO1 at concentrations far below those affecting the bacterial growth rate. Notably, both drugs reduce the production of the PqsE-controlled virulence factor pyocyanin also in P. aeruginosa strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients, and do not antagonize the activity of antibiotics commonly used to treat P. aeruginosa infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
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64
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Wang M, Chan EWC, Yang C, Chen K, So PK, Chen S. N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine Acts as Adjuvant that Re-Sensitizes Starvation-Induced Antibiotic-Tolerant Population of E. Coli to β-Lactam. iScience 2020; 23:101740. [PMID: 33225246 PMCID: PMC7662850 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial tolerance to antibiotics causes reduction in efficacy in antimicrobial treatment of chronic and recurrent infections. Nutrient availability is one major factor that determines the degree of phenotypic antibiotic tolerance. In an attempt to test if specific nutrients can reverse phenotypic tolerance, we identified N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) as a potent tolerance-suppressing agent and showed that it could strongly re-sensitize a tolerant population of E. coli to ampicillin. Such re-sensitization effect was attributable to two physiology-modulating effects of GlcNAc. First, uptake of GlcNAc by the tolerant population triggers formation of the peptidoglycan precursor UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) and subsequently re-activates the peptidoglycan biosynthesis process, rendering the organism susceptible to β-lactam antibiotics. Second, activation of glycolysis by-products of GlcNAc catabolism drives the re-sensitization process. Our findings imply that GlcNAc may serve as a non-toxic β-lactam adjuvant that enhances the efficacy of treatment of otherwise hard-to-treat bacterial infections due to phenotypic antibiotic tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wang
- State Key Lab of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Edward Wai Chi Chan
- State Key Lab of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chen Yang
- State Key Lab of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Kaichao Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Pui-kin So
- State Key Lab of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Sheng Chen
- State Key Lab of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Corresponding author
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65
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Sun H, Pulakat L, Anderson DW. Challenges and New Therapeutic Approaches in the Management of Chronic Wounds. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:1264-1275. [PMID: 32576127 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200623131200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic non-healing wounds are estimated to cost the US healthcare $28-$31 billion per year. Diabetic ulcers, arterial and venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers are some of the most common types of chronic wounds. The burden of chronic wounds continues to rise due to the current epidemic of obesity and diabetes and the increase in elderly adults in the population who are more vulnerable to chronic wounds than younger individuals. This patient population is also highly vulnerable to debilitating infections caused by opportunistic and multi-drug resistant pathogens. Reduced microcirculation, decreased availability of cytokines and growth factors that promote wound closure and healing, and infections by multi-drug resistant and biofilm forming microbes are some of the critical factors that contribute to the development of chronic non-healing wounds. This review discusses novel approaches to understand chronic wound pathology and methods to improve chronic wound care, particularly when chronic wounds are infected by multi-drug resistant, biofilm forming microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmin Sun
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, United States
| | - Lakshmi Pulakat
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, United States
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66
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Hemmati F, Salehi R, Ghotaslou R, Samadi Kafil H, Hasani A, Gholizadeh P, Nouri R, Ahangarzadeh Rezaee M. Quorum Quenching: A Potential Target for Antipseudomonal Therapy. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:2989-3005. [PMID: 32922047 PMCID: PMC7457774 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s263196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been excessive rate of use of antibiotics to fight Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections worldwide, which has consequently caused the increased resistance to multiple antibiotics in this pathogen. Due to the widespread resistance and the current poor effect of antibiotics consumed to treat P. aeruginosa infections, finding some novel alternative therapeutic methods are necessary for the treatment of infections. The P. aeruginosa biofilms can cause severe infections leading to the increased antibiotic resistance and mortality rate among the patients. In this regard, there are no approaches that can efficiently manage these infections; therefore, novel and effective antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents are needed to control and treat these bacterial infections. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) or quorum quenchings (QQs) are now considered as potential therapeutic alternatives and/or adjuvants to the current failing antibiotics, which can control the virulence traits of the pathogens, so as a result, the host immune system can quickly eliminate bacteria. Thus, the aims of this review article were presenting a brief explanation of the research reports on the natural and synthetic QSIs of P. aeruginosa, and the assessment of the current understanding on the QS mechanisms and various QQ strategies in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hemmati
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Roya Salehi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Ghotaslou
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alka Hasani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pourya Gholizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Nouri
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ahangarzadeh Rezaee
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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67
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Jiang Y, Geng M, Bai L. Targeting Biofilms Therapy: Current Research Strategies and Development Hurdles. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081222. [PMID: 32796745 PMCID: PMC7465149 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are aggregate of microorganisms in which cells are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and adhere to each other and/or to a surface. The development of biofilm affords pathogens significantly increased tolerances to antibiotics and antimicrobials. Up to 80% of human bacterial infections are biofilm-associated. Dispersal of biofilms can turn microbial cells into their more vulnerable planktonic phenotype and improve the therapeutic effect of antimicrobials. In this review, we focus on multiple therapeutic strategies that are currently being developed to target important structural and functional characteristics and drug resistance mechanisms of biofilms. We thoroughly discuss the current biofilm targeting strategies from four major aspects—targeting EPS, dispersal molecules, targeting quorum sensing, and targeting dormant cells. We explain each aspect with examples and discuss the main hurdles in the development of biofilm dispersal agents in order to provide a rationale for multi-targeted therapy strategies that target the complicated biofilms. Biofilm dispersal is a promising research direction to treat biofilm-associated infections in the future, and more in vivo experiments should be performed to ensure the efficacy of these therapeutic agents before being used in clinic.
