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Green HD, Van Horn GT, Williams T, Eberly A, Morales GH, Mann R, Hauter IM, Hadjifrangiskou M, Schmitz JE. Intra-strain colony biofilm heterogeneity in uropathogenic Escherichia coli and the effect of the NlpI lipoprotein. Biofilm 2024; 8:100214. [PMID: 39184815 PMCID: PMC11344014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilm growth facilitates the interaction of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) with the host environment. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of UPEC biofilms are composed prominently of curli amyloid fiber and cellulose polysaccharide. When the organism is propagated as a colony biofilm on agar media, these macromolecules can generate pronounced macroscopic structures. Moreover, curli/cellulose associate tightly with Congo red, generating a characteristic pink-to-red staining pattern when the media is supplemented with this dye. Among different clinical isolates of UPEC, changes in the abundance of curli/cellulose can lead to diverse colony biofilm phenotypes on a strain-by-strain basis. Nevertheless, for any given isolate, these phenotypes are classically homogenous throughout the colony biofilm. Here, we report that a subset of clinical UPEC isolates display heterogenous 'peppermint' colony biofilms, with distinct pale and red subpopulations. Through isolation of these subpopulations and whole genome sequencing, we demonstrate various emergent mutations associated with the phenomenon, including within the gene encoding the outer membrane lipoprotein nlpI. Deletion of nlpI within independent strain-backgrounds increased biofilm rugosity, while its overexpression induced the peppermint phenotype. Upregulation of EPS-associated proteins and transcripts was likewise observed in the absence of nlpI. Overall, these results demonstrate that EPS elaboration in UPEC is impacted by nlpI. More broadly, this phenomenon of intra-strain colony biofilm heterogeneity may be leveraged as a tool to identify additional members within the broad collection of genes that regulate or otherwise affect biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamilton D. Green
- Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Gerald T. Van Horn
- Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Center for Personalized Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Timothy Williams
- Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Allison Eberly
- Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Grace H. Morales
- Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Robert Mann
- Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Indiana M. Hauter
- Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Maria Hadjifrangiskou
- Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology & Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Personalized Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Schmitz
- Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology & Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Personalized Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Byeon CH, Hansen KH, DePas W, Akbey Ü. High-resolution 2D solid-state NMR provides insights into nontuberculous mycobacteria. SOLID STATE NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE 2024; 134:101970. [PMID: 39312837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssnmr.2024.101970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
We present a high-resolution magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) study to characterize nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). We studied two different NTM strains, Mycobacterium smegmatis, a model, non-pathogenic strain, and Mycobacterium abscessus, an emerging and important human pathogen. Hydrated NTM samples were studied at natural abundance without isotope-labelling, as whole-cells versus cell envelope isolates, and native versus fixed sample preparations. We utilized 1D13C and 2D 1H-13C ssNMR spectra and peak deconvolution to identify NTM cell-wall chemical sites. More than ∼100 distinct 13C signals were identified in the ssNMR spectra. We provide tentative assignments for ∼30 polysaccharides by using well resolved 1H/13C chemical shifts from the 2D INEPT-based 1H-13C ssNMR spectrum. The signals originating from both the flexible and rigid fractions of the whole-cell bacteria samples were selectively analyzed by utilizing either CP or INEPT based 13C ssNMR spectra. CP buildup curves provide insights into the dynamical similarity of the cell-wall components for NTM strains. Signals from peptidoglycan, arabinogalactan and mycolic acid were identified. The majority of the 13C signals were not affected by fixation of the whole cell samples. The isolated cell envelope NMR spectrum overlap with the whole-cell spectrum to a large extent, where the latter has more signals. As an orthogonal way of characterizing these bacteria, electron microscopy (EM) was used to provide spatial information. ssNMR and EM data suggest that the M. abscessus cell-wall is composed of a smaller peptidoglycan layer which is more flexible compared to M. smegmatis, which may be related to its higher pathogenicity. Here in this work, we used high-resolution 2D ssNMR first time to characterize NTM strains and identify chemical sites. These results will aid the development of structure-based approaches to combat NTM infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William DePas
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, 15261, United States
| | - Ümit Akbey
- Department of Structural Biology, United States.
