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Wei Y, Wang J, Wu S, Zhou R, Zhang K, Zhang Z, Liu J, Qin S, Shi J. Nanomaterial-Based Zinc Ion Interference Therapy to Combat Bacterial Infections. Front Immunol 2022; 13:899992. [PMID: 35844505 PMCID: PMC9279624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.899992] [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: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic bacterial infections are the second highest cause of death worldwide and bring severe challenges to public healthcare. Antibiotic resistance makes it urgent to explore new antibacterial therapy. As an essential metal element in both humans and bacteria, zinc ions have various physiological and biochemical functions. They can stabilize the folded conformation of metalloproteins and participate in critical biochemical reactions, including DNA replication, transcription, translation, and signal transduction. Therefore, zinc deficiency would impair bacterial activity and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Interestingly, excess zinc ions also could cause oxidative stress to damage DNA, proteins, and lipids by inhibiting the function of respiratory enzymes to promote the formation of free radicals. Such dual characteristics endow zinc ions with unparalleled advantages in the direction of antibacterial therapy. Based on the fascinating features of zinc ions, nanomaterial-based zinc ion interference therapy emerges relying on the outstanding benefits of nanomaterials. Zinc ion interference therapy is divided into two classes: zinc overloading and zinc deprivation. In this review, we summarized the recent innovative zinc ion interference strategy for the treatment of bacterial infections and focused on analyzing the antibacterial mechanism of zinc overloading and zinc deprivation. Finally, we discuss the current limitations of zinc ion interference antibacterial therapy and put forward problems of clinical translation for zinc ion interference antibacterial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbin Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiaming Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sixuan Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruixue Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kaixiang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Key Drug Preparation Technology Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Key Drug Preparation Technology Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Key Drug Preparation Technology Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junjie Liu, ; Shangshang Qin, ; Jinjin Shi,
| | - Shangshang Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Key Drug Preparation Technology Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junjie Liu, ; Shangshang Qin, ; Jinjin Shi,
| | - Jinjin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Key Drug Preparation Technology Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junjie Liu, ; Shangshang Qin, ; Jinjin Shi,
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2
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Nejdl L, Havlikova M, Mravec F, Vaculovic T, Faltusova V, Pavelicova K, Baron M, Kumsta M, Ondrousek V, Adam V, Vaculovicova M. UV-Induced fingerprint spectroscopy. Food Chem 2022; 368:130499. [PMID: 34496333 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present the potential analytical applications of photochemistry in combination with fluorescence fingerprinting. Our approach analyzes the fluorescence of samples after ultraviolet light (UV) treatment. Especially in presence of metal ions and thiol-containing compounds, the fluorescence behavior changes considerably. The UV-induced reactions (changes) are unique to a given sample composition, resulting in distinct patterns or fingerprints (typically in the 230-600 nm spectral region). This method works without the need for additional chemicals or fluorescent probes, only suitable diluent must be used. The proposed method (UV fingerprinting) suggests the option of recognizing various types of pharmaceuticals, beverages (juices and wines), and other samples within only a few minutes. In some studied samples (e.g. pharmaceuticals), significant changes in fluorescence characteristics (mainly fluorescence intensity) were observed. We believe that the fingerprinting technique can provide an innovative solution for analytical detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Nejdl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, CZ-612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Havlikova
- Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Mravec
- Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Vaculovic
- Department of Chemistry, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Faltusova
- Department of Chemistry, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Pavelicova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mojmir Baron
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, Mendel University in Brno, Lednice, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kumsta
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, Mendel University in Brno, Lednice, Czech Republic
| | - Vit Ondrousek
- Department of Informatics, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, CZ-612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Vaculovicova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, CZ-612 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
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3
