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Sivaloganathan DM, Wan X, Leon G, Brynildsen MP. Loss of Gre factors leads to phenotypic heterogeneity and cheating in Escherichia coli populations under nitric oxide stress. mBio 2024:e0222924. [PMID: 39248572 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02229-24] [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: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (·NO) is one of the toxic metabolites that bacteria can be exposed to within phagosomes. Gre factors, which are also known as transcript cleavage factors or transcription elongation factors, relieve back-tracked transcription elongation complexes by cleaving nascent RNAs, which allows transcription to resume after stalling. Here we discovered that loss of both Gre factors in Escherichia coli, GreA and GreB, significantly compromised ·NO detoxification due to ·NO-induced phenotypic heterogeneity in ΔgreAΔgreB populations, which did not occur in wild-type cultures. Under normal culturing conditions, both wild-type and ΔgreAΔgreB synthesized transcripts uniformly, whereas treatment with ·NO led to bimodal transcript levels in ΔgreAΔgreB that were unimodal in wild-type. Interestingly, exposure to another toxic metabolite of phagosomes, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), produced analogous results. Furthermore, we showed that loss of Gre factors led to cheating under ·NO stress where transcriptionally deficient cells benefited from the detoxification activities of the transcriptionally proficient subpopulation. Collectively, these results show that loss of Gre factor activities produces phenotypic heterogeneity under ·NO and H2O2 stress that can yield cheating between subpopulations.IMPORTANCEToxic metabolite stress occurs in a broad range of contexts that are important to human health, microbial ecology, and biotechnology, whereas Gre factors are highly conserved throughout the bacterial kingdom. Here we discovered that loss of Gre factors in E. coli leads to phenotypic heterogeneity under ·NO and H2O2 stress, which we further show with ·NO results in cheating between subpopulations. Collectively, these data suggest that Gre factors play a role in coping with toxic metabolite stress, and that loss of Gre factors can produce cheating between neighbors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan M Sivaloganathan
- Program in Quantitative and Computational Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xuanqing Wan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Gabrielle Leon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mark P Brynildsen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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Liu L, Wang L, Liu X, Wang B, Guo X, Wang Y, Xu Y, Guan J, Zhao Y. Elucidating the potential of isorhapontigenin in targeting the MgrA regulatory network: a paradigm shift for attenuating MRSA virulence. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0061124. [PMID: 39046236 PMCID: PMC11373206 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00611-24] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exhibits formidable resistance to many drugs, the imperative for alternative therapeutic strategies becomes increasingly evident. At the heart of our study is the identification of a novel inhibitor through fluorescence anisotropy assays, specifically targeting the crucial multiple gene regulator A (MgrA) regulatory network in S. aureus. Isorhapontigenin (Iso), a natural compound, exhibits outstanding inhibitory efficacy, modulating bacterial virulence pathways without exerting direct bactericidal activity. This suggests a paradigm shift toward attenuating virulence instead of purely focusing on bacterial elimination. Through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations, we elucidated the complex interplay between Iso and MgrA, leading to reduced S. aureus adhesion, and overall virulence. At the cellular level, Iso offers significant protection to A549 cells infected with S. aureus, reducing cellular damage. Importantly, Iso augments the chemotaxis of neutrophils, curtailing the immune evasion capabilities of S. aureus. Furthermore, in vivo investigations highlight the notable effectiveness of Iso against MRSA-induced pneumonia and within the Galleria mellonella infection model, underscoring its pivotal role in the evolving realm of antibacterial drug discovery. Significantly, when Iso is used in combination with vancomycin, it outperforms its solo application, indicating a more pronounced therapeutic impact. This seminal research emphasizes Iso's potential as a primary defense against the surge of multidrug-resistant pathogens, heralding new prospects in antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Clinical Medical College, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingmei Wang
- Clinical Medical College, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xuerui Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yueying Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yueshan Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jiyu Guan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yicheng Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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3
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Cao J, Veytia-Bucheli JI, Liang L, Wouters J, Silva-Rosero I, Bussmann J, Gauthier C, De Bolle X, Groleau MC, Déziel E, Vincent SP. Exploring fluorinated heptose phosphate analogues as inhibitors of HldA and HldE, key enzymes in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide. Bioorg Chem 2024; 153:107767. [PMID: 39241584 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The growing threat of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has led to the rise of anti-virulence strategies as a promising approach. These strategies aim to disarm bacterial pathogens and improve their clearance by the host immune system. Lipopolysaccharide, a key virulence factor in Gram-negative bacteria, has been identified as a potential target for anti-virulence agents. In this study, we focus on inhibiting HldA and HldE, bacterial enzymes from the heptose biosynthesis pathway, which plays a key role in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. We present the synthesis of two fluorinated non-hydrolysable heptose phosphate analogues. Additionally, the inhibitory activity of a family of eight heptose phosphate analogues against HldA and HldE was assessed. This evaluation revealed inhibitors with affinities in the low μM range, with the most potent compound showing inhibition constant values of 15.4 μM for HldA and 16.9 μM for HldE. The requirement for a phosphate group at the C-7 position was deemed essential for inhibitory activity, while the presence of a hydroxy anomeric group was found to be beneficial, a phenomenon rationalized through computational modeling. Additionally, the introduction of a single fluorine atom α to the phosphonate moiety conferred a slight advantage for inhibition. These findings suggest that mimicking the structure of d-glycero-β-d-manno-heptose 1,7-bisphosphate, the product of the phosphorylation step in heptose biosynthesis, could be a promising strategy to disrupt this biosynthetic pathway. In terms of the in vivo effects, these heptose phosphate analogues neither demonstrated significant LPS-disrupting effects nor exhibited growth inhibitory activity on their own. Additionally, they did not alter the susceptibility of bacteria to hydrophobic antibiotics. The highly charged nature of these molecules may hinder their ability to penetrate the bacterial cell wall. To overcome this limitation, alternative strategies such as incorporating protecting groups that facilitate their entry and can subsequently be cleaved within the bacterial cytoplasm could be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratoire de Chimie Bio-Organique (CBO)-Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - José Ignacio Veytia-Bucheli
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratoire de Chimie Bio-Organique (CBO)-Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Lina Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratoire de Chimie Bio-Organique (CBO)-Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Johan Wouters
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique Structurale (CBS)-NARILIS, UNamur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Isabella Silva-Rosero
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique Structurale (CBS)-NARILIS, UNamur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Julie Bussmann
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratoire de Chimie Bio-Organique (CBO)-Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Charles Gauthier
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), H7V 1B7 Laval, Canada; Unité Mixte de Recherche INRS-UQAC, INRS Centre AFSB, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, G7H 2B1 Chicoutimi, Canada
| | - Xavier De Bolle
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie des Micro-organismes (URBM)-NARILIS, UNamur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Marie-Christine Groleau
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), H7V 1B7 Laval, Canada
| | - Eric Déziel
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), H7V 1B7 Laval, Canada
| | - Stéphane P Vincent
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratoire de Chimie Bio-Organique (CBO)-Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), 5000 Namur, Belgium.
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Doak BC, Whitehouse RL, Rimmer K, Williams M, Heras B, Caria S, Ilyichova O, Vazirani M, Mohanty B, Harper JB, Scanlon MJ, Simpson JS. Fluoromethylketone-Fragment Conjugates Designed as Covalent Modifiers of EcDsbA are Atypical Substrates. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300684. [PMID: 38742480 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Disulfide bond protein A (DsbA) is an oxidoreductase enzyme that catalyzes the formation of disulfide bonds in Gram-negative bacteria. In Escherichia coli, DsbA (EcDsbA) is essential for bacterial virulence, thus inhibitors have the potential to act as antivirulence agents. A fragment-based screen was conducted against EcDsbA and herein we describe the development of a series of compounds based on a phenylthiophene hit identified from the screen. A novel thiol reactive and "clickable" ethynylfluoromethylketone was designed for reaction with azide-functionalized fragments to enable rapid and versatile attachment to a range of fragments. The resulting fluoromethylketone conjugates showed selectivity for reaction with the active site thiol of EcDsbA, however unexpectedly, turnover of the covalent adduct was observed. A mechanism for this turnover was investigated and proposed which may have wider ramifications for covalent reactions with dithiol-disulfide oxidoreducatases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley C Doak
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Whitehouse
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Kieran Rimmer
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Martin Williams
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Begoña Heras
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Vic, 3083, Australia
| | - Sofia Caria
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Olga Ilyichova
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Mansha Vazirani
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Biswaranjan Mohanty
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Sydney Analytical Core Research Facility, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jason B Harper
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Martin J Scanlon
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Sydney Analytical Core Research Facility, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jamie S Simpson
- Medicinal Chemistry, ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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5
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Blechman SE, Wright ES. Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) can overcome the cost of antibiotic resistance and may threaten vancomycin's clinical durability. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012422. [PMID: 39207957 PMCID: PMC11361437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Vancomycin has proven remarkably durable to resistance evolution by Staphylococcus aureus despite widespread treatment with vancomycin in the clinic. Only 16 cases of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) have been documented in the United States. It is thought that the failure of VRSA to spread is partly due to the fitness cost imposed by the vanA operon, which is the only known means of high-level resistance. Here, we show that the fitness cost of vanA-mediated resistance can be overcome through laboratory evolution of VRSA in the presence of vancomycin. Adaptation to vancomycin imposed a tradeoff such that fitness in the presence of vancomycin increased, while fitness in its absence decreased in evolved lineages. Comparing the genomes of vancomycin-exposed and vancomycin-unexposed lineages pinpointed the D-alanine:D-alanine ligase gene (ddl) as the target of loss-of-function mutations, which were associated with the observed fitness tradeoff. Vancomycin-exposed lineages exhibited vancomycin dependence and abnormal colony morphology in the absence of drug, which were associated with mutations in ddl. However, further evolution of vancomycin-exposed lineages in the absence of vancomycin enabled some evolved lineages to escape this fitness tradeoff. Many vancomycin-exposed lineages maintained resistance in the absence of vancomycin, unlike their ancestral VRSA strains. These results indicate that VRSA might be able to compensate for the fitness deficit associated with vanA-mediated resistance, which may pose a threat to the prolonged durability of vancomycin in the clinic. Our results also suggest vancomycin treatment should be immediately discontinued in patients after VRSA is identified to mitigate potential adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel E. Blechman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Erik S. Wright
