Outer membrane vesicles of Helicobacter pylori TK1402 are involved in biofilm formation

Gut biofilm forming bacteria in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symbolizes a group of intestinal disorders in which prolonged inflammation occur in the digestive tract (esophagus, large intestine, small intestine mouth, stomach). Both genetic and environmental factors (infections, stress, diet) are involved in the development of IBD. As we know that bacteria are found in the intestinal mucosa of human and clinical observations revealed bacterial biofilms associated with patients of IBD. Various factors and microbes are found to play an essential role in biofilm formation and mucosal colonization during IBD. Biofilm formation in the digestive tract is dependent on an extracellular matrix synthesized by the bacteria and it has an adverse effect on the immune response of the host. There is no satisfactory and safe treatment option for IBD. Therefore, the current research aims to disrupt biofilm in IBD and concentrates predominantly on improving the drug. Here, we review the literature on bacterial biofilm and IBD to gather new knowledge on the current understanding of biofilm formation in IBD, host immune deregulation and dysbiosis in IBD, molecular mechanism, bacteria involved in biofilm formation, current and future regimen. It is urgently required to plan new ways to control and eradicate bacteria in biofilms that will open up novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for IBD. This article includes the mechanism of signaling molecules with respect to the biofilm-related genes as well as the diagnostic methods and new technologies involved in the treatment of IBD.

Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Attachment of Marine Bacteria toward Antifouling Copolymers Unraveled by AFM

Up to recent years, bacterial adhesion has mostly been evaluated at the population level. Single cell level has improved in the past few years allowing a better comprehension of the implication of individual behaviors as compared to the one of a whole community. A new approach using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure adhesion forces between a live bacterium attached via a silica microbead to the AFM tipless cantilever and the surface has been recently developed. The objectives of this study is to examine the bacterial adhesion to a surface dedicated to ship hulls at the population and the cellular level to understand to what extent these two levels could be correlated. Adhesion of marine bacteria on inert surfaces are poorly studied in particular when substrata are dedicated to ship hulls. Studying these interactions in this context are worthwhile as they may involve different adhesion behaviors, taking place in salty conditions, using different surfaces than the ones usually utilized in the literacy. FRC (fouling release coatings)-SPC (self-polishing coatings) hybrids antifouling coatings have been used as substrata and are of particular interest for designing environmentally friendly surfaces, combining progressive surface erosion and low adhesion properties. In this study, a hybrid coating has been synthetized and used to study the adhesion of three marine bacteria, displaying different surface characteristics, using microplate assays associated with confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) and AFM. This study shows that the bacterial strain that appeared to have the weakest adhesion and biofilm formation abilities when evaluated at the population level using microplates assays and CSLM, displayed stronger adhesion forces on the same surfaces at the single cell level using AFM. In addition, one of the strains tested which presented a strong ability to adhere and to form biofilm at the population level, displayed a heterogeneous phenotypic behavior at the single cell level. Therefore, these results suggest that the evaluation of adhesion at the population level cannot always be correlated with adhesion forces measured individually by AFM and that some bacteria are prone to phenotypic heterogeneity among their population.

Dynamics of mono- and dual-species biofilm formation and interactions between Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria

Microorganisms are not commonly found in the planktonic state but predominantly form dual- and multispecies biofilms in almost all natural environments. Bacteria in multispecies biofilms cooperate, compete or have neutral interactions according to the involved species. Here, the development of mono- and dual-species biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and other foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis, potentially pathogenic Raoultella planticola and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli over the course of 24, 48 and 72 h was studied. Biofilm formation was evaluated by the crystal violet assay (CV), enumeration of colony-forming units (CFU cm-2 ) and visualization using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In general, Gram-negative bacterial species and S. aureus interacted in a competitive manner. The tested Gram-negative bacteria grew better in mixed dual-species biofilms than in their mono-species biofilms as determined using the CV assay, CFU ml-2 enumeration, and CLSM and SEM visualization. In contrast, the growth of S. aureus biofilms was reduced when cultured in dual-species biofilms. CLSM images revealed grape-like clusters of S. aureus and monolayers of Gram-negative bacteria in both mono- and dual-species biofilms. S. aureus clusters in dual-species biofilms were significantly smaller than clusters in S. aureus mono-species biofilms.

Isolation of membrane vesicles from prokaryotes: a technical and biological comparison reveals heterogeneity

Prokaryotes release membrane vesicles (MVs) with direct roles in disease pathogenesis. MVs are heterogeneous when isolated from bacterial cultures so Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) is valuable for separation of MV subgroups from contaminating material. Here we report the technical variability and natural biological heterogeneity seen between DGC preparations of MVs for Mycobacterium smegmatis and Escherichia coli and compare these DGC data with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns. Crude preparations of MVs, isolated from cultures by ultrafiltration and ultracentrifugation were separated by DGC with fractions manually collected as guided by visible bands. Yields of protein, RNA and endotoxin, protein banding and particle counts were analysed in these. DGC and SEC methods enabled separation of molecularly distinct MV populations from crude MVs. DGC banding profiles were unique for each of the two species of bacteria tested and further altered by changing culture conditions, for example with iron supplementation. SEC is time efficient, reproducible and cost effective method that may also allow partial LPS removal from Gram-negative bacterial MVs. In summary, both DGC and SEC are suitable for the separation of mixed populations of MVs and we advise trials of both, coupled with complete molecular and single vesicle characterisation prior to downstream experimentation.

Identification of Factors Associated with Biofilm Formation Ability in the Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori

Background

A few reports confirm the ability of Helicobacter pylori to form biofilm. However, conclusive data do not exist concerning the factors that favor this ability.

Objectives

Evaluation of the factors associated with the biofilm formation ability of H. pylori including bacterial, physical and chemical, and environmental factors was the research’s aim.

