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Kim Y, Kim H, Kim J, Han JH, Chung EJ, Nam SW, Shin M, Kwak W. The Description and Analysis of the Complete Genome of Dermacoccus barathri FBCC-B549 Strain. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1227. [PMID: 38930609 PMCID: PMC11206071 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dermacoccus barathri is the first reported pathogen within the Dermacoccus genus to cause a catheter-related bloodstream infection, which occurred in 2015. In this study, the complete genome assembly of Dermacoccus barathri was constructed, and the complete genome of Dermacoccus barathri FBCC-B549 consists of a single chromosome (3,137,745 bp) without plasmids. The constructed genome of D. barathri was compared with those of two closely related species within the Dermacoccus genus. D. barathri exhibited a pattern similar to Dermacoccus abyssi in terms of gene clusters and synteny analysis. Contrary to previous studies, biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) analysis for predicting secondary metabolites revealed the presence of the LAP biosynthesis pathway in the complete genome of D. barathri, predicting the potential synthesis of the secondary metabolite plantazolicin. Furthermore, an analysis to investigate the potential pathogenicity of D. barathri did not reveal any antibiotic resistance genes; however, nine virulence factors were identified in the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB). According to these matching results in the VFDB, despite identifying a few factors involved in biofilm formation, further research is required to determine the actual impact of D. barathri on pathogenicity. The complete genome of D. barathri is expected to serve as a valuable resource for future studies on D. barathri, which currently lack sufficient genomic sequence information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeha Kim
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyaekang Kim
- Bio-Resources Bank Division, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Jina Kim
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Han
- Performance Innovation Division, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Eu Jin Chung
- Bio-Resources Bank Division, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Won Nam
- Bio-Resources Bank Division, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Miyoung Shin
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Woori Kwak
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
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2
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Gupta S, Luxami V, Paul K. Bacterial cell death to overcome drug resistance with multitargeting bis-naphthalimides as potent antibacterial agents against Enterococcus faecalis. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5645-5660. [PMID: 38747306 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02804f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The increasing frequency of drug-resistant pathogens poses serious health issues to humans around the globe, leading to the development of new antibacterial agents to conquer drug resistance and bacterial infections. In view of this, we have synthesized a series of bis-naphthalimides to respond to awful drug resistance. Bioactivity assay and structure-activity relationship disclosed that compounds 5d and 5o exhibit potent antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, outperforming the marketed antibiotics. These drug candidates not only inhibit the biofilm formation of E. faecalis but also display rapid bactericidal properties, thus delaying the development of drug resistance within 20 passages. To explore the mechanism of antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, biofunctional examination was carried out which unveiled that 5d and 5o effectively disrupt bacterial cell membranes, causing the leakage of cytoplasmic contents and metabolic activity loss. Concurrently, 5d and 5o effectively intercalate with DNA to block DNA replication, causing the build-up of excessive reactive oxygen species and inhibiting the glutathione activity, ultimately leading to oxidative damage of E. faecalis and cell death. In addition, these compounds readily bind with HSA with a high binding constant, indicating that these drug candidates could be easily delivered to the target site. The above finding manifested that these newly synthesized bis-naphthalimides with multitargeting antibacterial properties offer a new prospect to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147001, India.
| | - Vijay Luxami
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147001, India.
| | - Kamaldeep Paul
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147001, India.
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3
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Nasrollahian S, Graham JP, Halaji M. A review of the mechanisms that confer antibiotic resistance in pathotypes of E. coli. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1387497. [PMID: 38638826 PMCID: PMC11024256 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1387497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The dissemination of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. This review provides a comprehensive update on the diverse mechanisms employed by E. coli in developing resistance to antibiotics. We primarily focus on pathotypes of E. coli (e.g., uropathogenic E. coli) and investigate the genetic determinants and molecular pathways that confer resistance, shedding light on both well-characterized and recently discovered mechanisms. The most prevalent mechanism continues to be the acquisition of resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer, facilitated by mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and transposons. We discuss the role of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases in conferring resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, which remain vital in clinical practice. The review covers the key resistant mechanisms, including: 1) Efflux pumps and porin mutations that mediate resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides; 2) adaptive strategies employed by E. coli, including biofilm formation, persister cell formation, and the activation of stress response systems, to withstand antibiotic pressure; and 3) the role of regulatory systems in coordinating resistance mechanisms, providing insights into potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Understanding the intricate network of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in E. coli is crucial for the development of effective strategies to combat this growing public health crisis. By clarifying these mechanisms, we aim to pave the way for the design of innovative therapeutic approaches and the implementation of prudent antibiotic stewardship practices to preserve the efficacy of current antibiotics and ensure a sustainable future for healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Nasrollahian
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jay P. Graham
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Mehrdad Halaji
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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4
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Manohar P, Loh B, Turner D, Tamizhselvi R, Mathankumar M, Elangovan N, Nachimuthu R, Leptihn S. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the biofilm-degrading Pseudomonas phage Motto, as a candidate for phage therapy. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1344962. [PMID: 38559352 PMCID: PMC10978715 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1344962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to the emergence of strains that have acquired multidrug resistance. Therefore, phage therapy has gained attention as an alternative to the treatment of pseudomonal infections. Phages are not only bactericidal but occasionally show activity against biofilm as well. In this study, we describe the Pseudomonas phage Motto, a T1-like phage that can clear P. aeruginosa infections in an animal model and also exhibits biofilm-degrading properties. The phage has a substantial anti-biofilm activity against strong biofilm-producing isolates (n = 10), with at least a twofold reduction within 24 h. To demonstrate the safety of using phage Motto, cytotoxicity studies were conducted with human cell lines (HEK 293 and RAW 264.7 macrophages). Using a previously established in vivo model, we demonstrated the efficacy of Motto in Caenorhabditis elegans, with a 90% survival rate when treated with the phage at a multiplicity of infection of 10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanth Manohar
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India
| | - Belinda Loh
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dann Turner
- School of Applied Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ramasamy Tamizhselvi
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India
| | - Marimuthu Mathankumar
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India
| | - Namasivayam Elangovan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioscience, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramesh Nachimuthu
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India
| | - Sebastian Leptihn
- Department of Biochemistry, Health and Medical University, Erfurt, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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5
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Rojas D, Marcoleta AE, Gálvez-Silva M, Varas MA, Díaz M, Hernández M, Vargas C, Nourdin-Galindo G, Koch E, Saldivia P, Vielma J, Gan YH, Chen Y, Guiliani N, Chávez FP. Inorganic Polyphosphate Affects Biofilm Assembly, Capsule Formation, and Virulence of Hypervirulent ST23 Klebsiella pneumoniae. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:606-623. [PMID: 38205780 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) strains poses a significant threat to public health due to high mortality rates and propensity to cause severe community-acquired infections in healthy individuals. The ability to form biofilms and produce a protective capsule contributes to its enhanced virulence and is a significant challenge to effective antibiotic treatment. Polyphosphate kinase 1 (PPK1) is an enzyme responsible for inorganic polyphosphate synthesis and plays a vital role in regulating various physiological processes in bacteria. In this study, we investigated the impact of polyP metabolism on the biofilm and capsule formation and virulence traits in hvKP using Dictyostelium discoideum amoeba as a model host. We found that the PPK1 null mutant was impaired in biofilm and capsule formation and showed attenuated virulence in D. discoideum compared to the wild-type strain. We performed a proteomic analysis to gain further insights into the underlying molecular mechanism. The results revealed that the PPK1 mutant had a differential expression of proteins involved in capsule synthesis (Wzi-Ugd), biofilm formation (MrkC-D-H), synthesis of the colibactin genotoxin precursor (ClbB), as well as proteins associated with the synthesis and modification of lipid A (ArnB-LpxC-PagP). These proteomic findings corroborate the phenotypic observations and indicate that the PPK1 mutation is associated with impaired biofilm and capsule formation and attenuated virulence in hvKP. Overall, our study highlights the importance of polyP synthesis in regulating extracellular biomolecules and virulence in K. pneumoniae and provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating K. pneumoniae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rojas
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Andrés E Marcoleta
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Matías Gálvez-Silva
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Macarena A Varas
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Mauricio Díaz
- Laboratorio de Comunicación Microbiana, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Mauricio Hernández
- División Biotecnología, Instituto Melisa, San Pedro de la Paz CP 9660000, Chile
| | - Cristian Vargas
- División Biotecnología, Instituto Melisa, San Pedro de la Paz CP 9660000, Chile
| | | | - Elard Koch
- División Biotecnología, Instituto Melisa, San Pedro de la Paz CP 9660000, Chile
| | - Pablo Saldivia
- División Biotecnología, Instituto Melisa, San Pedro de la Paz CP 9660000, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción CP 4070389, Chile
| | - Jorge Vielma
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Yunn-Hwen Gan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore CP 119077, Singapore
| | - Yahua Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore CP 119077, Singapore
| | - Nicolás Guiliani
- Laboratorio de Comunicación Microbiana, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
| | - Francisco P Chávez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago CP 7800003, Chile
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6
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Laske C, Müller S, Munk MHJ, Honold I, Willmann M, Peter S, Schoppmeier U. Prognostic Value of Gut Microbiome for Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease Dementia within 4 Years: Results from the AlzBiom Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1906. [PMID: 38339197 PMCID: PMC10855790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031906] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the gut microbiome are associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and can be used as a diagnostic measure. However, longitudinal data of the gut microbiome and knowledge about its prognostic significance for the development and progression of AD are limited. The aim of the present study was to develop a reliable predictive model based on gut microbiome data for AD development. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the intestinal microbiome in 49 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients over a mean (SD) follow-up of 3.7 (0.6) years, using shotgun metagenomics. At the end of the 4-year follow-up (4yFU), 27 MCI patients converted to AD dementia and 22 MCI patients remained stable. The best taxonomic model for the discrimination of AD dementia converters from stable MCI patients included 24 genera, yielding an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.87 at BL, 0.92 at 1yFU and 0.95 at 4yFU. The best models with functional data were obtained via analyzing 25 GO (Gene Ontology) features with an AUROC of 0.87 at BL, 0.85 at 1yFU and 0.81 at 4yFU and 33 KO [Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) ortholog] features with an AUROC of 0.79 at BL, 0.88 at 1yFU and 0.82 at 4yFU. Using ensemble learning for these three models, including a clinical model with the four parameters of age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype, yielded an AUROC of 0.96 at BL, 0.96 at 1yFU and 0.97 at 4yFU. In conclusion, we identified novel and timely stable gut microbiome algorithms that accurately predict progression to AD dementia in individuals with MCI over a 4yFU period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Laske
- Section for Dementia Research, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias H J Munk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64277 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Iris Honold
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Willmann
- SYNLAB MVZ Leinfelden-Echterdingen GmbH, Labor Dr. Bayer, 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany
| | - Silke Peter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schoppmeier
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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7
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Le NTK, Kang EJ, Park JH, Kang K. Catechol-Amyloid Interactions. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300628. [PMID: 37850717 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300628] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
This review introduces multifaceted mutual interactions between molecules containing a catechol moiety and aggregation-prone proteins. The complex relationships between these two molecular species have previously been elucidated primarily in a unidirectional manner, as demonstrated in cases involving the development of catechol-based inhibitors for amyloid aggregation and the elucidation of the role of functional amyloid fibers in melanin biosynthesis. This review aims to consolidate scattered clues pertaining to catechol-based amyloid inhibitors, functional amyloid scaffold of melanin biosynthesis, and chemically designed peptide fibers for providing chemical insights into the role of the local three-dimensional orientation of functional groups in manifesting such interactions. These orientations may play crucial, yet undiscovered, roles in various supramolecular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghia T K Le
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi, 17104, South Korea
| | - Eun Joo Kang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi, 17104, South Korea
| | - Ji Hun Park
- Department of Science Education, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, South Korea
| | - Kyungtae Kang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi, 17104, South Korea
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8
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Rahman S, Das AK. Staphylococcal superantigen-like protein 10 enhances the amyloidogenic biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:390. [PMID: 38062361 PMCID: PMC10701973 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a highly infectious pathogen that represents a significant burden on the current healthcare system. Bacterial attachment to medical implants and host tissue, and the establishment of a mature biofilm, play an important role in chronic diseases such as endocarditis, osteomyelitis and wound infections. These biofilms decrease bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics and immune defences, making the infections challenging to treatment. S. aureus produces numerous exotoxins that contribute to the pathogenesis of the bacteria. In this study, we have identified a novel function of staphylococcal superantigen-like protein 10 (SSL10) in enhancing the formation of staphylococcal biofilms. Biofilm biomass is significantly increased when SSL10 is added exogenously to bacterial cultures, whereas SSL2 and SSL12 are found to be less active. Exogenously added SSL10 mask the surface charge of the bacterial cells and lowers their zeta potential, leading to the aggregation of the cells. Moreover, the biofilm formation by SSL10 is governed by amyloid aggregation, as evident from spectroscopic and microscopic studies. These findings thereby give the first overview of the SSL-mediated amyloid-based biofilm formation and further drive the future research in identifying potential molecules for developing new antibacterial therapies against Staphylococcus aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakilur Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | - Amit Kumar Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India.
