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Eckerstorfer MF, Dolezel M, Miklau M, Greiter A, Heissenberger A, Engelhard M. Scanning the Horizon for Environmental Applications of Genetically Modified Viruses Reveals Challenges for Their Environmental Risk Assessment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1507. [PMID: 38338787 PMCID: PMC10855828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031507] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The release of novel genetically modified (GM) virus applications into the environment for agricultural, veterinary, and nature-conservation purposes poses a number of significant challenges for risk assessors and regulatory authorities. Continuous efforts to scan the horizon for emerging applications are needed to gain an overview of new GM virus applications. In addition, appropriate approaches for risk assessment and management have to be developed. These approaches need to address pertinent challenges, in particular with regard to the environmental release of GM virus applications with a high probability for transmission and spreading, including transboundary movements and a high potential to result in adverse environmental effects. However, the current preparedness at the EU and international level to assess such GM virus application is limited. This study addresses some of the challenges associated with the current situation, firstly, by conducting a horizon scan to identify emerging GM virus applications with relevance for the environment. Secondly, outstanding issues regarding the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of GM virus applications are identified based on an evaluation of case study examples. Specifically, the limited scientific information available for the ERA of some applications and the lack of detailed and appropriate guidance for ERA are discussed. Furthermore, considerations are provided for future work that is needed to establish adequate risk assessment and management approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Eckerstorfer
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Marion Dolezel
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Marianne Miklau
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Anita Greiter
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Andreas Heissenberger
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Margret Engelhard
- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Division Assessment Synthetic Biology, Enforcement Genetic Engineering Act, Konstantinstr. 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany;
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Bacteriophage-Mediated Cancer Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214245. [PMID: 36430720 PMCID: PMC9697857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages have long been considered only as infectious agents that affect bacterial hosts. However, recent studies provide compelling evidence that these viruses are able to successfully interact with eukaryotic cells at the levels of the binding, entry and expression of their own genes. Currently, bacteriophages are widely used in various areas of biotechnology and medicine, but the most intriguing of them is cancer therapy. There are increasing studies confirming the efficacy and safety of using phage-based vectors as a systemic delivery vehicle of therapeutic genes and drugs in cancer therapy. Engineered bacteriophages, as well as eukaryotic viruses, demonstrate a much greater efficiency of transgene delivery and expression in cancer cells compared to non-viral gene transfer methods. At the same time, phage-based vectors, in contrast to eukaryotic viruses-based vectors, have no natural tropism to mammalian cells and, as a result, provide more selective delivery of therapeutic cargos to target cells. Moreover, numerous data indicate the presence of more complex molecular mechanisms of interaction between bacteriophages and eukaryotic cells, the further study of which is necessary both for the development of gene therapy methods and for understanding the cancer nature. In this review, we summarize the key results of research into aspects of phage-eukaryotic cell interaction and, in particular, the use of phage-based vectors for highly selective and effective systemic cancer gene therapy.
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Li T, Zhao X, Wang X, Wang Z, Tian C, Shi W, Qi Y, Wei H, Song C, Xue H, Gou H. Characterization and Preliminary Application of Phage Isolated From Listeria monocytogenes. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:946814. [PMID: 35990275 PMCID: PMC9387353 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.946814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is one of the four major foodborne bacteria that cause bacteremia and meningitis. To explore the control of listeriosis with natural phages, we used the double-layer agar plate method to isolate LM from slaughterhouse sewage and designated LP8. The result of electron microscopy indicated that the phage belonged to the family of Myoviridae. Whole-genome sequencing indicated that the genome size of LP8 is 87,038 bp and contains 120 genes. Mice were infected with LM and treated with penicillin G sodium, LP8, and the combination of these two. From the levels of lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+), the expression of cytokines (TNF-α, IL1β, IL-10, and IFN-γ), observation of pathological changes in organs (heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and brain), and the bacterial load of the spleen, we concluded the therapeutic effect of LP8 against listeriosis and demonstrate the feasibility of a combined therapy to reduce the use of antibiotics. This provides a new avenue for the treatment of listeriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Li
- College of Veterinary Medical, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medical, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuejian Wang
- Infectious Diseases Section, Xigu District Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zijian Wang
- Infectious Diseases Section, Gansu Province Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Changqing Tian
- College of Veterinary Medical, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Shi
- College of Veterinary Medical, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumei Qi
- College of Veterinary Medical, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huilin Wei
- College of Veterinary Medical, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chen Song
- College of Veterinary Medical, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huiwen Xue