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68
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Farfán-López M, Espinoza-Culupú A, García-de-la-Guarda R, Serral F, Sosa E, Palomino MM, Fernández Do Porto DA. Prioritisation of potential drug targets against Bartonella bacilliformis by an integrative in-silico approach. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200184. [PMID: 32785422 PMCID: PMC7416641 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carrion's disease (CD) is a neglected biphasic illness caused by Bartonella bacilliformis, a Gram-negative bacteria found in the Andean valleys. The spread of resistant strains underlines the need for novel antimicrobials against B. bacilliformis and related bacterial pathogens. OBJECTIVE The main aim of this study was to integrate genomic-scale data to shortlist a set of proteins that could serve as attractive targets for new antimicrobial discovery to combat B. bacilliformis. METHODS We performed a multidimensional genomic scale analysis of potential and relevant targets which includes structural druggability, metabolic analysis and essentiality criteria to select proteins with attractive features for drug discovery. FINDINGS We shortlisted seventeen relevant proteins to develop new drugs against the causative agent of Carrion's disease. Particularly, the protein products of fabI, folA, aroA, trmFO, uppP and murE genes, meet an important number of desirable features that make them attractive targets for new drug development. This data compendium is freely available as a web server (http://target.sbg.qb.fcen.uba.ar/). MAIN CONCLUSION This work represents an effort to reduce the costs in the first phases of B. bacilliformis drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Farfán-López
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Abraham Espinoza-Culupú
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Ruth García-de-la-Guarda
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Federico Serral
- Instituto de Cálculo, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Sosa
- Instituto de Cálculo, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Mercedes Palomino
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío A Fernández Do Porto
- Instituto de Cálculo, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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69
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Manohar P, Loh B, Nachimuthu R, Hua X, Welburn SC, Leptihn S. Secondary Bacterial Infections in Patients With Viral Pneumonia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:420. [PMID: 32850912 PMCID: PMC7419580 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary diseases of viral origin are often followed by the manifestation of secondary infections, leading to further clinical complications and negative disease outcomes. Thus, research on secondary infections is essential. Here, we review clinical data of secondary bacterial infections developed after the onset of pulmonary viral infections. We review the most recent clinical data and current knowledge of secondary bacterial infections and their treatment in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients; case reports from SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV2 and the best-studied respiratory virus, influenza, are described. We outline treatments used or prophylactic measures employed for secondary bacterial infections. This evaluation includes recent clinical reports of pulmonary viral infections, including those by COVID-19, that reference secondary infections. Where data was provided for COVID-19 patients, a mortality rate of 15.2% due to secondary bacterial infections was observed for patients with pneumonia (41 of 268). Most clinicians treated patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections with prophylactic antibiotics (63.7%, n = 1,901), compared to 73.5% (n = 3,072) in all clinical reports of viral pneumonia included in this review. For all cases of viral pneumonia, a mortality rate of 10.9% due to secondary infections was observed (53 of 482). Most commonly, quinolones, cephalosporins and macrolides were administered, but also the glycopeptide vancomycin. Several bacterial pathogens appear to be prevalent as causative agents of secondary infections, including antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanth Manohar
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJU-UoE) Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China.,School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University (SAHZU), Hangzhou, China
| | - Belinda Loh
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJU-UoE) Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Ramesh Nachimuthu
- Antibiotic Resistance and Phage Therapy Laboratory, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India
| | - Xiaoting Hua
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Susan C Welburn
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJU-UoE) Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China.,Infection Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Leptihn
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJU-UoE) Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Infection Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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70
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Possible drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections in the future: anti-virulence drugs. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2020; 74:24-41. [PMID: 32647212 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-020-0344-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global threat that should be urgently resolved. Finding a new antibiotic is one way, whereas the repression of the dissemination of virulent pathogenic bacteria is another. From this point of view, this paper summarizes first the mechanisms of conjugation and transformation, two important processes of horizontal gene transfer, and then discusses the approaches for disarming virulent pathogenic bacteria, that is, virulence factor inhibitors. In contrast to antibiotics, anti-virulence drugs do not impose a high selective pressure on a bacterial population, and repress the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. Disarmed virulence factors make virulent pathogens avirulent bacteria or pathobionts, so that we human will be able to coexist with these disarmed bacteria peacefully.
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71
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Ouyang J, Feng W, Lai X, Chen Y, Zhang X, Rong L, Sun F, Chen Y. Quercetin inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation via the vfr-mediated lasIR system. Microb Pathog 2020; 149:104291. [PMID: 32534180 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common opportunistic pathogens that cause biofilm-associated infections. Biofilm formation is partially regulated by the quorum sensing (QS) system, and quercetin can inhibit QS, biofilm formation and virulence factors. We therefore speculated that quercetin would inhibit the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilm via the QS system. In this study, we successfully constructed lasI, rhlI and lasI/rhlI gene-knockout strains. The knockout of the lasI and lasI/rhlI genes resulted in decreases in adhesion, biofilm formation, swarming motility and the expression of biofilm-associated genes, whereas deletion of the rhlI gene had no obvious influence on these biofilm-related indicators with the exception of the swarming motility. After treatment with quercetin, the lasI- and lasI/rhlI-mutant strains exhibited increased adhesion, biofilm formation, swarming motility and biofilm-associated gene expression compared with the control group. However, quercetin still exerted an inhibitory effect on these physiological factors and the biofilm-associated gene expression in the rhlI-mutant strain. The knockout of QS genes reduced the production of pyocyanin and protease activity, but after the virulence factors of the QS-mutant strains treated with quercetin showed almost no differences compared with those of the control group. In addition, quercetin could significantly inhibit vfr gene expression regardless of the presence of QS genes. The results indicated that quercetin might inhibit the lasIR system through the vfr gene and ultimately the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ouyang
- Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaodan Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yaling Chen
- Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Li Rong
- Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Fengjun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yaokai Chen
- Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, 400036, China.
