1
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Singh A, Tanwar M, Singh TP, Sharma S, Sharma P. An escape from ESKAPE pathogens: A comprehensive review on current and emerging therapeutics against antibiotic resistance. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135253. [PMID: 39244118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135253] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance has positioned ESKAPE pathogens as a serious global health threat, primarily due to the limitations and frequent failures of current treatment options. This growing risk has spurred the scientific community to seek innovative antibiotic therapies and improved oversight strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the origins and resistance mechanisms of ESKAPE pathogens, while also exploring next-generation treatment strategies for these infections. In addition, it will address both traditional and novel approaches to combating antibiotic resistance, offering insights into potential new therapeutic avenues. Emerging research underscores the urgency of developing new antimicrobial agents and strategies to overcome resistance, highlighting the need for novel drug classes and combination therapies. Advances in genomic technologies and a deeper understanding of microbial pathogenesis are crucial in identifying effective treatments. Integrating precision medicine and personalized approaches could enhance therapeutic efficacy. The review also emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in surveillance and stewardship, as well as policy reforms, enhanced diagnostic tools, and public awareness initiatives, to address resistance on a worldwide scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Mansi Tanwar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - T P Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sujata Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
| | - Pradeep Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
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2
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de la Cuesta-Zuluaga J, Müller P, Maier L. Balancing act: counteracting adverse drug effects on the microbiome. Trends Microbiol 2024:S0966-842X(24)00259-2. [PMID: 39395850 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.09.011] [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: 09/04/2024] [Revised: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/14/2024]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome, a community of microbes that plays a crucial role in our wellbeing, is highly adaptable but also vulnerable to drug treatments. This vulnerability can have serious consequences for the host, for example, increasing susceptibility to infections, immune, metabolic, and cognitive disorders. However, the microbiome's adaptability also provides opportunities to prevent, protect, or even reverse drug-induced damage. Recently, several innovative approaches have emerged aimed at minimizing the collateral damage of drugs on the microbiome. Here, we outline these approaches, discuss their applicability in different treatment scenarios, highlight current challenges, and suggest avenues that may lead to an effective protection of the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobo de la Cuesta-Zuluaga
- Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence EXC 2124 Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; M3-Research Center for Malignome, Metabolome and Microbiome, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence EXC 2124 Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; M3-Research Center for Malignome, Metabolome and Microbiome, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lisa Maier
- Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence EXC 2124 Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; M3-Research Center for Malignome, Metabolome and Microbiome, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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3
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Naik GARR, Roy AA, Mutalik S, Dhas N. Unleashing the power of polymeric nanoparticles - Creative triumph against antibiotic resistance: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134977. [PMID: 39187099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134977] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) poses a universal concern owing to the widespread use of antibiotics in various sectors. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising solution to combat ABR, offering targeted drug delivery, enhanced bioavailability, reduced toxicity, and stability. This comprehensive review explores concepts of antibiotic resistance, its mechanisms, and multifaceted approaches to combat ABR. The review provides an in-depth exploration of polymeric nanoparticles as advanced drug delivery systems, focusing on strategies for targeting microbial infections and contributing to the fight against ABR. Nanoparticles revolutionize antimicrobial approaches, emphasizing passive and active targeting. The role of various molecules, including small molecules, antimicrobial peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, and stimuli-responsive systems, is being explored in recent research works. The complex comprehension mechanisms of ABR and strategic use of nanotechnology present a promising avenue for advancing antimicrobial tactics, ensuring treatment efficacy, minimizing toxic effects, and mitigating development of ABR. Polymeric nanoparticles, derived from natural or synthetic polymers, are crucial in overcoming ABR. Natural polymers like chitosan and alginate exhibit inherent antibacterial properties, while synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polycaprolactone (PCL) can be engineered for specific antibacterial effects. This comprehensive study provides a valuable source of information for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers engaged in the urgent quest to overcome ABR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurisha Alias Resha Ramnath Naik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka State 576104, India
| | - Amrita Arup Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka State 576104, India
| | - Srinivas Mutalik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka State 576104, India
| | - Namdev Dhas
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka State 576104, India.
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4
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Rotman E, McClure S, Glazier J, Fuerte-Stone J, Foldi J, Erani A, McGann R, Arnold J, Lin H, Valaitis S, Mimee M. Rapid design of bacteriophage cocktails to suppress the burden and virulence of gut-resident carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cell Host Microbe 2024:S1931-3128(24)00348-2. [PMID: 39368473 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.09.004] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic use can lead to the expansion of multi-drug-resistant pathobionts within the gut microbiome that can cause life-threatening infections. Selective alternatives to conventional antibiotics are in dire need. Here, we describe a Klebsiella PhageBank for the tailored design of bacteriophage cocktails to treat multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Using a transposon library in carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, we identify host factors required for phage infection in major Klebsiella phage families. Leveraging the diversity of the PhageBank, we formulate phage combinations that eliminate K. pneumoniae with minimal phage resistance. Optimized cocktails selectively suppress the burden of K. pneumoniae in the mouse gut and drive the loss of key virulence factors that act as phage receptors. Phage-mediated diversification of bacterial populations in the gut leads to co-evolution of phage variants with higher virulence and broader host range. Altogether, the Klebsiella PhageBank charts a roadmap for phage therapy against a critical multidrug-resistant human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Rotman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Duchoissois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sandra McClure
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Duchoissois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Joshua Glazier
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Duchoissois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jay Fuerte-Stone
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Duchoissois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Committee on Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jonathan Foldi
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ali Erani
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rory McGann
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jack Arnold
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Duchoissois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Huaiying Lin
- Duchoissois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sandra Valaitis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Urogynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mark Mimee
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Duchoissois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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5
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Wang S, Zhan Y, Jiang X, Lai Y. Engineering Microbial Consortia as Living Materials: Advances and Prospectives. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:2653-2666. [PMID: 39174016 PMCID: PMC11421429 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The field of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) integrates engineered living organisms into natural biomaterials to achieve diverse objectives. Multiorganism consortia, prevalent in both naturally occurring and synthetic microbial cultures, exhibit complex functionalities and interrelationships, extending the scope of what can be achieved with individual engineered bacterial strains. However, the ELMs comprising microbial consortia are still in the developmental stage. In this Review, we introduce two strategies for designing ELMs constituted of microbial consortia: a top-down strategy, which involves characterizing microbial interactions and mimicking and reconstructing natural ecosystems, and a bottom-up strategy, which entails the rational design of synthetic consortia and their assembly with material substrates to achieve user-defined functions. Next, we summarize technologies from synthetic biology that facilitate the efficient engineering of microbial consortia for performing tasks more complex than those that can be done with single bacterial strains. Finally, we discuss essential challenges and future perspectives for microbial consortia-based ELMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchen Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuewei Zhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong Lai
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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6
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Li FY, Tan XE, Shimamori Y, Kiga K, Veeranarayanan S, Watanabe S, Nishikawa Y, Aiba Y, Sato'o Y, Miyanaga K, Sasahara T, Hossain S, Thitiananpakorn K, Kawaguchi T, Nguyen HM, Yeo Syin Lian A, Sultana S, Alessa O, Kumwenda G, Sarangi J, Revilleza JEC, Baranwal P, Faruk MO, Hidaka Y, Thu M, Arbaah M, Batbold A, Maniruzzaman, Liu Y, Duyen HTM, Sugano T, Tergel N, Shimojyo T, Cui L. Phagemid-based capsid system for CRISPR-Cas13a antimicrobials targeting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1129. [PMID: 39271957 PMCID: PMC11399120 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06754-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to the escalating antibiotic resistance in multidrug-resistant pathogens, we propose an innovative phagemid-based capsid system to generate CRISPR-Cas13a-loaded antibacterial capsids (AB-capsids) for targeted therapy against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Our optimized phagemid system maximizes AB-capsid yield and purity, showing a positive correlation with phagemid copy number. Notably, an 8.65-fold increase in copy number results in a 2.54-fold rise in AB-capsid generation. Phagemids carrying terL-terS-rinA-rinB (prophage-encoded packaging site genes) consistently exhibit high packaging efficiency, and the generation of AB-capsids using lysogenized hosts with terL-terS deletion resulted in comparatively lower level of wild-type phage contamination, with minimal compromise on AB-capsid yield. These generated AB-capsids selectively eliminate S. aureus strains carrying the target gene while sparing non-target strains. In conclusion, our phagemid-based capsid system stands as a promising avenue for developing sequence-specific bactericidal agents, offering a streamlined approach to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens within the constraints of efficient production and targeted efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Yu Li
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Xin-Ee Tan
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yuzuki Shimamori
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kiga
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Srivani Veeranarayanan
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Shinya Watanabe
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yutaro Nishikawa
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
- EIKEN CHEMICAL CO.,LTD., Shimotsuga District, Tochigi, 329-0114, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Aiba
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato'o
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Miyanaga
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Teppei Sasahara
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Sarah Hossain
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kanate Thitiananpakorn
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Huong Minh Nguyen
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Adeline Yeo Syin Lian
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Sharmin Sultana
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Ola Alessa
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Geoffrey Kumwenda
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Jayathilake Sarangi
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Jastin Edrian Cocuangco Revilleza
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Priyanka Baranwal
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Mohammad Omar Faruk
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yuya Hidaka
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Myat Thu
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Mahmoud Arbaah
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Anujin Batbold
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Maniruzzaman
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yi Liu
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Ho Thi My Duyen
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Takashi Sugano
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Nayanjin Tergel
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Takayuki Shimojyo
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Longzhu Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke city, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
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7
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Cui L, Watanabe S, Miyanaga K, Kiga K, Sasahara T, Aiba Y, Tan XE, Veeranarayanan S, Thitiananpakorn K, Nguyen HM, Wannigama DL. A Comprehensive Review on Phage Therapy and Phage-Based Drug Development. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:870. [PMID: 39335043 PMCID: PMC11428490 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13090870] [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: 08/23/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy, the use of bacteriophages (phages) to treat bacterial infections, is regaining momentum as a promising weapon against the rising threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This comprehensive review explores the historical context, the modern resurgence of phage therapy, and phage-facilitated advancements in medical and technological fields. It details the mechanisms of action and applications of phages in treating MDR bacterial infections, particularly those associated with biofilms and intracellular pathogens. The review further highlights innovative uses of phages in vaccine development, cancer therapy, and as gene delivery vectors. Despite its targeted and efficient approach, phage therapy faces challenges related to phage stability, immune response, and regulatory approval. By examining these areas in detail, this review underscores the immense potential and remaining hurdles in integrating phage-based therapies into modern medical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longzhu Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