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Wang S, Cheng J, Niu Y, Li P, Zhang X, Lin J. Strategies for Zinc Uptake in Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the Host-Pathogen Interface. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:741873. [PMID: 34566943 PMCID: PMC8456098 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.741873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a structural, catalytic, and signaling component, zinc is necessary for the growth and development of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Zinc is also essential for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and is involved in their metabolism as well as the regulation of various virulence factors. Additionally, zinc is necessary for infection and colonization of pathogenic microorganisms in the host. Upon infection in healthy organisms, the host sequesters zinc both intracellularly and extracellularly to enhance the immune response and prevent the proliferation and infection of the pathogen. Intracellularly, the host manipulates zinc levels through Zrt/Irt-like protein (ZIP)/ZnT family proteins and various zinc storage proteins. Extracellularly, members of the S100 protein family, such as calgranulin C, sequester zinc to inhibit microbial growth. In the face of these nutritional limitations, bacteria rely on an efficient zinc transport system to maintain zinc supplementation for proliferation and disruption of the host defense system to establish infection. Here, we summarize the strategies for zinc uptake in conditional pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including known zinc uptake systems (ZnuABC, HmtA, and ZrmABCD) and the zinc uptake regulator (Zur). In addition, other potential zinc uptake pathways were analyzed. This review systematically summarizes the process of zinc uptake by P. aeruginosa to provide guidance for the development of new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaitao Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Juanli Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China.,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Jujube, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Yanting Niu
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Panxin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Xiangqian Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China.,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Jujube, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Jinshui Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China.,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Jujube, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
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4
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England CJ, Gray TC, Malla SRL, Oliveira SA, Martin BR, Beall GW, Lewis LK. pH-dependent sedimentation of DNA in the presence of divalent, but not monovalent, metal ions. Anal Biochem 2021; 616:114099. [PMID: 33388294 PMCID: PMC7849029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.114099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Precipitation of DNA is performed frequently in molecular biology laboratories for the purpose of purification and concentration of samples and also for transfer of DNA into cells. Metal ions are used to facilitate these processes, though their precise functions are not well characterized. In the current study we have investigated the precipitation of double-stranded DNA by group 1 and group 2 metal ions. Double-stranded DNAs were not sedimented efficiently by metals alone, even at high concentrations. Increasing the pH to 11 or higher caused strong DNA precipitation in the presence of the divalent group 2 metals magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium, but not group 1 metals. Group 2 sedimentation profiles were distinctly different from that of the transition metal zinc, which caused precipitation at pH 8. Analysis of DNAs recovered from precipitates formed with calcium revealed that structural integrity was retained and that sedimentation efficiency was largely size-independent above 400 bp. Several tests supported a model whereby single-stranded DNA regions formed by denaturation at high pH became bound by the divalent metal cations. Neutralization of negative surface charges reduced the repulsive forces between molecules, leading to formation of insoluble aggregates that could be further stabilized by cation bridging (ionic crosslinking).
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin J England
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Tanner C Gray
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Shubha R L Malla
- Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Samantha A Oliveira
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Benjamin R Martin
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA; Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Gary W Beall
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA; Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - L Kevin Lewis
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA; Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
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5
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Freeland J, Zhang L, Wang ST, Ruiz M, Wang Y. Bent DNA Bows as Sensing Amplifiers for Detecting DNA-Interacting Salts and Molecules. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E3112. [PMID: 32486417 PMCID: PMC7309149 DOI: 10.3390/s20113112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Due to the central role of DNA, its interactions with inorganic salts and small organic molecules are important. For example, such interactions play important roles in various fundamental cellular processes in living systems and are involved in many DNA-damage related diseases. Strategies to improve the sensitivity of existing techniques for studying DNA interactions with other molecules would be appreciated in situations where the interactions are too weak. Here we report our development and demonstration of bent DNA bows for amplifying, sensing, and detecting the interactions of 14 inorganic salts and small organic molecules with DNA. With the bent DNA bows, these interactions were easily visualized and quantified in gel electrophoresis, which were difficult to measure without bending. In addition, the strength of the interactions of DNA with the various salts/molecules were quantified using the modified Hill equation. This work highlights the amplification effects of the bending elastic energy stored in the DNA bows and the potential use of the DNA bows for quantitatively measuring DNA interactions with small molecules as simple economic methods; it may also pave the way for exploiting the bent DNA bows for other applications such as screening DNA-interacting molecules and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Freeland
- Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (J.F.); (M.R.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA; (L.Z.); (S.-T.W.)
| | - Shih-Ting Wang
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA; (L.Z.); (S.-T.W.)
| | - Mason Ruiz
- Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (J.F.); (M.R.)