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Annamalai KK, Selvaraj B, Subramanian K, Binsuwaidan R, Saeed M. Antibiofilm and antivirulence activity of selenium nanoparticles synthesized from cell-free extract of moderately halophilic bacteria. Microb Pathog 2024; 193:106740. [PMID: 38897360 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106740] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Biofilm-forming microbes can pose a major health risk that is difficult to combat. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, represents a novel technique for combating and eliminating biofilm-forming microbes. In this study, the selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were biosynthesized from moderate halophilic bacteria isolated from Pichavaram mangrove sediments. The bacterial strain S8 was found to be efficient for SeNPs synthesis and hence identified by 16s r RNA sequencing as Shewanella sp. In UV- spectral analysis the SeNPs displayed a peak at 320 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The cell-free extract of Shewanella sp. and SeNPs indicates that the various functional groups in the cell-free extract were mainly involved in the synthesis and stabilization of SeNPs. The SeNPs had a spherical form with average diameter of 49 ± 0.01 nm, according to the FESEM analysis. The EDX shows the distinctive peaks of selenium at 1.37, 11.22.12.49 Kev. In the agar well diffusion method, the SeNPs show inhibitory activity against all the test pathogens with the highest activity noted against P.aeruginosa with a zone of inhibition of 22.7 ± 0.3 mm. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 80 μg/ml, minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 160 μg/ml, and susceptibility constant of 0.043 μg/ml show that SeNPs highly effective against P.aeruginosa. The Sub-MIC value of SeNPs of 20 μg/ml was found to inhibit P.aeruginosa biofilm by 85% as compared to the control. Further, the anti-virulence properties viz., pyocyanin, pyoverdine, hemolytic, and protease inhibition revealed the synthesized SeNPs from halophilic bacteria control the pathogenicity of P.aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Kumar Annamalai
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600119, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bharathi Selvaraj
- Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600007, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Kumaran Subramanian
- PG and Research Department of Microbiology, Sri Sankara Arts and Science College, Kancheepuram, 631561, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reem Binsuwaidan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O.Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
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Chen P, Qin J, Su HK, Du L, Zeng Q. Harmine acts as a quorum sensing inhibitor decreasing the virulence and antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:760. [PMID: 39085766 PMCID: PMC11293143 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09639-9] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global health crisis, new strategies against AMR infection are urgently needed. Quorum sensing (QS), responsible for bacterial communication and pathogenicity, is among the targets for anti-virulence drugs that thrive as one of the promising treatments against AMR infection. METHODS We identified a natural compound, Harmine, through virtual screening based on three QS receptors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and explored the effect of Harmine on QS-controlled and pathogenicity-related phenotypes including pyocyanin production, exocellular protease excretion, biofilm formation, and twitching motility of P. aeruginosa PA14. The protective effect of Harmine on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and mice infection models was determined and the synergistic effect of Harmine combined with common antibiotics was explored. The underlaying mechanism of Harmine's QS inhibitory effect was illustrated by molecular docking analysis, transcriptomic analysis, and target verification assay. RESULTS In vitro results suggested that Harmine possessed QS inhibitory effects on pyocyanin production, exocellular protease excretion, biofilm formation, and twitching motility of P. aeruginosa PA14, and in vivo results displayed Harmine's protective effect on C. elegans and mice infection models. Intriguingly, Harmine increased susceptibility of both PA14 and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa to polymyxin B and kanamycin when used in combination. Moreover, Harmine down-regulated a series of QS controlled genes associated with pathogenicity and the underlying mechanism may have involved competitively antagonizing autoinducers' receptors LasR, RhlR, and PqsR. CONCLUSIONS This study shed light on the anti-virulence potential of Harmine against QS targets, suggesting the possible use of Harmine and its derivates as anti-virulence compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, No. 82, North Section 2, 2nd Ring Road, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Jiangyue Qin
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Helene K Su
- Seven Lakes High School, Katy, TX, 77494, USA
| | - Lianming Du
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, China.
| | - Qianglin Zeng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, No. 82, North Section 2, 2nd Ring Road, Chengdu, 610081, China.
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Mohamed H, Marusich E, Divashuk M, Leonov S. A unique combination of natural fatty acids from Hermetia illucens fly larvae fat effectively combats virulence factors and biofilms of MDR hypervirulent mucoviscus Klebsiella pneumoniae strains by increasing Lewis acid-base/van der Waals interactions in bacterial wall membranes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1408179. [PMID: 39119288 PMCID: PMC11306206 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1408179] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CR-Kp) are rapidly emerging as opportunistic pathogens that have a global impact leading to a significant increase in mortality rates among clinical patients. Anti-virulence strategies that target bacterial behavior, such as adhesion and biofilm formation, have been proposed as alternatives to biocidal antibiotic treatments to reduce the rapid emergence of bacterial resistance. The main objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of fatty acid-enriched extract (AWME3) derived from the fat of Black Soldier Fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) in fighting against biofilms of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and highly virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) pathogens. Additionally, the study also aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying this effect. Methods Crystal violet (CV) and ethidium bromide (EtBr) assays show how AWME3 affects the formation of mixed and mature biofilms by the KP ATCC BAA-2473, KPi1627, and KPM9 strains. AWME3 has shown exceptional efficacy in combating the hypermucoviscosity (HMV) virulent factors of KPi1627 and KPM9 strains when tested using the string assay. The rudimentary motility of MDR KPM9 and KP ATCC BAA-2473 strains was detected through swimming, swarming, and twitching assays. The cell wall membrane disturbances induced by AWME3 were detected by light and scanning electron microscopy and further validated by an increase in the bacterial cell wall permeability and Lewis acid-base/van der Waals characteristics of K. pneumoniae strains tested by MATS (microbial adhesion to solvents) method. Results After being exposed to 0.5 MIC (0.125 mg/ml) of AWME3, a significant reduction in the rudimentary motility of MDR KPM9 and KP ATCC BAA-2473 strains, whereas the treated bacterial strains exhibited motility between 4.23 ± 0.25 and 4.47 ± 0.25 mm, while the non-treated control groups showed significantly higher motility ranging from 8.5 ± 0.5 to 10.5 ± 0.5 mm. Conclusion In conclusion, this study demonstrates the exceptional capability of the natural AWME3 extract enriched with a unique combination of fatty acids to effectively eliminate the biofilms formed by the highly drug-resistant and highly virulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) pathogens. Our results highlight the opportunity to control and minimize the rapid emergence of bacterial resistance through the treatment using AWME3 of biofilm-associated infections caused by hvKp and CRKp pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heakal Mohamed
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Giza, Egypt
- The Laboratory of Personalized Chemoradiotherapy, Institute of Future Biophysics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Marusich
- The Laboratory of Personalized Chemoradiotherapy, Institute of Future Biophysics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Divashuk
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Kurchatov Genomic Center - VNIISB, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Leonov
- The Laboratory of Personalized Chemoradiotherapy, Institute of Future Biophysics, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Zolpirani FH, Ghaemi EA, Yasaghi M, Nikokar I, Ardebili A. Effect of phenylalanine arginyl β-naphthylamide on the imipenem resistance, elastase production, and the expression of quorum sensing and virulence factor genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01426-7. [PMID: 38926315 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01426-7] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important nosocomial pathogens that possess the ability to produce multiple antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. Elastase B (LasB) is the major factor implicated in tissue invasion and damage during P. aeruginosa infections, whose synthesis is regulated by the quorum sensing (QS) system. Anti-virulence approach is now considered as potential therapeutic alternative and/or adjuvant to current antibiotics' failure. The aim of this study is primarily to find out the impact of the efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) phenylalanine arginyl β-naphthylamide (PAβN) on the production of elastase B and the gene expression of lasI quorum sensing and lasB virulence factor in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Five P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from patients with respiratory tract infections were examined in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was performed by the disk agar diffusion method. Effect of the PAβN on imipenem susceptibility, bacterial viability, and elastase production was evaluated. The expression of lasB and lasI genes was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in the presence of PAβN. All isolates were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) and showed resistance to carbapenem (MIC = 64-256 µg/mL). Susceptibility of isolates to imipenem was highly increased in the presence of efflux inhibitor. PAβN significantly reduced elastase activity in three isolates tested without affecting bacterial growth. In addition, the relative expression of both lasB and lasI genes was diminished in all isolates in the presence of inhibitor. Efflux inhibition by using the EPI PAβN could be a potential target for controlling the P. aeruginosa virulence and pathogenesis. Furthermore, impairment of drug efflux by PAβN indicates its capability to be used as antimicrobial adjuvant that can decrease the resistance and lower the effective doses of current drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hojjati Zolpirani
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ezat Allah Ghaemi
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yasaghi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Iraj Nikokar
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Langroud School of Allied Medical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran
| | - Abdollah Ardebili
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
- Medical Bacteriology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, 49341-74515, Gorgan, Iran.
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10
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Braga RE, Najar FZ, Murphy CL, Patrauchan MA. Carbonic anhydrases in bacterial pathogens. Enzymes 2024; 55:313-342. [PMID: 39222996 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2024.05.007] [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: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) catalyze the reversable hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate placing them into the core of the biochemical carbon cycle. Due to the fundamental importance of their function, they evolved independently into eight classes, three of which have been recently discovered. Most research on CAs has focused on their representatives in eukaryotic organisms, while prokaryotic CAs received significantly less attention. Nevertheless, prokaryotic CAs play a key role in the fundamental ability of the biosphere to acquire CO2 for photosynthesis and to decompose the organic matter back to CO2. They also contribute to a broad spectrum of processes in pathogenic bacteria, enhancing their ability to survive in a host and, therefore, present a promising target for developing antimicrobials. This review focuses on the distribution of CAs among bacterial pathogens and their importance in bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reygan E Braga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Fares Z Najar
- Bioinformatics Core, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Chelsea L Murphy
- Bioinformatics Core, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Marianna A Patrauchan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States.
