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Ábrahám Á, Dér L, Csákvári E, Vizsnyiczai G, Pap I, Lukács R, Varga-Zsíros V, Nagy K, Galajda P. Single-cell level LasR-mediated quorum sensing response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to pulses of signal molecules. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16181. [PMID: 39003361 PMCID: PMC11246452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66706-6] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication form between bacteria via small signal molecules that enables global gene regulation as a function of cell density. We applied a microfluidic mother machine to study the kinetics of the QS response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria to additions and withdrawals of signal molecules. We traced the fast buildup and the subsequent considerably slower decay of a population-level and single-cell-level QS response. We applied a mathematical model to explain the results quantitatively. We found significant heterogeneity in QS on the single-cell level, which may result from variations in quorum-controlled gene expression and protein degradation. Heterogeneity correlates with cell lineage history, too. We used single-cell data to define and quantitatively characterize the population-level quorum state. We found that the population-level QS response is well-defined. The buildup of the quorum is fast upon signal molecule addition. At the same time, its decay is much slower following signal withdrawal, and the quorum may be maintained for several hours in the absence of the signal. Furthermore, the quorum sensing response of the population was largely repeatable in subsequent pulses of signal molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Ábrahám
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, Dóm Tér 9, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
| | - László Dér
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Eszter Csákvári
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- Division for Biotechnology, Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Ltd. for Applied Research, Derkovits Fasor 2., Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Gaszton Vizsnyiczai
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Imre Pap
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Sciences, University of Szeged, Dóm Tér 9, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
| | - Rebeka Lukács
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Vanda Varga-Zsíros
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biochemistry, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Nagy
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary.
| | - Péter Galajda
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Temesvári Krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary.
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Zhang Q, Soulère L, Queneau Y. Amide bioisosteric replacement in the design and synthesis of quorum sensing modulators. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 273:116525. [PMID: 38801798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116525] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The prevention or control of bacterial infections requires continuous search for novel approaches among which bacterial quorum sensing inhibition is considered as a complementary antibacterial strategy. Quorum sensing, used by many different bacteria, functions through a cell-to-cell communication mechanism relying on chemical signals, referred to as autoinducers, such as N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) which are the most common chemical signals in this system. Designing analogs of these autoinducers is one of the possible ways to interfere with quorum sensing. Since bioisosteres are powerful tools in medicinal chemistry, targeting analogs of AHLs or other signal molecules and mimics of known QS modulators built on amide bond bioisosteres is a relevant strategy in molecular design and synthetic routes. This review highlights the application of amide bond bioisosteric replacement in the design and synthesis of novel quorum sensing inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Purification and Application of Plant Anti-cancer Active Ingredients, Hubei University of Education, 129 Second Gaoxin Road, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Laurent Soulère
- INSA Lyon, CNRS, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR 5246, ICBMS, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 rue Victor Grignard, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Yves Queneau
- INSA Lyon, CNRS, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR 5246, ICBMS, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 rue Victor Grignard, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France.
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Manson DE, Ananiev GE, Guo S, Ericksen SS, Santa EE, Blackwell HE. Abiotic Small Molecule Inhibitors and Activators of the LasR Quorum Sensing Receptor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Potencies Comparable or Surpassing N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1212-1221. [PMID: 38506163 PMCID: PMC11014758 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa controls almost 10% of its genome, including myriad virulence genes, via a cell-to-cell chemical communication system called quorum sensing (QS). Small molecules that either inhibit or activate QS in P. aeruginosa represent useful research tools to study the role of this signaling pathway in infection and interrogate its viability as an antivirulence target. However, despite active research in this area over the past 20+ years, there are relatively few synthetic compounds known to strongly inhibit or activate QS in P. aeruginosa. Most reported QS modulators in this pathogen are of low potency or have structural liabilities that limit their application in biologically relevant environments such as mimics of the native N-acyl l-homoserine lactone (AHL) signals. Here, we report the results of a high-throughput screen for abiotic small molecules that target LasR, a key QS regulator in P. aeruginosa. We screened a 25,000-compound library and discovered four new structural classes of abiotic LasR modulators. These compounds include antagonists that surpass the potency of all known AHL-type compounds and mimetics thereof, along with an agonist with potency approaching that of LasR's native ligand. The novel structures of this compound set, along with their anticipated robust physicochemical profiles, underscore their potential value as probe molecules to interrogate the roles of QS in this formidable pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Manson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Gene E Ananiev
- Small Molecule Screening Facility, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53792, United States
| | - Song Guo
- Small Molecule Screening Facility, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53792, United States
| | - Spencer S Ericksen
- Small Molecule Screening Facility, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53792, United States
| | - Emma E Santa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Helen E Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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4
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Mehmood S, Hussain M, Bux K, Hussain Z, Raza Shah M, Ali Jakhrani M, Ali Channar P, Begum I, Saboor R, Yildiz CB, Ali K, Herwig R. Structural dynamics and anti-biofilm screening of novel imidazole derivative to explore their anti-biofilm inhibition mechanism against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38385459 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2317983] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The biofilm formation is still prevalent mechanism of developing the drug resistance in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa, gram-negative bacteria, known for its major role in nosocomial, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), lung infections and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. As best of our knowledge, current study first time reports the most potent inhibitors of LasR, a transcriptional activator of biofilm and virulence regulating genes in, Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR, utilizing newly functionalized imidazoles (5a-d), synthesized via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition using click approach. The synthesized ligands were characterized through Mass Spectrometry and 1H NMR. The binding potency and mode of biding of ligands. Quantum Mechanical(QM) methods were utilized to investigate the electronic basis, HOMO/LUMO and dipole moment of the geometry of the ligands for their binding potency. Dynamics cross correlation matrix (DCCMs) and protein surface analysis were further utilized to explore the structural dynamics of the protein. Free energy of binding of ligands and protein were further estimated using Molecular Mechanical Energies with the Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) method. Molecular Docking studies revealed significant negative binding energies (5a - 10.33, 5b -10.09, 5c - 10.11, and 5d -8.33 KJ/mol). HOMO/LUMO and potential energy surface map estimation showed the ligands(5a) with lower energy gaps and larger dipole moments had relatively larger binding potency. The significant change in the structural dynamics of LasR protein due to complex formation with newlyfunctionalized imidazoles ligands. Hydrogen bond surface analysis followed by MMPBSA calculations of free energy of binding further complemented the Molecular docking revelations showing the specifically ligand (5a) having the relatively higher energy of binding(-65.22kj/mol).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahab Mehmood