| | - Shinya Watanabe
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Miyanaga
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kiga
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Teppei Sasahara
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Aiba
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
| | - Xin-Ee Tan
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
| | - Srivani Veeranarayanan
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kanate Thitiananpakorn
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
| | - Huong Minh Nguyen
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan
| | - Dhammika Leshan Wannigama
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata 990-2292, Japan
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8
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Fang M, Zhang R, Wang C, Liu Z, Fei M, Tang B, Yang H, Sun D. Engineering probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to block transfer of multiple antibiotic resistance genes by exploiting a type I CRISPR-Cas system. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024:e0081124. [PMID: 39254327 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00811-24] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Many multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have evolved through the accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Although the potential risk of probiotics as reservoirs of ARGs has been recognized, strategies for blocking the transfer of ARGs while using probiotics have rarely been explored. The probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) has long been used for treating intestinal diseases. Here, we demonstrate frequent transfer of ARGs into EcN both in vitro and in vivo, raising concerns about its potential risk of accumulating antibiotic resistance. Given that no CRISPR-Cas system was found in natural EcN, we integrated the type I-E CRISPR-Cas3 system derived from E. coli BW25113 into EcN. The engineered EcN was able to efficiently cleave multiple ARGs [i.e., mcr-1, blaNDM-1, and tet(X)] encoding enzymes for degrading last-resort antibiotics. Through co-incubation of EcN expressing Cas3-Cascade and that expressing Cas9, we showed that the growth of the former strain outcompeted the latter strain, demonstrating a better clinical application prospect of EcN expressing the type I-E CRISPR-Cas3 system. In the intestine of a model animal (i.e., zebrafish), the engineered EcN exhibited immunity against the transfer of CRISPR-targeted ARGs. Our work equips EcN with immunity against the transfer of multiple ARGs by exploiting the exogenous type I-E CRISPR-Cas3 system, thereby reducing the risk of the spread of ARGs while using it as a probiotic chassis for generating living therapeutics. IMPORTANCE To reduce the development of antibiotic resistance, probiotics have been considered as a substitute for antibiotics. However, probiotics themselves are reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study introduces a new strategy for limiting the spread of ARGs by engineering the typical probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), which has been used for treating intestinal diseases and developed as living therapeutics. We also demonstrate that the type I CRISPR-Cas system imposes a lower growth burden than the type II CRISPR-Cas system, highlighting its promising clinical application potential. Our work not only provides a new strategy for restricting the transfer of ARGs while using probiotics but also enriches the genetic engineering toolbox of EcN, paving the way for the safe use and development of probiotics as living therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdie Fang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruiting Zhang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenyu Wang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhizhi Liu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingyue Fei
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Biao Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Agro-product Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Agro-product Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongchang Sun
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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9
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Haq IU, Rahim K, Paker NP. Exploring the historical roots, advantages and efficacy of phage therapy in plant diseases management. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 346:112164. [PMID: 38908799 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
In the drug-resistance era, phage therapy has received considerable attention from worldwide researchers. Phage therapy has been given much attention in public health but is rarely applied to control plant diseases. Herein, we discuss phage therapy as a biocontrol approach against several plant diseases. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in agriculturally important pathogenic bacteria and the toxic nature of different synthetic compounds used to control microbes has driven researchers to rethink the century-old strategy of phage therapy''. Compared to other treatment strategies, phage therapy offers remarkable advantages such as high specificity, less chances of drug resistance, non-harmful nature, and benefit to soil microbial flora. The optimizations and protective formulations of phages are significant accomplishments; however, steps towards a better understanding of the physiologic characteristics of phages need to be preceded to commercialize their use. The future of phage therapy in the context of plant disease management is promising and could play a significant role in sustainable agriculture. Ongoing research will likely affirm the safety of phage therapy, ensuring that it does not harm non-target organisms, including beneficial soil microbes. Phage therapy could become vital in addressing global food security challenges, particularly in regions heavily impacted by plant bacterial diseases. Efforts to create formulations that enhance the stability and shelf-life of phages will be crucial, especially for their use in varied environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihtisham Ul Haq
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, M. Strzody 9, Gliwice 44-100, Poland; Joint Doctoral School, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, Gliwice 44-100, Poland; Programa de Pos-graduacao em Invacao Tecnologia, Universidade de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Kashif Rahim
- School of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Najeeba Parre Paker
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5DD, UK.
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Mathuria A, Vora C, Ali N, Mani I. Advances in CRISPR-Cas systems for human bacterial disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 208:19-41. [PMID: 39266183 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Prokaryotic adaptive immune systems called CRISPR-Cas systems have transformed genome editing by allowing for precise genetic alterations through targeted DNA cleavage. This system comprises CRISPR-associated genes and repeat-spacer arrays, which generate RNA molecules that guide the cleavage of invading genetic material. CRISPR-Cas is classified into Class 1 (multi-subunit effectors) and Class 2 (single multi-domain effectors). Its applications span combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), targeting antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), resensitizing bacteria to antibiotics, and preventing horizontal gene transfer (HGT). CRISPR-Cas3, for example, effectively degrades plasmids carrying resistance genes, providing a precise method to disarm bacteria. In the context of ESKAPE pathogens, CRISPR technology can resensitize bacteria to antibiotics by targeting specific resistance genes. Furthermore, in tuberculosis (TB) research, CRISPR-based tools enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate precise genetic modifications for studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis. CRISPR-based diagnostics, leveraging Cas endonucleases' collateral cleavage activity, offer highly sensitive pathogen detection. These advancements underscore CRISPR's transformative potential in addressing AMR and enhancing infectious disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Mathuria
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Chaitali Vora
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, India
| | - Namra Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
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11
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Peng S, Xu Y, Qu H, Nong F, Shu F, Yuan G, Ruan L, Zheng D. Trojan Horse virus delivering CRISPR-AsCas12f1 controls plant bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. mBio 2024; 15:e0061924. [PMID: 39012150 PMCID: PMC11323561 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00619-24] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum results in huge losses. Accordingly, developing an effective control method for this disease is urgently required. Filamentous phages, which do not lyse host bacteria and exert minimal burden, offer a potential biocontrol solution. A filamentous phage RSCq that infects R. solanacearum was isolated in this study through genome mining. We constructed engineered filamentous phages based on RSCq by employing our proposed approach with wide applicability to non-model phages, enabling the exogenous genes delivery into bacterial cells. CRISPR-AsCas12f1 is a miniature class 2 type V-F CRISPR-Cas system. A CRISPR-AsCas12f1-based gene editing system that targets the key virulence regulator gene hrpB was developed, generating the engineered phage RSCqCRISPR-Cas. Similar to the Greek soldiers in the Trojan Horse, our findings demonstrated that the engineered phage-delivered CRISPR-Cas system could disarm the key "weapon," hrpB, of R. solanacearum, in medium and plants. Remarkably, pretreatment with RSCqCRISPR-Cas significantly controlled tobacco bacterial wilt, highlighting the potential of engineered filamentous phages as promising biocontrol agents against plant bacterial diseases.IMPORTANCEBacterial disease, one of the major plant diseases, causes huge food and economic losses. Phage therapy, an environmentally friendly control strategy, has been frequently reported in plant bacterial disease control. However, host specificity, sensitivity to ultraviolet light and certain conditions, and bacterial resistance to phage impede the widespread application of phage therapy in crop production. Filamentous phages, which do not lyse host bacteria and exert minimal burden, offer a potential solution to overcome the limitations of lytic phage biocontrol. This study developed a genetic engineering approach with wide applicability to non-model filamentous phages and proved the application possibility of engineered phage-based gene delivery in plant bacterial disease biocontrol for the first.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-environment and Agro-product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hao Qu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-environment and Agro-product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Fushang Nong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-environment and Agro-product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Fangling Shu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-environment and Agro-product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Gaoqing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-environment and Agro-product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Lifang Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dehong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agro-environment and Agro-product Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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12
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Irfan M, Majeed H, Iftikhar T, Ravi PK. A review on molecular scissoring with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae105. [PMID: 39006883 PMCID: PMC11240166 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome editing is a technology to make specific changes in the DNA of a cell or an organism. It has significantly altered the landscape of life sciences, facilitating the establishment of exceedingly customized genetic modifications. Among various genome editing technologies, the CRISPR/Cas9 system, a specific endonuclease induces a double stranded DNA break and enabling modifications to the genome, has surfaced as a formidable and adaptable instrument. Its significance cannot be overstated, as it not only allows for the manipulation of genomes in model organisms but also holds great potential for revolutionary advances in medicine, particularly in treating genetic diseases. This review paper explores the remarkable journey of CRISPR/Cas9, its natural function, mechanisms, and transformative impact on genome editing and finally the use of artificial intelligence and other intelligent manufacturing tools used. The introduction provides the background on genome editing, emphasizing the emergence and significance of CRISPR/Cas9. Subsequent sections comprehensively elucidate its natural function, disease modeling, agriculture, and biotechnology, address therapeutic applications, and ongoing clinical trials while also discussing prospects and ethical implications. We summarized the key findings, indicating that CRISPR/Cas9 has empowered the creation of disease-specific animal models. This provides invaluable insights into pathogenic mechanisms and opens new avenues for drug discovery, reaffirming the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 on genome editing. Finally we discussed the importance of continued research and collaboration for comprehensive utilization of the inherent capabilities of this molecular precision tool in shaping forthcoming advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muskan Irfan
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Sialkot Campus, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Hammad Majeed
- Department of Chemistry, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Sialkot Campus, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Tehreema Iftikhar
- Applied Botany Lab, Department of Botany, Government College University, 54000, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Pritam Kumar Ravi
- Computer Applications Department, Ganesh Lal Agarwal College, Nilamber-Pitamber University, Jharkhand, 822101, India
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13
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Brödel AK, Charpenay LH, Galtier M, Fuche FJ, Terrasse R, Poquet C, Havránek J, Pignotti S, Krawczyk A, Arraou M, Prevot G, Spadoni D, Yarnall MTN, Hessel EM, Fernandez-Rodriguez J, Duportet X, Bikard D. In situ targeted base editing of bacteria in the mouse gut. Nature 2024; 632:877-884. [PMID: 38987595 PMCID: PMC11338833 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07681-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Microbiome research is now demonstrating a growing number of bacterial strains and genes that affect our health1. Although CRISPR-derived tools have shown great success in editing disease-driving genes in human cells2, we currently lack the tools to achieve comparable success for bacterial targets in situ. Here we engineer a phage-derived particle to deliver a base editor and modify Escherichia coli colonizing the mouse gut. Editing of a β-lactamase gene in a model E. coli strain resulted in a median editing efficiency of 93% of the target bacterial population with a single dose. Edited bacteria were stably maintained in the mouse gut for at least 42 days following treatment. This was achieved using a non-replicative DNA vector, preventing maintenance and dissemination of the payload. We then leveraged this approach to edit several genes of therapeutic relevance in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in vitro and demonstrate in situ editing of a gene involved in the production of curli in a pathogenic E. coli strain. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of modifying bacteria directly in the gut, offering a new avenue to investigate the function of bacterial genes and opening the door to the design of new microbiome-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David Bikard
- Eligo Bioscience, Paris, France.
