1
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Galvez-Llompart M, Hierrezuelo J, Blasco M, Zanni R, Galvez J, de Vicente A, Pérez-García A, Romero D. Targeting bacterial growth in biofilm conditions: rational design of novel inhibitors to mitigate clinical and food contamination using QSAR. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2330907. [PMID: 38651823 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2330907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global issue exacerbated by the abuse of antibiotics and the formation of bacterial biofilms, which cause up to 80% of human bacterial infections. This study presents a computational strategy to address AMR by developing three novel quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models based on molecular topology to identify potential anti-biofilm and antibacterial agents. The models aim to determine the chemo-topological pattern of Gram (+) antibacterial, Gram (-) antibacterial, and biofilm formation inhibition activity. The models were applied to the virtual screening of a commercial chemical database, resulting in the selection of 58 compounds. Subsequent in vitro assays showed that three of these compounds exhibited the most promising antibacterial activity, with potential applications in enhancing food and medical device safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Galvez-Llompart
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Science, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora, IHSM-UMA-CSIC, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jesús Hierrezuelo
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora, IHSM-UMA-CSIC, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Mariluz Blasco
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora, IHSM-UMA-CSIC, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Riccardo Zanni
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Jorge Galvez
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Antonio de Vicente
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora, IHSM-UMA-CSIC, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alejandro Pérez-García
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora, IHSM-UMA-CSIC, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Diego Romero
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora, IHSM-UMA-CSIC, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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2
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Sadeghi Hosnijeh M, Hosseini Tafreshi SA, Masoum S. Nanophycology, the merging of nanoscience into algal research: A review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116727. [PMID: 39024948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Nanophycology is recognized as one of the most important and widely used interdisciplinary sciences by creating a connection between nanotechnology on the one hand and phycology on the other hand. Algal nanoparticle biosynthesis is a starting point in studies and research related to nanophycology. Nanophycology consists of two parts, nano and phycology, and by taking advantage of the high potential of algae such as high biological safety, easy production, fast growth, and high stability in the phycology part of this science, which is also known as algology, algae nanoparticles synthesis and make this section related to nanotechnology. In this way, algae are known as factories of biological nanomaterials and cause the production of bio-stable nanotechnology and the removal of environmental pollutants released due to nanochemistry. Nanotechnology produced by algae in the science of nanophycology, due to algae's unique physical and chemical properties compared to other biological entities such as plants, fungi, and bacteria, is used in various fields including medicine, biorefining, purification Water, etc. In this review article, the most important goals of the science of nanophycology, including the biosynthesis of algal nanoparticles and the potential of these compounds in various fields of application, have been examined and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saeed Masoum
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
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3
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Povolotsky TL, Levy Barazany H, Shacham Y, Kolodkin-Gal I. Bacterial epigenetics and its implication for agriculture, probiotics development, and biotechnology design. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 75:108414. [PMID: 39019123 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108414] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
In their natural habitats, organisms encounter numerous external stimuli and must be able to sense and adapt to those stimuli to survive. Unlike mutations, epigenetic changes do not alter the underlying DNA sequence. Instead, they create modifications that promote or silence gene expression. Bacillus subtilis has long been a model organism in studying genetics and development. It is beneficial for numerous biotechnological applications where it is included as a probiotic, in fermentation, or in bio-concrete design. This bacterium has also emerged recently as a model organism for studying bacterial epigenetic adaptation. In this review, we examine the evolving knowledge of epigenetic regulation (restriction-modification systems (RM), orphan methyltransferases, and chromosome condensation) in B. subtilis and related bacteria, and utilize it as a case study to test their potential roles and future applications in genetic engineering and microbial biotechnology. Finally, we suggest how the implementation of these fundamental findings promotes the design of synthetic epigenetic memory circuits and their future applications in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana L Povolotsky
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Altensteinstraße 23A, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hilit Levy Barazany
- Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology, Reichman University, Hauniversita 8, Herzeliya, Israel
| | - Yosi Shacham
- Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology, Reichman University, Hauniversita 8, Herzeliya, Israel
| | - Ilana Kolodkin-Gal
- Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology, Reichman University, Hauniversita 8, Herzeliya, Israel.
