1
|
Sarathy JP. Molecular and microbiological methods for the identification of nonreplicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012595. [PMID: 39383167 PMCID: PMC11463790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic tuberculosis (TB) disease, which requires months-long chemotherapy with multiple antibiotics, is defined by diverse pathological manifestations and bacterial phenotypes. Targeting drug-tolerant bacteria in the host is critical to achieving a faster and durable cure for TB. In order to facilitate this field of research, we need to consider the physiology of persistent MTB during infection, which is often associated with the nonreplicating (NR) state. However, the traditional approach to quantifying bacterial burden through colony enumeration alone only informs on the abundance of live bacilli at the time of sampling, and provides an incomplete picture of the replicative state of the pathogen and the extent to which bacterial replication is balanced by ongoing cell death. Modern approaches to profiling bacterial replication status provide a better understanding of inter- and intra-population dynamics under different culture conditions and in distinct host microenvironments. While some methods use molecular markers of DNA replication and cell division, other approaches take advantage of advances in the field of microfluidics and live-cell microscopy. Considerable effort has been made over the past few decades to develop preclinical in vivo models of TB infection and some are recognized for more closely recapitulating clinical disease pathology than others. Unique lesion compartments presenting different environmental conditions produce significant heterogeneity between Mycobacterium tuberculosis populations within the host. While cellular lesion compartments appear to be more permissive of ongoing bacterial replication, caseous foci are associated with the maintenance of M. tuberculosis in a state of static equilibrium. The accurate identification of nonreplicators and where they hide within the host have significant implications for the way novel chemotherapeutic agents and regimens are designed for persistent infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jansy Passiflora Sarathy
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leal-Alves C, Deng Z, Kermeci N, Shih SCC. Integrating microfluidics and synthetic biology: advancements and diverse applications across organisms. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2834-2860. [PMID: 38712893 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01090b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is the design and modification of biological systems for specific functions, integrating several disciplines like engineering, genetics, and computer science. The field of synthetic biology is to understand biological processes within host organisms through the manipulation and regulation of their genetic pathways and the addition of biocontrol circuits to enhance their production capabilities. This pursuit serves to address global challenges spanning diverse domains that are difficult to tackle through conventional routes of production. Despite its impact, achieving precise, dynamic, and high-throughput manipulation of biological processes is still challenging. Microfluidics offers a solution to those challenges, enabling controlled fluid handling at the microscale, offering lower reagent consumption, faster analysis of biochemical reactions, automation, and high throughput screening. In this review, we diverge from conventional focus on automating the synthetic biology design-build-test-learn cycle, and instead, focus on microfluidic platforms and their role in advancing synthetic biology through its integration with host organisms - bacterial cells, yeast, fungi, animal cells - and cell-free systems. The review illustrates how microfluidic devices have been instrumental in understanding biological systems by showcasing microfluidics as an essential tool to create synthetic genetic circuits, pathways, and organisms within controlled environments. In conclusion, we show how microfluidics expedite synthetic biology applications across diverse domains including but not limited to personalized medicine, bioenergy, and agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Leal-Alves
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, 1515 Ste-Catherine St. W, Montréal, QC, H3G1M8 Canada
| | - Zhiyang Deng
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, 1515 Ste-Catherine St. W, Montréal, QC, H3G1M8 Canada
| | - Natalia Kermeci
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada.
