Staphylococcus aureus: the search for novel targets

Cell-wall-anchored proteins affect invasive host colonization and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus

As a major human and animal pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus can attach to medical implants (abiotic surface) or host tissues (biotic surface), and further establish robust biofilms which enhances resistance and persistence to host immune system and antibiotics. Cell-wall-anchored proteins (CWAPs) covalently link to peptidoglycan, and largely facilitate the colonization of S. aureus on various surfaces (including adhesion and biofilm formation) and invasion into host cells (including adhesion, immune evasion, iron acquisition and biofilm formation). During biofilm formation, CWAPs function in adhesion, aggregation, collagen-like fiber network formation, and consortia formation. In this review, we firstly focus on the structural features of CWAPs, including their intracellular function and interactions with host cells, as well as the functions and ligand binding of CWAPs in different stages of S. aureus biofilm formation. Then, the roles of CWAPs in different biofilm processes with regards in development of therapeutic approaches are clarified, followed by the association between CWAPs genes and clonal lineages. By touching upon these aspects, we hope to provide comprehensive knowledge and clearer understanding on the CWAPs of S. aureus and their roles in biofilm formation, which may further aid in prevention and treatment infection and vaccine development.

Systems biology of autophagy in leishmanial infection and its diverse role in precision medicine

Autophagy is a contentious issue in leishmaniasis and is emerging as a promising therapeutic regimen. Published research on the impact of autophagic regulation on Leishmania survival is inconclusive, despite numerous pieces of evidence that Leishmania spp. triggers autophagy in a variety of cell types. The mechanistic approach is poorly understood in the Leishmania parasite as autophagy is significant in both Leishmania and the host. Herein, this review discusses the autophagy proteins that are being investigated as potential therapeutic targets, the connection between autophagy and lipid metabolism, and microRNAs that regulate autophagy and lipid metabolism. It also highlights the use of systems biology to develop novel autophagy-dependent therapeutics for leishmaniasis by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), mathematical modeling, network analysis, and other computational methods. Additionally, we have shown many databases for autophagy and metabolism in Leishmania parasites that suggest potential therapeutic targets for intricate signaling in the autophagy system. In a nutshell, the detailed understanding of the dynamics of autophagy in conjunction with lipids and miRNAs unfolds larger dimensions for future research.

5-Ene-4-thiazolidinones - An efficient tool in medicinal chemistry

The presented review is an attempt to summarize a huge volume of data on 5-ene-4-thiazolidinones being a widely studied class of small molecules used in modern organic and medicinal chemistry. The manuscript covers approaches to the synthesis of 5-ene-4-thiazolidinone derivatives: modification of the C5 position of the basic core; synthesis of the target compounds in the one-pot or multistage reactions or transformation of other related heterocycles. The most prominent pharmacological profiles of 5-ene derivatives of different 4-thiazolidinone subtypes belonging to hit-, lead-compounds, drug-candidates and drugs as well as the most studied targets have been discussed. Currently target compounds (especially 5-en-rhodanines) are assigned as frequent hitters or pan-assay interference compounds (PAINS) within high-throughput screening campaigns. Nevertheless, the crucial impact of the presence/nature of C5 substituent (namely 5-ene) on the pharmacological effects of 5-ene-4-thiazolidinones was confirmed by the numerous listed findings from the original articles. The main directions for active 5-ene-4-thiazolidinones optimization have been shown: i) complication of the fragment in the C5 position; ii) introduction of the substituents in the N3 position (especially fragments with carboxylic group or its derivatives); iii) annealing in complex heterocyclic systems; iv) combination with other pharmacologically attractive fragments within hybrid pharmacophore approach. Moreover, the utilization of 5-ene-4-thiazolidinones in the synthesis of complex compounds with potent pharmacological application is described. The chemical transformations cover mainly the reactions which involve the exocyclic double bond in C5 position of the main core and correspond to the abovementioned direction of the 5-ene-4-thiazolidinone modification.