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Synthetic Biology, Paris, France.
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14
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Kakkar A, Kandwal G, Nayak T, Jaiswal LK, Srivastava A, Gupta A. Engineered bacteriophages: A panacea against pathogenic and drug resistant bacteria. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34333. [PMID: 39100447 PMCID: PMC11295868 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34333] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global concern; antibiotics and other regular treatment methods have failed to overcome the increasing number of infectious diseases. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that specifically target/kill bacterial hosts without affecting other human microbiome. Phage therapy provides optimism in the current global healthcare scenario with a long history of its applications in humans that has now reached various clinical trials. Phages in clinical trials have specific requirements of being exclusively lytic, free from toxic genes with an enhanced host range that adds an advantage to this requisite. This review explains in detail the various phage engineering methods and their potential applications in therapy. To make phages more efficient, engineering has been attempted using techniques like conventional homologous recombination, Bacteriophage Recombineering of Electroporated DNA (BRED), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas, CRISPY-BRED/Bacteriophage Recombineering with Infectious Particles (BRIP), chemically accelerated viral evolution (CAVE), and phage genome rebooting. Phages are administered in cocktail form in combination with antibiotics, vaccines, and purified proteins, such as endolysins. Thus, phage therapy is proving to be a better alternative for treating life-threatening infections, with more specificity and fewer detrimental consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Kakkar
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India
| | - Garima Kandwal
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India
| | - Tanmayee Nayak
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India
| | - Lav Kumar Jaiswal
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India
| | - Amit Srivastava
- University of Jyväskylä, Nanoscience Centre, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Ankush Gupta
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India
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15
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Kadkhoda H, Gholizadeh P, Samadi Kafil H, Ghotaslou R, Pirzadeh T, Ahangarzadeh Rezaee M, Nabizadeh E, Feizi H, Aghazadeh M. Role of CRISPR-Cas systems and anti-CRISPR proteins in bacterial antibiotic resistance. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34692. [PMID: 39149034 PMCID: PMC11325803 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34692] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence and development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a serious threat to global public health. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are often located on mobile genetic elements (MGEs). They can be transferred among bacteria by horizontal gene transfer (HGT), leading to the spread of drug-resistant strains and antibiotic treatment failure. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated genes) is one of the many strategies bacteria have developed under long-term selection pressure to restrict the HGT. CRISPR-Cas systems exist in about half of bacterial genomes and play a significant role in limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance. On the other hand, bacteriophages and other MGEs encode a wide range of anti-CRISPR proteins (Acrs) to counteract the immunity of the CRISPR-Cas system. The Acrs could decrease the CRISPR-Cas system's activity against phages and facilitate the acquisition of ARGs and virulence traits for bacteria. This review aimed to assess the relationship between the CRISPR-Cas systems and Acrs with bacterial antibiotic resistance. We also highlighted the CRISPR technology and Acrs to control and prevent antibacterial resistance. The CRISPR-Cas system can target nucleic acid sequences with high accuracy and reliability; therefore, it has become a novel gene editing and gene therapy tool to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. CRISPR-based approaches may pave the way for developing smart antibiotics, which could eliminate multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and distinguish between pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. Additionally, the engineered anti-CRISPR gene-containing phages in combination with antibiotics could be used as a cutting-edge treatment approach to reduce antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiva Kadkhoda
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pourya Gholizadeh
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Ghotaslou
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Pirzadeh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ahangarzadeh Rezaee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Edris Nabizadeh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Feizi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Aalinasab Hospital, Social Security Organization, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Aghazadeh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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16
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Loeff L, Adams DW, Chanez C, Stutzmann S, Righi L, Blokesch M, Jinek M. Molecular mechanism of plasmid elimination by the DdmDE defense system. Science 2024; 385:188-194. [PMID: 38870273 DOI: 10.1126/science.adq0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Seventh-pandemic Vibrio cholerae strains contain two pathogenicity islands that encode the DNA defense modules DdmABC and DdmDE. In this study, we used cryogenic electron microscopy to determine the mechanistic basis for plasmid defense by DdmDE. The helicase-nuclease DdmD adopts an autoinhibited dimeric architecture. The prokaryotic Argonaute protein DdmE uses a DNA guide to target plasmid DNA. The structure of the DdmDE complex, validated by in vivo mutational studies, shows that DNA binding by DdmE triggers disassembly of the DdmD dimer and loading of monomeric DdmD onto the nontarget DNA strand. In vitro studies indicate that DdmD translocates in the 5'-to-3' direction, while partially degrading the plasmid DNA. These findings provide critical insights into the mechanism of DdmDE systems in plasmid elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk Loeff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David W Adams
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christelle Chanez
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandrine Stutzmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurie Righi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Blokesch
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martin Jinek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Zuberi A, Ahmad N, Ahmad H, Saeed M, Ahmad I. Beyond antibiotics: CRISPR/Cas9 triumph over biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1408569. [PMID: 39035353 PMCID: PMC11257871 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1408569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A complex structure known as a biofilm is formed when a variety of bacterial colonies or a single type of cell in a group sticks to a surface. The extracellular polymeric compounds that encase these cells, often consisting of proteins, eDNA, and polysaccharides, exhibit strong antibiotic resistance. Concerns about biofilm in the pharmaceutical industry, public health, and medical fields have sparked a lot of interest, as antibiotic resistance is a unique capacity exhibited by these biofilm-producing bacteria, which increases morbidity and death. Biofilm formation is a complicated process that is controlled by several variables. Insights into the processes to target for the therapy have been gained from multiple attempts to dissect the biofilm formation process. Targeting pathogens within a biofilm is profitable because the bacterial pathogens become considerably more resistant to drugs in the biofilm state. Although biofilm-mediated infections can be lessened using the currently available medications, there has been a lot of focus on the development of new approaches, such as bioinformatics tools, for both treating and preventing the production of biofilms. Technologies such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, nanotherapeutics and proteomics are also used to develop novel anti-biofilm agents. These techniques help to identify small compounds that can be used to inhibit important biofilm regulators. The field of appropriate control strategies to avoid biofilm formation is expanding quickly because of this spurred study. As a result, the current article addresses our current knowledge of how biofilms form, the mechanisms by which bacteria in biofilms resist antibiotics, and cutting-edge treatment approaches for infections caused by biofilms. Furthermore, we have showcased current ongoing research utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to combat bacterial biofilm infections, particularly those brought on by lethal drug-resistant pathogens, concluded the article with a novel hypothesis and aspirations, and acknowledged certain limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azna Zuberi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Department of Obs & Gynae, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nayeem Ahmad
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Hafiz Ahmad
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) College of Medical Sciences, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Science University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Burbano DA, Kiattisewee C, Karanjia AV, Cardiff RAL, Faulkner ID, Sugianto W, Carothers JM. CRISPR Tools for Engineering Prokaryotic Systems: Recent Advances and New Applications. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2024; 15:389-430. [PMID: 38598861 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-100522-114706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In the past decades, the broad selection of CRISPR-Cas systems has revolutionized biotechnology by enabling multimodal genetic manipulation in diverse organisms. Rooted in a molecular engineering perspective, we recapitulate the different CRISPR components and how they can be designed for specific genetic engineering applications. We first introduce the repertoire of Cas proteins and tethered effectors used to program new biological functions through gene editing and gene regulation. We review current guide RNA (gRNA) design strategies and computational tools and how CRISPR-based genetic circuits can be constructed through regulated gRNA expression. Then, we present recent advances in CRISPR-based biosensing, bioproduction, and biotherapeutics across in vitro and in vivo prokaryotic systems. Finally, we discuss forthcoming applications in prokaryotic CRISPR technology that will transform synthetic biology principles in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alba Burbano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Cholpisit Kiattisewee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Ava V Karanjia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Ryan A L Cardiff
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Ian D Faulkner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Widianti Sugianto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - James M Carothers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
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19
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Baquero F, Pérez-Cobas AE, Aracil-Gisbert S, Coque TM, Zamora J. Selection versus transmission: Quantitative and organismic biology in antibiotic resistance. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 121:105606. [PMID: 38768878 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to determine the importance of selection (mostly dependent on the anthropogenic use of antimicrobials) and transmission (mostly dependent on hygiene and sanitation) as drivers of the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial populations. The first obstacle to estimating the relative weight of both independent variables is the lack of detailed quantitative data concerning the number of bacterial cells, potentially either pathogenic or harmless, and bacterial species exposed to antimicrobial action in the microbiotas of specific environments. The second obstacle is the difficulty of considering the relative importance of the transmission and selection exerting their combined effects on antibiotic resistance across eco-biological levels. As a consequence, advances are urgently required in quantitative biology and organismic biology of antimicrobial resistance. The absolute number of humans exposed to antibiotics and the absolute number of potentially pathogenic and commensal bacteria in their microbiomes should influence both the selection and transmission of resistant bacterial populations. The "whole Earth" microbiome, with astonishingly high numbers of bacterial cells and species, which are also exposed to anthropogenic antimicrobials in various biogeographical spaces, shapes the antibiotic resistance landscape. These biogeographical spaces influence various intensities of selection and transmission of potentially pathogenic bacteria. While waiting for more precise data, biostatistics analysis and mathematical or computational modeling can provide proxies to compare the influence of selection and transmission in resistant bacteria. In European countries with lower sanitation levels, antibiotic consumption plays a major role in increasing antibiotic resistance; however, this is not the case in countries with high sanitation levels. Although both independent variables are linked, their relative influence on the level of antibiotic resistance varies according to the particular location. Therefore, interventions directed to decrease antibiotic resistance should be designed "a la carte" for specific locations with particular ecological conditions, including sanitation facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Baquero
- Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health Network (CIBERESP-Group 33), Madrid, Spain.
