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Peng J, Guo C, Yang C, Zhang L, Yang F, Huang X, Yu Y, Zhang T, Peng J. Phage therapy for bone and joint infections: A comprehensive exploration of challenges, dynamics, and therapeutic prospects. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2024; 39:12-21. [PMID: 39168373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2024.07.007] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bone and joint infections (BJI) pose formidable challenges in orthopaedics due to antibiotic resistance and the complexities of biofilm, complicating treatment. This comprehensive exploration addresses the intricate challenges posed by BJI and highlights the significant role of phage therapy as a non-antibiotic strategy. METHODS BJI, which encompass prosthetic joint infections, osteomyelitis, and purulent arthritis, are exacerbated by biofilm formation on bone and implant surfaces, hindering treatment efficacy. Gram-negative bacterial infections, characterized by elevated antibiotic resistance, further contribute to the clinical challenge. Amidst this therapeutic challenge, phage therapy emerges as a potential strategy, showing unique characteristics such as strict host specificity and biofilm disruption capabilities. RESULTS The review unveils the dynamics of phages, including their origins, lifecycle outcomes, and genomic characteristics. Animal studies, in vitro investigations, and clinical research provide compelling evidence of the efficacy of phages in treating Staphylococcus aureus infections, particularly in osteomyelitis cases. Phage lysins exhibit biofilm-disrupting capabilities, offering a meaningful method for addressing BJI. Recent statistical analyses reveal high clinical relief rates and a favourable safety profile for phage therapy. CONCLUSIONS Despite its promise, phage therapy encounters limitations, including a narrow host range and potential immunogenicity. The comprehensive analysis navigates these challenges and charts the future of phage therapy, emphasizing standardization, pharmacokinetics, and global collaboration. Anticipated strides in phage engineering and combination therapy hold promise for combating antibiotic-resistant BJI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaze Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China; Joint Orthopaedic Research Center of Zunyi Medical University & University of Rochester Medical Center, Zunyi, China
| | - Caopei Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China; Joint Orthopaedic Research Center of Zunyi Medical University & University of Rochester Medical Center, Zunyi, China
| | - Chengbing Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China; Joint Orthopaedic Research Center of Zunyi Medical University & University of Rochester Medical Center, Zunyi, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China; Joint Orthopaedic Research Center of Zunyi Medical University & University of Rochester Medical Center, Zunyi, China
| | - Fuyin Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China; Joint Orthopaedic Research Center of Zunyi Medical University & University of Rochester Medical Center, Zunyi, China
| | - Xianpeng Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China; Joint Orthopaedic Research Center of Zunyi Medical University & University of Rochester Medical Center, Zunyi, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China; Joint Orthopaedic Research Center of Zunyi Medical University & University of Rochester Medical Center, Zunyi, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jiachen Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China; Joint Orthopaedic Research Center of Zunyi Medical University & University of Rochester Medical Center, Zunyi, China; Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi, China.
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2
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Li S, Wei B, Xu L, Cong C, Murtaza B, Wang L, Li X, Li J, Xu M, Yin J, Xu Y. A novel Saclayvirus Acinetobacter baumannii phage genomic analysis and effectiveness in preventing pneumonia. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:428. [PMID: 39066795 PMCID: PMC11283397 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13208-0] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii, which is resistant to multiple drugs, is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for severe nosocomial infections. With no antibiotics available, phages have obtained clinical attention. However, since immunocompromised patients are often susceptible to infection, the appropriate timing of administration is particularly important. During this research, we obtained a lytic phage vB_AbaM_P1 that specifically targets A. baumannii. We then assessed its potential as a prophylactic treatment for lung infections caused by clinical strains. The virus experiences a period of inactivity lasting 30 min and produces approximately 788 particles during an outbreak. Transmission electron microscopy shows that vB_AbaM_P1 was similar to the Saclayvirus. Based on the analysis of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, vB_AbaM_P1 consists of 107537 bases with a G + C content of 37.68%. It contains a total of 177 open reading frames and 14 tRNAs. No antibiotic genes were detected. In vivo experiments, using a cyclophosphamide-induced neutrophil deficiency model, tested the protective effect of phage on neutrophil-deficient rats by prophylactic application of phage. The use of phages resulted in a decrease in rat mortality caused by A. baumannii and a reduction in the bacterial burden in the lungs. Histologic examination of lung tissue revealed a decrease in the presence of immune cells. The presence of phage vB_AbaM_P1 had a notable impact on preventing A. baumannii infection, as evidenced by the decrease in oxidative stress in lung tissue and cytokine levels in serum. Our research offers more robust evidence for the early utilization of bacteriophages to mitigate A. baumannii infection. KEY POINTS: •A novel Saclayvirus phage infecting A. baumannii was isolated from sewage. •The whole genome was determined, analyzed, and compared to other phages. •Assaying the effect of phage in preventing infection in neutrophil-deficient models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibin Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Bingdong Wei
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, 136100, China
| | - Le Xu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Cong Cong
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Bilal Murtaza
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Lili Wang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jibin Li
- Liaoning Innovation Center for Phage Application Professional Technology, Dalian, 116620, Liaoning, China
| | - Mu Xu
- Dalian SEM Bio-Engineering Technology Co. Ltd., Dalian, 116620, China
| | - Jiajun Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116300, China.
| | - Yongping Xu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116300, China.
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3
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Mondal A, Teimouri H, Kolomeisky AB. Elucidating Physicochemical Features of Holin Proteins Responsible for Bacterial Cell Lysis. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:7129-7140. [PMID: 38985954 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c03040] [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: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics stimulated the development of so-called "phage therapies" that rely on cell lysis, which is a process of destroying bacterial cells due to their infections by bacterial viruses. For λ bacteriophages, it is known that the critical role in this process is played by holin proteins that aggregate in cellular membranes before breaking them apart. While multiple experimental studies probed various aspects of cell lysis, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain not well understood. Here we investigate what physicochemical properties of holin proteins are the most relevant for these processes by employing statistical correlation analysis of cell lysis dynamics for different experimentally observed mutant species. Our findings reveal significant correlations between various physicochemical features and cell lysis dynamics. Notably, we uncover a strong inverse correlation between local hydrophobicity and cell lysis times, underscoring the crucial role of hydrophobic interactions in membrane disruption. Stimulated by these observations, a predictive model capable of explicitly estimating cell lysis times for any holin protein mutants based on their mean hydrophobicity values is developed. Our study not only provides important microscopic insights into cell lysis phenomena but also proposes specific routes to optimize medical and biotechnological applications of bacteriophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Mondal
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Hamid Teimouri
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Anatoly B Kolomeisky
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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4
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Mondal A, Teimouri H, Kolomeisky AB. Molecular mechanisms of precise timing in cell lysis. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00447-8. [PMID: 38971973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Many biological systems exhibit precise timing of events, and one of the most known examples is cell lysis, which is a process of breaking bacterial host cells in the virus infection cycle. However, the underlying microscopic picture of precise timing remains not well understood. We present a novel theoretical approach to explain the molecular mechanisms of effectively deterministic dynamics in biological systems. Our hypothesis is based on the idea of stochastic coupling between relevant underlying biophysical and biochemical processes that lead to noise cancellation. To test this hypothesis, we introduced a minimal discrete-state stochastic model to investigate how holin proteins produced by bacteriophages break the inner membranes of gram-negative bacteria. By explicitly solving this model, the dynamic properties of cell lysis are fully evaluated, and theoretical predictions quantitatively agree with available experimental data for both wild-type and holin mutants. It is found that the observed threshold-like behavior is a result of the balance between holin proteins entering the membrane and leaving the membrane during the lysis. Theoretical analysis suggests that the cell lysis achieves precise timing for wild-type species by maximizing the number of holins in the membrane and narrowing their spatial distribution. In contrast, for mutated species, these conditions are not satisfied. Our theoretical approach presents a possible molecular picture of precise dynamic regulation in intrinsically random biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Mondal
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Hamid Teimouri
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Anatoly B Kolomeisky
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas.
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5
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Rodea M GE, González-Villalobos E, Espinoza-Mellado MDR, Hernández-Chiñas U, Eslava-Campos CA, Balcázar JL, Molina-López J. Genomic analysis of a novel phage vB_SenS_ST1UNAM with lytic activity against Salmonella enterica serotypes. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 109:116305. [PMID: 38643675 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116305] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we present the complete annotated genome of a novel Salmonella phage, vB_SenS_ST1UNAM. This phage exhibits lytic activity against several Salmonella enterica serotypes, such as S. Typhi, S. Enteritidis, and S. Typhimurium strains, which are major causes of foodborne illness worldwide. Its genome consists of a linear, double-stranded DNA of 47,877 bp with an average G+C content of 46.6%. A total of 85 coding regions (CDS) were predicted, of which only 43 CDS were functionally assigned. Neither genes involved in the regulation of lysogeny, nor antibiotic resistance genes were identified. This phage harbors a lytic cassette that encodes a type II-holin and a Rz/Rz1-like spanin complex, along with a restriction-modification evasion system and a depolymerase that degrades Salmonella exopolysaccharide. Moreover, the comparative analysis with closely related phage genomes revealed that vB_SenS_ST1UNAM represents a novel genus, for which the genus "Gomezvirus" within the subfamily "ST1UNAM-like" is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo E Rodea M
- Laboratorio de Patogenicidad Bacteriana, Unidad de Hemato-Oncología e Investigación. Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez/Facultad de Medicina UNAM, C.P. 06720 Mexico City, Mexico; Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas Área de Genética Bacteriana, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edgar González-Villalobos
- Laboratorio de Epidemiología Molecular División de Investigación, departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina UNAM, C.P. 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Del Rosario Espinoza-Mellado
- Central de Instrumentación de Microscopía, Depto. Investigación, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (IPN-ENCB), Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Mexico City 11340, México
| | - Ulises Hernández-Chiñas
- Unidad Periférica de Investigación Básica y Clínica en Enfermedades Infecciosas; Departamento de Salud Pública/División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, C.P. 04510. Mexico City, Mexico; Laboratorio de Patogenicidad Bacteriana, Unidad de Hemato-Oncología e Investigación. Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez/Facultad de Medicina UNAM, C.P. 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Alberto Eslava-Campos
- Unidad Periférica de Investigación Básica y Clínica en Enfermedades Infecciosas; Departamento de Salud Pública/División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, C.P. 04510. Mexico City, Mexico; Laboratorio de Patogenicidad Bacteriana, Unidad de Hemato-Oncología e Investigación. Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez/Facultad de Medicina UNAM, C.P. 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Luis Balcázar
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA). 17003, Girona, Spain; University of Girona. 17004 Girona, Spain
| | - José Molina-López
- Unidad Periférica de Investigación Básica y Clínica en Enfermedades Infecciosas; Departamento de Salud Pública/División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, C.P. 04510. Mexico City, Mexico; Laboratorio de Patogenicidad Bacteriana, Unidad de Hemato-Oncología e Investigación. Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez/Facultad de Medicina UNAM, C.P. 06720 Mexico City, Mexico.
