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Mellini M, Letizia M, Leoni L, Rampioni G. Whole-Cell Biosensors for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Quorum Sensing Signal Molecules and the Investigation of Quorum Quenching Agents. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2721:55-67. [PMID: 37819515 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3473-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
In Pseudomonas aeruginosa relevant features including virulence and biofilm formation are controlled by quorum sensing (QS), a cell density-dependent intercellular communication system based on the production and response to signal molecules. P. aeruginosa has evolved chemically distinct compounds employed as QS signal molecules (QSSMs) that can be detected and quantified through rapid, sensitive, and low-cost methods based on whole-cell biosensors. Here, we present a series of protocols based on whole-cell biosensors for qualitative and quantitative analysis of QSSMs produced by P. aeruginosa. These protocols can be used to investigate the impact of environmental conditions, genetic modifications, or quorum quenching agents on the production of QSSMs in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mellini
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano Rampioni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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2
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Label-Free Electrochemical Aptasensor for the Detection of the 3-O-C12-HSL Quorum-Sensing Molecule in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12070440. [PMID: 35884243 PMCID: PMC9312901 DOI: 10.3390/bios12070440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium, is one of the main sources of infections in healthcare environments, making its detection very important. N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl L-homoserine lactone (3-O-C12-HSL) is a characteristic molecule of quorum sensing—a form of cell-to-cell communication between bacteria—in P. aeruginosa. Its detection can allow the determination of the bacterial population. In this study, the development of the first electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of 3-O-C12-HSL is reported. A carbon-based screen-printed electrode modified with gold nanoparticles proved to be the best platform for the aptasensor. Each step in the fabrication of the aptasensor (i.e., gold nanoparticles’ deposition, aptamer immobilization, incubation with the analyte) was optimized and characterized using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Different redox probes in solution were evaluated, the best results being obtained in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]4−/[Fe(CN)6]3−. The binding affinity of 106.7 nM for the immobilized thiol-terminated aptamer was determined using surface plasmon resonance. The quantification of 3-O-C12-HSL was performed by using the electrochemical signal of the redox probe before and after incubation with the analyte. The aptasensor exhibited a logarithmic range from 0.5 to 30 µM, with a limit of detection of 145 ng mL−1 (0.5 µM). The aptasensor was successfully applied for the analysis of real samples (e.g., spiked urine samples, spiked microbiological growth media, and microbiological cultures).
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3
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Benítez-Chao DF, Balderas-Cisneros FDJ, León-Buitimea A, Morones-Ramírez JR. Design and in silico analysis of a whole-cell biosensor able to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2021; 69:1373-1382. [PMID: 34081352 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The rise of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections has gained concern throughout the world over the past decades. Alternative therapeutic agents to antibiotics are rapidly growing to impede the proliferation of MRSA-caused infections. Lately, synthetic biology techniques have developed whole-cell biosensors by designing gene circuitry capable of sensing quorum-sensing (QS) molecules of pathogens and triggering expression of an antimicrobial moiety that kills MRSA and therefore prevents its further proliferation. Here, an E. coli was engineered in silico to act as a whole-cell biosensor that senses QS molecules from MRSA and triggers the expression of a bacteriocin that kills MRSA. To achieve this functionality, biosensor and bacteriocin modules were constructed and assembled into a vector. Both modules were codon-optimized to increase the yield production of the recombinant proteins. We then demonstrate in silico that the construction of a dual biosensor-killer plasmid, which holds two genetical modules known as biosensor and bacteriocin modules, enables the recombinant host to sense QS molecules from MRSA. Our designed whole-cell biosensor demonstrates in silico its ability to produce and secrete the bacteriocin as a function of the external concentration of autoinducer peptide from MRSA. These in silico results unravel the possibility of designing antimicrobial smarter therapeutics against resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Francisco Benítez-Chao
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| | - Francisco de Jesús Balderas-Cisneros
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| | - Angel León-Buitimea
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| | - José Rubén Morones-Ramírez
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
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4
