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Niu H, Gu J, Zhang Y. Bacterial persisters: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:174. [PMID: 39013893 PMCID: PMC11252167 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01866-5] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Persisters refer to genetically drug susceptible quiescent (non-growing or slow growing) bacteria that survive in stress environments such as antibiotic exposure, acidic and starvation conditions. These cells can regrow after stress removal and remain susceptible to the same stress. Persisters are underlying the problems of treating chronic and persistent infections and relapse infections after treatment, drug resistance development, and biofilm infections, and pose significant challenges for effective treatments. Understanding the characteristics and the exact mechanisms of persister formation, especially the key molecules that affect the formation and survival of the persisters is critical to more effective treatment of chronic and persistent infections. Currently, genes related to persister formation and survival are being discovered and confirmed, but the mechanisms by which bacteria form persisters are very complex, and there are still many unanswered questions. This article comprehensively summarizes the historical background of bacterial persisters, details their complex characteristics and their relationship with antibiotic tolerant and resistant bacteria, systematically elucidates the interplay between various bacterial biological processes and the formation of persister cells, as well as consolidates the diverse anti-persister compounds and treatments. We hope to provide theoretical background for in-depth research on mechanisms of persisters and suggest new ideas for choosing strategies for more effective treatment of persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Niu
- School of Basic Medical Science and Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaying Gu
- School of Basic Medical Science and Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China.
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D'Aquila P, De Rose E, Sena G, Scorza A, Cretella B, Passarino G, Bellizzi D. Quorum Quenching Approaches against Bacterial-Biofilm-Induced Antibiotic Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:619. [PMID: 39061301 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13070619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
With the widespread phenomenon of antibiotic resistance and the diffusion of multiple drug-resistant bacterial strains, enormous efforts are being conducted to identify suitable alternative agents against pathogenic microorganisms. Since an association between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance phenotype has been observed, a promising strategy pursued in recent years focuses on controlling and preventing this formation by targeting and inhibiting the Quorum Sensing (QS) system, whose central role in biofilm has been extensively demonstrated. Therefore, the research and development of Quorum Quenching (QQ) compounds, which inhibit QS, has gradually attracted the attention of researchers and has become a new strategy for controlling harmful microorganisms. Among these, a number of both natural and synthetic compounds have been progressively identified as able to interrupt the intercellular communication within a microbial community and the adhesion to a surface, thus disintegrating mature/preformed biofilms. This review describes the role played by QS in the formation of bacterial biofilms and then focuses on the mechanisms of different natural and synthetic QS inhibitors (QSIs) exhibiting promising antibiofilm ability against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens and on their applications as biocontrol strategies in various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia D'Aquila
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Elisabetta De Rose
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Giada Sena
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Angelo Scorza
- Villa Ermelinda, Progetto Terza Età, 88842 Cutro, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Dina Bellizzi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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Yang Y, Chen YZ, Xia T. Optimizing antigen selection for the development of tuberculosis vaccines. CELL INSIGHT 2024; 3:100163. [PMID: 38572176 PMCID: PMC10987857 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2024.100163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a prevalent global infectious disease caused by genetically closely related tubercle bacilli in Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). For a century, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been the primary preventive measure against TB. While it effectively protects against extrapulmonary forms of pediatric TB, it lacks consistent efficacy in providing protection against pulmonary TB in adults. Consequently, the exploration and development of novel TB vaccines, capable of providing broad protection to populations, have consistently constituted a prominent area of interest in medical research. This article presents a concise overview of the novel TB vaccines currently undergoing clinical trials, discussing their classification, protective efficacy, immunogenicity, advantages, and limitations. In vaccine development, the careful selection of antigens that can induce strong and diverse specific immune responses is essential. Therefore, we have summarized the molecular characteristics, biological function, immunogenicity, and relevant studies associated with the chosen antigens for TB vaccines. These insights gained from vaccines and immunogenic proteins will inform the development of novel mycobacterial vaccines, particularly mRNA vaccines, for effective TB control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yi-Zhen Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Tian Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, 730046, China
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Mishra AK, Thakare RP, Santani BG, Yabaji SM, Dixit SK, Srivastava KK. Unlocking the enigma of phenotypic drug tolerance: Mechanisms and emerging therapeutic strategies. Biochimie 2024; 220:67-83. [PMID: 38168626 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.12.009] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
In the ongoing battle against antimicrobial resistance, phenotypic drug tolerance poses a formidable challenge. This adaptive ability of microorganisms to withstand drug pressure without genetic alterations further complicating global healthcare challenges. Microbial populations employ an array of persistence mechanisms, including dormancy, biofilm formation, adaptation to intracellular environments, and the adoption of L-forms, to develop drug tolerance. Moreover, molecular mechanisms like toxin-antitoxin modules, oxidative stress responses, energy metabolism, and (p)ppGpp signaling contribute to this phenomenon. Understanding these persistence mechanisms is crucial for predicting drug efficacy, developing strategies for chronic bacterial infections, and exploring innovative therapies for refractory infections. In this comprehensive review, we dissect the intricacies of drug tolerance and persister formation, explore their role in acquired drug resistance, and highlight emerging therapeutic approaches to combat phenotypic drug tolerance. Furthermore, we outline the future landscape of interventions for persistent bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok K Mishra
- Division of Microbiology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India; Department of Molecular Cell and Cancer Biology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| | - Ritesh P Thakare
- Division of Microbiology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India; Department of Molecular Cell and Cancer Biology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Bela G Santani
- Department of Microbiology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University (SGBAU), Amravati, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shivraj M Yabaji
- Division of Microbiology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shivendra K Dixit
- Division of Medicine ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India.
