1
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Perchikov R, Cheliukanov M, Plekhanova Y, Tarasov S, Kharkova A, Butusov D, Arlyapov V, Nakamura H, Reshetilov A. Microbial Biofilms: Features of Formation and Potential for Use in Bioelectrochemical Devices. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:302. [PMID: 38920606 PMCID: PMC11201457 DOI: 10.3390/bios14060302] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Microbial biofilms present one of the most widespread forms of life on Earth. The formation of microbial communities on various surfaces presents a major challenge in a variety of fields, including medicine, the food industry, shipping, etc. At the same time, this process can also be used for the benefit of humans-in bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and various biotechnological processes. The main direction of using electroactive microbial biofilms is their incorporation into the composition of biosensor and biofuel cells This review examines the fundamental knowledge acquired about the structure and formation of biofilms, the properties they have when used in bioelectrochemical devices, and the characteristics of the formation of these structures on different surfaces. Special attention is given to the potential of applying the latest advances in genetic engineering in order to improve the performance of microbial biofilm-based devices and to regulate the processes that take place within them. Finally, we highlight possible ways of dealing with the drawbacks of using biofilms in the creation of highly efficient biosensors and biofuel cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Perchikov
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education, Tula State University, Tula 300012, Russia; (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (V.A.)
| | - Maxim Cheliukanov
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education, Tula State University, Tula 300012, Russia; (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (V.A.)
| | - Yulia Plekhanova
- Federal Research Center (Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences), G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (Y.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Sergei Tarasov
- Federal Research Center (Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences), G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (Y.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Anna Kharkova
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education, Tula State University, Tula 300012, Russia; (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (V.A.)
| | - Denis Butusov
- Computer-Aided Design Department, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, Saint Petersburg 197022, Russia;
| | - Vyacheslav Arlyapov
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education, Tula State University, Tula 300012, Russia; (R.P.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (V.A.)
| | - Hideaki Nakamura
- Department of Liberal Arts, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji 192-0982, Tokyo, Japan;
| | - Anatoly Reshetilov
- Federal Research Center (Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences), G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (Y.P.); (S.T.)
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2
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Hernández-Sánchez A, Páez-Pérez ED, Alfaro-Saldaña E, Olivares-Illana V, García-Meza JV. Understanding a Core Pilin of the Type IVa Pili of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, PilV. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:527-537. [PMID: 38346803 PMCID: PMC11016768 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2310.10033] [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] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Pilins are protein subunits of pili. The pilins of type IV pili (T4P) in pathogenic bacteria are well characterized, but anything is known about the T4P proteins in acidophilic chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms such as the genus Acidithiobacillus. The interest in T4P of A. thiooxidans is because of their possible role in cell recruitment and bacterial aggregation on the surface of minerals during biooxidation of sulfide minerals. In this study we present a successful ad hoc methodology for the heterologous expression and purification of extracellular proteins such as the minor pilin PilV of the T4P of A. thiooxidans, a pilin exposed to extreme conditions of acidity and high oxidation-reduction potentials, and that interact with metal sulfides in an environment rich in dissolved minerals. Once obtained, the model structure of A. thiooxidans PilV revealed the core basic architecture of T4P pilins. Because of the acidophilic condition, we carried out in silico characterization of the protonation status of acidic and basic residues of PilV in order to calculate the ionization state at specific pH values and evaluated their pH stability. Further biophysical characterization was done using UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and the results showed that PilV remains soluble and stable even after exposure to significant changes of pH. PilV has a unique amino acid composition that exhibits acid stability, with significant biotechnology implications such as biooxidation of sulfide minerals. The biophysics profiles of PilV open new paradigms about resilient proteins and stimulate the study of other pilins from extremophiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Hernández-Sánchez
- Geomicrobiología, Metalurgia, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Sierra Leona 550, San Luis Potosí, 78210, SLP, México
| | - Edgar D. Páez-Pérez
- Geomicrobiología, Metalurgia, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Sierra Leona 550, San Luis Potosí, 78210, SLP, México
| | - Elvia Alfaro-Saldaña
- Geomicrobiología, Metalurgia, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Sierra Leona 550, San Luis Potosí, 78210, SLP, México
| | - Vanesa Olivares-Illana
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Biomoleculares y Cáncer. Instituto de Física, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Parque Chapultepec 1570, Privadas del Pedregal, San Luis Potosí, 78210, SLP, México