Materials and Methods

H. pylori isolates from gastric biopsy specimens of patients infected chronically were screened for biofilm formation ability. Association of bacterial properties such as motility, auto-aggregation, cell hydrophobicity, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with in vitro biofilm formation ability of H. pylori was evaluated. The effects of environmental factors such as growth-medium, temperature, oxygen-tension, pH, β-cyclodextrin, gastric secreted mucins, and sub-inhibitory concentration of amoxicillin were also evaluated.

Results

Ability of clinical H. pylori isolates to form biofilm in was quantitatively compared. The coccoid shape H. pylori cells were observed by scanning electron microscopy, the images were illustrative of the attachment of cells to form microcolony. The levels of hydrophobicity, motility and auto aggregation of two isolates with highest and lowest biofilm formation ability were the same. However, the signifi cant role of mucins (P < 0.05) in elevating the biofilm formation was observed. Other factors influencing biofilm formation were: pH, atmosphere and sub-MIC of antibiotics.

Conclusion

Mucins have a signifi cant role in elevating the biofilm formation, also pH, atmosphere and sub-MIC of antibiotics influence biofilm formation.

Extracellular vesicles - A promising avenue for the detection and treatment of infectious diseases?

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained increasing attention as novel disease biomarkers and as promising therapeutic agents. These cell-derived, phospholipid-based particles are present in many - if not all - physiological fluids. They have been shown to govern several physiological processes, such as cell-cell communication, but also to be involved in pathological conditions, for example tumour progression. In infectious diseases, EVs have been shown to induce host immune responses and to mediate transfer of virulence or resistance factors. Here, we discuss recent developments in using EVs as diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, the development of EV-based vaccines and the use of EVs as potential anti-infective entity. We illustrate how EV-based strategies could open a viable new avenue to tackle current challenges in the field of infections, including barrier penetration and growing resistance to antimicrobials.

Effects of ozone and chlorine disinfection on VBNC Helicobacter pylori by molecular techniques and FESEM images

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogen bacteria associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulceration, and gastric carcinoma. H. pylori has a spiral morphology, which under certain conditions of stress becomes a coccoid form. This type of morphology has been linked to a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, which is thought to allow its persistence in the environment. Membrane damage in VBNC H. pylori in water as a mechanism for inactivation using ozone (O₃) and chlorine disinfection has not been reported in the literature. In this paper, disinfection assays with ozone and chlorine were conducted to evaluate their effects on VBNC H. pylori cells. The use of fluorescent dyes such as propidium monoazide (PMA) coupled with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions produced results necessary to assess the viability of the microorganism and demonstrate the effect of each disinfectant on the bacterial count. Applying ozone showed a 5-log bacterial reduction using a disinfectant concentration and exposure time (CT) of 4 mg min/L. Chlorine disinfection for the same 5-log reduction required a higher CT value. Field emission scanning electron microscope images of ozone-treated VBNC H. pylori also showed severe cell damage. The use of PMA revealed that chlorine produced physical damage in the membrane in addition to the known inhibiting effect on cell enzymatic processes. These findings are important for the detection and control of VBNC H. pylori cells in drinking water systems.

Diversification of the AlpB Outer Membrane Protein of Helicobacter pylori Affects Biofilm Formation and Cellular Adhesion

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common causes of bacterial infection in humans, and it forms biofilms on human gastric mucosal epithelium as well as on in vitro abiotic surfaces. Bacterial biofilm is critical not only for environmental survival but also for successful infection. We previously demonstrated that strain TK1402, which was isolated from a Japanese patient with duodenal and gastric ulcers, has high biofilm-forming ability in vitro relative to other strains. In addition, we showed that outer membrane vesicles (OMV) play an important role in biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to analyze which protein(s) in the OMV contributes to biofilm formation in TK1402. We obtained a spontaneous mutant strain derived from TK1402 lacking biofilm-forming ability. The protein profiles of the OMV were compared between this mutant strain and the wild type, and it was found that AlpB, an outer membrane protein in the OMV of the mutant strain, was markedly decreased compared to that of the wild type. Restoration of TK1402 alpB to the mutant strain fully recovered the ability to form biofilm. However, restoration with alpB from other strains demonstrated incomplete recovery of biofilm-forming ability. We therefore inferred that the variable region of AlpB (amino acid positions 121 to 146) was involved in TK1402 biofilm formation. In addition, diversification of the AlpB sequence was shown to affect the ability to adhere to AGS cells. These results demonstrate a new insight into the molecular mechanisms of host colonization by H. pylori.

IMPORTANCE Bacterial biofilm is critical not only for environmental survival but also for successful infection. The mechanism of Helicobacter pylori adherence to host cells mediated by cell surface adhesins has been the focus of many studies, but little is known regarding factors involved in H. pylori biofilm formation. Our study demonstrated that AlpB plays an important role in biofilm formation and that this property depends upon the specific sequence of alpB. This in turn was shown to be important in the ability to adhere to gastric cells. We anticipate that these results will provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of H. pylori colonization.

Biofilm formation enhances Helicobacter pylori survivability in vegetables

To date, the exact route and mode of transmission of Helicobacter pylori remains elusive. The detection of H. pylori in food using molecular approaches has led us to postulate that the gastric pathogen may survive in the extragastric environment for an extended period. In this study, we show that H. pylori prolongs its survival by forming biofilm and micro-colonies on vegetables. The biofilm forming capability of H. pylori is both strain and vegetable dependent. H. pylori strains were classified into high and low biofilm formers based on their highest relative biofilm units (BU). High biofilm formers survived longer on vegetables compared to low biofilm formers. The bacteria survived better on cabbage compared to other vegetables tested. In addition, images captured on scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopes revealed that the bacteria were able to form biofilm and reside as micro-colonies on vegetable surfaces, strengthening the notion of possible survival of H. pylori on vegetables for an extended period of time. Taken together, the ability of H. pylori to form biofilm on vegetables (a common food source for human) potentially plays an important role in its survival, serving as a mode of transmission of H. pylori in the extragastric environment.