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9
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Belcher LJ, Dewar AE, Hao C, Ghoul M, West SA. Signatures of kin selection in a natural population of the bacteria Bacillus subtilis. Evol Lett 2023; 7:315-330. [PMID: 37829498 PMCID: PMC10565896 DOI: 10.1093/evlett/qrad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Laboratory experiments have suggested that bacteria perform a range of cooperative behaviors, which are favored because they are directed toward relatives (kin selection). However, there is a lack of evidence for cooperation and kin selection in natural bacterial populations. Molecular population genetics offers a promising method to study natural populations because the theory predicts that kin selection will lead to relaxed selection, which will result in increased polymorphism and divergence at cooperative genes. Examining a natural population of Bacillus subtilis, we found consistent evidence that putatively cooperative traits have higher polymorphism and greater divergence than putatively private traits expressed at the same rate. In addition, we were able to eliminate alternative explanations for these patterns and found more deleterious mutations in genes controlling putatively cooperative traits. Overall, our results suggest that cooperation is favored by kin selection, with an average relatedness of r = .79 between interacting individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna E Dewar
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chunhui Hao
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie Ghoul
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart A West
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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10
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Kim JS, Lim MC, Kim SM, Lee JY. Extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes as a biofilm control strategy for food-related microorganisms. Food Sci Biotechnol 2023; 32:1745-1761. [PMID: 37780595 PMCID: PMC10533455 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01373-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm is one of the major problems in food industries and is difficult to be removed or prevented by conventional sanitizers. In this review, we discussed the extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes as a strategy to control biofilms of foodborne pathogenic and food-contaminating bacteria. The biofilms can be degraded by using the enzymes targeting proteins, polysaccharides, extracellular DNA, or lipids which mainly constitute the extracellular polymeric substances of biofilms. However, the efficacy of enzymes varies by the growth medium, bacterial species, strains, or counterpart microorganisms due to a high variation in the composition of extracellular polymeric substances. Several studies demonstrated that the combined treatment using conventional sanitizers or multiple enzymes can synergistically enhance the biofilm removal efficacies. In this review, the application of the immobilized enzymes on solid substrates is also discussed as a potential strategy to prevent biofilm formation on food contact surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Sung Kim
- Korea Food Research Institute, 245, Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365 Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113 Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Cheol Lim
- Korea Food Research Institute, 245, Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365 Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113 Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Min Kim
- Korea Food Research Institute, 245, Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365 Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Jeonbuk National University, 567, Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54896 Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Young Lee
- Korea Food Research Institute, 245, Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365 Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419 Republic of Korea
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11
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Wang S, Zhao Y, Breslawec AP, Liang T, Deng Z, Kuperman LL, Yu Q. Strategy to combat biofilms: a focus on biofilm dispersal enzymes. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:63. [PMID: 37679355 PMCID: PMC10485009 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms, which consist of three-dimensional extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), not only function as signaling networks, provide nutritional support, and facilitate surface adhesion, but also serve as a protective shield for the residing bacterial inhabitants against external stress, such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, and host immune responses. Biofilm-associated infections account for 65-80% of all human microbial infections that lead to serious mortality and morbidity. Tremendous effort has been spent to address the problem by developing biofilm-dispersing agents to discharge colonized microbial cells to a more vulnerable planktonic state. Here, we discuss the recent progress of enzymatic eradicating strategies against medical biofilms, with a focus on dispersal mechanisms. Particularly, we review three enzyme classes that have been extensively investigated, namely glycoside hydrolases, proteases, and deoxyribonucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochi Wang
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanteng Zhao
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Alexandra P Breslawec
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Tingting Liang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune-Engineering of Henan Province, Henan University Jinming Campus, 475004, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Zhifen Deng
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Laura L Kuperman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA.
- Mirimus Inc., 760 Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11226, USA.
| | - Qiuning Yu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China.
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12
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Cheung DL. Aggregation of an Amyloidogenic Peptide on Gold Surfaces. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1261. [PMID: 37627326 PMCID: PMC10452923 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081261] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid surfaces have been shown to affect the aggregation and assembly of many biomolecular systems. One important example is the formation of protein fibrils, which can occur on a range of biological and synthetic surfaces. The rate of fibrillation depends on both the protein structure and the surface chemistry, with the different molecular and oligomer structures adopted by proteins on surfaces likely to be crucial. In this paper, the aggregation of the model amyloidogenic peptide, Aβ(16-22), corresponding to a hydrophobic segment of the amyloid beta protein on a gold surface is studied using molecular dynamics simulation. Previous simulations of this peptide on gold surfaces have shown that it adopts conformations on surfaces that are quite different from those in bulk solution. These simulations show that this then leads to significant differences in the oligomer structures formed in solution and on gold surfaces. In particular, oligomers formed on the surface are low in beta-strands so are unlike the structures formed in bulk solution. When oligomers formed in solution adsorb onto gold surfaces they can then restructure themselves. This can then help explain the inhibition of Aβ(16-22) fibrillation by gold surfaces and nanoparticles seen experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Cheung
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
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13
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Falgarone T, Villain E, Richard F, Osmanli Z, Kajava AV. Census of exposed aggregation-prone regions in proteomes. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad183. [PMID: 37200152 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad183] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of solubility usually leads to the detrimental elimination of protein function. In some cases, the protein aggregation is also required for beneficial functions. Given the duality of this phenomenon, it remains a fundamental question how natural selection controls the aggregation. The exponential growth of genomic sequence data and recent progress with in silico predictors of the aggregation allows approaching this problem by a large-scale bioinformatics analysis. Most of the aggregation-prone regions are hidden within the 3D structure, rendering them inaccessible for the intermolecular interactions responsible for aggregation. Thus, the most realistic census of the aggregation-prone regions requires crossing aggregation prediction with information about the location of the natively unfolded regions. This allows us to detect so-called 'exposed aggregation-prone regions' (EARs). Here, we analyzed the occurrence and distribution of the EARs in 76 reference proteomes from the three kingdoms of life. For this purpose, we used a bioinformatics pipeline, which provides a consensual result based on several predictors of aggregation. Our analysis revealed a number of new statistically significant correlations about the presence of EARs in different organisms, their dependence on protein length, cellular localizations, co-occurrence with short linear motifs and the level of protein expression. We also obtained a list of proteins with the conserved aggregation-prone sequences for further experimental tests. Insights gained from this work led to a deeper understanding of the relationship between protein evolution and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Falgarone
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Etienne Villain
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Francois Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Zarifa Osmanli
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
- Biophysics Institute, Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan Republic, Az1141, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Andrey V Kajava
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
- Institut de Biologie Computationnelle, Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
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14
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Reichhardt C. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Matrix Protein CdrA Has Similarities to Other Fibrillar Adhesin Proteins. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0001923. [PMID: 37098957 PMCID: PMC10210978 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00019-23] [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: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of bacteria to adhere to each other and both biotic and abiotic surfaces is key to biofilm formation, and one way that bacteria adhere is using fibrillar adhesins. Fibrillar adhesins share several key characteristics, including (i) they are extracellular, surface-associated proteins, (ii) they contain an adhesive domain as well as a repetitive stalk domain, and (iii) they are either a monomer or homotrimer (i.e., identical, coiled-coil) of a high molecular weight protein. Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses the fibrillar adhesin called CdrA to promote bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation. Here, the current literature on CdrA is reviewed, including its transcriptional and posttranslational regulation by the second messenger c-di-GMP as well as what is known about its structure and ability to interact with other molecules. I highlight its similarities to other fibrillar adhesins and discuss open questions that remain to be answered toward a better understanding of CdrA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Reichhardt
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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15
