1
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Rutter JW, Dekker L, Clare C, Slendebroek ZF, Owen KA, McDonald JAK, Nair SP, Fedorec AJH, Barnes CP. A bacteriocin expression platform for targeting pathogenic bacterial species. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6332. [PMID: 39068147 PMCID: PMC11283563 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50591-8] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that are naturally produced by many bacteria. They hold great potential in the fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. Engineered live biotherapeutic products (eLBPs) that secrete bacteriocins can be created to deliver targeted bacteriocin production. Here we develop a modular bacteriocin secretion platform that can be used to express and secrete multiple bacteriocins from non-pathogenic Escherichia coli host strains. As a proof of concept we create Enterocin A (EntA) and Enterocin B (EntB) secreting strains that show strong antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in vitro, and characterise this activity in both solid culture and liquid co-culture. We then develop a Lotka-Volterra model that can be used to capture the interactions of these competitor strains. We show that simultaneous exposure to EntA and EntB can delay Enterococcus growth. Our system has the potential to be used as an eLBP to secrete additional bacteriocins for the targeted killing of pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack W Rutter
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Linda Dekker
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chania Clare
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Zoe F Slendebroek
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kimberley A Owen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julie A K McDonald
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sean P Nair
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alex J H Fedorec
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris P Barnes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK.
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2
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Wan W, Wu W, Amier Y, Li X, Yang J, Huang Y, Xun Y, Yu X. Engineered microorganisms: A new direction in kidney stone prevention and treatment. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:294-303. [PMID: 38510204 PMCID: PMC10950756 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.02.005] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that intestinal and urinary tract flora are closely related to the formation of kidney stones. The removal of probiotics represented by lactic acid bacteria and the colonization of pathogenic bacteria can directly or indirectly promote the occurrence of kidney stones. However, currently existing natural probiotics have limitations. Synthetic biology is an emerging discipline in which cells or living organisms are genetically designed and modified to have biological functions that meet human needs, or even create new biological systems, and has now become a research hotspot in various fields. Using synthetic biology approaches of microbial engineering and biological redesign to enable probiotic bacteria to acquire new phenotypes or heterologous protein expression capabilities is an important part of synthetic biology research. Synthetic biology modification of microorganisms in the gut and urinary tract can effectively inhibit the development of kidney stones by a range of means, including direct degradation of metabolites that promote stone production or indirect regulation of flora homeostasis. This article reviews the research status of engineered microorganisms in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones, to provide a new and effective idea for the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Wan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Weisong Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yirixiatijiang Amier
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xianmiao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Junyi Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yisheng Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yang Xun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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3
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Parvin T, Sadras SR. Advanced probiotics: bioengineering and their therapeutic application. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:361. [PMID: 38403783 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09309-8] [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] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The role of gut bacteria in human health has long been acknowledged and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been correlated with a variety of disorders. Synthetic biology has rapidly grown over the past few years offering a variety of biological applications such as harnessing the relationship between bacteria and human health. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are thought to be appropriate chassis organisms for genetic modification with potential biomedical applications. A thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind their beneficial qualities is essential to assist the multifunctional medicinal sectors. Effective genome editing will aid in the creation of next-generation designer probiotics with enhanced resilience and specialized capabilities, furthering our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind the physiological impacts of probiotics and their interactions with the host and microbiota. The goal of this review is to provide a brief overview of the methods used to create modified probiotics with the scientific rationale behind gene editing technology, the mechanism of action of engineered probiotics along with their application to treat conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, bacterial infections, and various metabolic diseases. In addition, application concerns and future directions are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamanna Parvin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India.
| | - Sudha Rani Sadras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
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4
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Jirillo E, Palmirotta R, Colella M, Santacroce L. A Bird's-Eye View of the Pathophysiologic Role of the Human Urobiota in Health and Disease: Can We Modulate It? PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2024; 31:52-67. [PMID: 38390942 PMCID: PMC10885084 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology31010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
For a long time, urine has been considered sterile in physiological conditions, thanks to the particular structure of the urinary tract and the production of uromodulin or Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) by it. More recently, thanks to the development and use of new technologies, i.e., next-generation sequencing and expanded urine culture, the identification of a microbial community in the urine, the so-called urobiota, became possible. Major phyla detected in the urine are represented by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Particularly, the female urobiota is largely represented by Lactobacillus spp., which are very active against urinary pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli (UPEC) strains via the generation of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Gut dysbiosis accounts for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), so-called gut-bladder axis syndrome with the formation of intracellular bacterial communities in the course of acute cystitis. However, other chronic urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial strains of intestinal derivation. Monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections account for the outcome of acute and chronic UTIs, even including prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain. E. coli isolates have been shown to be more invasive and resistant to antibiotics. Probiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and immune-mediated therapies, even including vaccines for the treatment of UTIs, will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palmirotta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marica Colella
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
- Doctoral School, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
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5
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Kim H, Jang JH, Jung IY, Kim HR, Cho JH. Novel Genetically Engineered Probiotics for Targeted Elimination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Intestinal Colonization. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2645. [PMID: 37893018 PMCID: PMC10604247 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal carriage rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are notably elevated in immunosuppressed individuals and hospitalized patients, increasing the risk of infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A potential solution to this issue lies in autonomous antibacterial therapy, remaining inactive until a pathogen is detected, and releasing antibacterial compounds on demand to eliminate the pathogen. This study focuses on the development of genetically engineered probiotics capable of detecting and eradicating P. aeruginosa by producing and secreting PA2-GNU7, a P. aeruginosa-selective antimicrobial peptide (AMP), triggered by the presence of P. aeruginosa quorum-sensing molecule N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3OC12HSL). To achieve this goal, plasmid-based systems were constructed to produce AMPs in response to 3OC12HSL and secrete them into the extracellular medium using either the microcin V secretion system or YebF as a carrier protein. Following the transfer of these plasmid-based systems to Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), we successfully demonstrated the ability of the engineered EcN to express and secrete PA2-GNU7, leading to the inhibition of P. aeruginosa growth in vitro. In addition, in a mouse model of intestinal P. aeruginosa colonization, the administration of engineered EcN resulted in reduced levels of P. aeruginosa in both the feces and the colon. These findings suggest that engineered EcN holds promise as a potential option for combating intestinal P. aeruginosa colonization, thus mitigating the risk of future endogenous infections in vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Kim
- Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea; (H.K.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Ju Hye Jang
- Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea; (H.K.); (J.H.J.)
| | - In Young Jung
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea; (I.Y.J.); (H.R.K.)
| | - Ha Rang Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea; (I.Y.J.); (H.R.K.)
| | - Ju Hyun Cho
- Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea; (H.K.); (J.H.J.)
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea; (I.Y.J.); (H.R.K.)