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4
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Monteiro C, Gomes MC, Bharmoria P, Freire MG, Coutinho JA, Custódio CA, Mano JF. Human Platelet Lysate-Derived Nanofibrils as Building Blocks to Produce Free-Standing Membranes for Cell Self-Aggregation. ACS NANO 2024; 18:15815-15830. [PMID: 38833572 PMCID: PMC11191744 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02790] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid-like fibrils are garnering keen interest in biotechnology as supramolecular nanofunctional units to be used as biomimetic platforms to control cell behavior. Recent insights into fibril functionality have highlighted their importance in tissue structure, mechanical properties, and improved cell adhesion, emphasizing the need for scalable and high-kinetics fibril synthesis. In this study, we present the instantaneous and bulk formation of amyloid-like nanofibrils from human platelet lysate (PL) using the ionic liquid cholinium tosylate as a fibrillating agent. The instant fibrillation of PL proteins upon supramolecular protein-ionic liquid interactions was confirmed from the protein conformational transition toward cross-β-sheet-rich structures. These nanofibrils were utilized as building blocks for the formation of thin and flexible free-standing membranes via solvent casting to support cell self-aggregation. These PL-derived fibril membranes reveal a nanotopographically rough surface and high stability over 14 days under cell culture conditions. The culture of mesenchymal stem cells or tumor cells on the top of the membrane demonstrated that cells are able to adhere and self-organize in a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid-like microtissue while tightly folding the fibril membrane. Results suggest that nanofibril membrane incorporation in cell aggregates can improve cell viability and metabolic activity, recreating native tissues' organization. Altogether, these PL-derived nanofibril membranes are suitable bioactive platforms to generate 3D cell-guided microtissues, which can be explored as bottom-up strategies to faithfully emulate native tissues in a fully human microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia
F. Monteiro
- CICECO − Aveiro Institute
of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University
of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Maria C. Gomes
- CICECO − Aveiro Institute
of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University
of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | | | - Mara G. Freire
- CICECO − Aveiro Institute
of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University
of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João A.
P. Coutinho
- CICECO − Aveiro Institute
of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University
of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Catarina A. Custódio
- CICECO − Aveiro Institute
of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University
of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João F. Mano
- CICECO − Aveiro Institute
of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University
of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
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5
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Vishwakarma A, Verma D. Smokeless Tobacco Harbors Bacteria Involved in Biofilm Formation as Well as Salt and Heavy Metal Tolerance Activity. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:3034-3055. [PMID: 37610514 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04689-2] [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] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
In our previous culture-independent study on smokeless tobacco products, we have observed a strong positive correlation between several bacteria and genes involved in nitrate/nitrite reduction, biofilm formation, and pro-inflammation. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to analyze the inhabitant bacterial population of the Indian ST products for assessing the health-associated risk attributes using culture-dependent approach. Traditional cultivation approaches recovered several bacterial isolates from commercial ST products on different culture media. A high colony formation unit (CFU) count was observed that ranged from 173 × 104 to 630.4 × 105 per gram of ST products. Of the 74 randomly selected and distinct bacterial isolates, 17 isolates showed a significantly enhanced growth (p-value < 0.05) in the presence of the aqueous tobacco extract. On biochemical characterization, these bacteria were identified as the member of Bacillus, Enterobacter, Micrococcus, Providencia, Serratia, Pantoea, Proteus, and Pseudomonas. Most of these bacteria also exhibited biofilm-forming activity, where eight bacterial isolates were identified for strong biofilm-forming action. 16S rRNA-based molecular characterization of these bacteria identified them as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus paralicheniformis, Enterobacter sp., Serratia marcescens, Pantoea anthophila, and Enterobacter cloacae. Moreover, these bacteria also exhibited the potential to withstand high salt and heavy metal concentrations. The findings demonstrate that Indian ST products are heavily populated with wide bacterial species exhibiting potential in biofilm formation, heavy metal resistance, and salt tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Vishwakarma
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, 226025, India
| | - Digvijay Verma
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, 226025, India.
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6
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Liu D, Chen J, Gao L, Chen X, Lin L, Wei X, Liu Y, Cheng H. Injectable Photothermal PDA/Chitosan/β-Glycerophosphate Thermosensitive Hydrogels for Antibacterial and Wound Healing Promotion. Macromol Biosci 2024:e2400080. [PMID: 38752628 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400080] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Controlling infections while reducing the use of antibiotics is what doctors as well as researchers are looking for. As innovative smart materials, photothermal materials can achieve localized heating under light excitation for broad-spectrum bacterial inhibition. A polydopamine/chitosan/β-glycerophosphate temperature-sensitive hydrogel with excellent antibacterial ability is synthesized here. Initially, the hydrogel has good biocompatibility. In vitro experiments reveal its noncytotoxic property when cocultured with gingival fibroblasts and nonhemolytic capability. Concurrently, the in vivo biocompatibility is confirmed through liver and kidney blood markers and staining of key organs. Crucially, the hydrogel has excellent photothermal conversion performance, which can realize the photothermal conversion of hydrogel up to 3 mm thickness. When excited by near-infrared light, localized heating is attainable, resulting in clear inhibition impacts on both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with the inhibition rates of 91.22% and 96.69%, respectively. During studies on mice's infected wounds, it is observed that the hydrogel can decrease S. aureus' presence in the affected area when exposed to near-infrared light, and also lessen initial inflammation and apoptosis, hastening tissue healing. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of antibiotic-free novel biomaterials with good potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingkun Liu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial and Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, China