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72
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Tsai CN, MacNair CR, Cao MPT, Perry JN, Magolan J, Brown ED, Coombes BK. Targeting Two-Component Systems Uncovers a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Salmonella Virulence. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:793-805.e7. [PMID: 32413287 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Salmonella serovars are leading causes of gastrointestinal disease and have become increasingly resistant to fluoroquinolone and cephalosporin antibiotics. Overcoming this healthcare crisis requires new approaches in antibiotic discovery and the identification of unique bacterial targets. In this work, we describe a chemical genomics approach to identify inhibitors of Salmonella virulence. From a cell-based, promoter reporter screen of ∼50,000 small molecules, we identified dephostatin as a non-antibiotic compound that inhibits intracellular virulence factors and polymyxin resistance genes. Dephostatin disrupts signaling through both the SsrA-SsrB and PmrB-PmrA two-component regulatory systems and restores sensitivity to the last-resort antibiotic, colistin. Cell-based experiments and mouse models of infection demonstrate that dephostatin attenuates Salmonella virulence in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that perturbing regulatory networks is a promising strategy for the development of anti-infectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caressa N Tsai
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Craig R MacNair
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - My P T Cao
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Jordyn N Perry
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Jakob Magolan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Eric D Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Brian K Coombes
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
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73
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Soukarieh F, Liu R, Romero M, Roberston SN, Richardson W, Lucanto S, Oton EV, Qudus NR, Mashabi A, Grossman S, Ali S, Sou T, Kukavica-Ibrulj I, Levesque RC, Bergström CAS, Halliday N, Mistry SN, Emsley J, Heeb S, Williams P, Cámara M, Stocks MJ. Hit Identification of New Potent PqsR Antagonists as Inhibitors of Quorum Sensing in Planktonic and Biofilm Grown Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Chem 2020; 8:204. [PMID: 32432073 PMCID: PMC7213079 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are becoming less effective because of the increasing rates of multi-antibiotic resistance. Pharmacological targeting of virulence through inhibition of quorum sensing (QS) dependent virulence gene regulation has considerable therapeutic potential. In P. aeruginosa, the pqs QS system regulates the production of multiple virulence factors as well as biofilm maturation and is a promising approach for developing antimicrobial adjuvants for combatting drug resistance. In this work, we report the hit optimisation for a series of potent novel inhibitors of PqsR, a key regulator of the pqs system, bearing a 2-((5-methyl-5H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-3-yl)thio) acetamide scaffold. The initial hit compound 7 (PAO1-L IC50 0.98 ± 0.02 μM, PA14 inactive at 10 μM) was obtained through a virtual screening campaign performed on the PqsR ligand binding domain using the University of Nottingham Managed Chemical Compound Collection. Hit optimisation gave compounds with enhanced potency against strains PAO1-L and PA14, evaluated using P. aeruginosa pqs-based QS bioreporter assays. Compound 40 (PAO1-L IC50 0.25 ± 0.12 μM, PA14 IC50 0.34 ± 0.03 μM) is one of the most potent PqsR antagonists reported showing significant inhibition of P. aeruginosa pyocyanin production and pqs system signaling in both planktonic cultures and biofilms. The co-crystal structure of 40 with the PqsR ligand binding domain revealed the specific binding interactions occurring between inhibitor and this key regulatory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Soukarieh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,The National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ruiling Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Romero
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,The National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shaun N Roberston
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,The National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - William Richardson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Lucanto
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,The National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eduard Vico Oton
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Naim Ruhul Qudus
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alaa Mashabi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Grossman
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sadiqur Ali
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tomás Sou
- Drug Delivery Group, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Pharmacometrics Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Irena Kukavica-Ibrulj
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Roger C Levesque
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Christel A S Bergström
- Drug Delivery Group, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,The Swedish Drug Delivery Center, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nigel Halliday
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shailesh N Mistry
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jonas Emsley
- The National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stephan Heeb
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,The National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Cámara
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,The National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Stocks
- The National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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74
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Rafiee F, Haghi F, Bikas R, Heidari A, Gholami M, Kozakiewicz A, Zeighami H. Synthesis, characterization and assessment of anti-quorum sensing activity of copper(II)-ciprofloxacin complex against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. AMB Express 2020; 10:82. [PMID: 32333295 PMCID: PMC7182649 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-020-01017-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) inhibition by metal-antibiotic complexes is a promising strategy for the management and control of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. We investigated the anti-quorum sensing activity of sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) of copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate-ciprofloxacin (Cu-CIP) complex and free ciprofloxacin (free-CIP) against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Copper-CIP complex was synthesized and its characterization was assessed using spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray analysis. The effect of sub-MIC (1/4 and 1/16 MIC) concentrations of Cu-CIP and free-CIP on cell growth, biofilm formation, motility, alginate and pyocyanin production, H2O2 susceptibility and expression of QS circuit genes lasI and lasR in PAO1 was determined. Minimum inhibitory concentration of Cu-CIP complex and free-CIP was determined as 0.125 µg/ml. Copper-CIP complex did not show significant effect on the cell growth at concentrations of 1/4 and 1/16 MIC. However, sub-MIC concentrations (1/4 and 1/16 MIC) of Cu-CIP showed the significant reduction in violacein production, motility, biofilm formation, alginate and pyocyanin production and sensitivity to H2O2 in a concentration dependent manner (P < 0.001). Copper-CIP at the concentration of 1/4 MIC showed the greatest reduction in lasI and lasR transcriptional expression (89.5% and 96.2% respectively). Considering the biological effects of Cu-CIP complex and its inhibitory activity on QS related virulence traits at low concentrations (0.03 and 0.007 µg/ml), it may be used as an effective approach in the management of infections caused by P. aeruginosa.