Characterization of Key Helicobacter pylori Regulators Identifies a Role for ArsRS in Biofilm Formation

Helicobacter pylori must be able to rapidly respond to fluctuating conditions within the stomach. Despite this need for constant adaptation, H. pylori encodes few regulatory proteins. Of the identified regulators, the ferric uptake regulator (Fur), the nickel response regulator (NikR), and the two-component acid response system (ArsRS) are each paramount to the success of this pathogen. While numerous studies have individually examined these regulatory proteins, little is known about their combined effect. Therefore, we constructed a series of isogenic mutant strains that contained all possible single, double, and triple regulatory mutations in Fur, NikR, and ArsS. A growth curve analysis revealed minor variation in growth kinetics across the strains; these were most pronounced in the triple mutant and in strains lacking ArsS. Visual analysis showed that strains lacking ArsS formed large aggregates and a biofilm-like matrix at the air-liquid interface. Biofilm quantification using crystal violet assays and visualization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that all strains lacking ArsS or containing a nonphosphorylatable form of ArsR (ArsR-D52N mutant) formed significantly more biofilm than the wild-type strain. Molecular characterization of biofilm formation showed that strains containing mutations in the ArsRS pathway displayed increased levels of cell aggregation and adherence, both of which are key to biofilm development. Furthermore, SEM analysis revealed prevalent coccoid cells and extracellular matrix formation in the ArsR-D52N, ΔnikR ΔarsS, and Δfur ΔnikR ΔarsS mutant strains, suggesting that these strains may have an exacerbated stress response that further contributes to biofilm formation. Thus, H. pylori ArsRS has a previously unrecognized role in biofilm formation.

IMPORTANCE

Despite a paucity of regulatory proteins, adaptation is key to the survival of H. pylori within the stomach. While prior studies have focused on individual regulatory proteins, such as Fur, NikR, and ArsRS, few studies have examined the combined effect of these factors. Analysis of isogenic mutant strains that contained all possible single, double, and triple regulatory mutations in Fur, NikR, and ArsS revealed a previously unrecognized role for the acid-responsive two-component system ArsRS in biofilm formation.

In vitro effect of clarithromycin and alginate lyase against helicobacter pylori biofilm

It is now established that the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori has the ability to form biofilms in vitro as well as on the human gastric mucosa. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of Clarithromycin on H. pylori biofilm and to enhance the effects of this antibiotic by combining it with Alginate Lyase, an enzyme degrading the polysaccharides present in the extracellular polymeric matrix forming the biofilm. We evaluated the Clarithromycin minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) on in vitro preformed biofilm of a H. pylori. Then the synergic effect of Clarithromycin and Alginate Lyase treatment has been quantified by using the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration index, measured by checkerboard microdilution assay. To clarify the mechanisms behind the effectiveness of this antibiofilm therapeutic combination, we used Atomic Force Microscopy to analyze modifications of bacterial morphology, percentage of bacillary or coccoid shaped bacteria cells and to quantify biofilm properties. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1584-1591, 2016.

Sub-Optimal Treatment of Bacterial Biofilms

Bacterial biofilm is an emerging clinical problem recognized in the treatment of infectious diseases within the last two decades. The appearance of microbial biofilm in clinical settings is steadily increasing due to several reasons including the increased use of quality of life-improving artificial devices. In contrast to infections caused by planktonic bacteria that respond relatively well to standard antibiotic therapy, biofilm-forming bacteria tend to cause chronic infections whereby infections persist despite seemingly adequate antibiotic therapy. This review briefly describes the responses of biofilm matrix components and biofilm-associated bacteria towards sub-lethal concentrations of antimicrobial agents, which may include the generation of genetic and phenotypic variabilities. Clinical implications of bacterial biofilms in relation to antibiotic treatments are also discussed.

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

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

Myxobacterial vesicles death at a distance?

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced from the outer membrane (OM) of myxobacterial cells and are found in large quantities within myxobacterial biofilms. It has been proposed that OMVs are involved in several of the social behaviors exhibited by the myxobacteria, including motility and predation. Proteomic data suggest that specific proteins are either selectively incorporated into or excluded from myxobacterial OMVs, as observed for OMVs of other organisms. Hydrolases are found in large numbers in OMVs, which then transport them to target bacteria. Fusion of OMVs with the OM of Gram-negative cells, or lysis of OMVs next to Gram-positive bacteria, is thought to deliver hydrolases to target cells, causing their lysis. The model myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus is a predator of other bacteria, and OMVs are likely employed as predatory agents by this organism. The transfer of motility proteins between cells of M. xanthus has been documented, and OMV-mediated transfer provides a convenient mechanism to explain this phenomenon. This review describes the general principles of OMV biology, provides an overview of myxobacterial behavior, summarizes what is currently known about myxobacterial OMVs, and discusses the potential involvement of OMVs in many features of the myxobacterial life-cycle.