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6
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Xiang Y, Wang S, Huang H, Li X, Wei Y, Li H, Ji X. A novel endolysin from an Enterococcus faecalis phage and application. Microb Pathog 2024; 192:106689. [PMID: 38750777 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106689] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is the primary species detected in cases of secondary persistent infection resulting from root canal therapy failure. Due to the overuse of antibacterial agents, E. faecalis has developed resistance to these drugs, making it challenging to treat clinical diseases caused by E. faecalis infection. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new alternative drugs for treating E. faecalis infections. We aimed to clone and express the genes of phage endolysins, purify the recombinant proteins, and analyze their antibacterial activity, lysis profile, and ability to remove biofilm. The crude enzyme of phage endolysin pEF51 (0.715 mg/mL), derived from phage PEf771 infecting E. faecalis, exhibited superior bacterial inhibitory activity and a broader bactericidal spectrum than its parental phage PEf771. Furthermore, pEF51 demonstrated high efficacy in eliminating E. faecalis biofilm. Therapeutic results of the infected Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model indicated that among 10 SD rats, only one developed a thoracic peritoneal abscess and splenic peritoneal abscess after 72 h of treatment with pEF51. This suggests that pEF51 could provide protection against E. faecalis infection in SD rats. Based on the 16S rDNA metagenomic data of the intestinal microbial community of SD rats, endolysin pEF51 exerted a certain influence on the diversity of intestinal microorganisms at the genus level. Thus, pEF51 may serve as a promising alternative to antibiotics in the management of E. faecalis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Xiang
- -Department of Stomatology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650031, China
| | - Suping Wang
- -Life Science and Technology & Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Hao Huang
- -Department of Stomatology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650031, China
| | - Xuelin Li
- -Department of Stomatology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650031, China
| | - Yunlin Wei
- -Life Science and Technology & Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Haiyan Li
- -Life Science and Technology & Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xiuling Ji
- -Life Science and Technology & Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
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7
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Chernyshov SV, Masulis IS, Mikoulinskaia GV. From DNA to lytic proteins: transcription and translation of the bacteriophage T5 holin/endolysin operon. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:256. [PMID: 38926173 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04063-2] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The analysis of transcriptional activity of the bacteriophage T5 hol/endo operon conducted in the paper revealed a strong constitutive promoter recognized by E. coli RNA polymerase and a transcription initiation point of the operon. It was also shown that the only translational start codon for holin was a non-canonical TTG. Translation initiation regions (TIRs) of both genes of the operon (hol and endo) were further analyzed using chimeric constructs, in which parts of the hol/endo regulatory regions were fused with the gene of a reporter protein (EGFP). It was found that TIR of hol was 20 times less effective than that of endo. As it turned out, the level of EGFP production was influenced by the composition of the constructs and the type of the hol start codon. Apparently, the translational suppression of holin's accumulation and posttranslational activation of endolysin by Ca2+ are the main factors ensuring the proper timing of the host cell lysis by bacteriophage T5. The approach based on the use of chimeric constructs proposed in the paper can be recommended for studying other native or artificial operons of any complexity: analyzing the impacts of separate DNA regions, as well as their coupled effect, on the processes of transcription and translation of recombinant protein(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V Chernyshov
- Branch of Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov's Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Prospekt Nauki, 6, Pushchino, Moscow region, Pushchino, Moscow region, 142290, Russia
| | - Irina S Masulis
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS PBC RAS, Institutskaya ul., 3, Pushchino, Pushchino, Moscow region, 142290, Russia
| | - Galina V Mikoulinskaia
- Branch of Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov's Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Prospekt Nauki, 6, Pushchino, Moscow region, Pushchino, Moscow region, 142290, Russia.
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8
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Li S, Xu M, Yang D, Yang M, Wu H, Li X, Yang C, Fang Z, Wu Q, Tan L, Xiao W, Weng Q. Characterization and genomic analysis of a lytic Stenotrophomonas maltophilia short-tailed phage A1432 revealed a new genus of the family Mesyanzhinovviridae. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1400700. [PMID: 38993489 PMCID: PMC11236537 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1400700] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that exhibits resistant to a majority of commonly used antibiotics. Phages have the potential to serve as an alternative treatment for S. maltophilia infections. In this study, a lytic phage, A1432, infecting S. maltophilia YCR3A-1, was isolated and characterized from a karst cave. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that phage A1432 possesses an icosahedral head and a shorter tail. Phage A1432 demonstrated a narrow host range, with an optimal multiplicity of infection of 0.1. The one-step growth curve indicated a latent time of 10 min, a lysis period of 90 min, a burst size of 43.2 plaque-forming units per cell. In vitro bacteriolytic activity test showed that phage A1432 was capable to inhibit the growth of S. maltophilia YCR3A-1 in an MOI-dependent manner after 2 h of co-culture. BLASTn analysis showed that phage A1432 genome shares the highest similarity (81.46%) with Xanthomonas phage Xoo-sp2 in the NCBI database, while the query coverage was only 37%. The phage contains double-stranded DNA with a genome length of 61,660 bp and a GC content of 61.92%. It is predicted to have 79 open reading frames and one tRNA, with no virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. Phylogenetic analysis using terminase large subunit and DNA polymerase indicated that phage A1432 clustered with members of the Bradleyvirinae subfamily but diverged into a distinct branch. Further phylogenetic comparison analysis using Average Nucleotide Identity, proteomic phylogenetic analysis, genomic network analysis confirmed that phage A1432 belongs to a novel genus within the Bradleyvirinae subfamily, Mesyanzhinovviridae family. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of the so far isolated S. maltophilia phages revealed significant genetic diversity among these phages. The results of this research will contribute valuable information for further studies on their morphological and genetic diversity, will aid in elucidating the evolutionary mechanisms that give rise to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixia Li
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Man Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Deying Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mei Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hejing Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xuelian Li
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Changzhou Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zheng Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qingshan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Leitao Tan
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Yunnan Institute of Microbiology, Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology and Immunology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Qingbei Weng
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
- Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun, China
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9
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Han NS, Harada M, Pham-Khanh NH, Kamei K. Isolation, Characterization, and Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia Phage KIT06 Which Infects Nalidixic Acid-Resistant Escherichia coli. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:581. [PMID: 39061264 PMCID: PMC11274021 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13070581] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most common sources of infection in humans and animals. The emergence of E. coli which acquires resistance to various antibiotics has made treatment difficult. Bacteriophages can be considered promising agents to expand the options for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study describes the isolation and characterization of Escherichia phage KIT06, which can infect E. coli resistant to the quinolone antibiotic nalidixic acid. Phage virions possess an icosahedral head that is 93 ± 8 nm in diameter and a contractile tail (116 ± 12 nm × 13 ± 5 nm). The phage was found to be stable under various thermal and pH conditions. A one-step growth curve showed that the latent time of the phage was 20 min, with a burst size of 28 particles per infected cell. Phage KIT06 infected 7 of 12 E. coli strains. It inhibited the growth of the host bacterium and nalidixic acid-resistant E. coli. The lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane proteins of E. coli, tsx and btuB, are phage receptors. Phage KIT06 is a new species of the genus Tequatrovirus with a genome of 167,059 bp consisting of 264 open reading frames (ORFs) that encode gene products related to morphogenesis, replication, regulation, and host lysis. The lack of genes encoding integrase or excisionase indicated that this phage was lytic. Thus, KIT06 could potentially be used to treat antibiotic-resistant E. coli using phage therapy. However, further studies are essential to understand its use in combination with other antimicrobial agents and its safe use in such applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Song Han
- Department of Functional Chemistry, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (N.S.H.); (M.H.)
| | - Mana Harada
- Department of Functional Chemistry, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (N.S.H.); (M.H.)
| | - Nguyen Huan Pham-Khanh
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 900000, Vietnam;
| | - Kaeko Kamei
- Department of Functional Chemistry, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan; (N.S.H.); (M.H.)