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Hammarén MM, Luukinen H, Sillanpää A, Remans K, Lapouge K, Custódio T, Löw C, Myllymäki H, Montonen T, Seeger M, Robertson J, Nyman TA, Savijoki K, Parikka M. In vitro and ex vivo proteomics of Mycobacterium marinum biofilms and the development of biofilm-binding synthetic nanobodies. mSystems 2023:e0107322. [PMID: 37184670 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01073-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The antibiotic-tolerant biofilms present in tuberculous granulomas add an additional layer of complexity when treating mycobacterial infections, including tuberculosis (TB). For a more efficient treatment of TB, the biofilm forms of mycobacteria warrant specific attention. Here, we used Mycobacterium marinum (Mmr) as a biofilm-forming model to identify the abundant proteins covering the biofilm surface. We used biotinylation/streptavidin-based proteomics on the proteins exposed at the Mmr biofilm matrices in vitro to identify 448 proteins and ex vivo proteomics to detect 91 Mmr proteins from the mycobacterial granulomas isolated from adult zebrafish. In vitro and ex vivo proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD033425 and PXD039416, respectively. Data comparisons pinpointed the molecular chaperone GroEL2 as the most abundant Mmr protein within the in vitro and ex vivo proteomes, while its paralog, GroEL1, with a known role in biofilm formation, was detected with slightly lower intensity values. To validate the surface exposure of these targets, we created in-house synthetic nanobodies (sybodies) against the two chaperones and identified sybodies that bind the mycobacterial biofilms in vitro and those present in ex vivo granulomas. Taken together, the present study reports a proof-of-concept showing that surface proteomics in vitro and ex vivo proteomics combined are a valuable strategy to identify surface-exposed proteins on the mycobacterial biofilm. Biofilm-surface-binding nanobodies could be eventually used as homing agents to deliver biofilm-targeting treatments to the sites of persistent biofilm infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milka Marjut Hammarén
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanna Luukinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Alina Sillanpää
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kim Remans
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karine Lapouge
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tânia Custódio
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Hamburg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Löw
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Hamburg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henna Myllymäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Toni Montonen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Markus Seeger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Robertson
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tuula A Nyman
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsi Savijoki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mataleena Parikka
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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16
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van den Berg L, Pronk M, van Loosdrecht MCM, de Kreuk MK. Density measurements of aerobic granular sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 44:1985-1995. [PMID: 34904922 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2021.2017492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Granular sludge processes are frequently used in domestic and industrial wastewater treatment. The granule buoyant density and biomass density are important parameters for the design and operation of granular sludge reactors. Different methods to measure the granule density include the pycnometer method, the Percoll density gradient method, the dextran blue method, and the settling velocity method. In this study, a comparison was made between these four methods to measure granule density for granules from a full-scale granular sludge plant treating domestic sewage. The effect of salinity on granule density was assessed as well. Three out of the four evaluated methods yielded comparable results, with granule buoyant densities between 1025.7 and 1028.1 kg/m3 and granule biomass densities between 71.1 and 71.5 g/L (based on volatile suspended solids (VSS)). The settling velocity method clearly underestimated the granule density, due to the complex relation between granule properties and settling velocity. The pycnometer method was the most precise method, but it was also quite susceptible to bias. The granule buoyant density increased proportionally with salinity, to 1049.2 kg/m3 at 36 g/L salinity. However, the granule biomass density, based on VSS, remained constant. This showed that the granule volume was not affected by salinity and that the buoyant density increase was the result of diffusion of salts into the granule pores. Overall, the granule density can be measured reliably with most methods, as long as the effect of salinity is considered. The results are discussed in light of operational aspects for full-scale granular sludge plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenno van den Berg
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Pronk
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
- Royal HaskoningDHV, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | | | - Merle K de Kreuk
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
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17
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Sarlet A, Ruffine V, Blank KG, Bidan CM. Influence of Metal Cations on the Viscoelastic Properties of Escherichia coli Biofilms. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:4667-4676. [PMID: 36777596 PMCID: PMC9910073 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms frequently cause complications in various areas of human life, e.g., in medicine and in the food industry. More recently, biofilms are discussed as new types of living materials with tunable mechanical properties. In particular, Escherichia coli produces a matrix composed of amyloid-forming curli and phosphoethanolamine-modified cellulose fibers in response to suboptimal environmental conditions. It is currently unknown how the interaction between these fibers contributes to the overall mechanical properties of the formed biofilms and if extrinsic control parameters can be utilized to manipulate these properties. Using shear rheology, we show that biofilms formed by the E. coli K-12 strain AR3110 stiffen by a factor of 2 when exposed to the trivalent metal cations Al(III) and Fe(III), while no such response is observed for the bivalent cations Zn(II) and Ca(II). Strains producing only one matrix component did not show any stiffening response to either cation or even a small softening. No stiffening response was further observed when strains producing only one type of fiber were co-cultured or simply mixed after biofilm growth. These results suggest that the E. coli biofilm matrix is a uniquely structured composite material when both matrix fibers are produced from the same bacterium. While the exact interaction mechanism between curli, phosphoethanolamine-modified cellulose, and trivalent metal cations is currently not known, our results highlight the potential of using extrinsic parameters to understand and control the interplay between biofilm structure and mechanical properties. This will ultimately aid in the development of better strategies for controlling biofilm growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Sarlet
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476Potsdam, Germany
| | - Valentin Ruffine
- Mechano(bio)chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476Potsdam, Germany
| | - Kerstin G. Blank
- Mechano(bio)chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476Potsdam, Germany
- Institute
of Experimental Physics, Johannes Kepler
University, Altenberger
Str. 69, 4040Linz, Austria
| | - Cécile M. Bidan
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476Potsdam, Germany
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18
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Kreth J, Merritt J. Illuminating the oral microbiome and its host interactions: tools and approaches for molecular ecological studies. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuac052. [PMID: 36564013 PMCID: PMC9936263 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A more comprehensive understanding of oral diseases like caries and periodontitis is dependent on an intimate understanding of the microbial ecological processes that are responsible for disease development. With this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of relevant molecular ecology techniques that have played critical roles in the current understanding of human oral biofilm development, interspecies interactions, and microbiome biogeography. The primary focus is on relevant technologies and examples available in the oral microbiology literature. However, most, if not all, of the described technologies should be readily adaptable for studies of microbiomes from other mucosal sites in the body. Therefore, this review is intended to serve as a reference guide used by microbiome researchers as they inevitably transition into molecular mechanistic studies of the many significant phenotypes observed clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Kreth
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, MRB433, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., #L595, Portland, OR 97239, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Justin Merritt
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, MRB433, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., #L595, Portland, OR 97239, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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19
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Römling U. Is biofilm formation intrinsic to the origin of life? Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:26-39. [PMID: 36655713 PMCID: PMC10086821 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are multicellular, often surface-associated, communities of autonomous cells. Their formation is the natural mode of growth of up to 80% of microorganisms living on this planet. Biofilms refractory towards antimicrobial agents and the actions of the immune system due to their tolerance against multiple environmental stresses. But how did biofilm formation arise? Here, I argue that the biofilm lifestyle has its foundation already in the fundamental, surface-triggered chemical reactions and energy preserving mechanisms that enabled the development of life on earth. Subsequently, prototypical biofilm formation has evolved and diversified concomitantly in composition, cell morphology and regulation with the expansion of prokaryotic organisms and their radiation by occupation of diverse ecological niches. This ancient origin of biofilm formation thus mirrors the harnessing environmental conditions that have been the rule rather than the exception in microbial life. The subsequent emergence of the association of microbes, including recent human pathogens, with higher organisms can be considered as the entry into a nutritional and largely stress-protecting heaven. Nevertheless, basic mechanisms of biofilm formation have surprisingly been conserved and refunctionalized to promote sustained survival in new environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Römling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Serrapeptase impairs biofilm, wall, and phospho-homeostasis of resistant and susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:1373-1389. [PMID: 36635396 PMCID: PMC9898353 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12356-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus biofilms are implicated in hospital infections due to elevated antibiotic and host immune system resistance. Molecular components of cell wall including amyloid proteins, peptidoglycans (PGs), and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) are crucial for biofilm formation and tolerance of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Significance of alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) for biofilm formation has been recorded. Serrapeptase (SPT), a protease of Serratia marcescens, possesses antimicrobial properties similar or superior to those of many antibiotics. In the present study, SPT anti-biofilm activity was demonstrated against S. aureus (ATCC 25923, methicillin-susceptible strain, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA)) and MRSA (ST80), with IC50 values of 0.67 μg/mL and 7.70 μg/mL, respectively. SPT affected bacterial viability, causing a maximum inhibition of - 46% and - 27%, respectively. Decreased PGs content at [SPT] ≥ 0.5 μg/mL and ≥ 8 μg/mL was verified for MSSA and MRSA, respectively. In MSSA, LTA levels decreased significantly (up to - 40%) at lower SPT doses but increased at the highest dose of 2 μg/mL, a counter to spectacularly increased cellular and secreted LTA levels in MRSA. SPT also reduced amyloids of both strains. Additionally, intracellular ALP activity decreased in both MSSA and MRSA (up to - 85% and - 89%, respectively), while extracellular activity increased up to + 482% in MSSA and + 267% in MRSA. Altered levels of DING proteins, which are involved in phosphate metabolism, in SPT-treated bacteria, were also demonstrated here, implying impaired phosphorus homeostasis. The differential alterations in the studied molecular aspects underline the differences between MSSA and MRSA and offer new insights in the treatment of resistant bacterial biofilms. KEY POINTS: • SPT inhibits biofilm formation in methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. • SPT treatment decreases bacterial viability, ALP activity, and cell wall composition. • SPT-treated bacteria present altered levels of phosphate-related DING proteins.