Differential Responses of Pattern Recognition Receptors to Outer Membrane Vesicles of Three Periodontal Pathogens

Highly purified outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of the periodontal pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia were produced using tangential flow ultrafiltration, ultracentrifugation and Optiprep density gradient separation. Cryo-TEM and light scattering showed OMVs to be single lipid-bilayers with modal diameters of 75 to 158 nm. Enumeration of OMVs by nanoparticle flow-cytometry at the same stage of late exponential culture indicated that P. gingivalis was the most prolific OMV producer. P. gingivalis OMVs induced strong TLR2 and TLR4-specific responses and moderate responses in TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, NOD1 and NOD2 expressing-HEK-Blue cells. Responses to T. forsythia OMVs were less than those of P. gingivalis and T. denticola OMVs induced only weak responses. Compositional analyses of OMVs from the three pathogens demonstrated differences in protein, fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan fragments and nucleic acids. Periodontal pathogen OMVs induced differential pattern recognition receptor responses that have implications for their role in chronic periodontitis.

Biofilm Matrix Proteins

Proteinaceous components of the biofilm matrix include secreted extracellular proteins, cell surface adhesins, and protein subunits of cell appendages such as flagella and pili. Biofilm matrix proteins play diverse roles in biofilm formation and dissolution. They are involved in attaching cells to surfaces, stabilizing the biofilm matrix via interactions with exopolysaccharide and nucleic acid components, developing three-dimensional biofilm architectures, and dissolving biofilm matrix via enzymatic degradation of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids. In this article, we will review functions of matrix proteins in a selected set of microorganisms, studies of the matrix proteomes of Vibrio cholerae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and roles of outer membrane vesicles and of nucleoid-binding proteins in biofilm formation.

Helicobacter pylori infection density and colonization depth in gastric mucosa: Influence on pathogenicity and drug resistance

AIM: To observe the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection density and colonization depth in the gastric mucosa on the severity of gastric mucosal inflammation, in order to approach the pathogenicity and the mechanism of antibiotic resistance caused by the H. pylori biofilm.

METHODS: Gastric mucosal biopsy specimens were histopathologically studied in 158 patients with H. pylori positive chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. The severity of gastric mucosa inflammation and the H. pylori infection density were evaluated using haematoxylin-eosin staining to explore the relationship between H. pylori infection density and the severity of gastric mucosa inflammation. The colonization of H. pylori in different layers of the gastric mucosa (gastric mucosa surface, gastric pits, and superficial glands) was observed by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the H. pylori colonization depth and the severity of gastric mucosa inflammation was analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: H. pylori can colonize at the surface, pits and superficial glands of the gastric mucosa as revealed by immunohistochemistry. Of 158 gastric mucosa specimens, 41 had low H. pylori density (+) at the surface of the gastric mucosa, 38 had moderate H. pylori density (++), and 79 had high density (+++); the corresponding figures were 29, 42 and 74 at the pits, and 51, 51 and 39 at the superficial glands. There was a significant association between H. pylori density and the inflammatory severity at the surface and pits (P < 0.05), but not at the superficial glands (P > 0.05). Of 158 gastric mucosa specimens, 40 had low H. pylori density (+) at the surface of the gastric mucosa, 39 had moderate H. pylori density (++), and 79 had high density (+++); the corresponding figures were 29, 41 and 74 at the pits, and 48, 53 and 29 at the superficial glands. There were significant associations between H. pylori density and inflammatory activity at the surface, pits, and superficial glands (P < 0.05). Higher H. pylori density was associated with more severe mucosal inflammation.

CONCLUSION: H. pylori can colonize at the surface, pits and superficial glands of the gastric mucosa layer. There is a significant association between H. pylori infection density and the severity of gastric mucosa inflammation. H. pylori biofilm, which is formed depending on bacterial number (infection density), may participate in the pathogenicity and antibiotics resistance of H. pylori.

Study of biofilm formation in C57Bl/6J mice by clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND/AIM

Despite the significant number of studies on H. pylori pathogenesis, not much data has been published concerning its ability to form biofilm in the host stomach. This study aims to evaluate the potential of clinical isolates of H. pylori to form biofilm in C57BL/6J mice model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two strains of H. pylori were selected from a collection of clinical isolates; one (19B), an efficient biofilm producer and the other (4B), with weak biofilm-forming ability. Mice infected through gastric avages were examined after one and two weeks. Colonization was determined by CFU and urease activity; the anti-H. pylori IgA was measured by ELISA, and chronic infections were evaluated by histopathology. Bacterial communities within mucosal sections were studied by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Successful infection was obtained by both test strains. Strain 19B with higher ability to form biofilm in vitro also showed a higher colonization rate in the mice stomach one week after infection. Difference (P < 0.05) in IgA titers was observed between the infected mice and the controls as well as between 19B and 4B infected mice, two weeks after the last challenge. Immunofluorescence and SEM results showed tightly colonizing H. pylori in stomach mucosal sections and in squamous and glandular epithelium.

CONCLUSION

H. pylori is able to form biofilm in the mouse stomach and induce IgA production, reflecting the same potential as in humans. Firm attachment of coccoid form bacteria to host cells suggests the importance of this state in biofilm formation by H. pylori. Occurrence of biofilm in squamous and glandular epithelium of the mouse stomach proposes that H. pylori can all parts of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43629/NCTC 11639 Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) from Biofilm and Planktonic Phase Associated with Extracellular DNA (eDNA)