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11
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Li X, Li Y, Xiong B, Qiu S. Progress of Antimicrobial Mechanisms of Stilbenoids. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:663. [PMID: 38794325 PMCID: PMC11124934 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050663] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial drugs have made outstanding contributions to the treatment of pathogenic infections. However, the emergence of drug resistance continues to be a major threat to human health in recent years, and therefore, the search for novel antimicrobial drugs is particularly urgent. With a deeper understanding of microbial habits and drug resistance mechanisms, various creative strategies for the development of novel antibiotics have been proposed. Stilbenoids, characterized by a C6-C2-C6 carbon skeleton, have recently been widely recognized for their flexible antimicrobial roles. Here, we comprehensively summarize the mode of action of stilbenoids from the viewpoint of their direct antimicrobial properties, antibiofilm and antivirulence activities and their role in reversing drug resistance. This review will provide an important reference for the future development and research into the mechanisms of stilbenoids as antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancai Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China;
| | - Yongqing Li
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China;
| | - Binghong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China;
| | - Shengxiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China;
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12
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Yan X, Hou S, Xing C, Zhang Y, Chang J, Xiao J, Lin F. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of the Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Molecules 2024; 29:2211. [PMID: 38792073 PMCID: PMC11123961 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102211] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the resistance of Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to most clinically relevant antimicrobials, the use of traditional antibiotic treatments in hospitals is challenging. The formation of biofilms, which is regulated by the quorum-sensing (QS) system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), is an important cause of drug resistance. There are three main QS systems in P. aeruginosa: the las system, the rhl system, and the pqs system. The inhibitors of the las system are the most studied. Previously, the compound AOZ-1 was found to have a certain inhibitory effect on the las system when screened. In this study, twenty-four compounds were designed and synthesized by modifying the Linker and Rings of AOZ-1. Using C. violaceum CV026 as a reporter strain, this study first assessed the inhibitory effects of new compounds against QS, and their SAR was investigated. Then, based on the SAR analysis of compound AOZ-1 derivatives, the parent core of AOZ-1 was replaced to explore the structural diversity. Then, nine new compounds were designed and synthesized with a new nucleus core component of 3-amino-tetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one. The compound Y-31 (IC50 = 91.55 ± 3.35 µM) was found to inhibit the QS of C. violaceum CV026. Its inhibitory effect on C. violaceum CV026 was better than that of compound AOZ-1 (IC50 > 200 µM). Furthermore, biofilm formation is one of the important causes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 resistance. In this study, it was found that compound Y-31, with a new nucleus core component of 3-amino-tetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one, had the highest biofilm inhibition rate (40.44%). The compound Y-31 has a certain inhibitory effect on the production of PAO1 virulence factors (pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, and elastase) and swarming. When the concentration of compound Y-31 was 162.5 µM, the inhibition rates of pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, and elastase were 22.48%, 6.13%, and 22.67%, respectively. In vivo, the lifetime of wildtype Caenorhabditis elegans N2 infected with P. aeruginosa PAO1 was markedly extended by the new parent nucleus Y-31. This study also performed cytotoxicity experiments and in vivo pharmacokinetics experiments on the compound Y-31. In conclusion, this study identified a compound, Y-31, with a new nucleus core component of 3-amino-tetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one, which is a potential agent for treating P. aeruginosa PAO1 that is resistant to antibiotics and offers a way to discover novel antibacterial medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlin Yan
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; (X.Y.); (S.H.); (J.C.)
| | - Shi Hou
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; (X.Y.); (S.H.); (J.C.)
| | - Cheng Xing
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
| | - Jiajia Chang
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; (X.Y.); (S.H.); (J.C.)
| | - Junhai Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; (X.Y.); (S.H.); (J.C.)
| | - Feng Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
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13
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Mutlu A, Vanderpool EJ, Rumbaugh KP, Diggle SP, Griffin AS. Exploiting cooperative pathogen behaviour for enhanced antibiotic potency: A Trojan horse approach. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001454. [PMID: 38687006 PMCID: PMC11084615 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance poses an escalating global threat, rendering traditional drug development approaches increasingly ineffective. Thus, novel alternatives to antibiotic-based therapies are needed. Exploiting pathogen cooperation as a strategy for combating resistant infections has been proposed but lacks experimental validation. Empirical findings demonstrate the successful invasion of cooperating populations by non-cooperating cheats, effectively reducing virulence in vitro and in vivo. The idea of harnessing cooperative behaviours for therapeutic benefit involves exploitation of the invasive capabilities of cheats to drive medically beneficial traits into infecting populations of cells. In this study, we employed Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing cheats to drive antibiotic sensitivity into both in vitro and in vivo resistant populations. We demonstrated the successful invasion of cheats, followed by increased antibiotic effectiveness against cheat-invaded populations, thereby establishing an experimental proof of principle for the potential application of the Trojan strategy in fighting resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alper Mutlu
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Stephen P. Diggle
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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14
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Tan S, Liu Z, Cong M, Zhong X, Mao Y, Fan M, Jiao F, Qiao H. Dandelion-derived vesicles-laden hydrogel dressings capable of neutralizing Staphylococcus aureus exotoxins for the care of invasive wounds. J Control Release 2024; 368:355-371. [PMID: 38432468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.045] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Delayed wound healing caused by bacterial infection remains a major challenge in clinical treatment. Exotoxins incorporated in bacterial extracellular vesicles play a key role as the disease-causing virulence factors. Safe and specific antivirulence agents are expected to be developed as an effective anti-bacterial infection strategy, instead of single antibiotic therapy. Plant-derived extracellular vesicle-like nanoparticles have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for skin diseases, but the elucidations of specific mechanisms of action and clinical transformation still need to be advanced. Here, dandelion-derived extracellular vesicle-like nanoparticles (TH-EVNs) are isolated and exert antivirulence activity through specifically binding to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) exotoxins, thereby protecting the host cell from attack. The neutralization of TH-EVNs against exotoxins has considerable binding force and stability, showing complete detoxification effect in vivo. Then gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel is developed as TH-EVNs-loaded dressing for S. aureus exotoxin-invasive wounds. Hydrogel dressings demonstrate good physical and mechanical properties, thus achieving wound retention and controlled release of TH-EVNs, in addition to promoting cell proliferation and migration. In vivo results show accelerated re-epithelialization, promotion of collagen maturity and reduction of inflammation after treatment. Collectively, the developed TH-EVNs-laden hydrogel dressings provide a potential therapeutic approach for S. aureus exotoxin- associated trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenyu Tan
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhuoya Liu
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Minghui Cong
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhong
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yinping Mao
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mingjie Fan
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fangwen Jiao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Hongzhi Qiao
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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15
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Liu Y, Liu J, Yan P, Kachanuban K, Liu P, Jia A, Zhu W. Carbazole and Quinazolinone Derivatives from a Fluoride-Tolerant Streptomyces Strain OUCMDZ-5511. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:6424-6431. [PMID: 38470989 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Six new 9H-carbazole derivatives (1-6) and nine previously reported compounds (7-15) were isolated from a fermented solid medium of the Thailand mangrove-derived Streptomyces strain, OUCMDZ-5511, under fluoride stress. Compounds 2-5, 12, and 15 were exclusively present in the fluoride-supplemented fermentation medium, while compounds 7-9, 13, and 14 were newly discovered natural products. The molecular structures of the compounds were identified by a spectroscopic analysis. The new compound 2 displayed antiquorum sensing activity against Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 by reducing the violacein production and inhibiting the biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner. The study revealed that compound 2 could be a novel potential inhibitor of quorum sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Junsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Pengcheng Yan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Konthorn Kachanuban
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Department of Fishery Product, Faculty of Fisheries of Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Peipei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Aiqun Jia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
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16
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Iwasaki J, Bzdyl NM, Lin-Sullivan DJM, Scheuplein NJ, Dueñas ME, de Jong E, Harmer NJ, Holzgrabe U, Sarkar-Tyson M. Inhibition of macrophage infectivity potentiator in Burkholderia pseudomallei suppresses pro-inflammatory responses in murine macrophages. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1353682. [PMID: 38590438 PMCID: PMC10999550 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1353682] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Melioidosis, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a disease endemic in many tropical countries globally. Clinical presentation is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal septicemia, and thus the outcome of infection can depend on the host immune responses. The aims of this study were to firstly, characterize the macrophage immune response to B. pseudomallei and secondly, to determine whether the immune response was modified in the presence of novel inhibitors targeting the virulence factor, the macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) protein. We hypothesized that inhibition of Mip in B. pseudomallei would disarm the bacteria and result in a host beneficial immune response. Methods Murine macrophage J774A.1 cells were infected with B. pseudomallei K96243 in the presence of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the Mip protein. RNA-sequencing was performed on infected cells four hours post-infection. Secreted cytokines and lactose dehydrogenase were measured in cell culture supernatants 24 hours post-infection. Viable, intracellular B. pseudomallei in macrophages were also enumerated 24 hours post-infection. Results Global transcriptional profiling of macrophages infected with B. pseudomallei by RNA-seq demonstrated upregulation of immune-associated genes, in particular a significant enrichment of genes in the TNF signaling pathway. Treatment of B. pseudomallei-infected macrophages with the Mip inhibitor, AN_CH_37 resulted in a 5.3-fold reduction of il1b when compared to cells treated with DMSO, which the inhibitors were solubilized in. A statistically significant reduction in IL-1β levels in culture supernatants was seen 24 hours post-infection with AN_CH_37, as well as other pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-6 and TNF-α. Treatment with AN_CH_37 also reduced the survival of B. pseudomallei in macrophages after 24 hours which was accompanied by a significant reduction in B. pseudomallei-induced cytotoxicity as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release. Discussion These data highlight the potential to utilize Mip inhibitors in reducing potentially harmful pro-inflammatory responses resulting from B. pseudomallei infection in macrophages. This could be of significance since overstimulation of pro-inflammatory responses can result in immunopathology, tissue damage and septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jua Iwasaki
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nicole M. Bzdyl
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Dion J. M. Lin-Sullivan
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Maria Emilia Dueñas
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Emma de Jong
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nicholas J. Harmer
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Living Systems Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mitali Sarkar-Tyson
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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17