- Division of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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6
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Li P, Roos S, Luo H, Ji B, Nielsen J. Metabolic engineering of human gut microbiome: Recent developments and future perspectives. Metab Eng 2023; 79:1-13. [PMID: 37364774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.06.006] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiota is associated with human health and disease. Manipulation of the gut microbiota, e.g. supplementation of probiotics, has been suggested to be feasible, but subject to limited therapeutic efficacy. To develop efficient microbiota-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, metabolic engineering has been applied to construct genetically modified probiotics and synthetic microbial consortia. This review mainly discusses commonly adopted strategies for metabolic engineering in the human gut microbiome, including the use of in silico, in vitro, or in vivo approaches for iterative design and construction of engineered probiotics or microbial consortia. Especially, we highlight how genome-scale metabolic models can be applied to advance our understanding of the gut microbiota. Also, we review the recent applications of metabolic engineering in gut microbiome studies as well as discuss important challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishun Li
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefan Roos
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Boyang Ji
- BioInnovation Institute, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, DK2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE41296, Gothenburg, Sweden; BioInnovation Institute, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, DK2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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7
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Mazzolini R, Rodríguez-Arce I, Fernández-Barat L, Piñero-Lambea C, Garrido V, Rebollada-Merino A, Motos A, Torres A, Grilló MJ, Serrano L, Lluch-Senar M. Engineered live bacteria suppress Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in mouse lung and dissolve endotracheal-tube biofilms. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1089-1098. [PMID: 36658340 PMCID: PMC10421741 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01584-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Engineered live bacteria could provide a new modality for treating lung infections, a major cause of mortality worldwide. In the present study, we engineered a genome-reduced human lung bacterium, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, to treat ventilator-associated pneumonia, a disease with high hospital mortality when associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. After validating the biosafety of an attenuated M. pneumoniae chassis in mice, we introduced four transgenes into the chromosome by transposition to implement bactericidal and biofilm degradation activities. We show that this engineered strain has high efficacy against an acute P. aeruginosa lung infection in a mouse model. In addition, we demonstrated that the engineered strain could dissolve biofilms formed in endotracheal tubes of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia and be combined with antibiotics targeting the peptidoglycan layer to increase efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We expect our M. pneumoniae-engineered strain to be able to treat biofilm-associated infections in the respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Mazzolini
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Pulmobiotics Ltd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Rodríguez-Arce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology, CSIC-Navarra Government, Navarra, Spain
| | - Laia Fernández-Barat
- Cellex Laboratory, CibeRes, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pneumology, Thorax Institute, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, SpainICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Piñero-Lambea
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Pulmobiotics Ltd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Garrido
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology, CSIC-Navarra Government, Navarra, Spain
| | - Agustín Rebollada-Merino
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Internal Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Motos
- Cellex Laboratory, CibeRes, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pneumology, Thorax Institute, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, SpainICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Torres
- Cellex Laboratory, CibeRes, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pneumology, Thorax Institute, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, SpainICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Luis Serrano
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Lluch-Senar
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Pulmobiotics Ltd, Barcelona, Spain.
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain.
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8
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Gao Y, Wei J, Pu L, Fu S, Xing X, Zhang R, Jin F. Remotely Controllable Engineered Bacteria for Targeted Therapy of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection. ACS Synth Biol 2023. [PMID: 37418677 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infection has become an intractable problem worldwide due to the decreasing efficacy of the mainstay therapy, antibiotic treatment. Hence, exploring new drugs and therapies to address this issue is crucial. Here, we construct a chimeric pyocin (ChPy) to specifically kill P. aeruginosa and engineer a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive strain to produce and deliver this drug. Our engineered bacterial strain can continuously produce ChPy in the absence of light and release it to kill P. aeruginosa via remotely and precisely controlled bacterial lysis induced by NIR light. We demonstrate that our engineered bacterial strain is effective in P. aeruginosa-infected wound therapy in the mouse model, as it eradicated PAO1 in mouse wounds and shortened the wound healing time. Our work presents a potentially spatiotemporal and noninvasively controlled therapeutic strategy of engineered bacteria for the targeted treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Gao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, JinZhai Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jingjing Wei
- Department of Fine Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Lu Pu
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Shengwei Fu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, JinZhai Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xiaochen Xing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, JinZhai Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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9
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Köse S, Ahan RE, Köksaldı İÇ, Olgaç A, Kasapkara ÇS, Şeker UÖŞ. Multiplexed cell-based diagnostic devices for detection of renal biomarkers. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 223:115035. [PMID: 36571991 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.115035] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The number of synthetic biology-based solutions employed in the medical industry is growing every year. The whole cell biosensors being one of them, have been proven valuable tools for developing low-cost, portable, personalized medicine alternatives to conventional techniques. Based on this concept, we targeted one of the major health problems in the world, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). To do so, we developed two novel biosensors for the detection of two important renal biomarkers: urea and uric acid. Using advanced gene expression control strategies, we improved the operational range and the response profiles of each biosensor to meet clinical specifications. We further engineered these systems to enable multiplexed detection as well as an AND-logic gate operating system. Finally, we tested the applicability of these systems and optimized their working dynamics inside complex medium human blood serum. This study could help the efforts to transition from labor-intensive and expensive laboratory techniques to widely available, portable, low-cost diagnostic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sıla Köse
- UNAM-Institute of Materias Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Recep Erdem Ahan
- UNAM-Institute of Materias Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İlkay Çisil Köksaldı
- UNAM-Institute of Materias Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Asburçe Olgaç
- Dr Sami Ulus Children's Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem Seher Kasapkara
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Department of Internal Medicine, Children's Health and Disease Section, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Urartu Özgür Şafak Şeker
- UNAM-Institute of Materias Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey.
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10
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Dang Z, Gao M, Wang L, Wu J, Guo Y, Zhu Z, Huang H, Kang G. Synthetic bacterial therapies for intestinal diseases based on quorum- sensing circuits. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 65:108142. [PMID: 36977440 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial therapy has become a key strategy against intestinal infectious diseases in recent years. Moreover, regulating the gut microbiota through traditional fecal microbiota transplantation and supplementation of probiotics faces controllability, efficacy, and safety challenges. The infiltration and emergence of synthetic biology and microbiome provide an operational and safe treatment platform for live bacterial biotherapies. Synthetic bacterial therapy can artificially manipulate bacteria to produce and deliver therapeutic drug molecules. This method has the advantages of solid controllability, low toxicity, strong therapeutic effects, and easy operation. As an essential tool for dynamic regulation in synthetic biology, quorum sensing (QS) has been widely used for designing complex genetic circuits to control the behavior of bacterial populations and achieve predefined goals. Therefore, QS-based synthetic bacterial therapy might become a new direction for the treatment of diseases. The pre-programmed QS genetic circuit can achieve a controllable production of therapeutic drugs on particular ecological niches by sensing specific signals released from the digestive system in pathological conditions, thereby realizing the integration of diagnosis and treatment. Based on this as well as the modular idea of synthetic biology, QS-based synthetic bacterial therapies are divided into an environmental signal sensing module (senses gut disease physiological signals), a therapeutic molecule producing module (plays a therapeutic role against diseases), and a population behavior regulating module (QS system). This review article summarized the structure and function of these three modules and discussed the rational design of QS gene circuits as a novel intervention strategy for intestinal diseases. Moreover, the application prospects of QS-based synthetic bacterial therapy were summarized. Finally, the challenges faced by these methods were analyzed to make the targeted recommendations for developing a successful therapeutic strategy for intestinal diseases.