| | - A E Pérez-Cobas
- Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research in Infectious Diseases Network (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - S Aracil-Gisbert
- Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research in Infectious Diseases Network (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - T M Coque
- Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research in Infectious Diseases Network (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - J Zamora
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, and Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS) Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health Network (CIBERESP-Group 42), Madrid, Spain; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Biostatistics in Maternal and Perinatal Health, University of Birmingham, UK
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20
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Lewis JM, Williams J, Sagona AP. Making the leap from technique to treatment - genetic engineering is paving the way for more efficient phage therapy. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1373-1384. [PMID: 38716972 PMCID: PMC11346441 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231289] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses specific to bacteria that target them with great efficiency and specificity. Phages were first studied for their antibacterial potential in the early twentieth century; however, their use was largely eclipsed by the popularity of antibiotics. Given the surge of antimicrobial-resistant strains worldwide, there has been a renaissance in harnessing phages as therapeutics once more. One of the key advantages of phages is their amenability to modification, allowing the generation of numerous derivatives optimised for specific functions depending on the modification. These enhanced derivatives could display higher infectivity, expanded host range or greater affinity to human tissues, where some bacterial species exert their pathogenesis. Despite this, there has been a noticeable discrepancy between the generation of derivatives in vitro and their clinical application in vivo. In most instances, phage therapy is only used on a compassionate-use basis, where all other treatment options have been exhausted. A lack of clinical trials and numerous regulatory hurdles hamper the progress of phage therapy and in turn, the engineered variants, in becoming widely used in the clinic. In this review, we outline the various types of modifications enacted upon phages and how these modifications contribute to their enhanced bactericidal function compared with wild-type phages. We also discuss the nascent progress of genetically modified phages in clinical trials along with the current issues these are confronted with, to validate it as a therapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, U.K
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21
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Benz F, Camara-Wilpert S, Russel J, Wandera KG, Čepaitė R, Ares-Arroyo M, Gomes-Filho JV, Englert F, Kuehn JA, Gloor S, Mestre MR, Cuénod A, Aguilà-Sans M, Maccario L, Egli A, Randau L, Pausch P, Rocha EPC, Beisel CL, Madsen JS, Bikard D, Hall AR, Sørensen SJ, Pinilla-Redondo R. Type IV-A3 CRISPR-Cas systems drive inter-plasmid conflicts by acquiring spacers in trans. Cell Host Microbe 2024; 32:875-886.e9. [PMID: 38754416 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Plasmid-encoded type IV-A CRISPR-Cas systems lack an acquisition module, feature a DinG helicase instead of a nuclease, and form ribonucleoprotein complexes of unknown biological functions. Type IV-A3 systems are carried by conjugative plasmids that often harbor antibiotic-resistance genes and their CRISPR array contents suggest a role in mediating inter-plasmid conflicts, but this function remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that a plasmid-encoded type IV-A3 system co-opts the type I-E adaptation machinery from its host, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), to update its CRISPR array. Furthermore, we reveal that robust interference of conjugative plasmids and phages is elicited through CRISPR RNA-dependent transcriptional repression. By silencing plasmid core functions, type IV-A3 impacts the horizontal transfer and stability of targeted plasmids, supporting its role in plasmid competition. Our findings shed light on the mechanisms and ecological function of type IV-A3 systems and demonstrate their practical efficacy for countering antibiotic resistance in clinically relevant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Benz
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Synthetic Biology, Paris 75015, France; Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris 75015, France; Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Camara-Wilpert
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Russel
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina G Wandera
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rimvydė Čepaitė
- Life Sciences Center - European Molecular Biology Laboratory (LSC-EMBL) Partnership for Genome Editing Technologies, Vilnius University - Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius 10257, Lithuania
| | - Manuel Ares-Arroyo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris 75015, France
| | | | - Frank Englert
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes A Kuehn
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Silvana Gloor
- Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mario Rodríguez Mestre
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aline Cuénod
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mònica Aguilà-Sans
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lorrie Maccario
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Adrian Egli
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lennart Randau
- Department of Biology, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany; SYNMIKRO, Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Pausch
- Life Sciences Center - European Molecular Biology Laboratory (LSC-EMBL) Partnership for Genome Editing Technologies, Vilnius University - Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius 10257, Lithuania
| | - Eduardo P C Rocha
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris 75015, France
| | - Chase L Beisel
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany; Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Stenløkke Madsen
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Bikard
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Synthetic Biology, Paris 75015, France
| | - Alex R Hall
- Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Søren Johannes Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rafael Pinilla-Redondo
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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22
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Vialetto E, Miele S, Goren MG, Yu J, Yu Y, Collias D, Beamud B, Osbelt L, Lourenço M, Strowig T, Brisse S, Barquist L, Qimron U, Bikard D, Beisel C. Systematic interrogation of CRISPR antimicrobials in Klebsiella pneumoniae reveals nuclease-, guide- and strain-dependent features influencing antimicrobial activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6079-6091. [PMID: 38661215 PMCID: PMC11162776 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems can be utilized as programmable-spectrum antimicrobials to combat bacterial infections. However, how CRISPR nucleases perform as antimicrobials across target sites and strains remains poorly explored. Here, we address this knowledge gap by systematically interrogating the use of CRISPR antimicrobials using multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae as models. Comparing different Cas nucleases, DNA-targeting nucleases outperformed RNA-targeting nucleases based on the tested targets. Focusing on AsCas12a that exhibited robust targeting across different strains, we found that the elucidated modes of escape varied widely, restraining opportunities to enhance killing. We also encountered individual guide RNAs yielding different extents of clearance across strains, which were linked to an interplay between improper gRNA folding and strain-specific DNA repair and survival. To explore features that could improve targeting across strains, we performed a genome-wide screen in different K. pneumoniae strains that yielded guide design rules and trained an algorithm for predicting guide efficiency. Finally, we showed that Cas12a antimicrobials can be exploited to eliminate K. pneumoniae when encoded in phagemids delivered by T7-like phages. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of evaluating antimicrobial activity of CRISPR antimicrobials across relevant strains and define critical parameters for efficient CRISPR-based targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vialetto
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Solange Miele
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Synthetic Biology, Paris, France
| | - Moran G Goren
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jiaqi Yu
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yanying Yu
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daphne Collias
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Beatriz Beamud
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Synthetic Biology, Paris, France
| | - Lisa Osbelt
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Lourenço
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, Paris, France
| | - Till Strowig
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sylvain Brisse
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, Paris, France
| | - Lars Barquist
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
- University of Würzburg, Medical Faculty, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Udi Qimron
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Bikard
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Synthetic Biology, Paris, France
| | - Chase L Beisel
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- University of Würzburg, Medical Faculty, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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23
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Hajizadeh Y, Badmasti F, Oloomi M. Inhibition of the bla OXA-48 gene expression in Klebsiella pneumoniae by a plasmid carrying CRISPRi-Cas9 system. Gene 2024; 910:148332. [PMID: 38431235 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148332] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing concern that threatens the effectiveness of treating bacterial infections. The spread of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a significant threat to global public health. To combat this issue, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) system is being developed. This system includes a single guide RNA (sgRNA) and a nuclease dead Cas9 (dCas9), which work together to downregulate gene expression. Our project involved the use of the CRISPRi system to reduce gene expression of the beta-lactamase oxacillin-48 (blaOXA-48) gene in K. pneumoniae. We designed a sgRNA and cloned it into pJMP1363 plasmid harboring the CRISPRi system. The pJMP1363-sgRNA construct was transformed in K. pneumoniae harboring the blaOXA-48 gene. The MIC test was used to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to confirm the inhibition of the OXA-48 producing K. pneumoniae harboring the pJMP1363-sgRNA construct expression. The Galleria mellonella larvae model was also utilized for in vivo assay. Following the transformation, the MIC test indicated a 4-fold reduction in meropenem resistance, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed a 60-fold decrease in the mRNA OXA-48 harboring the pJMP1363-sgRNA construct expression. Additionally, G. mellonella larvae infected with OXA-48 producing K. pneumoniae harboring the pJMP1363-sgRNA showed higher survival rates. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the CRISPR interference technique has successfully reduced antibiotic resistance and virulence in the K. pneumoniae harboring the blaOXA-48 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeganeh Hajizadeh
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Badmasti
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mana Oloomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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24
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Pandey P, Vavilala SL. From Gene Editing to Biofilm Busting: CRISPR-CAS9 Against Antibiotic Resistance-A Review. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:549-560. [PMID: 38702575 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01276-y] [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] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, the development of novel antimicrobials has significantly slowed due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), intensifying the global struggle against infectious diseases. Microbial populations worldwide rapidly develop resistance due to the widespread use of antibiotics, primarily targeting drug-resistant germs. A prominent manifestation of this resistance is the formation of biofilms, where bacteria create protective layers using signaling pathways such as quorum sensing. In response to this challenge, the CRISPR-Cas9 method has emerged as a ground-breaking strategy to counter biofilms. Initially identified as the "adaptive immune system" of bacteria, CRISPR-Cas9 has evolved into a state-of-the-art genetic engineering tool. Its exceptional precision in altering specific genes across diverse microorganisms positions it as a promising alternative for addressing antibiotic resistance by selectively modifying genes in diverse microorganisms. This comprehensive review concentrates on the historical background, discovery, developmental stages, and distinct components of CRISPR Cas9 technology. Emphasizing its role as a widely used genome engineering tool, the review explores how CRISPR Cas9 can significantly contribute to the targeted disruption of genes responsible for biofilm formation, highlighting its pivotal role in reshaping strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and mitigate the challenges posed by biofilm-associated infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Pandey
- School of Biological Sciences, UM DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai, 400098, India
| | - Sirisha L Vavilala
- School of Biological Sciences, UM DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai, 400098, India.