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Lories B, Belpaire TER, Smeets B, Steenackers HP. Competition quenching strategies reduce antibiotic tolerance in polymicrobial biofilms. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:23. [PMID: 38503782 PMCID: PMC10951329 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00489-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria typically live in dense communities where they are surrounded by other species and compete for a limited amount of resources. These competitive interactions can induce defensive responses that also protect against antimicrobials, potentially complicating the antimicrobial treatment of pathogens residing in polymicrobial consortia. Therefore, we evaluate the potential of alternative antivirulence strategies that quench this response to competition. We test three competition quenching approaches: (i) interference with the attack mechanism of surrounding competitors, (ii) inhibition of the stress response systems that detect competition, and (iii) reduction of the overall level of competition in the community by lowering the population density. We show that either strategy can prevent the induction of antimicrobial tolerance of Salmonella Typhimurium in response to competitors. Competition quenching strategies can thus reduce tolerance of pathogens residing in polymicrobial communities and could contribute to the improved eradication of these pathogens via traditional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Lories
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom E R Belpaire
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Mechatronics, Biostatistics, and Sensors (MeBioS), Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Smeets
- Division of Mechatronics, Biostatistics, and Sensors (MeBioS), Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hans P Steenackers
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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18
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Valentine M, Rudolph P, Dietschmann A, Tsavou A, Mogavero S, Lee S, Priest EL, Zhurgenbayeva G, Jablonowski N, Timme S, Eggeling C, Allert S, Dolk E, Naglik JR, Figge MT, Gresnigt MS, Hube B. Nanobody-mediated neutralization of candidalysin prevents epithelial damage and inflammatory responses that drive vulvovaginal candidiasis pathogenesis. mBio 2024; 15:e0340923. [PMID: 38349176 PMCID: PMC10936171 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03409-23] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans can cause mucosal infections in humans. This includes oropharyngeal candidiasis, which is commonly observed in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients, and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is the most frequent manifestation of candidiasis. Epithelial cell invasion by C. albicans hyphae is accompanied by the secretion of candidalysin, a peptide toxin that causes epithelial cell cytotoxicity. During vaginal infections, candidalysin-driven tissue damage triggers epithelial signaling pathways, leading to hyperinflammatory responses and immunopathology, a hallmark of VVC. Therefore, we proposed blocking candidalysin activity using nanobodies to reduce epithelial damage and inflammation as a therapeutic strategy for VVC. Anti-candidalysin nanobodies were confirmed to localize around epithelial-invading C. albicans hyphae, even within the invasion pocket where candidalysin is secreted. The nanobodies reduced candidalysin-induced damage to epithelial cells and downstream proinflammatory responses. Accordingly, the nanobodies also decreased neutrophil activation and recruitment. In silico mathematical modeling enabled the quantification of epithelial damage caused by candidalysin under various nanobody dosing strategies. Thus, nanobody-mediated neutralization of candidalysin offers a novel therapeutic approach to block immunopathogenic events during VVC and alleviate symptoms.IMPORTANCEWorldwide, vaginal infections caused by Candida albicans (VVC) annually affect millions of women, with symptoms significantly impacting quality of life. Current treatments are based on anti-fungals and probiotics that target the fungus. However, in some cases, infections are recurrent, called recurrent VVC, which often fails to respond to treatment. Vaginal mucosal tissue damage caused by the C. albicans peptide toxin candidalysin is a key driver in the induction of hyperinflammatory responses that fail to clear the infection and contribute to immunopathology and disease severity. In this pre-clinical evaluation, we show that nanobody-mediated candidalysin neutralization reduces tissue damage and thereby limits inflammation. Implementation of candidalysin-neutralizing nanobodies may prove an attractive strategy to alleviate symptoms in complicated VVC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Valentine
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Paul Rudolph
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel Dietschmann
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Antzela Tsavou
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Selene Mogavero
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sejeong Lee
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Emily L. Priest
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Gaukhar Zhurgenbayeva
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadja Jablonowski
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sandra Timme
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Eggeling
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Biophysical Imaging, Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Julian R. Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Marc T. Figge
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark S. Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
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19
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Xu Y, Wagner GK. A cell-permeable probe for the labelling of a bacterial glycosyltransferase and virulence factor. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:55-62. [PMID: 38179196 PMCID: PMC10763556 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00092c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical probes for bacterial glycosyltransferases are of interest for applications such as tracking of expression levels, and strain profiling and identification. Existing probes for glycosyltransferases are typically based on sugar-nucleotides, whose charged nature limits their applicability in intact cells. We report the development of an uncharged covalent probe for the bacterial galactosyltransferase LgtC, and its application for the fluorescent labelling of this enzyme in recombinant form, cell lysates, and intact cells. The probe was designed by equipping a previously reported covalent LgtC inhibitor based on a pyrazol-3-one scaffold with a 7-hydroxycoumarin fluorophore. We show that this pyrazol-3-ones scaffold is surprisingly stable in aqueous media, which may have wider implications for the use of pyrazol-3-ones as chemical probes. We also show that the 7-hydroxycoumarin fluorophore leads to an unexpected improvement in activity, which could be exploited for the development of second generation analogues. These results will provide a basis for the development of LgtC-specific probes for the detection of LgtC-expressing bacterial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xu
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London UK
| | - Gerd K Wagner
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 7BL UK
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Chen Y, Ying Y, Lalsiamthara J, Zhao Y, Imani S, Li X, Liu S, Wang Q. From bacteria to biomedicine: Developing therapies exploiting NAD + metabolism. Bioorg Chem 2024; 142:106974. [PMID: 37984103 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106974] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) serves as a critical cofactor in cellular metabolism and redox reactions. Bacterial pathways rely on NAD+ participation, where its stability and concentration govern essential homeostasis and functions. This review delves into the role and metabolic regulation of NAD+ in bacteria, highlighting its influence on physiology and virulence. Notably, we explore enzymes linked to NAD+ metabolism as antibacterial drug targets and vaccine candidates. Moreover, we scrutinize NAD+'s medical potential, offering insights for its application in biomedicine. This comprehensive assessment informs future research directions in the dynamic realm of NAD+ and its biomedical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ying
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jonathan Lalsiamthara
- Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Yuheng Zhao
- College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Saber Imani
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sijing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China.
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21
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Parmar S, Gajera G, Thakkar N, Palep HS, Kothari V. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-pathogenic potential of a polyherbal formulation Enteropan® against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Drug Target Insights 2024; 18:54-69. [PMID: 39224464 PMCID: PMC11367655 DOI: 10.33393/dti.2024.3082] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Anti-pathogenic potential of a polyherbal formulation Enteropan® was investigated against a multidrug-resistant strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods Growth, pigment production, antibiotic susceptibility, etc., were assessed through appropriate in vitro assays. Virulence of the test pathogen was assessed employing the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model host. Molecular mechanisms underlining the anti-pathogenic activity of the test formulation were elucidated through whole transcriptome analysis of the extract-exposed bacterial culture. Results Enteropan-pre-exposed P. aeruginosa displayed reduced (~70%↓) virulence towards the model host C. elegans. Enteropan affected various traits like biofilm formation, protein synthesis and secretion, quorum-modulated pigment production, antibiotic susceptibility, nitrogen metabolism, etc., in this pathogen. P. aeruginosa could not develop complete resistance to the virulence-attenuating activity of Enteropan even after repeated exposure to this polyherbal formulation. Whole transcriptome analysis showed 17% of P. aeruginosa genome to get differentially expressed under influence of Enteropan. Major mechanisms through which Enteropan exerted its anti-virulence activity were found to be generation of nitrosative stress, oxidative stress, envelop stress, quorum modulation, disturbance of protein homeostasis and metal homeostasis. Network analysis of the differently expressed genes resulted in identification of 10 proteins with high network centrality as potential targets from among the downregulated genes. Differential expression of genes coding for five (rpoA, tig, rpsB, rpsL, and rpsJ) of these targets was validated through real-time polymerase chain reaction too, and they can further be pursued as potential targets by various drug discovery programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweety Parmar
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad - India
| | - Gemini Gajera
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad - India
| | - Nidhi Thakkar
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad - India
| | | | - Vijay Kothari
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad - India
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22
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Mansour KE, Qi Y, Yan M, Ramström O, Priebe GP, Schaefers MM. Small-molecule activators of a bacterial signaling pathway inhibit virulence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.02.569726. [PMID: 38076823 PMCID: PMC10705554 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.02.569726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The Burkholderia genus encompasses multiple human pathogens, including potential bioterrorism agents, that are often extensively antibiotic resistant. The FixLJ pathway in Burkholderia is a two-component system that regulates virulence. Previous work showed that fixLJ mutations arising during chronic infection confer increased virulence while decreasing the activity of the FixLJ pathway. We hypothesized that small-molecule activators of the FixLJ pathway could serve as anti-virulence therapies. Here, we developed a high-throughput assay that screened over 28,000 compounds and identified 11 that could specifically active the FixLJ pathway. Eight of these compounds, denoted Burkholderia Fix Activator (BFA) 1-8, inhibited the intracellular survival of Burkholderia in THP-1-dervived macrophages in a fixLJ-dependent manner without significant toxicity. One of the compounds, BFA1, inhibited the intracellular survival in macrophages of multiple Burkholderia species. Predictive modeling of the interaction of BFA1 with Burkholderia FixL suggests that BFA1 binds to the putative ATP/ADP binding pocket in the kinase domain, indicating a potential mechanism for pathway activation. These results indicate that small-molecule FixLJ pathway activators are promising anti-virulence agents for Burkholderia and define a new paradigm for antibacterial therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Mansour
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yunchuan Qi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Ave., Lowell, MA 01854
| | - Mingdi Yan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Ave., Lowell, MA 01854
| | - Olof Ramström
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Ave., Lowell, MA 01854
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-39182 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Gregory P. Priebe
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew M. Schaefers
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Metcalf BJ, Waldetoft KW, Beall BW, Brown SP. Variation in pneumococcal invasiveness metrics is driven by serotype carriage duration and initial risk of disease. Epidemics 2023; 45:100731. [PMID: 38039595 PMCID: PMC10786323 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2023.100731] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that, while usually carried asymptomatically, can cause severe invasive diseases like meningitis and bacteremic pneumonia. A central goal in S. pneumoniae public health management is to identify which serotypes (immunologically distinct strains) pose the most risk of invasive disease. The most common invasiveness metrics use cross-sectional data (i.e., invasive odds ratios (IOR)), or longitudinal data (i.e., attack rates (AR)). To assess the reliability of these metrics we developed an epidemiological model of carriage and invasive disease. Our mathematical analyses illustrate qualitative failures with the IOR metric (e.g., IOR can decline with increasing invasiveness parameters). Fitting the model to both longitudinal and cross-sectional data, our analysis supports previous work indicating that invasion risk is maximal at or near time of colonization. This pattern of early invasive disease risk leads to substantial (up to 5-fold) biases when estimating underlying differences in invasiveness from IOR metrics, due to the impact of carriage duration on IOR. Together, these results raise serious concerns with the IOR metric as a basis for public health decision-making and lend support for multiple alternate metrics including AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Metcalf
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Kristofer Wollein Waldetoft
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; Torsby Hospital, Torsby, Sweden
| | - Bernard W Beall
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sam P Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.