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75
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Manson DE, O’Reilly MC, Nyffeler KE, Blackwell HE. Design, Synthesis, and Biochemical Characterization of Non-Native Antagonists of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Receptor LasR with Nanomolar IC 50 Values. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:649-661. [PMID: 32037806 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a bacterial cell-to-cell communication system mediated by small molecules and peptides, has received significant interest as a potential target to block infection. The common pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses QS to regulate many of its virulence phenotypes at high cell densities, and the LasR QS receptor plays a critical role in this process. Small molecule tools that inhibit LasR activity would serve to illuminate its role in P. aeruginosa virulence, but we currently lack highly potent and selective LasR antagonists, despite considerable research in this area. V-06-018, an abiotic small molecule discovered in a high-throughput screen, represents one of the most potent known LasR antagonists but has seen little study since its initial report. Herein, we report a systematic study of the structure-activity relationships (SARs) that govern LasR antagonism by V-06-018. We synthesized a focused library of V-06-018 derivatives and evaluated the library for bioactivity using a variety of cell-based LasR reporter systems. The SAR trends revealed by these experiments allowed us to design probes with 10-fold greater potency than that of V-06-018 and 100-fold greater potency than other commonly used N-acyl-l-homoserine lactone (AHL)-based LasR antagonists, along with high selectivities for LasR. Biochemical experiments to probe the mechanism of antagonism by V-06-018 and its analogues support these compounds interacting with the native ligand-binding site in LasR and, at least in part, stabilizing an inactive form of the protein. The compounds described herein are the most potent and efficacious antagonists of LasR known and represent robust probes both for characterizing the mechanisms of LuxR-type QS and for chemical biology research in general in the growing QS field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Manson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 110 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 United States
| | - Matthew C. O’Reilly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 110 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 United States
| | - Kayleigh E. Nyffeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 110 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 United States
| | - Helen E. Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 110 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 United States
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76
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Wu S, Liu J, Liu C, Yang A, Qiao J. Quorum sensing for population-level control of bacteria and potential therapeutic applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1319-1343. [PMID: 31612240 PMCID: PMC11104945 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03326-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a microbial cell-to-cell communication process, dynamically regulates a variety of metabolism and physiological activities. In this review, we provide an update on QS applications based on autoinducer molecules including acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), auto-inducing peptides (AIPs), autoinducer 2 (AI-2) and indole in population-level control of bacteria, and highlight the potential in developing novel clinical therapies. We summarize the development in the combination of various genetic circuits such as genetic oscillators, toggle switches and logic gates with AHL-based QS devices in Gram-negative bacteria. An overview is then offered to the state-of-the-art of much less researched applications of AIP-based QS devices with Gram-positive bacteria, followed by a review of the applications of AI-2 and indole based QS for interspecies communication among microbial communities. Building on these general-purpose QS applications, we highlight the disruptions and manipulations of QS devices as potential clinical therapies for diseases caused by biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance and the phage invasion. The last part of reviewed literature is dedicated to mathematical modelling for QS applications. Finally, the key challenges and future perspectives of QS applications in monoclonal synthetic biology and synthetic ecology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jiaheng Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education (Tianjin University), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Chunjiang Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Aidong Yang
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK.
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education (Tianjin University), Tianjin, 300072, China.
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77
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Rajkumar D, Rubini D, Sudharsan M, Suresh D, Nithyanand P. Novel thiazolinyl-picolinamide based palladium(II) complex-impregnated urinary catheters quench the virulence and disintegrate the biofilms of uropathogens. BIOFOULING 2020; 36:351-367. [PMID: 32401555 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2020.1765159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens are prominent members belonging to the group of ESKAPE pathogens responsible for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and nosocomial infections. Both the pathogens regulate several virulence factors, including biofilm formation through quorum sensing (QS), an intercellular communication mechanism. The present study describes the anti-biofilm and QS quenching effect of thiazolinyl-picolinamide based palladium(II) complexes against P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens. Palladium(II) complexes showed quorum sensing inhibitory potential in inhibiting swarming motility behaviour, pyocyanin production and other QS mediated virulence factors in both P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens. In addition, the establishment of biofilms was prevented on palladium (II) coated catheters. Overall, the present study demonstrates that thiazolinyl-picolinamide based palladium (II) complexes will be a promising strategy to combat device-mediated UTI infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Rajkumar
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Durairajan Rubini
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Sudharsan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D Suresh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Paramasivam Nithyanand
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Tamil Nadu, India
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78
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Froes TQ, Baldini RL, Vajda S, Castilho MS. Structure-based Druggability Assessment of Anti-virulence Targets from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 20:1189-1203. [PMID: 31038064 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190417120758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) represents a serious threat to health and the global economy. However, interest in antibacterial drug development has decreased substantially in recent decades. Meanwhile, anti-virulence drug development has emerged as an attractive alternative to fight AMR. Although several macromolecular targets have been explored for this goal, their druggability is a vital piece of information that has been overlooked. This review explores this subject by showing how structure- based freely available in silico tools, such as PockDrug and FTMap, might be useful for designing novel inhibitors of the pyocyanin biosynthesis pathway and improving the potency/selectivity of compounds that target the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing mechanism. The information provided by hotspot analysis, along with binding site features, reveals novel druggable targets (PhzA and PhzS) that remain largely unexplored. However, it also highlights that in silico druggability prediction tools have several limitations that might be overcome in the near future. Meanwhile, anti-virulence drug targets should be assessed by complementary methods, such as the combined use of FTMap/PockDrug, once the consensus druggability classification reduces the risk of wasting resources on undruggable proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamires Q Froes
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Biotecnologia da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil.,aculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Regina L Baldini
- Departamento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Quimica, Universidade de Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sandor Vajda
- College of Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marcelo S Castilho
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Biotecnologia da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil.,aculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.,College of Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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79
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Abelyan N, Grabski H, Tiratsuyan S. In silico Screening of Flavones and its Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of Quorum-Sensing Regulator LasR of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mol Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893320010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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80
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Kitao T. [Molecular biological studies toward controlling infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa]. Nihon Saikingaku Zasshi 2020; 74:177-189. [PMID: 31902822 DOI: 10.3412/jsb.74.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that causes serious acute, persistent, and relapsing infections. Recent year, the effectiveness of antibiotics for eliminating P. aeruginosa infections has been further complicated by the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. Thus, new approaches for the rapid detection and novel antimicrobial drug discovery are urgently needed to control such intractable infections caused by the pathogen. Also, we do need deep understanding of the drug resistance mechanisms to overcome this issue. Here I describe a brief review on my biological studies toward controlling infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoe Kitao
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University
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81
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Wei Q, Bhasme P, Wang Z, Wang L, Wang S, Zeng Y, Wang Y, Ma LZ, Li Y. Chinese medicinal herb extract inhibits PQS-mediated quorum sensing system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 248:112272. [PMID: 31586695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Chinese medicinal herbs have long been recognized as important resources that can be used for the struggle against diseases and a significant component of health care system for thousands of years. AIM OF THE STUDY In order to understand their roles in the treatment against bacterial infections, we examined the underlying mechanisms of one of the medicinal herb extracts (MHE) (Artemisiae argyi Folium, the root bark of Cortex dictamni and the root of Solanum melongena) on the human opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS We combined phenotypic assays, transcriptional analysis and chemical investigations to identify the mechanisms underlying MHE inhibition. The standard sample was prepared and transcriptional reporters for quorum sensing systems were constructed. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to clarify the mechanism. GC-MS and molecular docking were used to identify the chemicals in MHE and potential binding agents. RESULTS We found that co-culturing of MHE with bacterial cells did not change the growth rate but substantially attenuate the production of virulence factors such as phenazine pyocyanin, siderophore pyoverdine and biofilm formation. Transcriptional responses of three major quorum sensing (QS) systems of P. aeruginosa to MHE showed that Pseudomonas quinolone signaling (PQS) system was completely repressed, rhlR/rhlI QS system was moderately inhibited, while lasR/lasI QS system was only slightly affected, suggesting that MHE might selectively target the PQS system to inhibit bacterial virulence. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that MHE inhibited the binding of MvfR the corresponding pqsA promoter region, suggesting that MHE serves as a competitive agent to quench the QS functionality in P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSION We prove that MHE functions as an effective countermeasure against bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550014, China
| | - Pramod Bhasme
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiguo Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences/Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center for Natural Drugs, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550014, China; Pneumology Department of Yanan University Affiliated Hospital, Yanan, Shannxi, 716000, China
| | - Li Wang
- Clinical Laboratory of Yanan University Affiliated Hospital, Yanan, Shannxi, 716000, China
| | - Shiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Yunfei Zeng
- Yanan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yanan, Shaanxi, 716000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Luyan Z Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550014, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences/Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center for Natural Drugs, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550014, China.