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21
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Wen J, Wang Z, Du X, Liu R, Wang J. Antibioflm effects of extracellular matrix degradative agents on the biofilm of different strains of multi-drug resistant Corynebacterium striatum. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2022; 21:53. [PMID: 36434697 PMCID: PMC9700914 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-022-00546-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corynebacterium striatum is a microorganism with an excellent capacity for biofilm production and thus has been correlated with nosocomial transmission and invasive infections. However, little is known about the mechanism of biofilm formation of this commensal pathogen. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biofilm formation abilities of multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum clinical isolates and the roles of extracellular proteins, exopolysaccharides and extracellular DNA in mediating more robust biofilm formation by the isolates of C. striatum. METHODS C. striatum isolates were identified using VITEK-2 ANC card, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA sequencing. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the broth microdilution method. The distribution of spaDEF genes among C. striatum isolates was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing was employed to analyze the genotypes of the isolates. Crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to detect biofilm production by C. striatum isolates. Biofilm degradation assay was performed to observe the effects of extracellular matrix degradative agents (proteinase K, dispersin B, and DNase I) on C. striatum biofilms. RESULTS Twenty-seven C. striatum isolates were enrolled in the study, and the resistance rates were the highest (100%, 27/27) against penicillin and ceftriaxone. Approximately 96.3% (26/27) C. striatum isolates were resistant to at least three different types of antimicrobial agents tested. All isolates were confirmed to be biofilm producers, and 74.07% (20/27) isolates presented moderate to strong biofilm production abilities. P7 genotype (44.4%, 12/27) was identified to as the predominant genotype, and all of isolates belonging to this genotype were multidrug-resistant and had stronger biofilm-forming abilities. Most C. striatum isolates (74.07%, 20/27) carry spaD, spaE, and spaF genes, which encode spa-type pili. However, the correlation between the expression of spa-type genes and the biofilm production abilities of the C. striatum isolates was not found. The biofilms of 80% (8/10), 90% (9/10), and 100% (10/10) C. striatum isolates with moderate to strong biofilm production abilities were significantly eliminated upon the treatment of dispersin B (20 μg/mL), DNase I (20 μg/mL), and proteinase K (20 μg/mL) (p < 0.05), respectively. For the combination groups with two kinds of biofilm-degradative agents, the combination of 20 μg/mL proteinase K/dispersin B showed the strongest biofilm-eliminating effects, when the biofilms of 90% (9/10) C. striatum isolates degraded more than 50%. CONCLUSIONS The C. striatum isolates that belonged to the predominant genotype showed a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype and strong biofilm formation abilities. Extracellular matrix seems to be an essential determinant in mediating biofilm formation of MDR C. striatum, since extracellular matrix degradative agents (proteinase K, dispersin B and DNase I) showed strong biofilm-eliminating effects toward multidrug-resistant C. striatum isolates. The findings of this study highlight new ideas/directions to explore the whole nature of biofilm formation of C. striatum and the function of extracellular matrix in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolian Medical University, Hohhot, 010050 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolian Medical University, 010050 Hohhot, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Du
- grid.508381.70000 0004 0647 272XNational Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206 People’s Republic of China
| | - Roushan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolian Medical University, Hohhot, 010050 People’s Republic of China
| | - Junrui Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolian Medical University, Hohhot, 010050 People’s Republic of China
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22
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Saïdi F, Mahanta U, Panda A, Kezzo AA, Jolivet NY, Bitazar R, John G, Martinez M, Mellouk A, Calmettes C, Chang YW, Sharma G, Islam ST. Bacterial Outer Membrane Polysaccharide Export (OPX) Proteins Occupy Three Structural Classes with Selective β-Barrel Porin Requirements for Polymer Secretion. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0129022. [PMID: 36200915 PMCID: PMC9603273 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01290-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Secretion of high-molecular-weight polysaccharides across the bacterial envelope is ubiquitous, as it enhances prokaryotic survival in (a)biotic settings. Such polymers are often assembled by Wzx/Wzy- or ABC transporter-dependent schemes implicating outer membrane (OM) polysaccharide export (OPX) proteins in cell-surface polymer translocation. In the social predatory bacterium Myxococcus xanthus, the exopolysaccharide (EPS) pathway WzaX, major spore coat (MASC) pathway WzaS, and biosurfactant polysaccharide (BPS) pathway WzaB were herein found to be truncated OPX homologues of Escherichia coli Wza lacking OM-spanning α-helices. Comparative genomics across all bacteria (>91,000 OPX proteins identified and analyzed), complemented with cryo-electron tomography cell-envelope analyses, revealed such "truncated" WzaX/S/B architecture to be the most common among three defined OPX-protein structural classes independent of periplasm thickness. Fold recognition and deep learning revealed the conserved M. xanthus proteins MXAN_7418/3226/1916 (encoded beside wzaX/S/B, respectively) to be integral OM β-barrels, with structural homology to the poly-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine synthase-dependent pathway porin PgaA. Such bacterial porins were identified near numerous genes for all three OPX protein classes. Interior MXAN_7418/3226/1916 β-barrel electrostatics were found to match properties of their associated polymers. With MXAN_3226 essential for MASC export, and MXAN_7418 herein shown to mediate EPS translocation, we have designated this new secretion machinery component "Wzp" (i.e., Wz porin), with the final step of M. xanthus EPS/MASC/BPS secretion across the OM now proposed to be mediated by WzpX/S/B (i.e., MXAN_7418/3226/1916). Importantly, these data support a novel and widespread secretion paradigm for polysaccharide biosynthesis pathways in which those containing OPX components that cannot span the OM instead utilize β-barrel porins to mediate polysaccharide transport across the OM. IMPORTANCE Diverse bacteria assemble and secrete polysaccharides that alter their physiologies through modulation of motility, biofilm formation, and host immune system evasion. Most such pathways require outer membrane (OM) polysaccharide export (OPX) proteins for sugar-polymer transport to the cell surface. In the prototypic Escherichia coli Group-1-capsule biosynthesis system, eight copies of this canonical OPX protein cross the OM with an α-helix, forming a polysaccharide-export pore. Herein, we instead reveal that most OPX proteins across all bacteria lack this α-helix, raising questions as to the manner by which most secreted polysaccharides actually exit cells. In the model developmental bacterium Myxococcus xanthus, we show this process to depend on OPX-coupled OM-spanning β-barrel porins, with similar porins encoded near numerous OPX genes in diverse bacteria. Knowledge of the terminal polysaccharide secretion step will enable development of antimicrobial compounds targeted to blocking polymer export from outside the cell, thus bypassing any requirements for antimicrobial compound uptake by the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares Saïdi
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Utkarsha Mahanta
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Adyasha Panda
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ahmad A. Kezzo
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Y. Jolivet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Razieh Bitazar
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gavin John
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew Martinez
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abdelkader Mellouk
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles Calmettes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yi-Wei Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Salim T. Islam
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Institut Pasteur International Network, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- PROTEO, the Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
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Bu F, Liu M, Xie Z, Chen X, Li G, Wang X. Targeted Anti-Biofilm Therapy: Dissecting Targets in the Biofilm Life Cycle. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1253. [PMID: 36297365 PMCID: PMC9611117 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilm is a crucial virulence factor for microorganisms that causes chronic infection. After biofilm formation, the bacteria present improve drug tolerance and multifactorial defense mechanisms, which impose significant challenges for the use of antimicrobials. This indicates the urgent need for new targeted technologies and emerging therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on the current biofilm-targeting strategies and those under development, including targeting persistent cells, quorum quenching, and phage therapy. We emphasize biofilm-targeting technologies that are supported by blocking the biofilm life cycle, providing a theoretical basis for design of targeting technology that disrupts the biofilm and promotes practical application of antibacterial materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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24
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Kawasaki T, Yamaguchi Y, Kitahara H, Irizawa A, Tani M. Exploring Biomolecular Self-Assembly with Far-Infrared Radiation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091326. [PMID: 36139165 PMCID: PMC9496551 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical engineering technology using far-infrared radiation has been gathering attention in chemical, biological, and material research fields. In particular, the high-power radiation at the terahertz region can give remarkable effects on biological materials distinct from a simple thermal treatment. Self-assembly of biological molecules such as amyloid proteins and cellulose fiber plays various roles in medical and biomaterials fields. A common characteristic of those biomolecular aggregates is a sheet-like fibrous structure that is rigid and insoluble in water, and it is often hard to manipulate the stacking conformation without heating, organic solvents, or chemical reagents. We discovered that those fibrous formats can be conformationally regulated by means of intense far-infrared radiations from a free-electron laser and gyrotron. In this review, we would like to show the latest and the past studies on the effects of far-infrared radiation on the fibrous biomaterials and to suggest the potential use of the far-infrared radiation for regulation of the biomolecular self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayasu Kawasaki
- Accelerator Laboratory, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba 305-0801, Ibaraki, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Yuusuke Yamaguchi
- Research Center for Development of Far-Infrared Region, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kitahara
- Research Center for Development of Far-Infrared Region, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Fukui, Japan
| | - Akinori Irizawa
- SR Center, Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan
| | - Masahiko Tani
- Research Center for Development of Far-Infrared Region, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Fukui, Japan