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Pakistan
| | - Mumtaz Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Khair Bux
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Pakistan
| | - Zahid Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Raza Shah
- International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mushtaque Ali Jakhrani
- Institute of Chemistry, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur mirs, Khairpurmirs, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Pervaiz Ali Channar
- Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Information Sciences and Humanities, Dawood University of Engineering and Technology Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Irshad Begum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rukhsana Saboor
- Department of Pathology, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, Pakistan
| | - Cem B Yildiz
- Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, University of Aksaray, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Kashif Ali
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Pakistan
| | - Ralf Herwig
- Laboratories PD Dr. R. Herwig, 80337 Munich, Germany and Heimerer-College, Pristina, Kosovo
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Koh CMM, Ping LSY, Xuan CHH, Theng LB, San HS, Palombo EA, Wezen XC. A data-driven machine learning approach for discovering potent LasR inhibitors. Bioengineered 2023; 14:2243416. [PMID: 37552115 PMCID: PMC10411317 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2243416] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The rampant spread of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains severely threatens global health. This severity is compounded against the backdrop of a stagnating antibiotics development pipeline. Moreover, with many promising therapeutics falling short of expectations in clinical trials, targeting the las quorum sensing (QS) system remains an attractive therapeutic strategy to combat P. aeruginosa infection. Thus, our primary goal was to develop a drug prediction algorithm using machine learning to identify potent LasR inhibitors. In this work, we demonstrated using a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) algorithm boosted with AdaBoostM1 to discriminate between active and inactive LasR inhibitors. The optimal model performance was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation and test sets. Our best model achieved a 90.7% accuracy in distinguishing active from inactive LasR inhibitors, an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve value of 0.95, and a Matthews correlation coefficient value of 0.81 when evaluated using test sets. Subsequently, we deployed the model against the Enamine database. The top-ranked compounds were further evaluated for their target engagement activity using molecular docking studies, Molecular Dynamics simulations, MM-GBSA analysis, and Free Energy Landscape analysis. Our data indicate that several of our chosen top hits showed better ligand-binding affinities than naringenin, a competitive LasR inhibitor. Among the six top hits, five of these compounds were predicted to be LasR inhibitors that could be used to treat P. aeruginosa-associated infections. To our knowledge, this study provides the first assessment of using an MLP-based QSAR model for discovering potent LasR inhibitors to attenuate P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christabel Ming Ming Koh
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Lilian Siaw Yung Ping
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Christopher Ha Heng Xuan
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Lau Bee Theng
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Hwang Siaw San
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Enzo A. Palombo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xavier Chee Wezen
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Vetrivel A, Vetrivel P, Dhandapani K, Natchimuthu S, Ramasamy M, Madheswaran S, Murugesan R. Inhibition of biofilm formation, quorum sensing and virulence factor production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 by selected LasR inhibitors. Int Microbiol 2023; 26:851-868. [PMID: 36806045 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00338-0] [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: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The quorum sensing network of Pseudomonas aeruginosa mediates the regulation of genes controlling biofilm formation and virulence factors. The rise of drug resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections has made quorum sensing-regulated biofilm formation in clinical settings a major issue. In the present study, LasR inhibitors identified in our previous study were evaluated for their antibiofilm and antiquorum sensing activities against P. aeruginosa PAO1. The compounds selected were (3-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-1-(2-fluorophenyl)urea) (C1), (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[(3-methylquinoxalin-2-yl)methylsulfanyl]quinazolin-4-one) (C2) and (2-({4-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]pyrimidin-2-yl}sulfanyl)-N-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)acetamide) (C3). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of C1 and C2 were 1000 μM, whereas that of C3 was 500 μM. At sub-MICs, the compounds showed potent antibiofilm activity without affecting the growth of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Electron microscopy confirmed the disruption of biofilm by the selected compounds. The antiquorum sensing activity of the compounds was revealed by the inhibition of violacein in Chromobacterium violaceum and the inhibition of swimming and swarming motilities in P. aeruginosa PAO1. Furthermore, the compounds also attenuated the production of quorum sensing-mediated virulence factors. The qRT-PCR revealed the downregulation of quorum sensing regulatory genes, namely lasI, lasR, rhlI, rhlR, lasB, pqsA and pqsR. The selected compounds also exhibited lower cytotoxicity against peripheral blood lymphocytes. Thus, this study could pave a way to explore these compounds for the development of therapeutic agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Vetrivel
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Preethi Vetrivel
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Kavitha Dhandapani
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Santhi Natchimuthu
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Monica Ramasamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Soundariya Madheswaran
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajeswari Murugesan
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, 641043, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Ballante F, Turkina MV, Ntzouni M, Magnusson KE, Vikström E. Modified N-acyl-L-homoserine lactone compounds abrogate Las-dependent quorum-sensing response in human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1264773. [PMID: 37908228 PMCID: PMC10613653 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1264773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a mode of cell-cell communication that bacteria use to sense population density and orchestrate collective behaviors. The common opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs QS to regulate a large set of genes involved in virulence and host-pathogen interactions. The Las circuit positioned on the top of the QS hierarchy in P. aeruginosa makes use of N-acyl-L-homoserine lactones (AHLs) as signal molecules, like N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3O-C12-HSL). Disabling QS circuits by certain small-molecule compounds, known as quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs), has been proposed as a strategy to attenuate bacterial pathogenicity. In this study, four new AHL analogs were designed by incorporating a tert-butoxycarbonyl Boc group in amide and β-keto (3-oxo) moiety. Compounds were evaluated on a molecular and phenotypic basis as a QSI using the screening strategy linked to the assignment of the Las QS system in P. aeruginosa. Using a LasR-based bioreporter, we found that the compounds decreased LasR-controlled light activity and competed efficiently with natural 3O-C12-HSL. The compounds reduced the production of the cognate 3O-C12-HSL and certain virulence traits, like total protease activity, elastase activity, pyocyanin production, and extracellular DNA release. Furthermore, a quantitative proteomic approach was used to study the effect of the compounds on QS-regulated extracellular proteins. Among the four compounds tested, one of them showed the most significant difference in the appearance of the 3O-C12-HSL-responsive reference proteins related to QS communication and virulence, i.e., a distinct activity as a QSI. Moreover, by combining experimental data with computational chemistry, we addressed the effect of LasR protein flexibility on docking precision and assessed the advantage of using a multi-conformational docking procedure for binding mode prediction of LasR modulators. Thus, the four new AHL compounds were tested for their interaction with the AHL-binding site in LasR to identify the key interferences with the activity of LasR. Our study provides further insight into molecular features that are required for small-molecule modulation of LasR-dependent QS communication in P. aeruginosa. This should facilitate rational design of the next generation of antivirulence tools to study and manipulate QS-controlled fitness in bacteria and, thereby, handle bacterial infections in a new way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Ballante
- Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS), Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria V. Turkina
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria Ntzouni
- Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karl-Eric Magnusson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elena Vikström
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Lima EMF, Almeida FAD, Sircili MP, Bueris V, Pinto UM. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuates quorum sensing regulated phenotypes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14152. [PMID: 36923901 PMCID: PMC10009464 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14152] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of many virulence genes in bacteria is regulated by quorum sensing (QS), and the inhibition of this mechanism has been intensely investigated. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has good antibacterial activity and is able to interfere with biofilm-related respiratory infections, but little is known whether this compound has an effect on bacterial QS communication. This work aimed to evaluate the potential of NAC as a QS inhibitor (QSI) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 through in silico and in vitro analyses, as well as in combination with the antibiotic tobramycin. Initially, a molecular docking analysis was performed between the QS regulatory proteins, LasR and RhlR, of P. aeruginosa with NAC, 3-oxo-C12-HSL, C4-HSL, and furanone C30. The NAC sub-inhibitory concentration was determined by growth curves. Then, we performed in vitro tests using the QS reporter strains P. aeruginosa lasB-gfp and rhlA-gfp, as well as the expression of QS-related phenotypes. Finally, the synergistic effect of NAC with the antibiotic tobramycin was calculated by fractional inhibitory concentrations index (FICi) and investigated against bacterial growth, pigment production, and biofilm formation. In the molecular docking study, NAC bound to LasR and RhlR proteins in a similar manner to the AHL cognate, suggesting that it may be able to bind to QS receptor proteins in vivo. In the biosensor assay, the GFP signal was turned down in the presence of NAC at 1000, 500, 250, and 125 μM for lasB-gfp and rhlA-gfp (p < 0.05), suggesting a QS inhibitory effect. Pyocyanin and rhamnolipids decreased (p < 0.05) up to 34 and 37%, respectively, in the presence of NAC at 125 μM. Swarming and swimming motilities were inhibited (p < 0.05) by NAC at 250 to 10000 μM. Additionally, 2500 and 10000 μM of NAC reduced biofilm formation. NAC-tobramycin combination showed synergistic effect with FICi of 0.8, and the best combination was 2500-1.07 μM, inhibiting biofilm formation up to 60%, besides reducing pyocyanin and pyoverdine production. Confocal microscopy images revealed a stronger, dense, and compact biofilm of P. aeruginosa PAO1 control, while the biofilm treated with NAC-tobramycin became thinner and more dispersed. Overall, NAC at low concentrations showed promising anti-QS properties against P. aeruginosa PAO1, adding to its already known effect as an antibacterial and antibiofilm agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emília Maria França Lima
- Food Research Center, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Alves de Almeida
- Instituto de Laticínios Cândido Tostes (ILCT), Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (EPAMIG), Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa Bueris
- Microbiology Department, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Uelinton Manoel Pinto
- Food Research Center, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
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9
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Identification of 3-nitrophenol ester derivatives as novel quorum-sensing inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Mol Struct 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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10
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Mensah JO, Boakye A, Manu P, Nketia PB, Gasu EN, Asiamah I, Borquaye LS. Computational Studies Provide a Molecular Basis for the Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Action of Compounds from
Dioon spinulosum
Dyer Ex Eichler. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron Boakye
- Department of Chemistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Prince Manu
- Department of Chemistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Prisca Baah Nketia
- Department of Chemistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Edward Ntim Gasu
- Department of Chemistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
- Central Laboratory Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Isaac Asiamah
- Department of Chemistry University of Cape Coast Cape Coast Ghana
| | - Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye
- Department of Chemistry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
- Central Laboratory Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
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El-Aleam RHA, Sayed AM, Taha MN, George RF, Georgey HH, Abdel-Rahman HM. New benzimidazole derivatives targeting LasR with antibiofilm efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An integrated in vitro and molecular dynamics simulation- based investigation. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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12
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Nyffeler KE, Santa EE, Blackwell HE. Small Molecules with Either Receptor-Selective or Pan-Receptor Activity in the Three LuxR-Type Receptors that Regulate Quorum Sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2979-2985. [PMID: 36239990 PMCID: PMC9675725 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) allows bacteria to assess their local cell density using chemical signals and plays a prominent role in the ability of common pathogens to infect a host. Non-native molecules capable of attenuating bacterial QS represent useful tools to explore the role of this pathway in virulence. As individual bacterial species can have multiple QS systems and/or reside in mixed communities with other bacteria capable of QS, chemical tools that are either selective for one QS system or "pan-active" and target all QS pathways are of significant interest. Herein we outline the analysis of a set of compounds reported to target one QS system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa for their activity in two other QS circuits in this pathogen and the discovery of molecules with novel activity profiles, including subsets that agonize all three QS systems, agonize one but antagonize the other two, or strongly antagonize just one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh E. Nyffeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA,Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Emma E. Santa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Helen E. Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA
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13
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Tripathi S, Purchase D, Govarthanan M, Chandra R, Yadav S. Regulatory and innovative mechanisms of bacterial quorum sensing-mediated pathogenicity: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:75. [PMID: 36334179 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10564-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a system of bacteria in which cells communicate with each other; it is linked to cell density in the microbiome. The high-density colony population can provide enough small molecular signals to enable a range of cellular activities, gene expression, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance that cause damage to the hosts. QS is the basis of chronic illnesses in human due to microbial sporulation, expression of virulence factors, biofilm formation, secretion of enzymes, or production of membrane vesicles. The transfer of antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) among antibiotic resistance bacteria is a major public health concern. QS-mediated biofilm is a hub for ARG horizontal gene transfer. To develop innovative approach to prevent microbial pathogenesis, it is essential to understand the role of QS especially in response to environmental stressors such as exposure to antibiotics. This review provides the latest knowledge on the relationship of QS and pathogenicity and explore the novel approach to control QS via quorum quenching (QQ) using QS inhibitors (QSIs) and QQ enzymes. The state-of-the art knowledge on the role of QS and the potential of using QQ will help to overcome the threats of rapidly emerging bacterial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Tripathi
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School for Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India
| | - Diane Purchase
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon, London, NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Muthusamy Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | - Ram Chandra
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School for Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India.
| | - Sangeeta Yadav
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School for Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India.
- Department of Botany, Vaishno Devi Prashikshan Mahavidyalaya, Gondahi, Kunda, Pratapgarh, India.