| | - Jinbing Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial and Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, China
| | - Linjuan Gao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial and Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial and Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, China
| | - Liujun Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial and Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, China
| | - Xia Wei
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial and Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial and Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial and Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, China
- Institute of Stomatology and Research Center of Dental Esthetics and Biomechanics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, 246 Yangqiao Zhong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China
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7
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Iscen A, Kaygisiz K, Synatschke CV, Weil T, Kremer K. Multiscale Simulations of Self-Assembling Peptides: Surface and Core Hydrophobicity Determine Fibril Stability and Amyloid Aggregation. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3063-3075. [PMID: 38652055 PMCID: PMC11094720 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Assemblies of peptides and proteins through specific intermolecular interactions set the basis for macroscopic materials found in nature. Peptides provide easily tunable hydrogen-bonding interactions, which can lead to the formation of ordered structures such as highly stable β-sheets that can form amyloid-like supramolecular peptide nanofibrils (PNFs). PNFs are of special interest, as they could be considered as mimics of various fibrillar structures found in nature. In their ability to serve as supramolecular scaffolds, they could mimic certain features of the extracellular matrix to provide stability, interact with pathogens such as virions, and transduce signals between the outside and inside of cells. Many PNFs have been reported that reveal rich bioactivities. PNFs supporting neuronal cell growth or lentiviral gene transduction have been studied systematically, and their material properties were correlated to bioactivities. However, the impact of the structure of PNFs, their dynamics, and stabilities on their unique functions is still elusive. Herein, we provide a microscopic view of the self-assembled PNFs to unravel how the amino acid sequence of self-assembling peptides affects their secondary structure and dynamic properties of the peptides within supramolecular fibrils. Based on sequence truncation, amino acid substitution, and sequence reordering, we demonstrate that peptide-peptide aggregation propensity is critical to form bioactive β-sheet-rich structures. In contrast to previous studies, a very high peptide aggregation propensity reduces bioactivity due to intermolecular misalignment and instabilities that emerge when fibrils are in close proximity to other fibrils in solution. Our multiscale simulation approach correlates changes in biological activity back to single amino acid modifications. Understanding these relationships could lead to future material discoveries where the molecular sequence predictably determines the macroscopic properties and biological activity. In addition, our studies may provide new insights into naturally occurring amyloid fibrils in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysenur Iscen
- Department
of Polymer Theory, Max Planck Institute
for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kübra Kaygisiz
- Department
of Synthesis of Macromolecules, Max Planck
Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christopher V. Synatschke
- Department
of Synthesis of Macromolecules, Max Planck
Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Weil
- Department
of Synthesis of Macromolecules, Max Planck
Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kurt Kremer
- Department
of Polymer Theory, Max Planck Institute
for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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8
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Kumari S, Das S. Functional amyloid fibrils of biofilm-forming marine bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PFL-P1 interact spontaneously with pyrene and augment the biodegradation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131266. [PMID: 38556224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria thrive in biofilms embedding in the three-dimensional extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Functional Amyloid in Pseudomonas (Fap), a protein in EPS, efficiently sequesters polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Present study reports the characterization of Fap fibrils from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PFL-P1 and describes the interaction with pyrene to assess the impact on pyrene degradation. Overexpression of fap in E. coli BL21(DE3) cells significantly enhances biofilm formation (p < 0.0001) and amyloid production (p = 0.0002), particularly with pyrene. Defibrillated Fap analysis reveals FapC monomers and increased fibrillation with pyrene. Circular Dichroism (CD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) unveil characteristic amyloid peaks and structural changes in Fap fibrils upon pyrene exposure. 3D-EEM analysis identifies a protein-like fluorophore in Fap fibrils, exhibiting pyrene-induced fluorescence quenching. Binding constants range from 5.23 to 7.78 M-1, with ΔG of -5.10 kJ mol-1 at 298 K, indicating spontaneous and exothermic interaction driven by hydrophobic forces. Exogenous Fap fibrils substantially increased the biofilm growth and pyrene degradation by P. aeruginosa PFL-P1 from 46 % to 64 % within 7 days (p = 0.0236). GC-MS identifies diverse metabolites, implying phthalic acid pathway in pyrene degradation. This study deepens insights into structural dynamics of Fap fibrils when exposed to pyrene, offering potential application in environmental bioremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetambari Kumari
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Surajit Das
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India.