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Adams CE, Spicer SK, Gaddy JA, Townsend SD. Synthesis of a Phosphoethanolamine Cellulose Mimetic and Evaluation of Its Unanticipated Biofilm Modulating Properties. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:3245-3255. [PMID: 39105738 PMCID: PMC11406534 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
When coordinating and adhering to a surface, microorganisms produce a biofilm matrix consisting of extracellular DNA, lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides that are intrinsic to the survival of bacterial communities. Indeed, bacteria produce a variety of structurally diverse polysaccharides that play integral roles in the emergence and maintenance of biofilms by providing structural rigidity, adhesion, and protection from environmental stressors. While the roles that polysaccharides play in biofilm dynamics have been described for several bacterial species, the difficulty in isolating homogeneous material has resulted in few structures being elucidated. Recently, Cegelski and co-workers discovered that uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) secrete a chemically modified cellulose called phosphoethanolamine cellulose (pEtN cellulose) that plays a vital role in biofilm assembly. However, limited chemical tools exist to further examine the functional role of this polysaccharide across bacterial species. To address this critical need, we hypothesized that we could design and synthesize an unnatural glycopolymer to mimic the structure of pEtN cellulose. Herein, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a pEtN cellulose glycomimetic which was generated using ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Surprisingly, the synthetic polymers behave counter to native pEtN cellulose in that the synthetic polymers repress biofilm formation in E. coli laboratory strain 11775T and UPEC strain 700415 with longer glycopolymers displaying greater repression. To evaluate the mechanism of action, changes in biofilm and cell morphology were visualized using high resolution field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy which further revealed changes in cell surface appendages. Our results suggest synthetic pEtN cellulose glycopolymers act as an antiadhesive and inhibit biofilm formation across E. coli strains, highlighting a potential new inroad to the development of bioinspired, biofilm-modulating materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Elizabeth Adams
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Sabrina K Spicer
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Steven D Townsend
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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Verma P, Ho R, Chambers SA, Cegelski L, Zimmer J. Insights into phosphoethanolamine cellulose synthesis and secretion across the Gram-negative cell envelope. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7798. [PMID: 39242554 PMCID: PMC11379886 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51838-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphoethanolamine (pEtN) cellulose is a naturally occurring modified cellulose produced by several Enterobacteriaceae. The minimal components of the E. coli cellulose synthase complex include the catalytically active BcsA enzyme, a hexameric semicircle of the periplasmic BcsB protein, and the outer membrane (OM)-integrated BcsC subunit containing periplasmic tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR). Additional subunits include BcsG, a membrane-anchored periplasmic pEtN transferase associated with BcsA, and BcsZ, a periplasmic cellulase of unknown biological function. While cellulose synthesis and translocation by BcsA are well described, little is known about its pEtN modification and translocation across the cell envelope. We show that the N-terminal cytosolic domain of BcsA positions three BcsG copies near the nascent cellulose polymer. Further, the semicircle's terminal BcsB subunit tethers the N-terminus of a single BcsC protein in a trans-envelope secretion system. BcsC's TPR motifs bind a putative cello-oligosaccharide near the entrance to its OM pore. Additionally, we show that only the hydrolytic activity of BcsZ but not the subunit itself is necessary for cellulose secretion, suggesting a secretion mechanism based on enzymatic removal of translocation incompetent cellulose. Lastly, protein engineering introduces cellulose pEtN modification in orthogonal cellulose biosynthetic systems. These findings advance our understanding of pEtN cellulose modification and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Verma
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ruoya Ho
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Lynette Cegelski
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Jochen Zimmer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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Liu D, Liu J, Ran L, Yang Z, He Y, Yang H, Yu Y, Fu L, Zhu M, Chen H. Oleanolic Acid Promotes the Formation of Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) Biofilm by Inhibiting Bacterial Motility. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1097. [PMID: 38930479 PMCID: PMC11205495 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Probiotic biofilms have been beneficial in the fight against infections, restoring the equilibrium of the host's gut microbiota, and enhancing host health. They are considered a novel strategy for probiotic gut colonization. In this case, we evaluated the effects of various active substances from traditional Chinese medicine on Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to determine if they promote biofilm formation. It was shown that 8-64 μg/mL of oleanolic acid increased the development of EcN biofilm. Additionally, we observed that oleanolic acid can effectively suppress biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. Next, we assessed the amount of EcN extracellular polysaccharides, the number of live bacteria, their metabolic activity, the hydrophobicity of their surface, and the shape of their biofilms using laser confocal microscopy. Through transcriptome analysis, a total of 349 differentially expressed genes were identified, comprising 134 upregulated and 215 downregulated genes. GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that oleanolic acid functions are through the regulation of bacterial motility, the iron absorption system, the two-component system, and adhesion pathways. These findings suggest that the main effects of oleanolic acid are to prevent bacterial motility, increase initial adhesion, and encourage the development of EcN biofilms. In addition, oleanolic acid interacts with iron absorption to cooperatively control the production of EcN biofilms within an optimal concentration range. Taking these results together, this study suggests that oleanolic acid may enhance probiotic biofilm formation in the intestines, presenting new avenues for probiotic product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.R.); (Z.Y.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Jingjing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.R.); (Z.Y.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Lei Ran
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.R.); (Z.Y.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Zhuo Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.R.); (Z.Y.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Yuzhang He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.R.); (Z.Y.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hongzao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.R.); (Z.Y.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, Chongqing 402460, China; (Y.Y.); (L.F.); (M.Z.)
| | - Yuandi Yu
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, Chongqing 402460, China; (Y.Y.); (L.F.); (M.Z.)
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Lizhi Fu
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, Chongqing 402460, China; (Y.Y.); (L.F.); (M.Z.)
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Maixun Zhu
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, Chongqing 402460, China; (Y.Y.); (L.F.); (M.Z.)
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Hongwei Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.R.); (Z.Y.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, Chongqing 402460, China; (Y.Y.); (L.F.); (M.Z.)
- Traditional Chinese Veterinary Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
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Amyx-Sherer K, Reichhardt C. Challenges and opportunities in elucidating the structures of biofilm exopolysaccharides: A case study of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exopolysaccharide called Pel. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY : MRC 2024; 62:361-369. [PMID: 37919227 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.5405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation protects bacteria from antibiotic treatment and host immune responses, making biofilm infections difficult to treat. Within biofilms, bacterial cells are entangled in a self-produced extracellular matrix that typically includes exopolysaccharides. Molecular-level descriptions of biofilm matrix components, especially exopolysaccharides, have been challenging to attain due to their complex nature and lack of solubility and crystallinity. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has emerged as a key tool to determine the structure of biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides without degradative sample preparation. In this review, we discuss challenges of studying biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides and opportunities to develop solid-state NMR approaches to study these generally intractable materials. We specifically highlight investigations of the exopolysaccharide called Pel made by the opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We provide a roadmap for determining exopolysaccharide structure and discuss future opportunities to study such systems using solid-state NMR. The strategies discussed for elucidating biofilm exopolysaccharide structure should be broadly applicable to studying the structures of other glycans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Amyx-Sherer
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Courtney Reichhardt
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Moni CA, Dias ME, Lopes CE, Siqueira FM. Escherichia coli isolated from pyometra and cystitis in the same animal exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae108. [PMID: 38692849 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Pyometra and cystitis caused by Escherichia coli are common diseases identified in canine or feline females. The origin of pyometra infection remains uncertain, and effective prevention strategies for this disease are still unknown. This study aimed to provide a phenotypic characterization, including antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles, of endometrial pathogenic (EnPEC) and uropathogenic (UPEC) E. coli strains isolated simultaneously from the same animal. METHODS AND RESULTS Sixteen E. coli strains, from eight different animals, were analyzed in this study. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of EnPEC and UPEC strains was determined using the disc diffusion method, which showed a similar susceptibility profile among strains (EnPEC and UPEC) from the same animal. The virulence profile of the strains was assessed through biofilm formation, as well as serum resistance abilities. EnPEC and UPEC strains from the same animal exhibited slight variations in their virulence and antimicrobial resistance capabilities. Overall, most of the strain pairs showed a high similarity in their ability to establish biofilms and survive in serum complement activity. CONCLUSIONS Overall, strains of E. coli isolated from both pyometra and cystitis in the same animal, despite presenting distinct clinical diseases, exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity, suggesting a common origin for the strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Azevedo Moni