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Spiegelman L, Bahn-Suh A, Montaño ET, Zhang L, Hura GL, Patras KA, Kumar A, Tezcan FA, Nizet V, Tsutakawa SE, Ghosh P. Strengthening of enterococcal biofilms by Esp. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010829. [PMID: 36103556 PMCID: PMC9512215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterococcus faecalis are major causes of hospital-acquired infections. Numerous clinical strains of E. faecalis harbor a large pathogenicity island that encodes enterococcal surface protein (Esp), which is suggested to promote biofilm production and virulence, but this remains controversial. To resolve this issue, we characterized the Esp N-terminal region, the portion implicated in biofilm production. Small angle X-ray scattering indicated that the N-terminal region had a globular head, which consisted of two DEv-Ig domains as visualized by X-ray crystallography, followed by an extended tail. The N-terminal region was not required for biofilm production but instead significantly strengthened biofilms against mechanical or degradative disruption, greatly increasing retention of Enterococcus within biofilms. Biofilm strengthening required low pH, which resulted in Esp unfolding, aggregating, and forming amyloid-like structures. The pH threshold for biofilm strengthening depended on protein stability. A truncated fragment of the first DEv-Ig domain, plausibly generated by a host protease, was the least stable and sufficient to strengthen biofilms at pH ≤ 5.0, while the entire N-terminal region and intact Esp on the enterococcal surface was more stable and required a pH ≤ 4.3. These results suggested a virulence role of Esp in strengthening enterococcal biofilms in acidic abiotic or host environments. The bacterium Enterococcus faecalis is part of the normal microbiome but can also cause serious hospital-acquired infections. Enterococcus strains isolated from hospitals tend to have certain proteins not found in microbiome strains. Such proteins are therefore likely to be important in infection. We sought to understand the function of one such protein, Esp, through biochemical, biophysical, and microbiological techniques. We found that Esp, which is on the bacterial surface, formed amyloid-like fibrils that prevented removal of biofilms. Biofilms are bacterial communities enmeshed within a matrix, and form within the body or on inert objects like catheters. They promote infection by increasing resistance to antibiotics and interfering with clearance by the immune system. We observed that biofilms that lacked Esp could be disrupted much more easily than those that had Esp. We also found that Esp acted only at low pH (i.e., acidic conditions). Exactly how low a pH depended on whether Esp remained on the bacterial surface or was liberated from the surface by a protease, with a human intestinal protease being a likely cause of liberation. In summary, we found that Esp acts at acidic conditions and likely contributes to virulence by preventing the dispersal of biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Spiegelman
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Adrian Bahn-Suh
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth T. Montaño
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Greg L. Hura
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Kathryn A. Patras
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - F. Akif Tezcan
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Victor Nizet
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Susan E. Tsutakawa
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Partho Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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26
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Yarmola E, Ishkov IP, di Cologna NM, Menashe M, Whitener RL, Long JR, Abranches J, Hagen SJ, Brady LJ. Amyloid Aggregates Are Localized to the Nonadherent Detached Fraction of Aging Streptococcus mutans Biofilms. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0166122. [PMID: 35950854 PMCID: PMC9431626 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01661-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of bacterial species recognized to utilize purposeful amyloid aggregation within biofilms continues to grow. The oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans produces several amyloidogenic proteins, including adhesins P1 (also known as AgI/II, PAc) and WapA, whose truncation products, namely, AgII and AgA, respectively, represent the amyloidogenic moieties. Amyloids demonstrate common biophysical properties, including recognition by Thioflavin T (ThT) and Congo red (CR) dyes that bind to the cross β-sheet quaternary structure of amyloid aggregates. Previously, we observed amyloid formation to occur only after 60 h or more of S. mutans biofilm growth. Here, we extend those findings to investigate where amyloid is detected within 1- and 5-day-old biofilms, including within tightly adherent compared with those in nonadherent fractions. CR birefringence and ThT uptake demonstrated amyloid within nonadherent material removed from 5-day-old cultures but not within 1-day-old or adherent samples. These experiments were done in conjunction with confocal microscopy and immunofluorescence staining with AgII- and AgA-reactive antibodies, including monoclonal reagents shown to discriminate between monomeric protein and amyloid aggregates. These results also localized amyloid primarily to the nonadherent fraction of biofilms. Lastly, we show that the C-terminal region of P1 loses adhesive function following amyloidogenesis and is no longer able to competitively inhibit binding of S. mutans to its physiologic substrate, salivary agglutinin. Taken together, our results provide new evidence that amyloid aggregation negatively impacts the functional activity of a widely studied S. mutans adhesin and are consistent with a model in which amyloidogenesis of adhesive proteins facilitates the detachment of aging biofilms. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus mutans is a keystone pathogen and causative agent of human dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, the most prevalent infectious disease in the world. Like many pathogens, S. mutans causes disease in biofilms, which for dental decay begins with bacterial attachment to the salivary pellicle coating the tooth surface. Some strains of S. mutans are also associated with bacterial endocarditis. Amyloid aggregation was initially thought to represent only a consequence of protein mal-folding, but now, many microorganisms are known to produce functional amyloids with biofilm environments. In this study, we learned that amyloid formation diminishes the activity of a known S. mutans adhesin and that amyloid is found within the nonadherent fraction of older biofilms. This finding suggests that the transition from adhesin monomer to amyloid facilitates biofilm detachment. Knowing where and when S. mutans produces amyloid will help in developing therapeutic strategies to control tooth decay and other biofilm-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Yarmola
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ivan P. Ishkov
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Megan Menashe
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Robert L. Whitener
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Joanna R. Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Stephen J. Hagen
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - L. Jeannine Brady
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Liu M, Meng P, Chen G, Guan Y, Liu G. Correlation of structural extracellular polymeric substances in the mesh biofilms with solids retention time and biofilm hydraulic resistance in dynamic membrane bioreactors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155000. [PMID: 35381253 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic membrane bioreactor (DMBR), which mainly relied on the in-situ formed biofilms on support materials with large aperture (e.g., nylon mesh) to separate fine particles in wastewater, has attracted a lot of attentions due to low cost. The filtration performance of DMBR is mainly determined by the structure and hydraulic resistance of biofilms formed on the mesh. Therefore, understanding the correlation of operation conditions with mesh biofilm compositions and permeability are critically important for optimizing DMBR operation. In present study, how structural extracellular polymeric substances, including alginate-like extracellular polysaccharide (ALE) and amyloid-like protein (AP), in mesh biofilms correlate to solids retention time (SRT) and biofilm structures was explored in DMBRs. At 5d-SRT, compact and gel-like mesh biofilms were formed with a high specific filtration resistance (SFR) of 459 × 109 m/g, while at 40d-SRT porous mesh biofilms were developed with a low SFR of 24 × 109 m/g. Consequently, the 5d-SRT MBR experienced more rapid rise in transmembrane pressure. Further studies found that the 5d-SRT mesh biofilms had a higher AP content, which was positively correlated to biofilm hydraulic resistance. On the contrary, the 40d-SRT mesh biofilms contained a higher content of ALE, suggesting that ALE was negatively correlated to biofilm hydraulic resistance. Therefore, AP instead of ALE likely played a more important role in the formation of compact and gel-like mesh biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Liu
- School of Environment, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Water Treatment Processes and Materials, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Peipei Meng
- School of Environment, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Water Treatment Processes and Materials, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guichang Chen
- School of Environment, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Water Treatment Processes and Materials, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ying Guan
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Guoqiang Liu
- School of Environment, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Water Treatment Processes and Materials, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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28
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Xuan Q, He J, Zhang W, Zhang W, Zhang Q, Zhou Y, Wei A, Wang H, Li H, Chen C, Wang P. Salt-Inducing Assembly Polymorphism Strategy for Cytotoxicity Differentiation of Phenol-Soluble Modulin α3 Assemblies. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:3318-3328. [PMID: 35857877 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Phenol-soluble modulin α3 (PSMα3) can self-assemble into fibrous assemblies with a unique "cross-α" sheet structure, which serves as a key virulence factor in the infection of Staphylococcus aureus. However, the structure-cytotoxicity relationships of PSMα3 still remain elusive. Herein, we utilized the strategy of salt-inducing assembly polymorphism to controllably prepare three PSMα3 assemblies with morphological and structural distinctions, including amorphous aggregates (AAs), rigid fibrils (RFs), and oligomers/curvilinear fibrils (OCFs), which provided a convincing method to facilitate the structure-cytotoxicity investigation of PSMα3 assemblies. Our results affirmed that amyloid fibrillation was essential for the enhancement of PSMα3 cytotoxicity, which was proved based on the evidence that RFs and OCFs both triggered more obvious cytotoxicity than AAs. Furthermore, our study also demonstrated that the cytotoxicity was severely dependent on the size and structure of PSMα3 fibrils. In detail, smaller OCFs rich in α-helices exhibited stronger virulence than RFs with larger sizes and low α-helical contents. The cytotoxicity caused by such fibrils was achieved via a membrane-disrupting mechanism, in which RFs and OCFs might be prone to membrane thinning and perforation, respectively. This strategy of salt-inducing PSMα3 assembly polymorphism facilitated the comprehension of the relationship between the characteristics of PSMα3 assemblies and their cytotoxicity and was also helpful to understanding the intrinsic assembly mechanism of the PSMα3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qize Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiaxin He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wenxue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Anqi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.,Institute for Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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29
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Amyloid Properties of the FXR1 Protein Are Conserved in Evolution of Vertebrates. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147997. [PMID: 35887344 PMCID: PMC9319111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147997] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional amyloids are fibrillary proteins with a cross-β structure that play a structural or regulatory role in pro- and eukaryotes. Previously, we have demonstrated that the RNA-binding FXR1 protein functions in an amyloid form in the rat brain. This RNA-binding protein plays an important role in the regulation of long-term memory, emotions, and cancer. Here, we evaluate the amyloid properties of FXR1 in organisms representing various classes of vertebrates. We show the colocalization of FXR1 with amyloid-specific dyes in the neurons of amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Moreover, FXR1, as with other amyloids, forms detergent-resistant insoluble aggregates in all studied animals. The FXR1 protein isolated by immunoprecipitation from the brains of different vertebrate species forms fibrils, which show yellow-green birefringence after staining with Congo red. Our data indicate that in the evolution of vertebrates, FXR1 acquired amyloid properties at least 365 million years ago. Based on the obtained data, we discuss the possible role of FXR1 amyloid fibrils in the regulation of vital processes in the brain of vertebrates.