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9
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Xue Y, Yu C, Ouyang H, Huang J, Kang X. Uncovering the Molecular Composition and Architecture of the Bacillus subtilis Biofilm via Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:11906-11923. [PMID: 38629727 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The complex and dynamic compositions of biofilms, along with their sophisticated structural assembly mechanisms, endow them with exceptional capabilities to thrive in diverse conditions that are typically unfavorable for individual cells. Characterizing biofilms in their native state is significantly challenging due to their intrinsic complexities and the limited availability of noninvasive techniques. Here, we utilized solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to analyze Bacillus subtilis biofilms in-depth. Our data uncover a dynamically distinct organization within the biofilm: a dominant, hydrophilic, and mobile framework interspersed with minor, rigid cores of limited water accessibility. In these heterogeneous rigid cores, the major components are largely self-assembled. TasA fibers, the most robust elements, further provide a degree of mechanical support for the cell aggregates and some lipid vesicles. Notably, rigid cell aggregates can persist even without the major extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) polymers, although this leads to slight variations in their rigidity and water accessibility. Exopolysaccharides are exclusively present in the mobile domain, playing a pivotal role in its water retention property. Specifically, all water molecules are tightly bound within the biofilm matrix. These findings reveal a dual-layered defensive strategy within the biofilm: a diffusion barrier through limited water mobility in the mobile phase and a physical barrier posed by limited water accessibility in the rigid phase. Complementing these discoveries, our comprehensive, in situ compositional analysis is not only essential for delineating the sophisticated biofilm architecture but also reveals the presence of alternative genetic mechanisms for synthesizing exopolysaccharides beyond the known pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xue
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Chenjie Yu
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Han Ouyang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Jiaofang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xue Kang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
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10
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Byeon CH, Hansen KH, Jeffrey J, Saricayir H, Andreasen M, Akbey Ü. Intrinsically disordered Pseudomonas chaperone FapA slows down the fibrillation of major biofilm-forming functional amyloid FapC. FEBS J 2024; 291:1925-1943. [PMID: 38349812 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17084] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Functional bacterial amyloids play a crucial role in the formation of biofilms, which mediate chronic infections and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This study focuses on the FapC amyloid fibrillar protein from Pseudomonas, a major contributor to biofilm formation. We investigate the initial steps of FapC amyloid formation and the impact of the chaperone-like protein FapA on this process. Using solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), we recently showed that both FapC and FapA are intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Here, the secondary structure propensities (SSPs) are compared to alphafold (DeepMind, protein structure prediction tool/algorithm: https://alphafold.ebi.ac.uk/) models. We further demonstrate that the FapA chaperone interacts with FapC and significantly slows down the formation of FapC fibrils. Our NMR titrations reveal ~ 18% of the resonances show FapA-induced chemical shift perturbations (CSPs), which has not been previously observed, the largest being for A82, N201, C237, C240, A241, and G245. These sites may suggest a specific interaction site and/or hotspots of fibrillation inhibition/control interface at the repeat-1 (R1)/loop-2 (L2) and L2/R3 transition areas and at the C-terminus of FapC. Remarkably, ~ 90% of FapA NMR signals exhibit substantial CSPs upon titration with FapC, the largest being for S63, A69, A80, and I92. A temperature-dependent effect of FapA was observed on FapC by thioflavin T (ThT) and NMR experiments. This study provides a detailed understanding of the interaction between the FapA and FapC, shedding light on the regulation and slowing down of amyloid formation, and has important implications for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting biofilms and associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hyeock Byeon
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kasper Holst Hansen
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jasper Jeffrey
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hakan Saricayir
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Maria Andreasen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ümit Akbey
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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11
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Mirza Agha M, Tavili E, Dabirmanesh B. Functional amyloids. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 206:389-434. [PMID: 38811086 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
While amyloid has traditionally been viewed as a harmful formation, emerging evidence suggests that amyloids may also play a functional role in cell biology, contributing to normal physiological processes that have been conserved throughout evolution. Functional amyloids have been discovered in several creatures, spanning from bacteria to mammals. These amyloids serve a multitude of purposes, including but not limited to, forming biofilms, melanin synthesis, storage, information transfer, and memory. The functional role of amyloids has been consistently validated by the discovery of more functional amyloids, indicating a conceptual convergence. The biology of amyloids is well-represented by non-pathogenic amyloids, given the numerous ones already identified and the ongoing rate of new discoveries. In this chapter, functional amyloids in microorganisms, animals, and plants are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoureh Mirza Agha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Tavili