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24
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Matilla MA, Krell T. Targeting motility and chemotaxis as a strategy to combat bacterial pathogens. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:2205-2211. [PMID: 37387327 PMCID: PMC10686171 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Matilla
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del ZaidínConsejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasGranadaSpain
| | - Tino Krell
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del ZaidínConsejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasGranadaSpain
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25
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Roese KHC, Torlone C, Cooper LA, Esposito L, Deveau AM, Röse USR, Burkholder KM. Pyrogallol impairs staphylococcal biofilm formation via induction of bacterial oxidative stress. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad270. [PMID: 37974055 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the effect of the phenolic compound pyrogallol on staphylococcal biofilm formation. METHODS AND RESULTS In crystal violet biofilm assays, pyrogallol-reduced biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984, Staph. epidermidis NRRL-B41021, Staphylococcus aureus USA300, and Staph. aureus Newman, without significantly impairing bacterial viability. Pyrogallol-mediated impairment of biofilm formation was likely due to induction of bacterial oxidative stress, as its effect was greater in catalase-deficient versus WT Staph. aureus, and biofilm production was rescued by exogenous catalase. The effect of pyrogallol on staphylococcal biofilm formation mirrored that of the known oxidant hydrogen peroxide, which also reduced biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Pyrogallol reduces biofilm formation in S. aureus and Staph. epidermidis in a mechanism involving induction of bacterial oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina H C Roese
- School of Biological Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
| | - Christina Torlone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
| | - Lauren A Cooper
- School of Biological Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
| | - Lee Esposito
- School of Biological Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
| | - Amy M Deveau
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
| | - Ursula S R Röse
- School of Biological Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
| | - Kristin M Burkholder
- School of Biological Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
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Koh CMM, Ping LSY, Xuan CHH, Theng LB, San HS, Palombo EA, Wezen XC. A data-driven machine learning approach for discovering potent LasR inhibitors. Bioengineered 2023; 14:2243416. [PMID: 37552115 PMCID: PMC10411317 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2243416] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The rampant spread of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains severely threatens global health. This severity is compounded against the backdrop of a stagnating antibiotics development pipeline. Moreover, with many promising therapeutics falling short of expectations in clinical trials, targeting the las quorum sensing (QS) system remains an attractive therapeutic strategy to combat P. aeruginosa infection. Thus, our primary goal was to develop a drug prediction algorithm using machine learning to identify potent LasR inhibitors. In this work, we demonstrated using a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) algorithm boosted with AdaBoostM1 to discriminate between active and inactive LasR inhibitors. The optimal model performance was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation and test sets. Our best model achieved a 90.7% accuracy in distinguishing active from inactive LasR inhibitors, an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve value of 0.95, and a Matthews correlation coefficient value of 0.81 when evaluated using test sets. Subsequently, we deployed the model against the Enamine database. The top-ranked compounds were further evaluated for their target engagement activity using molecular docking studies, Molecular Dynamics simulations, MM-GBSA analysis, and Free Energy Landscape analysis. Our data indicate that several of our chosen top hits showed better ligand-binding affinities than naringenin, a competitive LasR inhibitor. Among the six top hits, five of these compounds were predicted to be LasR inhibitors that could be used to treat P. aeruginosa-associated infections. To our knowledge, this study provides the first assessment of using an MLP-based QSAR model for discovering potent LasR inhibitors to attenuate P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christabel Ming Ming Koh
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Lilian Siaw Yung Ping
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Christopher Ha Heng Xuan
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Lau Bee Theng
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Hwang Siaw San
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Enzo A. Palombo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xavier Chee Wezen
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Yap CH, Ramle AQ, Lim SK, Rames A, Tay ST, Chin SP, Kiew LV, Tiekink ERT, Chee CF. Synthesis and Staphylococcus aureus biofilm inhibitory activity of indolenine-substituted pyrazole and pyrimido[1,2-b]indazole derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 95:117485. [PMID: 37812886 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117485] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a highly adaptable opportunistic pathogen that can form biofilms and generate persister cells, leading to life-threatening infections that are difficult to treat with antibiotics alone. Therefore, there is a need for an effective S. aureus biofilm inhibitor to combat this public health threat. In this study, a small library of indolenine-substituted pyrazoles and pyrimido[1,2-b]indazole derivatives were synthesised, of which the hit compound exhibited promising antibiofilm activities against methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA ATCC 29213) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA ATCC 33591) at concentrations significantly lower than the planktonic growth inhibition. The hit compound could prevent biofilm formation and eradicate mature biofilms of MSSA and MRSA, with a minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC50) value as low as 1.56 µg/mL and a minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC50) value as low as 6.25 µg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the hit compound against MSSA and MRSA were 50 µg/mL and 25 µg/mL, respectively, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against MSSA and MRSA were > 100 µg/mL. Preliminary structure-activity relationship analysis reveals that the fused benzene ring and COOH group of the hit compound are crucial for the antibiofilm activity. Additionally, the compound was not cytotoxic to human alveolar A549 cells, thus highlighting its potential as a suitable candidate for further development as a S. aureus biofilm inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Hong Yap
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Qaiyum Ramle
- School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - See Khai Lim
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Avinash Rames
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sun Tee Tay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Sek Peng Chin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lik Voon Kiew
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 30068 Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Edward R T Tiekink
- Research Centre for Crystalline Materials, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Chin Fei Chee
- Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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28
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Miele L, Evans RML, Cunniffe NJ, Torres-Barceló C, Bevacqua D. Evolutionary Epidemiology Consequences of Trait-Dependent Control of Heterogeneous Parasites. Am Nat 2023; 202:E130-E146. [PMID: 37963120 DOI: 10.1086/726062] [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: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
AbstractDisease control can induce both demographic and evolutionary responses in host-parasite systems. Foreseeing the outcome of control therefore requires knowledge of the eco-evolutionary feedback between control and system. Previous work has assumed that control strategies have a homogeneous effect on the parasite population. However, this is not true when control targets those traits that confer to the parasite heterogeneous levels of resistance, which can additionally be related to other key parasite traits through evolutionary trade-offs. In this work, we develop a minimal model coupling epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics to explore possible trait-dependent effects of control strategies. In particular, we consider a parasite expressing continuous levels of a trait-determining resource exploitation and a control treatment that can be either positively or negatively correlated with that trait. We demonstrate the potential of trait-dependent control by considering that the decision maker may want to minimize both the damage caused by the disease and the use of treatment, due to possible environmental or economic costs. We identify efficient strategies showing that the optimal type of treatment depends on the amount applied. Our results pave the way for the study of control strategies based on evolutionary constraints, such as collateral sensitivity and resistance costs, which are receiving increasing attention for both public health and agricultural purposes.