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14
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Styles MJ, Boursier ME, McEwan MA, Santa EE, Mattmann ME, Slinger BL, Blackwell HE. Autoinducer-fluorophore conjugates enable FRET in LuxR proteins in vitro and in cells. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:1115-1124. [PMID: 35927585 PMCID: PMC9529866 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01089-1] [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: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell signaling, or quorum sensing (QS), in many Gram-negative bacteria is governed by small molecule signals (N-acyl-L-homoserine lactones, AHLs) and their cognate receptors (LuxR-type proteins). The mechanistic underpinnings of QS in these bacteria are severely limited due to the challenges of isolating and manipulating most LuxR-type proteins. Reports of quantitative direct-binding experiments on LuxR-type proteins are scarce, and robust and generalizable methods that provide such data are largely nonexistent. We report herein a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay that leverages (1) conserved tryptophans located in the LuxR-type protein ligand-binding site and synthetic fluorophore-AHL conjugates, and (2) isolation of the proteins bound to weak agonists. The FRET assay permits straightforward measurement of ligand-binding affinities with receptor-either in vitro or in cells-and was shown to be compatible with six LuxR-type proteins. These methods will advance fundamental investigations of LuxR-type protein mechanism and the development of small molecule QS modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Styles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Emma E Santa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Betty L Slinger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Helen E Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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15
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Bernabè G, Marzaro G, Di Pietra G, Otero A, Bellato M, Pauletto A, Scarpa M, Sut S, Chilin A, Dall’Acqua S, Brun P, Castagliuolo I. A novel phenolic derivative inhibits AHL-dependent quorum sensing signaling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:996871. [PMID: 36204236 PMCID: PMC9531014 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.996871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing antibiotic resistance and the decline in the pharmaceutical industry’s investments have amplified the need for novel treatments for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors reduce pathogens’ virulence without selective pressure on bacteria and provide an alternative to conventional antibiotic-based therapies. P. aeruginosa uses complex QS signaling to control virulence and biofilm formation. We aimed to identify inhibitors of P. aeruginosa QS acting on acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL)-mediated circuits. Bioluminescence and qRT-PCR assays were employed to screen a library of 81 small phenolic derivatives to reduce AHL-dependent signaling. We identified GM-50 as the most active compound inhibiting the expression of AHL-regulated genes but devoid of cytotoxic activity in human epithelial cells and biocidal effects on bacteria. GM-50 reduces virulence factors such as rhamnolipids, pyocyanin, elastase secretion, and swarming motility in P. aeruginosa PAO1 laboratory strain. By molecular docking, we provide evidence that GM-50 highly interacts with RhlR. GM-50 significantly improved aztreonam-mediated biofilm disruption. Moreover, GM-50 prevents adhesion of PAO1 and inflammatory damage in the human A549 cell line and protects Galleria mellonella from PAO1-mediated killing. GM-50 significantly reduces virulence factors in 20 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from patients with respiratory tract infections. In conclusion, GM-50 inhibits AHL-signaling, reduces virulence factors, enhances the anti-biofilm activity of aztreonam, and protects G. mellonella larvae from damage induced by P. aeruginosa. Since GM-50 is active on clinical strains, it represents a starting point for identifying and developing new phenolic derivatives acting as QS-inhibitors in P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bernabè
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ana Otero
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía-CIBUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Massimo Bellato
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Anthony Pauletto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Melania Scarpa
- Laboratory of Advanced Translational Research, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Adriana Chilin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall’Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Brun,
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16
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Abd El-Aleam RH, Sayed AM, Taha MN, George RF, Georgey HH, Abdel-Rahman HM. Design and synthesis of novel benzimidazole derivatives as potential Pseudomonas aeruginosa anti-biofilm agents inhibiting LasR: Evidence from comprehensive molecular dynamics simulation and in vitro investigation. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 241:114629. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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17
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Xie Y, Chen J, Wang B, Peng AY, Mao ZW, Xia W. Inhibition of Quorum-Sensing Regulator from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Using a Flavone Derivative. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082439. [PMID: 35458637 PMCID: PMC9031925 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication process that controls bacterial collective behaviors. The QS network regulates and coordinates bacterial virulence factor expression, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Therefore, inhibition of the QS system is an effective strategy to suppress the bacterial virulence. Herein, we identify a phosphate ester derivative of chrysin as a potent QS inhibitor of the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) using a designed luciferase reporter assay. In vitro biochemical analysis shows that the chrysin derivative binds to the bacterial QS regulator LasR and abrogates its DNA-binding capability. In particular, the derivative exhibits higher anti-virulence activity compared to the parent molecule. All the results reveal the potential application of flavone derivative as an anti-virulence compound to combat the infectious diseases caused by P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxuan Xie
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Y.X.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (A.-Y.P.)
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jingxin Chen
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Y.X.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (A.-Y.P.)
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Y.X.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (A.-Y.P.)
| | - Ai-Yun Peng
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Y.X.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (A.-Y.P.)
| | - Zong-Wan Mao
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Y.X.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (A.-Y.P.)
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-W.M.); (W.X.)
| | - Wei Xia
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (Y.X.); (J.C.); (B.W.); (A.-Y.P.)
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-W.M.); (W.X.)
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18
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Aflakian F, Rad M, Hashemitabar G, Lagzian M, Ramezani M. Design and assessment of novel synthetic peptides to inhibit quorum sensing-dependent biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIOFOULING 2022; 38:131-146. [PMID: 35067121 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2022.2028280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common biofilm-producing bacteria, often leading to long-term and chronic infections. The LasR regulator protein acts as the central regulator of the quorum sensing (QS) system and coordinates the expression of some virulence and biofilm genes. In this study, novel peptides (WSF, FASK, YDVD) were designed for binding to the domain of the transcriptional activator of the LasR protein and interfere with LasR in the QS system of P. aeruginosa. The effects of these peptides on biofilm production, expression of biofilm-related genes (AlgC, PslA, PelA), and growth of planktonic P. aeruginosa were investigated. All three peptides inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa planktonic cells at 1600 µg ml-1 and exhibited anti-biofilm effects at sub-inhibitory concentrations (800 µg ml-1). Measurements of the mRNA levels of biofilm-related genes at sub-inhibitory concentrations of the designed peptides showed a significant decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Aflakian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Rad
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hashemitabar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Milad Lagzian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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19
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Victoria-Muñoz F, Sánchez-Cruz N, Medina-Franco JL, Lopez-Vallejo F. Cheminformatics analysis of molecular datasets of transcription factors associated with quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RSC Adv 2022; 12:6783-6790. [PMID: 35424595 PMCID: PMC8981735 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra08352j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There are molecular structural features that are key to defining the agonist or antagonist activity on LasR, RhlR and PqsR transcription factors, associated with quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Victoria-Muñoz
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Farmacia, Av. Cra 30 # 45-03, Bogotá D.C., 11001 Colombia
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química, Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales Vegetales Bioactivos, Av. Cra 30 # 45-03, Bogotá D.C., 11001 Colombia
| | - Norberto Sánchez-Cruz
- DIFACQUIM Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Mexico City, 04510 Mexico
| | - José L. Medina-Franco
- DIFACQUIM Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Mexico City, 04510 Mexico
| | - Fabian Lopez-Vallejo
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química, Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales Vegetales Bioactivos, Av. Cra 30 # 45-03, Bogotá D.C., 11001 Colombia
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20