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11
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Huang Y, Lin X, Yu S, Chen R, Chen W. Intestinal Engineered Probiotics as Living Therapeutics: Chassis Selection, Colonization Enhancement, Gene Circuit Design, and Biocontainment. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3134-3153. [PMID: 36094344 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal probiotics are often used for the in situ treatment of diseases, such as metabolic disorders, tumors, and chronic inflammatory infections. Recently, there has been an increased emphasis on intelligent, customized treatments with a focus on long-term efficacy; however, traditional probiotic therapy has not kept up with this trend. The use of synthetic biology to construct gut-engineered probiotics as live therapeutics is a promising avenue in the treatment of specific diseases, such as phenylketonuria and inflammatory bowel disease. These studies generally involve a series of fundamental design issues: choosing an engineered chassis, improving the colonization ability of engineered probiotics, designing functional gene circuits, and ensuring the safety of engineered probiotics. In this review, we summarize the relevant past research, the progress of current research, and discuss the key issues that restrict the widespread application of intestinal engineered probiotic living therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Team SZU-China at iGEM 2021, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xiaojun Lin
- Team SZU-China at iGEM 2021, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Siyang Yu
- Team SZU-China at iGEM 2021, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ruiyue Chen
- Team SZU-China at iGEM 2021, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Weizhao Chen
- Team SZU-China at iGEM 2021, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Microbial Gene Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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12
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Robinson CM, Short NE, Riglar DT. Achieving spatially precise diagnosis and therapy in the mammalian gut using synthetic microbial gene circuits. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:959441. [PMID: 36118573 PMCID: PMC9478464 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.959441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian gut and its microbiome form a temporally dynamic and spatially heterogeneous environment. The inaccessibility of the gut and the spatially restricted nature of many gut diseases translate into difficulties in diagnosis and therapy for which novel tools are needed. Engineered bacterial whole-cell biosensors and therapeutics have shown early promise at addressing these challenges. Natural and engineered sensing systems can be repurposed in synthetic genetic circuits to detect spatially specific biomarkers during health and disease. Heat, light, and magnetic signals can also activate gene circuit function with externally directed spatial precision. The resulting engineered bacteria can report on conditions in situ within the complex gut environment or produce biotherapeutics that specifically target host or microbiome activity. Here, we review the current approaches to engineering spatial precision for in vivo bacterial diagnostics and therapeutics using synthetic circuits, and the challenges and opportunities this technology presents.
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13
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Comparative Genomics and Pan-Genome Driven Prediction of a Reduced Genome of Akkermansia muciniphila. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071350. [PMID: 35889069 PMCID: PMC9315967 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071350] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Akkermanisia muciniphila imparts important health benefits and is considered a next-generation probiotic. It is imperative to understand the genomic diversity and metabolic potential of the species for safer applications as probiotics. As it resides with both health-promoting and pathogenic bacteria, understanding the evolutionary patterns are crucial, but this area remains largely unexplored. Moreover, pan-genome has previously been established based on only a limited number of strains and without careful strain selection. The pan-genomics have become very important for understanding species diversity and evolution. In the current study, a systematic approach was used to find a refined pan-genome profile of A. muciniphila by excluding too-diverse strains based on average nucleotide identity-based species demarcation. The strains were divided into four phylogroups using a variety of clustering techniques. Horizontal gene transfer and recombination patterns were also elucidated. Evolutionary patterns revealed that different phylogroups were expanding differently. Furthermore, a comparative evaluation of the metabolic potential of the pan-genome and its subsections was performed. Lastly, the study combines functional annotation, persistent genome, and essential genes to devise an approach to determine a minimal genome that can systematically remove unwanted genes, including virulent factors. The selection of one strain to be used as a chassis for the prediction of a reduced genome was very carefully performed by analyzing several genomic parameters, including the number of unique genes and the resistance and pathogenic potential of the strains. The strategy could be applied to other microbes, including human-associated microbiota, towards a common goal of predicting a minimal or a reduced genome.
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14
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Wu L, Bao F, Li L, Yin X, Hua Z. Bacterially mediated drug delivery and therapeutics: Strategies and advancements. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 187:114363. [PMID: 35649449 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It was already clinically apparent 150 years ago that bacterial therapy could alleviate diseases. Recently, a burgeoning number of researchers have been using bacterial regimens filled with microbial therapeutic leads to diagnose and treat a wide range of disorders and diseases, including cancers, inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders and viral infections. Some bacteria that were designed to have low toxicity and high efficiency in drug delivery have been used to treat diseases successfully, especially in tumor therapy in animal models or clinical trials, thanks to the progress of genetic engineering and synthetic bioengineering. Therefore, genetically engineered bacteria can serve as efficient drug delivery vehicles, carrying nucleic acids or genetic circuits that encode and regulate therapeutic payloads. In this review, we summarize the development and applications of this approach. Strategies for genetically modifying strains are described in detail, along with their objectives. We also describe some controlled strategies for drug delivery and release using these modified strains as carriers. Furthermore, we discuss treatment methods for various types of diseases using engineered bacteria. Tumors are discussed as the most representative example, and other diseases are also briefly described. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects of drug delivery systems based on these bacteria.
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15
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Li S, Xiao J, Sun T, Yu F, Zhang K, Feng Y, Xu C, Wang B, Cheng L. Synthetic microbial consortia with programmable ecological interactions. Methods Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
| | - Jing Xiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
| | - Tianzheng Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
| | - Fangjian Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
| | - Kaihang Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
| | - Yuantao Feng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
| | - Chenchao Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
| | - Baojun Wang
- Hangzhou Innovation Center & College of Chemical and Biological Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou 311200 China
- Research Centre for Biological Computation, Zhejiang Laboratory Hangzhou 311100 China
| | - Lei Cheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
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16
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León-Buitimea A, Balderas-Cisneros FDJ, Garza-Cárdenas CR, Garza-Cervantes JA, Morones-Ramírez JR. Synthetic Biology Tools for Engineering Microbial Cells to Fight Superbugs. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:869206. [PMID: 35600895 PMCID: PMC9114757 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.869206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increase in clinical cases of bacterial infections with multiple antibiotic resistance, the world has entered a health crisis. Overuse, inappropriate prescribing, and lack of innovation of antibiotics have contributed to the surge of microorganisms that can overcome traditional antimicrobial treatments. In 2017, the World Health Organization published a list of pathogenic bacteria, including Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli (ESKAPE). These bacteria can adapt to multiple antibiotics and transfer their resistance to other organisms; therefore, studies to find new therapeutic strategies are needed. One of these strategies is synthetic biology geared toward developing new antimicrobial therapies. Synthetic biology is founded on a solid and well-established theoretical framework that provides tools for conceptualizing, designing, and constructing synthetic biological systems. Recent developments in synthetic biology provide tools for engineering synthetic control systems in microbial cells. Applying protein engineering, DNA synthesis, and in silico design allows building metabolic pathways and biological circuits to control cellular behavior. Thus, synthetic biology advances have permitted the construction of communication systems between microorganisms where exogenous molecules can control specific population behaviors, induce intracellular signaling, and establish co-dependent networks of microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel León-Buitimea
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca, Mexico
| | - Francisco de Jesús Balderas-Cisneros
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca, Mexico
| | - César Rodolfo Garza-Cárdenas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca, Mexico
| | - Javier Alberto Garza-Cervantes
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca, Mexico
| | - José Rubén Morones-Ramírez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca, Mexico
- *Correspondence: José Rubén Morones-Ramírez,
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17
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A genetic toolkit and gene switches to limit Mycoplasma growth for biosafety applications. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1910. [PMID: 35393441 PMCID: PMC8991246 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29574-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas have exceptionally streamlined genomes and are strongly adapted to their many hosts, which provide them with essential nutrients. Owing to their relative genomic simplicity, Mycoplasmas have been used to develop chassis for biotechnological applications. However, the dearth of robust and precise toolkits for genomic manipulation and tight regulation has hindered any substantial advance. Herein we describe the construction of a robust genetic toolkit for M. pneumoniae, and its successful deployment to engineer synthetic gene switches that control and limit Mycoplasma growth, for biosafety containment applications. We found these synthetic gene circuits to be stable and robust in the long-term, in the context of a minimal cell. With this work, we lay a foundation to develop viable and robust biosafety systems to exploit a synthetic Mycoplasma chassis for live attenuated vectors for therapeutic applications. Mycoplasmas are minimal cell model organisms but lack genetic tools. Here the authors provide a robust genetic toolkit for Mycoplasma demonstrating gene circuit engineering applications.