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Dias
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cassiane Elisabete Lopes
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciele Maboni Siqueira
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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8
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Verma P, Ho R, Chambers SA, Cegelski L, Zimmer J. Molecular insights into phosphoethanolamine cellulose formation and secretion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.04.588173. [PMID: 38645035 PMCID: PMC11030229 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Phosphoethanolamine (pEtN) cellulose is a naturally occurring modified cellulose produced by several Enterobacteriaceae. The minimal components of the E. coli cellulose synthase complex include the catalytically active BcsA enzyme, an associated periplasmic semicircle of hexameric BcsB, as well as the outer membrane (OM)-integrated BcsC subunit containing periplasmic tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR). Additional subunits include BcsG, a membrane-anchored periplasmic pEtN transferase associated with BcsA, and BcsZ, a conserved periplasmic cellulase of unknown biological function. While events underlying the synthesis and translocation of cellulose by BcsA are well described, little is known about its pEtN modification and translocation across the cell envelope. We show that the N-terminal cytosolic domain of BcsA positions three copies of BcsG near the nascent cellulose polymer. Further, the terminal subunit of the BcsB semicircle tethers the N-terminus of a single BcsC protein to establish a trans-envelope secretion system. BcsC's TPR motifs bind a putative cello-oligosaccharide near the entrance to its OM pore. Additionally, we show that only the hydrolytic activity of BcsZ but not the subunit itself is necessary for cellulose secretion, suggesting a secretion mechanism based on enzymatic removal of mislocalized cellulose. Lastly, we introduce pEtN modification of cellulose in orthogonal cellulose biosynthetic systems by protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Verma
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Ruoya Ho
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | | | - Lynette Cegelski
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Jochen Zimmer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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Siri M, Mangiarotti A, Vázquez-Dávila M, Bidan CM. Curli Amyloid Fibers in Escherichia coli Biofilms: The Influence of Water Availability on their Structure and Functional Properties. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300234. [PMID: 37776075 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli biofilms consist of bacteria embedded in a self-produced matrix mainly made of protein fibers and polysaccharides. The curli amyloid fibers found in the biofilm matrix are promising versatile building blocks to design sustainable bio-sourced materials. To exploit this potential, it is crucial to understand i) how environmental cues during biofilm growth influence the molecular structure of these amyloid fibers, and ii) how this translates at higher length scales. To explore these questions, the effect of water availability during biofilm growth on the conformation and functions of curli is studied. Microscopy and spectroscopy are used to characterize the amyloid fibers purified from biofilms grown on nutritive substrates with different water contents, and micro-indentation to measure the rigidity of the respective biofilms. The purified curli amyloid fibers present differences in the yield, structure, and functional properties upon biofilm growth conditions. Fiber packing and β-sheets content correlate with their hydrophobicity and chemical stability, and with the rigidity of the biofilms. This study highlights how E. coli biofilm growth conditions impact curli structure and functions contributing to macroscopic materials properties. These fundamental findings infer an alternative strategy to tune curli structure, which will ultimately benefit engineering hierarchical and functional curli-based materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Siri
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Agustín Mangiarotti
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mónica Vázquez-Dávila
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Cécile M Bidan
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
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10