Surface functionalization allowing repetitive use of optical sensors for real-time detection of antibody-bacteria interaction

In this study, sensor surface functionalization allowing the repetitive use of a sensing device was evaluated for antibody-based detection of living bacteria using an optical planar Bragg grating sensor. To achieve regenerable immobilization of bacteria specific antibodies, the heterobifunctional cross-linker N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP) was linked to an aminosilanized sensor surface and subsequently reduced to expose sulfhydryl groups enabling the covalent conjugation of SPDP-activated antibodies via disulfide bonds. The immobilization of a capture antibody specific for Staphylococcus aureus on the sensor surface as well as specific binding of S. aureus could be monitored, highlighting the applicability of optical sensors for the specific detection of large biological structures. Reusability of bacteria saturated sensors was successfully demonstrated by cleaving the antibody along with bound bacteria through reduction of disulfide bonds and subsequent re-functionalization with activated antibody, resulting in comparable sensitivity towards S. aureus.

Interaction between lichen secondary metabolites and antibiotics against clinical isolates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains

The in vitro antimicrobial activities of five compounds isolated from lichens, collected in several Southern regions of Chile (including the Chilean Antarctic Territory), were evaluated alone and in combination with five therapeutically available antibiotics, using checkerboard microdilution assay against methicillin-resistant clinical isolates strains of Staphylococcus aureus. MIC90, MIC50, as well as MBC90 and MBC50, for the lichen compounds were evaluated. The MIC90 was ranging from 32 µg/ml for perlatolic acid to 128 µg/ml for α-collatolic acid. MBC90 was ranging from onefold up to twofold the MIC90 for each compound. A synergistic action was observed in combination with gentamicin, whilst antagonism was observed for some lichen compounds in combination with levofloxacin. All combinations with erythromycin were indifferent, whilst variability was observed for clindamycin and oxacillin combinations. Data from checkerboard assay were analysed and interpreted using the fractional inhibitory concentration index and the response surface approach using the ΔE model. Discrepancies were found between both methods for some combinations. These could mainly be explained by the failure of FIC approach, being too much subjective and sensitive to experimental errors. These findings suggest, however, that the natural compounds from lichens are good candidates for the individuation of novel templates for the development of new antimicrobial agents or combinations of drugs for chemotherapy.

Neem (Azadirachtaindica A. Juss) Oil: A Natural Preservative to Control Meat Spoilage

Plant-derived extracts (PDEs) are a source of biologically-active substances having antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of neem oil (NO) as a preservative of fresh retail meat. The antibacterial activity of NO against Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Brochothrix thermosphacta, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Lactobacillus curvatus and L. sakei was assessed in a broth model system. The bacterial growth inhibition zone (mm) ranged from 18.83 ± 1.18 to 30.00 ± 1.00, as was found by a disc diffusion test with 100 µL NO. The bacterial percent growth reduction ranged from 30.81 ± 2.08 to 99.70 ± 1.53 in the broth microdilution method at different NO concentrations (1:10 to 1:100,000). Viable bacterial cells were detected in experimentally-contaminated meat up to the second day after NO treatment (100 µL NO per 10 g meat), except for C. maltaromaticum, which was detected up to the sixth day by PCR and nested PCR with propidium monoazide (PMA™) dye. In comparison to the previously published results, C. maltaromaticum, E. coli, L. curvatus and L. sakei appeared more susceptible to NO compared to neem cake extract (NCE) by using a broth model system.

New technologies in computer-aided drug design: Toward target identification and new chemical entity discovery

In the postgenomic era, computer-aided drug design (CADD) has considerably extended its range of applications, spanning almost all stages in the drug discovery pipeline, from target identification to lead discovery, from lead optimization to preclinical or clinical trials. Two new technologies of CADD associated with target identification and new chemical entity discovery will be the focus of this review.

Li-he Zhang – School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing, China

Kaixian Chen – Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China

Proteomic analysis of the proteins released from Staphylococcus aureus following exposure to Ag(I)

The silver ion (Ag(I)) has well established antimicrobial properties and is widely used in a variety of anti-bacterial ointments and plasters for the control of wound infections. Wounds are frequently colonised by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the aim of the work presented here was to establish how S. aureus responded following exposure to Ag(I). Exposure of S. aureus to Ag(I) resulted in the release of a range of proteins from cells. Analysis of proteins released revealed a number of proteins associated with the stress response (e.g. alkaline shock protein, methionine sulfoxide reductase), virulence (e.g. signal transduction protein) and metabolism (e.g. lipase, acetate kinase, phosphoglycerate mutase). The release of toxins (e.g. α-hemolysin, bifunctional autolysin, leucocidin F) was decreased. These results indicated that, while silver is a potent antimicrobial agent, exposure of S. aureus to this metal results in the release of a variety of proteins from the cell. Many of the proteins showing increased release were antigenic and would have the potential to induce an inflammatory response at the site of infection and thus delay healing.