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Ruiz CH, Osorio-Llanes E, Trespalacios MH, Mendoza-Torres E, Rosales W, Gómez CMM. Quorum Sensing Regulation as a Target for Antimicrobial Therapy. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:848-864. [PMID: 34856897 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666211202115259] [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: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Some bacterial species use a cell-to-cell communication mechanism called Quorum Sensing (QS). Bacteria release small diffusible molecules, usually termed signals which allow the activation of beneficial phenotypes that guarantee bacterial survival and the expression of a diversity of virulence genes in response to an increase in population density. The study of the molecular mechanisms that relate signal molecules with bacterial pathogenesis is an area of growing interest due to its use as a possible therapeutic alternative through the development of synthetic analogues of autoinducers as a strategy to regulate bacterial communication as well as the study of bacterial resistance phenomena, the study of these relationships is based on the structural diversity of natural or synthetic autoinducers and their ability to inhibit bacterial QS, which can be approached with a molecular perspective from the following topics: i) Molecular signals and their role in QS regulation; ii) Strategies in the modulation of Quorum Sensing; iii) Analysis of Bacterial QS circuit regulation strategies; iv) Structural evolution of natural and synthetic autoinducers as QS regulators. This mini-review allows a molecular view of the QS systems, showing a perspective on the importance of the molecular diversity of autoinducer analogs as a strategy for the design of new antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterine Henríquez Ruiz
- Grupo de Investigación en Química Orgánica y Biomédica. Faculty of Basic Sciences. Universidad del Atlántico. Barranquilla. Colombia
| | - Estefanie Osorio-Llanes
- Faculty of Exact and Natural sciences. Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina. Universidad Libre. Barranquilla. Colombia
| | - Mayra Hernández Trespalacios
- Grupo de Investigación en Química Orgánica y Biomédica. Faculty of Basic Sciences. Universidad del Atlántico. Barranquilla. Colombia
| | - Evelyn Mendoza-Torres
- Faculty of Health Sciences. Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina-Universidad Libre. Barranquilla. Colombia
| | - Wendy Rosales
- Faculty of Exact and Natural sciences. Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina. Universidad Libre. Barranquilla. Colombia
| | - Carlos Mario Meléndez Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Química Orgánica y Biomédica. Faculty of Basic Sciences. Universidad del Atlántico. Barranquilla. Colombia
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21
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Falcarindiol Isolated from Notopterygium incisum Inhibits the Quorum Sensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195896. [PMID: 34641440 PMCID: PMC8512080 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195896] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is employed by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to regulate physiological behaviors and virulence. QS inhibitors (QSIs) are potential anti-virulence agents for the therapy of P. aeruginosa infection. During the screening for QSIs from Chinese herbal medicines, falcarindiol (the major constituent of Notopterygium incisum) exhibited QS inhibitory activity. The subinhibitory concentration of falcarindiol exerted significant inhibitory effects on the formation of biofilm and the production of virulence factors such as elastase, pyocyanin, and rhamnolipid. The mRNA expression of QS-related genes (lasB, phzH, rhlA, lasI, rhlI, pqsA, and rhlR) was downregulated by falcarindiol while that of lasR was not affected by falcarindiol. The transcriptional activation of the lasI promoter was inhibited by falcarindiol in the P. aeruginosa QSIS-lasI selector. Further experiments confirmed that falcarindiol inhibited the las system using the reporter strain Escherichia coli MG4/pKDT17. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that falcarindiol inhibited the binding of the transcription factor LasR and the lasI promoter region. Molecular docking showed that falcarindiol interacted with the Tyr47 residue, leading to LasR instability. The decrease of LasR-mediated transcriptional activation was responsible for the reduction of downstream gene expression, which further inhibited virulence production. The inhibition mechanism of falcarindiol to LasR provides a theoretical basis for its medicinal application.
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22
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Vetrivel A, Natchimuthu S, Subramanian V, Murugesan R. High-Throughput Virtual Screening for a New Class of Antagonist Targeting LasR of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:18314-18324. [PMID: 34308062 PMCID: PMC8296597 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen, causes fatal effects in patients with cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised individuals and leads to around 1000 deaths annually. The quorum sensing mechanism of P. aeruginosa plays a major role in promoting biofilm formation and expression of virulent genes. Hence, quorum sensing inhibition is a promising novel approach to treat these bacterial infections as these organisms show a wide range of antibiotic resistance. Among the interconnected quorum sensing network of P. aeruginosa, targeting the las system is of increased interest as its principal receptor protein LasR is the earliest activated gene. It is also shown to be involved in the regulation of other virulence-associated genes. In this study, we have applied high-throughput virtual screening, an in silico computational method to identify a new class of LasR inhibitors that could serve as potent antagonists to treat P. aeruginosa-associated infections. Three-tire structure-based virtual screening was performed on the Schrödinger small molecule database, which resulted in 12 top hit compounds with docking scores lesser than -11.0 kcal/mol. Three of these best-scored compounds CACPD2011a-0001928786 (C1), CACPD2011a-0001927437 (C2), and CACPD2011a-0000896051 (C3) were further analyzed. The binding free energies of these compounds in complex with the target protein LasR (3IX4) were evaluated, and the pharmacokinetic properties were determined. The stability of the docked complexes was assessed by running a molecular dynamics simulation for 100 ns. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis revealed that all three compounds were found to be in stable contact with the protein over the entire simulation period. The antagonistic effect of these compounds was validated using the LasR reporter gene assay in the presence of acyl homoserine lactone. Significant reduction in the β-galactosidase enzyme activity was achieved at 100 nM concentration for all three compounds pursued. Hence, the present study provides strong evidence that these three compounds could serve as quorum sensing inhibitors of P. aeruginosa LasR protein and can be a probable candidate to treat Pseudomonas-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Vetrivel
- Department
of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for
Women, Coimbatore 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Santhi Natchimuthu
- Department
of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for
Women, Coimbatore 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Rajeswari Murugesan
- Department
of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for
Women, Coimbatore 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
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23
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Önem E, Sarısu HC, Özaydın AG, Muhammed MT, Ak A. Phytochemical profile, antimicrobial, and anti-quorum sensing properties of fruit stalks of Prunus avium L. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 73:426-437. [PMID: 34173244 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical contents and antibacterial properties of 2-year Prunus avium L. standard cultivars [Cristalina (Cr), 0900 Ziraat (Zr)] and to elucidate the mechanism of action of the extracts on the quorum sensing (QS) system by using homology modelling and molecular docking. Phenolic contents of methanol extract of Cr and Zr stalks were detected by HPLC. As a result, catechin hydrate (6364·67-8127·93 µg g-1 ) and chlorogenic acid (998·81-1273·4 µg g-1 ) were found to be the highest in stalk extracts in the two varieties in 2017. All extracts had inhibitory effect on Gram-positive bacteria. Stalk extract of Zr showed higher inhibition rate (86%) on swarming motility. Stalk samples of Zr collected in 2017 and 2018 also reduced biofilm formation by 75 and 73%, respectively. The computational analysis revealed that one of the major component of the extracts, chlorogenic acid, was able to bind to the QS system receptors, LasR, RhlR, and PqsR. Therefore, the mechanism of decreasing the production of virulence factors by the extracts might be through inhibiting these receptors and thus interfering with the QS system.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Önem
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - H C Sarısu
- Republic of Turkey Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock, Fruit Research Institute, Isparta, Turkey
| | - A G Özaydın
- YETEM-Innovative Technology Application and Research Center, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - M T Muhammed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - A Ak
- Vocational School of Health Services, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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24
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Assessing the Molecular Targets and Mode of Action of Furanone C-30 on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061620. [PMID: 33803983 PMCID: PMC7998126 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a sophisticated system of bacterial communication that depends on population density, is employed by many pathogenic bacteria to regulate virulence. In view of the current reality of antibiotic resistance, it is expected that interfering with QS can address bacterial pathogenicity without stimulating the incidence of resistance. Thus, harnessing QS inhibitors has been considered a promising approach to overriding bacterial infections and combating antibiotic resistance that has become a major threat to public healthcare around the globe. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most frequent multidrug-resistant bacteria that utilize QS to control virulence. Many natural compounds, including furanones, have demonstrated strong inhibitory effects on several pathogens via blocking or attenuating QS. While the natural furanones show no activity against P. aeruginosa, furanone C-30, a brominated derivative of natural furanone compounds, has been reported to be a potent inhibitor of the QS system of the notorious opportunistic pathogen. In the present study, we assess the molecular targets and mode of action of furanone C-30 on P. aeruginosa QS system. Our results suggest that furanone C-30 binds to LasR at the ligand-binding site but fails to establish interactions with the residues crucial for the protein's productive conformational changes and folding, thus rendering the protein dysfunctional. We also show that furanone C-30 inhibits RhlR, independent of LasR, suggesting a complex mechanism for the agent beyond what is known to date.