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Vander Griend JA, Isenberg RY, Kotla KR, Mandel MJ. Transcriptional pathways across colony biofilm models in the symbiont Vibrio fischeri. mSystems 2024; 9:e0081523. [PMID: 38126773 PMCID: PMC10804989 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00815-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Beneficial microbial symbionts that are horizontally acquired by their animal hosts undergo a lifestyle transition from free-living in the environment to associating with host tissues. In the model symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and its microbial symbiont Vibrio fischeri, one mechanism used to make this transition during host colonization is the formation of biofilm-like aggregates in host mucosa. Previous work identified factors that are sufficient to induce V. fischeri biofilm formation, yet much remains unknown regarding the breadth of target genes induced by these factors. Here, we probed two widely used in vitro models of biofilm formation to identify novel regulatory pathways in the squid symbiont V. fischeri ES114. We discovered a shared set of 232 genes that demonstrated similar patterns in expression in both models. These genes comprise multiple exopolysaccharide loci that are upregulated and flagellar motility genes that are downregulated, with a consistent decrease in measured swimming motility. Furthermore, we identified genes regulated downstream of the key sensor kinase RscS that are induced independent of the response regulator SypG. Our data suggest that transcriptional regulator VpsR plays a strong role in expression of at least a subset of these genes. Overall, this study adds to our understanding of the genes involved in V. fischeri biofilm regulation while revealing new regulatory pathways branching from previously characterized signaling networks.IMPORTANCEThe V. fischeri-squid system provides an opportunity to study biofilm development both in the animal host and in culture-based biofilm models that capture key aspects of in vivo signaling. In this work, we report the results of the transcriptomic profiling of two V. fischeri biofilm models followed by phenotypic validation and examination of novel signaling pathway architecture. Remarkable consistency between the models provides a strong basis for future studies using either approach or both. A subset of the factors identified by the approaches were validated in the work, and the body of transcriptomic data provides a number of leads for future studies in culture and during animal colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A. Vander Griend
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ruth Y. Isenberg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ketan R. Kotla
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mark J. Mandel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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11
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Fazio NT, Reichhardt C. Structural biology: Proteobacterial accessories for diverse cellulose synthesis. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R69-R72. [PMID: 38262364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BcsD is broadly present throughout Proteobacteria and is predicted to contribute to cellulose crystallinity via interaction with BcsH. However, new work shows that, in non-crystalline forming Proteobacteria, BcsD contains an amino-terminal a1-helix, forms a tetrahedron-like structure, and interacts with alternative proline-rich protein partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T Fazio
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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12
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Byeon CH, Kinney T, Saricayir H, Srinivasa S, Wells MK, Kim W, Akbey Ü. Tapping into the native Pseudomonas bacterial biofilm structure by high-resolution multidimensional solid-state NMR. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2023; 357:107587. [PMID: 37984030 PMCID: PMC10913148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2023.107587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
We present a multidimensional magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) study to characterize native Pseudomonas fluorescens colony biofilms at natural abundance without isotope-labelling. By using a high-resolution INEPT-based 2D 1H-13C ssNMR spectrum and thorough peak deconvolution at the 1D ssNMR spectra, approximately 80/134 (in 1D/2D) distinct biofilm chemical sites were identified. We compared CP and INEPT 13C ssNMR spectra to differentiate signals originating from the mobile and rigid fractions of the biofilm, and qualitatively determined dynamical changes by comparing CP buildup behaviors. Protein and polysaccharide signals were differentiated and identified by utilizing FapC protein signals as a template, a biofilm forming functional amyloid from Pseudomonas. We identified several biofilm polysaccharide species such as glucose, mannan, galactose, heptose, rhamnan, fucose and N-acylated mannuronic acid by using 1H and 13C chemical shifts obtained from the 2D spectrum. To our knowledge, this study marks the first high-resolution multidimensional ssNMR characterization of a native bacterial biofilm. Our experimental pipeline can be readily applied to other in vitro biofilm model systems and natural biofilms and holds the promise of making a substantial impact on biofilm research, fostering new ideas and breakthroughs to aid in the development of strategic approaches to combat infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hyeock Byeon
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Ted Kinney
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Hakan Saricayir
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Sadhana Srinivasa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Meghan K Wells
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Wook Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Ümit Akbey
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
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13