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Dabirmanesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Parmar D, Rosado-Rosa JM, Shrout JD, Sweedler JV. Metabolic insights from mass spectrometry imaging of biofilms: A perspective from model microorganisms. Methods 2024; 224:21-34. [PMID: 38295894 PMCID: PMC11149699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.01.014] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are dense aggregates of bacterial colonies embedded inside a self-produced polymeric matrix. Biofilms have received increasing attention in medical, industrial, and environmental settings due to their enhanced survival. Their characterization using microscopy techniques has revealed the presence of structural and cellular heterogeneity in many bacterial systems. However, these techniques provide limited chemical detail and lack information about the molecules important for bacterial communication and virulence. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) bridges the gap by generating spatial chemical information with unmatched chemical detail, making it an irreplaceable analytical platform in the multi-modal imaging of biofilms. In the last two decades, over 30 species of biofilm-forming bacteria have been studied using MSI in different environments. The literature conveys both analytical advancements and an improved understanding of the effects of environmental variables such as host surface characteristics, antibiotics, and other species of microorganisms on biofilms. This review summarizes the insights from frequently studied model microorganisms. We share a detailed list of organism-wide metabolites, commonly observed mass spectral adducts, culture conditions, strains of bacteria, substrate, broad problem definition, and details of the MS instrumentation, such as ionization sources and matrix, to facilitate future studies. We also compared the spatial characteristics of the secretome under different study designs to highlight changes because of various environmental influences. In addition, we highlight the current limitations of MSI in relation to biofilm characterization to enable cross-comparison between experiments. Overall, MSI has emerged to become an important approach for the spatial/chemical characterization of bacterial biofilms and its use will continue to grow as MSI becomes more accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmeshkumar Parmar
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Joenisse M Rosado-Rosa
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Joshua D Shrout
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Jonathan V Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
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13
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Zhu X, Xiang Q, Chen L, Chen J, Wang L, Jiang N, Hao X, Zhang H, Wang X, Li Y, Omer R, Zhang L, Wang Y, Zhuang Y, Huang J. Engineered Bacillus subtilis Biofilm@Biochar living materials for in-situ sensing and bioremediation of heavy metal ions pollution. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133119. [PMID: 38134689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The simultaneous sensing and remediation of multiple heavy metal ions in wastewater or soil with microorganisms is currently a significant challenge. In this study, the microorganism Bacillus subtilis was used as a chassis organism to construct two genetic circuits for sensing and adsorbing heavy-metal ions. The engineered biosensor can sense three heavy metal ions (0.1-75 μM of Pb2+ and Cu2+, 0.01-3.5 μM of Hg2+) in situ real-time with high sensitivity. The engineered B. subtilis TasA-metallothionein (TasA-MT) biofilm can specifically adsorb metal ions from the environment, exhibiting remarkable removal efficiencies of 99.5% for Pb2+, 99.9% for Hg2+and 99.5% for Cu2+ in water. Furthermore, this engineered strain (as a biosensor and absorber of Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+) was incubated with biochar to form a hybrid biofilm@biochar (BBC) material that could be applied in the bioremediation of heavy metal ions. The results showed that BBC material not only significantly reduced exchangeable Pb2+ in the soil but also reduced Pb2+ accumulation in maize plants. In addition, it enhanced maize growth and biomass. In conclusion, this study examined the potential applications of biosensors and hybrid living materials constructed using sensing and adsorption circuits in B. subtilis, providing rapid and cost-effective tools for sensing and remediating multiple heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cu2+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Qinyuan Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Jianshu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Ning Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Xiangrui Hao
- Shanghai Nong Le Biological Products Company Limited (NLBP), Shanghai 201419, PR China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Shanghai Nong Le Biological Products Company Limited (NLBP), Shanghai 201419, PR China
| | - Xinhua Wang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Rabia Omer
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Lingfan Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Yonghong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing (SCICB), East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Jiaofang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, PR China.
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14
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Morris RJ, Bamford NC, Bromley KM, Erskine E, Stanley-Wall NR, MacPhee CE. Bacillus subtilis Matrix Protein TasA is Interfacially Active, but BslA Dominates Interfacial Film Properties. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:4164-4173. [PMID: 38351711 PMCID: PMC10905994 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Microbial growth often occurs within multicellular communities called biofilms, where cells are enveloped by a protective extracellular matrix. Bacillus subtilis serves as a model organism for biofilm research and produces two crucial secreted proteins, BslA and TasA, vital for biofilm matrix formation. BslA exhibits surface-active properties, spontaneously self-assembling at hydrophobic/hydrophilic interfaces to form an elastic protein film, which renders B. subtilis biofilm surfaces water-repellent. TasA is traditionally considered a fiber-forming protein with multiple matrix-related functions. In our current study, we investigate whether TasA also possesses interfacial properties and whether it has any impact on BslA's ability to form an interfacial protein film. Our research demonstrates that TasA indeed exhibits interfacial activity, partitioning to hydrophobic/hydrophilic interfaces, stabilizing emulsions, and forming an interfacial protein film. Interestingly, TasA undergoes interface-induced restructuring similar to BslA, showing an increase in β-strand secondary structure. Unlike BslA, TasA rapidly reaches the interface and forms nonelastic films that rapidly relax under pressure. Through mixed protein pendant drop experiments, we assess the influence of TasA on BslA film formation, revealing that TasA and other surface-active molecules can compete for interface space, potentially preventing BslA from forming a stable elastic film. This raises a critical question: how does BslA self-assemble to form the hydrophobic "raincoat" observed in biofilms in the presence of other potentially surface-active species? We propose a model wherein surface-active molecules, including TasA, initially compete with BslA for interface space. However, under lateral compression or pressure, BslA retains its position, expelling other molecules into the bulk. This resilience at the interface may result from structural rearrangements and lateral interactions between BslA subunits. This combined mechanism likely explains BslA's role in forming a stable film integral to B. subtilis biofilm hydrophobicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Morris
- School
of Physics & Astronomy, University of
Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, U.K.
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, Southampton SO17 1GB, U.K.
| | - Natalie C. Bamford
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, Southampton SO17 1GB, U.K.