Membrane-directed high bactericidal activity of (gold nanoparticle)-polythiophene composite for niche applications against pathogenic bacteria

The use of nanoscale materials as bactericidal agents represents a novel paradigm in the development of therapeutics against drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. In this paper the antimicrobial activity of a water soluble (gold nanoparticle)-polythiophene (AuNP-PTh) composite against common bacterial pathogens is reported. The nanocomposite is broad-spectrum in its bactericidal activity and exhibits a membrane-directed mode of action on target pathogens. The therapeutic potency of AuNP-PTh is demonstrated by experiments which reveal that the nanocomposite can breach the outer membrane defense barrier of Gram-negative pathogens for subsequent killing by a hydrophobic antibiotic, inhibit the growth of model gastrointestinal pathogens in simulated gastric fluid, and significantly eradicate bacterial biofilms. The high bacterial selectivity and lack of cytotoxicity on human cells augers well for future therapeutic application of the nanocomposite against clinically relevant pathogenic bacteria.

3D-SIM super resolution microscopy reveals a bead-like arrangement for FtsZ and the division machinery: implications for triggering cytokinesis

Super resolution three-dimensional imaging reveals a new picture of how bacterial cell division proteins localize to the division site, including the formation of dynamic bead-like patterns, and explains how the division ring constricts.

FtsZ is a tubulin-like GTPase that is the major cytoskeletal protein in bacterial cell division. It polymerizes into a ring, called the Z ring, at the division site and acts as a scaffold to recruit other division proteins to this site as well as providing a contractile force for cytokinesis. To understand how FtsZ performs these functions, the in vivo architecture of the Z ring needs to be established, as well as how this structure constricts to enable cytokinesis. Conventional wide-field fluorescence microscopy depicts the Z ring as a continuous structure of uniform density. Here we use a form of super resolution microscopy, known as 3D-structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM), to examine the architecture of the Z ring in cells of two Gram-positive organisms that have different cell shapes: the rod-shaped Bacillus subtilis and the coccoid Staphylococcus aureus. We show that in both organisms the Z ring is composed of a heterogeneous distribution of FtsZ. In addition, gaps of fluorescence were evident, which suggest that it is a discontinuous structure. Time-lapse studies using an advanced form of fast live 3D-SIM (Blaze) support a model of FtsZ localization within the Z ring that is dynamic and remains distributed in a heterogeneous manner. However, FtsZ dynamics alone do not trigger the constriction of the Z ring to allow cytokinesis. Lastly, we visualize other components of the divisome and show that they also adopt a bead-like localization pattern at the future division site. Our data lead us to propose that FtsZ guides the divisome to adopt a similar localization pattern to ensure Z ring constriction only proceeds following the assembly of a mature divisome.

Because bacterial cells are so small, it is challenging to image the spatial organization of proteins inside them. All the proteins that orchestrate cell division in these organisms localize to the division site prior to division, but it has not so far been possible to obtain a clear highresolution three-dimensional picture of the dynamics of their localization. In this study we use a new type of super resolution microscopy called three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) to analyze the localization of proteins involved in cell division in two types of bacteria that have different cell shapes: the rod-shaped Bacillus subtilis and the spherical Staphylococcus aureus. We show that FtsZ, a cytoskeletal protein that serves as a scaffold for the cytokinetic ring, localizes to the division site in a dynamic bead-like pattern, rather than a uniform ring as was previously proposed, in both types of bacteria. Our observations also provide an explanation of how this ring constricts to split a bacterial cell in two and suggests that this spatial organization of division proteins is conserved among bacteria and is crucial for the regulation of this central cellular process.