- College of Veterinary Medical, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Huiwen Xue
| | - Huitian Gou
- College of Veterinary Medical, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Huitian Gou
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4
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Alonzo LF, Hinkley TC, Miller A, Calderon R, Garing S, Williford J, Clute-Reinig N, Spencer E, Friend M, Madan D, Dinh VTT, Bell D, Weigl BH, Nugen SR, Nichols KP, Le Ny ALM. A microfluidic device and instrument prototypes for the detection of Escherichia coli in water samples using a phage-based bioluminescence assay. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2155-2164. [PMID: 35521688 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00888a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Current quantification methods of Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination in water samples involve long incubation, laboratory equipment and facilities, or complex processes that require specialized training for accurate operation and interpretation. To address these limitations, we have developed a microfluidic device and portable instrument prototypes capable of performing a rapid and highly sensitive bacteriophage-based assay to detect E. coli cells with detection limit comparable to traditional methods in a fraction of the time. The microfluidic device combines membrane filtration and selective enrichment using T7-NanoLuc-CBM, a genetically engineered bacteriophage, to identify 4.1 E. coli CFU in 100 mL of drinking water within 5.5 hours. The microfluidic device was designed and tested to process up to 100 mL of real-world drinking water samples with turbidities below 10 NTU. Prototypes of custom instrumentation, compatible with our valveless microfluidic device and capable of performing all of the assay's units of operation with minimal user intervention, demonstrated similar assay performance to that obtained on the benchtop assay. This research is the first step towards a faster, portable, and semi-automated, phage-based microfluidic platform for improved in-field water quality monitoring in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F Alonzo
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Troy C Hinkley
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Andrew Miller
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Ryan Calderon
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Spencer Garing
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - John Williford
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Nick Clute-Reinig
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Ethan Spencer
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Michael Friend
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Damian Madan
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Van T T Dinh
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - David Bell
- Independent Consultant, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA
| | - Bernhard H Weigl
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Sam R Nugen
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Kevin P Nichols
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Anne-Laure M Le Ny
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, 14360 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
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Transposable Element Insertions into the Escherichia coli Polysialic Acid Gene Cluster Result in Resistance to the K1F Bacteriophage. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0211221. [PMID: 35467398 PMCID: PMC9241782 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02112-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Reviewing the genetics underlying the arms race between bacteria and bacteriophages can offer an interesting insight into the development of bacterial resistance and phage co-evolution. This study shows how the natural development of resistances to the K1F bacteriophage, a phage which targets the K1 capsule of pathogenic Escherichia coli, can come about through insertion sequences (IS). Of the K1F resistant mutants isolated, two were of particular interest. The first of these showed full resistance to K1F and was found to have disruptions to kpsE, the product of which is involved in polysialic acid translocation. The second, after showing an initial susceptibility to K1F which then developed to full resistance, had disruptions to neuC, a gene involved in one of the early steps of polysialic acid biosynthesis. Both of these mutations came with a fitness cost and produced considerable phenotypic differences in the completeness and location of the K1 capsule when compared with the wild type. Sequential treatment of these two K1F resistant mutants with T7 resulted in the production of a variety of isolates, many of which showed a renewed susceptibility to K1F, indicating that these insertion sequence mutations are reversible, as well as one isolate that developed resistance to both phages. IMPORTANCE Bacteriophages have many potential uses in industry and the clinical environment as an antibacterial control measure. One of their uses, phage therapy, is an appealing alternative to antibiotics due to their high specificity. However, as with the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), it is critical to improve our understanding of how resistance develops against these viral agents. In the same way as bacteria will evolve and mutate antibiotic receptors so they can no longer be recognized, resistance to bacteriophages can come about via mutations to phage receptors, preventing phage binding and infection. We have shown that Escherichia coli will become resistant to the K1F bacteriophage via insertion element reshufflings causing null mutations to elements of the polysialic acid biosynthetic cluster. Exposure to the T7 bacteriophage then resulted in further changes in the position of these IS elements, further altering their resistance and sensitivity profiles.
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6
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Abstract
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the bacteria that cause serious infections due to resistance to many antibiotics can be fatal in severe cases. Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern. To solve this problem, interest in phage therapy has revived; some studies are being developed to try to prove the effectiveness of this therapy. Thus, in this opinion article, several historical aspects are addressed as well some applications of phage therapy against P. aeruginosa.