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18
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Kenneally C, Murphy CP, Sleator RD, Culligan EP. The Urinary Microbiome and Biological Therapeutics: Novel Therapies For Urinary Tract Infections. Microbiol Res 2022; 259:127010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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19
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Miller CA, Ho JML, Bennett MR. Strategies for Improving Small-Molecule Biosensors in Bacteria. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12020064. [PMID: 35200325 PMCID: PMC8869690 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, small-molecule biosensors have become increasingly important in synthetic biology and biochemistry, with numerous new applications continuing to be developed throughout the field. For many biosensors, however, their utility is hindered by poor functionality. Here, we review the known types of mechanisms of biosensors within bacterial cells, and the types of approaches for optimizing different biosensor functional parameters. Discussed approaches for improving biosensor functionality include methods of directly engineering biosensor genes, considerations for choosing genetic reporters, approaches for tuning gene expression, and strategies for incorporating additional genetic modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corwin A. Miller
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA; (C.A.M.); (J.M.L.H.)
| | - Joanne M. L. Ho
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA; (C.A.M.); (J.M.L.H.)
| | - Matthew R. Bennett
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA; (C.A.M.); (J.M.L.H.)
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Correspondence:
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20
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Singh RP, Shadan A, Ma Y. Biotechnological Applications of Probiotics: A Multifarious Weapon to Disease and Metabolic Abnormality. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2022; 14:1184-1210. [PMID: 36121610 PMCID: PMC9483357 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-09992-8] [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] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Consumption of live microorganisms "Probiotics" for health benefits and well-being is increasing worldwide. Their use as a therapeutic approach to confer health benefits has fascinated humans for centuries; however, its conceptuality gradually evolved with methodological advancement, thereby improving our understanding of probiotics-host interaction. However, the emerging concern regarding safety aspects of live microbial is enhancing the interest in non-viable or microbial cell extracts, as they could reduce the risks of microbial translocation and infection. Due to technical limitations in the production and formulation of traditionally used probiotics, the scientific community has been focusing on discovering new microbes to be used as probiotics. In many scientific studies, probiotics have been shown as potential tools to treat metabolic disorders such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, digestive disorders (e.g., acute and antibiotic-associated diarrhea), and allergic disorders (e.g., eczema) in infants. However, the mechanistic insight of strain-specific probiotic action is still unknown. In the present review, we analyzed the scientific state-of-the-art regarding the mechanisms of probiotic action, its physiological and immuno-modulation on the host, and new direction regarding the development of next-generation probiotics. We discuss the use of recently discovered genetic tools and their applications for engineering the probiotic bacteria for various applications including food, biomedical applications, and other health benefits. Finally, the review addresses the future development of biological techniques in combination with clinical and preclinical studies to explain the molecular mechanism of action, and discover an ideal multifunctional probiotic bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Prakash Singh
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand India
| | - Afreen Shadan
- Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi, Jharkhand India
| | - Ying Ma
- College of Resource and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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21
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Chen T, Ali Al-Radhawi M, Voigt CA, Sontag ED. A synthetic distributed genetic multi-bit counter. iScience 2021; 24:103526. [PMID: 34917900 PMCID: PMC8666654 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103526] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A design for genetically encoded counters is proposed via repressor-based circuits. An N-bit counter reads sequences of input pulses and displays the total number of pulses, modulo 2N. The design is based on distributed computation with specialized cell types allocated to specific tasks. This allows scalability and bypasses constraints on the maximal number of circuit genes per cell due to toxicity or failures due to resource limitations. The design starts with a single-bit counter. The N-bit counter is then obtained by interconnecting (using diffusible chemicals) a set of N single-bit counters and connector modules. An optimization framework is used to determine appropriate gate parameters and to compute bounds on admissible pulse widths and relaxation (inter-pulse) times, as well as to guide the construction of novel gates. This work can be viewed as a step toward obtaining circuits that are capable of finite automaton computation in analogy to digital central processing units. A single-bit counter is designed for a repressor-based genetic circuit A scalable multi-bit counter is enabled by distributing the design across cells A computational optimization framework is proposed to guide the design
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchi Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - M Ali Al-Radhawi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher A Voigt
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eduardo D Sontag
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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22
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Yadav M, Chauhan NS. Microbiome therapeutics: exploring the present scenario and challenges. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2021; 10:goab046. [PMID: 35382166 PMCID: PMC8972995 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human gut-microbiome explorations have enriched our understanding of microbial colonization, maturation, and dysbiosis in health-and-disease subsets. The enormous metabolic potential of gut microbes and their role in the maintenance of human health is emerging, with new avenues to use them as therapeutic agents to overcome human disorders. Microbiome therapeutics are aimed at engineering the gut microbiome using additive, subtractive, or modulatory therapy with an application of native or engineered microbes, antibiotics, bacteriophages, and bacteriocins. This approach could overcome the limitation of conventional therapeutics by providing personalized, harmonized, reliable, and sustainable treatment. Its huge economic potential has been shown in the global therapeutics market. Despite the therapeutic and economical potential, microbiome therapeutics is still in the developing stage and is facing various technical and administrative issues that require research attention. This review aims to address the current knowledge and landscape of microbiome therapeutics, provides an overview of existing health-and-disease applications, and discusses the potential future directions of microbiome modulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Nar Singh Chauhan
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
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23