| | - J. Viridiana García-Meza
- Geomicrobiología, Metalurgia, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Sierra Leona 550, San Luis Potosí, 78210, SLP, México
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Kishida K, Li YG, Ogawa-Kishida N, Khara P, Al Mamun AAM, Bosserman RE, Christie PJ. Chimeric systems composed of swapped Tra subunits between distantly-related F plasmids reveal striking plasticity among type IV secretion machines. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011088. [PMID: 38437248 PMCID: PMC10939261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011088] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are a versatile family of macromolecular translocators, collectively able to recruit diverse DNA and protein substrates and deliver them to a wide range of cell types. Presently, there is little understanding of how T4SSs recognize substrate repertoires and form productive contacts with specific target cells. Although T4SSs are composed of a number of conserved subunits and adopt certain conserved structural features, they also display considerable compositional and structural diversity. Here, we explored the structural bases underlying the functional versatility of T4SSs through systematic deletion and subunit swapping between two conjugation systems encoded by the distantly-related IncF plasmids, pED208 and F. We identified several regions of intrinsic flexibility among the encoded T4SSs, as evidenced by partial or complete functionality of chimeric machines. Swapping of VirD4-like TraD type IV coupling proteins (T4CPs) yielded functional chimeras, indicative of relaxed specificity at the substrate-TraD and TraD-T4SS interfaces. Through mutational analyses, we further delineated domains of the TraD T4CPs contributing to recruitment of cognate vs heterologous DNA substrates. Remarkably, swaps of components comprising the outer membrane core complexes, a few F-specific subunits, or the TraA pilins supported DNA transfer in the absence of detectable pilus production. Among sequenced enterobacterial species in the NCBI database, we identified many strains that harbor two or more F-like plasmids and many F plasmids lacking one or more T4SS components required for self-transfer. We confirmed that host cells carrying co-resident, non-selftransmissible variants of pED208 and F elaborate chimeric T4SSs, as evidenced by transmission of both plasmids. We propose that T4SS plasticity enables the facile assembly of functional chimeras, and this intrinsic flexibility at the structural level can account for functional diversification of this superfamily over evolutionary time and, on a more immediate time-scale, to proliferation of transfer-defective MGEs in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Kishida
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yang Grace Li
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Natsumi Ogawa-Kishida
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pratick Khara
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Abu Amar M. Al Mamun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Bosserman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Christie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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4
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Kishida K, Li YG, Ogawa-Kishida N, Khara P, Al Mamun AAM, Bosserman RE, Christie PJ. Chimeric systems composed of swapped Tra subunits between distantly-related F plasmids reveal striking plasticity among type IV secretion machines. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.05.570194. [PMID: 38106057 PMCID: PMC10723329 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.05.570194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are a versatile family of macromolecular translocators, collectively able to recruit diverse DNA and protein substrates and deliver them to a wide range of cell types. Presently, there is little understanding of how T4SSs recognize substrate repertoires and form productive contacts with specific target cells. Although T4SSs are composed of a number of conserved subunits and adopt certain conserved structural features, they also display considerable compositional and structural diversity. Here, we explored the structural bases underlying the functional versatility of T4SSs through systematic deletion and subunit swapping between two conjugation systems encoded by the distantly-related IncF plasmids, pED208 and F. We identified several regions of intrinsic flexibility among the encoded T4SSs, as evidenced by partial or complete functionality of chimeric machines. Swapping of VirD4-like TraD type IV coupling proteins (T4CPs) yielded functional chimeras, indicative of relaxed specificity at the substrate - TraD and TraD - T4SS interfaces. Through mutational analyses, we further delineated domains of the TraD T4CPs contributing to recruitment of cognate vs heterologous DNA substrates. Remarkably, swaps of components comprising the outer membrane core complexes, a few F-specific subunits, or the TraA pilins supported DNA transfer in the absence of detectable pilus production. Among sequenced enterobacterial species in the NCBI database, we identified many strains that harbor two or more F-like plasmids and many F plasmids lacking one or more T4SS components required for self-transfer. We confirmed that host cells carrying co-resident, non-selftransmissible variants of pED208 and F elaborate chimeric T4SSs, as evidenced by transmission of both plasmids. We propose that T4SS plasticity enables the facile assembly of functional chimeras, and this intrinsic flexibility at the structural level can account for functional diversification of this superfamily over evolutionary time and, on a more immediate time-scale, to proliferation of transfer-defective MGEs in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Kishida
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030, United States of America
| | - Yang Grace Li
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030, United States of America
| | - Natsumi Ogawa-Kishida
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030, United States of America
| | - Pratick Khara