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82
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Strategies to Combat Multidrug-Resistant and Persistent Infectious Diseases. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9020065. [PMID: 32041137 PMCID: PMC7168131 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic failure is one of the most worrying health problems worldwide. We are currently facing an international crisis with several problematic facets: new antibiotics are no longer being discovered, resistance mechanisms are occurring in almost all clinical isolates of bacteria, and recurrent infections caused by persistent bacteria are hampering the successful treatment of infections. In this context, new anti-infectious strategies against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and persistent bacteria, as well as the rescue of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds (drug repurposing), are being explored. Among the highlighted new anti-infectious strategies, in this review, we focus on antimicrobial peptides, anti-virulence compounds, phage therapy, and new molecules. As drugs that are being repurposed, we highlight anti-inflammatory compounds, anti-psychotics, anti-helminthics, anti-cancerous drugs, and statins.
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83
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Development and bioanalytical method validation of an LC-MS/MS assay for simultaneous quantitation of 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones for application in bacterial cell culture and lung tissue. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:1521-1534. [PMID: 31993728 PMCID: PMC7223165 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-02374-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that produces numerous exoproducts during infection that help it evade the host immune system and procure nutrients from the host environment. Among these products are a family of secreted 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolone metabolites (AQs), which exhibit a range of biological activities. Here, we describe the validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based method for quantifying multiple AQ congeners in complex biological matrices. The assay was validated for selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, carryover, dilution integrity, recovery, matrix effects, and various aspects of stability (freeze-thaw, bench-top, long-term storage, and autosampler/post-preparative). Using authentic standards for 6 distinct AQ congeners, we report accurate quantitation within a linear range between 25 and 1000 nmol/L for all of the validated AQ standards. This method was successfully applied to quantify AQ concentrations in P. aeruginosa cell culture and in the lungs of mice infected with P. aeruginosa. Further, we confirmed the presence of unsaturated forms of several AQ congeners in cell culture. Graphical abstract ![]()
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84
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Zender M, Witzgall F, Kiefer A, Kirsch B, Maurer CK, Kany AM, Xu N, Schmelz S, Börger C, Blankenfeldt W, Empting M. Flexible Fragment Growing Boosts Potency of Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence. ChemMedChem 2019; 15:188-194. [PMID: 31709767 PMCID: PMC7004148 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hit-to-lead optimization is a critical phase in drug discovery. Herein, we report on the fragment-based discovery and optimization of 2-aminopyridine derivatives as a novel lead-like structure for the treatment of the dangerous opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We pursue an innovative treatment strategy by interfering with the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) quorum sensing (QS) system leading to an abolishment of bacterial pathogenicity. Our compounds act on the PQS receptor (PqsR), a key transcription factor controlling the expression of various pathogenicity determinants. In this target-driven approach, we made use of biophysical screening via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) followed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)-enabled enthalpic efficiency (EE) evaluation. Hit optimization then involved growth vector identification and exploitation. Astonishingly, the latter was successfully achieved by introducing flexible linkers rather than rigid motifs leading to a boost in activity on the target receptor and anti-virulence potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Zender
- Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Florian Witzgall
- Structure and Function of Proteins (SFPR), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Alexander Kiefer
- Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kirsch
- Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Christine K Maurer
- Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Andreas M Kany
- Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ningna Xu
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmelz
- Structure and Function of Proteins (SFPR), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carsten Börger
- PharmBioTec GmbH, Science Park 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Wulf Blankenfeldt
- Structure and Function of Proteins (SFPR), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany.,Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute for Biochemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstr. 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
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85
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Annunziato G. Strategies to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Making Use of Non-Essential Target Inhibitors: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5844. [PMID: 31766441 PMCID: PMC6928725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics have always been considered as one of the most relevant discoveries of the twentieth century. Unfortunately, the dawn of the antibiotic era has sadly corresponded to the rise of the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a natural process whereby microbes evolve in such a way to withstand the action of drugs. In this context, the identification of new potential antimicrobial targets and/or the identification of new chemical entities as antimicrobial drugs are in great demand. To date, among the many possible approaches used to deal with antibiotic resistance is the use of antibiotic adjuvants that hit bacterial non-essential targets. In this review, the author focuses on the discovery of antibiotic adjuvants and on new tools to study and reduce the prevalence of resistant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giannamaria Annunziato
- Probes for Targets Group (P4T group), Department of food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
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86
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Design, synthesis, and evaluation of compounds capable of reducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 185:111800. [PMID: 31706639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Anti-virulence approaches in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA)-induced infections have shown clinical potential in multiple in vitro and in vivo studies. However, development of these compounds is limited by several factors, including the lack of molecules capable of penetrating the membrane of gram-negative organisms. Here, we report the identification of novel structurally diverse compounds that inhibit PqsR and LasR-based signaling and diminish virulence factor production and biofilm growth in two clinically relevant strains of P. aeruginosa. It is the first report where potential anti-virulent agents were evaluated for inhibition of several virulence factors of PA. Finally, co-treatment with these inhibitors significantly reduced the production of virulence factors induced by the presence of sub-inhibitory levels of ciprofloxacin. Further, we have analyzed the drug-likeness profile of designed compounds using quantitative estimates of drug-likeness (QED) and confirmed their potential as hit molecules for further development.