- Division
of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K.
| | - Keith M. Bromley
- School
of Physics & Astronomy, University of
Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, U.K.
| | - Elliot Erskine
- Division
of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K.
| | - Nicola R. Stanley-Wall
- Division
of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K.
| | - Cait E. MacPhee
- School
of Physics & Astronomy, University of
Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, U.K.
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, Southampton SO17 1GB, U.K.
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15
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Böhning J, Tarafder AK, Bharat TA. The role of filamentous matrix molecules in shaping the architecture and emergent properties of bacterial biofilms. Biochem J 2024; 481:245-263. [PMID: 38358118 PMCID: PMC10903470 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210301] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Numerous bacteria naturally occur within spatially organised, multicellular communities called biofilms. Moreover, most bacterial infections proceed with biofilm formation, posing major challenges to human health. Within biofilms, bacterial cells are embedded in a primarily self-produced extracellular matrix, which is a defining feature of all biofilms. The biofilm matrix is a complex, viscous mixture primarily composed of polymeric substances such as polysaccharides, filamentous protein fibres, and extracellular DNA. The structured arrangement of the matrix bestows bacteria with beneficial emergent properties that are not displayed by planktonic cells, conferring protection against physical and chemical stresses, including antibiotic treatment. However, a lack of multi-scale information at the molecular level has prevented a better understanding of this matrix and its properties. Here, we review recent progress on the molecular characterisation of filamentous biofilm matrix components and their three-dimensional spatial organisation within biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Böhning
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Abul K. Tarafder
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Tanmay A.M. Bharat
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
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16
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Siri M, Mangiarotti A, Vázquez-Dávila M, Bidan CM. Curli Amyloid Fibers in Escherichia coli Biofilms: The Influence of Water Availability on their Structure and Functional Properties. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300234. [PMID: 37776075 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300234] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli biofilms consist of bacteria embedded in a self-produced matrix mainly made of protein fibers and polysaccharides. The curli amyloid fibers found in the biofilm matrix are promising versatile building blocks to design sustainable bio-sourced materials. To exploit this potential, it is crucial to understand i) how environmental cues during biofilm growth influence the molecular structure of these amyloid fibers, and ii) how this translates at higher length scales. To explore these questions, the effect of water availability during biofilm growth on the conformation and functions of curli is studied. Microscopy and spectroscopy are used to characterize the amyloid fibers purified from biofilms grown on nutritive substrates with different water contents, and micro-indentation to measure the rigidity of the respective biofilms. The purified curli amyloid fibers present differences in the yield, structure, and functional properties upon biofilm growth conditions. Fiber packing and β-sheets content correlate with their hydrophobicity and chemical stability, and with the rigidity of the biofilms. This study highlights how E. coli biofilm growth conditions impact curli structure and functions contributing to macroscopic materials properties. These fundamental findings infer an alternative strategy to tune curli structure, which will ultimately benefit engineering hierarchical and functional curli-based materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Siri
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Agustín Mangiarotti
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mónica Vázquez-Dávila
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Cécile M Bidan
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
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17
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Yu C, Qiao J, Ali Q, Jiang Q, Song Y, Zhu L, Gu Q, Borriss R, Dong S, Gao X, Wu H. degQ associated with the degS/degU two-component system regulates biofilm formation, antimicrobial metabolite production, and biocontrol activity in Bacillus velezensis DMW1. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:1510-1521. [PMID: 37731193 PMCID: PMC10632791 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13389] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The gram-positive bacterium Bacillus velezensis strain DMW1 produces a high level of antimicrobial metabolites that can suppress the growth of phytopathogens. We investigated the mechanism used by degQ and the degS/degU two-component system to regulate the biocontrol characteristics of DMW1. When degQ and degU were deleted, the biofilm formation, cell motility, colonization activities, and antifungal abilities of ΔdegQ and ΔdegU were significantly reduced compared to wild-type DMW1. The expression levels of biofilm-related genes (epsA, epsB, epsC, and tasA) and swarming-related genes (swrA and swrB) were all down-regulated. We also evaluated the impact on secondary metabolites of these two genes. The degQ and degU genes reduced surfactin and macrolactin production and up-regulated the production of fengycin, iturin, bacillaene, and difficidin metabolites. The reverse transcription-quantitative PCR results were consistent with these observations. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and microscale thermophoresis revealed that DegU can bind to the promoter regions of these six antimicrobial metabolite genes and regulate their synthesis. In conclusion, we provided systematic evidence to demonstrate that the degQ and degU genes are important regulators of multicellular behaviour and antimicrobial metabolic processes in B. velezensis DMW1 and suggested novel amenable strains to be used for the industrial production of antimicrobial metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjie Yu
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Junqing Qiao
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural SciencesInstitute of Plant ProtectionNanjingChina
| | - Qurban Ali
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qifan Jiang
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yan Song
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Linli Zhu
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qin Gu
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Rainer Borriss
- Institut für BiologieHumboldt University BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Suomeng Dong