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25
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Vo T, Pontarotti P, Rolain JM, Merhej V. Mechanisms of acquisition of the vanA operon among vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus genomes: The tip of the iceberg? Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 63:107154. [PMID: 38599552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107154] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vancomycin is frequently used as a last line of defence against infections due to multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). A recent finding described the acquisition of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus strains by the integration of an enterococcal plasmid containing the vanA operon into the S. aureus chromosome via homologous recombination involving a specific integration site called locus L2. METHODS To characterise all mechanisms of acquisition of vanA, this study analysed the 15 706 S. aureus genomes to look for vanA and described its genetic environment. RESULTS A complete vanA operon was found in 25 S. aureus strains isolated from 12 patients, including nine co-isolated with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus strains. VanA was found within transposon Tn1546-like elements on 17 plasmids and eight chromosomes. VanA might be acquired through conjugation of enterococcal and staphylococcal plasmids, transposition of Tn1546 carrying vanA and plasmid integration into the chromosome. Further, L2 was detected in 2087 genomes (13.3%) of S. aureus strains across different continents. Six potential chromosomal hotspots for integration of the entire vanA-containing enterococcal plasmid were identified by homologous recombination via L2. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the recently described scenario in a New York patient could be reproduced anywhere. Surveillance of this possibility is mandatory, especially in patients with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infection or colonisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tram Vo
- Aix Marseille University, MEPHI, Marseille, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Pontarotti
- Aix Marseille University, MEPHI, Marseille, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-SNC5039, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Vicky Merhej
- Aix Marseille University, MEPHI, Marseille, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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26
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Bravo JPK, Ramos DA, Fregoso Ocampo R, Ingram C, Taylor DW. Plasmid targeting and destruction by the DdmDE bacterial defence system. Nature 2024; 630:961-967. [PMID: 38740055 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07515-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Although eukaryotic Argonautes have a pivotal role in post-transcriptional gene regulation through nucleic acid cleavage, some short prokaryotic Argonaute variants (pAgos) rely on auxiliary nuclease factors for efficient foreign DNA degradation1. Here we reveal the activation pathway of the DNA defence module DdmDE system, which rapidly eliminates small, multicopy plasmids from the Vibrio cholerae seventh pandemic strain (7PET)2. Through a combination of cryo-electron microscopy, biochemistry and in vivo plasmid clearance assays, we demonstrate that DdmE is a catalytically inactive, DNA-guided, DNA-targeting pAgo with a distinctive insertion domain. We observe that the helicase-nuclease DdmD transitions from an autoinhibited, dimeric complex to a monomeric state upon loading of single-stranded DNA targets. Furthermore, the complete structure of the DdmDE-guide-target handover complex provides a comprehensive view into how DNA recognition triggers processive plasmid destruction. Our work establishes a mechanistic foundation for how pAgos utilize ancillary factors to achieve plasmid clearance, and provides insights into anti-plasmid immunity in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack P K Bravo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuberg, Austria.
| | - Delisa A Ramos
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Caiden Ingram
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - David W Taylor
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
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27
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Gupta SS, Hamza Kh M, Sones CL, Zhang X, Sivaraman GK. The CRISPR/Cas system as an antimicrobial resistance strategy in aquatic ecosystems. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:110. [PMID: 38806846 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01362-7] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
With the growing population, demand for food has dramatically increased, and fisheries, including aquaculture, are expected to play an essential role in sustaining demand with adequate quantities of protein and essential vitamin supplements, employment generation, and GDP growth. Unfortunately, the incidence of emerging/re-emerging AMR pathogens annually occurs because of anthropogenic activities and the frequent use of antibiotics in aquaculture. These AMR pathogens include the WHO's top 6 prioritized ESKAPE pathogens (nosocomial pathogens: Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.), extended-spectrum beta lactases (ESBLs) and carbapenemase-producing E. coli, which pose major challenges to the biomagnification of both nonnative and native antibiotic-resistant bacteria in capture and cultured fishes. Although implementing the rational use of antibiotics represents a promising mitigation measure, this approach is practically impossible due to the lack of awareness among farmers about the interplay between antimicrobial use and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Nevertheless, to eradicate these 'superbugs,' CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associate protein) has turned out to be a novel approach owing to its ability to perform precise site-directed targeting/knockdown/reversal of specific antimicrobial resistance genes in vitro and to distinguish AMR-resistant bacteria from a plethora of commensal aquatic bacteria. Along with highlighting the importance of virulent multidrug resistance genes in bacteria, this article aims to provide a holistic picture of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing for combating antimicrobial-resistant bacteria isolated from various aquaculture and marine systems, as well as insights into different types of CRISPR/Cas systems, delivery methods, and challenges associated with developing CRISPR/Cas9 antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobin Sonu Gupta
- Founder & CEO at Times of Biotech, Navelim Bicholim, Goa-403505, India
- Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-29, Kerala, India
| | - Muneeb Hamza Kh
- Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-29, Kerala, India
| | - Collin L Sones
- Founder and CTO of Highfield Diagnostics, Zepler Institute of Photonics and Nanoelectronics, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - Xunli Zhang
- School of Engineering & Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - Gopalan Krishnan Sivaraman
- Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-29, Kerala, India.
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28
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Nittayasut N, Yata T, Chirakul S, Techakriengkrai N, Chanchaithong P. Non-replicative phage particles delivering CRISPR-Cas9 to target major blaCTX-M variants. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303555. [PMID: 38753729 PMCID: PMC11098365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) is a promising tool for antimicrobial re-sensitization by inactivating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of bacteria. Here, we programmed CRISPR-Cas9 with common spacers to target predominant blaCTX-M variants in group 1 and group 9 and their promoter in an Escherichia coli model. The CRISPR-Cas9 was delivered by non-replicative phagemid particles from a two-step process, including insertion of spacer in CRISPR and construction of phagemid vector. Spacers targeting blaCTX-M promoters and internal sequences of blaCTX-M group 1 (blaCTX-M-15 and -55) and group 9 (blaCTX-M-14, -27, -65, and -90) were cloned into pCRISPR and phagemid pRC319 for spacer evaluation and phagemid particle production. Re-sensitization and plasmid clearance were mediated by the spacers targeting internal sequences of each group, resulting in 3 log10 to 4 log10 reduction of the ratio of resistant cells, but not by those targeting the promoters. The CRISPR-Cas9 delivered by modified ΦRC319 particles were capable of re-sensitizing E. coli K-12 carrying either blaCTX-M group 1 or group 9 in a dose-dependent manner from 0.1 to 100 multiplicity of infection (MOI). In conclusion, CRISPR-Cas9 system programmed with well-designed spacers targeting multiple variants of AMR gene along with a phage-based delivery system could eliminate the widespread blaCTX-M genes for efficacy restoration of available third-generation cephalosporins by reversal of resistance in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyaphat Nittayasut
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Teerapong Yata
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sunisa Chirakul
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Navapon Techakriengkrai
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattrarat Chanchaithong
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Research Unit in Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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29
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Ralhan K, Iyer KA, Diaz LL, Bird R, Maind A, Zhou QA. Navigating Antibacterial Frontiers: A Panoramic Exploration of Antibacterial Landscapes, Resistance Mechanisms, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1483-1519. [PMID: 38691668 PMCID: PMC11091902 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00115] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The development of effective antibacterial solutions has become paramount in maintaining global health in this era of increasing bacterial threats and rampant antibiotic resistance. Traditional antibiotics have played a significant role in combating bacterial infections throughout history. However, the emergence of novel resistant strains necessitates constant innovation in antibacterial research. We have analyzed the data on antibacterials from the CAS Content Collection, the largest human-curated collection of published scientific knowledge, which has proven valuable for quantitative analysis of global scientific knowledge. Our analysis focuses on mining the CAS Content Collection data for recent publications (since 2012). This article aims to explore the intricate landscape of antibacterial research while reviewing the advancement from traditional antibiotics to novel and emerging antibacterial strategies. By delving into the resistance mechanisms, this paper highlights the need to find alternate strategies to address the growing concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leilani Lotti Diaz
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Robert Bird
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ankush Maind
- ACS
International India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411044, India
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Tiwari P, Thakkar S, Dufossé L. Antimicrobials from endophytes as novel therapeutics to counter drug-resistant pathogens. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-27. [PMID: 38710617 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2342979] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) projects a "global emergency" and necessitates a need to discover alternative resources for combating drug-resistant pathogens or "superbugs." One of the key themes in "One Health Concept" is based on the fact that the interconnected network of humans, the environment, and animal habitats majorly contribute to the rapid selection and spread of AMR. Moreover, the injudicious and overuse of antibiotics in healthcare, the environment, and associated disciplines, further aggravates the concern. The prevalence and persistence of AMR contribute to the global economic burden and are constantly witnessing an upsurge due to fewer therapeutic options, rising mortality statistics, and expensive healthcare. The present decade has witnessed the extensive exploration and utilization of bio-based resources in harnessing antibiotics of potential efficacies. The discovery and characterization of diverse chemical entities from endophytes as potent antimicrobials define an important yet less-explored area in natural product-mediated drug discovery. Endophytes-produced antimicrobials show potent efficacies in targeting microbial pathogens and synthetic biology (SB) mediated engineering of endophytes for yield enhancement, forms a prospective area of research. In keeping with the urgent requirements for new/novel antibiotics and growing concerns about pathogenic microbes and AMR, this paper comprehensively reviews emerging trends, prospects, and challenges of antimicrobials from endophytes and their effective production via SB. This literature review would serve as the platform for further exploration of novel bioactive entities from biological organisms as "novel therapeutics" to address AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Tiwari
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Shreya Thakkar
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Laurent Dufossé
- Laboratoire CHEMBIOPRO (Chimie et Biotechnologie des Produits Naturels), ESIROI Département agroalimentaire, Université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France
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31
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Zheng L, Shen J, Chen R, Hu Y, Zhao W, Leung ELH, Dai L. Genome engineering of the human gut microbiome. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:479-491. [PMID: 38218395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.002] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem, significantly influences host health, impacting crucial aspects such as metabolism and immunity. To enhance our comprehension and control of the molecular mechanisms orchestrating the intricate interplay between gut commensal bacteria and human health, the exploration of genome engineering for gut microbes is a promising frontier. Nevertheless, the complexities and diversities inherent in the gut microbiome pose substantial challenges to the development of effective genome engineering tools for human gut microbes. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the current progress and challenges in genome engineering of human gut commensal bacteria, whether executed in vitro or in situ. A specific focus is directed towards the advancements and prospects in cargo DNA delivery and high-throughput techniques. Additionally, we elucidate the immense potential of genome engineering methods to enhance our understanding of the human gut microbiome and engineer the microorganisms to enhance human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linggang Zheng
- Dr Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Juntao Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ruiyue Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yucan Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China; MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China.