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10
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Daugelavičius R, Daujotaitė G, Bamford DH. Lysis Physiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infected with ssRNA Phage PRR1. Viruses 2024; 16:645. [PMID: 38675985 PMCID: PMC11054506 DOI: 10.3390/v16040645] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The phage PRR1 belongs to the Leviviridae family, a group of ssRNA bacteriophages that infect Gram-negative bacteria. The variety of host cells is determined by the specificity of PRR1 to a pilus encoded by a broad host range of IncP-type plasmids that confer multiple types of antibiotic resistance to the host. Using P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 as a host, we analyzed the PRR1 infection cycle, focusing on cell lysis. PRR1 infection renders P. aeruginosa cells sensitive to lysozyme approximately 20 min before the start of a drop in suspension turbidity. At the same time, infected cells start to accumulate lipophilic anions. The on-line monitoring of the entire infection cycle showed that single-gene-mediated lysis strongly depends on the host cells' physiological state. The blockage of respiration or a reduction in the intracellular ATP concentration during the infection resulted in the inhibition of lysis. The same effect was observed when the synthesis of PRR1 lysis protein was induced in an E. coli expression system. In addition, lysis was strongly dependent on the level of aeration. Dissolved oxygen concentrations sufficient to support cell growth did not ensure efficient lysis, and a coupling between cell lysis initiation and aeration level was observed. However, the duration of the drop in suspension turbidity did not depend on the level of aeration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Greta Daujotaitė
- Department of Biochemistry, Vytautas Magnus University, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dennis H. Bamford
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Abstract
Sessile forms of bacteria remain as an aggregation on biotic and abiotic surfaces, known as biofilm, that protects them from various environmental stress, like antibiotic and host immune response. The oral cavity is enriched with microbial biofilm, formed on dental surface, gingival plaques, and associated tissue. Several pathogenic viruses enter the oral cavity and form biofilms either on pre-existing biofilms or on cell surfaces. They achieved persistence and the ability to prompt dissemination in the biofilm. Dental biofilms of COVID-19 patients are found to harbor SARS-CoV-2 RNA and may act as a budding reservoir, which also promotes COVID-19 transmission. On the other hand, most of the prokaryotic viruses or bacteriophages essentially kill the host bacteria and thereby destroy the biofilm. Bacteria try to evade from phage attack by concealing in biofilm, whereas the eukaryotic virus often utilize bacterial biofilm to escape host's immune response and to achieve an easy way of dissemination. The opposite action of viruses as an inducer and eradicator of biofilm has made the oral biofilm a unique ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Rani Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal, Haringhata, Nadia, India
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Sambalpur University, FVHM+9QP, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Odisha, 768019, India
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12
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Cahill J, Holt A, Theodore M, Moreland R, O'Leary C, Martin C, Bettridge K, Xiao J, Young R. Spatial and temporal control of lysis by the lambda holin. mBio 2024; 15:e0129023. [PMID: 38126784 PMCID: PMC10865782 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01290-23] [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] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The infection cycle of phage λ terminates in lysis mediated by three types of lysis proteins, each disrupting a layer in the bacterial envelope: the S105 holin, the R endolysin, and the Rz/Rz1 spanin complex targeting the inner membrane, cell wall or peptidoglycan, and the outer membrane, respectively. Video microscopy has shown that in most infections, lysis occurs as a sudden, explosive event at a cell pole, such that the initial product is a less refractile ghost that retains rod-shaped morphology. Here, we investigate the molecular basis of polar lysis using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. The results indicate that the holin determines the morphology of lysis by suddenly forming two-dimensional rafts at the poles about 100 s prior to lysis. Given the physiological and biochemical similarities between the lambda holin and other class I holins, dynamic redistribution and sudden concentration may be common features of holins, probably reflecting the fitness advantage of all-or-nothing lysis regulation.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we use fluorescent video microscopy to track -green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled holin in the minutes prior to phage lysis. Our work contextualizes prior genetic and biochemical data, showing when hole formation starts and where holin oligomers form in relation to the site of lytic rupture. Furthermore, prior work showed that the morphology of lambda-infected cells is characterized by an explosive event starting at the cell pole; however, the basis for this was not clear. This study shows that holin most often oligomerizes at cell poles and that the site of the oligomerization is spatially correlated with the site of lytic blowout. Therefore, the holin is the key contributor to polar lysis morphology for phage lambda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Cahill
- Sandia National Labs, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Ashley Holt
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew Theodore
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Russell Moreland
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Chandler O'Leary
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Cody Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Kelsey Bettridge
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ry Young
- Sandia National Labs, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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13
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Evseev PV, Shneider MM, Kolupaeva LV, Kasimova AA, Timoshina OY, Perepelov AV, Shpirt AM, Shelenkov AA, Mikhailova YV, Suzina NE, Knirel YA, Miroshnikov KA, Popova AV. New Obolenskvirus Phages Brutus and Scipio: Biology, Evolution, and Phage-Host Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2074. [PMID: 38396752 PMCID: PMC10888812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042074] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Two novel virulent phages of the genus Obolenskvirus infecting Acinetobacter baumannii, a significant nosocomial pathogen, have been isolated and studied. Phages Brutus and Scipio were able to infect A. baumannii strains belonging to the K116 and K82 capsular types, respectively. The biological properties and genomic organization of the phages were characterized. Comparative genomic, phylogenetic, and pangenomic analyses were performed to investigate the relationship of Brutus and Scipio to other bacterial viruses and to trace the possible origin and evolutionary history of these phages and other representatives of the genus Obolenskvirus. The investigation of enzymatic activity of the tailspike depolymerase encoded in the genome of phage Scipio, the first reported virus infecting A. baumannii of the K82 capsular type, was performed. The study of new representatives of the genus Obolenskvirus and mechanisms of action of depolymerases encoded in their genomes expands knowledge about the diversity of viruses within this taxonomic group and strategies of Obolenskvirus-host bacteria interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Evseev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.S.); (O.Y.T.); (K.A.M.)
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, City District Serpukhov, Moscow Region, 142279 Obolensk, Russia; (L.V.K.); (A.A.K.)
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail M. Shneider
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.S.); (O.Y.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Lyubov V. Kolupaeva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, City District Serpukhov, Moscow Region, 142279 Obolensk, Russia; (L.V.K.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Anastasia A. Kasimova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, City District Serpukhov, Moscow Region, 142279 Obolensk, Russia; (L.V.K.); (A.A.K.)
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.P.); (A.M.S.); (Y.A.K.)
| | - Olga Y. Timoshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.S.); (O.Y.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Andrey V. Perepelov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.P.); (A.M.S.); (Y.A.K.)
| | - Anna M. Shpirt
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.P.); (A.M.S.); (Y.A.K.)
| | - Andrey A. Shelenkov
- Central Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia (Y.V.M.)
| | - Yulia V. Mikhailova
- Central Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia (Y.V.M.)
| | - Natalia E. Suzina
- Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Moscow Region, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Yuriy A. Knirel
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.P.); (A.M.S.); (Y.A.K.)
| | - Konstantin A. Miroshnikov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.S.); (O.Y.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Anastasia V. Popova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, City District Serpukhov, Moscow Region, 142279 Obolensk, Russia; (L.V.K.); (A.A.K.)
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14
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Samir S. Molecular Machinery of the Triad Holin, Endolysin, and Spanin: Key Players Orchestrating Bacteriophage-Induced Cell Lysis and their Therapeutic Applications. Protein Pept Lett 2024; 31:85-96. [PMID: 38258777 DOI: 10.2174/0109298665181166231212051621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Phage therapy, a promising alternative to combat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, harnesses the lytic cycle of bacteriophages to target and eliminate bacteria. Key players in this process are the phage lysis proteins, including holin, endolysin, and spanin, which work synergistically to disrupt the bacterial cell wall and induce lysis. Understanding the structure and function of these proteins is crucial for the development of effective therapies. Recombinant versions of these proteins have been engineered to enhance their stability and efficacy. Recent progress in the field has led to the approval of bacteriophage-based therapeutics as drugs, paving the way for their clinical use. These proteins can be combined in phage cocktails or combined with antibiotics to enhance their activity against bacterial biofilms, a common cause of treatment failure. Animal studies and clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phage therapy in humans. Overall, phage therapy holds great potential as a valuable tool in the fight against multidrug- resistant bacteria, offering hope for the future of infectious disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safia Samir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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15
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Xi H, Fu Y, Chen C, Feng X, Han W, Gu J, Ji Y. Aerococcus viridans Phage Lysin AVPL Had Lytic Activity against Streptococcus suis in a Mouse Bacteremia Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16670. [PMID: 38068990 PMCID: PMC10706753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316670] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a swine pathogen that can cause sepsis, meningitis, endocarditis, and other infectious diseases; it is also a zoonotic pathogen that has caused a global surge in fatal human infections. The widespread prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. suis strains and the decline in novel antibiotic candidates have necessitated the development of alternative antimicrobial agents. In this study, AVPL, the Aerococcus viridans (A. viridans) phage lysin, was found to exhibit efficient bactericidal activity and broad lytic activity against multiple serotypes of S. suis. A final concentration of 300 μg/mL AVPL reduced S. suis counts by 4-4.5 log10 within 1 h in vitro. Importantly, AVPL effectively inhibited 48 h S. suis biofilm formation and disrupted preformed biofilms. In a mouse model, 300 μg/mouse AVPL protected 100% of mice from infection following the administration of lethal doses of multidrug-resistant S. suis type 2 (SS2) strain SC19, reduced the bacterial load in different organs, and effectively alleviated inflammation and histopathological damage in infected mice. These data suggest that AVPL is a valuable candidate antimicrobial agent for treating S. suis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyu Xi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (H.X.); (Y.F.); (C.C.); (W.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Yao Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (H.X.); (Y.F.); (C.C.); (W.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Chong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (H.X.); (Y.F.); (C.C.); (W.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Xin Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (H.X.); (Y.F.); (C.C.); (W.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Wenyu Han
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (H.X.); (Y.F.); (C.C.); (W.H.); (J.G.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jingmin Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (H.X.); (Y.F.); (C.C.); (W.H.); (J.G.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yalu Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (H.X.); (Y.F.); (C.C.); (W.H.); (J.G.)
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16
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Khan RH, Rotich NC, Morris A, Ahammad T, Baral B, Sahu ID, Lorigan GA. Probing the Structural Topology and Dynamic Properties of gp28 Using Continuous Wave Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:9236-9247. [PMID: 37856870 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03679] [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: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Lysis of Gram-negative bacteria by dsDNA phages is accomplished through either the canonical holin-endolysin pathway or the pinholin-SAR endolysin pathway. During lysis, the outer membrane (OM) is disrupted, typically by two-component spanins or unimolecular spanins. However, in the absence of spanins, phages use alternative proteins called Disruptin to disrupt the OM. The Disruptin family includes the cationic antimicrobial peptide gp28, which is found in the virulent podophage φKT. In this study, EPR spectroscopy was used to analyze the dynamics and topology of gp28 incorporated into a lipid bilayer, revealing differences in mobility, depth parameter, and membrane interaction among different segments and residues of the protein. Our results indicate that multiple points of helix 2 and helix 3 interact with the phospholipid membrane, while others are solvent-exposed, suggesting that gp28 is a surface-bound peptide. The CW-EPR power saturation data and helical wheel analysis confirmed the amphipathic-helical structure of gp28. Additionally, course-grain molecular dynamics simulations were further used to develop the structural model of the gp28 peptide associated with the lipid bilayers. Based on the data obtained in this study, we propose a structural topology model for gp28 with respect to the membrane. This work provides important insights into the structural and dynamic properties of gp28 incorporated into a lipid bilayer environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasal H Khan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, United States
| | - Nancy C Rotich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, United States
| | - Andrew Morris
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, United States
| | - Tanbir Ahammad
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, United States
| | - Binaya Baral
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, United States
| | - Indra D Sahu
- Natural Science Division, Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718, United States
| | - Gary A Lorigan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, United States
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17
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Zhou WY, Wen H, Li YJ, Gao L, Rao SQ, Yang ZQ, Zhu GQ. Acquisition, loss, and replication of functional modules promote the genetic diversity of Salmonella bacteriophages. Microbiol Res 2023; 275:127461. [PMID: 37499310 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127461] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the threats that Salmonella poses to public health and the abuse of antimicrobials, bacteriophage therapy against Salmonella is experiencing a resurgence. Although several phages have been reported as safe and efficient for controlling Salmonella, the genetic diversity and relatedness among Salmonella phages remain poorly understood. In this study, whole-genome sequences of 91 Salmonella bacteriophages were obtained from the National Center for Biological Information genome database. Phylogenetic analysis, mosaic structure comparisons, gene content analysis, and orthologue group clustering were performed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four singletons and two major lineages (I-II), including five subdividing clades, of which Salmonella phages belonging to morphologically distinct families were clustered in the same clade. Chimeric structures (n = 31), holin genes (n = 18), lysin genes (n = 66), DNA packaging genes (n = 55), and DNA metabolism genes (n = 24) were present in these phages. Moreover, phages from different subdivided clusters harboured distinct genes associated with host cell lysis, DNA packaging, and DNA metabolism. Notably, phages belonging to morphologically distinct families shared common orthologue groups. Although several functional modules of phages SS1 and SE16 shared > 99% nucleotide sequence identity with phages SI2 and SI23, the major differences between these phages were the absence and replication of functional modules. The data obtained herein revealed the genetic diversity of Salmonella phages at genomic, structural, and gene content levels. The genetic diversity of Salmonella phages is likely owing to the acquisition, loss, and replication of functional modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Zhou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Hua Wen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, China
| | - Ya-Jie Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, China
| | - Lu Gao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, China
| | - Sheng-Qi Rao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, China
| | - Zhen-Quan Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, China.