Helicobacter pylori persistence is associated with its capacity to develop biofilms as a response to changing environmental conditions and stress. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a component of H. pylori biofilm matrix but the lack of DNase I activity supports the hypothesis that eDNA might be protected by other extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and/or Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs), which bleb from the bacteria surface during growth. The aim of the present study was to both identify the eDNA presence on OMVs segregated from H. pylori ATCC 43629/NCTC 11639 biofilm (bOMVs) and its planktonic phase (pOMVs) and to characterize the physical-chemical properties of the OMVs. The presence of eDNA in bOMVs and pOMVs was initially carried out using DNase I-gold complex labeling and Transmission Electron Microscope analysis (TEM). bOMVs and pOMVs were further isolated and physical-chemical characterization carried out using dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. eDNA associated with OMVs was detected and quantified using a PicoGreen spectrophotometer assay, while its extraction was performed with a DNA Kit. TEM images showed that eDNA was mainly associated with the OMV membrane surfaces; while PicoGreen staining showed a four-fold increase of dsDNA in bOMVs compared with pOMVs. The eDNA extracted from OMVs was visualized using gel electrophoresis. DLS analysis indicated that both planktonic and biofilm H. pylori phenotypes generated vesicles, with a broad distribution of sizes on the nanometer scale. The DLS aggregation assay suggested that eDNA may play a role in the aggregation of OMVs, in the biofilm phenotype. Moreover, the eDNA associated with vesicle membrane may impede DNase I activity on H. pylori biofilms. These results suggest that OMVs derived from the H. pylori biofilm phenotype may play a structural role by preventing eDNA degradation by nucleases, providing a bridging function between eDNA strands on OMV surfaces and promoting aggregation.

Helicobacter pylori Resists the Antimicrobial Activity of Calprotectin via Lipid A Modification and Associated Biofilm Formation

Helicobacter pylori is one of several pathogens that persist within the host despite a robust immune response. H. pylori elicits a proinflammatory response from host epithelia, resulting in the recruitment of immune cells which manifests as gastritis. Relatively little is known about how H. pylori survives antimicrobials, including calprotectin (CP), which is present during the inflammatory response. The data presented here suggest that one way H. pylori survives the nutrient sequestration by CP is through alteration of its outer membrane. CP-treated H. pylori demonstrates increased bacterial fitness in response to further coculture with CP. Moreover, CP-treated H. pylori cultures form biofilms and demonstrate decreased cell surface hydrophobicity. In response to CP, the H. pylori Lpx lipid A biosynthetic enzymes are not fully functional. The lipid A molecules observed in H. pylori cultures treated with CP indicate that the LpxF, LpxL, and LpxR enzyme functions are perturbed. Transcriptional analysis of lpxF, lpxL, and lpxR indicates that metal restriction by CP does not control this pathway through transcriptional regulation. Analyses of H. pylori lpx mutants reveal that loss of LpxF and LpxL results in increased fitness, similar to what is observed in the presence of CP; moreover, these mutants have significantly increased biofilm formation and reduced cell surface hydrophobicity. Taken together, these results demonstrate a novel mechanism of H. pylori resistance to the antimicrobial activity of CP via lipid A modification strategies and resulting biofilm formation.

Helicobacter pylori evades recognition of the host’s immune system by modifying the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharide. These results demonstrate for the first time that the lipid A modification pathway is influenced by the host’s nutritional immune response. H. pylori’s exposure to the host Mn- and Zn-binding protein calprotectin perturbs the function of 3 enzymes involved in the lipid A modification pathway. Moreover, CP treatment of H. pylori, or mutants with an altered lipid A, exhibit increased bacterial fitness and increased biofilm formation. This suggests that H. pylori modifies its cell surface structure to survive under the stress imposed by the host immune response. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that influence the biofilm lifestyle and how endotoxin modification, which renders H. pylori resistant to cationic antimicrobial peptides, can be inactivated in response to sequestration of nutrient metals.

Bacterial membrane vesicles, an overlooked environmental colloid: Biology, environmental perspectives and applications

Phospholipid vesicles play important roles in biological systems. Bacteria are one of the most abundant organisms on Earth, and bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) were first observed 50 years ago. Many bacteria release MVs to the environment that mainly consist of the cell membrane and typically range from 20 to 400 nm in size. Bacterial MVs are involved in several biological functions, such as delivery of cargo, virulence and gene transfer. MVs can be isolated from laboratory culture and directly from the environment, indicating their high abundance in and impact on ecosystems. Many colloidal particles in the environment ranging in size from 1 nm to 1 μm have been reported but not characterized at the molecular level, and MVs remain to be explored. Hence, MVs can be considered terra incognita in environmental colloid research. Although MV biogenesis and biological roles are yet to be fully understood, the accumulation of knowledge has opened new avenues for their applications. Via genetic engineering, the MV yield can be greatly increased, and the components of MVs can be tailored. Recent studies have demonstrated that MVs have promising potential for applications such as drug delivery systems and nanobiocatalysts. For instance, MV vaccines have been extensively studied and have already been approved in Europe. Recent MV studies have evoked great interest in the fields of biology and biotechnology, but fundamental questions, such as their transport in the environment or physicochemical features of MVs, remain to be addressed. In this review, we present the current understanding of bacterial MVs and environmental perspectives and further introduce their applications.

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

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

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

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

Prokaryotic membrane vesicles: new insights on biogenesis and biological roles

Biogenesis and trafficking of membrane vesicles are essential and well-studied processes in eukaryotes. In contrast, vesiculation in bacteria is not well understood. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced in Gram-negative bacteria by blebbing of the outer membrane. In addition to the roles in pathogenesis, cell-to-cell communication and stress response, recent work has suggested that OMVs play important roles in immunomodulation and the establishment and balance of the gut microbiota. In this review we discuss the known and novel roles of OMVs and the different biogenesis models proposed, and address the evidence for cargo selection into OMVs. We also discuss the growing evidence for the existence of membrane vesicles in Gram-positive bacteria and Archaea. Due to their biological importance and promising applications in vaccinology, the biogenesis of OMVs is an important topic in microbiology.