| | - Lei Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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32
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Wang W, Wang S, Meng X, Zhao Y, Li N, Wang T, Feng N, Yan F, Xia X. A virus-like particle candidate vaccine based on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology elicits broad-spectrum protection against SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res 2024; 225:105854. [PMID: 38447647 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105854] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with frequent mutations has seriously damaged the effectiveness of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. There is an urgent need to develop a broad-spectrum vaccine while elucidating the underlying immune mechanisms. Here, we developed a SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs) vaccine based on the Canarypox-virus vector (ALVAC-VLPs) using CRISPR/Cas9. Immunization with ALVAC-VLPs showed the effectively induce SARS-CoV-2 specific T and B cell responses to resist the lethal challenge of mouse adaptive strains. Notably, ALVAC-VLPs conferred protection in golden hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu-1 (wild-type, WT) and variants (Beta, Delta, Omicron BA.1, and BA.2), as evidenced by the prevention of weight loss, reduction in lung and turbinate tissue damage, and decreased viral load. Further investigation into the mechanism of immune response induced by ALVAC-VLPs revealed that toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediates the recruitment of dendritic cells (DCs) to secondary lymphoid organs, thereby initiating follicle assisted T (Tfh) cell differentiation, the proliferation of germinal center (GC) B cells and plasma cell production. These findings demonstrate the immunogenicity and efficacy of the safe ALVAC-VLPs vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and provide valuable insight into the development of COVID-19 vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China; Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, Jilin, China
| | - Shen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, Jilin, China
| | - Xianyong Meng
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, Jilin, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Yongkun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, Jilin, China
| | - Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, Jilin, China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, Jilin, China
| | - Na Feng
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, Jilin, China.
| | - Feihu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, Jilin, China.
| | - Xianzhu Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China; Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, Jilin, China.
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Wang H, Yang Y, Wang S, Badawy S, Ares I, Martínez M, Lopez-Torres B, Martínez-Larrañaga MR, Wang X, Anadón A, Martínez MA. Antimicrobial sensitisers: Gatekeepers to avoid the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria. J Control Release 2024; 369:25-38. [PMID: 38508527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.031] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The resistance of multidrug-resistant bacteria to existing antibiotics forces the continued development of new antibiotics and antibacterial agents, but the high costs and long timeframe involved in the development of new agents renders the hope that existing antibiotics may again play a part. The "antibiotic adjuvant" is an indirect antibacterial strategy, but its vague concept has, in the past, limited the development speed of related drugs. In this review article, we put forward an accurate concept of a "non-self-antimicrobial sensitisers (NSAS)", to distinguish it from an "antibiotic adjuvant", and then discuss several scientific methods to restore bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics, and the sources and action mechanism of existing NSAS, in order to guide the development and further research of NSAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanfei Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Simeng Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Sara Badawy
- MAO Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Pathology Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt
| | - Irma Ares
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Martínez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernardo Lopez-Torres
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Rosa Martínez-Larrañaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; MAO Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Arturo Anadón
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - María-Aránzazu Martínez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Rafiq MS, Shabbir MA, Raza A, Irshad S, Asghar A, Maan MK, Gondal MA, Hao H. CRISPR-Cas System: A New Dawn to Combat Antibiotic Resistance. BioDrugs 2024; 38:387-404. [PMID: 38605260 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can potentially harm global public health. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which speeds up the emergence of AMR and increases the burden of drug resistance in mobile genetic elements (MGEs), is the primary method by which AMR genes are transferred across bacterial pathogens. New approaches are urgently needed to halt the spread of bacterial diseases and antibiotic resistance. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), an RNA-guided adaptive immune system, protects prokaryotes from foreign DNA like plasmids and phages. This approach may be essential in limiting horizontal gene transfer and halting the spread of antibiotic resistance. The CRISPR-Cas system has been crucial in identifying and understanding resistance mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic approaches. This review article investigates the CRISPR-Cas system's potential as a tool to combat bacterial AMR. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be targeted and eliminated by the CRISPR-Cas system. It has been proven to be an efficient method for removing carbapenem-resistant plasmids and regaining antibiotic susceptibility. The CRISPR-Cas system has enormous potential as a weapon against bacterial AMR. It precisely targets and eliminates antibiotic-resistant bacteria, facilitates resistance mechanism identification, and offers new possibilities in diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahzad Rafiq
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | | | - Ahmed Raza
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Shoaib Irshad
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Andleeb Asghar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kashif Maan
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Pet Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mushtaq Ahmed Gondal
- Institute of Continuing Education and Extension, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Haihong Hao
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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35
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MacNair CR, Rutherford ST, Tan MW. Alternative therapeutic strategies to treat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:262-275. [PMID: 38082064 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Resistance threatens to render antibiotics - which are essential for modern medicine - ineffective, thus posing a threat to human health. The discovery of novel classes of antibiotics able to overcome resistance has been stalled for decades, with the developmental pipeline relying almost entirely on variations of existing chemical scaffolds. Unfortunately, this approach has been unable to keep pace with resistance evolution, necessitating new therapeutic strategies. In this Review, we highlight recent efforts to discover non-traditional antimicrobials, specifically describing the advantages and limitations of antimicrobial peptides and macrocycles, antibodies, bacteriophages and antisense oligonucleotides. These approaches have the potential to stem the tide of resistance by expanding the physicochemical property space and target spectrum occupied by currently approved antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R MacNair
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steven T Rutherford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Man-Wah Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Ipoutcha T, Racharaks R, Huttelmaier S, Wilson CJ, Ozer EA, Hartmann EM. A synthetic biology approach to assemble and reboot clinically relevant Pseudomonas aeruginosa tailed phages. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0289723. [PMID: 38294230 PMCID: PMC10913387 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02897-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The rise in the frequency of antibiotic resistance has made bacterial infections, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a cause for greater concern. Phage therapy is a promising solution that uses naturally isolated phages to treat bacterial infections. Ecological limitations, which stipulate a discrete host range and the inevitable evolution of resistance, may be overcome through a better understanding of phage biology and the utilization of engineered phages. In this study, we developed a synthetic biology approach to construct tailed phages that naturally target clinically relevant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As proof of concept, we successfully cloned and assembled the JG024 and DMS3 phage genomes in yeast using transformation-associated recombination cloning and rebooted these two phage genomes in two different strains of P. aeruginosa. We identified factors that affected phage reboot efficiency like the phage species or the presence of antiviral defense systems in the bacterial strain. We have successfully extended this method to two other phage species and observed that the method enables the reboot of phages that are naturally unable to infect the strain used for reboot. This research represents a critical step toward the construction of clinically relevant, engineered P. aeruginosa phages.IMPORTANCEPseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium responsible for severe infections and a common major complication in cystic fibrosis. The use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections has become increasingly difficult as antibiotic resistance has become more prevalent. Phage therapy is an alternative solution that is already being used in some European countries, but its use is limited by the narrow host range due to the phage receptor specificity, the presence of antiviral defense systems in the bacterial strain, and the possible emergence of phage resistance. In this study, we demonstrate the use of a synthetic biology approach to construct and reboot clinically relevant P. aeruginosa tailed phages. This method enables a significant expansion of possibilities through the construction of engineered phages for therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ipoutcha
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Ratanachat Racharaks
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Stefanie Huttelmaier
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Cole J. Wilson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Egon A. Ozer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Erica M. Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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Cui Y, Qu X. CRISPR-Cas systems of lactic acid bacteria and applications in food science. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 71:108323. [PMID: 38346597 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated proteins) systems are widely distributed in lactic acid bacteria (LAB), contributing to their RNA-mediated adaptive defense immunity. The CRISPR-Cas-based genetic tools have exhibited powerful capability. It has been highly utilized in different organisms, accelerating the development of life science. The review summarized the components, adaptive immunity mechanisms, and classification of CRISPR-Cas systems; analyzed the distribution and characteristics of CRISPR-Cas system in LAB. The review focuses on the development of CRISPR-Cas-based genetic tools in LAB for providing latest development and future trend. The diverse and broad applications of CRISPR-Cas systems in food/probiotic industry are introduced. LAB harbor a plenty of CRISPR-Cas systems, which contribute to generate safer and more robust strains with increased resistance against bacteriophage and prevent the dissemination of plasmids carrying antibiotic-resistance markers. Furthermore, the CRISPR-Cas system from LAB could be used to exploit novel, flexible, programmable genome editing tools of native host and other organisms, resolving the limitation of genetic operation of some LAB species, increasing the important biological functions of probiotics, improving the adaptation of probiotics in complex environments, and inhibiting the growth of foodborne pathogens. The development of the genetic tools based on CRISPR-Cas system in LAB, especially the endogenous CRISPR-Cas system, will open new avenues for precise regulation, rational design, and flexible application of LAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Cui
- Department of Food Nutrition and Health, School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Xiaojun Qu
- Institute of Microbiology, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin, 150010, China
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38
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Schmitt DS, Siegel SD, Selle K. Applications of designer phage encoding recombinant gene payloads. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:326-338. [PMID: 37833198 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.09.008] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and DNA sequencing have transformed the re-emergent therapeutic bacteriophage field. The increasing rate of multidrug resistant (MDR) infections and the speed at which new bacteriophages can be isolated, sequenced, characterized, and engineered has reinvigorated phage therapy and unlocked new applications of phages for modulating bacteria. The methods used to genetically engineer bacteriophages are undergoing significant development, but identification of heterologous gene payloads with desirable activity and determination of their impact on bacteria or human cells in translationally relevant applications remain underexplored areas. Here, we discuss and categorize recombinant gene payloads for their potential outcome on phage-bacteria interactions when genetically engineered into phage genomes for expression in their bacterial hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Schmitt