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30
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Al-Zawity J, Afzal F, Awan A, Nordhoff D, Kleimann A, Wesner D, Montier T, Le Gall T, Müller M. Effects of the Sex Steroid Hormone Estradiol on Biofilm Growth of Cystic Fibrosis Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:941014. [PMID: 35909974 PMCID: PMC9326073 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.941014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to men, which is indicated by an earlier impairment of lung function due to chronic colonization with biofilm formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There is growing evidence that blood serum concentrations of the steroid sex hormone estradiol (E2) correlate with the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations in CF but also play a role in the mucoid switch of P. aeruginosa. This study aims to shed light on possible microbiological reasons for sexual dimorphism in CF by investigating the influence of E2 on biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa CF isolates. For this purpose, 10 CF isolates of the respiratory tract derived from different CF patients have been treated with E2 in a microtiter plate biofilm model. Biofilms have been examined by crystal violet assays, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), 3D laser scanning microscopy (LSM), and quorum sensing (QS) reporter assays of the supernatants taken from biofilms. This allowed us to simultaneously investigate the effects of E2 on attached biofilm mass, biofilm ultrastructure, and QS activity. Upon E2 treatment, six out of 10 investigated CF isolates showed an increase of attached biofilm mass, whereas biofilms from two tested non-CF laboratory strains (PAO1 and ATCC19660) did not. Moreover, FE-SEM and 3D LSM analyses of the E2 responsive CF biofilms revealed ultrastructural remodeling of biofilm structure at different scales with increased formation of prominent biofilm spots, enhanced coverage with extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), and extended average surface roughness. QS activity measurements performed in biofilm supernatants via luminescence acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) reporter assays further showed that E2 treatment may also modulate QS signaling, as shown in an E2 sensitive CF isolate. Together, our results suggest the biofilm modulating effects of E2 on various clinical CF isolates that are documented by both biomass and ultrastructural changes of biofilms. The gained new insight into the influence of steroid hormones on P. aeruginosa biofilm phenotypes might pave the way for novel future approaches in personalized medicine based on the patients’ sex and hormonal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwar Al-Zawity
- Physical Chemistry I and Research Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Faria Afzal
- Physical Chemistry I and Research Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Aysha Awan
- Physical Chemistry I and Research Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Daniela Nordhoff
- Physical Chemistry I and Research Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Alexander Kleimann
- Physical Chemistry I and Research Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Daniel Wesner
- Physical Chemistry I and Research Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Tristan Montier
- INSERM, Univ Brest, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB-GTCA, Brest, France
- CHRU de Brest, Service de Génétique Médicale et de Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares “Maladies Neuromusculaires”, Brest, France
| | - Tony Le Gall
- INSERM, Univ Brest, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB-GTCA, Brest, France
| | - Mareike Müller
- Physical Chemistry I and Research Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mareike Müller,
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31
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Shi Y, Chen T, Shaw P, Wang PY. Manipulating Bacterial Biofilms Using Materiobiology and Synthetic Biology Approaches. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:844997. [PMID: 35875573 PMCID: PMC9301480 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.844997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria form biofilms on material surfaces within hours. Biofilms are often considered problematic substances in the fields such as biomedical devices and the food industry; however, they are beneficial in other fields such as fermentation, water remediation, and civil engineering. Biofilm properties depend on their genome and the extracellular environment, including pH, shear stress, and matrices topography, stiffness, wettability, and charges during biofilm formation. These surface properties have feedback effects on biofilm formation at different stages. Due to emerging technology such as synthetic biology and genome editing, many studies have focused on functionalizing biofilm for specific applications. Nevertheless, few studies combine these two approaches to produce or modify biofilms. This review summarizes up-to-date materials science and synthetic biology approaches to controlling biofilms. The review proposed a potential research direction in the future that can gain better control of bacteria and biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shi
- Oujiang Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingli Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peter Shaw
- Oujiang Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peng-Yuan Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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Xia Y, Jayathilake PG, Li B, Zuliani P, Deehan D, Longyear J, Stoodley P, Chen J. Coupled CFD-DEM modelling to predict how EPS affects bacterial biofilm deformation, recovery and detachment under flow conditions. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2551-2563. [PMID: 35610631 PMCID: PMC9544383 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The deformation and detachment of bacterial biofilm are related to the structural and mechanical properties of the biofilm itself. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) play an important role on keeping the mechanical stability of biofilms. The understanding of biofilm mechanics and detachment can help to reveal biofilm survival mechanisms under fluid shear and provide insight about what flows might be needed to remove biofilm in a cleaning cycle or for a ship to remove biofilms. However, how the EPS may affect biofilm mechanics and its deformation in flow conditions remains elusive. To address this, a coupled computational fluid dynamic– discrete element method (CFD‐DEM) model was developed. The mechanisms of biofilm detachment, such as erosion and sloughing have been revealed by imposing hydrodynamic fluid flow at different velocities and loading rates. The model, which also allows adjustment of the proportion of different functional groups of microorganisms in the biofilm, enables the study of the contribution of EPS toward biofilm resistance to fluid shear stress. Furthermore, the stress–strain curves during biofilm deformation have been captured by loading and unloading fluid shear stress to study the viscoelastic properties of the biofilm. Our predicted emergent viscoelastic properties of biofilms were consistent with relevant experimental measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Xia
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | | | - Bowen Li
- School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Paolo Zuliani
- School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - David Deehan
- The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K.,Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, U.K
| | - Jennifer Longyear
- Marin, Protective, and Yacht Coatings, AkzoNobel, Gateshead, NE10 0JY, U.K
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and the Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC), Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, S017 1BJ, U.K
| | - Jinju Chen
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
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Comerci CJ, Gillman AL, Galera-Laporta L, Gutierrez E, Groisman A, Larkin JW, Garcia-Ojalvo J, Süel GM. Localized electrical stimulation triggers cell-type-specific proliferation in biofilms. Cell Syst 2022; 13:488-498.e4. [PMID: 35512710 PMCID: PMC9233089 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Biological systems ranging from bacteria to mammals utilize electrochemical signaling. Although artificial electrochemical signals have been utilized to characterize neural tissue responses, the effects of such stimuli on non-neural systems remain unclear. To pursue this question, we developed an experimental platform that combines a microfluidic chip with a multielectrode array (MiCMA) to enable localized electrochemical stimulation of bacterial biofilms. The device also allows for the simultaneous measurement of the physiological response within the biofilm with single-cell resolution. We find that the stimulation of an electrode locally changes the ratio of the two major cell types comprising Bacillus subtilis biofilms, namely motile and extracellular-matrix-producing cells. Specifically, stimulation promotes the proliferation of motile cells but not matrix cells, even though these two cell types are genetically identical and reside in the same microenvironment. Our work thus reveals that an electronic interface can selectively target bacterial cell types, enabling the control of biofilm composition and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Comerci
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alan L Gillman
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Leticia Galera-Laporta
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Edgar Gutierrez
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alex Groisman
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joseph W Larkin
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Gürol M Süel
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; San Diego Center for Systems Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Falgarone T, Villain É, Guettaf A, Leclercq J, Kajava AV. TAPASS: Tool for Annotation of Protein Amyloidogenicity in the context of other Structural States. J Struct Biol 2022; 214:107840. [PMID: 35149212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2022.107840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the propensity of a protein to form amyloids or amorphous aggregates is encoded by its amino acid sequence. This led to the emergence of several computational programs to predict amyloidogenicity from amino acid sequences. However, a growing number of studies indicate that an accurate prediction of the protein aggregation can only be achieved when also accounting for the overall structural context of the protein, and the likelihood of transition between the initial state and the aggregate. Here, we describe a computational pipeline called TAPASS, which was designed to do just that. The pipeline assigns each residue of a protein as belonging to a structured region or an intrinsically disordered region (IDR). For this purpose, TAPASS uses either several state-of-the-art programs for prediction of IDRs, of transmembrane regions and of structured domains or the artificial intelligence program AlphaFold. In the next step, this assignment is crossed with amyloidogenicity prediction. As a result, TAPASS allows the detection of Exposed Amyloidogenic Regions (EARs) located within intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) and carrying high amyloidogenic potential. TAPASS can substantially improve the prediction of amyloids and be used in proteome-wide analysis to discover new amyloid-forming proteins. Its results, combined with clinical data, can create individual risk profiles for different amyloidoses, opening up new opportunities for personalised medicine. The architecture of the pipeline is designed so that it makes it easy to add new individual predictors as they become available. TAPASS can be used through the web interface (https://bioinfo.crbm.cnrs.fr/index.php?route=tools&tool=32).
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Falgarone
- CRBM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
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35
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Wollanke B, Gerhards H, Ackermann K. Infectious Uveitis in Horses and New Insights in Its Leptospiral Biofilm-Related Pathogenesis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:387. [PMID: 35208842 PMCID: PMC8875353 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is a sight-threatening eye disease in equids known worldwide that leads to considerable pain and suffering. By far the most common type of uveitis in Germany and neighboring countries is classical equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), which is caused by chronic intraocular leptospiral infection and is the main cause of infectious uveitis in horses. Other infectious causes are extremely rare and are usually clinically distinguishable from ERU. ERU can be treated very effectively by vitreous cavity lavage (vitrectomy). For proper indications of this demanding surgery, it is necessary to differentiate ERU from other types of uveitis in which vitrectomy is not helpful. This can be conducted on the basis of anamnesis in combination with ophthalmologic findings and by aqueous humor examination. During vitrectomy, vitreous material is obtained. These vitreous samples have historically been used for numerous etiologic studies. In this way, a chronic intraocular leptospiral infection has been shown to be the cause of typical ERU and, among other findings, ERU has also been recognized as a biofilm infection, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of ERU and explaining some thus far unexplainable phenomena of ERU. ERU may not only have transmissible aspects to some types of uveitis in humans but may also serve as a model for a spontaneously occurring biofilm infection. Vitreous material obtained during therapeutically indicated vitrectomy can be used for further studies on in vivo biofilm formation, biofilm composition and possible therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Wollanke
- Equine Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany; (H.G.); (K.A.)