| | - Guo-Qiang Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
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18
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Sattar S, Bailie M, Yaqoob A, Khanum S, Fatima K, Altaf AURB, Ahmed I, Shah STA, Munawar J, Zehra QA, Daud S, Arshad A, Imdad K, Javed S, Tariq A, Bostan N, Altermann E. Characterization of two novel lytic bacteriophages having lysis potential against MDR avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains of zoonotic potential. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10043. [PMID: 37340022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37176-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) is associated with local and systemic infections in poultry, ducks, turkeys, and many other avian species, leading to heavy economical losses. These APEC strains are presumed to possess zoonotic potential due to common virulence markers that can cause urinary tract infections in humans. The prophylactic use of antibiotics in the poultry sector has led to the rapid emergence of Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) APEC strains that act as reservoirs and put human populations at risk. This calls for consideration of alternative strategies to decrease the bacterial load. Here, we report isolation, preliminary characterization, and genome analysis of two novel lytic phage species (Escherichia phage SKA49 and Escherichia phage SKA64) against MDR strain of APEC, QZJM25. Both phages were able to keep QZJM25 growth significantly less than the untreated bacterial control for approximately 18 h. The host range was tested against Escherichia coli strains of poultry and human UTI infections. SKA49 had a broader host range in contrast to SKA64. Both phages were stable at 37 °C only. Their genome analysis indicated their safety as no recombination, integration and host virulence genes were identified. Both these phages can be good candidates for control of APEC strains based on their lysis potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Sattar
- Molecular Virology Labs, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan.
| | - Marc Bailie
- AgResearch, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - Akasha Yaqoob
- Molecular Virology Labs, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | | | - Kaniz Fatima
- Molecular Virology Labs, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Anees Ur Rehman Bin Altaf
- Molecular Virology Labs, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Ibrar Ahmed
- Alpha Genomics Private Limited, Islamabad, 45710, Pakistan
| | - Syed Tahir Abbas Shah
- Functional Genomics Lab, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Javeria Munawar
- Molecular Virology Labs, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Quaratul Ain Zehra
- Molecular Virology Labs, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Sajeela Daud
- Molecular Virology Labs, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Arshad
- Molecular Virology Labs, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Kaleem Imdad
- Microbiology and Immunology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Sundus Javed
- Microbiology and Immunology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Amira Tariq
- Microbiology and Immunology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Nazish Bostan
- Molecular Virology Labs, Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Eric Altermann
- School of Veterinary Science Massey University Centre for Bioparticle Applications, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4472, New Zealand
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19
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Chen K, Guan Y, Hu R, Cui X, Liu Q. Characterization of the LysP2110-HolP2110 Lysis System in Ralstonia solanacearum Phage P2110. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10375. [PMID: 37373522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210375] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ralstonia solanacearum, a pathogen causing widespread bacterial wilt disease in numerous crops, currently lacks an optimal control agent. Given the limitations of traditional chemical control methods, including the risk of engendering drug-resistant strains and environmental harm, there is a dire need for sustainable alternatives. One alternative is lysin proteins that selectively lyse bacteria without contributing to resistance development. This work explored the biocontrol potential of the LysP2110-HolP2110 system of Ralstonia solanacearum phage P2110. Bioinformatics analyses pinpointed this system as the primary phage-mediated host cell lysis mechanism. Our data suggest that LysP2110, a member of the Muraidase superfamily, requires HolP2110 for efficient bacterial lysis, presumably via translocation across the bacterial membrane. LysP2110 also exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in the presence of the outer membrane permeabilizer EDTA. Additionally, we identified HolP2110 as a distinct holin structure unique to the Ralstonia phages, underscoring its crucial role in controlling bacterial lysis through its effect on bacterial ATP levels. These findings provide valuable insights into the function of the LysP2110-HolP2110 lysis system and establish LysP2110 as a promising antimicrobial agent for biocontrol applications. This study underpins the potential of these findings in developing effective and environment-friendly biocontrol strategies against bacterial wilt and other crop diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaihong Chen
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yanhui Guan
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ronghua Hu
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaodong Cui
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qiongguang Liu
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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20
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Zhou WY, Wen H, Li YJ, Gao YJ, Zheng XF, Li HX, Zhu GQ, Zhang ZW, Yang ZQ. WGS analysis of two Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophages from sewage in China provides insights into the genetic feature of highly efficient lytic phages. Microbiol Res 2023; 271:127369. [PMID: 36996644 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The study of bacteriophages is experiencing a resurgence with the increasing development of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. Nonetheless, the genetic features of highly efficient lytic S. aureus phage remain to be explored. In this study, two lytic S. aureus phages, SapYZU11 and SapYZU15, were isolated from sewage samples from Yangzhou, China. The phage morphology, one-step growth, host spectrum and lytic activity of these phages were examined, and their whole-genome sequences were analysed and compared with 280 published genomes of staphylococcal phages. The structural organisation and genetic contents of SapYZU11 and SapYZU15 were investigated. The Podoviridae phage SapYZU11 and Herelleviridae phage SapYZU15 effectively lysed all of the 53 S. aureus strains isolated from various sources. However, SapYZU15 exhibited a shorter latent period, larger burst size and stronger bactericidal ability with an anti-bacterial rate of approximately 99.9999% for 24 h. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Herelleviridae phages formed the most ancestral clades and the S. aureus Podoviridae phages were clustered in the staphylococcal Siphoviridae phage clade. Moreover, phages in different morphology families contain distinct types of genes associated with host cell lysis, DNA packaging and lysogeny. Notably, SapYZU15 harboured 13 DNA metabolism-related genes, 5 lysin genes, 1 holin gene and 1 DNA packaging gene. The data suggest that S. aureus Podoviridae and Siphoviridae phages originated from staphylococcal Herelleviridae phages, and the module exchange of S. aureus phages occurred in the same morphology family. Moreover, the extraordinary lytic capacity of SapYZU15 was likely due to the presence of specific genes associated with DNA replication, DNA packaging and the lytic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Zhou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Hua Wen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Ya-Jie Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Ya-Jun Gao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Xiang-Feng Zheng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Hua-Xiang Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Zhen-Wen Zhang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Zhen-Quan Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China.
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21
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Khan RH, Ahammad T, Sahu ID, Rotich NC, Daufel A, Lorigan GA. Determining the helical tilt angle and dynamic properties of the transmembrane domains of pinholin S 2168 using mechanical alignment EPR spectroscopy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2023; 1865:184154. [PMID: 37023970 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2023.184154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The lytic cycle of bacteriophage φ21 for the infected E. coli is initiated by pinholin S21, which determines the timing of host cell lysis through the function of pinholin (S2168) and antipinholin (S2171). The activity of pinholin or antipinholin directly depends on the function of two transmembrane domains (TMDs) within the membrane. For active pinholin, TMD1 externalizes and lies on the surface while TMD2 remains incorporated inside the membrane forming the lining of the small pinhole. In this study, spin labeled pinholin TMDs were incorporated separately into mechanically aligned POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine) lipid bilayers and investigated with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to determine the topology of both TMD1 and TMD2 with respect to the lipid bilayer; the TOAC (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-N-oxyl-4-amino-4-carboxylic acid) spin label was used here because it attaches to the backbone of a peptide and is very rigid. TMD2 was found to be nearly colinear with the bilayer normal (n) with a helical tilt angle of 16 ± 4° while TMD1 lies on or near the surface with a helical tilt angle of 84 ± 4°. The order parameters (~0.6 for both TMDs) obtained from our alignment study were reasonable, which indicates the samples incorporated inside the membrane were well aligned with respect to the magnetic field (B0). The data obtained from this study supports previous findings on pinholin: TMD1 partially externalizes from the lipid bilayer and interacts with the membrane surface, whereas TMD2 remains buried in the lipid bilayer in the active conformation of pinholin S2168. In this study, the helical tilt angle of TMD1 was measured for the first time. For TMD2 our experimental data corroborates the findings of the previously reported helical tilt angle by the Ulrich group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasal H Khan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Tanbir Ahammad
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Indra D Sahu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA; Natural Science Division, Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
| | - Nancy C Rotich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Andrew Daufel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Gary A Lorigan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
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22
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Wohlfarth JC, Feldmüller M, Schneller A, Kilcher S, Burkolter M, Meile S, Pilhofer M, Schuppler M, Loessner MJ. L-form conversion in Gram-positive bacteria enables escape from phage infection. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:387-399. [PMID: 36717719 PMCID: PMC9981463 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
At the end of a lytic bacteriophage replication cycle in Gram-positive bacteria, peptidoglycan-degrading endolysins that cause explosive cell lysis of the host can also attack non-infected bystander cells. Here we show that in osmotically stabilized environments, Listeria monocytogenes can evade phage predation by transient conversion to a cell wall-deficient L-form state. This L-form escape is triggered by endolysins disintegrating the cell wall from without, leading to turgor-driven extrusion of wall-deficient, yet viable L-form cells. Remarkably, in the absence of phage predation, we show that L-forms can quickly revert to the walled state. These findings suggest that L-form conversion represents a population-level persistence mechanism to evade complete eradication by phage attack. Importantly, we also demonstrate phage-mediated L-form switching of the urinary tract pathogen Enterococcus faecalis in human urine, which underscores that this escape route may be widespread and has important implications for phage- and endolysin-based therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan C Wohlfarth
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miki Feldmüller
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alissa Schneller
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Kilcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Burkolter
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Meile
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Pilhofer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Schuppler
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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23
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Morris AK, Perera RS, Sahu ID, Lorigan GA. Topological examination of the bacteriophage lambda S holin by EPR spectroscopy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2023; 1865:184083. [PMID: 36370910 PMCID: PMC9771973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The S protein from bacteriophage lambda is a three-helix transmembrane protein produced by the prophage which accumulates in the host membrane during late gene expression. It is responsible for the first step in lysing the host cell at the end of the viral life cycle by multimerizing together to form large pores which permeabilize the host membrane to allow the escape of virions. Several previous studies have established a model for the assembly of holin into functional holes and the manner in which they pack together, but it is still not fully understood how the very rapid transition from monomer or dimer to multimeric pore occurs with such precise timing once the requisite threshold is reached. Here, site-directed spin labeling with a nitroxide label at introduced cysteine residues is used to corroborate existing topological data from a crosslinking study of the multimerized holin by EPR spectroscopy. CW-EPR spectral lineshape analysis and power saturation data are consistent with a three-helix topology with an unstructured C-terminal domain, as well as at least one interface on transmembrane domain 1 which is exposed to the lumen of the hole, and a highly constrained steric environment suggestive of a tight helical packing interface at transmembrane domain 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K Morris
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
| | - Rehani S Perera
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
| | - Indra D Sahu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA; Natural Science Division, Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA.
| | - Gary A Lorigan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
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24
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Length matters: Functional flip of the short TatA transmembrane helix. Biophys J 2022:S0006-3495(22)03926-1. [PMID: 36523158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The twin arginine translocase (Tat) exports folded proteins across bacterial membranes. The putative pore-forming or membrane-weakening component (TatAd in B. subtilis) is anchored to the lipid bilayer via an unusually short transmembrane α-helix (TMH), with less than 16 residues. Its tilt angle in different membranes was analyzed under hydrophobic mismatch conditions, using synchrotron radiation circular dichroism and solid-state NMR. Positive mismatch (introduced either by reconstitution in short-chain lipids or by extending the hydrophobic TMH length) increased the helix tilt of the TMH as expected. Negative mismatch (introduced either by reconstitution in long-chain lipids or by shortening the TMH), on the other hand, led to protein aggregation. These data suggest that the TMH of TatA is just about long enough for stable membrane insertion. At the same time, its short length is a crucial factor for successful translocation, as demonstrated here in native membrane vesicles using an in vitro translocation assay. Furthermore, when reconstituted in model membranes with negative spontaneous curvature, the TMH was found to be aligned parallel to the membrane surface. This intrinsic ability of TatA to flip out of the membrane core thus seems to play a key role in its membrane-destabilizing effect during Tat-dependent translocation.