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25
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Markus V, Share O, Teralı K, Ozer N, Marks RS, Kushmaro A, Golberg K. Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity of Stevia Extract, Stevioside, Rebaudioside A and Their Aglycon Steviol. Molecules 2020; 25:E5480. [PMID: 33238612 PMCID: PMC7700441 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Governments are creating regulations for consumers to reduce their sugar intake, prompting companies to increase the ratio of artificial sweeteners in their products. However, there is evidence of some deleterious effects ascribed to the aforementioned synthetic agents and therefore consumers and food manufacturers have turned their attention to natural dietary sweeteners, such as stevia, to meet their sweetening needs. Stevia is generally considered safe; however, emerging scientific evidence has implicated the agent in gut microbial imbalance. In general, regulation of microbial behavior is known to depend highly on signaling molecules via quorum sensing (QS) pathways. This is also true for the gut microbial community. We, therefore, evaluated the possible role of these stevia-based natural sweeteners on this bacterial communication pathway. The use of a commercial stevia herbal supplement resulted in an inhibitory effect on bacterial communication, with no observable bactericidal effect. Purified stevia extracts, including stevioside, rebaudioside A (Reb A), and steviol revealed a molecular interaction, and possible interruption of Gram-negative bacterial communication, via either the LasR or RhlR receptor. Our in-silico analyses suggest a competitive-type inhibitory role for steviol, while Reb A and stevioside are likely to inhibit LasR-mediated QS in a non-competitive manner. These results suggest the need for further safety studies on the agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Markus
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus; (V.M.); (K.T.)
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.S.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Orr Share
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.S.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Kerem Teralı
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus; (V.M.); (K.T.)
| | - Nazmi Ozer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Girne American University, Kyrenia 99428, Cyprus;
| | - Robert S. Marks
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.S.); (R.S.M.)
- The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ariel Kushmaro
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.S.); (R.S.M.)
- The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Karina Golberg
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.S.); (R.S.M.)
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Virtual Screening of FDA-Approved Drugs against LasR of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for Antibiofilm Potential. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25163723. [PMID: 32824118 PMCID: PMC7466078 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25163723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that is present commonly in soil and water and is responsible for causing septic shock, pneumonia, urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections, etc. The multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenomenon has increased dramatically in past years and is now considered a major threat globally, so there is an urgent need to develop new strategies to overcome drug resistance by P. aeruginosa. In P. aeruginosa, a major factor of drug resistance is associated to the formation of biofilms by the LasR enzyme, which regulates quorum sensing and has been reported as a new therapeutic target for designing novel antibacterial molecules. In this study, virtual screening and molecular docking were performed against the ligand binding domain (LBD) of LasR by employing a pharmacophore hypothesis for the screening of 2373 FDA-approved compounds to filter top-scoring hit compounds. Six inhibitors out of 2373 compounds were found to have binding affinities close to that of known LasR inhibitors. The binding modes of these compounds to the binding site in LasR-LBD were analyzed to identify the key interactions that contribute to the inhibition of LasR activity. Then, 50 ns simulations of top hit compounds were performed to elucidate the stability of their binding conformations with the LasR-LBD. This study, thus concluded that sulfamerazine showed the highest binding affinity for the LasR-LBD binding pocket exhibiting strong inhibitory binding interactions during molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.
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Gahan CG, Patel SJ, Boursier ME, Nyffeler KE, Jennings J, Abbott NL, Blackwell HE, Van Lehn RC, Lynn DM. Bacterial Quorum Sensing Signals Self-Assemble in Aqueous Media to Form Micelles and Vesicles: An Integrated Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Study. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:3616-3628. [PMID: 32271573 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many species of common bacteria communicate and coordinate group behaviors, including toxin production and surface fouling, through a process known as quorum sensing (QS). In Gram-negative bacteria, QS is regulated by N-acyl-l-homoserine lactones (AHLs) that possess a polar homoserine lactone headgroup and a nonpolar aliphatic tail. Past studies demonstrate that AHLs can aggregate in water or adsorb at interfaces, suggesting that molecular self-assembly could play a role in processes that govern bacterial communication. We used a combination of biophysical characterization and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to characterize the self-assembly behaviors of 12 structurally related AHLs. We used static light scattering and measurements of surface tension to characterize the assembly of four naturally occurring AHLs (3-oxo-C8-AHL, 3-oxo-C12-AHL, C12-AHL, and C16-AHL) in aqueous media and determine their critical aggregation concentrations (CACs). MD simulations and alchemical free energy calculations were used to predict thermodynamically preferred aggregate structures for each AHL. Those calculations predicted that AHLs with 10 or 12 tail carbon atoms should form spherical micelles and that AHLs with 14 or 16 tail carbon atoms should form vesicles in solution. Characterization of solutions of AHLs using negative stain transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed aggregates with sizes consistent with spherical micelles or small unilamellar vesicles for 3-oxo-C12-AHL and C12-AHL and the formation of large vesicles (∼250 nm) in solutions of C16-AHL. These experimental findings are in general agreement with our simulation predictions. Overall, our results provide insight into processes of self-assembly that can occur in this class of bacterial amphiphiles and, more broadly, provide a potential basis for understanding how AHL structure could influence processes that bacteria use to drive important group behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curran G Gahan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Samarthaben J Patel
- 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
| | - Kayleigh E Nyffeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - James Jennings
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering 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
| | - Reid C Van Lehn
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, 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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Manson DE, O’Reilly MC, Nyffeler KE, Blackwell HE. Design, Synthesis, and Biochemical Characterization of Non-Native Antagonists of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Receptor LasR with Nanomolar IC 50 Values. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:649-661. [PMID: 32037806 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a bacterial cell-to-cell communication system mediated by small molecules and peptides, has received significant interest as a potential target to block infection. The common pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses QS to regulate many of its virulence phenotypes at high cell densities, and the LasR QS receptor plays a critical role in this process. Small molecule tools that inhibit LasR activity would serve to illuminate its role in P. aeruginosa virulence, but we currently lack highly potent and selective LasR antagonists, despite considerable research in this area. V-06-018, an abiotic small molecule discovered in a high-throughput screen, represents one of the most potent known LasR antagonists but has seen little study since its initial report. Herein, we report a systematic study of the structure-activity relationships (SARs) that govern LasR antagonism by V-06-018. We synthesized a focused library of V-06-018 derivatives and evaluated the library for bioactivity using a variety of cell-based LasR reporter systems. The SAR trends revealed by these experiments allowed us to design probes with 10-fold greater potency than that of V-06-018 and 100-fold greater potency than other commonly used N-acyl-l-homoserine lactone (AHL)-based LasR antagonists, along with high selectivities for LasR. Biochemical experiments to probe the mechanism of antagonism by V-06-018 and its analogues support these compounds interacting with the native ligand-binding site in LasR and, at least in part, stabilizing an inactive form of the protein. The compounds described herein are the most potent and efficacious antagonists of LasR known and represent robust probes both for characterizing the mechanisms of LuxR-type QS and for chemical biology research in general in the growing QS field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Manson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 110 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 United States