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Liu X, Brčić J, Cassell GH, Cegelski L. CPMAS NMR platform for direct compositional analysis of mycobacterial cell-wall complexes and whole cells. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE OPEN 2023; 16-17:100127. [PMID: 38125335 PMCID: PMC10732466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmro.2023.100127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections are rising each year and often result in chronic incurable disease. Important antibiotics target cell-wall biosynthesis, yet some mycobacteria are alarmingly resistant or tolerant to currently available antibiotics. This resistance is often attributed to assumed differences in composition of the complex cell wall of different mycobacterial strains and species. However, due to the highly crosslinked and insoluble nature of mycobacterial cell walls, direct comparative determinations of cell-wall composition pose a challenge to analysis through conventional biochemical analyses. We introduce an approach to directly observe the chemical composition of mycobacterial cell walls using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. 13C CPMAS spectra are provided of individual components (peptidoglycan, arabinogalactan, and mycolic acids) and of in situ cell-wall complexes. We assigned the spectroscopic contributions of each component in the cell-wall spectrum. We uncovered a higher arabinogalactan-to-peptidoglycan ratio in the cell wall of M. abscessus, an organism noted for its antibiotic resistance, relative to M. smegmatis. Furthermore, differentiating influences of different types of cell-wall targeting antibiotics were observed in spectra of antibiotic-treated whole cells. This platform will be of value in evaluating cell-wall composition and antibiotic activity among different mycobacteria and in considering the most effective combination treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, CA 94305, United States
| | - Jasna Brčić
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, CA 94305, United States
| | - Gail H. Cassell
- PAI Life Sciences Inc, Seattle WA 98102, United States
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Lynette Cegelski
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, CA 94305, United States
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14
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Greenwich JL, Fleming D, Banin E, Häussler S, Kjellerup BV, Sauer K, Visick KL, Fuqua C. The biofilm community resurfaces: new findings and post-pandemic progress. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0016623. [PMID: 37756166 PMCID: PMC10601713 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00166-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The ninth American Society for Microbiology Conference on Biofilms was convened in-person on 13-17 November 2022 in Charlotte, NC. As the first of these conferences since prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy among the participants of the conference was clear, and the meeting was a tremendous success. The mixture of >330 oral and poster presentations resoundingly embodied the vitality of biofilm research across a wide range of topics and multiple scientific disciplines. Special activities, including a pre-conference symposium for early career researchers, further enhanced the attendee experience. As a general theme, the conference was deliberately structured to provide high levels of participation and engagement among early career scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek Fleming
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ehud Banin
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | - Birthe V. Kjellerup
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Karin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Karen L. Visick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Clay Fuqua
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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15
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Byeon CH, Kinney T, Saricayir H, Srinivasa S, Wells MK, Kim W, Akbey Ü. Tapping into the native Pseudomonas Bacterial Biofilm Structure by High-Resolution 1D and 2D MAS solid-state NMR. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560490. [PMID: 37873242 PMCID: PMC10592892 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
We present a high-resolution 1D and 2D magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) study to characterize native Pseudomonas fluorescens colony biofilms at natural abundance without isotope-labelling. By using a high-resolution INEPT-based 2D 1 H- 13 C ssNMR spectrum and thorough peak deconvolution approach at the 1D ssNMR spectra, approximately 80/134 (in 1D/2D) distinct biofilm chemical sites were identified. We compared CP and INEPT 13 C ssNMR spectra to different signals originating from the mobile and rigid fractions of the biofilm, and qualitative determined dynamical changes by comparing CP buildup behaviors. Protein and polysaccharide signals were differentiated and identified by utilizing FapC signals as a template, a biofilm forming functional amyloid from Pseudomonas . We also attempted to identify biofilm polysaccharide species by using 1 H/ 13 C chemical shifts obtained from the 2D spectrum. This study marks the first demonstration of high-resolution 2D ssNMR spectroscopy for characterizing native bacterial biofilms and expands the scope of ssNMR in studying biofilms. Our experimental pipeline can be readily applied to other in vitro biofilm model systems and natural biofilms and holds the promise of making a substantial impact on biofilm research, fostering new ideas and breakthroughs to aid in the development of strategic approaches to combat infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria.