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25
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Abeysekera GS, Love MJ, Manners SH, Billington C, Dobson RCJ. Bacteriophage-encoded lethal membrane disruptors: Advances in understanding and potential applications. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1044143. [PMID: 36345304 PMCID: PMC9636201 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1044143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Holins and spanins are bacteriophage-encoded membrane proteins that control bacterial cell lysis in the final stage of the bacteriophage reproductive cycle. Due to their efficient mechanisms for lethal membrane disruption, these proteins are gaining interest in many fields, including the medical, food, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical fields. However, investigating these lethal proteins is challenging due to their toxicity in bacterial expression systems and the resultant low protein yields have hindered their analysis compared to other cell lytic proteins. Therefore, the structural and dynamic properties of holins and spanins in their native environment are not well-understood. In this article we describe recent advances in the classification, purification, and analysis of holin and spanin proteins, which are beginning to overcome the technical barriers to understanding these lethal membrane disrupting proteins, and through this, unlock many potential biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayan S. Abeysekera
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Michael J. Love
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Health and Environment Group, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sarah H. Manners
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Craig Billington
- Health and Environment Group, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Renwick C. J. Dobson
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex G. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Philip J. Kranzusch
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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27
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Bhattacharjee R, Nandi A, Sinha A, Kumar H, Mitra D, Mojumdar A, Patel P, Jha E, Mishra S, Rout PK, Panda PK, Suar M, Verma SK. Phage-tail-like bacteriocins as a biomedical platform to counter anti-microbial resistant pathogens. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113720. [PMID: 36162371 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Phage Tail Like bacteriocins (PTLBs) has been an area of interest in the last couple of years owing to their varied application against multi-drug resistant (MDR), anti-microbial resistant (AMR) pathogens and their evolutionary link with the dsDNA virus and bacteriophages. PTLBs are defective phages derived from Myoviridae and Siphoviridae phages, PTLBs are distinguished into R-type (Rigid type) characterized by a non-flexible contractile nanotube resembling Myoviridae phage contractile tails, and F-type (Flexible type) with a flexible non-contractile rod-like structure similar to Siphoviridae phages. In this review, we have discussed the structural association, mechanism, and characterization of PTLBs. Moreover, we have elucidated the symbiotic biological function and application of PTLBs against MDR and XDR pathogens and highlighted the evolutionary role of PTLBs. The difficulties that must be overcome to implement PTLBs clinically are also discussed. It is imperative that these issues be addressed by academics in future studies before being implemented in clinical settings. This article is novel in its way as it will not only provide us with a gateway that acts as a novel strategy for scholars to mitigate and control the uprising issue of AMR pathogens but also promote the development of clinical studies for PTLBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Bhattacharjee
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aditya Nandi
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Adrija Sinha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Hrithik Kumar
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India
| | - Disha Mitra
- University of Calcutta, 92, APC Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Abhik Mojumdar
- Center for Research Equipment, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang Center, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk 28119, Republic of Korea; Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Paritosh Patel
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Ealisha Jha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Suman Mishra
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Prabhat Kumar Rout
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Pritam Kumar Panda
- Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
| | - Suresh K Verma
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India; Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden.
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28
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Pinto D, Gonçalo R, Louro M, Silva MS, Hernandez G, Cordeiro TN, Cordeiro C, São-José C. On the Occurrence and Multimerization of Two-Polypeptide Phage Endolysins Encoded in Single Genes. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0103722. [PMID: 35876588 PMCID: PMC9430671 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01037-22] [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: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) and other viruses are extremely efficient in packing their genetic information, with several described cases of overlapping genes encoded in different open reading frames (ORFs). While less frequently reported, specific cases exist in which two overlapping ORFs are in frame and share the stop codon. Here, we studied the occurrence of this genetic arrangement in endolysins, the phage enzymes that cut the bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan to release the virion progeny. After screening over 3,000 endolysin sequences of phages infecting Gram-positive bacteria, we found evidence that this coding strategy is frequent in endolysin genes. Our bioinformatics predictions were experimentally validated by demonstrating that two polypeptides are indeed produced from these genes. Additionally, we show that in some cases the two polypeptides need to interact and multimerize to generate the active endolysin. By studying in detail one selected example, we uncovered a heteromeric endolysin with a 1:5 subunit stoichiometry that has never been described before. Hence, we conclude that the occurrence of endolysin genes encoding two polypeptide isoforms by in-frame overlapping ORFs, as well as their organization as enzymatic complexes, appears more common than previously thought, therefore challenging the established view of endolysins being mostly formed by single, monomeric polypeptide chains. IMPORTANCE Bacteriophages use endolysins to cleave the host bacteria cell wall, a crucial event underlying cell lysis for virion progeny release. These bacteriolytic enzymes are generally thought to work as single, monomeric polypeptides, but a few examples have been described in which a single gene produces two endolysin isoforms. These are encoded by two in-frame overlapping ORFs, with a shorter ORF being defined by an internal translation start site. This work shows evidence that this endolysin coding strategy is frequent in phages infecting Gram-positive bacteria, and not just an eccentricity of a few phages. In one example studied in detail, we show that the two isoforms are inactive until they assemble to generate a multimeric active endolysin, with a 1:5 subunit stoichiometry never described before. This study challenges the established view of endolysins, with possible implications in their current exploration and design as alternative antibacterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pinto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raquel Gonçalo
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana Louro
- Laboratório de FT-ICR e Espectrometria de Massa Estrutural, MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Sousa Silva
- Laboratório de FT-ICR e Espectrometria de Massa Estrutural, MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Guillem Hernandez
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Tiago N. Cordeiro
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Carlos Cordeiro
- Laboratório de FT-ICR e Espectrometria de Massa Estrutural, MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos São-José
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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29
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Zhang M, Zhang T, Yu M, Chen YL, Jin M. The Life Cycle Transitions of Temperate Phages: Regulating Factors and Potential Ecological Implications. Viruses 2022; 14:1904. [PMID: 36146712 PMCID: PMC9502458 DOI: 10.3390/v14091904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phages are viruses that infect bacteria. They affect various microbe-mediated processes that drive biogeochemical cycling on a global scale. Their influence depends on whether the infection is lysogenic or lytic. Temperate phages have the potential to execute both infection types and thus frequently switch their infection modes in nature, potentially causing substantial impacts on the host-phage community and relevant biogeochemical cycling. Understanding the regulating factors and outcomes of temperate phage life cycle transition is thus fundamental for evaluating their ecological impacts. This review thus systematically summarizes the effects of various factors affecting temperate phage life cycle decisions in both culturable phage-host systems and natural environments. The review further elucidates the ecological implications of the life cycle transition of temperate phages with an emphasis on phage/host fitness, host-phage dynamics, microbe diversity and evolution, and biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghui Zhang
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Tianyou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Meishun Yu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Yu-Lei Chen
- College of Ocean Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Min Jin
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350000, China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361000, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519000, China
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30
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Schumann AR, Sue AD, Roach DR. Hypoxia Increases the Tempo of Phage Resistance and Mutational Bottlenecking of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:905343. [PMID: 35979493 PMCID: PMC9376454 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.905343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses that infect bacteria (i.e., phages) are abundant and widespread in the human body, and new anti-infective approaches such as phage therapy are essential for the future of effective medicine. Our understanding of microenvironmental factors such as tissue oxygen availability at the site of phage-bacteria interaction remains limited, and it is unknown whether evolved resistance is sculpted differentially under normoxia vs. hypoxia. We, therefore, analyzed the phage-bacteria interaction landscape via adsorption, one-step, time-kill dynamics, and genetic evolution under both normoxia and hypoxia. This revealed that adsorption of phages to Pseudomonas aeruginosa decreased under 14% environmental oxygen (i.e., hypoxia), but phage time-kill and one-step growth kinetics were not further influenced. Tracking the adaptation of P. aeruginosa to phages uncovered a higher frequency of phage resistance and constrained types of spontaneous mutation under hypoxia. Given the interest in developing phage therapies, developing our understanding of the phage-pathogen interaction under microenvironmental conditions resembling those in the body offers insight into possible strategies to overcome multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Schumann
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Andrew D. Sue
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Dwayne R. Roach
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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31
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Wang L, Zhang J, Liu X, Ning H, Lin H, Wang J. Biological characterization and complete genome analysis of a novel Stenotrophomonas maltophilia phage vB_SM_ytsc_ply2008005c. Virus Res 2022; 318:198856. [PMID: 35780912 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a major threat to global public health. Bacteriophages are regarded as a promising substitute. Here, we present a novel lytic Stenotrophomonas maltophilia phage, vB_SM_ytsc_ply2008005c, which was isolated from sewage water samples in Qingdao, east China. Virion morphology of phage particles indicated that ply2008005c has an icosahedral head (56±5 nm in diameter) and a noncontractile sheathed tail (129±6 nm in length), which are the typical characteristics of phages belonging to the family Siphoviridae. Phage ply2008005c could be used for phage therapy for its stability in a wide pH (4 to 12) range and high temperature (up to 70°C) environment. Genome analysis revealed that ply2008005c has a circular double-strand DNA of 42,318 bp with a G+C content of 63.02%. It shared the closest relationship with phage vB_PaeS_PAO1_Ab18, but the homology coverage is just 20%. There were 54 open reading frames predicted in its genome, including three unique proteins and 34 functional genes in different modules. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that ply2008005c forms a distinct branch of the family Siphoviridae. These results demonstrated that ply2008005c was supposed to be a representative new member within the family Siphoviridae, which could be considered a potential bioagent against multidrug-resistant S. maltophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luokai Wang
- Food Safety Laboratory, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 5, Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Jiayue Zhang
- Food Safety Laboratory, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 5, Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Houqi Ning
- Food Safety Laboratory, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 5, Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Hong Lin
- Food Safety Laboratory, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 5, Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Jingxue Wang
- Food Safety Laboratory, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 5, Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China.