| | - Matthew C. O’Reilly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 110 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 United States
| | - Kayleigh E. Nyffeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 110 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 United States
| | - Helen E. Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 110 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 United States
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Zhong L, Ravichandran V, Zhang N, Wang H, Bian X, Zhang Y, Li A. Attenuation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing by Natural Products: Virtual Screening, Evaluation and Biomolecular Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2190. [PMID: 32235775 PMCID: PMC7140002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products play vital roles against infectious diseases since ancient times and most drugs in use today are derived from natural sources. Worldwide, multi-drug resistance becomes a massive threat to the society with increasing mortality. Hence, it is very crucial to identify alternate strategies to control these 'super bugs'. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen reported to be resistant to a large number of critically important antibiotics. Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-cell communication mechanism, regulates the biofilm formation and virulence factors that endow pathogenesis in various bacteria including P. aeruginosa. In this study, we identified and evaluated quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) from plant-based natural products against P. aeruginosa. In silico studies revealed that catechin-7-xyloside (C7X), sappanol and butein were capable of interacting with LasR, a LuxR-type quorum sensing regulator of P. aeruginosa. In vitro assays suggested that these QSIs significantly reduced the biofilm formation, pyocyanin, elastase, and rhamnolipid without influencing the growth. Especially, butein reduced the biofilm formation up to 72.45% at 100 µM concentration while C7X and sappanol inhibited the biofilm up to 66% and 54.26% respectively. Microscale thermophoresis analysis revealed that C7X had potential interaction with LasR (KD = 933±369 nM) and thermal shift assay further confirmed the biomolecular interactions. These results suggested that QSIs are able to substantially obstruct the P. aeruginosa QS. Since LuxR-type transcriptional regulator homologues are present in numerous bacterial species, these QSIs may be developed as broad spectrum anti-infectives in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhong
- Helmholtz International Laboratory for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Vinothkannan Ravichandran
- Helmholtz International Laboratory for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Helmholtz International Laboratory for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Hailong Wang
- Helmholtz International Laboratory for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaoying Bian
- Helmholtz International Laboratory for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Youming Zhang
- Helmholtz International Laboratory for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Aiying Li
- Helmholtz International Laboratory for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
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Quecan BXV, Santos JTC, Rivera MLC, Hassimotto NMA, Almeida FA, Pinto UM. Effect of Quercetin Rich Onion Extracts on Bacterial Quorum Sensing. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:867. [PMID: 31105665 PMCID: PMC6492534 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) regulates bacterial gene expression and studies suggest quercetin, a flavonol found in onion, as a QS inhibitor. There are no studies showing the anti-QS activity of plants containing quercetin in its native glycosylated forms. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-QS potential of organic extracts of onion varieties and its representative phenolic compounds quercetin aglycone and quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside in the QS model bacteria Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, and Serratia marcescens MG1. Three phenolic extracts were obtained: red onion extract in methanol acidified with 2.5% acetic acid (RO-1), white onion extract in methanol (WO-1) and white onion extract in methanol ammonium (WO-2). Quercetin 4-O-glucoside and quercetin 3,4-O-diglucoside were identified as the predominant compounds in both onion varieties using HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-MS/MS. However, quercetin aglycone, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and quercetin glycoside were identified only in RO-1. The three extracts showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values equal to or above 125 μg/ml of dried extract. Violacein production was significantly reduced by RO-1 and quercetin aglycone, but not by quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside. Motility in P. aeruginosa PAO1 was inhibited by RO-1, while WO-2 inhibited S. marcescens MG1 motility only in high concentration. Quercetin aglycone and quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside were effective at inhibiting motility in P. aeruginosa PAO1 and S. marcescens MG1. Surprisingly, biofilm formation was not affected by any extracts or the quercetins tested at sub-MIC concentrations. In silico studies suggested a better interaction and placement of quercetin aglycone in the structures of the CviR protein of C. violaceum ATCC 12472 than the glycosylated compound which corroborates the better inhibitory effect of the former over violacein production. On the other hand, the two quercetins were well placed in the AHLs binding pockets of the LasR protein of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Overall onion extracts and quercetin presented antimicrobial activity, and interference on QS regulated production of violacein and swarming motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. X. V. Quecan
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J. T. C. Santos
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M. L. C. Rivera
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - N. M. A. Hassimotto
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F. A. Almeida
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - U. M. Pinto
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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31
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Paczkowski JE, McCready AR, Cong JP, Li Z, Jeffrey PD, Smith CD, Henke BR, Hughson FM, Bassler BL. An Autoinducer Analogue Reveals an Alternative Mode of Ligand Binding for the LasR Quorum-Sensing Receptor. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:378-389. [PMID: 30763066 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria use a cell-cell communication process called quorum sensing to coordinate collective behaviors. Quorum sensing relies on production and group-wide detection of extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers. Here, we probe the activity of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR quorum-sensing receptor using synthetic agonists based on the structure of the native homoserine lactone autoinducer. The synthetic compounds range from low to high potency, and agonist activity tracks with the ability of the agonist to stabilize the LasR protein. Structural analyses of the LasR ligand binding domain complexed with representative synthetic agonists reveal two modes of ligand binding, one mimicking the canonical autoinducer binding arrangement, and the other with the lactone head group rotated approximately 150°. Iterative mutagenesis combined with chemical synthesis reveals the amino acid residues and the chemical moieties, respectively, that are key to enabling each mode of binding. Simultaneous alteration of LasR residues Thr75, Tyr93, and Ala127 converts low-potency compounds into high-potency compounds and converts ligands that are nearly inactive into low-potency compounds. These results show that the LasR binding pocket displays significant flexibility in accommodating different ligands. The ability of LasR to bind ligands in different conformations, and in so doing, alter their potency as agonists, could explain the difficulties that have been encountered in the development of competitive LasR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon E. Paczkowski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Amelia R. McCready
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Jian-Ping Cong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, United States
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Philip D. Jeffrey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Chari D. Smith
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Brad R. Henke
- Opti-Mol Consulting, LLC, Cary, North Carolina 27513, United States
| | - Frederick M. Hughson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Bonnie L. Bassler
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, United States
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Ahmed SAKS, Rudden M, Smyth TJ, Dooley JSG, Marchant R, Banat IM. Natural quorum sensing inhibitors effectively downregulate gene expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factors. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:3521-3535. [PMID: 30852658 PMCID: PMC6449319 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