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16
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Sarlet A, Ruffine V, Blank KG, Bidan CM. Influence of Metal Cations on the Viscoelastic Properties of Escherichia coli Biofilms. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:4667-4676. [PMID: 36777596 PMCID: PMC9910073 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms frequently cause complications in various areas of human life, e.g., in medicine and in the food industry. More recently, biofilms are discussed as new types of living materials with tunable mechanical properties. In particular, Escherichia coli produces a matrix composed of amyloid-forming curli and phosphoethanolamine-modified cellulose fibers in response to suboptimal environmental conditions. It is currently unknown how the interaction between these fibers contributes to the overall mechanical properties of the formed biofilms and if extrinsic control parameters can be utilized to manipulate these properties. Using shear rheology, we show that biofilms formed by the E. coli K-12 strain AR3110 stiffen by a factor of 2 when exposed to the trivalent metal cations Al(III) and Fe(III), while no such response is observed for the bivalent cations Zn(II) and Ca(II). Strains producing only one matrix component did not show any stiffening response to either cation or even a small softening. No stiffening response was further observed when strains producing only one type of fiber were co-cultured or simply mixed after biofilm growth. These results suggest that the E. coli biofilm matrix is a uniquely structured composite material when both matrix fibers are produced from the same bacterium. While the exact interaction mechanism between curli, phosphoethanolamine-modified cellulose, and trivalent metal cations is currently not known, our results highlight the potential of using extrinsic parameters to understand and control the interplay between biofilm structure and mechanical properties. This will ultimately aid in the development of better strategies for controlling biofilm growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Sarlet
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476Potsdam, Germany
| | - Valentin Ruffine
- Mechano(bio)chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476Potsdam, Germany
| | - Kerstin G. Blank
- Mechano(bio)chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476Potsdam, Germany
- Institute
of Experimental Physics, Johannes Kepler
University, Altenberger
Str. 69, 4040Linz, Austria
| | - Cécile M. Bidan
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476Potsdam, Germany
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17
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Tyrikos-Ergas T, Gim S, Huang JY, Pinzón Martín S, Varón Silva D, Seeberger PH, Delbianco M. Synthetic phosphoethanolamine-modified oligosaccharides reveal the importance of glycan length and substitution in biofilm-inspired assemblies. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3954. [PMID: 35804023 PMCID: PMC9270332 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31633-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm matrices are nanocomposites of proteins and polysaccharides with remarkable mechanical properties. Efforts understanding and tuning the protein component have been extensive, whereas the polysaccharide part remained mostly overlooked. The discovery of phosphoethanolamine (pEtN) modified cellulose in E. coli biofilms revealed that polysaccharide functionalization alters the biofilm properties. To date, the pattern of pEtN cellulose and its mode of interactions with proteins remains elusive. Herein, we report a model system based on synthetic epitomes to explore the role of pEtN in biofilm-inspired assemblies. Nine pEtN-modified oligosaccharides were synthesized with full control over the length, degree and pattern of pEtN substitution. The oligomers were co-assembled with a representative peptide, triggering the formation of fibers in a length dependent manner. We discovered that the pEtN pattern modulates the adhesion of biofilm-inspired matrices, while the peptide component controls its stiffness. Unnatural oligosaccharides tune or disrupt the assembly morphology, revealing interesting targets for polysaccharide engineering to develop tunable bio-inspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Tyrikos-Ergas
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Soeun Gim
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jhih-Yi Huang
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Pinzón Martín
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Varón Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Peter H Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Delbianco