Multifaceted roles of extracellular DNA in bacterial physiology

In textbooks, DNA is generally defined as the universal storage material for genetic information in all branches of life. Beyond this important intracellular role, DNA can also be present outside of living cells and is an abundant biopolymer in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The origin of extracellular DNA in such ecological niches is diverse: it can be actively secreted or released by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells by means of autolysis, apoptosis, necrosis, bacterial secretion systems or found in association with extracellular bacterial membrane vesicles. Especially for bacteria, extracellular DNA represents a significant and convenient element that can be enzymatically modulated and utilized for multiple purposes. Herein, we discuss briefly the main origins of extracellular DNA and the most relevant roles for the bacterial physiology, such as biofilm formation, nutrient source, antimicrobial means and horizontal gene transfer.

The relationship between biofilm and outer membrane vesicles: a novel therapy overview

Microorganisms have the ability of inhabiting nearly every environment through their sophisticated mechanisms of survival such as biofilm formation and release of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The biofilm matrix offers microorganism protection and contributes significantly to several clinical challenges, including symptomatic inflammation, antibiotic resistance, recurrence and the spread of infectious emboli. Moreover, bacteria also have another protective mechanism of vesicle production which is used as a means of disseminating toxins to harm their host. A clear understanding of gene expression switch of bacterium from planktonic to biofilm mode offers clinical potentials in treating bacterial infections. In this respect, the treatment of bacterial infections may be achieved through (1) application of RNA interference technology to silence the expression of proteins involved in the process of biofilm formation, (2) utilization of vesicles in delivering antibiotics and (3) use of natural occurred compounds. In this review, we discuss the relationship between biofilm formation and OMV production with respect to tackling biofilm-related clinical challenges. Some prospective considerations in biofilm-associated infections treatment are also discussed.

The influences of pepsin concentrations and pH levels on the disinfective activity of ozone nanobubble water against helicobacter pylori

AIMS

To investigate the utility of ozone nanobubble water (NBW3) for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, we tested the influence of pepsin concentrations and pH levels on the disinfective activity of NBW3, and the cytotoxicity of NBW3 against mammalian cells and mucosa.

METHODS

Different concentrations of pepsin were dissolved in NBW3, and the bactericidal activity was tested on H. pylori. NBW3 was adjusted to different pH levels (2.0-7.4) and the bactericidal activity on H. pylori was also tested. To examine the cytotoxicity of NBW3, AGS cells, human gastric epithelial cells, were treated with NBW3 and the viability of the cells was evaluated in vitro. Furthermore, NBW3 was administered to mice and gastric mucosal damage was evaluated by histology.

RESULTS

Pepsin reduced the disinfective activity of NBW3 on H. pylori in a pepsin concentration-dependent manner. NBW3 showed stable disinfective activity at all pH levels examined. Cytotoxicity of NBW3 against human gastric epithelial cells and gastric mucosa was not observed in our experimental setting.

CONCLUSIONS

NBW3 can sustain its disinfective activity in wide range of pH levels and show no cytotoxicity on mammalian cells and tissue. Pepsin can inhibit NBW3 activity in a dose-dependent manner.

Proteomics dedicated to biofilmology: What have we learned from a decade of research?

Advances in proteomics techniques over the past decade, closely integrated with genomic and physicochemical approach, have played a great role in developing knowledge of the biofilm lifestyle of bacteria. Despite bacterial proteome versatility, many studies have demonstrated the ability of proteomics approaches to elucidating the biofilm phenotype. Though these investigations have been largely used for biofilm studies in the last decades, they represent, however, a very low percentage of proteomics works performed up to now. Such approaches have offered new targets for combating microbial biofilms by providing a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative overview of their protein cell content. Herein, we summarized the state of the art in knowledge about biofilm physiology after one decade of proteomic analysis. In a second part, we highlighted missing research tracks for the next decade, emphasizing the emergence of posttranslational modifications in proteomic studies stemming from recent advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

Bacterial determinants of importance in the virulence of Gallibacterium anatis in poultry

Gallibacterium anatis, a member of the Pasteurellaceae family, constitute a part of the normal micro-flora of the upper respiratory tract and the lower genital tract in chickens. However, increasing evidence indicate that G. anatis is also associated with a wide range of pathological changes, particularly in the reproductive organs, which leads to decreased egg production, lowered animal welfare and increased mortality. As a recently defined opportunistic pathogen limited focus has been placed on the pathogenesis and putative virulence factors permitting G. anatis to cause disease. One of the most studied virulence determinants is a large RTX-like toxin (GtxA), which has been demonstrated to induce a strong leukotoxic effect on avian macrophages. A number of fimbria of different sizes and shapes has been described. Particularly fimbriae belonging to the F17-like family appears to be common in a diverse selection of G. anatis strains. Mutants lacking the FlfA fimbria were severely attenuated in experimentally infected chickens. Additional characteristics including the ability to express capsular material possibly involved in serum resistance; secretion of metalloproteases capable of degrading immunoglobulins, and hemagglutinins, which may promote biofilm formation are all factors likely linked to the virulence of G. anatis. A major advantage for the study of how G. anatis interact with its host is the ability to perform biologically relevant experimental infections where natural routes of exposure allows reproduction of lesions observed during spontaneous infections. This review summarizes the current understanding of the G. anatis pathogenesis and discusses the contribution of the established and putative virulence factors described for this bacterium to date.

Biofilm Formation by Helicobacter pylori and Its Involvement for Antibiotic Resistance

Bacterial biofilms are communities of microorganisms attached to a surface. Biofilm formation is critical not only for environmental survival but also for successful infection. Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common causes of bacterial infection in humans. Some studies demonstrated that this microorganism has biofilm forming ability in the environment and on human gastric mucosa epithelium as well as on in vitro abiotic surfaces. In the environment, H. pylori could be embedded in drinking water biofilms through water distribution system in developed and developing countries so that the drinking water may serve as a reservoir for H. pylori infection. In the human stomach, H. pylori forms biofilms on the surface of gastric mucosa, suggesting one possible explanation for eradication therapy failure. Finally, based on the results of in vitro analyses, H. pylori biofilm formation can decrease susceptibility to antibiotics and H. pylori antibiotic resistance mutations are more frequently generated in biofilms than in planktonic cells. These observations indicated that H. pylori biofilm formation may play an important role in preventing and controlling H. pylori infections. Therefore, investigation of H. pylori biofilm formation could be effective in elucidating the detailed mechanisms of infection and colonization by this microorganism.