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Abstract
Bacteriophage Mu is a paradigm coliphage studied mainly because of its use of transposition for genome replication. However, in extensive nonsense mutant screens, only one lysis gene has been identified, the endolysin gp22. This is surprising because in Gram-negative hosts, lysis by Caudovirales phages has been shown to require proteins which disrupt all three layers of the cell envelope. Usually this involves a holin, an endolysin, and a spanin targeting the cytoplasmic membrane, peptidoglycan (PG), and outer membrane (OM), respectively, with the holin determining the timing of lysis initiation. Here, we demonstrate that gp22 is a signal-anchor-release (SAR) endolysin and identify gp23 and gp23.1 as two-component spanin subunits. However, we find that Mu lacks a holin and instead encodes a membrane-tethered cytoplasmic protein, gp25, which is required for the release of the SAR endolysin. Mutational analysis showed that this dependence on gp25 is conferred by lysine residues at positions 6 and 7 of the short cytoplasmic domain of gp22. gp25, which we designate as a releasin, also facilitates the release of SAR endolysins from other phages. Moreover, the entire length of gp25, including its N-terminal transmembrane domain, belongs to a protein family, DUF2730, found in many Mu-like phages, including those with cytoplasmic endolysins. These results are discussed in terms of models for the evolution and mechanism of releasin function and a rationale for Mu lysis without holin control. IMPORTANCE Host cell lysis is the terminal event of the bacteriophage infection cycle. In Gram-negative hosts, lysis requires proteins that disrupt each of the three cell envelope components, only one of which has been identified in Mu: the endolysin gp22. We show that gp22 can be characterized as a SAR endolysin, a muralytic enzyme that activates upon release from the membrane to degrade the cell wall. Furthermore, we identify genes 23 and 23.1 as spanin subunits used for outer membrane disruption. Significantly, we demonstrate that Mu is the first known Caudovirales phage to lack a holin, a protein that disrupts the inner membrane and is traditionally known to release endolysins. In its stead, we report the discovery of a lysis protein, termed the releasin, which Mu uses for SAR endolysin release. This is an example of a system where the dynamic membrane localization of one protein is controlled by a secondary protein.
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Getting Outside the Cell: Versatile Holin Strategies Used by Distinct Phages to Leave Their Bacillus thuringiensis Host. J Virol 2022; 96:e0069622. [PMID: 35758660 PMCID: PMC9327680 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00696-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Holins are small transmembrane proteins involved in the final stage of the lytic cycle of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) phages. They cooperate with endolysins to achieve bacterial lysis, thereby releasing the phage progeny into the extracellular environment. Besides their role as membrane permeabilizers, allowing endolysin transfer and/or activation, holins also regulate the lysis timing. In this work, we provide functional characterization of the holins encoded by three phages targeting the Bacillus cereus group. The siphovirus Deep-Purple has a lysis cassette in which holP30 and holP33 encode two proteins displaying holin properties, including a transmembrane domain. The holin genes were expressed in Escherichia coli and induced bacterial lysis, with HolP30 being more toxic than HolP33. In Bacillus thuringiensis, the simultaneous expression of both holins was necessary to observe lysis, suggesting that they may interact to form functional pores. The myoviruses Deep-Blue and Vp4 both encode a single candidate holin (HolB and HolV, respectively) with two transmembrane domains, whose genes are not located near the endolysin genes. Their function as holin proteins was confirmed as their expression in E. coli impaired cell growth and viability. The HolV expression in B. thuringiensis also led to bacterial lysis, which was enhanced by coexpressing the holin with its cognate endolysin. Despite similar organizations and predicted topologies, truncated mutants of the HolB and HolV proteins showed different toxicity levels, suggesting that differences in amino acid composition influence their lysis properties. IMPORTANCE The phage life cycle ends with the host cell lysis, thereby releasing new virions into the environment for the next round of bacterial infection. Nowadays, there is renewed interest in phages as biocontrol agents, primarily due to their ability to cause bacterial death through lysis. While endolysins, which mediate peptidoglycan degradation, have been fairly well described, the pore-forming proteins, referred to as holins, have been extensively characterized in only a few model phages, mainly infecting Gram-negative bacteria. In this work, we characterized the holins encoded by a siphovirus and two myoviruses targeting members of the Gram-positive Bacillus cereus group, which comprises closely related species, including the well-known Bacillus anthracis, B. cereus sensu stricto, and Bacillus thuringiensis. Overall, this paper provides the first experimental characterization of holins encoded by B. cereus phages and reveals versatile lysis mechanisms used by these phages.
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Functional Dissection of P1 Bacteriophage Holin-like Proteins Reveals the Biological Sense of P1 Lytic System Complexity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084231. [PMID: 35457047 PMCID: PMC9025707 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
P1 is a model temperate myovirus. It infects different Enterobacteriaceae and can develop lytically or form lysogens. Only some P1 adaptation strategies to propagate in different hosts are known. An atypical feature of P1 is the number and organization of cell lysis-associated genes. In addition to SAR-endolysin Lyz, holin LydA, and antiholin LydB, P1 encodes other predicted holins, LydC and LydD. LydD is encoded by the same operon as Lyz, LydA and LydB are encoded by an unlinked operon, and LydC is encoded by an operon preceding the lydA gene. By analyzing the phenotypes of P1 mutants in known or predicted holin genes, we show that all the products of these genes cooperate with the P1 SAR-endolysin in cell lysis and that LydD is a pinholin. The contributions of holins/pinholins to cell lysis by P1 appear to vary depending on the host of P1 and the bacterial growth conditions. The pattern of morphological transitions characteristic of SAR-endolysin–pinholin action dominates during lysis by wild-type P1, but in the case of lydC lydD mutant it changes to that characteristic of classical endolysin-pinholin action. We postulate that the complex lytic system facilitates P1 adaptation to various hosts and their growth conditions.
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Choi YJ, Kim S, Bae S, Kim Y, Chang HH, Kim J. Antibacterial Effects of Recombinant Endolysins in Disinfecting Medical Equipment: A Pilot Study. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:773640. [PMID: 35310392 PMCID: PMC8924034 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.773640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are severe life-threatening factors. Endolysins (lysins) degrade the bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan and may help control pathogens, especially MDR bacteria prevalent in hospital settings. This study was conducted to verify the potential of lysin as disinfectant to kill bacteria contaminating medical devices that cause hospital infections. Eight catheters removed from hospitalized patients were collected and tested for their ability to kill bacteria contaminating the catheters using two lysins, LysSS and CHAP-161. Catheter-contaminating bacterial species were isolated and identified by 16s rRNA sequencing. From the eight catheters, bacteria were cultured from seven catheters, and five bacterial species (Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus muralis, Corynebacterium striatum, Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus epidermidis) were identified. LysSS could inhibit catheter-contaminating bacteria, including C. striatum and S. epidermidis, compared with untreated controls but could not inhibit the growth of E. faecium. CHAP-161 showed more bactericidal effects than LysSS, but could not inhibit the growth of S. epidermidis. This study showed the potential of lysin as an alternative disinfectant for hazardous chemical disinfectants used in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Jung Choi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Shukho Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sohyun Bae
- Department of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Yoonjung Kim
- Department of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Ha Chang
- Department of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jungmin Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
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Drew DL, Ahammad T, Serafin RA, Sahu ID, Khan RH, Faul E, McCarrick RM, Lorigan GA. Probing the local secondary structure of bacteriophage S 21 pinholin membrane protein using electron spin echo envelope modulation spectroscopy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183836. [PMID: 34906602 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There have recently been advances in methods for detecting local secondary structures of membrane protein using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). A three pulsed electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) approach was used to determine the local helical secondary structure of the small hole forming membrane protein, S21 pinholin. This ESEEM approach uses a combination of site-directed spin labeling and 2H-labeled side chains. Pinholin S21 is responsible for the permeabilization of the inner cytosolic membrane of double stranded DNA bacteriophage host cells. In this study, we report on the overall global helical structure using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy for the active form and the negative-dominant inactive mutant form of S21 pinholin. The local helical secondary structure was confirmed for both transmembrane domains (TMDs) for the active and inactive S21 pinholin using the ESEEM spectroscopic technique. Comparison of the ESEEM normalized frequency domain intensity for each transmembrane domain gives an insight into the α-helical folding nature of these domains as opposed to a π or 310-helix which have been observed in other channel forming proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Drew
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Tanbir Ahammad
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Rachel A Serafin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Indra D Sahu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA; Natural Science Division, Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
| | - Rasal H Khan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Emily Faul
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Robert M McCarrick
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Gary A Lorigan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
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37
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Gouveia A, Pinto D, Veiga H, Antunes W, Pinho MG, São-José C. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides as enhancers of the bacteriolytic action of staphylococcal phage endolysins. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1245. [PMID: 35075218 PMCID: PMC8786859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage endolysins degrade the bacterial cell wall and are therefore considered promising antimicrobial alternatives to fight pathogens resistant to conventional antibiotics. Gram-positive bacteria are usually considered easy targets to exogenously added endolysins, since their cell walls are not shielded by an outer membrane. However, in nutrient rich environments these bacteria can also tolerate endolysin attack if they keep an energized cytoplasmic membrane. Hence, we have hypothesized that the membrane depolarizing action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), another attractive class of alternative antibacterials, could be explored to overcome bacterial tolerance to endolysins and consequently improve their antibacterial potential. Accordingly, we show that under conditions supporting bacterial growth, Staphylococcus aureus becomes much more susceptible to the bacteriolytic action of endolysins if an AMP is also present. The bactericidal gain resulting from the AMP/endolysin combined action ranged from 1 to 3 logs for different S. aureus strains, which included drug-resistant clinical isolates. In presence of an AMP, as with a reduced content of cell wall teichoic acids, higher endolysin binding to cells is observed. However, our results indicate that this higher endolysin binding alone does not fully explain the higher susceptibility of S. aureus to lysis in these conditions. Other factors possibly contributing to the increased endolysin susceptibility in presence of an AMP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gouveia
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Pinto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Veiga
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da Républica, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Wilson Antunes
- Unidade Militar Laboratorial de Defesa Biológica e Química (UMLDBQ), Instituto Universitário Militar, Centro de Investigação da Academia Militar (CINAMIL), Av. Dr. Alfredo Bensaúde, 1849-012, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana G Pinho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da Républica, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Carlos São-José
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Farooq T, Hussain MD, Shakeel MT, Tariqjaveed M, Aslam MN, Naqvi SAH, Amjad R, Tang Y, She X, He Z. Deploying Viruses against Phytobacteria: Potential Use of Phage Cocktails as a Multifaceted Approach to Combat Resistant Bacterial Plant Pathogens. Viruses 2022; 14:171. [PMID: 35215763 PMCID: PMC8879233 DOI: 10.3390/v14020171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants in nature are under the persistent intimidation of severe microbial diseases, threatening a sustainable food production system. Plant-bacterial pathogens are a major concern in the contemporary era, resulting in reduced plant growth and productivity. Plant antibiotics and chemical-based bactericides have been extensively used to evade plant bacterial diseases. To counteract this pressure, bacteria have evolved an array of resistance mechanisms, including innate and adaptive immune systems. The emergence of resistant bacteria and detrimental consequences of antimicrobial compounds on the environment and human health, accentuates the development of an alternative disease evacuation strategy. The phage cocktail therapy is a multidimensional approach effectively employed for the biocontrol of diverse resistant bacterial infections without affecting the fauna and flora. Phages engage a diverse set of counter defense strategies to undermine wide-ranging anti-phage defense mechanisms of bacterial pathogens. Microbial ecology, evolution, and dynamics of the interactions between phage and plant-bacterial pathogens lead to the engineering of robust phage cocktail therapeutics for the mitigation of devastating phytobacterial diseases. In this review, we highlight the concrete and fundamental determinants in the development and application of phage cocktails and their underlying mechanism, combating resistant plant-bacterial pathogens. Additionally, we provide recent advances in the use of phage cocktail therapy against phytobacteria for the biocontrol of devastating plant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Farooq
- Plant Protection Research Institute and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (T.F.); (Y.T.)