| | - Kishore K Srivastava
- Division of Microbiology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India.
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Blee JA, Gorochowski TE, Hauert S. Optimization of periodic treatment strategies for bacterial biofilms using an agent-based in silico approach. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20240078. [PMID: 38593842 PMCID: PMC11003776 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0078] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are responsible for most chronic infections and are highly resistant to antibiotic treatments. Previous studies have demonstrated that periodic dosing of antibiotics can help sensitize persistent subpopulations and reduce the overall dosage required for treatment. Because the dynamics and mechanisms of biofilm growth and the formation of persister cells are diverse and are affected by environmental conditions, it remains a challenge to design optimal periodic dosing regimens. Here, we develop a computational agent-based model to streamline this process and determine key parameters for effective treatment. We used our model to test a broad range of persistence switching dynamics and found that if periodic antibiotic dosing was tuned to biofilm dynamics, the dose required for effective treatment could be reduced by nearly 77%. The biofilm architecture and its response to antibiotics were found to depend on the dynamics of persister cells. Despite some differences in the response of biofilm governed by different persister switching rates, we found that a general optimized periodic treatment was still effective in significantly reducing the required antibiotic dose. As persistence becomes better quantified and understood, our model has the potential to act as a foundation for more effective strategies to target bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna A. Blee
- School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, University of Bristol, Ada Lovelace Building, Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TW, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Thomas E. Gorochowski
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- BrisEngBio, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Sabine Hauert
- School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, University of Bristol, Ada Lovelace Building, Tankard's Close, Bristol BS8 1TW, UK
- BrisEngBio, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
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Dufour D, Li H, Gong SG, Lévesque CM. Transcriptome Analysis of Streptococcus mutans Quorum Sensing-Mediated Persisters Reveals an Enrichment in Genes Related to Stress Defense Mechanisms. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1887. [PMID: 37895236 PMCID: PMC10606796 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101887] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Persisters are a small fraction of growth-arrested phenotypic variants that can survive lethal concentrations of antibiotics but are able to resume growth once antibiotics are stopped. Their formation can be a stochastic process or one triggered by environmental cues. In the human pathogen Streptococcus mutans, the canonical peptide-based quorum-sensing system is an inducible DNA repair system that is pivotal for bacterial survival. Previous work has shown that the CSP-signaling peptide is a stress-signaling alarmone that promotes the formation of stress-induced persisters. In this study, we exposed S. mutans to the CSP pheromone to mimic DNA damage conditions and isolated the antibiotic persisters by treating the cultures with ofloxacin. A transcriptome analysis was then performed to evaluate the differential gene expression between the normal stationary-phase cells and the persisters. RNA sequencing revealed that triggered persistence was associated with the upregulation of genes related to several stress defense mechanisms, notably, multidrug efflux pumps, the arginine deaminase pathway, and the Opu/Opc system. In addition, we showed that inactivation of the VicK kinase of the YycFG essential two-component regulatory system abolished the formation of triggered persisters via the CSP pheromone. These data contribute to the understanding of the triggered persistence phenotype and may suggest new therapeutic strategies for treating persistent streptococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Céline M. Lévesque
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada; (D.D.); (H.L.); (S.-G.G.)
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