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030, United States of America
| | - Abu Amar M Al Mamun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Bosserman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Christie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030, United States of America
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5
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Di Pilato V, Willison E, Marchese A. The microbiology and pathogenesis of nonfermenting Gram-negative infections. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2023; 36:537-544. [PMID: 37732777 PMCID: PMC10624403 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000969] [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: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an overview of most recent evidence about pathogenesis traits and virulence factors contributing to successful colonization or infection by P. aeruginosa , A. baumannii , S. maltophilia and B. cepacia complex, among the most clinically relevant nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria (NFGNB). RECENT FINDINGS The growing clinical importance of NFGNB as important opportunistic pathogens causing difficult-to-treat infections in a fragile patients' population in stressed by numerous studies. Identification of novel virulence factors and deciphering of their mechanisms of action have greatly furthered our understanding of NFGNB pathogenesis, revealing that each pathogen-specific armamentarium of virulence factors (adhesins, motility, capsule, biofilm, lipopolysaccharide, exotoxins, exoenzymes, secretion systems, siderophores) can be likely responsible for the difference in the pathophysiology even in the context of a similar infection site. Emerging evidence of the immunomodulatory effect of some virulence factors is also acknowledged. SUMMARY NFGNB continue to be a serious global problem as cause of life-threatening opportunistic infections, owing to a highly heterogeneous content of virulence factors and their extensive number of intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Further efforts in development of novel effective antimicrobials and of alternative strategies targeting key virulence factors are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa
| | - Edward Willison
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Marchese
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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6
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Soto Perezchica MM, Guerrero Barrera AL, Avelar Gonzalez FJ, Quezada Tristan T, Macias Marin O. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, surface proteins and virulence: a review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1276712. [PMID: 38098987 PMCID: PMC10720984 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1276712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is a globally distributed Gram-negative bacterium that produces porcine pleuropneumonia. This highly contagious disease produces high morbidity and mortality in the swine industry. However, no effective vaccine exists to prevent it. The infection caused by App provokes characteristic lesions, such as edema, inflammation, hemorrhage, and necrosis, that involve different virulence factors. The colonization and invasion of host surfaces involved structures and proteins such as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), pili, flagella, adhesins, outer membrane proteins (OMPs), also participates proteases, autotransporters, and lipoproteins. The recent findings on surface structures and proteins described in this review highlight them as potential immunogens for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- María M. Soto Perezchica
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Tisular, Departamento de Morfología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Alma L. Guerrero Barrera
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Tisular, Departamento de Morfología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Francisco J. Avelar Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Estudios Ambientales, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Teodulo Quezada Tristan
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinaria, Centro de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Osvaldo Macias Marin
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Tisular, Departamento de Morfología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
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7
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Sogues A, Fioravanti A, Jonckheere W, Pardon E, Steyaert J, Remaut H. Structure and function of the EA1 surface layer of Bacillus anthracis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7051. [PMID: 37923757 PMCID: PMC10624894 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42826-x] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, a deadly disease mostly affecting wildlife and livestock, as well as representing a bioterrorism threat. Its cell surface is covered by the mutually exclusive S-layers Sap and EA1, found in early and late growth phases, respectively. Here we report the nanobody-based structural characterization of EA1 and its native lattice contacts. The EA1 assembly domain consists of 6 immunoglobulin-like domains, where three calcium-binding sites structure interdomain contacts that allow monomers to adopt their assembly-competent conformation. Nanobody-induced depolymerization of EA1 S-layers results in surface defects, membrane blebbing and cell lysis under hypotonic conditions, indicating that S-layers provide additional mechanical stability to the cell wall. Taken together, we report a complete model of the EA1 S-layer and present a set of nanobodies that may have therapeutic potential against Bacillus anthracis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Sogues
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Antonella Fioravanti
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wim Jonckheere
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Els Pardon
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Steyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Han Remaut