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29
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Arfat Y, Zafar I, Sehgal SA, Ayaz M, Sajid M, Khan JM, Ahsan M, Rather MA, Khan AA, Alshehri JM, Akash S, Nepovimova E, Kuca K, Sharma R. In silico designing of multiepitope-based-peptide (MBP) vaccine against MAPK protein express for Alzheimer's disease in Zebrafish. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22204. [PMID: 38058625 PMCID: PMC10695983 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signalling pathway is essential in advancing treatments for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. In this study, we investigate in-silico techniques involving computer-based methods to extract the MAPK1 sequence. Our applied methods enable us to analyze the protein's structure, evaluate its properties, establish its evolutionary relationships, and assess its prevalence in populations. We also predict epitopes, assess their ability to trigger immune responses, and check for allergenicity using advanced computational tools to understand their immunological properties comprehensively. We apply virtual screening, docking, and structure modelling to identify promising drug candidates, analyze their interactions, and enhance drug design processes. We identified a total of 30 cell-targeting molecules against the MAPK1 protein, where we selected top 10 CTL epitopes (PAGGGPNPG, GGGPNPGSG, SAPAGGGPN, AVSAPAGGG, AGGGPNPGS, ATAAVSAPA, TAAVSAPAG, ENIIGINDI, INDIIRTPT, and NDIIRTPTI) for further evaluation to determine their potential efficacy, safety, and suitability for vaccine design based on strong binding potential. The potential to cover a large portion of the world's population with these vaccines is substantial-88.5 % for one type and 99.99 % for another. In exploring the molecular docking analyses, we examined a library of compounds from the ZINC database. Among them, we identified twelve compounds with the lowest binding energy. Critical residues in the MAPK1 protein, such as VAL48, LYS63, CYS175, ASP176, LYS160, ALA61, LEU165, TYR45, SER162, ARG33, PRO365, PHE363, ILE40, ASN163, and GLU42, are pivotal for interactions with these compounds. Our result suggests that these compounds could influence the protein's behaviour. Moreover, our docking analyses revealed that the predicted peptides have a strong affinity for the MAPK1 protein. These peptides form stable complexes, indicating their potential as potent inhibitors. This study contributes to the identification of new drug compounds and the screening of their desired properties. These compounds could potentially help reduce the excessive activity of MAPK1, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Arfat
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara, 56300, Pakistan
| | - Imran Zafar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Virtual University, Punjab, 54700, Pakistan
| | - Sheikh Arslan Sehgal
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Mazhar Ayaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajid
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara, 56300, Pakistan
| | - Jamal Muhammad Khan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ahsan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, University of Okara, Okara, 56300, Pakistan
| | - Mohd Ashraf Rather
- Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil- Gandarbal (SKAUST-K), India
| | - Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamilah M. Alshehri
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shopnil Akash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International, University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, 50 003, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, 50 003, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 50005, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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30
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Ballante F, Turkina MV, Ntzouni M, Magnusson KE, Vikström E. Modified N-acyl-L-homoserine lactone compounds abrogate Las-dependent quorum-sensing response in human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1264773. [PMID: 37908228 PMCID: PMC10613653 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1264773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a mode of cell-cell communication that bacteria use to sense population density and orchestrate collective behaviors. The common opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs QS to regulate a large set of genes involved in virulence and host-pathogen interactions. The Las circuit positioned on the top of the QS hierarchy in P. aeruginosa makes use of N-acyl-L-homoserine lactones (AHLs) as signal molecules, like N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3O-C12-HSL). Disabling QS circuits by certain small-molecule compounds, known as quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs), has been proposed as a strategy to attenuate bacterial pathogenicity. In this study, four new AHL analogs were designed by incorporating a tert-butoxycarbonyl Boc group in amide and β-keto (3-oxo) moiety. Compounds were evaluated on a molecular and phenotypic basis as a QSI using the screening strategy linked to the assignment of the Las QS system in P. aeruginosa. Using a LasR-based bioreporter, we found that the compounds decreased LasR-controlled light activity and competed efficiently with natural 3O-C12-HSL. The compounds reduced the production of the cognate 3O-C12-HSL and certain virulence traits, like total protease activity, elastase activity, pyocyanin production, and extracellular DNA release. Furthermore, a quantitative proteomic approach was used to study the effect of the compounds on QS-regulated extracellular proteins. Among the four compounds tested, one of them showed the most significant difference in the appearance of the 3O-C12-HSL-responsive reference proteins related to QS communication and virulence, i.e., a distinct activity as a QSI. Moreover, by combining experimental data with computational chemistry, we addressed the effect of LasR protein flexibility on docking precision and assessed the advantage of using a multi-conformational docking procedure for binding mode prediction of LasR modulators. Thus, the four new AHL compounds were tested for their interaction with the AHL-binding site in LasR to identify the key interferences with the activity of LasR. Our study provides further insight into molecular features that are required for small-molecule modulation of LasR-dependent QS communication in P. aeruginosa. This should facilitate rational design of the next generation of antivirulence tools to study and manipulate QS-controlled fitness in bacteria and, thereby, handle bacterial infections in a new way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Ballante
- Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS), Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria V. Turkina
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria Ntzouni
- Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karl-Eric Magnusson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elena Vikström
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Gabaldón T. Nothing makes sense in drug resistance except in the light of evolution. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 75:102350. [PMID: 37348192 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102350] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Our ability to fight infectious diseases is being increasingly compromised due to the emergence and spread of pathogens that become resistant to one or several drugs. This phenomenon is ubiquitous among pathogens and has parallels in cancer treatment. Given the urgency of the problem, there is a need for a paradigm shift in drug therapy toward one in which the objective to prevent the evolution of drug resistance is considered alongside the main objective of eliminating the infection or tumor. Here, I stress the importance of considering an evolutionary perspective to achieve this goal, and review recent advances in this direction, including therapies that exploit the fitness trade-offs of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Barcelona, Spain.
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Kolling D, Haupenthal J, Hirsch AKH, Koehnke J. Facile Production of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence Factor LasB in Escherichia coli for Structure-Based Drug Design. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300185. [PMID: 37195753 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300185] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa has a number of virulence factors at its disposal that play crucial roles in the progression of infection. LasB is one of the major virulence factors and exerts its effects through elastolytic and proteolytic activities aimed at dissolving connective tissue and inactivating host defense proteins. LasB is of great interest for the development of novel pathoblockers to temper the virulence, but access has thus far largely been limited to protein isolated from Pseudomonas cultures. Here, we describe a new protocol for high-level production of native LasB in Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that this facile approach is suitable for the production of mutant, thus far inaccessible LasB variants, and characterize the proteins biochemically and structurally. We expect that easy access to LasB will accelerate the development of inhibitors for this important virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Kolling
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Saarland, Campus Saarbrücken, 66123, Saarbrücken, UK
| | - Jörg Haupenthal
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Anna K H Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Saarland, Campus Saarbrücken, 66123, Saarbrücken, UK
| | - Jesko Koehnke
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Joseph Black Building, University Avenue, G12 800, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 5, 30167, Hannover, Germany
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33
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Bekale LA, Sharma D, Bacacao B, Chen J, Santa Maria PL. Eradication of Bacterial Persister Cells By Leveraging Their Low Metabolic Activity Using Adenosine Triphosphate Coated Gold Nanoclusters. NANO TODAY 2023; 51:101895. [PMID: 37575958 PMCID: PMC10421611 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2023.101895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria first develop tolerance after antibiotic exposure; later genetic resistance emerges through the population of tolerant bacteria. Bacterial persister cells are the multidrug-tolerant subpopulation within an isogenic bacteria culture that maintains genetic susceptibility to antibiotics. Because of this link between antibiotic tolerance and resistance and the rise of antibiotic resistance, there is a pressing need to develop treatments to eradicate persister cells. Current anti persister cell strategies are based on the paradigm of "awakening" them from their low metabolic state before attempting eradication with traditional antibiotics. Herein, we demonstrate that the low metabolic activity of persister cells can be exploited for eradication over their metabolically active counterparts. We engineered gold nanoclusters coated with adenosine triphosphate (AuNC@ATP) as a benchmark nanocluster that kills persister cells over exponential growth bacterial cells and prove the feasibility of this new concept. Finally, using AuNC@ATP as a new research tool, we demonstrated that it is possible to prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant superbugs with an anti-persister compound. Eradicating persister cells with AuNC@ATP in an isogenic culture of bacteria stops the emergence of superbug bacteria mediated by the sub-lethal dose of conventional antibiotics. Our findings lay the groundwork for developing novel nano-antibiotics targeting persister cells, which promise to prevent the emergence of superbugs and prolong the lifespan of currently available antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent A. Bekale
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 801 Welch Road Stanford, CA 94305-5739, USA
| | - Devesh Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 801 Welch Road Stanford, CA 94305-5739, USA
| | - Brian Bacacao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 801 Welch Road Stanford, CA 94305-5739, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 801 Welch Road Stanford, CA 94305-5739, USA
| | - Peter L. Santa Maria
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 801 Welch Road Stanford, CA 94305-5739, USA
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Xu Q, Guo M, Yu F. β-Barrel Assembly Machinery (BAM) Complex as Novel Antibacterial Drug Target. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093758. [PMID: 37175168 PMCID: PMC10180388 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is closely related to the pathogenicity and drug resistance of bacteria. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are a class of proteins with important biological functions on the outer membrane. The β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex plays a key role in OMP biogenesis, which ensures that the OMP is inserted into the outer membrane in a correct folding manner and performs nutrient uptake, antibiotic resistance, cell adhesion, cell signaling, and maintenance of membrane stability and other functions. The BAM complex is highly conserved among Gram-negative bacteria. The abnormality of the BAM complex will lead to the obstruction of OMP folding, affect the function of the outer membrane, and eventually lead to bacterial death. In view of the important role of the BAM complex in OMP biogenesis, the BAM complex has become an attractive target for the development of new antibacterial drugs against Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we summarize the structure and function of the BAM complex and review the latest research progress of antibacterial drugs targeting BAM in order to provide a new perspective for the development of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Min Guo
- Allergy Clinic, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Feiyuan Yu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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35
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Lettl C, Schindele F, Mehdipour AR, Steiner T, Ring D, Brack-Werner R, Stecher B, Eisenreich W, Bilitewski U, Hummer G, Witschel M, Fischer W, Haas R. Selective killing of the human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori by mitochondrial respiratory complex I inhibitors. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:499-512.e5. [PMID: 37100053 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.04.003] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory complex I is a multicomponent enzyme conserved between eukaryotic cells and many bacteria, which couples oxidation of electron donors and quinone reduction with proton pumping. Here, we report that protein transport via the Cag type IV secretion system, a major virulence factor of the Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori, is efficiently impeded by respiratory inhibition. Mitochondrial complex I inhibitors, including well-established insecticidal compounds, selectively kill H. pylori, while other Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria, such as the close relative Campylobacter jejuni or representative gut microbiota species, are not affected. Using a combination of different phenotypic assays, selection of resistance-inducing mutations, and molecular modeling approaches, we demonstrate that the unique composition of the H. pylori complex I quinone-binding pocket is the basis for this hypersensitivity. Comprehensive targeted mutagenesis and compound optimization studies highlight the potential to develop complex I inhibitors as narrow-spectrum antimicrobial agents against this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lettl
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 9a, 80336 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Schindele
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 9a, 80336 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ahmad Reza Mehdipour
- Center for Molecular Modeling, Ghent University, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium; Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Steiner
- Bavarian NMR Center-Structural Membrane Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Diana Ring
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 9a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Ruth Brack-Werner
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany; German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bärbel Stecher
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 9a, 80336 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Eisenreich
- Bavarian NMR Center-Structural Membrane Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Ursula Bilitewski
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover/Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Gerhard Hummer
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Fischer
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 9a, 80336 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Rainer Haas
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 9a, 80336 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.
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36
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Pecoraro C, Carbone D, Parrino B, Cascioferro S, Diana P. Recent Developments in the Inhibition of Bacterial Adhesion as Promising Anti-Virulence Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054872. [PMID: 36902301 PMCID: PMC10002502 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by antimicrobial-resistant strains have become a serious threat to global health, with a high social and economic impact. Multi-resistant bacteria exhibit various mechanisms at both the cellular and microbial community levels. Among the different strategies proposed to fight antibiotic resistance, we reckon that the inhibition of bacterial adhesion to host surfaces represents one of the most valid approaches, since it hampers bacterial virulence without affecting cell viability. Many different structures and biomolecules involved in the adhesion of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens can be considered valuable targets for the development of promising tools to enrich our arsenal against pathogens.