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87
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Mellini M, Di Muzio E, D’Angelo F, Baldelli V, Ferrillo S, Visca P, Leoni L, Polticelli F, Rampioni G. In silico Selection and Experimental Validation of FDA-Approved Drugs as Anti-quorum Sensing Agents. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2355. [PMID: 31649658 PMCID: PMC6796623 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens is increasing at an unprecedented pace, calling for the development of new therapeutic options. Small molecules interfering with virulence processes rather than growth hold promise as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. Anti-virulence agents are expected to decrease bacterial virulence and to pose reduced selective pressure for the emergence of resistance. In the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa the expression of key virulence traits is controlled by quorum sensing (QS), an intercellular communication process that coordinates gene expression at the population level. Hence, QS inhibitors represent promising anti-virulence agents against P. aeruginosa. Virtual screenings allow fast and cost-effective selection of target ligands among vast libraries of molecules, thus accelerating the time and limiting the cost of conventional drug-discovery processes, while the drug-repurposing approach is based on the identification of off-target activity of FDA-approved drugs, likely endowed with low cytotoxicity and favorable pharmacological properties. This study aims at combining the advantages of virtual screening and drug-repurposing approaches to identify new QS inhibitors targeting the pqs QS system of P. aeruginosa. An in silico library of 1,467 FDA-approved drugs has been screened by molecular docking, and 5 hits showing the highest predicted binding affinity for the pqs QS receptor PqsR (also known as MvfR) have been selected. In vitro experiments have been performed by engineering ad hoc biosensor strains, which were used to verify the ability of hit compounds to decrease PqsR activity in P. aeruginosa. Phenotypic analyses confirmed the impact of the most promising hit, the antipsychotic drug pimozide, on the expression of P. aeruginosa PqsR-controlled virulence traits. Overall, this study highlights the potential of virtual screening campaigns of FDA-approved drugs to rapidly select new inhibitors of important bacterial functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mellini
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Roma Tre Section, Rome, Italy
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88
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89
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Okada BK, Li A, Seyedsayamdost MR. Identification of the Hypertension Drug Guanfacine as an Antivirulence Agent in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2005-2011. [PMID: 30927315 PMCID: PMC6814388 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
An alternative solution to the cyclical development of new antibiotics is the concept of disarming pathogens without affecting their growth, thereby eliminating the selective pressures that lead to resistant phenotypes. Here, we have employed our previously developed HiTES methodology to identify one such compound against the ESKAPE pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Rather than induce silent biosynthetic gene clusters, we used HiTES to suppress actively expressed virulence genes. By screening a library of 770 FDA-approved drugs, we identified guanfacine, a clinical hypertension drug, as an antivirulence agent in P. aeruginosa. Follow-up studies showed that guanfacine reduces biofilm formation and pyocycanin production without altering growth. Moreover, we identified a homologue of QseC, a sensor His kinase used by multiple pathogens to turn on virulence, as a target of guanfacine. Our studies suggest that guanfacine might be an attractive antivirulence lead in P. aeruginosa and provide a template for uncovering such molecules by screening for downregulators of actively expressed biosynthetic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany K Okada
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Anran Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Mohammad R Seyedsayamdost
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
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90
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Kordes A, Grahl N, Koska M, Preusse M, Arce-Rodriguez A, Abraham WR, Kaever V, Häussler S. Establishment of an induced memory response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa during infection of a eukaryotic host. THE ISME JOURNAL 2019; 13:2018-2030. [PMID: 30952997 PMCID: PMC6775985 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0412-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In a given habitat, bacterial cells often experience recurrent exposures to the same environmental stimulus. The ability to memorize the past event and to adjust current behaviors can lead to efficient adaptation to the recurring stimulus. Here we demonstrate that the versatile bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa adopts a virulence phenotype after serial passage in the invertebrate model host Galleria mellonella. The virulence phenotype was not linked to the acquisition of genetic variations and was sustained for several generations, despite cultivation of the ex vivo virulence-adapted P. aeruginosa cells under rich medium conditions in vitro. Transcriptional reprogramming seemed to be induced by a host-specific food source, as reprogramming was also observed upon cultivation of P. aeruginosa in rich medium supplemented with polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids. The establishment of induced memory responses adds a time dimension and seems to fill the gap between long-term evolutionary genotypic adaptation and short-term induced individual responses. Efforts to unravel the fundamental mechanisms that underlie the carry-over effect to induce such memory responses will continue to be of importance as hysteretic behavior can serve survival of bacterial populations in changing and challenging habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Kordes
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, 30625, Germany
| | - Nora Grahl
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, 30625, Germany
| | - Michal Koska
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, 30625, Germany
| | - Matthias Preusse
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Alejandro Arce-Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Wolf-Rainer Abraham
- Department of Chemical Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Volkhard Kaever
- Research Core Unit Metabolomics and Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, 30625, Germany
| | - Susanne Häussler
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany.