Insight into blocking heme transfer by exploiting molecular interactions in the core Isd heme transporters IsdA-NEAT, IsdC-NEAT, and IsdE of Staphylococcus aureus

The pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus has adopted specialized mechanisms for scavenging iron from its host. The nine cell wall and membrane-associated iron regulated surface determinant (Isd) proteins (IsdH, IsdB, IsdA, IsdC, IsdDEF, IsdG and IsdI) allow Staphylococcus aureus to scavenge iron from the heme in hemoglobin and haptoglobin-hemoglobin. Of these, it is IsdE that chaperones the heme to the ATP binding cassette-type transmembrane transporter (IsdF). IsdH, IsdB, IsdA and IsdC contain at least one heme binding Near Transporter (NEAT) domain. Previous studies have shown that ferric heme is transferred unidirectionally in the sequence IsdA-NEAT (Tyr - proximal amino acid) → IsdC-NEAT (Tyr) → IsdE (His). IsdA-NEAT does not transfer heme directly to IsdE. In this paper we investigated PPIX transfer through the core cell wall proteins of the Isd system (IsdA-NEAT, IsdC-NEAT and IsdE) with FePPIX-dimethylester, and the metal substituted CoPPIX and MnPPIX using ESI-MS, UV-visible absorption and MCD spectroscopy. IsdA binds each of the rings but the subsequent transfer properties to IsdC-N or IsdE are not the same as found with heme. FePPIX-DME transfers from IsdA-N to IsdC-N but neither protein transfers the ring to IsdE. IsdA-N does not transfer CoPPIX to IsdC-N or IsdE. IsdA-N does transfer MnPPIX to both IsdC-N and IsdE. Significantly, it is possible that since CoPPIX and FePPIX-DME bind to IsdA-N, the lack of transfer to IsdC-N and subsequently to IsdE for CoPPIX could prove to be used as a potential disruption agent to the S. aureus heme transfer system and may identify a possible anti-microbial.

Exposure of Staphylococcus aureus to silver(I) induces a short term protective response

The Ag(I) ion has well established anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. Exposure of Staphylococcus aureus to MIC(80) AgNO(3) (3 μg/ml) lead to an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and catalase at 30 min but activity declined by 60 min. In addition, exposure of cells to this metal ion for 1 h lead to increased expression of a number of proteins such as elongation factors Ts, Tu and G, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase and triosephosphate isomerase but their expression declined following 4 h exposure. ATP binding cassette transporter protein and oligoendopeptidase F showed increased expression at 4 h. While Ag(I) is a potent antimicrobial agent this work demonstrates that S. aureus can mount a short-term protective response to exposure to the metal ion but that this is eventually overcome.

In vitro interaction of usnic acid in combination with antimicrobial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates determined by FICI and ΔE model methods

The in vitro antimicrobial activities of usnic acid were evaluated in combination with five therapeutically available antibiotics, using checkerboard microdilution assay against methicillin-resistant clinical isolates strains of Staphylococcus aureus. MIC₉₀, MIC₅₀, as well as MBC₉₀ and MBC₅₀, were evaluated. A synergistic action was observed in combination with gentamicin, while antagonism was observed with levofloxacin. The combination with erythromycin showed indifference, while variability was observed for clindamycin and oxacillin. Data from checkerboard assay were analysed and interpreted using the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and the response surface approach using the ΔE model. Discrepancies were found between both methods for some combinations. These could mainly be explained by the failure of FIC approach, being too much subjective and sensitive to experimental errors. These findings, beside confirm the well known antimicrobial activity of usnic acid, suggest, however, that this substance might be a good candidate for the individuation of novel templates for the development of new antimicrobial agents or combinations of drugs for chemotherapy.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pyruvate kinase as a target for bis-indole alkaloids with antibacterial activities