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37
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Wollein Waldetoft K, Sundius S, Kuske R, Brown SP. Defining the Benefits of Antibiotic Resistance in Commensals and the Scope for Resistance Optimization. mBio 2023; 14:e0134922. [PMID: 36475750 PMCID: PMC9972992 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01349-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major medical and public health challenge, characterized by global increases in the prevalence of resistant strains. The conventional view is that all antibiotic resistance is problematic, even when not in pathogens. Resistance in commensal bacteria poses risks, as resistant organisms can provide a reservoir of resistance genes that can be horizontally transferred to pathogens or may themselves cause opportunistic infections in the future. While these risks are real, we propose that commensal resistance can also generate benefits during antibiotic treatment of human infection, by promoting continued ecological suppression of pathogens. To define and illustrate this alternative conceptual perspective, we use a two-species mathematical model to identify the necessary and sufficient ecological conditions for beneficial resistance. We show that the benefits are limited to species (or strain) interactions where commensals suppress pathogen growth and are maximized when commensals compete with, rather than prey on or otherwise exploit pathogens. By identifying benefits of commensal resistance, we propose that rather than strictly minimizing all resistance, resistance management may be better viewed as an optimization problem. We discuss implications in two applied contexts: bystander (nontarget) selection within commensal microbiomes and pathogen treatment given polymicrobial infections. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance is commonly viewed as universally costly, regardless of which bacterial cells express resistance. Here, we derive an opposing logic, where resistance in commensal bacteria can lead to reductions in pathogen density and improved outcomes on both the patient and public health scales. We use a mathematical model of commensal-pathogen interactions to define the necessary and sufficient conditions for beneficial resistance, highlighting the importance of reciprocal ecological inhibition to maximize the benefits of resistance. More broadly, we argue that determining the benefits as well as the costs of resistances in human microbiomes can transform resistance management from a minimization to an optimization problem. We discuss applied contexts and close with a review of key resistance optimization dimensions, including the magnitude, spectrum, and mechanism of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristofer Wollein Waldetoft
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Torsby Hospital, Torsby, Sweden
| | - Sarah Sundius
- Interdisciplinary Program in Quantitative Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Mathematics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel Kuske
- School of Mathematics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sam P. Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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38
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Geng Z, Cao Z, Liu J. Recent advances in targeted antibacterial therapy basing on nanomaterials. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2023; 3:20210117. [PMID: 37323620 PMCID: PMC10191045 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infection has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, particularly in low-income countries. Despite the fact that antibiotics have provided successful management in bacterial infections, the long-term overconsumption and abuse of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria. To address this challenge, nanomaterials with intrinsic antibacterial properties or that serve as drug carriers have been substantially developed as an alternative to fight against bacterial infection. Systematically and deeply understanding the antibacterial mechanisms of nanomaterials is extremely important for designing new therapeutics. Recently, nanomaterials-mediated targeted bacteria depletion in either a passive or active manner is one of the most promising approaches for antibacterial treatment by increasing local concentration around bacterial cells to enhance inhibitory activity and reduce side effects. Passive targeting approach is widely explored by searching nanomaterial-based alternatives to antibiotics, while active targeting strategy relies on biomimetic or biomolecular surface feature that can selectively recognize targeted bacteria. In this review article, we summarize the recent developments in the field of targeted antibacterial therapy based on nanomaterials, which will promote more innovative thinking focusing on the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Geng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
- Qingdao Cancer InstituteQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Zhenping Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jinyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
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Cho THS, Pick K, Raivio TL. Bacterial envelope stress responses: Essential adaptors and attractive targets. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119387. [PMID: 36336206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Millions of deaths a year across the globe are linked to antimicrobial resistant infections. The need to develop new treatments and repurpose of existing antibiotics grows more pressing as the growing antimicrobial resistance pandemic advances. In this review article, we propose that envelope stress responses, the signaling pathways bacteria use to recognize and adapt to damage to the most vulnerable outer compartments of the microbial cell, are attractive targets. Envelope stress responses (ESRs) support colonization and infection by responding to a plethora of toxic envelope stresses encountered throughout the body; they have been co-opted into virulence networks where they work like global positioning systems to coordinate adhesion, invasion, microbial warfare, and biofilm formation. We highlight progress in the development of therapeutic strategies that target ESR signaling proteins and adaptive networks and posit that further characterization of the molecular mechanisms governing these essential niche adaptation machineries will be important for sparking new therapeutic approaches aimed at short-circuiting bacterial adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy H S Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kat Pick
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tracy L Raivio
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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40
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Lau WYV, Taylor PK, Brinkman FSL, Lee AHY. Pathogen-associated gene discovery workflows for novel antivirulence therapeutic development. EBioMedicine 2023; 88:104429. [PMID: 36628845 PMCID: PMC9843249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel therapeutics to manage bacterial infections are urgently needed as the impact and prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) grows. Antivirulence therapeutics are an alternative approach to antibiotics that aim to attenuate virulence rather than target bacterial essential functions, while minimizing microbiota perturbation and the risk of AMR development. Beyond known virulence factors, pathogen-associated genes (PAGs; genes found only in pathogens to date) may play an important role in virulence or host association. Many identified PAGs encode uncharacterized hypothetical proteins and represent an untapped wealth of novel drug targets. Here, we review current advances in antivirulence drug research and development, including PAG identification, and provide a comprehensive workflow from the discovery of antivirulence drug targets to drug discovery. We highlight the importance of integrating bioinformatic/genomic-based methods for novel virulence factor discovery, coupled with experimental characterization, into existing drug screening platforms to develop novel and effective antivirulence drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Yin Venus Lau
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Patrick K Taylor
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Fiona S L Brinkman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
| | - Amy H Y Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
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41
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Gajera G, Henriksen N, Cox B, Kothari V. Identification of anti-pathogenic activity among in silico predicted small-molecule inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR or nitric oxide reductase (NOR). Drug Target Insights 2023; 17:101-109. [PMID: 37811195 PMCID: PMC10551673 DOI: 10.33393/dti.2023.2638] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains cause considerable morbidity and mortality globally. Identification of novel targets in this notorious pathogen is urgently warranted to facilitate discovery of new anti-pathogenic agents against it. This study attempted to identify small-molecule inhibitors of two important proteins LasR and nitric oxide reductase (NOR) in P. aeruginosa. 'Las' system can be said to be the 'master' regulator of quorum sensing in P. aeruginosa, whose receptor protein is LasR. Similarly, NOR is crucial to detoxification of reactive nitrogen species. Methods In silico identification of potential LasR or NOR inhibitors was attempted through a virtual screening platform AtomNet® to obtain a final subset of <100 top scoring compounds. These compounds were evaluated for their in vivo anti-pathogenic activity by challenging the model host Caenorhabditis elegans with P. aeruginosa in the presence or absence of test compounds. Survival of the worm population in 24-well assay plates was monitored over a period of 5 days microscopically. Results Of the 96 predicted LasR inhibitors, 11 exhibited anti-Pseudomonas activity (23%-96% inhibition of bacterial virulence as per third-day end-point) at 25-50 µg/mL. Of the 85 predicted NOR inhibitors, 8 exhibited anti-Pseudomonas activity (40%-85% inhibition of bacterial virulence as per second-day end-point) at 25-50 µg/mL. Conclusion Further investigation on molecular mode of action of compounds found active in this study is warranted. Virtual screening can be said to be a useful tool in narrowing down the list of compounds requiring actual wet-lab screening, saving considerable time and efforts for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemini Gajera
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad - India
| | | | - Bryan Cox
- Atomwise Inc, San Francisco, CA - USA
| | - Vijay Kothari
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad - India
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42
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Virulence Induction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa under Inorganic Phosphate Limitation: a Proteomics Perspective. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0259022. [PMID: 36354317 PMCID: PMC9769906 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02590-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is a central nutrient and signal molecule for bacteria. Pi limitation was shown to increase the virulence of several phylogenetically diverse pathogenic bacteria with different lifestyles. Hypophosphatemia enhances the risk of death in patients due to general bacteremia and was observed after surgical injury in humans. Phosphate therapy, or the reduction of bacterial virulence by the administration of Pi or phosphate-containing compounds, is a promising anti-infective therapy approach that will not cause cytotoxicity or the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. The proof of concept of phosphate therapy has been obtained using primarily Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). However, a detailed understanding of Pi-induced changes at protein levels is missing. Using pyocyanin production as proxy, we show that the Pi-mediated induction of virulence is a highly cooperative process that occurs between 0.2 to 0.6 mM Pi. We present a proteomics study of PA grown in minimal medium supplemented with either 0.2 mM or 1 mM Pi and rich medium. About half of the predicted PA proteins could be quantified. Among the 1,471 dysregulated proteins comparing growth in 0.2 mM to 1 mM Pi, 1,100 were depleted under Pi-deficient conditions. Most of these proteins are involved in general and energy metabolism, different biosynthetic and catabolic routes, or transport. Pi depletion caused accumulation of proteins that belong to all major families of virulence factors, including pyocyanin synthesis, secretion systems, quorum sensing, chemosensory signaling, and the secretion of proteases, phospholipases, and phosphatases, which correlated with an increase in exoenzyme production and antibacterial activity. IMPORTANCE Antibiotics are our main weapons to fight pathogenic bacteria, but the increase in antibiotic-resistant strains and their consequences represents a major global health challenge, revealing the necessity to develop alternative antimicrobial strategies that do not involve the bacterial killing or growth inhibition. P. aeruginosa has been placed second on the global priority list to guide research on the development of new antibiotics. One of the most promising alternative strategies is the phosphate therapy for which the proof of concept has been obtained for P. aeruginosa. This article reports the detailed changes at the protein levels comparing P. aeruginosa grown under Pi-abundant and Pi-depleted conditions. These data describe in detail the molecular mechanisms underlying phosphate therapy. Apart from Pi, several other phosphate-containing compounds have been used for phosphate therapy and this study will serve as a reference for comparative studies aimed at evaluating the effect of alternative compounds.