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada
| | - Steve C C Shih
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, 1515 Ste-Catherine St. W, Montréal, QC, H3G1M8 Canada
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mistretta M, Cimino M, Campagne P, Volant S, Kornobis E, Hebert O, Rochais C, Dallemagne P, Lecoutey C, Tisnerat C, Lepailleur A, Ayotte Y, LaPlante SR, Gangneux N, Záhorszká M, Korduláková J, Vichier-Guerre S, Bonhomme F, Pokorny L, Albert M, Tinevez JY, Manina G. Dynamic microfluidic single-cell screening identifies pheno-tuning compounds to potentiate tuberculosis therapy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4175. [PMID: 38755132 PMCID: PMC11099131 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48269-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug-recalcitrant infections are a leading global-health concern. Bacterial cells benefit from phenotypic variation, which can suggest effective antimicrobial strategies. However, probing phenotypic variation entails spatiotemporal analysis of individual cells that is technically challenging, and hard to integrate into drug discovery. In this work, we develop a multi-condition microfluidic platform suitable for imaging two-dimensional growth of bacterial cells during transitions between separate environmental conditions. With this platform, we implement a dynamic single-cell screening for pheno-tuning compounds, which induce a phenotypic change and decrease cell-to-cell variation, aiming to undermine the entire bacterial population and make it more vulnerable to other drugs. We apply this strategy to mycobacteria, as tuberculosis poses a major public-health threat. Our lead compound impairs Mycobacterium tuberculosis via a peculiar mode of action and enhances other anti-tubercular drugs. This work proves that harnessing phenotypic variation represents a successful approach to tackle pathogens that are increasingly difficult to treat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Mistretta
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Microbial Individuality and Infection Laboratory, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Mena Cimino
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Microbial Individuality and Infection Laboratory, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Campagne
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Stevenn Volant
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Kornobis
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, 75015, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Biomics Platform, 75015, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yann Ayotte
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre, Laval, Quebec, H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre, Laval, Quebec, H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Nicolas Gangneux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Microbial Individuality and Infection Laboratory, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Monika Záhorszká
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Korduláková
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sophie Vichier-Guerre
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3523, Epigenetic Chemical Biology Unit, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Bonhomme
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3523, Epigenetic Chemical Biology Unit, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Laura Pokorny
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Microbial Individuality and Infection Laboratory, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Marvin Albert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Image Analysis Hub, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Tinevez
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Image Analysis Hub, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Giulia Manina
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Microbial Individuality and Infection Laboratory, 75015, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gwin CM, Gupta KR, Lu Y, Shao L, Rego EH. Spatial segregation and aging of metabolic processes underlie phenotypic heterogeneity in mycobacteria. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.01.569614. [PMID: 38076906 PMCID: PMC10705497 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.01.569614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Individual cells within clonal populations of mycobacteria vary in size, growth rate, and antibiotic susceptibility. Heterogeneity is, in part, determined by LamA, a protein found exclusively in mycobacteria. LamA localizes to sites of new cell wall synthesis where it recruits proteins important for polar growth and establishing asymmetry. Here, we report that in addition to this function, LamA interacts with complexes involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) at a subcellular location distinct from cell wall synthesis. Importantly, heterogeneity depends on a unique extension of the mycobacterial ATP synthase, and LamA mediates the coupling between ATP production and cell growth in single cells. Strikingly, as single cells age, concentrations of proteins important for oxidative phosphorylation become less abundant, and older cells rely less on oxidative phosphorylation for growth. Together, our data reveal that central metabolism is spatially organized within a single mycobacterium and varies within a genetically identical population of mycobacteria. Designing therapeutic regimens to account for this heterogeneity may help to treat mycobacterial infections faster and more completely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celena M. Gwin
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519
| | - Kuldeepkumar R. Gupta
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519
| | - Lin Shao
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519
| | - E. Hesper Rego