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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8
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Elashiry MM, Bergeron BE, Tay FR. Enterococcus faecalis in secondary apical periodontitis: Mechanisms of bacterial survival and disease persistence. Microb Pathog 2023; 183:106337. [PMID: 37683835 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract. However, in individuals with compromised immune systems, the pathogen can lead to severe illness. This opportunistic pathogen is associated with secondary apical diseases and is adept at resisting antibiotics and other forms of treatment because of its numerous virulence factors. Enterococcus faecalis is capable of disrupting the normal functions of immune cells, thereby hindering the body's ability to eradicate the infection. However, intensive research is needed in further understanding the adverse immunomodulatory effects of E. faecalis. Potential strategies specific for eradicating E. faecalis have proven beneficial in the treatment of persistent secondary apical periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Elashiry
- Department of Endodontics, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia, USA; Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Brian E Bergeron
- Department of Endodontics, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia, USA
| | - Franklin R Tay
- Department of Endodontics, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia, USA
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9
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Infection and Immunity. Clin Immunol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818006-8.00007-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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10
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Gahlot DK, Taheri N, MacIntyre S. Diversity in Genetic Regulation of Bacterial Fimbriae Assembled by the Chaperone Usher Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010161. [PMID: 36613605 PMCID: PMC9820224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria express different types of hair-like proteinaceous appendages on their cell surface known as pili or fimbriae. These filamentous structures are primarily involved in the adherence of bacteria to both abiotic and biotic surfaces for biofilm formation and/or virulence of non-pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria. In pathogenic bacteria, especially Gram-negative bacteria, fimbriae play a key role in bacteria-host interactions which are critical for bacterial invasion and infection. Fimbriae assembled by the Chaperone Usher pathway (CUP) are widespread within the Enterobacteriaceae, and their expression is tightly regulated by specific environmental stimuli. Genes essential for expression of CUP fimbriae are organised in small blocks/clusters, which are often located in proximity to other virulence genes on a pathogenicity island. Since these surface appendages play a crucial role in bacterial virulence, they have potential to be harnessed in vaccine development. This review covers the regulation of expression of CUP-assembled fimbriae in Gram-negative bacteria and uses selected examples to demonstrate both dedicated and global regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmender K. Gahlot
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EX, UK
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Correspondence: (D.K.G.); (S.M.)
| | - Nayyer Taheri
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
| | - Sheila MacIntyre
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EX, UK
- Correspondence: (D.K.G.); (S.M.)
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11
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Gaines MC, Isupov MN, Sivabalasarma S, Haque RU, McLaren M, Mollat CL, Tripp P, Neuhaus A, Gold VAM, Albers SV, Daum B. Electron cryo-microscopy reveals the structure of the archaeal thread filament. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7411. [PMID: 36456543 PMCID: PMC9715654 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34652-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pili are filamentous surface extensions that play roles in bacterial and archaeal cellular processes such as adhesion, biofilm formation, motility, cell-cell communication, DNA uptake and horizontal gene transfer. The model archaeaon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius assembles three filaments of the type-IV pilus superfamily (archaella, archaeal adhesion pili and UV-inducible pili), as well as a so-far uncharacterised fourth filament, named "thread". Here, we report on the cryo-EM structure of the archaeal thread. The filament is highly glycosylated and consists of subunits of the protein Saci_0406, arranged in a head-to-tail manner. Saci_0406 displays structural similarity, but low sequence homology, to bacterial type-I pilins. Thread subunits are interconnected via donor strand complementation, a feature reminiscent of bacterial chaperone-usher pili. However, despite these similarities in overall architecture, archaeal threads appear to have evolved independently and are likely assembled by a distinct mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Gaines
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Michail N Isupov
- Henry Wellcome Building for Biocatalysis, Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Shamphavi Sivabalasarma
- Institute of Biology II, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Risat Ul Haque
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Mathew McLaren
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Clara L Mollat
- Institute of Biology II, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Tripp
- Institute of Biology II, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Neuhaus
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Vicki A M Gold
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Institute of Biology II, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBBS, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Daum
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK.
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK.