Molecular characterization of outer membrane vesicles released from Acinetobacter radioresistens and their potential roles in pathogenesis

Acinetobacter radioresistens is an important member of genus Acinetobacter from a clinical point of view. In the present study, we report that a clinical isolate of A. radioresistens releases outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) under in vitro growth conditions. OMVs were released in distinctive size ranges with diameters from 10 to 150 nm as measured by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. Additionally, proteins associated with or present into OMVs were identified using LC-ESI-MS/MS. A total of 71 proteins derived from cytosolic, cell membrane, periplasmic space, outer membrane (OM), extracellular and undetermined locations were found in OMVs. The initial characterization of the OMV proteome revealed a correlation of some proteins to biofilm, quorum sensing, oxidative stress tolerance, and cytotoxicity functions. Thus, the OMVs of A. radioresistens are suggested to play a role in biofilm augmentation and virulence possibly by inducing apoptosis.

Outer membrane vesicles - offensive weapons or good Samaritans?

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Gram-negative bacteria were first considered as artifacts and were followed with disbelief and bad reputation. Later, their existence was accepted and they became characterized as bacterial bombs, virulence bullets, and even decoys. Today, we know that OMVs also can be involved in cell-cell signaling/communication and be mediators of immune regulation and cause disease protection. Furthermore, OMVs represent a distinct bacterial secretion pathway selecting and protecting their cargo, and they can even be good Samaritans providing nutrients to the gut microbiota maintaining commensal homeostasis beneficial to the host. The versatility in functions of these nanostructures is remarkable and includes both defense and offense. The broad spectrum of usability does not stop with that, as it now seems that OMVs can be used as vaccines and adjuvants or vehicles engineered for drug treatment of emerging and new diseases not only caused by bacteria but also by virus. They may even represent new ways of selective drug treatment.

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

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

Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial extracellular vesicles

Like mammalian cells, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria release nano-sized membrane vesicles into the extracellular environment either in a constitutive manner or in a regulated manner. These bacterial extracellular vesicles are spherical bilayered proteolipids enriched with bioactive proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and virulence factors. Recent progress in this field supports the critical pathophysiological functions of these vesicles in both bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-host interactions. This review provides an overview of the current understanding on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial extracellular vesicles, especially regarding the biogenesis, components, and functions in poly-species communities. We hope that this review will stimulate additional research in this emerging field of bacterial extracellular vesicles and contribute to the development of extracellular vesicle-based diagnostic tools and effective vaccines against pathogenic Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Effect of Alginate Lyase on Biofilm-GrownHelicobacter pyloriProbed by Atomic Force Microscopy

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is a microorganism with a pronounced capability of adaptation under environmental stress solicitations. Its persistence and antimicrobial resistance to the drugs commonly used in the anti-H. pyloritherapy are associated with the development of a biofilm mainly composed of DNA, proteins, and polysaccharides. A fundamental step to increase the success of clinical treatments is the development of new strategies and molecules able to interfere with the biofilm architecture and thus able to enhance the effects of antibiotics. By using Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy we analyzed the effects of the alginate lyase (AlgL), an enzyme able to degrade a wide class of polysaccharides, on theH. pylorishape, surface morphology, and biofilm adhesion properties. We demonstrated that AlgL generates a noticeable loss ofH. pyloricoccoid form in favor of the bacillary form and reduces theH. pyloriextracellular polymeric substances (EPS).

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

Background

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Electronic supplementary material

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

Roles of bacterial membrane vesicles

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are released from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, Gram-positive bacteria also produce membrane-derived vesicles. As OMVs transport several bacterial components, especially from the cell envelope, their interaction with the host cell, with other bacteria or as immunogens, have been studied intensely. Several functions have been ascribed to OMVs, especially those related to the transport of virulence factors, antigenic protein composition, and development as acellular vaccines. In this work, we review some of the recent findings about OMVs produced by specific pathogenic bacterial species.

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

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

Antimicrobial targets localize to the extracellular vesicle-associated proteome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown in a biofilm

Microbial biofilms are particularly resistant to antimicrobial therapies. These surface-attached communities are protected against host defenses and pharmacotherapy by a self-produced matrix that surrounds and fortifies them. Recent proteomic evidence also suggests that some bacteria, including the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, undergo modifications within a biofilm that make them uniquely resistant compared to their planktonic (free-living) counterparts. This study examines 50 proteins in the resistance subproteome of both surface-associated and free-living P. aeruginosa PAO1 over three time points. Proteins were grouped into categories based on their roles in antimicrobial: (i) binding, (ii) efflux, (iii) resistance, and (iv) susceptibility. In addition, the extracellular outer membrane vesicle-associated proteome is examined and compared between the two growth modes. We show that in whole cells between 12-24% of the proteins are present at significantly different abundance levels over time, with some proteins being unique to a specific growth mode; however, the total abundance levels in the four categories remain consistent. In contrast, marked differences are seen in the protein content of the outer membrane vesicles, which contain a greater number of drug-binding proteins in vesicles purified from late-stage biofilms. These results show how the method of analysis can impact the interpretation of proteomic data (i.e., individual proteins vs. systems), and highlight the advantage of using protein-based methods to identify potential antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in extracellular sample components. Furthermore, this information has the potential to inform the development of specific antipseudomonal therapies that quench possible drug-sequestering vesicle proteins. This strategy could serve as a novel approach for combating the high-level of antimicrobial resistance in P. aeruginosa biofilms.