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91
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Tharmalingam N, Khader R, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E. The Anti-virulence Efficacy of 4-(1,3-Dimethyl-2,3-Dihydro-1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)Phenol Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1557. [PMID: 31379761 PMCID: PMC6653400 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial drug discovery against drug-resistant bacteria is an urgent need. Beyond agents with direct antibacterial activity, anti-virulent molecules may also be viable compounds to defend against bacterial pathogenesis. Using a high throughput screen (HTS) that utilized Caenorhabditis elegans infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain of MW2, we identified 4-(1,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenol (BIP). Interestingly, BIP had no in vitro inhibition activity against MW2, at least up to 64 μg/ml. The lack of direct antimicrobial activity suggests that BIP could inhibit bacterial virulence factors. To explore the possible anti-virulence effect of the identified molecule, we first performed real-time PCR to examine changes in virulence expression. BIP was highly active against MRSA virulence factors at sub-lethal concentrations and down-regulated virulence regulator genes, such as agrA and codY. However, the benzimidazole derivatives omeprazole and pantoprazole did not down-regulate virulence genes significantly, compared to BIP. Moreover, the BIP-pretreated MW2 cells were more vulnerable to macrophage-mediated killing, as confirmed by intracellular killing and live/dead staining assays, and less efficient in establishing a lethal infection in the invertebrate host Galleria mellonella (p = 0.0131). We tested the cytotoxicity of BIP against human red blood cells (RBCs), and it did not cause hemolysis at the highest concentration tested (64 μg/ml). Taken together, our findings outline the potential anti-virulence activity of BIP that was identified through a C. elegans-based, whole animal based, screen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
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92
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Xie L, Xie L. Pathway-Centric Structure-Based Multi-Target Compound Screening for Anti-Virulence Drug Repurposing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143504. [PMID: 31319464 PMCID: PMC6678309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of superbugs that are resistant to last-resort antibiotics poses a serious threat to human health, and we are in a “race against time to develop new antibiotics.” New approaches are urgently needed to control drug-resistant pathogens, and to reduce the emergence of new drug-resistant microbes. Targeting bacterial virulence has emerged as an important strategy for combating drug-resistant pathogens. It has been shown that pyocyanin, which is produced by the phenazine biosynthesis pathway, plays a key role in the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, making it an attractive target for anti-infective drug discovery. In order to discover efficient therapeutics that inhibit the phenazine biosynthesis in a timely fashion, we screen 2004 clinical and pre-clinical drugs to target multiple enzymes in the phenazine biosynthesis pathway, using a novel procedure of protein–ligand docking. Our detailed analysis suggests that kinase inhibitors, notably Lifirafenib, are promising lead compounds for inhibiting aroQ, phzG, and phzS enzymes that are involved in the phenazine biosynthesis, and merit further experimental validations. In principle, inhibiting multiple targets in a pathway will be more effective and have less chance of the emergence of drug resistance than targeting a single protein. Our multi-target structure-based drug design strategy can be applied to other pathways, as well as provide a systematic approach to polypharmacological drug repositioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lei Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA.
- Program in Computer Science, Biochemistry & Biology, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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93
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Prats-Ejarque G, Li J, Ait-Ichou F, Lorente H, Boix E. Testing a Human Antimicrobial RNase Chimera Against Bacterial Resistance. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1357. [PMID: 31275278 PMCID: PMC6594349 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of bacterial resistance to the most commonly used antibiotics encourages the design of novel antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPs) are the key players in host innate immunity. They exert a rapid and multifaceted action that reduces the development of bacterial adaptation mechanisms. Human antimicrobial RNases belonging to the vertebrate specific RNase A superfamily participate in the maintenance of tissue and body fluid sterility. Among the eight human canonical RNases, RNase 3 stands out as the most cationic and effective bactericidal protein against Gram-negative species. Its enhanced ability to disrupt the bacterial cell wall has evolved in detriment of its catalytic activity. Based on structure-functional studies we have designed an RNase 3/1 hybrid construct that combines the high catalytic activity of RNase 1 with RNase 3 bactericidal properties. Next, we have explored the ability of this hybrid RNase to target the development of bacterial resistance on an Acinetobacter baumannii cell culture. Synergy assays were performed in combination with colistin, a standard antimicrobial peptide used as an antibiotic to treat severe infections. Positive synergism was observed between colistin and the RNase 3/1 hybrid protein. Subsequently, using an in vitro experimental evolution assay, by exposure of a bacterial culture to colistin at incremental doses, we demonstrated the ability of the RNase 3/1 construct to reduce the emergence of bacterial antimicrobial resistance. The results advance the potential applicability of RNase-based drugs as antibiotic adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ester Boix
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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94
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Lee JS, Choi JY, Chung ES, Peck KR, Ko KS. Variation in the formation of persister cells against meropenem in Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia and analysis of its clinical features. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 95:114853. [PMID: 31353067 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We investigated variations in the rate of persister cell formation against meropenem in 68 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from blood. The persister cell formation rates varied markedly but were not significantly different between the patient survival group and death group at 30 days. In addition, they were not associated with the patients' underlying diseases. However, the isolates of CC15 and CC23 showed higher survival rates against 10× MIC of meropenem than CC11. The survival rate of persister cells was less for amikacin and colistin than that for ciprofloxacin. When combinations of meropenem and other antibiotics were administered, persister formation rates decreased compared with those against only meropenem. However, no synergistic effect to remove persister cells was observed. Further investigation is needed to understand persister cell formation in K. pneumoniae with respect to the mechanism involved and clinical implications and that diverse strategies should be explored to remove persister cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Seo Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Young Choi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biolog\y, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Eun Seon Chung
- Department of Molecular Cell Biolog\y, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Kyong Ran Peck
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwan Soo Ko
- Department of Molecular Cell Biolog\y, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea.
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95
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Alford MA, Pletzer D, Hancock RE. Dismantling the bacterial virulence program. Microb Biotechnol 2019; 12:409-413. [PMID: 30864265 PMCID: PMC6465231 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the face of rising antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need for the development of efficient and effective anti-infective compounds. Adaptive resistance, a reversible bacterial phenotype characterized by the ability to surmount antibiotic challenge without mutation, is triggered to cope in situ with several stressors and is very common clinically. Thus, it is important to target stress-response effectors that contribute to in vivo adaptations and associated lifestyles such as biofilm formation. Interfering with these proteins should provide a means of dismantling bacterial virulence for treating infectious diseases, in combination with conventional antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A. Alford
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity ResearchDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity ResearchDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Robert E.W. Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity ResearchDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
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96
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Quorum Sensing as Antivirulence Target in Cystic Fibrosis Pathogens. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081838. [PMID: 31013936 PMCID: PMC6515091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder which leads to the secretion of a viscous mucus layer on the respiratory epithelium that facilitates colonization by various bacterial pathogens. The problem of drug resistance has been reported for all the species able to colonize the lung of CF patients, so alternative treatments are urgently needed. In this context, a valid approach is to investigate new natural and synthetic molecules for their ability to counteract alternative pathways, such as virulence regulating quorum sensing (QS). In this review we describe the pathogens most commonly associated with CF lung infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex and the emerging pathogens Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Haemophilus influenzae and non-tuberculous Mycobacteria. For each bacterium, the QS system(s) and the molecules targeting the different components of this pathway are described. The amount of investigations published in the last five years clearly indicate the interest and the expectations on antivirulence therapy as an alternative to classical antibiotics.