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Jones HJ, Shield CG, Swift BM. The Application of Bacteriophage Diagnostics for Bacterial Pathogens in the Agricultural Supply Chain: From Farm-to-Fork. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2020; 1:176-188. [PMID: 36147287 PMCID: PMC9041468 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2020.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) have great potential not only as therapeutics but as diagnostics. Indeed, they have been developed and used to diagnose and detect bacterial infections, primarily in human clinical settings. The ability to rapidly detect and control bacterial pathogens in agriculture is of primary importance to maintain food security, improve animal health, and prevent the passage of zoonotic pathogens into the human population. Culture-based detection methods are often labor-intensive, and require further confirmatory tests, increasing costs and processing times needed for diagnostics. Molecular detection methods such as polymerase chain reaction are commonly used to determine the safety of food, however, a major drawback is their inability to differentiate between viable and nonviable bacterial pathogens in food. Phage diagnostics have been proven to be rapid, capable of identifying viable pathogens and do not require cultivation to detect bacteria. Phage detection takes advantage of the specificity of interaction between phage and their hosts. Furthermore, phage detection is cost effective, which is vitally important in agricultural supply chains where there is a drive to keep costs down to ensure that the cost of food does not increase. The full potential of phage detection/diagnostics is not wholly realized or commercialized. This review explores the current use and potential future scope of phage diagnostics and their application to various bacterial pathogens across agriculture and food supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J. Jones
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher G. Shield
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin M.C. Swift
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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8
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Easwaran M, De Zoysa M, Shin HJ. Application of phage therapy: Synergistic effect of phage EcSw (ΦEcSw) and antibiotic combination towards antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2809-2817. [PMID: 32453904 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophage therapy is acknowledged as a potential tool to prevent or treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, our major focus was on the bacteriolytic activity of phage EcSw (ΦEcSw) against the emergence of the clinically important Escherichia coli Sw1 and E. coli O157:H7. The amount of the antibiotics was changed in a concentration-dependent manner, and the ΦEcSw susceptibility to antibiotics was determined. The kanamycin and chloramphenicol inhibited the titre of phage, but ampicillin did not show phage inhibition. Though the kanamycin and chloramphenicol controlled the growth of Sw1 in a concentration-dependent manner, the ampicillin did not due to the resistance. The combined activity of the ΦEcSw with antibiotics (kanamycin and chloramphenicol) compared with the antibiotics alone showed significant lytic activity p < .001). In addition, phage-based therapy was evaluated for controlling the multidrug-resistant E. coli Sw1 and E. coli O157:H7 in zebrafish and BALB/c mice, respectively. Our results provide novel advantages of phage therapy and phage-antibiotic therapy to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheswaran Easwaran
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Mahanama De Zoysa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
- Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
- Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
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9
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Abstract
We are in the midst of “the microbiome revolution”—not a day goes by without some new revelation on the potential role of the gut microbiome in some disease or disorder. From an ever-increasing recognition of the many roles of the gut microbiome in health and disease comes the expectation that its modulation could treat or prevent these very same diseases. A variety of interventions could, at least in theory, be employed to alter the composition or functional capacity of the microbiome, ranging from diet to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). For some, such as antibiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics, an extensive, albeit far from consistent, literature already exists; for others, such as other dietary supplements and FMT, high-quality clinical studies are still relatively few in number. Not surprisingly, researchers have turned to the microbiome itself as a source for new entities that could be used therapeutically to manipulate the microbiome; for example, some probiotic strains currently in use were sourced from the gastrointestinal tract of healthy humans. From all of the extant studies of interventions targeted at the gut microbiome, a number of important themes have emerged. First, with relatively few exceptions, we are still a long way from a precise definition of the role of the gut microbiome in many of the diseases where a disturbed microbiome has been described—association does not prove causation. Second, while animal models can provide fascinating insights into microbiota–host interactions, they rarely recapitulate the complete human phenotype. Third, studies of several interventions have been difficult to interpret because of variations in study population, test product, and outcome measures, not to mention limitations in study design. The goal of microbiome modulation is a laudable one, but we need to define our targets, refine our interventions, and agree on outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn M M Quigley
- Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Prianka Gajula
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