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12
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Molecular Epidemiology of Plasmid-Mediated Types 1 and 3 Fimbriae Associated with Biofilm Formation in Multidrug Resistant Escherichia coli from Diseased Food Animals in Guangdong, China. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0250321. [PMID: 35969065 PMCID: PMC9603762 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02503-21] [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] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Types 1 and 3 fimbriae in Enterobacteriaceae play versatile roles in bacterial physiology including attachment, invasion, cell motility as well as with biofilm formation and urinary tract infections. Herein, we investigated the prevalence and transmission of plasmid-mediated types 1 and 3 fimbriae from 1753 non-duplicate Enterobacteriaceae from diseased food Animals. We identified 123 (7.01%) strong biofilm producers and all was identified as E. coli. WGS analysis of 43 selected strong biofilm producers revealed that they harbored multiple ARGs, including ESBLs, PMQR and mcr-1. The gene clusters mrkABCDF and fimACDH encoding types 1 and 3 fimbriae, respectively, were identified among 43 (34.96%) and 7 (5.7%) of 123 strong biofilm isolates, respectively. These two operons were able to confer strong biofilm-forming ability to an E. coli weak-biofilm forming laboratory strain. Plasmid analysis revealed that mrk and fim operons were found to co-exist with ARGs and were primarily located on IncX1 and IncFII plasmids with similar backbones, respectively. mrkABCDF operons was present in all of 9457 Klebsiella pneumoniae using archived WGS data, and shared high homology to those on plasmids of 8 replicon types and chromosomes from 6 Enterobacteriaceae species from various origins and countries. In contrast, fimACDH operons was present in most of Enterobacter cloacae (62.15%), and shared high homology to those with only a small group of plasmids and Enterobacteriaceae species. This is the first comprehensive report of the prevalence, transmission and homology of plasmid-encoded type 1 and 3 fimbriae among the Enterobacteriaceae. Our findings indicated that plasmid-encoded mrkABCDF and fimACDH were major contributors to enhanced biofilm formation among E. coli and these two operons, in particular mrk could be as a potential anti-biofilm target. IMPORTANCE Biofilms allow bacteria to tolerate disinfectants and antimicrobials, as well as mammalian host defenses, and are therefore difficult to treat clinically. Most research concerning biofilm-related infections is typically focused on chromosomal biofilm-associated factors, including types 1 and 3 fimbriae of biofilm-forming Enterobacterium. However, the transmission and homology of the mobile types 1 and 3 fimbriae among Enterobacteriaceae is largely unknown. The findings revealed that the plasmid-encoded type 3 fimbriae encoded by mrkABCDF and type 1 fimbriae encoded by fimACDH were major contributors to enhancing biofilm formation among strong biofilm E. coli from diseased food producing animals. Additionally, mrk operon with high homology at an amino acid sequence was present both on plasmids of various replicon types and on chromosomes from diverse Enterobacteriaceae species from numerous origins and countries. These findings provide important information on the transmission of the mobile types 1 and 3 fimbriae among Enterobacteriaceae, indicating a potential antibiofilm target.
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13
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Tobuse AJ, Ang CW, Yeong KY. Modern vaccine development via reverse vaccinology to combat antimicrobial resistance. Life Sci 2022; 302:120660. [PMID: 35642852 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120660] [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] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
With the continuous evolution of bacteria, the global antimicrobial resistance health threat is causing millions of deaths yearly. While depending on antibiotics as a primary treatment has its merits, there are no effective alternatives thus far in the pharmaceutical market against some drug-resistant bacteria. In recent years, vaccinology has become a key topic in scientific research. Combining with the growth of technology, vaccine research is seeing a new light where the process is made faster and more efficient. Although less discussed, bacterial vaccine is a feasible strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. Some vaccines have shown promising results with good efficacy against numerous multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria. In this review, we aim to discuss the findings from studies utilizing reverse vaccinology for vaccine development against some multidrug-resistant bacteria, as well as provide a summary of multi-year bacterial vaccine studies in clinical trials. The advantages of reverse vaccinology in the generation of new bacterial vaccines are also highlighted. Meanwhile, the limitations and future prospects of bacterial vaccine concludes this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Joy Tobuse
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia Campus, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Wei Ang
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia Campus, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Keng Yoon Yeong
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia Campus, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
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14
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Abstract
Type IV pili (T4P) are retractable multifunctional nanofibers present on the surface of numerous bacterial and archaeal species. Their importance to microbiology is difficult to overstate. The scientific journey leading to our current understanding of T4P structure and function has included many innovative research milestones. Although multiple T4P reviews over the years have emphasized recent advances, we find that current reports often omit many of the landmark discoveries in this field. Here, we attempt to highlight chronologically the most important work on T4P, from the discovery of pili to the application of sophisticated contemporary methods, which has brought us to our current state of knowledge. As there remains much to learn about the complex machine that assembles and retracts T4P, we hope that this review will increase the interest of current researchers and inspire innovative progress.