| | - Muhammad Dilshad Hussain
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Pest Monitoring and Green Management, Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Muhammad Taimoor Shakeel
- Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture & Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan; (M.T.S.); (M.N.A.)
| | - Muhammad Tariqjaveed
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Muhammad Naveed Aslam
- Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture & Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan; (M.T.S.); (M.N.A.)
| | - Syed Atif Hasan Naqvi
- Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Rizwa Amjad
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Yafei Tang
- Plant Protection Research Institute and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (T.F.); (Y.T.)
| | - Xiaoman She
- Plant Protection Research Institute and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (T.F.); (Y.T.)
| | - Zifu He
- Plant Protection Research Institute and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; (T.F.); (Y.T.)
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39
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Identification and Characterization of a New Type of Holin-Endolysin Lysis Cassette in Acidovorax oryzae Phage AP1. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020167. [PMID: 35215761 PMCID: PMC8879335 DOI: 10.3390/v14020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Phages utilize lysis systems to allow the release of newly assembled viral particles that kill the bacterial host. This is also the case for phage AP1, which infects the rice pathogen Acidovorax oryzae. However, how lysis occurs on a molecular level is currently unknown. We performed in silico bioinformatics analyses, which indicated that the lysis cassette contains a holin (HolAP) and endolysin (LysAP), which are encoded by two adjacent genes. Recombinant expression of LysAP caused Escherichia coli lysis, while HolAP arrested growth. Co-expression of both proteins resulted in enhanced lysis activity compared to the individual proteins alone. Interestingly, LysAP contains a C-terminal region transmembrane domain, which is different from most known endolysins where a N-terminal hydrophobic region is found, with the potential to insert into the membrane. We show that the C-terminal transmembrane domain is crucial for protein localization and bacterial lysis in phage AP1. Our study characterizes the new phage lysis cassette and the mechanism to induce cell disruption, giving new insight in the understanding of phage life cycles.
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40
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Ahammad T, Khan RH, Sahu ID, Drew DL, Faul E, Li T, McCarrick RM, Lorigan GA. Pinholin S 21 mutations induce structural topology and conformational changes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2021; 1863:183771. [PMID: 34499883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The bacteriophage infection cycle is terminated at a predefined time to release the progeny virions via a robust lytic system composed of holin, endolysin, and spanin proteins. Holin is the timekeeper of this process. Pinholin S21 is a prototype holin of phage Φ21, which determines the timing of host cell lysis through the coordinated efforts of pinholin and antipinholin. However, mutations in pinholin and antipinholin play a significant role in modulating the timing of lysis depending on adverse or favorable growth conditions. Earlier studies have shown that single point mutations of pinholin S21 alter the cell lysis timing, a proxy for pinholin function as lysis is also dependent on other lytic proteins. In this study, continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) power saturation and double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopic techniques were used to directly probe the effects of mutations on the structure and conformational changes of pinholin S21 that correlate with pinholin function. DEER and CW-EPR power saturation data clearly demonstrate that increased hydrophilicity induced by residue mutations accelerate the externalization of antipinholin transmembrane domain 1 (TMD1), while increased hydrophobicity prevents the externalization of TMD1. This altered hydrophobicity is potentially accelerating or delaying the activation of pinholin S21. It was also found that mutations can influence intra- or intermolecular interactions in this system, which contribute to the activation of pinholin and modulate the cell lysis timing. This could be a novel approach to analyze the mutational effects on other holin systems, as well as any other membrane protein in which mutation directly leads to structural and conformational changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanbir Ahammad
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Rasal H Khan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Indra D Sahu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA; Natural Science Division, Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
| | - Daniel L Drew
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Emily Faul
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Tianyan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Robert M McCarrick
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Gary A Lorigan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
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41
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Bhargava K, Nath G, Bhargava A, Aseri GK, Jain N. Phage therapeutics: from promises to practices and prospectives. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:9047-9067. [PMID: 34821965 PMCID: PMC8852341 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11695-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The rise in multi-drug resistant bacteria and the inability to develop novel antibacterial agents limits our arsenal against infectious diseases. Antibiotic resistance is a global issue requiring an immediate solution, including the development of new antibiotic molecules and other alternative modes of therapy. This article highlights the mechanism of bacteriophage treatment that makes it a real solution for multidrug-resistant infectious diseases. Several case reports identified phage therapy as a potential solution to the emerging challenge of multi-drug resistance. Bacteriophages, unlike antibiotics, have special features, such as host specificity and do not impact other commensals. A new outlook has also arisen with recent advancements in the understanding of phage immunobiology, where phages are repurposed against both bacterial and viral infections. Thus, the potential possibility of phages in COVID-19 patients with secondary bacterial infections has been briefly elucidated. However, significant obstacles that need to be addressed are to design better clinical studies that may contribute to the widespread use of bacteriophage therapy against multi-drug resistant pathogens. In conclusion, antibacterial agents can be used with bacteriophages, i.e. bacteriophage-antibiotic combination therapy, or they can be administered alone in cases when antibiotics are ineffective.Key points• AMR, a consequence of antibiotic generated menace globally, has led to the resurgence of phage therapy as an effective and sustainable solution without any side effects and high specificity against refractory MDR bacterial infections.• Bacteriophages have fewer adverse reactions and can thus be used as monotherapy as well as in conjunction with antibiotics.• In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, phage therapy may be a viable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Bhargava
- Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303 002 India
- Department of Microbiology, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Gopal Nath
- Department of Microbiology, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Amit Bhargava
- Department of Medicine, Hayes Memorial Hospital, SHUATS, Allahabad, 211007 India
| | - G. K. Aseri
- Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303 002 India
| | - Neelam Jain
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303 002 India
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Nale JY, Al-Tayawi TS, Heaphy S, Clokie MRJ. Impact of Phage CDHS-1 on the Transcription, Physiology and Pathogenicity of a Clostridioides difficile Ribotype 027 Strain, R20291. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112262. [PMID: 34835068 PMCID: PMC8619979 DOI: 10.3390/v13112262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
All known Clostridioides difficile phages encode integrases rendering them potentially able to lyse or lysogenise bacterial strains. Here, we observed the infection of the siphovirus, CDHS-1 on a ribotype 027 strain, R20291 and determined the phage and bacterial gene expression profiles, and impacts of phage infection on bacterial physiology and pathogenicity. Using RNA-seq and RT-qPCR we analysed transcriptomic changes during early, mid-log and late phases of phage replication at an MOI of 10. The phage has a 20 min latent period, takes 80 min to lyse cells and a burst size of ~37. All phage genes are highly expressed during at least one time point. The Cro/C1-transcriptional regulator, ssDNA binding protein and helicase are expressed early, the holin is expressed during the mid-log phase and structural proteins are expressed from mid-log to late phase. Most bacterial genes, particularly the metabolism and toxin production/regulatory genes, were downregulated from early phage replication. Phage-resistant strains and lysogens showed reduced virulence during Galleria mellonella colonization as ascertained by the larval survival and expression of growth (10), reproduction (2) and infection (2) marker genes. These data suggest that phage infection both reduces colonization and negatively impacts bacterial pathogenicity, providing encouraging data to support the development of this phage for therapy to treat C. difficile infection.
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Wu Z, Zhang Y, Xu X, Ahmed T, Yang Y, Loh B, Leptihn S, Yan C, Chen J, Li B. The Holin-Endolysin Lysis System of the OP2-Like Phage X2 Infecting Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Viruses 2021; 13:v13101949. [PMID: 34696380 PMCID: PMC8541568 DOI: 10.3390/v13101949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most endolysins of dsDNA phages are exported by a holin-dependent mechanism, while in some cases endolysins are exported via a holin-independent mechanism. However, it is still unclear whether the same endolysins can be exported by both holin-dependent and holin-independent mechanisms. This study investigated the lysis system of OP2-like phage X2 infecting Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, causing devastating bacterial leaf blight disease in rice. Based on bioinformatics and protein biochemistry methods, we show that phage X2 employs the classic "holin-endolysin" lysis system. The endolysin acts on the cell envelope and exhibits antibacterial effects in vitro, while the holin facilitates the release of the protein into the periplasm. We also characterized the role of the transmembrane domain (TMD) in the translocation of the endolysin across the inner membrane. We found that the TMD facilitated the translocation of the endolysin via the Sec secretion system. The holin increases the efficiency of protein release, leading to faster and more efficient lysis. Interestingly, in E. coli, the expression of either holin or endolysin with TMDs resulted in the formation of long rod shaped cells. We conclude that the TMD of X2-Lys plays a dual role: One is the transmembrane transport while the other is the inhibition of cell division, resulting in larger cells and thus in a higher number of released viruses per cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.W.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (T.A.)
| | - Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.W.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (T.A.)
| | - Xinyang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.W.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (T.A.)
| | - Temoor Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.W.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (T.A.)
| | - Yong Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.Y.); (C.Y.)
| | - Belinda Loh
- University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China; (B.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Sebastian Leptihn
- University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 314400, China; (B.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Chenqi Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.Y.); (C.Y.)
- Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China; (Y.Y.); (C.Y.)
- Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (B.L.); Tel.: +86-571-8898-2412 (B.L.)
| | - Bin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.W.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (T.A.)
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (B.L.); Tel.: +86-571-8898-2412 (B.L.)
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Gontijo MTP, Jorge GP, Brocchi M. Current Status of Endolysin-Based Treatments against Gram-Negative Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1143. [PMID: 34680724 PMCID: PMC8532960 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is a public health concern. Bacteriophages and bacteriophage-derived lytic enzymes have been studied in response to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The availability of tRNAs and endolysin toxicity during recombinant protein expression is circumvented by codon optimization and lower expression levels using inducible pET-type plasmids and controlled cultivation conditions, respectively. The use of polyhistidine tags facilitates endolysin purification and alters antimicrobial activity. Outer membrane permeabilizers, such as organic acids, act synergistically with endolysins, but some endolysins permeate the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria per se. However, the outer membrane permeation mechanisms of endolysins remain unclear. Other strategies, such as the co-administration of endolysins with polymyxins, silver nanoparticles, and liposomes confer additional outer membrane permeation. Engineered endolysins comprising domains for outer membrane permeation is also a strategy used to overcome the current challenges on the control of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Metagenomics is a new strategy for screening endolysins with interesting antimicrobial properties from uncultured phage genomes. Here, we review the current state of the art on the heterologous expression of endolysin, showing the potential of bacteriophage endolysins in controlling bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Túlio Pardini Gontijo
- Departamento de Genética, Evolução, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil; (G.P.J.); (M.B.)
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Scarascia G, Fortunato L, Myshkevych Y, Cheng H, Leiknes T, Hong PY. UV and bacteriophages as a chemical-free approach for cleaning membranes from anaerobic bioreactors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2016529118. [PMID: 34493685 PMCID: PMC8449398 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016529118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) for wastewater treatment has attracted much interest due to its efficacy in providing high-quality effluent with minimal energy costs. However, membrane biofouling represents the main bottleneck for AnMBR because it diminishes flux and necessitates frequent replacement of membranes. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of combining bacteriophages and UV-C irradiation to provide a chemical-free approach to remove biofoulants on the membrane. The combination of bacteriophage and UV-C resulted in better log cells removal and ca. 2× higher extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) concentration reduction in mature biofoulants compared to either UV-C or bacteriophage alone. The cleaning mechanism behind this combined approach is by 1) reducing the relative abundance of Acinetobacter spp. and selected bacteria (e.g., Paludibacter, Pseudomonas, Cloacibacterium, and gram-positive Firmicutes) associated with the membrane biofilm and 2) forming cavities in the biofilm to maintain water flux through the membrane. When the combined treatment was further compared with the common chemical cleaning procedure, a similar reduction on the cell numbers was observed (1.4 log). However, the combined treatment was less effective in removing EPS compared with chemical cleaning. These results suggest that the combination of UV-C and bacteriophage have an additive effect in biofouling reduction, representing a potential chemical-free method to remove reversible biofoulants on membrane fitted to an AnMBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giantommaso Scarascia
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Luca Fortunato
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yevhen Myshkevych
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hong Cheng
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - TorOve Leiknes
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pei-Ying Hong
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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Zhou WY, Sun SF, Zhang YS, Hu Q, Zheng XF, Yang ZQ, Jiao XA. Isolation and Characterization of a Virulent Bacteriophage for Controlling Salmonella Enteritidis Growth in Ready-to-Eat Mixed-Ingredient Salads. J Food Prot 2021; 84:1629-1639. [PMID: 33793776 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-20-460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ready-to-eat vegetable salads have gained popularity worldwide. However, the microbial safety of these salads is a health concern, primarily due to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination during the growing, harvesting, processing, and handling of produce. In this study, a bacteriophage-based strategy was developed to control Salmonella Enteritidis growth in mixed-ingredient salads. The lytic Salmonella-specific phage SapYZU01 was isolated from a soil sample from a suburban vegetable field in Yangzhou (People's Republic of China). SapYZU01 has a short latent period, a large burst size, and a lytic effect against 13 Salmonella Enteritidis strains isolated from various sources (human samples, pork, deli foods, chickens, and chicken meat). The SapYZU01 genome did not contain virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. SapYZU01 significantly decreased the viability of Salmonella Enteritidis cells in iceberg lettuce, chicken meat, and mixed-ingredient (lettuce plus chicken) salads at 37 and 25°C. Bacterial levels in the salad decreased significantly (by 4.0 log CFU/g) at 25°C after treatment of contaminated lettuce before salad preparation with SapYZU01 at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100. Bacterial levels were decreased by 3.8 log CFU/g at 25°C in lettuce plus chicken salads treated after the salad preparation with SapYZU01 at an MOI of 100. In contrast, treating cooked chicken meat with SapYZU01 at an MOI of 100 before mixing it with contaminated lettuce decreased the bacterial level of the salad by 1.2 log CFU/g at 25°C. These findings indicate the potential application of SapYZU01 as a natural biocontrol agent against Salmonella Enteritidis in mixed-ingredient salads. However, both the treatment method and the bacteriophage MOI must be considered when using this lytic bacteriophage in mixed-ingredient salads. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Zhou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Fan Sun
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Song Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Hu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Feng Zheng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Quan Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-An Jiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, People's Republic of China
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Potential for Phages in the Treatment of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10091030. [PMID: 34572612 PMCID: PMC8466579 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (BSTIs) are becoming increasingly significant with the approach of a post-antibiotic era. While treatment options dwindle, the transmission of many notable BSTIs, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Treponema pallidum, continues to increase. Bacteriophage therapy has been utilized in Poland, Russia and Georgia in the treatment of bacterial illnesses, but not in the treatment of bacterial sexually transmitted infections. With the ever-increasing likelihood of antibiotic resistance prevailing and the continuous transmission of BSTIs, alternative treatments must be explored. This paper discusses the potentiality and practicality of phage therapy to treat BSTIs, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, Streptococcus agalactiae, Haemophilus ducreyi, Calymmatobacterium granulomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei. The challenges associated with the potential for phage in treatments vary for each bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Phage availability, bacterial structure and bacterial growth may impact the potential success of future phage treatments. Additional research is needed before BSTIs can be successfully clinically treated with phage therapy or phage-derived enzymes.
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Alex Wong CF, van Vliet L, Bhujbal SV, Guo C, Sletmoen M, Stokke BT, Hollfelder F, Lale R. A Titratable Cell Lysis-on-Demand System for Droplet-Compartmentalized Ultrahigh-Throughput Screening in Functional Metagenomics and Directed Evolution. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:1882-1894. [PMID: 34260196 PMCID: PMC8383311 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Water-in-oil emulsion
droplets are an attractive format for ultrahigh-throughput
screening in functional metagenomics and directed evolution applications
that allow libraries with more than 107 members to be characterized
in a day. Single library members are compartmentalized in droplets
that are generated in microfluidic devices and tested for the presence
of target biocatalysts. The target proteins can be produced intracellularly,
for example, in bacterial hosts in-droplet cell lysis is therefore
necessary to allow the enzymes to encounter the substrate to initiate
an activity assay. Here, we present a titratable lysis-on-demand (LoD)
system enabling the control of the cell lysis rate in Escherichia
coli. We demonstrate that the rate of cell lysis can be controlled
by adjusting the externally added inducer concentration. This LoD
system is evaluated both at the population level (by optical density
measurements) and at the single-cell level (on single-cell arrays
and in alginate microbeads). Additionally, we validate the LoD system
by droplet screening of a phosphotriesterase expressed from E. coli, with cell lysis triggered by inducer concentrations
in the μM range. The LoD system yields sufficient release of
the intracellularly produced enzymes to bring about a detectable quantity
of product (measured by fluorescence in flow cytometry of double emulsions),
while leaving viable cells for the downstream recovery of the genetic
material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Fai Alex Wong
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Liisa van Vliet
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Swapnil Vilas Bhujbal
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Chengzhi Guo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Marit Sletmoen
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Bjørn Torger Stokke
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Florian Hollfelder
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Rahmi Lale
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
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Characterization and Application of a Lytic Phage D10 against Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081626. [PMID: 34452490 PMCID: PMC8402666 DOI: 10.3390/v13081626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella is a widely distributed foodborne pathogen that is a serious threat to human health. The accelerated development of drug resistance and the increased demand for natural foods invoke new biocontrol agents to limit contamination by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains. In this study, a lytic Salmonella phage named D10 was characterized at the biological and genomic levels. D10 possesses a short latent period (10 min) and a large burst size (163 PFU/cell), as well as adequate stability under a range of pH conditions and moderate thermal tolerance. D10 effectively lysed different MDR Salmonella serovars and repressed their dynamic growth in the medium. Genomic analysis disclosed that D10 is a new member of the Siphoviridae family and lacks the genes implicated in lysogeny, pathogenicity, or antibiotic resistance. A three-ingredient phage cocktail was then developed by mixing D10 with previously identified myovirus D1-2 and podovirus Pu20. The cocktail significantly reduced the count of MDR strains in liquid eggs, regardless of the temperature applied (4 and 25 °C). These results suggest that phage D10 is a promising tool to prevent food contamination by MDR Salmonella.
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Li X, Zhang C, Wei F, Yu F, Zhao Z. Bactericidal activity of a holin-endolysin system derived from Vibrio alginolyticus phage HH109. Microb Pathog 2021; 159:105135. [PMID: 34390766 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Vibrio alginolyticus is a common opportunistic pathogen that can cause vibriosis of marine aquatic animals. The application of phages or particularly associated protein products for the treatment of vibriosis has shown prominent advantages compared with the treatment with traditional antibiotics. In this study, the function of a holin-endolysin system from V. alginolyticus phage HH109 was characterized by examining the effect of their overexpression on Escherichia coli and V. alginolyticus. Our data revealed that the endolysin of the phage HH109 has stronger bactericidal activity than the holin, as evidenced by observing more cell death and severe structural damage of cells in the endolysin-expressing E. coli. Furthermore, the two proteins displayed the synergistic effect when the holA and lysin were co-expressed in E. coli, although no interaction between them was detected using the bacterial two-hybrid assay. Transmission electron microscopy observation revealed disruptions of cell envelopes accompanied by leakage of intracellular contents. Similarly, the bactericidal activity of the holin and endolysin against V. alginolyticus was also examined whatever the host is sensitive or resistant to phage HH109. Together, our study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanism of phage HH109 destroying the bacterial cell wall to lyse their host and may offer alternative applications potentially for vibriosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Li
- Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ce Zhang
- Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fucheng Wei
- Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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