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

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

Atomic force microscopy reveals a morphological differentiation of chromobacterium violaceum cells associated with biofilm development and directed by N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone

Chromobacterium violaceum abounds in soil and water ecosystems in tropical and subtropical regions and occasionally causes severe and often fatal human and animal infections. The quorum sensing (QS) system and biofilm formation are essential for C. violaceum's adaptability and pathogenicity, however, their interrelation is still unknown. C. violaceum's cell and biofilm morphology were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in comparison with growth rates, QS-dependent violacein biosynthesis and biofilm biomass quantification. To evaluate QS regulation of these processes, the wild-type strain C. violaceum ATCC 31532 and its mini-Tn5 mutant C. violaceum NCTC 13274, cultivated with and without the QS autoinducer N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL), were used. We report for the first time the unusual morphological differentiation of C. violaceum cells, associated with biofilm development and directed by the QS autoinducer. AFM revealed numerous invaginations of the external cytoplasmic membrane of wild-type cells, which were repressed in the mutant strain and restored by exogenous C6-HSL. With increasing bacterial growth, polymer matrix extrusions formed in place of invaginations, whereas mutant cells were covered with a diffusely distributed extracellular substance. Thus, quorum sensing in C. violaceum involves a morphological differentiation that organises biofilm formation and leads to a highly differentiated matrix structure.

Development of new PCR primers by comparative genomics for the detection of Helicobacter suis in gastric biopsy specimens

BACKGROUND

Although the infection rate of Helicobacter suis is significantly lower than that of Helicobacter pylori, the H. suis infection is associated with a high rate of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. In addition, in vitro cultivation of H. suis remains difficult, and some H. suis-infected patients show negative results on the urea breath test (UBT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female C57BL/6J mice were orally inoculated with mouse gastric mucosal homogenates containing H. suis strains TKY or SNTW101 isolated from a cynomolgus monkey or a patient suffering from nodular gastritis, respectively. The high-purity chromosomal DNA samples of H. suis strains TKY and SNTW101 were prepared from the infected mouse gastric mucosa. The SOLiD sequencing of two H. suis genomes enabled comparative genomics of 20 Helicobacter and 11 Campylobacter strains for the identification of the H. suis-specific nucleotide sequences.

RESULTS

Oral inoculation with mouse gastric mucosal homogenates containing H. suis strains TKY and SNTW101 induced gastric MALT lymphoma and the formation of gastric lymphoid follicles, respectively, in C57BL/6J mice. Two conserved nucleotide sequences among six H. suis strains were identified and were used to design diagnostic PCR primers for the detection of H. suis.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a strong association between the H. suis infection and gastric diseases in the C57BL/6 mouse model. PCR diagnosis using an H. suis-specific primer pair is a valuable method for detecting H. suis in gastric biopsy specimens.

Gene transfer potential of outer membrane vesicles of Acinetobacter baylyi and effects of stress on vesiculation

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are continually released from a range of bacterial species. Numerous functions of OMVs, including the facilitation of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) processes, have been proposed. In this study, we investigated whether OMVs contribute to the transfer of plasmids between bacterial cells and species using Gram-negative Acinetobacter baylyi as a model system. OMVs were extracted from bacterial cultures and tested for the ability to vector gene transfer into populations of Escherichia coli and A. baylyi, including naturally transformation-deficient mutants of A. baylyi. Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies were used to determine the movement of DNA into OMVs. We also determined how stress affected the level of vesiculation and the amount of DNA in vesicles. OMVs were further characterized by measuring particle size distribution (PSD) and zeta potential. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunogold labeling were performed using anti-fluorescein isothiocyanate (anti-FITC)-conjugated antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies to track the movement of FITC-labeled and DNA-containing OMVs. Exposure to OMVs isolated from plasmid-containing donor cells resulted in HGT to A. baylyi and E. coli at transfer frequencies ranging from 10(-6) to 10(-8), with transfer efficiencies of approximately 10(3) and 10(2) per μg of vesicular DNA, respectively. Antibiotic stress was shown to affect the DNA content of OMVs as well as their hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. Morphological observations suggest that OMVs from A. baylyi interact with recipient cells in different ways, depending on the recipient species. Interestingly, the PSD measurements suggest that distinct size ranges of OMVs are released from A. baylyi.

Biofilm and Helicobacter pylori: From environment to human host

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram negative pathogen that selectively colonizes the human gastric epithelium. Over 50% of the world population is infected with H. pylori reaching up to 90% of infected individuals in developing countries. Nonetheless the increased impact upon public health care, its reservoir and the transmission pathway of the species has not been clearly established yet. Molecular studies allowed the detection of H. pylori in various aquatic environments, even forming biofilm in tap water distribution systems in several countries, suggesting a role of water as a possible reservoir of the pathogen. The persistence of human infection with H. pylori and the resistance of clinical isolates to commonly used antibiotics in eradication therapy have been related to the genetic variability of the species and its ability to develop biofilm, demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Thus, during the last years, experimental work with this pathogen has been focused in the search for biofilm inhibitors and biofilm destabilizing agents. However, only two anti- H. pylori biofilm disrupting agents have been successfully used: Curcumin - a natural dye - and N-acetyl cysteine - a mucolytic agent used in respiratory diseases. The main goal of this review was to discuss the evidences available in the literature supporting the ability of H. pylori to form biofilm upon various surfaces in aquatic environments, both in vivo and in vitro. The results published and our own observations suggest that the ability of H. pylori to form biofilm may be important for surviving under stress conditions or in the spread of the infection among humans, mainly through natural water sources and water distribution systems.