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15
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Okaro U, Mou S, Lenkoue G, Williams JA, Bonagofski A, Larson P, Kumar R, DeShazer D. A type IVB pilin influences twitching motility and in vitro adhesion to epithelial cells in Burkholderia pseudomallei. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168. [PMID: 35293855 PMCID: PMC9558350 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Type IV pili are involved in adhesion, twitching motility, aggregation, biofilm formation and virulence in a variety of Gram-negative bacteria. Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis and a Tier 1 biological select agent, is a Gram-negative bacterium with eight type IV pili-associated loci (TFP1 to TFP8). Most have not been fully characterized. In this study, we investigated BPSS2185, an uncharacterized TFP8 gene that encodes a type IVB pilus protein subunit. Using genetic deletion and complementation analysis in B. pseudomallei JW270, we demonstrate that BPSS2185 plays an important role in twitching motility and adhesion to A549 human alveolar epithelial cells. Compared to JW270, the JW270 ΔBPSS2185 mutant failed to display twitching motility and did not adhere to the epithelial cells. These phenotypes were partially reversed by the complementation of BPSS2185 in the mutant strain. The study also shows that BPSS2185 is expressed only during the onset of mature biofilm formation and at the dispersal of a biofilm, suggesting that the motility characteristic is required to form a biofilm. Our study is the first to suggest that the BPSS2185 gene in TFP8 contributes to twitching motility, adhesion and biofilm formation, indicating that the gene may contribute to B. pseudomallei virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udoka Okaro
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Sherry Mou
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Geraldin Lenkoue
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Janice A Williams
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ari Bonagofski
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter Larson
- Molecular Biology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Raina Kumar
- Molecular Biology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - David DeShazer
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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16
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Garnett JA, Atherton J. Structure Determination of Microtubules and Pili: Past, Present, and Future Directions. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:830304. [PMID: 35096976 PMCID: PMC8795688 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.830304] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically proteins that form highly polymeric and filamentous assemblies have been notoriously difficult to study using high resolution structural techniques. This has been due to several factors that include structural heterogeneity, their large molecular mass, and available yields. However, over the past decade we are now seeing a major shift towards atomic resolution insight and the study of more complex heterogenous samples and in situ/ex vivo examination of multi-subunit complexes. Although supported by developments in solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (ssNMR) and computational approaches, this has primarily been due to advances in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The study of eukaryotic microtubules and bacterial pili are good examples, and in this review, we will give an overview of the technical innovations that have enabled this transition and highlight the advancements that have been made for these two systems. Looking to the future we will also describe systems that remain difficult to study and where further technical breakthroughs are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Garnett
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Atherton
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Pradhan B, Liedtke J, Sleutel M, Lindbäck T, Zegeye ED, O´Sullivan K, Llarena A, Brynildsrud O, Aspholm M, Remaut H. Endospore Appendages: a novel pilus superfamily from the endospores of pathogenic Bacilli. EMBO J 2021; 40:e106887. [PMID: 34031903 PMCID: PMC8408608 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020106887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus sensu lato is a group of Gram-positive endospore-forming bacteria with high ecological diversity. Their endospores are decorated with micrometer-long appendages of unknown identity and function. Here, we isolate endospore appendages (Enas) from the food poisoning outbreak strain B. cereus NVH 0075-95 and find proteinaceous fibers of two main morphologies: S- and L-Ena. By using cryoEM and 3D helical reconstruction of S-Enas, we show these to represent a novel class of Gram-positive pili. S-Enas consist of single domain subunits with jellyroll topology that are laterally stacked by β-sheet augmentation. S-Enas are longitudinally stabilized by disulfide bonding through N-terminal connector peptides that bridge the helical turns. Together, this results in flexible pili that are highly resistant to heat, drought, and chemical damage. Phylogenomic analysis reveals a ubiquitous presence of the ena-gene cluster in the B. cereus group, which include species of clinical, environmental, and food importance. We propose Enas to represent a new class of pili specifically adapted to the harsh conditions encountered by bacterial spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brajabandhu Pradhan
- Structural and Molecular MicrobiologyVIB‐VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIBBrusselsBelgium
- Department of Bioengineering SciencesStructural Biology BrusselsVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Janine Liedtke
- Department of Paraclinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineThe Norwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
| | - Mike Sleutel
- Structural and Molecular MicrobiologyVIB‐VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIBBrusselsBelgium
- Department of Bioengineering SciencesStructural Biology BrusselsVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Toril Lindbäck
- Department of Paraclinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineThe Norwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
| | - Ephrem Debebe Zegeye
- Department of Paraclinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineThe Norwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
| | - Kristin O´Sullivan
- Department of Paraclinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineThe Norwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
| | - Ann‐Katrin Llarena
- Department of Paraclinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineThe Norwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
| | - Ola Brynildsrud