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Ortiz BJ, Boursier ME, Barrett KL, Manson DE, Amador-Noguez D, Abbott NL, Blackwell HE, Lynn DM. Liquid Crystal Emulsions That Intercept and Report on Bacterial Quorum Sensing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:29056-29065. [PMID: 32484648 PMCID: PMC7343617 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c05792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We report aqueous emulsions of thermotropic liquid crystals (LCs) that can intercept and report on the presence of N-acyl-l-homoserine lactones (AHLs), a class of amphiphiles used by pathogenic bacteria to regulate quorum sensing (QS), monitor population densities, and initiate group activities, including biofilm formation and virulence factor production. The concentration of AHL required to promote "bipolar" to "radial" transitions in micrometer-scale droplets of the nematic LC 4'-pentyl-cyanobiphenyl (5CB) decreases with increasing carbon number in the acyl tail, reaching a threshold concentration of 7.1 μM for 3-oxo-C12-AHL, a native QS signal in the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The LC droplets in these emulsions also respond to biologically relevant concentrations of the biosurfactant rhamnolipid, a virulence factor produced by communities of P. aeruginosa under the control of QS. Systematic studies using bacterial mutants support the conclusion that these emulsions respond selectively to the production of rhamnolipid and AHLs and not to other products produced by bacteria at lower (subquorate) population densities. Finally, these emulsions remain configurationally stable in growth media, enabling them to be deployed either in bacterial supernatants or in situ in bacterial cultures to eavesdrop on QS and report on changes in bacterial group behavior that can be detected in real time using polarized light. Our results provide new tools to detect and report on bacterial QS and virulence and a materials platform for the rapid and in situ monitoring of bacterial communication and resulting group behaviors in bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín J Ortiz
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Michelle E Boursier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Kelsey L Barrett
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Daniel E Manson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Daniel Amador-Noguez
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Nicholas L Abbott
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Helen E Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - David M Lynn
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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Santajit S, Seesuay W, Mahasongkram K, Sookrung N, Pumirat P, Ampawong S, Reamtong O, Chongsa-Nguan M, Chaicumpa W, Indrawattana N. Human Single-chain Variable Fragments Neutralize Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Molecule, 3O-C12-HSL, and Prevent Cells From the HSL-mediated Apoptosis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1172. [PMID: 32670218 PMCID: PMC7326786 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecule, N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3O-C12-HSL), contributes to the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by regulating expression of the bacterial virulence factors that cause intense inflammation and toxicity in the infected host. As such, the QS molecule is an attractive therapeutic target for direct-acting inhibitors. Several substances, both synthetic and naturally derived products, have shown effectiveness against detrimental 3O-C12-HSL activity. Unfortunately, these compounds are relatively toxic to mammalian cells, which limits their clinical application. In this study, fully human single-chain variable fragments (HuscFvs) that bind to P. aeruginosa haptenic 3O-C12-HSL were generated based on the principle of antibody polyspecificity and molecular mimicry of antigenic molecules. The HuscFvs neutralized 3O-C12-HSL activity and prevented mammalian cells from the HSL-mediated apoptosis, as observed by Annexin V/PI staining assay, sub-G1 arrest population investigation, transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria, and confocal microscopy for nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation. Computerized homology modeling and intermolecular docking predicted that the effective HuscFvs interacted with several regions of the bacterially derived ligand that possibly conferred neutralizing activity. The effective HuscFvs should be tested further in vitro on P. aeruginosa phenotypes as well as in vivo as a sole or adjunctive therapeutic agent against P. aeruginosa infections, especially in antibiotic-resistant cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirijan Santajit
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watee Seesuay
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kodchakorn Mahasongkram
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nitat Sookrung
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Biomedical Research Unit, Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornpan Pumirat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Tropical Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Manas Chongsa-Nguan
- Faculty of Public Health and Environment, Pathumthani University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nitaya Indrawattana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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6
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Paluch E, Rewak-Soroczyńska J, Jędrusik I, Mazurkiewicz E, Jermakow K. Prevention of biofilm formation by quorum quenching. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:1871-1881. [PMID: 31927762 PMCID: PMC7007913 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10349-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism that enables microbial communication. It is based on the constant secretion of signaling molecules to the environment. The main role of QS is the regulation of vital processes in the cell such as virulence factor production or biofilm formation. Due to still growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics that have been overused, it is necessary to search for alternative antimicrobial therapies. One of them is quorum quenching (QQ) that disrupts microbial communication. QQ-driving molecules can decrease or even completely inhibit the production of virulence factors (including biofilm formation). There are few QQ strategies that comprise the use of the structural analogues of QS receptor autoinductors (AI). They may be found in nature or be designed and synthesized via chemical engineering. Many of the characterized QQ molecules are enzymes with the ability to degrade signaling molecules. They can also impede cellular signaling cascades. There are different techniques used for testing QS/QQ, including chromatography-mass spectroscopy, bioluminescence, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, electrochemistry, and colorimetry. They all enable qualitative and quantitative measurements of QS/QQ molecules. This article gathers the information about the mechanisms of QS and QQ, and their effect on microbial biofilm formation. Basic methods used to study QS/QQ, as well as the medical and biotechnological applications of QQ, are also described. Basis research methods are also described as well as medical and biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Paluch