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Sara D Siegel
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kurt Selle
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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Wang M, Zhang J, Wei J, Jiang L, Jiang L, Sun Y, Zeng Z, Wang Z. Phage-inspired strategies to combat antibacterial resistance. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:196-211. [PMID: 38400715 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2181056] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in clinically priority pathogensis now a major threat to public health worldwide. Phages are bacterial parasites that efficiently infect or kill specific strains and represent the most abundant biological entities on earth, showing great attraction as potential antibacterial therapeutics in combating AMR. This review provides a summary of phage-inspired strategies to combat AMR. We firstly cover the phage diversity, and then explain the biological principles of phage therapy that support the use of phages in the post-antimicrobial era. Furthermore, we state the versatility methods of phage therapy both from direct access as well as collateral access. Among the direct access approaches, we discuss the use of phage cocktail therapy, phage-encoded endolysins and the bioengineering for function improvement of used phages or endolysins. On the other hand, we introduce the collateral access, including the phages antimicrobial immunity combined therapy and phage-based novel antibacterial mimic molecules. Nowadays, more and more talented and enthusiastic scientist, doctors, pharmacists, media, authorities, and industry are promoting the progress of phage therapy, and proposed more phages-inspired strategy to make them more tractable to combat AMR and benefit more people, more animal and diverse environment in "one health" framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mianzhi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junxuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yongxue Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenling Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou, China
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Juszczuk-Kubiak E. Molecular Aspects of the Functioning of Pathogenic Bacteria Biofilm Based on Quorum Sensing (QS) Signal-Response System and Innovative Non-Antibiotic Strategies for Their Elimination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2655. [PMID: 38473900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052655] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the key mechanisms enabling bacterial cells to create biofilms and regulate crucial life functions in a global and highly synchronized way is a bacterial communication system called quorum sensing (QS). QS is a bacterial cell-to-cell communication process that depends on the bacterial population density and is mediated by small signalling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). In bacteria, QS controls the biofilm formation through the global regulation of gene expression involved in the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) synthesis, virulence factor production, stress tolerance and metabolic adaptation. Forming biofilm is one of the crucial mechanisms of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A common feature of human pathogens is the ability to form biofilm, which poses a serious medical issue due to their high susceptibility to traditional antibiotics. Because QS is associated with virulence and biofilm formation, there is a belief that inhibition of QS activity called quorum quenching (QQ) may provide alternative therapeutic methods for treating microbial infections. This review summarises recent progress in biofilm research, focusing on the mechanisms by which biofilms, especially those formed by pathogenic bacteria, become resistant to antibiotic treatment. Subsequently, a potential alternative approach to QS inhibition highlighting innovative non-antibiotic strategies to control AMR and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Juszczuk-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology-State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
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41
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Chen F, Du H, Tao M, Xu L, Wang C, White JC, Wang Z, Xing B. Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots Facilitate CRISPR/Cas for Reducing Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Environment. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:3397-3405. [PMID: 38335532 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The continued acquisition and propagation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment confound efforts to manage the global rise in antibiotic resistance. Here, CRISPR-Cas9/sgRNAs carried by nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were developed to precisely target multi-"high-risk" ARGs (tet, cat, and aph(3')-Ia) commonly detected in the environment. NCDs facilitated the delivery of Cas9/sgRNAs to Escherichia coli (E. coli) without cytotoxicity, achieving sustained elimination of target ARGs. The elimination was optimized using different weight ratios of NCDs and Cas9 protein (1:1, 1:20, and 1:40), and Cas9/multi sgRNAs were designed to achieve multi-cleavage of ARGs in either a single strain or mixed populations. Importantly, NCDs successfully facilitated Cas9/multi sgRNAs for resensitization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil (approaching 50%), whereas Cas9/multi sgRNAs alone were inactivated in the complex environment. This work highlights the potential of a fast and precise strategy to minimize the reservoir of antibiotic resistance in agricultural system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiran Chen
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hao Du
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mengna Tao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Lanqing Xu
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Chuanxi Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jason C White
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06504, United States
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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Zhang Y, Li S, Li R, Qiu X, Fan T, Wang B, Zhang B, Zhang L. Advances in application of CRISPR-Cas13a system. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1291557. [PMID: 38524179 PMCID: PMC10958658 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1291557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins serve as an adaptive immune system that safeguards prokaryotes and some of the viruses that infect prokaryotes from foreign nucleic acids (such as viruses and plasmids). The genomes of the majority of archaea and about half of all bacteria contain various CRISPR-Cas systems. CRISPR-Cas systems depend on CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs). They act as a navigation system to specifically cut and destroy foreign nucleic acids by recognizing invading foreign nucleic acids and binding Cas proteins. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the evolution and classification of the CRISPR-Cas system, focusing on the functions and applications of the CRISPR-Cas13a system. We describe the CRISPR-Cas13a system and discuss its RNA-directed ribonuclease function. Meanwhile, we briefly introduce the mechanism of action of the CRISPR-Cas13a system and summarize the applications of the CRISPR-Cas13a system in pathogen detection, eukaryotes, agriculture, biosensors, and human gene therapy. We are right understanding of CRISPR-Cas13a has been broadened, and the CRISPR-Cas13a system will be useful for developing new RNA targeting tools. Therefore, understanding the basic details of the structure, function, and biological characterization of CRISPR-Cas13a effector proteins is critical for optimizing RNA targeting tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shengjun Li
- The Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rongrong Li
- The Department of Medical Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xu Qiu
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Tianyu Fan
- The Department of Hematology, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Li Zhang
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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43
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Allemailem KS. Recent Advances in Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of Multidrug Resistance and Novel Approaches of CRISPR/Cas9-Based Genome-Editing to Combat This Health Emergency. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:1125-1143. [PMID: 38344439 PMCID: PMC10859101 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of multidrug resistance (MDR), due to abusive use of antibiotics has led to global health emergency, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Bacteria attain MDR by different means such as antibiotic modification/degradation, target protection/modification/bypass, and enhanced efflux mechanisms. The classical approaches of counteracting MDR bacteria are expensive and time-consuming, thus, it is highly significant to understand the molecular mechanisms of this resistance to curb the problem from core level. The revolutionary approach of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated sequence 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), considered as a next-generation genome-editing tool presents an innovative opportunity to precisely target and edit bacterial genome to alter their MDR strategy. Different bacteria possessing antibiotic resistance genes such as mecA, ermB, ramR, tetA, mqrB and blaKPC that have been targeted by CRISPR/Cas9 to re-sensitize these pathogens against antibiotics, such as methicillin, erythromycin, tigecycline, colistin and carbapenem, respectively. The CRISPR/Cas9 from S. pyogenes is the most widely studied genome-editing tool, consisting of a Cas9 DNA endonuclease associated with tracrRNA and crRNA, which can be systematically coupled as sgRNA. The targeting strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 to bacterial cells is mediated through phage, plasmids, vesicles and nanoparticles. However, the targeting approaches of this genome-editing tool to specific bacteria is a challenging task and still remains at a very preliminary stage due to numerous obstacles awaiting to be solved. This review elaborates some recent updates about the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the innovative role of CRISPR/Cas9 system in modulating these resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, the delivery approaches of this genome-editing system in bacterial cells are discussed. In addition, some challenges and future prospects are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled S Allemailem
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah51452, Saudi Arabia
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44
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Gencay YE, Jasinskytė D, Robert C, Semsey S, Martínez V, Petersen AØ, Brunner K, de Santiago Torio A, Salazar A, Turcu IC, Eriksen MK, Koval L, Takos A, Pascal R, Schou TS, Bayer L, Bryde T, Johansen KC, Bak EG, Smrekar F, Doyle TB, Satlin MJ, Gram A, Carvalho J, Jessen L, Hallström B, Hink J, Damholt B, Troy A, Grove M, Clube J, Grøndahl C, Haaber JK, van der Helm E, Zdravkovic M, Sommer MOA. Engineered phage with antibacterial CRISPR-Cas selectively reduce E. coli burden in mice. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:265-274. [PMID: 37142704 PMCID: PMC10869271 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01759-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic treatments have detrimental effects on the microbiome and lead to antibiotic resistance. To develop a phage therapy against a diverse range of clinically relevant Escherichia coli, we screened a library of 162 wild-type (WT) phages, identifying eight phages with broad coverage of E. coli, complementary binding to bacterial surface receptors, and the capability to stably carry inserted cargo. Selected phages were engineered with tail fibers and CRISPR-Cas machinery to specifically target E. coli. We show that engineered phages target bacteria in biofilms, reduce the emergence of phage-tolerant E. coli and out-compete their ancestral WT phages in coculture experiments. A combination of the four most complementary bacteriophages, called SNIPR001, is well tolerated in both mouse models and minipigs and reduces E. coli load in the mouse gut better than its constituent components separately. SNIPR001 is in clinical development to selectively kill E. coli, which may cause fatal infections in hematological cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lev Koval
- SNIPR BIOME ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael J Satlin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Morten Otto Alexander Sommer
- SNIPR BIOME ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, DTU Biosustain, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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45