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xuewen Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Huijun Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
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18
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Byeon CH, Wang PC, Byeon IJL, Akbey Ü. Solution-state NMR assignment and secondary structure propensity of the full length and minimalistic-truncated prefibrillar monomeric form of biofilm forming functional amyloid FapC from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2023; 17:159-165. [PMID: 37162737 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-023-10135-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Functional bacterial amyloids provide structural scaffolding to bacterial biofilms. In contrast to the pathological amyloids, they have a role in vivo and are tightly regulated. Their presence is essential to the integrity of the bacterial communities surviving in biofilms and may cause serious health complications. Targeting amyloids in biofilms could be a novel approach to prevent chronic infections. However, structural information is very scarce on them in both soluble monomeric and insoluble fibrillar forms, hindering our molecular understanding and strategies to fight biofilm related diseases. Here, we present solution-state NMR assignment of 250 amino acid long biofilm-forming functional-amyloid FapC from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We studied full-length (FL) and shorter minimalistic-truncated (L2R3C) FapC constructs without the signal-sequence that is required for secretion. 91% and 100% backbone NH resonance assignments for FL and L2R3C constructs, respectively, indicate that soluble monomeric FapC is predominantly disordered, with sizeable secondary structural propensities mostly as PP2 helices, but also as α-helices and β-sheets highlighting hotspots for fibrillation initiation interface. A shorter construct showing almost identical NMR chemical shifts highlights the promise of utilizing it for more demanding solid-state NMR studies that require methods to alleviate signal redundancy due to almost identical repeat units. This study provides key NMR resonance assignments for future structural studies of soluble, pre-fibrillar and fibrillar forms of FapC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hyeock Byeon
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Biomedical Science Tower 3, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15261, USA
| | - Pang C Wang
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Biomedical Science Tower 3, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15261, USA
| | - In-Ja L Byeon
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Biomedical Science Tower 3, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15261, USA
| | - Ümit Akbey
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Biomedical Science Tower 3, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15261, USA.
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19
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Byeon CH, Kinney T, Saricayir H, Srinivasa S, Wells MK, Kim W, Akbey Ü. Tapping into the native Pseudomonas bacterial biofilm structure by high-resolution multidimensional solid-state NMR. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2023; 357:107587. [PMID: 37984030 PMCID: PMC10913148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2023.107587] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
We present a multidimensional magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) study to characterize native Pseudomonas fluorescens colony biofilms at natural abundance without isotope-labelling. By using a high-resolution INEPT-based 2D 1H-13C ssNMR spectrum and thorough peak deconvolution at the 1D ssNMR spectra, approximately 80/134 (in 1D/2D) distinct biofilm chemical sites were identified. We compared CP and INEPT 13C ssNMR spectra to differentiate signals originating from the mobile and rigid fractions of the biofilm, and qualitatively determined dynamical changes by comparing CP buildup behaviors. Protein and polysaccharide signals were differentiated and identified by utilizing FapC protein signals as a template, a biofilm forming functional amyloid from Pseudomonas. We identified several biofilm polysaccharide species such as glucose, mannan, galactose, heptose, rhamnan, fucose and N-acylated mannuronic acid by using 1H and 13C chemical shifts obtained from the 2D spectrum. To our knowledge, this study marks the first high-resolution multidimensional ssNMR characterization of a native bacterial biofilm. Our experimental pipeline can be readily applied to other in vitro biofilm model systems and natural biofilms and holds the promise of making a substantial impact on biofilm research, fostering new ideas and breakthroughs to aid in the development of strategic approaches to combat infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hyeock Byeon
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Ted Kinney
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Hakan Saricayir
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Sadhana Srinivasa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Meghan K Wells
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Wook Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Ümit Akbey
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
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20
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Byeon CH, Akbey Ü. Solution-state NMR assignment and secondary structure analysis of the monomeric Pseudomonas biofilm-forming functional amyloid accessory protein FapA. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2023; 17:275-280. [PMID: 37798606 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-023-10155-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
FapA is an accessory protein within the biofilm forming functional bacterial amyloid related fap-operon in Pseudomonas, and maybe a chaperone for FapC controlling its fibrillization. To allow further structural analysis, here we present a complete sequential assignment of 1Hamide, 13Cα, 13Cβ, and 15N NMR resonances for the functional form of the monomeric soluble FapA protein, comprising amino acids between 29 and 152. From these observed chemical shifts, the secondary structure propensities (SSPs) were determined. FapA predominantly adopts a random coil conformation, however, we also identified small propensities for α-helical and β-strand conformations. Notably, these observed SSPs are smaller compared to the ones we recently observed for the monomeric soluble FapC protein. These NMR results provide valuable insights into the activity of FapA in functional amyloid formation and regulation, that will also aid developing strategies targeting amyloid formation within biofilms and addressing chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hyeock Byeon
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15261, USA
| | - Ümit Akbey
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower 3, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15261, USA.