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Tytusa Chałubińskiego 4, 50-376, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - J Rewak-Soroczyńska
- Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Science, Okólna 2, 50-422, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - I Jędrusik
- Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - E Mazurkiewicz
- Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - K Jermakow
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Tytusa Chałubińskiego 4, 50-376, Wrocław, Poland
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7
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Raafat MM, Ali-Tammam M, Ali AE. Quorum quenching activity of Bacillus cereus isolate 30b confers antipathogenic effects in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:1583-1596. [PMID: 31239733 PMCID: PMC6559722 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s182889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Quorum quenching, the interference of a Quorum sensing (QS) system that contributes to the pathogenesis through triggering the production of various virulence determinants, is among the newly suggested antivirulence strategies. Purpose: This study aimed at screening of N-Acyl homoserine lactonase activity from local bacterial isolate, and investigating its effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) virulence and biofilm formation. Materials and methods: Soil bacteria were screened for aiiA gene coding for lactonase enzyme by Polymerase Chain reaction and sequencing of aiiA gene homologs. Lactonase activity and spectrum were assessed in the cell-free lysate by well diffusion assay using Agrobacterium tumafaciens KYC55. A bacterial isolate showing the highest N-acyl-homoserine lactones degradation percentage was identified by gene amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and its aiiA gene homolog. High performance liquid chromatography was used to confirm N-acyl-homoserine lactone degradation. The effect of cell-free lysate on the biofilm formation ability and cytotoxicity of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from different clinical sources were assessed by static microtiter plate and viability assay, respectively Results: Lactonase gene and activity were identified in three Bacillus spp. isolates. They showed broad catalytic activities against tested N-acyl-homoserine lactones. However, The lactonase activity in the cell- free lysate of isolate 30b showed the highest significant degradation percentage on all tested signals; N-butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (71%), N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (100%), N-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (100%), N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (37.5%), N-(oxodecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (100%), and N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (100%). Alignment of the amino acid sequences of AiiA protein of isolate 30b showed 96% identity with Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) homologous lactonases in the GenBank database, and the isolate was designated as B. cereus isolate 30b. Cell-free lysate of B. cereus isolate 30b reduced biofilm formation significantly in 93% of P. aeruginosa isolates. The highest mean percentage of reduction in the biofilm was 86%. Moreover, the viability percentage of human lung carcinoma A549 cells infected by P. aeruginosa and treated with cell-free lysate of B. cereus isolate 30b increased up to 15%. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the potential of lactonases as a promising strategy to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Raafat
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University in Egypt (FUE), New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Ali-Tammam
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University in Egypt (FUE), New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal E Ali
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University in Egypt (FUE), New Cairo, Egypt
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8
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Liu J, Fu K, Wu C, Qin K, Li F, Zhou L. "In-Group" Communication in Marine Vibrio: A Review of N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones-Driven Quorum Sensing. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:139. [PMID: 29868495 PMCID: PMC5952220 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones (N-AHLs) are an important group of small quorum-sensing molecules generated and released into the surroundings by Gram-negative bacteria. N-AHLs play a crucial role in various infection-related biological processes of marine Vibrio species, including survival, colonization, invasion, and pathogenesis. With the increasing problem of antibiotic abuse and subsequently the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, studies on AHLs are therefore expected to bring potential new breakthroughs for the prevention and treatment of Vibrio infections. This article starts from AHLs generation in marine Vibrio, and then discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and trends in the future development of various detection methods for AHLs characterization. In addition to a detailed classification of the various marine Vibrio-derived AHL types that have been reported over the years, the regulatory mechanisms of AHLs and their roles in marine Vibrio biofilms, pathogenicity and interaction with host cells are also highlighted. Intervention measures for AHLs in different stages are systematically reviewed, and the prospects of their future development and application are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Liu
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Kaifei Fu
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Chenglin Wu
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Kewei Qin
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Li