- Department of Paraclinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineThe Norwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental HealthNorwegian Institute of Public HealthOsloNorway
| | - Marina Aspholm
- Department of Paraclinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineThe Norwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
| | - Han Remaut
- Structural and Molecular MicrobiologyVIB‐VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIBBrusselsBelgium
- Department of Bioengineering SciencesStructural Biology BrusselsVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
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18
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Siukstaite L, Imberty A, Römer W. Structural Diversities of Lectins Binding to the Glycosphingolipid Gb3. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:704685. [PMID: 34381814 PMCID: PMC8350385 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.704685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycolipids are present on the surfaces of all living cells and thereby represent targets for many protein receptors, such as lectins. Understanding the interactions between lectins and glycolipids is essential for investigating the functions of lectins and the dynamics of glycolipids in living membranes. This review focuses on lectins binding to the glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), an attractive host cell receptor, particularly for pathogens and pathogenic products. Shiga toxin (Stx), from Shigella dysenteriae or Escherichia coli, which is one of the most virulent bacterial toxins, binds and clusters Gb3, leading to local negative membrane curvature and the formation of tubular plasma membrane invaginations as the initial step for clathrin-independent endocytosis. After internalization, it is embracing the retrograde transport pathway. In comparison, the homotetrameric lectin LecA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa can also bind to Gb3, triggering the so-called lipid zipper mechanism, which results in membrane engulfment of the bacterium as an important step for its cellular uptake. Notably, both lectins bind to Gb3 but induce distinct plasma membrane domains and exploit mainly different transport pathways. Not only, several other Gb3-binding lectins have been described from bacterial origins, such as the adhesins SadP (from Streptococcus suis) and PapG (from E. coli), but also from animal, fungal, or plant origins. The variety of amino acid sequences and folds demonstrates the structural versatilities of Gb3-binding lectins and asks the question of the evolution of specificity and carbohydrate recognition in different kingdoms of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Siukstaite
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Imberty
- CNRS, CERMAV, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Winfried Römer
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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19
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Bhat SV, Price JDW, Dahms TES. AFM-Based Correlative Microscopy Illuminates Human Pathogens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:655501. [PMID: 34026660 PMCID: PMC8138568 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.655501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbes have an arsenal of virulence factors that contribute to their pathogenicity. A number of challenges remain to fully understand disease transmission, fitness landscape, antimicrobial resistance and host heterogeneity. A variety of tools have been used to address diverse aspects of pathogenicity, from molecular host-pathogen interactions to the mechanisms of disease acquisition and transmission. Current gaps in our knowledge include a more direct understanding of host-pathogen interactions, including signaling at interfaces, and direct phenotypic confirmation of pathogenicity. Correlative microscopy has been gaining traction to address the many challenges currently faced in biomedicine, in particular the combination of optical and atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM, generates high-resolution surface topographical images, and quantifies mechanical properties at the pN scale under physiologically relevant conditions. When combined with optical microscopy, AFM probes pathogen surfaces and their physical and molecular interaction with host cells, while the various modes of optical microscopy view internal cellular responses of the pathogen and host. Here we review the most recent advances in our understanding of pathogens, recent applications of AFM to the field, how correlative AFM-optical microspectroscopy and microscopy have been used to illuminate pathogenicity and how these methods can reach their full potential for studying host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya V Bhat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Jared D W Price
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Tanya E S Dahms
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
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20
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Targeting effect of berberine on type I fimbriae of Salmonella Typhimurium and its effective inhibition of biofilm. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:1563-1573. [PMID: 33496815 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
As a primary cause of food contamination and human diseases, Salmonella Typhimurium can easily form a biofilm that is difficult to remove from food surfaces, and often causes significant invisible threats to food safety. Although berberine has been widely used as an anti-infective drug in traditional medicine, some basic principles underlying its mechanism, especially the interaction between berberine and type I fimbriae genes, has not been verified yet. In this study, two strains of major fimbrial gene mutants (ΔfimA and ΔfimH) were constructed to demonstrate the possible action of berberine on type I fimbriae genes. The broth microdilution method was used to determine the antibacterial activity of berberine against selected strains (WT, ΔfimA, and ΔfimH). Cell agglutination experiments revealed that the number of S. Typhimurium type I fimbriae reduced after berberine treatment, which was consistent with transmission electron microscopy results. Quantitative real-time PCR experiments also confirmed that berberine reduced fimA gene expression, indicating a certain interaction between berberine and fimA gene. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging of biofilm clearly revealed that berberine prevents biofilm formation by reducing the number of type I fimbriae. Overall, it is well speculated for us that berberine could be an excellent combating-biofilm drug in clinical microbiology and food preservation. KEY POINTS: • Reduce the number of fimbriae. • Berberine targeting fimA. • Effective biofilm inhibitor.