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Schiffer CJ, Schaudinn C, Ehrmann MA, Vogel RF. SxsA, a novel surface protein mediating cell aggregation and adhesive biofilm formation of Staphylococcus xylosus. Mol Microbiol 2022; 117:986-1001. [PMID: 35072960 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14884] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm formation of staphylococci has been an emerging field of research for many years. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood, and vary widely between species and strains. The aim of this study was to identify new effectors impacting biofilm formation of two Staphylococcus (S.) xylosus strains. We identified a novel surface protein conferring cell aggregation, adherence to abiotic surfaces and biofilm formation. The S. xylosus surface protein A (SxsA) is a large protein occurring in variable sizes. It lacks sequence similarity to other staphylococcal surface proteins but shows similar structural domain organization and functional features. Upon deletion of sxsA, adherence of S. xylosus strain TMW 2.1523 to abiotic surfaces was completely abolished, and significantly reduced in TMW 2.1023. Macro- and microscopic aggregation assays further showed that TMW 2.1523 sxsA mutants exhibit reduced cell aggregation compared to the wildtype. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that sxsA is part of the core genome of S. xylosus, S. paraxylosus and S. nepalensis and additionally encoded in a small group of S. cohnii and S. saprophyticus strains. This study provides insights into protein-mediated biofilm formation of S. xylosus and identifies a new cell wall-associated protein influencing cell aggregation and biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin J Schiffer
- Lehrstuhl für Technische Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.,Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Christoph Schaudinn
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias A Ehrmann
- Lehrstuhl für Technische Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.,Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Rudi F Vogel
- Lehrstuhl für Technische Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
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Das TK, Blasco-Conesa MP, Korf J, Honarpisheh P, Chapman MR, Ganesh BP. Bacterial Amyloid Curli Associated Gut Epithelial Neuroendocrine Activation Predominantly Observed in Alzheimer's Disease Mice with Central Amyloid-β Pathology. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:191-205. [PMID: 35527554 PMCID: PMC9583710 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial evidence from recent research suggests an influential and underappreciated force in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis: the pathological signals originate from outside the brain. Pathogenic bacteria produce amyloid-like proteins "curli" that form biofilms and show functional similarities to human amyloid-β (Aβ). These proteins may contribute to neurological disease progression via signaling cascade from the gut to the brain. OBJECTIVE We propose that curli causes neuroendocrine activation from the gut to brain that promotes central Aβ pathology. METHODS PGP9.5 and TLR2 levels in response to curli in the lumen of Tg2576 AD mice were analyzed by immunohistochemical and qRT-PCR analysis. Western blot and human 3D in vitro enteroids culture systems were also used. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to investigate bacterial dysbiosis. RESULTS We found significant increase in bacterial-amyloid curli with elevated TLR2 at the mRNA level in the pre- and symptomatic Tg-AD gut compared to littermate WT controls. This data associates with increased gram-positive bacterial colonization in the ileum of the symptomatic AD mice. We found fundamental evidence for vagus nerve activation in response to bacterial curli. Neuroendocrine marker PGP9.5 was significantly elevated in the gut epithelium of symptomatic AD mice, and this was colocalized with increased TLR2 expression. Enteroids, 3D-human ileal mini-gut monolayer in vitro model system also revealed increase levels of TLR2 upon stimulation with purified bacterial curli fibrils. CONCLUSION These findings reveal the importance of pathological changes within the gut-vagus-brain signaling in response to luminal bacterial amyloid that might play a vital role in central Aβ pathogenesis seen in the AD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar K. Das
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria P. Blasco-Conesa
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Janelle Korf
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pedram Honarpisheh
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew R. Chapman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bhanu P. Ganesh
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA,Correspondence to: Bhanu Priya Ganesh, Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA. Tel.: +1 713 500 7429;
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Abstract
Experimental studies of amyloids encounter many challenges. There are many methods available for studying proteins, which can be applied to amyloids: from basic staining techniques, allowing visualization of fibers, to complex methods, e.g., AFM-IR used to their detailed biochemical and structural characterization in nanoscale. Which method is appropriate depends on the goal of an experiment: verification of aggregational properties of a peptide, distinguishing oligomers from mature fibers, or kinetic studies. Insolubility, rapid aggregation, and the need of using a high-purity peptide may be a limiting factor in studies involving amyloids. Moreover, the results obtained by various experimental methods often differ significantly, which may lead to misclassification of amyloid peptides. Due to ambiguity of experimental results, laborious and time-consuming analysis, bioinformatical methods become more widely used for amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia Szulc
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Szefczyk
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
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Goosens VJ, Walker KT, Aragon SM, Singh A, Senthivel VR, Dekker L, Caro-Astorga J, Buat MLA, Song W, Lee KY, Ellis T. Komagataeibacter Tool Kit (KTK): A Modular Cloning System for Multigene Constructs and Programmed Protein Secretion from Cellulose Producing Bacteria. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:3422-3434. [PMID: 34767345 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria proficient at producing cellulose are an attractive synthetic biology host for the emerging field of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs). Species from the Komagataeibacter genus produce high yields of pure cellulose materials in a short time with minimal resources, and pioneering work has shown that genetic engineering in these strains is possible and can be used to modify the material and its production. To accelerate synthetic biology progress in these bacteria, we introduce here the Komagataeibacter tool kit (KTK), a standardized modular cloning system based on Golden Gate DNA assembly that allows DNA parts to be combined to build complex multigene constructs expressed in bacteria from plasmids. Working in Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, we describe basic parts for this system, including promoters, fusion tags, and reporter proteins, before showcasing how the assembly system enables more complex designs. Specifically, we use KTK cloning to reformat the Escherichia coli curli amyloid fiber system for functional expression in K. rhaeticus, and go on to modify it as a system for programming protein secretion from the cellulose producing bacteria. With this toolkit, we aim to accelerate modular synthetic biology in these bacteria, and enable more rapid progress in the emerging ELMs community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivianne J. Goosens
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Kenneth T. Walker
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Silvia M. Aragon
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Amritpal Singh
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Vivek R. Senthivel
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Linda Dekker
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Joaquin Caro-Astorga
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | | | - Wenzhe Song
- Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Koon-Yang Lee
- Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Tom Ellis
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
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Chen Y, Cui G, Cui Y, Chen D, Lin H. Small molecule targeting amyloid fibrils inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. AMB Express 2021; 11:171. [PMID: 34919191 PMCID: PMC8683520 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-021-01333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils are important scaffold in bacterial biofilms. Streptococcus mutans is an established cariogenic bacteria dwelling within biofilms, and C123 segment of P1 protein is known to form amyloid fibrils in S. mutans biofilms, among which C3 segment could serve as a promising anti-amyloid target due to its critical role in C123-P1 interactions. Recently, small molecules have been found to successfully inhibit biofilms by targeting amyloid fibrils. Thus, our study aimed to screen small molecules targeting C3 segment with the capacity to influence amyloid fibrils and S. mutans biofilms. In silico screening was utilized to discover promising small molecules, which were evaluated for their effects on bacterial cells and amyloid fibrils. We selected 99 small molecules and enrolled 55 small molecules named D1-D55 for crystal violet staining. Notably, D25 selectively inhibit S. mutans biofilms but had no significant influence on biofilms formed by Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis, and D25 showed no bactericidal effects and low cytotoxicity. In addition, amyloid fibrils in free-floating bacteria, biofilms and purified C123 were quantified with ThT assays, and the differences were not statistically significant in the presence or absence of D25. Morphological changes of amyloid fibrils were visualized with TEM images, where amorphous aggregates were obvious coupled with long and atypical amyloid fibrils. Moreover, amyloid-related genes were upregulated in response to D25. In conclusion, D25 is a promising antimicrobial agent with the capacity to influence amyloid fibrils and inhibit S. mutans biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Guxin Cui
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Yuqi Cui
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Dongru Chen
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Huancai Lin
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
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Senejani AG, Maghsoudlou J, El-Zohiry D, Gaur G, Wawrzeniak K, Caravaglia C, Khatri VA, MacDonald A, Sapi E. Borrelia burgdorferi Co-Localizing with Amyloid Markers in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Tissues. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:889-903. [PMID: 34897095 PMCID: PMC8842785 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections by bacterial or viral agents have been hypothesized to influence the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. OBJECTIVE This study examined the potential presence of Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete, the causative agent of Lyme disease, in brain autopsy tissue of patients diagnosed with either Alzheimer's (AD) or Parkinson's diseases. METHODS Brain tissue sections from patients with age-matched controls were evaluated for antigen and DNA presence of B. burgdorferi using various methods. Positive Borrelia structures were evaluated for co-localization with biofilm and AD markers such as amyloid and phospho-tau (p-Tau) using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS The results showed the presence of B. burgdorferi antigen and DNA in patients with AD pathology and among those, one of them was previously diagnosed with Lyme disease. Interestingly, a significant number of Borrelia-positive aggregates with a known biofilm marker, alginate, were found along with the spirochetal structures. Our immunohistochemical data also showed that Borrelia-positive aggregates co-localized with amyloid and anti-phospho-tau markers. To further prove the potential relationship of B. burgdorferi and amyloids, we infected two mammalian cell lines with B. burgdorferi which resulted in a significant increase in the expression of amyloid-β and p-Tau proteins in both cells lines post-infection. CONCLUSION These results indicate that B. burgdorferi can be found in AD brain tissues, not just in spirochete but a known antibiotics resistant biofilm form, and its co-localized amyloid markers. In summary, this study provides evidence for a likely association between B. burgdorferi infections and biofilm formation, AD pathology, and chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza G Senejani
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jasmin Maghsoudlou
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dina El-Zohiry
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gauri Gaur
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Keith Wawrzeniak
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cristina Caravaglia
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vishwa A Khatri
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alan MacDonald
- Molecular Interrogation Research Laboratory, Naples, FL, USA
| | - Eva Sapi
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
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Cruz A, Condinho M, Carvalho B, Arraiano CM, Pobre V, Pinto SN. The Two Weapons against Bacterial Biofilms: Detection and Treatment. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1482. [PMID: 34943694 PMCID: PMC8698905 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are defined as complex aggregates of bacteria that grow attached to surfaces or are associated with interfaces. Bacteria within biofilms are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix made of polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and proteins. It is recognized that bacterial biofilms are responsible for the majority of microbial infections that occur in the human body, and that biofilm-related infections are extremely difficult to treat. This is related with the fact that microbial cells in biofilms exhibit increased resistance levels to antibiotics in comparison with planktonic (free-floating) cells. In the last years, the introduction into the market of novel compounds that can overcome the resistance to antimicrobial agents associated with biofilm infection has slowed down. If this situation is not altered, millions of lives are at risk, and this will also strongly affect the world economy. As such, research into the identification and eradication of biofilms is important for the future of human health. In this sense, this article provides an overview of techniques developed to detect and imaging biofilms as well as recent strategies that can be applied to treat biofilms during the several biofilm formation steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Cruz
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
- i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuel Condinho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.C.); (B.C.); (C.M.A.)
| | - Beatriz Carvalho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.C.); (B.C.); (C.M.A.)
| | - Cecília M. Arraiano
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.C.); (B.C.); (C.M.A.)
| | - Vânia Pobre
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.C.); (B.C.); (C.M.A.)
| | - Sandra N. Pinto
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
- i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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Chen Z, Song K, Shang Y, Xiong Y, Lyu Z, Chen J, Zheng J, Li P, Wu Y, Gu C, Xie Y, Deng Q, Yu Z, Zhang J, Qu D. Selection and Identification of Novel Antibacterial Agents against Planktonic Growth and Biofilm Formation of Enterococcus faecalis. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15037-15052. [PMID: 34657423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
YycFG, one of the two-component systems involved in the regulation of biofilm formation, has attracted increasing interest as a potential target of antibacterial and antibiofilm agents. YycG inhibitors for Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis have been developed, but Enterococcus faecalis remains underexplored. Herein, we selected and identified novel candidate molecules against E. faecalis targeting histidine kinase YycG using high-throughput virtual screening; six molecules (compound-16, -30, -42, -46, -59, and -62) with low cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells were verified as potential YycG inhibitors through an autophosphorylation test and binding kinetics. Compound-16 inhibited planktonic cells of E. faecalis, including the vancomycin- or linezolid-resistant strains. In contrast, compound-62 did not affect planktonic growth but significantly inhibited biofilm formation in static and dynamic conditions. Compound-62 combined with ampicillin could synergistically eradicate the biofilm-embedded viable bacteria. The study demonstrates that YycG inhibitors may be valuable approaches for the development of novel antimicrobial agents for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Key Lab of Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518052, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Kun Song
- Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yongpeng Shang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Key Lab of Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Yanpeng Xiong
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Key Lab of Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Zhihui Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Junwen Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Key Lab of Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Jinxin Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Key Lab of Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Peiyu Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Key Lab of Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chenjian Gu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Youhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiwen Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Key Lab of Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Zhijian Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Key Lab of Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Di Qu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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The Antibiofilm Nanosystems for Improved Infection Inhibition of Microbes in Skin. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216392. [PMID: 34770799 PMCID: PMC8587837 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for the opportunistic microorganisms that elicit skin infections. The recalcitrant feature of biofilms and their antibiotic tolerance impose a great challenge on the use of conventional therapies. Most antibacterial agents have difficulty penetrating the matrix produced by a biofilm. One novel approach to address these concerns is to prevent or inhibit the formation of biofilms using nanoparticles. The advantages of using nanosystems for antibiofilm applications include high drug loading efficiency, sustained or prolonged drug release, increased drug stability, improved bioavailability, close contact with bacteria, and enhanced accumulation or targeting to biomasses. Topically applied nanoparticles can act as a strategy for enhancing antibiotic delivery into the skin. Various types of nanoparticles, including metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and lipid-based nanoparticles, have been employed for topical delivery to treat biofilm infections on the skin. Moreover, nanoparticles can be designed to combine with external stimuli to produce magnetic, photothermal, or photodynamic effects to ablate the biofilm matrix. This study focuses on advanced antibiofilm approaches based on nanomedicine for treating skin infections. We provide in-depth descriptions on how the nanoparticles could effectively eliminate biofilms and any pathogens inside them. We then describe cases of using nanoparticles for antibiofilm treatment of the skin. Most of the studies included in this review were supported by in vivo animal infection models. This article offers an overview of the benefits of nanosystems for treating biofilms grown on the skin.