Novel classes of antimicrobials are needed to address the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We have recently identified pyruvate kinase (PK) as a potential novel drug target based upon it being an essential hub in the MRSA interactome (Cherkasov, A., Hsing, M., Zoraghi, R., Foster, L. J., See, R. H., Stoynov, N., Jiang, J., Kaur, S., Lian, T., Jackson, L., Gong, H., Swayze, R., Amandoron, E., Hormozdiari, F., Dao, P., Sahinalp, C., Santos-Filho, O., Axerio-Cilies, P., Byler, K., McMaster, W. R., Brunham, R. C., Finlay, B. B., and Reiner, N. E. (2011) J. Proteome Res. 10, 1139-1150; Zoraghi, R., See, R. H., Axerio-Cilies, P., Kumar, N. S., Gong, H., Moreau, A., Hsing, M., Kaur, S., Swayze, R. D., Worrall, L., Amandoron, E., Lian, T., Jackson, L., Jiang, J., Thorson, L., Labriere, C., Foster, L., Brunham, R. C., McMaster, W. R., Finlay, B. B., Strynadka, N. C., Cherkasov, A., Young, R. N., and Reiner, N. E. (2011) Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 55, 2042-2053). Screening of an extract library of marine invertebrates against MRSA PK resulted in the identification of bis-indole alkaloids of the spongotine (A), topsentin (B, D), and hamacanthin (C) classes isolated from the Topsentia pachastrelloides as novel bacterial PK inhibitors. These compounds potently and selectively inhibited both MRSA PK enzymatic activity and S. aureus growth in vitro. The most active compounds, cis-3,4-dihyrohyrohamacanthin B (C) and bromodeoxytopsentin (D), were identified as highly potent MRSA PK inhibitors (IC(50) values of 16-60 nM) with at least 166-fold selectivity over human PK isoforms. These novel anti-PK natural compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activities against S. aureus, including MRSA (minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 12.5 and 6.25 μg/ml, respectively) with selectivity indices (CC(50)/MIC) >4. We also report the discrete structural features of the MRSA PK tetramer as determined by x-ray crystallography, which is suitable for selective targeting of the bacterial enzyme. The co-crystal structure of compound C with MRSA PK confirms that the latter is a target for bis-indole alkaloids. It elucidates the essential structural requirements for PK inhibitors in "small" interfaces that provide for tetramer rigidity and efficient catalytic activity. Our results identified a series of natural products as novel MRSA PK inhibitors, providing the basis for further development of potential novel antimicrobials.

A simple plasmid-based system that allows rapid generation of tightly controlled gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus

We have established a plasmid-based system that enables tightly controlled gene expression and the generation of GFP fusion proteins in Staphylococcus aureus simply and rapidly. This system takes advantage of an Escherichia coli–S. aureus shuttle vector that contains the replication region of the S. aureus theta-mode multiresistance plasmid pSK41, and is therefore a stable low-copy-number plasmid in the latter organism. This vector also contains a multiple cloning site downstream of the IPTG-inducible Pspac promoter for insertion of the gene of interest. Production of encoded proteins can be stringently regulated in an IPTG-dependent manner by introducing a pE194-based plasmid, pGL485, carrying a constitutively expressed lacI gene. Using GFP fusions to two essential proteins of S. aureus, FtsZ and NusA, we showed that our plasmid allowed tightly controlled gene expression and accurate localization of fusion proteins with no detrimental effect on cells at low inducer concentrations. At higher IPTG concentrations, we obtained sixfold overproduction of protein compared with wild-type levels, with FtsZ–GFP-expressing cells showing lysis and delocalized fluorescence, while NusA–GFP showed only delocalized fluorescence. These results show that our system is capable of titratable induction of gene expression for localization or overexpression studies.

Mapping the protein interaction network in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Mortality attributable to infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has now overtaken the death rate for AIDS in the United States, and advances in research are urgently needed to address this challenge. We report the results of the systematic identification of protein-protein interactions for the hospital-acquired strain MRSA-252. Using a high-throughput pull-down strategy combined with quantitative proteomics to distinguish specific from nonspecific interactors, we identified 13,219 interactions involving 608 MRSA proteins. Consecutive analyses revealed that this protein interaction network (PIN) exhibits scale-free organization with the characteristic presence of highly connected hub proteins. When clinical and experimental antimicrobial targets were queried in the network, they were generally found to occupy peripheral positions in the PIN with relatively few interacting partners. In contrast, the hub proteins identified in this MRSA PIN that are essential for network integrity and stability have largely been overlooked as drug targets. Thus, this empirical MRSA-252 PIN provides a rich source for identifying critical proteins essential for network stability, many of which can be considered as prospective antimicrobial drug targets.