- Department of Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (J.F.); (M.R.)
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
- Microelectronics-Photonics Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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6
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Wiesmann N, Tremel W, Brieger J. Zinc oxide nanoparticles for therapeutic purposes in cancer medicine. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:4973-4989. [DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00739k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles are characterized by a good biocompatibility while providing a versatile potential as innovative therapeutic agents in cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Wiesmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
- University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University
- Laboratory for Molecular Tumor Biology
- 55131 Mainz
- Germany
| | - Wolfgang Tremel
- Department of Chemistry
- Johannes Gutenberg-University
- 55128 Mainz
- Germany
| | - Juergen Brieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
- University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University
- Laboratory for Molecular Tumor Biology
- 55131 Mainz
- Germany
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7
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Peng J, Miao L, Chen X, Liu P. Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 Revealed Its Response Mechanisms to Elevated Levels of Zinc Stress. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1669. [PMID: 30087671 PMCID: PMC6066579 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The whole-genome transcriptional response of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to stress-inducing concentrations of zinc was analyzed in this study by RNA sequencing to thoroughly investigate the bacterial cell response to zinc toxicity. The data revealed that different levels of zinc stress strongly affected the transcription of genes from the following categories: metal transport genes, genes involved in membrane homeostasis, oxidative-stress-responding genes, and genes associated with basic cellular metabolism. At the lowest zinc dose, only several genes associated with metal transport and membrane homeostasis were strongly influenced. At the intermediate zinc dose, transcriptional changes of genes belonging to these two categories were highly pronounced. In addition, the intermediate zinc stress produced high levels of oxidative stress, and influenced amino acid metabolism and respiratory chains of P. putida. At the highest zinc dose, the induction of genes responsible for Fe–S cluster biogenesis was the most remarkable feature. Moreover, upregulation of glyoxylate cycle was observed. In summary, the adaptation of the cell envelope, the maintenance of metal homeostasis and intracellular redox status, and the transcriptional control of metabolism are the main elements of stress response, which facilitates the survival of P. putida KT2440 in zinc-polluted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Peng
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lihong Miao
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Pulin Liu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China
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8
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Qin T, Liu K, Song D, Yang C, Zhao H, Su H. Binding Interactions of Zinc Cationic Porphyrin with Duplex DNA: From B-DNA to Z-DNA. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041071. [PMID: 29617273 PMCID: PMC5979451 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recognition of unusual left-handed Z-DNA by specific binding of small molecules is crucial for understanding biological functions in which this particular structure participates. Recent investigations indicate that zinc cationic porphyrin (ZnTMPyP4) is promising as a probe for recognizing Z-DNA due to its characteristic chiroptical properties upon binding with Z-DNA. However, binding mechanisms of the ZnTMPyP4/Z-DNA complex remain unclear. By employing time-resolved UV-visible absorption spectroscopy in conjunction with induced circular dichroism (ICD), UV-vis, and fluorescence measurements, we examined the binding interactions of ZnTMPyP4 towards B-DNA and Z-DNA. For the ZnTMPyP4/Z-DNA complex, two coexisting binding modes were identified as the electrostatic interaction between pyridyl groups and phosphate backbones, and the major groove binding by zinc(II) coordinating with the exposed guanine N7. The respective contribution of each mode is assessed, allowing a complete scenario of binding modes revealed for the ZnTMPyP4/Z-DNA. These interaction modes are quite different from those (intercalation and partial intercalation modes) for the ZnTMPyP4/B-DNA complex, thereby resulting in explicit differentiation between B-DNA and Z-DNA. Additionally, the binding interactions of planar TMPyP4 to DNA were also investigated as a comparison. It is shown that without available virtual orbitals to coordinate, TMPyP4 binds with Z-DNA solely in the intercalation mode, as with B-DNA, and the intercalation results in a structural transition from Z-DNA to B-ZNA. These results provide mechanistic insights for understanding ZnTMPyP4 as a probe of recognizing Z-DNA and afford a possible strategy for designing new porphyrin derivatives with available virtual orbitals for the discrimination of B-DNA and Z-DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingxiao Qin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Kunhui Liu