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Gränicher KA, Karygianni L, Attin T, Thurnheer T. Low Concentrations of Chlorhexidine Inhibit the Formation and Structural Integrity of Enzyme-Treated Multispecies Oral Biofilms. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:741863. [PMID: 34650542 PMCID: PMC8506149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.741863] [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: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-produced matrix of biofilms, consisting of extracellular polymeric substances, plays an important role in biofilm adhesion to surfaces and the structural integrity of biofilms. In dentistry, biofilms cause multiple diseases such as caries, periodontitis, and pulpitis. Disruption of these biofilms adhering to dental hard tissues may pose a major challenge since biofilms show higher tolerance to antimicrobials and antibiotics than planktonic cells. In this study, the effect of low concentrations of chlorhexidine (CHX) on enzyme-treated multispecies oral biofilm was investigated in an in vitro model. Six-species biofilms were enzymatically treated by anaerobic growth in a medium containing DNase I and proteinase K. Biofilms were exposed to a low concentration of CHX at defined time points. After 64h, biofilms were either harvested and quantified by cultural analyses or stained for confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analyses using either Live/Dead kit or different fluorescent dyes. A mixture of YoPro1 and SYTOX™ Green, Fluorescent Brightener 28 (Calcofluor), and SYPRO™ Ruby Protein Gel Stain was used to stain total DNA, exopolysaccharides, and extracellular proteins, respectively. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) was visualized via an indirect immunofluorescence assay (Mouse anti-DNA IgG, Goat anti-Mouse IgG, Streptavidin-Cy3). Overall, the total colony-forming units significantly decreased after combined treatment with a low concentration of CHX and enzymes compared to the group treated with CHX alone (p<0.001). These findings also apply to five species individually (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces oris, Veillonella dispar, and Candida albicans) occurring in the biofilms, with Fusobacterium nucleatum being the only exception. Furthermore, CLSM images showed less dense biofilms and a reduction in cell numbers after combined treatment compared to the group without enzymes. The combination of enzymes capable of disturbing the matrix integrity with antimicrobial agents thus appears to be a promising approach for biofilm disruption and killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Andrin Gränicher
- Clinic of Conservative and Preventive Dentistry, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lamprini Karygianni
- Clinic of Conservative and Preventive Dentistry, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Attin
- Clinic of Conservative and Preventive Dentistry, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Thurnheer
- Clinic of Conservative and Preventive Dentistry, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Amyloid Aggregation of Streptococcus mutans Cnm Influences Its Collagen-Binding Activity. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0114921. [PMID: 34406827 PMCID: PMC8516039 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01149-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cnm gene, coding for the glycosylated collagen- and laminin-binding surface adhesin Cnm, is found in the genomes of approximately 20% of Streptococcus mutans clinical isolates and is associated with systemic infections and increased caries risk. Other surface-associated collagen-binding proteins of S. mutans, such as P1 and WapA, have been demonstrated to form an amyloid quaternary structure with functional implications within biofilms. In silico analysis predicted that the β-sheet-rich N-terminal collagen-binding domain (CBD) of Cnm has a propensity for amyloid aggregation, whereas the threonine-rich C-terminal domain was predicted to be disorganized. In this study, thioflavin-T fluorescence and electron microscopy were used to show that Cnm forms amyloids in either its native glycosylated or recombinant nonglycosylated form and that the CBD of Cnm is the main amyloidogenic unit of Cnm. We then performed a series of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays to characterize the amylogenic properties of Cnm. In addition, Congo red birefringence indicated that Cnm is a major amyloidogenic protein of S. mutans biofilms. Competitive binding assays using collagen-coated microtiter plates and dental roots, a substrate rich in collagen, revealed that Cnm monomers inhibit S. mutans binding to collagenous substrates, whereas Cnm amyloid aggregates lose this property. Thus, while Cnm contributes to recognition and initial binding of S. mutans to collagen-rich surfaces, amyloid formation by Cnm might act as a negative regulatory mechanism to modulate collagen-binding activity within S. mutans biofilms and warrants further investigation. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus mutans is a keystone pathogen that promotes caries by acidifying the dental biofilm milieu. The collagen- and laminin-binding glycoprotein Cnm is a virulence factor of S. mutans. Expression of Cnm by S. mutans is hypothesized to contribute to niche expansion, allowing colonization of multiple sites in the body, including collagen-rich surfaces such as dentin and heart valves. Here, we suggest that Cnm function might be modulated by its aggregation status. As a monomer, its primary function is to promote attachment to collagenous substrates via its collagen-binding domain (CBD). However, in later stages of biofilm maturation, the same CBD of Cnm could self-assemble into amyloid fibrils, losing the ability to bind to collagen and likely becoming a component of the biofilm matrix. Our findings shed light on the role of functional amyloids in S. mutans pathobiology and ecology.
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Kalamara M, Abbott JC, MacPhee CE, Stanley-Wall NR. Biofilm hydrophobicity in environmental isolates of Bacillus subtilis. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2021; 167. [PMID: 34486975 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are communities of bacteria that are attached to a surface and surrounded by an extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix protects the community from stressors in the environment, making biofilms robust. The Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis, particularly the isolate NCIB 3610, is widely used as a model for studying biofilm formation. B. subtilis NCIB 3610 forms colony biofilms that are architecturally complex and highly hydrophobic. The hydrophobicity is linked, in part, to the localisation of the protein BslA at the surface of the biofilm, which provides the community with increased resistance to biocides. As most of our knowledge about B. subtilis biofilm formation comes from one isolate, it is unclear if biofilm hydrophobicity is a widely distributed feature of the species. To address this knowledge gap, we collated a library of B. subtilis soil isolates and acquired their whole genome sequences. We used our novel isolates to examine biofilm hydrophobicity and found that, although BslA is encoded and produced by all isolates in our collection, hydrophobicity is not a universal feature of B. subtilis colony biofilms. To test whether the matrix exopolymer poly γ-glutamic acid could be masking hydrophobicity in our hydrophilic isolates, we constructed deletion mutants and found, contrary to our hypothesis, that the presence of poly γ-glutamic acid was not the reason for the observed hydrophilicity. This study highlights the natural variation in the properties of biofilms formed by different isolates and the importance of using a more diverse range of isolates as representatives of a species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Kalamara
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD5 4EH, UK
| | - James C Abbott
- Data Analysis Group, Division of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD5 4EH, UK
| | - Cait E MacPhee
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FD Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicola R Stanley-Wall
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD5 4EH, UK
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Arnaouteli S, Bamford NC, Stanley-Wall NR, Kovács ÁT. Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation and social interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:600-614. [PMID: 33824496 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00540-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation is a process in which microbial cells aggregate to form collectives that are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium that is used to dissect the mechanisms controlling matrix production and the subsequent transition from a motile planktonic cell state to a sessile biofilm state. The collective nature of life in a biofilm allows emergent properties to manifest, and B. subtilis biofilms are linked with novel industrial uses as well as probiotic and biocontrol processes. In this Review, we outline the molecular details of the biofilm matrix and the regulatory pathways and external factors that control its production. We explore the beneficial outcomes associated with biofilms. Finally, we highlight major advances in our understanding of concepts of microbial evolution and community behaviour that have resulted from studies of the innate heterogeneity of biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Arnaouteli
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Natalie C Bamford
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Nicola R Stanley-Wall
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | - Ákos T Kovács
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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Gerasymchuk Y, Kędziora A, Wędzyńska A, Tahershamsi L, Chernii V, Tretyakova I, Chernii S, Pekhnyo V, Korona-Głowniak I, Malm A, Rajtar B, Bachanek T, Piątek D, Bugla-Płoskońska G, Lukowiak A. Composite based on graphite oxide, metallic silver and zirconium phthalocyanine coordinated by out-of-plane argininate ligands as photoactive antibacterial additive to endodontic cement. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2021.113432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Xuan Q, Wang Y, Chen C, Wang P. Rational Biological Interface Engineering: Amyloidal Supramolecular Microstructure-Inspired Hydrogel. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:718883. [PMID: 34350165 PMCID: PMC8327773 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.718883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloidal proteins, which are prone to form fibrillar and ordered aggregates in vivo and in vitro, underlie the mechanism for neurodegenerative disorders and also play essential functions in the process of life. Amyloid fibrils typically adopt a distinctive β-sheet structure, which renders them with inherent extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking properties, such as powerful mechanical strength, promising adhesion, and antibacterial activity. Additionally, amyloidal proteins are a category of programmable self-assembled macromolecules, and their assembly and consequent nanostructure can be manipulated rationally. The above advantages motivate researchers to investigate the potential of amyloidal proteins as a novel type of hydrogel material. Currently, the amyloid-inspired hydrogel has become an emerging area and has been widely applied in a variety of biomedical fields, such as tissue repair, cell scaffolds, and drug delivery. In this review, we focus on the discussion of molecular mechanisms underlying the hydrogenation of amyloidal proteins, and introduce the advances achieved in biomedical applications of amyloid-inspired hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qize Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yibing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
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