Functional analysis, overexpression, and kinetic characterization of pyruvate kinase from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Novel antimicrobial targets are urgently needed to overcome rising antibiotic resistance of important human pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Here we report the essentiality and kinetic properties of MRSA pyruvate kinase (PK). Targetron-mediated gene disruption demonstrated PK is essential for S. aureus growth and survival, suggesting that this protein may be a potential drug target. The presence of the pfk (6-phosphofructokinase)-pyk operon in MRSA252, and the nonessential nature of PFK shown by targetron, further emphasized the essential role of PK in cell viability. The importance of PK in bacterial growth was confirmed by showing that its enzymatic activity peaked during the logarithmic phase of S. aureus growth. PK from Staphylococcus and several other species of bacteria have an extra C-terminal domain (CT) containing a phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) binding motif. To elucidate the possible structure and function of this sequence, the quaternary structures and kinetic properties of the full-length MRSA PK and truncated MRSA PK lacking the CT domain were characterized. Our results showed that (1) MRSA PK is an allosteric enzyme with homotetramer architecture activated by AMP or ribose 5-phosphate (R5P), but not by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), which suggests a different mode of allosteric regulation when compared with human isozymes, (2) the CT domain is not required for the tetramerization of the enzyme; homotetramerization occurred in a truncated PK lacking the domain, (3) truncated enzyme exhibited high affinity toward both PEP and ADP and exhibited hyperbolic kinetics toward PEP in the presence of activators (AMP and R5P) consistent with kinetic properties of full-length enzyme, indicating that the CT domain is not required for substrate binding or allosteric regulation observed in the holoenzyme, (4) the kinetic efficiency (k(cat)/S(0.5)) of truncated enzyme was decreased by 24- and 16-fold, in ligand-free state, toward PEP and ADP, respectively, but was restored by 3-fold in AMP-bound state, suggesting that the sequence containing the CT domain (Gly(473)-Leu(585)) plays a substantial role in enzyme activity and comformational stability, and (5) full-length MRSA PK activity was stimulated at low concentrations of ATP (e.g., 1 mM) and inhibited by inorganic phosphate and high concentrations of FBP (10 mM) and ATP (e.g., >2.5 mM), whereas for truncated enzyme, stimulation at low concentrations of ATP was lost. These findings suggest that the CT domain is involved in maintaining the specificity of allosteric regulation of MRSA PK by AMP, R5P, and ATP. The CT extension also encodes a protein domain with homology to enzyme I of the Escherichia coli sugar-PTS system, suggesting that MRSA PK may also exert an important regulatory role in sugar transport metabolism. These findings yield new insights into MRSA PK function and mode of allosteric regulation which may aid in the development of clinically important drugs targeting this enzyme and further define the role of the extra C-terminal domain in modulating the enzyme's activity.

Enzymatic investigation of the Staphylococcus aureus type I signal peptidase SpsB - implications for the search for novel antibiotics

Staphylococcus aureus has one essential type I signal peptidase (SPase), SpsB, which has emerged as a potential target in the search for antibiotics with a new mode of action. In this framework, the biochemical properties of SpsB are described and compared with other previously characterized SPases. Two different substrates have been used to assess the in vitro processing activity of SpsB: (a) a native preprotein substrate immunodominant staphylococcal antigen A and (b) an intramolecularly quenched fluorogenic synthetic peptide based on the sequence of the SceD preprotein of Staphylococcus epidermidis for fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based analysis. Activity testing at different pH showed that the enzyme has an optimum pH of approximately 8. The pH-rate profile revealed apparent pK(a) values of 6.6 and 8.7. Similar to the other SPases, SpsB undergoes self-cleavage and, although the catalytic serine is retained in the self-cleavage product, a very low residual enzymatic activity remained. In contrast, a truncated derivative of SpsB, which was nine amino acids longer at the N-terminus compared to the self-cleavage product, retained activity. The specificity constants (k(cat)/K(m)) of the full-length and the truncated derivative were 1.85 +/- 0.13 x 10(3) m(-1).s(-1) and 59.4 +/- 6.4 m(-1).s(-1), respectively, as determined using the fluorogenic synthetic peptide substrate. These observations highlight the importance of the amino acids in the transmembrane segment and also those preceding the catalytic serine in the sequence of SpsB. Interestingly, we also found that the activity of the truncated SpsB increased in the presence of a non-ionic detergent.