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
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9
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Liu J, Fu K, Wang Y, Wu C, Li F, Shi L, Ge Y, Zhou L. Detection of Diverse N-Acyl-Homoserine Lactones in Vibrio alginolyticus and Regulation of Biofilm Formation by N-(3-Oxodecanoyl) Homoserine Lactone In vitro. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1097. [PMID: 28670299 PMCID: PMC5472671 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system based on the exchange of small intercellular signal molecules, such as N-Acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), which act as cell-density mediators of QS gene expression, and are highly variable both in types and amounts in most Gram-negative Proteobacteria. Understanding the regulation of AHLs may contribute to the elucidation of cell density-dependent phenomena, such as biofilm formation. Vibrio alginolyticus is among the most frequently observed marine opportunistic Vibrio pathogens. However, AHL production of this species and its effects on biofilm formation remain to be understood. Here, our study reported the diverse AHL profiles of 47 marine-isolated V. alginolyticus strains and the effects of exogenous 3-oxo-C10-HSL on biofilm formation under different temperature conditions (16°C and 28°C). A total of 11 detected AHLs were produced by the isolates, of which 3-OH-C4-HSL, 3-oxo-C10-HSL and 3-oxo-C14-HSL comprised the largest proportions. We also observed that moderate levels of exogenous 3-oxo-C10-HSL (10 and 20 μM) could induce or enhance biofilm formation and alter its structure, while high levels (40 and 100 μM) did not significantly improve and even inhibited biofilm formation in V. alginolyticus. Further, regulation by exogenous 3-oxo-C10-HSL was both concentration- and temperature-dependent in V. alginolyticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Qingdao UniversityQingdao, China.,Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of PLABeijing, China
| | - Kaifei Fu
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of PLABeijing, China
| | - Yuxiao Wang
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of PLABeijing, China
| | - Chenglin Wu
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of PLABeijing, China
| | - Fei Li
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of PLABeijing, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Yinlin Ge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Qingdao UniversityQingdao, China
| | - Lijun Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital of PLABeijing, China
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10
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Verbeke F, De Craemer S, Debunne N, Janssens Y, Wynendaele E, Van de Wiele C, De Spiegeleer B. Peptides as Quorum Sensing Molecules: Measurement Techniques and Obtained Levels In vitro and In vivo. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:183. [PMID: 28446863 PMCID: PMC5388746 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of certain bacterial genes is regulated in a cell-density dependent way, a phenomenon called quorum sensing. Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria use this type of communication, though the signal molecules (auto-inducers) used by them differ between both groups: Gram-negative bacteria use predominantly N-acyl homoserine lacton (AHL) molecules (autoinducer-1, AI-1) while Gram-positive bacteria use mainly peptides (autoinducer peptides, AIP or quorum sensing peptides). These quorum sensing molecules are not only involved in the inter-microbial communication, but can also possibly cross-talk directly or indirectly with their host. This review summarizes the currently applied analytical approaches for quorum sensing identification and quantification with additionally summarizing the experimentally found in vivo concentrations of these molecules in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Verbeke
- Drug Quality and Registration Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Severine De Craemer
- Drug Quality and Registration Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Nathan Debunne
- Drug Quality and Registration Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Yorick Janssens
- Drug Quality and Registration Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Wynendaele
- Drug Quality and Registration Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van de Wiele
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, AZ GroeningeKortrijk, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Bart De Spiegeleer
- Drug Quality and Registration Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
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11
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Wynn D, Deo S, Daunert S. Engineering Rugged Field Assays to Detect Hazardous Chemicals Using Spore-Based Bacterial Biosensors. Methods Enzymol 2017; 589:51-85. [PMID: 28336074 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial whole cell-based biosensors have been genetically engineered to achieve selective and reliable detection of a wide range of hazardous chemicals. Although whole-cell biosensors demonstrate many advantages for field-based detection of target analytes, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. Most notably, their often modest shelf life and need for special handling and storage make them challenging to use in situations where access to reagents, instrumentation, and expertise are limited. These problems can be circumvented by developing biosensors in Bacillus spores, which can be engineered to address all of these concerns. In its sporulated state, a whole cell-based biosensor has a remarkably long life span and is exceptionally resistant to environmental insult. When these spores are germinated for use in analytical techniques, they show no loss in performance, even after long periods of storage under harsh conditions. In this chapter, we will discuss the development and use of whole cell-based sensors, their adaptation to spore-based biosensors, their current applications, and future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wynn
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sapna Deo
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.
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