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Garrido V, Piñero-Lambea C, Rodriguez-Arce I, Paetzold B, Ferrar T, Weber M, Garcia-Ramallo E, Gallo C, Collantes M, Peñuelas I, Serrano L, Grilló MJ, Lluch-Senar M. Engineering a genome-reduced bacterium to eliminate Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in vivo. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 17:e10145. [PMID: 34612607 PMCID: PMC8493563 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202010145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria present a promising delivery system for treating human diseases. Here, we engineered the genome‐reduced human lung pathogen Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a live biotherapeutic to treat biofilm‐associated bacterial infections. This strain has a unique genetic code, which hinders gene transfer to most other bacterial genera, and it lacks a cell wall, which allows it to express proteins that target peptidoglycans of pathogenic bacteria. We first determined that removal of the pathogenic factors fully attenuated the chassis strain in vivo. We then designed synthetic promoters and identified an endogenous peptide signal sequence that, when fused to heterologous proteins, promotes efficient secretion. Based on this, we equipped the chassis strain with a genetic platform designed to secrete antibiofilm and bactericidal enzymes, resulting in a strain capable of dissolving Staphylococcus aureus biofilms preformed on catheters in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. To our knowledge, this is the first engineered genome‐reduced bacterium that can fight against clinically relevant biofilm‐associated bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Garrido
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Agrobiotechnology (IdAB; CSIC-Navarra Government), Mutilva, Spain
| | - Carlos Piñero-Lambea
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Pulmobiotics Ltd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Rodriguez-Arce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Agrobiotechnology (IdAB; CSIC-Navarra Government), Mutilva, Spain
| | - Bernhard Paetzold
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,S-Biomedic N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| | - Tony Ferrar
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Weber
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Garcia-Ramallo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Pulmobiotics Ltd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Gallo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Collantes
- RADIOMIN Research Group, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iván Peñuelas
- RADIOMIN Research Group, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luis Serrano
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Grilló
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology (IdAB; CSIC-Navarra Government), Mutilva, Spain
| | - María Lluch-Senar
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Pulmobiotics Ltd, Barcelona, Spain.,Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
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24
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Design and in situ biosynthesis of precision therapies against gastrointestinal pathogens. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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25
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Benítez-Chao DF, Balderas-Cisneros FDJ, León-Buitimea A, Morones-Ramírez JR. Design and in silico analysis of a whole-cell biosensor able to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2021; 69:1373-1382. [PMID: 34081352 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2210] [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: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The rise of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections has gained concern throughout the world over the past decades. Alternative therapeutic agents to antibiotics are rapidly growing to impede the proliferation of MRSA-caused infections. Lately, synthetic biology techniques have developed whole-cell biosensors by designing gene circuitry capable of sensing quorum-sensing (QS) molecules of pathogens and triggering expression of an antimicrobial moiety that kills MRSA and therefore prevents its further proliferation. Here, an E. coli was engineered in silico to act as a whole-cell biosensor that senses QS molecules from MRSA and triggers the expression of a bacteriocin that kills MRSA. To achieve this functionality, biosensor and bacteriocin modules were constructed and assembled into a vector. Both modules were codon-optimized to increase the yield production of the recombinant proteins. We then demonstrate in silico that the construction of a dual biosensor-killer plasmid, which holds two genetical modules known as biosensor and bacteriocin modules, enables the recombinant host to sense QS molecules from MRSA. Our designed whole-cell biosensor demonstrates in silico its ability to produce and secrete the bacteriocin as a function of the external concentration of autoinducer peptide from MRSA. These in silico results unravel the possibility of designing antimicrobial smarter therapeutics against resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Francisco Benítez-Chao
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| | - Francisco de Jesús Balderas-Cisneros
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| | - Angel León-Buitimea
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
| | - José Rubén Morones-Ramírez
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad, S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L., 66455, México.,Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México
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26
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Wagner HJ, Mohsenin H, Weber W. Synthetic Biology-Empowered Hydrogels for Medical Diagnostics. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 178:197-226. [PMID: 33582837 DOI: 10.1007/10_2020_158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is strongly inspired by concepts of engineering science and aims at the design and generation of artificial biological systems in different fields of research such as diagnostics, analytics, biomedicine, or chemistry. To this aim, synthetic biology uses an engineering approach relying on a toolbox of molecular sensors and switches that endows cellular hosts with non-natural computing functions and circuits. Importantly, this concept is not only limited to cellular approaches. Synthetic biological building blocks have also conferred sensing and switching capability to otherwise inactive materials. This principle has attracted high interest for the development of biohybrid materials capable of sensing and responding to specific molecular stimuli, such as disease biomarkers, antibiotics, or heavy metals. Moreover, the interconnection of individual sense-and-respond materials to complex materials systems has enabled the processing of, for example, multiple inputs or the amplification of signals using feedback topologies. Such systems holding high potential for applications in the analytical and diagnostic sectors will be described in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J Wagner
- Faculty of Biology, Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hasti Mohsenin
- Faculty of Biology, Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology, Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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27
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Fedorec AJH, Karkaria BD, Sulu M, Barnes CP. Single strain control of microbial consortia. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1977. [PMID: 33785746 PMCID: PMC8010080 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The scope of bioengineering is expanding from the creation of single strains to the design of microbial communities, allowing for division-of-labour, specialised sub-populations and interaction with “wild” microbiomes. However, in the absence of stabilising interactions, competition between microbes inevitably leads to the removal of less fit community members over time. Here, we leverage amensalism and competitive exclusion to stabilise a two-strain community by engineering a strain of Escherichia coli which secretes a toxin in response to competition. We show experimentally and mathematically that such a system can produce stable populations with a composition that is tunable by easily controllable parameters. This system creates a tunable, stable two-strain consortia while only requiring the engineering of a single strain. Engineered microbial communities can divide labour between their members and interface with natural microbiomes. Here the authors demonstrate how a single toxin producing engineered strain can tune the composition of a two-strain community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J H Fedorec
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Behzad D Karkaria
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Sulu
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris P Barnes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK. .,UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, UK.