Proteomic analysis of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms grown in vitro on mechanical heart valve leaflets

The in vitro colonization of three commercial heart valve leaflets by Staphylococcus aureus was investigated. The leaflets, made of pyrolytic carbon alloyed with or without silicon, displayed similar surface properties (wettability, roughness) and were readily colonized by S. aureus that formed patchy biofilms on the three supports. A proteomic approach was used to assess the physiological status of biofilm populations by comparing their protein maps to those of bacteria cultured as free cells in the presence or absence of biofilm substratum. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed, for each tested leaflet, statistical relationships between the protein maps of the biofilm and free-floating microbial populations. A spot-by-spot comparison of protein levels on two-dimensional electropherograms showed that many proteins were accumulated or underproduced by microbial populations grown in the presence of a leaflet compared with protein levels in control free populations. The number of accumulated proteins was noticeably higher than that of underproduced polypeptides. This protein overproduction was emphasized in biofilm populations. Several proteins, some of which were identified, were differentially produced by both surface-associated planktonic and biofilm-grown cell populations compared with control free-cell ones cultured in the absence of leaflet, whatever the leaflet tested. The potential of this proteomic approach for fighting against microbial adhesion and biofilm formation is discussed.

In vitro and in vivo validation of ligA and tarI as essential targets in Staphylococcus aureus

A conditional expression system has been developed using the isopropyl-beta-d-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible Pspac promoter to validate essential genes of Staphylococcus aureus in vivo. The system has been applied to prove the essentiality of ligA and to evaluate the function of tarI, which was found to be essential in vitro but not in vivo.

From Bacterial Genomes to Novel Antibacterial Agents: Discovery, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Compounds that Bind to HI0065 (YjeE) from Haemophilus influenzae

As part of a fully integrated and comprehensive strategy to discover novel antibacterial agents, NMR- and mass spectrometry-based affinity selection screens were performed to identify compounds that bind to protein targets uniquely found in bacteria and encoded by genes essential for microbial viability. A biphenyl acid lead series emerged from an NMR-based screen with the Haemophilus influenzae protein HI0065, a member of a family of probable ATP-binding proteins found exclusively in eubacteria. The structure-activity relationships developed around the NMR-derived biphenyl acid lead were consistent with on-target antibacterial activity as the Staphylococcus aureus antibacterial activity of the series correlated extremely well with binding affinity to HI0065, while the correlation of binding affinity with B-cell cytotoxicity was relatively poor. Although further studies are needed to conclusively establish the mode of action of the biphenyl series, these compounds represent novel leads that can serve as the basis for the development of novel antibacterial agents that appear to work via an unprecedented mechanism of action. Overall, these results support the genomics-driven hypothesis that targeting bacterial essential gene products that are not present in eukaryotic cells can identify novel antibacterial agents.

Biochemical study of recombinant PcrA from Staphylococcus aureus for the development of screening assays

Helicases are ubiquitous enzymes, which utilize the energy liberated during nucleotide triphosphate hydrolysis to separate double-stranded nucleic acids into single strands. These enzymes are very attractive targets for the development of new antibacterial compounds. The PcrA DNA helicase from Staphylococcus aureus is a good candidate for drug discovery. This enzyme is unique in the genome of S. aureus and essential for this bacterium. Furthermore, it has recently been published that it is possible to identify inhibitors of DNA helicases such as PcrA. In this report, we study the properties of recombinant PcrA from S. aureus purified from Escherichia coli to develop ATPase and helicase assays to screen for inhibitors.

Some bivalent metal complexes of Schiff bases containing N and S donor atoms

Schiff bases have been synthesized by the reaction of p-nitrobenzaldehyde, o-nitrobenzaldehyde and p-toluyaldehyde with 4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole. The ligands react with Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) metals to yield (1:1) and (1:2) [metal:ligand] complexes. Elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, electronic spectral data, magnetic susceptibility measurements, molar conductivity measurements and thermal studies have investigated the structure of the ligands and their metal complexes. The electronic spectral data suggests octahedral geometry for Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II). The antibacterial activities of the ligands and their metal complexes have been screened in vitro against three Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram-negative (Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) organisms. The coordination of the metal ion had a pronounced effect on the microbial activities of the ligands and the metal complexes have higher antimicrobial effect than the free ligands.