At present, anti-virulence drugs are being considered as potential therapeutic alternatives and/or adjuvants to currently failing antibiotics. These drugs do not kill bacteria but inhibit virulence factors essential for establishing infection and pathogenesis through targeting non-essential metabolic pathways reducing the selective pressure to develop resistance. We investigated the effect of naturally isolated plant compounds on the repression of the quorum sensing (QS) system which is linked to virulence/pathogenicity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results show that trans-cinnamaldehyde (CA) and salicylic acid (SA) significantly inhibit expression of QS regulatory and virulence genes in P. aeruginosa PAO1 at sub-inhibitory levels without any bactericidal effect. CA effectively downregulated both the las and rhl QS systems with lasI and lasR levels inhibited by 13- and 7-fold respectively compared to 3- and 2-fold reductions with SA treatment, during the stationary growth phase. The QS inhibitors (QSI) also reduced the production of extracellular virulence factors with CA reducing protease, elastase and pyocyanin by 65%, 22% and 32%, respectively. The QSIs significantly reduced biofilm formation and concomitantly with repressed rhamnolipid gene expression, only trace amount of extracellular rhamnolipids were detected. The QSIs did not completely inhibit virulence factor expression and production but their administration significantly lowered the virulence phenotypes at both the transcriptional and extracellular levels. This study shows the significant inhibitory effect of natural plant-derived compounds on the repression of QS systems in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed A K S Ahmed
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Michelle Rudden
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Thomas J Smyth
- School of Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland
| | - James S G Dooley
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Roger Marchant
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Ibrahim M Banat
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
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Espinosa-Valdés MP, Borbolla-Alvarez S, Delgado-Espinosa AE, Sánchez-Tejeda JF, Cerón-Nava A, Quintana-Romero OJ, Ariza-Castolo A, García-Del Río DF, Loza-Mejía MA. Synthesis, In Silico, and In Vitro Evaluation of Long Chain Alkyl Amides from 2-Amino-4-Quinolone Derivatives as Biofilm Inhibitors. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24020327. [PMID: 30658415 PMCID: PMC6359591 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection from multidrug resistant bacteria has become a growing health concern worldwide, increasing the need for developing new antibacterial agents. Among the strategies that have been studied, biofilm inhibitors have acquired relevance as a potential source of drugs that could act as a complement for current and new antibacterial therapies. Based on the structure of 2-alkyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone and N-acylhomoserine lactone, molecules that act as mediators of quorum sensing and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we designed, prepared, and evaluated the biofilm inhibition properties of long chain amide derivatives of 2-amino-4-quinolone in Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa. All compounds had higher biofilm inhibition activity in P. aeruginosa than in S. aureus. Particularly, compounds with an alkyl chain of 12 carbons exhibited the highest inhibition of biofilm formation. Docking scores and molecular dynamics simulations of the complexes of the tested compounds within the active sites of proteins related to quorum sensing had good correlation with the experimental results, suggesting the diminution of biofilm formation induced by these compounds could be related to the inhibition of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Paola Espinosa-Valdés
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad La Salle-México. Av. Benjamin Franklin 45, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06140, Mexico.
| | - Sara Borbolla-Alvarez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad La Salle-México. Av. Benjamin Franklin 45, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06140, Mexico.
| | - Ana Elena Delgado-Espinosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad La Salle-México. Av. Benjamin Franklin 45, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06140, Mexico.
| | - Juan Francisco Sánchez-Tejeda
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad La Salle-México. Av. Benjamin Franklin 45, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06140, Mexico.
| | - Anabelle Cerón-Nava
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad La Salle-México. Av. Benjamin Franklin 45, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06140, Mexico.
| | - Osvaldo Javier Quintana-Romero
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
| | - Armando Ariza-Castolo
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
| | - Diego Fernando García-Del Río
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad La Salle-México. Av. Benjamin Franklin 45, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06140, Mexico.
| | - Marco A Loza-Mejía
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad La Salle-México. Av. Benjamin Franklin 45, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06140, Mexico.
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Structural determinants driving homoserine lactone ligand selection in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR quorum-sensing receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 116:245-254. [PMID: 30559209 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1817239116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing is a cell-cell communication process that bacteria use to orchestrate group behaviors. Quorum sensing is mediated by signal molecules called autoinducers. Autoinducers are often structurally similar, raising questions concerning how bacteria distinguish among them. Here, we use the Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR quorum-sensing receptor to explore signal discrimination. The cognate autoinducer, 3OC12 homoserine lactone (3OC12HSL), is a more potent activator of LasR than other homoserine lactones. However, other homoserine lactones can elicit LasR-dependent quorum-sensing responses, showing that LasR displays ligand promiscuity. We identify mutants that alter which homoserine lactones LasR detects. Substitution at residue S129 decreases the LasR response to 3OC12HSL, while enhancing discrimination against noncognate autoinducers. Conversely, the LasR L130F mutation increases the potency of 3OC12HSL and other homoserine lactones. We solve crystal structures of LasR ligand-binding domains complexed with noncognate autoinducers. Comparison with existing structures reveals that ligand selectivity/sensitivity is mediated by a flexible loop near the ligand-binding site. We show that LasR variants with modified ligand preferences exhibit altered quorum-sensing responses to autoinducers in vivo. We suggest that possessing some ligand promiscuity endows LasR with the ability to optimally regulate quorum-sensing traits.
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Styles MJ, Blackwell HE. Non-native autoinducer analogs capable of modulating the SdiA quorum sensing receptor in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Beilstein J Org Chem 2018; 14:2651-2664. [PMID: 30410627 PMCID: PMC6204753 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.14.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) allows many common bacterial pathogens to coordinate group behaviors such as virulence factor production, host colonization, and biofilm formation at high population densities. This cell–cell signaling process is regulated by N-acyl L-homoserine lactone (AHL) signals, or autoinducers, and LuxR-type receptors in Gram-negative bacteria. SdiA is an orphan LuxR-type receptor found in Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter genera that responds to AHL signals produced by other species and regulates genes involved in several aspects of host colonization. The inhibition of QS using non-native small molecules that target LuxR-type receptors offers a non-biocidal approach for studying, and potentially controlling, virulence in these bacteria. To date, few studies have characterized the features of AHLs and other small molecules capable of SdiA agonism, and no SdiA antagonists have been reported. Herein, we report the screening of a set of AHL analogs to both uncover agonists and antagonists of SdiA and to start to delineate structure–activity relationships (SARs) for SdiA:AHL interactions. Using a cell-based reporter of SdiA in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, several non-natural SdiA agonists and the first set of SdiA antagonists were identified and characterized. These compounds represent new chemical probes for exploring the mechanisms by which SdiA functions during infection and its role in interspecies interactions. Moreover, as SdiA is highly stable when produced in vitro, these compounds could advance fundamental studies of LuxR-type receptor:ligand interactions that engender both agonism and antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Styles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Helen E Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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