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28
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Aubry M, Wang WA, Guyodo Y, Delacou E, Guigner JM, Espeli O, Lebreton A, Guyot F, Gueroui Z. Engineering E. coli for Magnetic Control and the Spatial Localization of Functions. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:3030-3041. [PMID: 32927947 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The fast-developing field of synthetic biology enables broad applications of programmed microorganisms including the development of whole-cell biosensors, delivery vehicles for therapeutics, or diagnostic agents. However, the lack of spatial control required for localizing microbial functions could limit their use and induce their dilution leading to ineffective action or dissemination. To overcome this limitation, the integration of magnetic properties into living systems enables a contact-less and orthogonal method for spatiotemporal control. Here, we generated a magnetic-sensing Escherichia coli by driving the formation of iron-rich bodies into bacteria. We found that these bacteria could be spatially controlled by magnetic forces and sustained cell growth and division, by transmitting asymmetrically their magnetic properties to one daughter cell. We combined the spatial control of bacteria with genetically encoded-adhesion properties to achieve the magnetic capture of specific target bacteria as well as the spatial modulation of human cell invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Aubry
- P.A.S.T.E.U.R., Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Wei-An Wang
- P.A.S.T.E.U.R., Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
- IMPMC, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 7590, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Yohan Guyodo
- Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Eugénia Delacou
- P.A.S.T.E.U.R., Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Michel Guigner
- IMPMC, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 7590, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Olivier Espeli
- CIRB-Collège de France, CNRS-UMR7241, INSERM U1050, PSL Research University, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Alice Lebreton
- Institut de biologie de l’ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL University, Paris, 75005, France
- INRAE, IBENS, Paris, 75005, France
| | - François Guyot
- IMPMC, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 7590, Paris, 75005, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), France
| | - Zoher Gueroui
- P.A.S.T.E.U.R., Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
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29
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Stephens K, Bentley WE. Synthetic Biology for Manipulating Quorum Sensing in Microbial Consortia. Trends Microbiol 2020; 28:633-643. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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30
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Zhang Y, Liu S, Yao Y, Chen Y, Zhou S, Yang X, Wang K, Liu J. Invasion and Defense Interactions between Enzyme-Active Liquid Coacervate Protocells and Living Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002073. [PMID: 32452628 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The design and construction of mutual interaction models between artificial microsystems and living cells have the potential to open a wide range of novel applications in biomedical and biomimetic technologies. In this study, an artificial form of invasion-defense mutual interactions is established in a community of glucose oxidase (GOx)-containing liquid coacervate microdroplets and living cells, which interact via enzyme-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. The enzyme-containing coacervate microdroplets, formed via liquid-liquid phase separation, act as invader protocells to electrostatically bind with the host HepG2 cell, resulting in assimilation. Subsequently, the glucose oxidation in the liquid coacervates initiates the generation of H2 O2 , which serves as an ROS resource to block cell proliferation. As a defense strategy, introduction of catalase (CAT) into the host cells is exploited to resist the ROS damage. CAT-mediated decomposition of H2 O2 leads to the ROS scavenging and results in the recovery of cell viability. The results obtained in the current study highlight the remarkable opportunities for the development of mutual interacting communities on the interface of artificial protocells/living cells. They also provide a new approach for engineering cellular behaviors through exploiting artificial nonliving microsystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Songyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yu Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Shaohong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
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31
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Wang S, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Quorum Sensing Communication: Molecularly Connecting Cells, Their Neighbors, and Even Devices. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2020; 11:447-468. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101519-124728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a molecular signaling modality that mediates molecular-based cell–cell communication. Prevalent in nature, QS networks provide bacteria with a method to gather information from the environment and make decisions based on the intel. With its ability to autonomously facilitate both inter- and intraspecies gene regulation, this process can be rewired to enable autonomously actuated, but molecularly programmed, genetic control. On the one hand, novel QS-based genetic circuits endow cells with smart functions that can be used in many fields of engineering, and on the other, repurposed QS circuitry promotes communication and aids in the development of synthetic microbial consortia. Furthermore, engineered QS systems can probe and intervene in interkingdom signaling between bacteria and their hosts. Lastly, QS is demonstrated to establish conversation with abiotic materials, especially by taking advantage of biological and even electronically induced assembly processes; such QS-incorporated biohybrid devices offer innovative ways to program cell behavior and biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F. Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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32
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Wu S, Liu J, Liu C, Yang A, Qiao J. Quorum sensing for population-level control of bacteria and potential therapeutic applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1319-1343. [PMID: 31612240 PMCID: PMC11104945 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03326-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a microbial cell-to-cell communication process, dynamically regulates a variety of metabolism and physiological activities. In this review, we provide an update on QS applications based on autoinducer molecules including acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), auto-inducing peptides (AIPs), autoinducer 2 (AI-2) and indole in population-level control of bacteria, and highlight the potential in developing novel clinical therapies. We summarize the development in the combination of various genetic circuits such as genetic oscillators, toggle switches and logic gates with AHL-based QS devices in Gram-negative bacteria. An overview is then offered to the state-of-the-art of much less researched applications of AIP-based QS devices with Gram-positive bacteria, followed by a review of the applications of AI-2 and indole based QS for interspecies communication among microbial communities. Building on these general-purpose QS applications, we highlight the disruptions and manipulations of QS devices as potential clinical therapies for diseases caused by biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance and the phage invasion. The last part of reviewed literature is dedicated to mathematical modelling for QS applications. Finally, the key challenges and future perspectives of QS applications in monoclonal synthetic biology and synthetic ecology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jiaheng Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education (Tianjin University), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Chunjiang Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Aidong Yang
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK.
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education (Tianjin University), Tianjin, 300072, China.
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33
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Engineering commensal bacteria to rewire host–microbiome interactions. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 62:116-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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34
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Guo S, Dubuc E, Rave Y, Verhagen M, Twisk SAE, van der Hek T, Oerlemans GJM, van den Oetelaar MCM, van Hazendonk LS, Brüls M, Eijkens BV, Joostens PL, Keij SR, Xing W, Nijs M, Stalpers J, Sharma M, Gerth M, Boonen RJEA, Verduin K, Merkx M, Voets IK, de Greef TFA. Engineered Living Materials Based on Adhesin-Mediated Trapping of Programmable Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:475-485. [PMID: 32105449 PMCID: PMC7091533 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Engineered living materials have the potential for wide-ranging applications such as biosensing and treatment of diseases. Programmable cells provide the functional basis for living materials; however, their release into the environment raises numerous biosafety concerns. Current designs that limit the release of genetically engineered cells typically involve the fabrication of multilayer hybrid materials with submicrometer porous matrices. Nevertheless the stringent physical barriers limit the diffusion of macromolecules and therefore the repertoire of molecules available for actuation in response to communication signals between cells and their environment. Here, we engineer a novel living material entitled "Platform for Adhesin-mediated Trapping of Cells in Hydrogels" (PATCH). This technology is based on engineered E. coli that displays an adhesion protein derived from an Antarctic bacterium with a high affinity for glucose. The adhesin stably anchors E. coli in dextran-based hydrogels with large pore diameters (10-100 μm) and reduces the leakage of bacteria into the environment by up to 100-fold. As an application of PATCH, we engineered E. coli to secrete the bacteriocin lysostaphin which specifically kills Staphyloccocus aureus with low probability of raising antibiotic resistance. We demonstrated that living materials containing this lysostaphin-secreting E. coli inhibit the growth of S. aureus, including the strain resistant to methicillin (MRSA). Our tunable platform allows stable integration of programmable cells in dextran-based hydrogels without compromising free diffusion of macromolecules and could have potential applications in biotechnology and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Martijn Nijs
- Stichting PAMM, Laboratory for Pathology and Medical Microbiology, De Run 6250, Veldhoven, 5504 DL, The Netherlands
| | - Jitske Stalpers
- Stichting PAMM, Laboratory for Pathology and Medical Microbiology, De Run 6250, Veldhoven, 5504 DL, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Kees Verduin
- Stichting PAMM, Laboratory for Pathology and Medical Microbiology, De Run 6250, Veldhoven, 5504 DL, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