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Trebosc V, Lucchini V, Narwal M, Wicki B, Gartenmann S, Schellhorn B, Schill J, Bourotte M, Frey D, Grünberg J, Trauner A, Ferrari L, Felici A, Champion OL, Gitzinger M, Lociuro S, Kammerer RA, Kemmer C, Pieren M. Targeting virulence regulation to disarm Acinetobacter baumannii pathogenesis. Virulence 2022; 13:1868-1883. [PMID: 36261919 PMCID: PMC9586577 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2135273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of anti-virulence drug therapy against Acinetobacter baumannii infections would provide an alternative to traditional antibacterial therapy that are increasingly failing. Here, we demonstrate that the OmpR transcriptional regulator plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of diverse A. baumannii clinical strains in multiple murine and G. mellonella invertebrate infection models. We identified OmpR-regulated genes using RNA sequencing and further validated two genes whose expression can be used as robust biomarker to quantify OmpR inhibition in A. baumannii. Moreover, the determination of the structure of the OmpR DNA binding domain of A. baumannii and the development of in vitro protein-DNA binding assays enabled the identification of an OmpR small molecule inhibitor. We conclude that OmpR is a valid and unexplored target to fight A. baumannii infections and we believe that the described platform combining in silico methods, in vitro OmpR inhibitory assays and in vivo G. mellonella surrogate infection model will facilitate future drug discovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentina Lucchini
- BioVersys AG, Basel, Switzerland.,Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Frey
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Grünberg
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | | | - Livia Ferrari
- Microbiology Discovery, Aptuit Srl, an Evotec Company, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Felici
- Microbiology Discovery, Aptuit Srl, an Evotec Company, Verona, Italy
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44
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Zhang Y, Ma N, Tan P, Ma X. Quorum sensing mediates gut bacterial communication and host-microbiota interaction. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:3751-3763. [PMID: 36239296 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2134981] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Gut bacteria employ quorum sensing (QS) to coordinate their activities and communicate with one another, this process relies on the production, detection, and response to autoinducers, which are extracellular signaling molecules. In addition to synchronizing behavioral activities within the species, QS plays a crucial role in the gut host-microbiota interaction. In this review, an overview of classical QS systems is presented as well as the interspecies communication mediated by QS, and recent advances in the host-microbiota interaction mediated by QS. A greater knowledge of the communication network of gut microbiota is not only an opportunity and a challenge for developing nutritional and therapeutic strategies against bacterial illnesses, but also a means for improving gut health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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45
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Alhayek A, Abdelsamie AS, Schönauer E, Camberlein V, Hutterer E, Posselt G, Serwanja J, Blöchl C, Huber CG, Haupenthal J, Brandstetter H, Wessler S, Hirsch AKH. Discovery and Characterization of Synthesized and FDA-Approved Inhibitors of Clostridial and Bacillary Collagenases. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12933-12955. [PMID: 36154055 PMCID: PMC9574867 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In view of the worldwide antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threat, new bacterial targets and anti-infective agents are needed. Since important roles in bacterial pathogenesis have been demonstrated for the collagenase H and G (ColH and ColG) from Clostridium histolyticum, collagenase Q1 and A (ColQ1 and ColA) from Bacillus cereus represent attractive antivirulence targets. Furthermore, repurposing FDA-approved drugs may assist to tackle the AMR crisis and was addressed in this work. Here, we report on the discovery of two potent and chemically stable bacterial collagenase inhibitors: synthesized and FDA-approved diphosphonates and hydroxamates. Both classes showed high in vitro activity against the clostridial and bacillary collagenases. The potent diphosphonates reduced B. cereus-mediated detachment and death of cells and Galleria mellonella larvae. The hydroxamates were also tested in a similar manner; they did not have an effect in infection models. This might be due to their fast binding kinetics to bacterial collagenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alhayek
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building C2. 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ahmed S. Abdelsamie
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research, National
Research Centre, El-Buhouth
St., Dokki, 12622 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esther Schönauer
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Virgyl Camberlein
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Evelyn Hutterer
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gernot Posselt
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jamil Serwanja
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Constantin Blöchl
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian G. Huber
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jörg Haupenthal
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Silja Wessler
- Department
of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University
of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building C2. 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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46
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Yuan Y, Yang X, Zeng Q, Li H, Fu R, Du L, Liu W, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Chu Y, Zhang X, Zhao K. Repurposing Dimetridazole and Ribavirin to disarm Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence by targeting the quorum sensing system. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:978502. [PMID: 36046018 PMCID: PMC9421001 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.978502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa relies on its complex cellular regulatory network to produce a series of virulence factors and to cause various acute and chronic infections in a wide range of hosts. Compared with traditional antibiotics which frequently accompany with widespread antibiotic resistance, crippling the virulence system of bacteria is expected to be a promising anti-infective strategy. In this study, Dimetridazole and Ribavirin, which had poor antibacterial activities on P. aeruginosa reference isolate PAO1 in nutrient medium but significantly inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa PAO1 in M9-adenosine, were selected from 40 marketed compounds with similar core structure (furan, benzofuran, or flavonoids) to the acyl-homoserine lactone signals of P. aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) system. The production of QS-controlled proteases, pyocyanin, and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and the clinical isolates were significantly decreased by the presence of Dimetridazole or Ribavirin. Correspondingly, the majority of QS-activated genes in P. aeruginosa, including the key regulatory genes lasR, rhlR, and pqsR and their downstream genes, were significantly inhibited by Ribavirin or Dimetridazole, as determined by RNA-sequencing and quantitative PCR. Furthermore, the susceptibilities of drug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates to polymyxin B, meropenem, and kanamycin were remarkably promoted by the synergistic application of Dimetridazole or Ribavirin. Finally, the treatment of Ribavirin or Dimetridazole effectively protected Caenorhabditis elegans and mice from P. aeruginosa infection. In conclusion, this study reports the antivirulence potentials of Dimetridazole and Ribavirin on P. aeruginosa and provides structural basis and methodological reference for the development of anti-pseudomonal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiting Yang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianglin Zeng
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Heyue Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruyi Fu
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lianming Du
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yamei Zhang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xikun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiwen Chu
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiuyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Xiuyue Zhang,
| | - Kelei Zhao
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital/Clinical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Kelei Zhao,
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47
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Scheffler RJ, Bratton BP, Gitai Z. Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical blood isolates display significant phenotypic variability. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270576. [PMID: 35793311 PMCID: PMC9258867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant threat in healthcare settings where it deploys a wide host of virulence factors to cause disease. Many virulence-related phenotypes such as pyocyanin production, biofilm formation, and twitching motility have been implicated in causing disease in a number of hosts. In this study, we investigate these three virulence factors in a collection of 22 clinical strains isolated from blood stream infections. Despite the fact that all 22 strains caused disease and came from the same body site of different patients, they show significant variability in assays for each of the three specific phenotypes examined. There was no significant correlation between the strength of the three phenotypes across our collection, suggesting that they can be independently modulated. Furthermore, strains deficient in each of the virulence-associated phenotypes examined could be identified. To understand the genetic basis of this variability we sequenced the genomes of the 22 strains. We found that the majority of genes responsible for pyocyanin production, biofilm formation, and twitching motility were highly conserved among the strains despite their phenotypic variability, suggesting that the phenotypic variability is likely due to regulatory changes. Our findings thus demonstrate that no one lab-assayed phenotype of pyocyanin production, biofilm production, and twitching motility is necessary for a P. aeruginosa strain to cause blood stream infection and that additional factors may be needed to fully predict what strains will lead to specific human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Scheffler
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Benjamin P. Bratton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Zemer Gitai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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48
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Singh K, Kulkarni SS. Small Carbohydrate Derivatives as Potent Antibiofilm Agents. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8525-8549. [PMID: 35777073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm formation by most pathogenic bacteria is considered as one of the key mechanisms associated with virulence and antibiotic resistance. Biofilm-forming bacteria adhere to the surfaces of biological or implant medical devices and create communities within their self-produced extracellular matrix that are difficult to treat by existing antibiotics. There is an urgent need to synthesize and screen structurally diverse molecules for their antibiofilm activity that can remove or minimize the bacterial biofilm. The development of carbohydrate-based small molecules as antibiofilm agents holds a great promise in addressing the problem of the eradication of biofilm-related infections. Owing to their structural diversity and specificity, the sugar scaffolds are valuable entities for developing antibiofilm agents. In this perspective, we discuss the literature pertaining to carbohydrate-based natural antibiofilm agents and provide an overview of the design, activity, and mode of action of potent synthetic carbohydrate-based molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartikey Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Suvarn S Kulkarni
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India 400076
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49
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Hausmann S, Geiser J, Valentini M. Mechanism of inhibition of bacterial RNA helicases by diazo dyes and implications for antimicrobial drug development. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 204:115194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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50
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Qin S, Xiao W, Zhou C, Pu Q, Deng X, Lan L, Liang H, Song X, Wu M. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: pathogenesis, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, interaction with host, technology advances and emerging therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:199. [PMID: 35752612 PMCID: PMC9233671 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 140.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that infects patients with cystic fibrosis, burn wounds, immunodeficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cancer, and severe infection requiring ventilation, such as COVID-19. P. aeruginosa is also a widely-used model bacterium for all biological areas. In addition to continued, intense efforts in understanding bacterial pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa including virulence factors (LPS, quorum sensing, two-component systems, 6 type secretion systems, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), CRISPR-Cas and their regulation), rapid progress has been made in further studying host-pathogen interaction, particularly host immune networks involving autophagy, inflammasome, non-coding RNAs, cGAS, etc. Furthermore, numerous technologic advances, such as bioinformatics, metabolomics, scRNA-seq, nanoparticles, drug screening, and phage therapy, have been used to improve our understanding of P. aeruginosa pathogenesis and host defense. Nevertheless, much remains to be uncovered about interactions between P. aeruginosa and host immune responses, including mechanisms of drug resistance by known or unannotated bacterial virulence factors as well as mammalian cell signaling pathways. The widespread use of antibiotics and the slow development of effective antimicrobials present daunting challenges and necessitate new theoretical and practical platforms to screen and develop mechanism-tested novel drugs to treat intractable infections, especially those caused by multi-drug resistance strains. Benefited from has advancing in research tools and technology, dissecting this pathogen's feature has entered into molecular and mechanistic details as well as dynamic and holistic views. Herein, we comprehensively review the progress and discuss the current status of P. aeruginosa biophysical traits, behaviors, virulence factors, invasive regulators, and host defense patterns against its infection, which point out new directions for future investigation and add to the design of novel and/or alternative therapeutics to combat this clinically significant pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuanmin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P.R. China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Qinqin Pu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lefu Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haihua Liang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, 710069, China
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA.
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