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97
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Anti-PqsR compounds as next-generation antibacterial agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 172:26-35. [PMID: 30939351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, due to spreading antibiotic resistance among clinically relevant pathogens, the requirement of novel therapeutic approaches is felt more than ever. One of the alternative strategies is anti-virulence therapy without affecting bacterial growth or viability. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen that exhibits intrinsic multi-drug resistance, both virulence factors' production and biofilm formation depends on its quorum sensing (QS) network. Therefore, targeting the key proteins involved in QS system is an attractive method to overcome P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and resistance. The transcriptional regulator PqsR, also called MvfR, is one of these major proteins which employs 3,4-dihydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (PQS) and 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (HHQ) as signaling molecules. Reviewing the advances in development of small molecules inhibit this protein, assist to open a new window to smart molecule design that may revolutionize treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.
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98
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Adiliaghdam F, Almpani M, Gharedaghi MH, Najibi M, Hodin RA, Rahme LG. Targeting bacterial quorum sensing shows promise in improving intestinal barrier function following burn‑site infection. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:4057-4066. [PMID: 30896813 PMCID: PMC6472113 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Burn-site infections, commonly due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have been associated with deranged intestinal integrity, allowing bacteria and their products to translocate from the gut to the circulatory system. The P. aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) transcription factor MvfR (PqsR) controls the expression of numerous virulence factors, and the synthesis of several toxic products. However, the role of QS in intestinal integrity alterations, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously investigated. Using a proven anti-MvfR, anti-virulence agent, the in vivo results of the present study revealed that inhibition of MvfR function significantly decreased Fluorescein Isothiocyanate-Dextran (FITC-Dextran) flow from the intestine to the systemic circulation, diminished bacterial translocation from the intestine to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and improved tight junction integrity in thermally injured and infected mice. In addition, the MvfR antagonist administration alleviates the intestinal inflammation, as demonstrated by reduced ileal TNF-α and fecal lipocalin-2 concentrations. In addition, it is associated with lower levels of circulating endotoxin and decreased P. aeruginosa dissemination from the burn wound to the ileum. Collectively, these results hold great promise that the inhibition of this QS system mitigates gut hyperpermeability by attenuating the derangement of morphological and immune aspects of the intestinal barrier, suggesting that MvfR function is crucial in the deterioration of intestinal integrity following P. aeruginosa burn-site infection. Therefore, an anti-virulence approach targeting MvfR, could potentially offer a novel therapeutic approach against multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa infections following thermal injuries. Since this approach is targeting virulence pathways that are non-essential for growth or viability, our strategy is hypothesized to minimize the development of bacterial resistance, and preserve the beneficial enteric microbes, while improving intestinal integrity that is deranged as a result of burn and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Adiliaghdam
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Marianna Almpani
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mohammad Hadi Gharedaghi
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mehran Najibi
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Richard A Hodin
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Laurence G Rahme
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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99
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Abstract
Antibiotic tolerance, the capacity of genetically susceptible bacteria to survive the lethal effects of antibiotic treatment, plays a critical and underappreciated role in the disease burden of bacterial infections. Here, we take a pathogen-by-pathogen approach to illustrate the clinical significance of antibiotic tolerance and discuss how the physiology of specific pathogens in their infection environments impacts the mechanistic underpinnings of tolerance. We describe how these insights are leading to the development of species-specific therapeutic strategies for targeting antibiotic tolerance and highlight experimental platforms that are enabling us to better understand the complexities of drug-tolerant pathogens in in vivo settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Meylan
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, Basel, CH-4031, Switzerland; Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, CH-4031, Switzerland; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ian W Andrews
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, Department of Biological Engineering, and Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - James J Collins
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, Department of Biological Engineering, and Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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100
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Liu YC, Hussain F, Negm O, Paiva AC, Halliday N, Dubern JF, Singh S, Muntaka S, Wheldon L, Luckett J, Tighe P, Bosquillon C, Williams P, Cámara M, Martínez-Pomares L. Contribution of the Alkylquinolone Quorum-Sensing System to the Interaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa With Bronchial Epithelial Cells. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:3018. [PMID: 30619119 PMCID: PMC6305577 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes infections in patients with compromised epithelial barrier function. Multiple virulence factors produced by P. aeruginosa are controlled by quorum sensing (QS) via 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolone (AQ) signal molecules. Here, we investigated the impact of AQs on P. aeruginosa PAO1 infection of differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). The pqsA-E operon is responsible for the biosynthesis of AQs including the 2-alkyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolones, 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines, and 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinoline N-oxides as exemplified by pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS), 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ), and 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), respectively. PQS and HHQ both act as QS signal molecules while HQNO is a cytochrome inhibitor. PqsE contributes both to AQ biosynthesis and promotes virulence in a PQS-independent manner. Our results show that PQS, HHQ, and HQNO were produced during PAO1 infection of HBECs, but no differences in growth or cytotoxicity were apparent when PAO1 and an AQ-negative ΔpqsA mutant were compared. Both strains promoted synthesis of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-17C by HBECs, and the provision of exogenous PQS negatively impacted on this response without affecting bacterial growth. Expression of pqsE and the PQS-independent PqsE-regulated genes mexG and lecA was detected during HBEC infection. Levels were reduced in the ΔpqsA mutant, that is, in the absence of PQS, and increased by exogenous PQS. These results support an AQ-independent role for PqsE during initial infection of HBEC by P. aeruginosa and for PQS as an enhancer of PqsE and PqsE-controlled virulence determinants and as an immunomodulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chia Liu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Farah Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ola Negm
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ana Carolina Paiva
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Halliday
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Frédéric Dubern
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sonali Singh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sirina Muntaka
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Wheldon
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jeni Luckett
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paddy Tighe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Cynthia Bosquillon
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Cámara
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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