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
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18
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Ghassemi N, Poulhazan A, Deligey F, Mentink-Vigier F, Marcotte I, Wang T. Solid-State NMR Investigations of Extracellular Matrixes and Cell Walls of Algae, Bacteria, Fungi, and Plants. Chem Rev 2021; 122:10036-10086. [PMID: 34878762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrixes (ECMs), such as the cell walls and biofilms, are important for supporting cell integrity and function and regulating intercellular communication. These biomaterials are also of significant interest to the production of biofuels and the development of antimicrobial treatment. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) and magic-angle spinning-dynamic nuclear polarization (MAS-DNP) are uniquely powerful for understanding the conformational structure, dynamical characteristics, and supramolecular assemblies of carbohydrates and other biomolecules in ECMs. This review highlights the recent high-resolution investigations of intact ECMs and native cells in many organisms spanning across plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae. We spotlight the structural principles identified in ECMs, discuss the current technical limitation and underexplored biochemical topics, and point out the promising opportunities enabled by the recent advances of the rapidly evolving ssNMR technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Ghassemi
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Alexandre Poulhazan
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal H2X 2J6, Canada
| | - Fabien Deligey
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | | | - Isabelle Marcotte
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal H2X 2J6, Canada
| | - Tuo Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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19
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Ziege R, Tsirigoni AM, Large B, Serra DO, Blank KG, Hengge R, Fratzl P, Bidan CM. Adaptation of Escherichia coli Biofilm Growth, Morphology, and Mechanical Properties to Substrate Water Content. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:5315-5325. [PMID: 34672512 PMCID: PMC8579398 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
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Biofilms are complex
living materials that form as bacteria become
embedded in a matrix of self-produced protein and polysaccharide fibers.
In addition to their traditional association with chronic infections
or clogging of pipelines, biofilms currently gain interest as a potential
source of functional material. On nutritive hydrogels, micron-sized Escherichia coli cells can build centimeter-large biofilms.
During this process, bacterial proliferation, matrix production, and
water uptake introduce mechanical stresses in the biofilm that are
released through the formation of macroscopic delaminated buckles
in the third dimension. To clarify how substrate water content could
be used to tune biofilm material properties, we quantified E. coli biofilm growth, delamination dynamics, and rigidity
as a function of water content of the nutritive substrates. Time-lapse
microscopy and computational image analysis revealed that softer substrates
with high water content promote biofilm spreading kinetics, while
stiffer substrates with low water content promote biofilm delamination.
The delaminated buckles observed on biofilm cross sections appeared
more bent on substrates with high water content, while they tended
to be more vertical on substrates with low water content. Both wet
and dry biomass, accumulated over 4 days of culture, were larger in
biofilms cultured on substrates with high water content, despite extra
porosity within the matrix layer. Finally, microindentation analysis
revealed that substrates with low water content supported the formation
of stiffer biofilms. This study shows that E. coli biofilms respond to substrate water content, which might be used
for tuning their material properties in view of further applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Ziege
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Bastien Large
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Diego O Serra
- Institut für Biologie/Mikrobiologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - Kerstin G Blank
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Regine Hengge
- Institut für Biologie/Mikrobiologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Cécile M Bidan
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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