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21
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Heidler TV, Ernits K, Ziolkowska A, Claesson R, Persson K. Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbrial protein Mfa5 contains a von Willebrand factor domain and an intramolecular isopeptide. Commun Biol 2021; 4:106. [PMID: 33495563 PMCID: PMC7835359 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01621-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis is a secondary colonizer of the oral biofilm and is involved in the onset and progression of periodontitis. Its fimbriae, of type-V, are important for attachment to other microorganisms in the biofilm and for adhesion to host cells. The fimbriae are assembled from five proteins encoded by the mfa1 operon, of which Mfa5 is one of the ancillary tip proteins. Here we report the X-ray structure of the N-terminal half of Mfa5, which reveals a von Willebrand factor domain and two IgG-like domains. One of the IgG-like domains is stabilized by an intramolecular isopeptide bond, which is the first such bond observed in a Gram-negative bacterium. These features make Mfa5 structurally more related to streptococcal adhesins than to the other P. gingivalis Mfa proteins. The structure reported here indicates that horizontal gene transfer has occurred among the bacteria within the oral biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas V. Heidler
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Chemistry, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Karin Ernits
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Chemistry, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnieszka Ziolkowska
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Chemistry, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rolf Claesson
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Odontology, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Karina Persson
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Chemistry, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
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22
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Järvå MA, Hirt H, Dunny GM, Berntsson RPA. Polymer Adhesin Domains in Gram-Positive Cell Surface Proteins. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:599899. [PMID: 33324381 PMCID: PMC7726212 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.599899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Surface proteins in Gram-positive bacteria are often involved in biofilm formation, host-cell interactions, and surface attachment. Here we review a protein module found in surface proteins that are often encoded on various mobile genetic elements like conjugative plasmids. This module binds to different types of polymers like DNA, lipoteichoic acid and glucans, and is here termed polymer adhesin domain. We analyze all proteins that contain a polymer adhesin domain and classify the proteins into distinct classes based on phylogenetic and protein domain analysis. Protein function and ligand binding show class specificity, information that will be useful in determining the function of the large number of so far uncharacterized proteins containing a polymer adhesin domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Järvå
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Helmut Hirt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Gary M Dunny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ronnie P-A Berntsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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23
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Singhi D, Srivastava P. Role of Bacterial Cytoskeleton and Other Apparatuses in Cell Communication. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:158. [PMID: 32766280 PMCID: PMC7378377 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00158] [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: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial cytoskeleton is crucial for sensing the external environment and plays a major role in cell to cell communication. There are several other apparatuses such as conjugation tubes, membrane vesicles, and nanotubes used by bacterial cells for communication. The present review article describes the various bacterial cytoskeletal proteins and other apparatuses, the physical structures they form and their role in sensing environmental stress. The implications of this cellular communication in pathogenicity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Preeti Srivastava
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
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24
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Wrobel A, Saragliadis A, Pérez-Ortega J, Sittman C, Göttig S, Liskiewicz K, Spence MH, Schneider K, Leo JC, Arenas J, Linke D. The inverse autotransporters of Yersinia ruckeri, YrInv and YrIlm, contribute to biofilm formation and virulence. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:2939-2955. [PMID: 32372498 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Yersinia ruckeri causes enteric redmouth disease (ERM) that mainly affects salmonid fishes and leads to significant economic losses in the aquaculture industry. An increasing number of outbreaks and the lack of effective vaccines against some serotypes necessitates novel measures to control ERM. Importantly, Y. ruckeri survives in the environment for long periods, presumably by forming biofilms. How the pathogen forms biofilms and which molecular factors are involved in this process, remains unclear. Yersinia ruckeri produces two surface-exposed adhesins, belonging to the inverse autotransporters (IATs), called Y. ruckeri invasin (YrInv) and Y. ruckeri invasin-like molecule (YrIlm). Here, we investigated whether YrInv and YrIlm play a role in biofilm formation and virulence. Functional assays revealed that YrInv and YrIlm promote biofilm formation on different abiotic substrates. Confocal microscopy revealed that they are involved in microcolony interaction and formation, respectively. The effect of both IATs on biofilm formation correlated with the presence of different biopolymers in the biofilm matrix, including extracellular DNA, RNA and proteins. Moreover, YrInv and YrIlm contributed to virulence in the Galleria mellonella infection model. Taken together, we propose that both IATs are possible targets for the development of novel diagnostic and preventative strategies to control ERM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Wrobel
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jesús Pérez-Ortega
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carolin Sittman
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Hospital of Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Göttig
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Hospital of Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jack C Leo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ, UK
| | - Jesús Arenas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Unit of Microbiology of the Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Dirk Linke
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
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25
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Structure of polymerized type V pilin reveals assembly mechanism involving protease-mediated strand exchange. Nat Microbiol 2020; 5:830-837. [DOI: 10.1038/s41564-020-0705-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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