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Liu H, Yu Y, Dong A, Elsabahy M, Yang Y, Gao H. Emerging strategies for combating Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer treatment: Systematic review, improvements and future challenges. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2024; 4:20230092. [PMID: 38854496 PMCID: PMC10867388 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20230092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is generally characterized by a high prevalence of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a spindle-shaped, Gram-negative anaerobe pathogen derived from the oral cavity. This tumor-resident microorganism has been closely correlated with the occurrence, progression, chemoresistance and immunosuppressive microenvironment of CRC. Furthermore, F. nucleatum can specifically colonize CRC tissues through adhesion on its surface, forming biofilms that are highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Accordingly, it is crucial to develop efficacious non-antibiotic approaches to eradicate F. nucleatum and its biofilms for CRC treatment. In recent years, various antimicrobial strategies, such as natural extracts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, polymers, inorganic-organic hybrid materials, bacteriophages, probiotics, and vaccines, have been proposed to combat F. nucleatum and F. nucleatum biofilms. This review summarizes the latest advancements in anti-F. nucleatum research, elucidates the antimicrobial mechanisms employed by these systems, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each antimicrobial technology. Additionally, this review also provides an outlook on the antimicrobial specificity, potential clinical implications, challenges, and future improvements of these antimicrobial strategies in the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane ProcessesSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringTiangong UniversityTianjinP. R. China
| | - Yunjian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane ProcessesSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringTiangong UniversityTianjinP. R. China
| | - Alideertu Dong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotP. R. China
| | - Mahmoud Elsabahy
- Department of PharmaceuticsFaculty of PharmacyAssiut UniversityAssiutEgypt
| | - Ying‐Wei Yang
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Nano‐Micro Architecture ChemistryCollege of ChemistryJilin UniversityChangchunP. R. China
| | - Hui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane ProcessesSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringTiangong UniversityTianjinP. R. China
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M, Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi M, Shafieizadeh M, Mahmoudi E, Eskandari F, Rashidi M, Arshi A, Mokhtari-Farsani A. Comprehensive review of CRISPR-based gene editing: mechanisms, challenges, and applications in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:9. [PMID: 38195537 PMCID: PMC10775503 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR system is a revolutionary genome editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize the field of cancer research and therapy. The ability to precisely target and edit specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of tumors has opened up new possibilities for the development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments. In this review, we will discuss the different CRISPR-based strategies that have been proposed for cancer therapy, including inactivating genes that drive tumor growth, enhancing the immune response to cancer cells, repairing genetic mutations that cause cancer, and delivering cancer-killing molecules directly to tumor cells. We will also summarize the current state of preclinical studies and clinical trials of CRISPR-based cancer therapy, highlighting the most promising results and the challenges that still need to be overcome. Safety and delivery are also important challenges for CRISPR-based cancer therapy to become a viable clinical option. We will discuss the challenges and limitations that need to be overcome, such as off-target effects, safety, and delivery to the tumor site. Finally, we will provide an overview of the current challenges and opportunities in the field of CRISPR-based cancer therapy and discuss future directions for research and development. The CRISPR system has the potential to change the landscape of cancer research, and this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the field and the challenges that need to be overcome to realize this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Milad Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Mahmoudi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Eskandari
- Faculty of Molecular and Cellular Biology -Genetics, Islamic Azad University of Falavarjan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asghar Arshi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Abbas Mokhtari-Farsani
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Biology, Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education, Meymeh, Isfahan, Iran
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47
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Kolanu ND. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing: Curing Genetic Diseases by Inherited Epigenetic Modifications. Glob Med Genet 2024; 11:113-122. [PMID: 38560484 PMCID: PMC10980556 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785234] [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: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, leveraging bacterial defense mechanisms, offers precise DNA modifications, holding promise in curing genetic diseases. This review critically assesses its potential, analyzing evidence on therapeutic applications, challenges, and future prospects. Examining diverse genetic disorders, it evaluates efficacy, safety, and limitations, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding among medical professionals and researchers. Acknowledging its transformative impact, a systematic review is crucial for informed decision-making, responsible utilization, and guiding future research to unlock CRISPR-Cas9's full potential in realizing the cure for genetic diseases. Methods A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science identified studies applying CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for genetic diseases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria covered in vitro and in vivo models targeting various genetic diseases with reported outcomes on disease modification or potential cure. Quality assessment revealed a generally moderate to high risk of bias. Heterogeneity prevented quantitative meta-analysis, prompting a narrative synthesis of findings. Discussion CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise gene editing, correcting disease-causing mutations and offering hope for previously incurable genetic conditions. Leveraging inherited epigenetic modifications, it not only fixes mutations but also restores normal gene function and controls gene expression. The transformative potential of CRISPR-Cas9 holds promise for personalized treatments, improving therapeutic outcomes, but ethical considerations and safety concerns must be rigorously addressed to ensure responsible and safe application, especially in germline editing with potential long-term implications.
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48
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Castañeda-Barba S, Top EM, Stalder T. Plasmids, a molecular cornerstone of antimicrobial resistance in the One Health era. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:18-32. [PMID: 37430173 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a substantial threat to human health. The widespread prevalence of AMR is, in part, due to the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), typically mediated by plasmids. Many of the plasmid-mediated resistance genes in pathogens originate from environmental, animal or human habitats. Despite evidence that plasmids mobilize ARGs between these habitats, we have a limited understanding of the ecological and evolutionary trajectories that facilitate the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) plasmids in clinical pathogens. One Health, a holistic framework, enables exploration of these knowledge gaps. In this Review, we provide an overview of how plasmids drive local and global AMR spread and link different habitats. We explore some of the emerging studies integrating an eco-evolutionary perspective, opening up a discussion about the factors that affect the ecology and evolution of plasmids in complex microbial communities. Specifically, we discuss how the emergence and persistence of MDR plasmids can be affected by varying selective conditions, spatial structure, environmental heterogeneity, temporal variation and coexistence with other members of the microbiome. These factors, along with others yet to be investigated, collectively determine the emergence and transfer of plasmid-mediated AMR within and between habitats at the local and global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Castañeda-Barba
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Eva M Top
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Institute for Modelling Collaboration and Innovation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Thibault Stalder
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
- Institute for Modelling Collaboration and Innovation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
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Hamilton T, Joris BR, Shrestha A, Browne TS, Rodrigue S, Karas BJ, Gloor GB, Edgell DR. De Novo Synthesis of a Conjugative System from Human Gut Metagenomic Data for Targeted Delivery of Cas9 Antimicrobials. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3578-3590. [PMID: 38049144 PMCID: PMC10729033 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Metagenomic sequences represent an untapped source of genetic novelty, particularly for conjugative systems that could be used for plasmid-based delivery of Cas9-derived antimicrobial agents. However, unlocking the functional potential of conjugative systems purely from metagenomic sequences requires the identification of suitable candidate systems as starting scaffolds for de novo DNA synthesis. Here, we developed a bioinformatics approach that searches through the metagenomic "trash bin" for genes associated with conjugative systems present on contigs that are typically excluded from common metagenomic analysis pipelines. Using a human metagenomic gut data set representing 2805 taxonomically distinct units, we identified 1598 contigs containing conjugation genes with a differential distribution in human cohorts. We synthesized de novo an entire Citrobacter spp. conjugative system of 54 kb containing at least 47 genes and assembled it into a plasmid, pCitro. We found that pCitro conjugates from Escherichia coli to Citrobacter rodentium with a 30-fold higher frequency than to E. coli, and is compatible with Citrobacter resident plasmids. Mutations in the traV and traY conjugation components of pCitro inhibited conjugation. We showed that pCitro can be repurposed as an antimicrobial delivery agent by programming it with the TevCas9 nuclease and Citrobacter-specific sgRNAs to kill C. rodentium. Our study reveals a trove of uncharacterized conjugative systems in metagenomic data and describes an experimental framework to animate these large genetic systems as novel target-adapted delivery vectors for Cas9-based editing of bacterial genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas
A. Hamilton
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin R. Joris
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Arina Shrestha
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Tyler S. Browne
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Sébastien Rodrigue
- Départment
de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1K 2R1, QC, Canada
| | - Bogumil J. Karas
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B. Gloor
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - David R. Edgell
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
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50
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Mendoza B, Zheng X, Clements JC, Cotter C, Trinh CT. Potency of CRISPR-Cas Antifungals Is Enhanced by Cotargeting DNA Repair and Growth Regulatory Machinery at the Genetic Level. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:2494-2503. [PMID: 37955405 PMCID: PMC10714396 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00342] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of virulent, resistant, and rapidly evolving fungal pathogens poses a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and the environment. Targeting cellular processes with standard small-molecule intervention may be effective but requires long development times and is prone to antibiotic resistance. To overcome the current limitations of antibiotic development and treatment, this study harnesses CRISPR-Cas systems as antifungals by capitalizing on their adaptability, specificity, and efficiency in target design. The conventional design of CRISPR-Cas antimicrobials, based on induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), is potentially less effective in fungi due to robust eukaryotic DNA repair machinery. Here, we report a novel design principle to formulate more effective CRISPR-Cas antifungals by cotargeting essential genes with DNA repair defensive genes that remove the fungi's ability to repair the DSB sites of essential genes. By evaluating this design on the model fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we demonstrated that essential and defensive gene cotargeting is more effective than either essential or defensive gene targeting alone. The top-performing CRISPR-Cas antifungals performed as effectively as the antibiotic Geneticin. A gene cotargeting interaction analysis revealed that cotargeting essential genes with RAD52 involved in homologous recombination (HR) was the most synergistic combination. Fast growth kinetics of S. cerevisiae induced resistance to CRISPR-Cas antifungals, where genetic mutations mostly occurred in defensive genes and guide RNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian
J. Mendoza
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Xianliang Zheng
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Jared C. Clements
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Christopher Cotter
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Cong T. Trinh
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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