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35
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Zhou Z, Chen X, Sheng H, Shen X, Sun X, Yan Y, Wang J, Yuan Q. Engineering probiotics as living diagnostics and therapeutics for improving human health. Microb Cell Fact 2020; 19:56. [PMID: 32131831 PMCID: PMC7055047 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-020-01318-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota that inhabit our gastrointestinal tract are well known to play an important role in maintaining human health in many aspects, including facilitating the digestion and absorption of nutrients, protecting against pathogens and regulating immune system. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with a lot of diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, allergy, obesity, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. With the increasing knowledge of the microbiome, utilization of probiotic bacteria in modulating gut microbiota to prevent and treat a large number of disorders and diseases has gained much interest. In recent years, aided by the continuous development of tools and techniques, engineering probiotic microbes with desired characteristics and functionalities to benefit human health has made significant progress. In this paper, we summarize the recent advances in design and construction of probiotics as living diagnostics and therapeutics for probing and treating a series of diseases including metabolic disorders, inflammation and pathogenic bacteria infections. We also discuss the current challenges and future perspectives in expanding the application of probiotics for disease treatment and detection. We intend to provide insights and ideas for engineering of probiotics to better serve disease therapy and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15# Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15# Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Huakang Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15# Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaolin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15# Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xinxiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15# Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yajun Yan
- College of Engineering, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Jia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15# Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Qipeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 15# Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
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36
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Rottinghaus AG, Amrofell MB, Moon TS. Biosensing in Smart Engineered Probiotics. Biotechnol J 2020; 15:e1900319. [PMID: 31860168 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201900319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Engineered microbes are exciting alternatives to current diagnostics and therapeutics. Researchers have developed a wide range of genetic tools and parts to engineer probiotic and commensal microbes. Among these tools and parts, biosensors allow the microbes to sense and record or to sense and respond to chemical and environmental signals in the body, enabling them to report on health conditions of the animal host and/or deliver therapeutics in a controlled manner. This review focuses on how biosensing is applied to engineer "smart" microbes for in vivo diagnostic, therapeutic, and biocontainment goals. Hurdles that need to be overcome when transitioning from high-throughput in vitro systems to low-throughput in vivo animal models, new technologies that can be implemented to alleviate this experimental gap, and areas where future advancements can be made to maximize the utility of biosensing for medical applications are also discussed. As technologies for engineering microbes continue to be developed, these engineered organisms will be used to address many medical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin G Rottinghaus
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Matthew B Amrofell
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.,Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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37
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Hellweger FL, Vick C, Rückbeil F, Bucci V. Fresh Ideas Bloom in Gut Healthcare to Cross-Fertilize Lake Management. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:14099-14112. [PMID: 31647664 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b04218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Harmful bacteria may be the most significant threat to human gut and lake ecosystem health, and they are often managed using similar tools, like poisoning with antibiotics or algicides. Out-of-the-box thinking in human microbiome engineering is leading to novel methods, like engineering bacteria to kill pathogens, "persuade" them not to produce toxins, or "mop up" their toxins. The bacterial agent can be given a competitive edge via an exclusive nutrient, and they can be engineered to commit suicide once their work is done. Viruses can kill pathogens with specific DNA sequences or knock out their antibiotic resistance genes using CRISPR technology. Some of these ideas may work for lakes. We critically review novel methods for managing harmful bacteria in the gut from the perspective of managing toxic cyanobacteria in lakes, and discuss practical aspects such as modifying bacteria using genetic engineering or directed evolution, mass culturing and controlling the agents. A key knowledge gap is in the ecology of strains, like toxigenic vs nontoxigenic Microcystis, including allelopathic and Black Queen interactions. Some of the "gut methods" may have future potential for lakes, but there presently is no substitute for established management approaches, including reducing N and P nutrient inputs, and mitigating climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdi L Hellweger
- Water Quality Engineering , Technical University of Berlin , Berlin 10623 , Germany
| | - Carsten Vick
- Water Quality Engineering , Technical University of Berlin , Berlin 10623 , Germany
| | - Fiona Rückbeil
- Water Quality Engineering , Technical University of Berlin , Berlin 10623 , Germany
| | - Vanni Bucci
- Department of Bioengineering , University of Massachusetts Dartmouth , North Dartmouth , Massachusetts 02747 , United States
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38
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Inda ME, Broset E, Lu TK, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Emerging Frontiers in Microbiome Engineering. Trends Immunol 2019; 40:952-973. [PMID: 31601521 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome has a significant impact on health and disease and can actively contribute to obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. We do not yet have the necessary tools to fine-tune the microbial communities that constitute the microbiome, though such tools could unlock extensive benefits to human health. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of technological tools that may be used for microbiome engineering. These tools can enable investigators to define the parameters of a healthy microbiome and to determine how gut bacteria may contribute to the etiology of a variety of diseases. These tools may also allow us to explore the exciting prospect of developing targeted therapies and personalized treatments for microbiome-linked diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Inda
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Esther Broset
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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39
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Riangrungroj P, Polizzi KM. BeQuIK (Biosensor Engineered Quorum Induced Killing): designer bacteria for destroying recalcitrant biofilms. Microb Biotechnol 2019; 13:311-314. [PMID: 31328393 PMCID: PMC7017806 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pinpunya Riangrungroj
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.,Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Karen M Polizzi
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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40
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Development of bacteria as diagnostics and therapeutics by genetic engineering. J Microbiol 2019; 57:637-643. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-019-9105-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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41
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Healy CP, Deans TL. Genetic circuits to engineer tissues with alternative functions. J Biol Eng 2019; 13:39. [PMID: 31073328 PMCID: PMC6500048 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-019-0170-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent and complex problems arising with respect to human physiology and pathology have led to intense investigation into therapies and tools that permit more targeted outcomes and biomimetic responses to pathological conditions. A primary goal in mammalian synthetic biology is to build genetic circuits that exert fine control over cell behavior for next-generation biomedical applications. In pursuit of this, synthetic biologists have engineered cells endowed with genetic circuits with sensor that are capable of reacting to a variety of stimuli and responding with targeted behavior. Here, we highlight how synthetic biology approaches are being used to program cells with novel functions for therapeutic applications, and how they can be used in stem cells to improve differentiation outcomes. These approaches open the possibilities for engineering synthetic tissues for employing personalized medicine and to develop next-generation biomedical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Healy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
| | - T L Deans
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
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42
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Hahn-Löbmann S, Stephan A, Schulz S, Schneider T, Shaverskyi A, Tusé D, Giritch A, Gleba Y. Colicins and Salmocins - New Classes of Plant-Made Non-antibiotic Food Antibacterials. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:437. [PMID: 31024601 PMCID: PMC6465592 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Recently, several plant-made recombinant proteins received favorable regulatory review as food antibacterials in the United States through the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) regulatory procedure, and applications for others are pending. These food antimicrobials, along with approved biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, represent new classes of products manufactured in green plants as production hosts. We present results of new research and development and summarize regulatory, economic and business aspects of the antibacterial proteins colicins and salmocins as new food processing aids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Tusé
- DT/Consulting Group, Sacramento, CA, United States
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43