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Sharma RS, Karmakar S, Kumar P, Mishra V. Application of filamentous phages in environment: A tectonic shift in the science and practice of ecorestoration. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:2263-2304. [PMID: 30847110 PMCID: PMC6392359 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Theories in soil biology, such as plant-microbe interactions and microbial cooperation and antagonism, have guided the practice of ecological restoration (ecorestoration). Below-ground biodiversity (bacteria, fungi, invertebrates, etc.) influences the development of above-ground biodiversity (vegetation structure). The role of rhizosphere bacteria in plant growth has been largely investigated but the role of phages (bacterial viruses) has received a little attention. Below the ground, phages govern the ecology and evolution of microbial communities by affecting genetic diversity, host fitness, population dynamics, community composition, and nutrient cycling. However, few restoration efforts take into account the interactions between bacteria and phages. Unlike other phages, filamentous phages are highly specific, nonlethal, and influence host fitness in several ways, which make them useful as target bacterial inocula. Also, the ease with which filamentous phages can be genetically manipulated to express a desired peptide to track and control pathogens and contaminants makes them useful in biosensing. Based on ecology and biology of filamentous phages, we developed a hypothesis on the application of phages in environment to derive benefits at different levels of biological organization ranging from individual bacteria to ecosystem for ecorestoration. We examined the potential applications of filamentous phages in improving bacterial inocula to restore vegetation and to monitor changes in habitat during ecorestoration and, based on our results, recommend a reorientation of the existing framework of using microbial inocula for such restoration and monitoring. Because bacterial inocula and biomonitoring tools based on filamentous phages are likely to prove useful in developing cost-effective methods of restoring vegetation, we propose that filamentous phages be incorporated into nature-based restoration efforts and that the tripartite relationship between phages, bacteria, and plants be explored further. Possible impacts of filamentous phages on native microflora are discussed and future areas of research are suggested to preclude any potential risks associated with such an approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhey Shyam Sharma
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental StudiesUniversity of DelhiDelhiIndia
| | - Swagata Karmakar
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental StudiesUniversity of DelhiDelhiIndia
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental StudiesUniversity of DelhiDelhiIndia
| | - Vandana Mishra
- Bioresources and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental StudiesUniversity of DelhiDelhiIndia
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Abstract
Australia is well positioned to conduct clinical trials in phage-based technology. Despite challenges with translating phage therapy to mainstream medicine, our regulations are designed for safe and innovative development. Recent success indicates that Australia is ideal for conducting further phage clinical trials. There are also expert clinical research organisations and generous tax incentives.
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Møller-Olsen C, Ho SFS, Shukla RD, Feher T, Sagona AP. Engineered K1F bacteriophages kill intracellular Escherichia coli K1 in human epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17559. [PMID: 30510202 PMCID: PMC6277420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35859-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections can be treated with bacteriophages that show great specificity towards their bacterial host and can be genetically modified for different applications. However, whether and how bacteriophages can kill intracellular bacteria in human cells remains elusive. Here, using CRISPR/Cas selection, we have engineered a fluorescent bacteriophage specific for E. coli K1, a nosocomial pathogen responsible for urinary tract infections, neonatal meningitis and sepsis. By confocal and live microscopy, we show that engineered bacteriophages K1F-GFP and E. coli EV36-RFP bacteria displaying the K1 capsule, enter human cells via phagocytosis. Importantly, we show that bacteriophage K1F-GFP efficiently kills intracellular E. coli EV36-RFP in T24 human urinary bladder epithelial cells. Finally, we provide evidence that bacteria and bacteriophages are degraded by LC3-associated phagocytosis and xenophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siu Fung Stanley Ho
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, UK
| | - Ranti Dev Shukla
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School in Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamas Feher
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Antonia P Sagona
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, UK.
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13
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Weinroth MD, Britton BC, Belk KE. Genetics and microbiology of meat. Meat Sci 2018; 144:15-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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14
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de Andrade CYT, Yamanaka I, Schlichta LS, Silva SK, Picheth GF, Caron LF, de Moura J, de Freitas RA, Alvarenga LM. Physicochemical and immunological characterization of chitosan-coated bacteriophage nanoparticles for in vivo mycotoxin modeling. Carbohydr Polym 2018; 185:63-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.12.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Brödel AK, Isalan M, Jaramillo A. Engineering of biomolecules by bacteriophage directed evolution. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2017; 51:32-38. [PMID: 29175708 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Conventional in vivo directed evolution methods have primarily linked the biomolecule's activity to bacterial cell growth. Recent developments instead rely on the conditional growth of bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. Here we review recent phage-based selection systems for in vivo directed evolution. These approaches have been applied to evolve a wide range of proteins including transcription factors, polymerases, proteases, DNA-binding proteins, and protein-protein interactions. Advances in this field expand the possible applications of protein and RNA engineering. This will ultimately result in new biomolecules with tailor-made properties, as well as giving us a better understanding of basic evolutionary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas K Brödel
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Mark Isalan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alfonso Jaramillo
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; CNRS-UMR8030, Laboratoire iSSB, Évry 91000, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Évry 91000, France; Université d'Évry, Évry 91000, France; CEA, DRF, IG, Genoscope, Évry 91000, France; Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain.