Treatment ofStaphylococcus aureusinfections: new issues, emerging therapies and future directions

Infections due to Staphylococcus aureus are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Antimicrobial resistance in strains of S. aureus is a continually evolving problem, including widespread methicillin resistance in hospitals, increasing methicillin resistance in community strains, and the recent acquisition of glycopeptide resistance. New antimicrobials with activity against S. aureus have recently entered the market or are in the late stages of development. In addition, there has been significant interest in the development of novel and immune-based strategies for prevention or treatment of S. aureus infections. This review describes established and emerging therapies for S. aureus infections, and considers the safety profiles and likely impact on present treatment standards of novel agents either undergoing clinical development or emerging onto the market.

Antistaphylococcal vaccines and immunoglobulins: current status and future prospects

Staphylococci are among the most frequently encountered pathogens in both the inpatient and the outpatient setting. Management of infections caused by these organisms is complicated by the increasingly common resistance of staphylococcal pathogens to commonly used antibacterials. As a consequence, novel approaches to prevention and treatment are urgently required. Such approaches include the development of vaccines and immunoglobulin preparations targeted at virulence factors expressed in vivo by staphylococci. This article reviews the biopharmaceutical progress made to date in this field and suggests approaches to further progress.

Antibacterial Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of Schiff bases derived from fluorobenzaldehyde and triazoles

Antibacterial Schiff bases derived from 1,2,4-triazoles as well as their metal complexes incorporating cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) have been synthesized and characterized. Physico-chemical studies suggest that an octahedral geometry for the cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II)and square-planer geometry for the copper(II) complexes. These complexes have been screened for antibacterial activity against three Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram-negative (Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial strains, and results compared with the activity of the free ligands. The metal complexes were found to be more potent against one or more bacterial strains than the free ligands.

Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from residential indoor bioaerosols

OBJECTIVE

In this study we evaluated the levels of Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant S. aureus in colony-forming units (CFU) per cubic meter of air.

DESIGN

We used Andersen two-stage samplers to collect bioaerosol samples from 24 houses in El Paso, Texas, using tryptic soy agar as the collection media, followed by the replicate plate method on Chapman Stone selective medium to isolate S. aureus. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine antibiotic resistance to ampicillin, penicillin, and cefaclor, which represent two distinct classes of antibiotics.

RESULTS

The average recovered concentration of respirable heterotrophic organisms found outside each home was 345.38 CFU/m3, with an average of 12.63 CFU/m3 for S. aureus. The average recovered concentration of respirable heterotrophic organisms found inside each home was 460.23 CFU/m3, with an average of 15.39 CFU/m3 for S. aureus. The respirable S. aureus recovered from inside each home had an average resistance of 54.59% to ampicillin and 60.46% to penicillin. Presence of cefaclor-resistant and of multidrug-resistant S. aureus was the same, averaging 13.20% per house. The respirable S. aureus recovered from outside each home had an average resistance of 34.42% to ampicillin and 41.81% to penicillin. Presence of cefaclor-resistant and of multidrug-resistant S. aureus was the same, averaging 13.96% per house.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that antibiotic-resistant bioaerosols are commonly found within residential homes. Our results also suggest that resistant strains of airborne culturable S. aureus are present in higher concentrations inside the study homes than outside the homes.

Antibacterial drug discovery and structure-based design

Bacterial resistance continues to develop and pose a significant threat, both in hospitals and, more recently, in the community. A focus on other therapeutic areas by the larger pharmaceutical companies has left a shortfall in the pipeline of novel antibacterials. Recently, many new structures have been studied by structure-genomics initiatives, delivering a wealth of targets to consider. Using the tools of structure-based design, antibacterial discovery must exploit these targets to accelerate the process of drug discovery.

The historical delivery of antibiotics from microbial natural products—Can history repeat?

Microbial natural products are the origin of most of the antibiotics on the market today. However, research in antibiotics and natural products has declined significantly during the last decade as a consequence of diverse factors, among which the lack of interest of industry in the field and the strong competition from collections of synthetic compounds as source of drug leads. As a consequence, there is an alarming scarcity of new antibiotic classes in the pipelines of the pharmaceutical industry. Still, microbial natural products remain the most promising source of novel antibiotics, although new approaches are required to improve the efficiency of the discovery process. The impact of microbial biodiversity, the influence of growth conditions on the production of secondary metabolites, the choice of the best approach at the screening step and the challenges faced during the isolation and identification of the active compounds are examined in this review as the critical factors contributing to success in the effort of antibiotic discovery from microbial natural products.