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Di Song
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Chunfan Yang
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Hongmei Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Hongmei Su
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
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Gonzalez MR, Ducret V, Leoni S, Perron K. Pseudomonas aeruginosa zinc homeostasis: Key issues for an opportunistic pathogen. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1862:722-733. [PMID: 29410128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Zinc is an essential trace element for almost all living organisms. In the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, zinc has been shown to play an important role in virulence, in colonization of the host organism and has also been shown to be involved in antibiotic resistance. P. aeruginosa possesses numerous systems enabling it to thrive in zinc-depleted conditions as well as high-zinc situations, two environments that are encountered during human infection. These capabilities account for its pathogenic strength. The main aim of this review is to focus on zinc homeostasis in P. aeruginosa and the genetic regulation of the systems involved. The interconnection with virulence, as well as the mechanism of co-regulation between metal and antibiotic resistance, are of prime interest for understanding the molecular mechanisms allowing P. aeruginosa to switch from its existence as a common environmental bacterium to a severe opportunistic pathogen. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Dynamic gene expression, edited by Prof. Patrick Viollier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel R Gonzalez
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, Sciences III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Verena Ducret
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, Sciences III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sara Leoni
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, Sciences III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl Perron
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, Sciences III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva and University of Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland.
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10
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Kumar A. A small-molecule acts as a 'roadblock' on DNA, hampering its fundamental processes. J Inorg Biochem 2017; 176:134-139. [PMID: 28892676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2017.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
DNA replication, RNA and protein synthesis are the most fundamental housekeeping processes involved in an organism's growth. Failure or dysregulation of these pathways are often deleterious to life. Therefore, selective inhibition of such processes can be crucial for the inhibition of the growth of any cell, including cancer cells, pathogenic bacteria or other deadly microbes. In the present study, a Zn2+ complex is shown to act as a roadblock of DNA. The Zn2+ complex inhibited DNA taq polymerase activity under the in vitro conditions of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Under in vivo conditions, it readily crosses the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), leading to the reduction of RNA levels as well as protein content. Growth of pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was also significantly retarded. The Zn2+ complex binds to the grooves of the DNA without inducing conformational changes or exhibiting chemical nuclease activity. To the best current knowledge, this is first coordination complex exhibiting a 'roadblock' property under both in vitro and in vivo conditions (show at all three levels - DNA, RNA and protein). The label-free approach used in this study may offer an alternative route towards fighting pathogenic bacteria or cancer cells by hampering fundamental cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; Institute of Physics, Biophysics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.
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11
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Interaction study of arsenic (III and V) ions with metallothionein gene (MT2A) fragment. Int J Biol Macromol 2014; 72:599-605. [PMID: 25218889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic compounds belong to the most controversial agents concerning human health. Arsenic (As) is considered as a top environmental element influencing human health due to its adverse effects including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive or developmental problems. Despite the proven mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic effects, the arsenic compounds are used for centuries to treat infectious diseases. In our work, we focused on studying of interactions of As(III) and/or As(V) with DNA. Interactions between arsenic ions and DNA were monitored by UV/vis spectrophotometry by measuring absorption and fluorescence spectra, atomic absorption spectrometry, electrochemical measurements (square wave voltammetry) and agarose gel electrophoresis. Using these methods, we observed a stable structure of DNA with As(III) within the concentration range 0.4-6.25 μg mL(-1). Higher As(III) concentration caused degradation of DNA. However, similar effects were not observed for As(V).
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