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16
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Wei TY, Cheng CM. Synthetic Biology-Based Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Infectious Disease. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 23:1056-1066. [PMID: 27662252 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases outpace all other causes of death in low-income countries, posing global health risks, laying stress on healthcare systems and societies, and taking an avoidable human toll. One solution to this crisis is early diagnosis of infectious disease, which represents a powerful way to optimize treatment, increase patient survival rate, and decrease healthcare costs. However, conventional early diagnosis methods take a long time to generate results, lack accuracy, and are known to seriously underperform with regard to fungal and viral infections. Synthetic biology offers a fast and highly accurate alternative to conventional infectious disease diagnosis. In this review, we outline obstacles to infectious disease diagnostics and discuss two emerging alternatives: synthetic viral diagnostic systems and biosensors. We argue that these synthetic biology-based approaches may overcome diagnostic obstacles in infectious disease and improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yen Wei
- Interdisciplinary Program of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Min Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
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Kick B, Behler KL, Severin TS, Weuster-Botz D. Chemostat studies of bacteriophage M13 infected Escherichia coli JM109 for continuous ssDNA production. J Biotechnol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.06.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Uchiyama J, Taniguchi M, Kurokawa K, Takemura-Uchiyama I, Ujihara T, Shimakura H, Sakaguchi Y, Murakami H, Sakaguchi M, Matsuzaki S. Adsorption of Staphylococcus viruses S13′ and S24-1 on Staphylococcus aureus strains with different glycosidic linkage patterns of wall teichoic acids. J Gen Virol 2017; 98:2171-2180. [DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Uchiyama
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Maya Taniguchi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Kurokawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Sunderland KS, Yang M, Mao C. Phage-Enabled Nanomedicine: From Probes to Therapeutics in Precision Medicine. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:1964-1992. [PMID: 27491926 PMCID: PMC5311110 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201606181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Both lytic and temperate bacteriophages (phages) can be applied in nanomedicine, in particular, as nanoprobes for precise disease diagnosis and nanotherapeutics for targeted disease treatment. Since phages are bacteria-specific viruses, they do not naturally infect eukaryotic cells and are not toxic to them. They can be genetically engineered to target nanoparticles, cells, tissues, and organs, and can also be modified with functional abiotic nanomaterials for disease diagnosis and treatment. This Review will summarize the current use of phage structures in many aspects of precision nanomedicine, including ultrasensitive biomarker detection, enhanced bioimaging for disease diagnosis, targeted drug and gene delivery, directed stem cell differentiation, accelerated tissue formation, effective vaccination, and nanotherapeutics for targeted disease treatment. We will also propose future directions in the area of phage-based nanomedicines, and discuss the state of phage-based clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegan S Sunderland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, USA
| | - Mingying Yang
- Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, USA
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
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Sunderland KS, Yang M, Mao C. Nanomedizin auf Phagenbasis: von Sonden zu Therapeutika für eine Präzisionsmedizin. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201606181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kegan S. Sunderland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center University of Oklahoma 101 Stephenson Parkway Norman Oklahoma 73019 USA
| | - Mingying Yang
- Institute of Applied Bioresource Research College of Animal Science Zhejiang University Yuhangtang Road 866 Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center University of Oklahoma 101 Stephenson Parkway Norman Oklahoma 73019 USA
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
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Abstract
Synthetic biology promises to create high-impact solutions to challenges in the areas of biotechnology, human/animal health, the environment, energy, materials and food security. Equally, synthetic biologists create tools and strategies that have the potential to help us answer important fundamental questions in biology. Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology (WISB) pursues both of these mutually complementary 'build to apply' and 'build to understand' approaches. This is reflected in our research structure, in which a core theme on predictive biosystems engineering develops underpinning understanding as well as next-generation experimental/theoretical tools, and these are then incorporated into three applied themes in which we engineer biosynthetic pathways, microbial communities and microbial effector systems in plants. WISB takes a comprehensive approach to training, education and outreach. For example, WISB is a partner in the EPSRC/BBSRC-funded U.K. Doctoral Training Centre in synthetic biology, we have developed a new undergraduate module in the subject, and we have established five WISB Research Career Development Fellowships to support young group leaders. Research in Ethical, Legal and Societal Aspects (ELSA) of synthetic biology is embedded in our centre activities. WISB has been highly proactive in building an international research and training network that includes partners in Barcelona, Boston, Copenhagen, Madrid, Marburg, São Paulo, Tartu and Valencia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John McCarthy
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
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