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Tscherner M, Giessen TW, Markey L, Kumamoto CA, Silver PA. A Synthetic System That Senses Candida albicans and Inhibits Virulence Factors. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:434-444. [PMID: 30608638 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to a limited set of antifungals available and problems in early diagnosis, invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species are among the most common hospital-acquired infections with staggering mortality rates. Here, we describe an engineered system able to sense and respond to the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, the most common cause of candidemia. In doing so, we identified hydroxyphenylacetic acid (HPA) as a novel molecule secreted by C. albicans. Furthermore, we engineered E. coli to be able to sense HPA produced by C. albicans. Finally, we constructed a sense-and-respond system by coupling the C. albicans sensor to the production of an inhibitor of hypha formation, thereby reducing filamentation, virulence factor expression, and fungal-induced epithelial damage. This system could be used as a basis for the development of novel prophylactic approaches to prevent fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tscherner
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Laura Markey
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Carol A. Kumamoto
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Pamela A. Silver
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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44
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Cao X, Hamilton JJ, Venturelli OS. Understanding and Engineering Distributed Biochemical Pathways in Microbial Communities. Biochemistry 2019; 58:94-107. [PMID: 30457843 PMCID: PMC6733022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b01006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microbiomes impact nearly every environment on Earth by modulating the molecular composition of the environment. Temporally changing environmental stimuli and spatial organization are major variables shaping the structure and function of microbiomes. The web of interactions among members of these communities and between the organisms and the environment dictates microbiome functions. Microbial interactions are major drivers of microbiomes and are modulated by spatiotemporal parameters. A mechanistic and quantitative understanding of ecological, molecular, and environmental forces shaping microbiomes could inform strategies to control microbiome dynamics and functions. Major challenges for harnessing the potential of microbiomes for diverse applications include the development of predictive modeling frameworks and tools for precise manipulation of microbiome behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ophelia S. Venturelli
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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45
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Zhou Q, Zhan H, Liao X, Fang L, Liu Y, Xie H, Yang K, Gao Q, Ding M, Cai Z, Huang W, Liu Y. A revolutionary tool: CRISPR technology plays an important role in construction of intelligentized gene circuits. Cell Prolif 2018; 52:e12552. [PMID: 30520167 PMCID: PMC6496519 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of synthetic biology, synthetic gene circuits have shown great applied potential in medicine, biology, and as commodity chemicals. An ultimate challenge in the construction of gene circuits is the lack of effective, programmable, secure and sequence-specific gene editing tools. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) system, a CRISPR-associated RNA-guided endonuclease Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9)-targeted genome editing tool, has recently been applied in engineering gene circuits for its unique properties-operability, high efficiency and programmability. The traditional single-targeted therapy cannot effectively distinguish tumour cells from normal cells, and gene therapy for single targets has poor anti-tumour effects, which severely limits the application of gene therapy. Currently, the design of gene circuits using tumour-specific targets based on CRISPR/Cas systems provides a new way for precision cancer therapy. Hence, the application of intelligentized gene circuits based on CRISPR technology effectively guarantees the safety, efficiency and specificity of cancer therapy. Here, we assessed the use of synthetic gene circuits and if the CRISPR system could be used, especially artificial switch-inducible Cas9, to more effectively target and treat tumour cells. Moreover, we also discussed recent advances, prospectives and underlying challenges in CRISPR-based gene circuit development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hengji Zhan
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinhui Liao
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan Fang
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuhan Liu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haibiao Xie
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kang Yang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qunjun Gao
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengting Ding
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiren Huang
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Clinical Medicine College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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46
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Abstract
Measuring biological data across time and space is critical for understanding complex biological processes and for various biosurveillance applications. However, such data are often inaccessible or difficult to directly obtain. Less invasive, more robust and higher-throughput biological recording tools are needed to profile cells and their environments. DNA-based cellular recording is an emerging and powerful framework for tracking intracellular and extracellular biological events over time across living cells and populations. Here, we review and assess DNA recorders that utilize CRISPR nucleases, integrases and base-editing strategies, as well as recombinase and polymerase-based methods. Quantitative characterization, modelling and evaluation of these DNA-recording modalities can guide their design and implementation for specific application areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi U Sheth
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Studies, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harris H Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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47
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García-Bayona L, Comstock LE. Bacterial antagonism in host-associated microbial communities. Science 2018; 361:361/6408/eaat2456. [PMID: 30237322 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat2456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antagonistic interactions are abundant in microbial communities and contribute not only to the composition and relative proportions of their members but also to the longer-term stability of a community. This Review will largely focus on bacterial antagonism mediated by ribosomally synthesized peptides and proteins produced by members of host-associated microbial communities. We discuss recent findings on their diversity, functions, and ecological impacts. These systems play key roles in ecosystem defense, pathogen invasion, spatial segregation, and diversity but also confer indirect gains to the aggressor from products released by killed cells. Investigations into antagonistic bacterial interactions are important for our understanding of how the microbiota establish within hosts, influence health and disease, and offer insights into potential translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonor García-Bayona
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laurie E Comstock
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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48
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Wu F, Bethke JH, Wang M, You L. Quantitative and synthetic biology approaches to combat bacterial pathogens. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2018; 4:116-126. [PMID: 30263975 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to public health. The rapid emergence of resistant bacterial pathogens endangers the efficacy of current antibiotics and has led to increasing mortality and economic burden. This crisis calls for more rapid and accurate diagnosis to detect and identify pathogens, as well as to characterize their response to antibiotics. Building on this foundation, treatment options also need to be improved to use current antibiotics more effectively and develop alternative strategies that complement the use of antibiotics. We here review recent developments in diagnosis and treatment of bacterial pathogens with a focus on quantitative biology and synthetic biology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feilun Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
| | - Jonathan H Bethke
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, NC 27710, USA
| | - Meidi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
| | - Lingchong You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, NC 27710, USA.,Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
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49
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Hwang IY, Lee HL, Huang JG, Lim YY, Yew WS, Lee YS, Chang MW. Engineering microbes for targeted strikes against human pathogens. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:2719-2733. [PMID: 29736607 PMCID: PMC11105496 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2827-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lack of pathogen specificity in antimicrobial therapy causes non-discriminant microbial cell killing that disrupts the microflora present. As a result, potentially helpful microbial cells are killed along with the pathogen, altering the biodiversity and dynamic interactions within the population. Moreover, the unwarranted exposure of antibiotics to microbes increases the likelihood of developing resistance and perpetuates the emergence of multidrug resistance. Synthetic biology offers an alternative solution where specificity can be conferred to reduce the non-specific, non-targeted activity of currently available antibiotics, and instead provides targeted therapy against specific pathogens and minimising collateral damage to the host's inherent microbiota. With a greater understanding of the microbiome and the available genetic engineering tools for microbial cells, it is possible to devise antimicrobial strategies for novel antimicrobial therapy that are able to precisely and selectively remove infectious pathogens. Herein, we review the strategies developed by unlocking some of the natural mechanisms used by the microbes and how these may be utilised in targeted antimicrobial therapy, with the promise of reducing the current global bane of multidrug antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Young Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Hui Ling Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - James Guoxian Huang
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Yvonne Yijuan Lim
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Wen Shan Yew
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Yung Seng Lee
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Matthew Wook Chang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore.
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
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50
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Ozdemir T, Fedorec AJ, Danino T, Barnes CP. Synthetic Biology and Engineered Live Biotherapeutics: Toward Increasing System Complexity. Cell Syst 2018; 7:5-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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