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hu S, Zhang Q, Ou Z, Dang Y. Particle sorting method based on swirl induction. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:174901. [PMID: 37909455 DOI: 10.1063/5.0170783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluid-based methods for particle sorting demonstrate increasing appeal in many areas of biosciences due to their biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we construct a microfluidic sorting system based on a swirl microchip. The impact of microchannel velocity on the swirl stagnation point as well as particle movement is analyzed through simulation and experiment. Moreover, the quantitative mapping relationship between flow velocity and particle position distribution is established. With this foundation established, a particle sorting method based on swirl induction is proposed. Initially, the particle is captured by a swirl. Then, the Sorting Region into which the particle aims to enter is determined according to the sorting condition and particle characteristic. Subsequently, the velocities of the microchannels are adjusted to control the swirl, which will induce the particle to enter its corresponding Induction Region. Thereafter, the velocities are adjusted again to change the fluid field and drive the particle into a predetermined Sorting Region, hence the sorting is accomplished. We have extensively conducted experiments taking particle size or color as a sorting condition. An outstanding sorting success rate of 98.75% is achieved when dealing with particles within the size range of tens to hundreds of micrometers in radius, which certifies the effectiveness of the proposed sorting method. Compared to the existing sorting techniques, the proposed method offers greater flexibility. The adjustment of sorting conditions or particle parameters no longer requires complex chip redesign, because such sorting tasks can be successfully realized through simple microchannel velocities control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Hu
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Zhiming Ou
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Yanping Dang
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chung ES, Kar P, Kamkaew M, Amir A, Aldridge BB. Mycobacterium tuberculosis grows linearly at the single-cell level with larger variability than model organisms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.17.541183. [PMID: 37292927 PMCID: PMC10245742 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.17.541183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The ability of bacterial pathogens to regulate growth is crucial to control homeostasis, virulence, and drug response. Yet, we do not understand the growth and cell cycle behaviors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), a slow-growing pathogen, at the single-cell level. Here, we use time-lapse imaging and mathematical modeling to characterize these fundamental properties of Mtb. Whereas most organisms grow exponentially at the single-cell level, we find that Mtb exhibits a unique linear growth mode. Mtb growth characteristics are highly variable from cell-to-cell, notably in their growth speeds, cell cycle timing, and cell sizes. Together, our study demonstrates that growth behavior of Mtb diverges from what we have learned from model bacteria. Instead, Mtb generates a heterogeneous population while growing slowly and linearly. Our study provides a new level of detail into how Mtb grows and creates heterogeneity, and motivates more studies of growth behaviors in bacterial pathogens.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rodríguez CF, Andrade-Pérez V, Vargas MC, Mantilla-Orozco A, Osma JF, Reyes LH, Cruz JC. Breaking the clean room barrier: exploring low-cost alternatives for microfluidic devices. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1176557. [PMID: 37180035 PMCID: PMC10172592 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1176557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses both science and engineering, which aims to design and fabricate devices capable of manipulating extremely low volumes of fluids on a microscale level. The central objective of microfluidics is to provide high precision and accuracy while using minimal reagents and equipment. The benefits of this approach include greater control over experimental conditions, faster analysis, and improved experimental reproducibility. Microfluidic devices, also known as labs-on-a-chip (LOCs), have emerged as potential instruments for optimizing operations and decreasing costs in various of industries, including pharmaceutical, medical, food, and cosmetics. However, the high price of conventional prototypes for LOCs devices, generated in clean room facilities, has increased the demand for inexpensive alternatives. Polymers, paper, and hydrogels are some of the materials that can be utilized to create the inexpensive microfluidic devices covered in this article. In addition, we highlighted different manufacturing techniques, such as soft lithography, laser plotting, and 3D printing, that are suitable for creating LOCs. The selection of materials and fabrication techniques will depend on the specific requirements and applications of each individual LOC. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the numerous alternatives for the development of low-cost LOCs to service industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María Camila Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Johann F. Osma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhu J, Liu YJ, Fortune SM. Spatiotemporal perspectives on tuberculosis chemotherapy. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 72:102266. [PMID: 36745965 PMCID: PMC10023397 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), accounts for over ten million infections and over 1.5 million deaths every year [1]. Upon infection, the seesaw between Mtb and our immune systems creates microenvironments that are compositionally distinctive and changing over time. While the field has begun to better understand the spatial complexity of TB disease, our understanding and experimental dissection of the temporal dynamics of TB and TB drug treatment is much more rudimentary. However, it is the combined spatiotemporal heterogeneity of TB disease that creates niches and time windows within which the pathogen can survive and thrive during treatment. Here, we review the emerging data on the interactions of spatial and temporal dynamics as they relate to TB disease and treatment. A better understanding of the interactions of Mtb, host, and antibiotics through space and time will elucidate treatment failure and potentially identify opportunities for new TB treatment regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Zhu
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
| | - Yue J Liu
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
| | - Sarah M Fortune
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|