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21
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Galkin AP, Sysoev EI, Valina AA. Amyloids and prions in the light of evolution. Curr Genet 2023; 69:189-202. [PMID: 37165144 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-023-01270-6] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Functional amyloids have been identified in a wide variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants, and vertebrates. Intracellular and extracellular amyloid fibrils of different proteins perform storage, protective, structural, and regulatory functions. The structural organization of amyloid fibrils determines their unique physical and biochemical properties. The formation of these fibrillar structures can provide adaptive advantages that are picked up by natural selection. Despite the great interest in functional and pathological amyloids, questions about the conservatism of the amyloid properties of proteins and the regularities in the appearance of these fibrillar structures in evolution remain almost unexplored. Using bioinformatics approaches and summarizing the data published previously, we have shown that amyloid fibrils performing similar functions in different organisms have been arising repeatedly and independently in the course of evolution. On the other hand, we show that the amyloid properties of a number of bacterial and eukaryotic proteins are evolutionarily conserved. We also discuss the role of protein-based inheritance in the evolution of microorganisms. Considering that missense mutations and the emergence of prions cause the same consequences, we propose the concept that the formation of prions, similarly to mutations, generally causes a negative effect, although it can also lead to adaptations in rare cases. In general, our analysis revealed certain patterns in the emergence and spread of amyloid fibrillar structures in the course of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey P Galkin
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, St. Petersburg Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 199034.
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 199034.
| | - Evgeniy I Sysoev
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, St. Petersburg Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 199034
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 199034
| | - Anna A Valina
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, 199034
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22
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Arnaouteli S, Bamford NC, Brandani GB, Morris RJ, Schor M, Carrington JT, Hobley L, van Aalten DMF, Stanley-Wall NR, MacPhee CE. Lateral interactions govern self-assembly of the bacterial biofilm matrix protein BslA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2312022120. [PMID: 37903266 PMCID: PMC7615278 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312022120] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis is a model organism to investigate the formation of biofilms, the predominant form of microbial life. The secreted protein BslA self-assembles at the surface of the biofilm to give the B. subtilis biofilm its characteristic hydrophobicity. To understand the mechanism of BslA self-assembly at interfaces, here we built a molecular model based on the previous BslA crystal structure and the crystal structure of the BslA paralogue YweA that we determined. Our analysis revealed two conserved protein-protein interaction interfaces supporting BslA self-assembly into an infinite 2-dimensional lattice that fits previously determined transmission microscopy images. Molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro protein assays further support our model of BslA elastic film formation, while mutagenesis experiments highlight the importance of the identified interactions for biofilm structure. Based on this knowledge, YweA was engineered to form more stable elastic films and rescue biofilm structure in bslA deficient strains. These findings shed light on protein film assembly and will inform the development of BslA technologies which range from surface coatings to emulsions in fast-moving consumer goods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Arnaouteli
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DundeeDD5 4EH, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie C. Bamford
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DundeeDD5 4EH, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni B. Brandani
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto606 8501, Japan
| | - Ryan J. Morris
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH9 3FD, United Kingdom
| | - Marieke Schor
- UB Education, Content & Support, Maastricht University, Maastricht6211 LK, Netherlands
| | - Jamie T. Carrington
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Hobley
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, NottinghamNG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Daan M. F. van Aalten
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DundeeDD5 4EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus8000, Denmark
| | - Nicola R. Stanley-Wall
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DundeeDD5 4EH, United Kingdom
| | - Cait E. MacPhee
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH9 3FD, United Kingdom
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23
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Han SE, Cho JY, Kim KY, Maung CEH. Role of an antagonistic bacterium, Bacillus subtilis PE7, in growth promotion of netted melon ( Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud.). Can J Microbiol 2023. [PMID: 37917977 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2023-0083] [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: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the plant growth-promoting effect of Bacillus subtilis PE7 on growth of melon plants. B. subtilis PE7 isolated from kimchi was identified based on colonial and microscopic morphology along with analyses of 16S rRNA and pycA gene sequences. Strain PE7 showed different levels of inhibition on phytopathogens and was able to grow at variable temperatures and pH values. Strain PE7 had the ability to produce siderophores, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ammonia, exopolysaccharides, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, as well as solubilize insoluble phosphate and zinc. The IAA secretion of strain PE7 showed a concentration-dependent pattern based on the concentration of l-tryptophan supplemented in the fertilizer-based culture medium. The LC-MS analysis indicates the presence of IAA in the culture filtrate of strain PE7. Treatment of the B. subtilis PE7 culture containing different metabolites, mainly IAA, significantly promoted melon growth in terms of higher growth parameters and greater plant nutrient contents compared to treatments with the culture without IAA, fertilizer, and water. The cells of B. subtilis PE7 attached to and firmly colonized the roots of the bacterized melon plants. Based on our results, B. subtilis PE7 can be utilized as a potential microbial fertilizer to substitute chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Eun Han
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Environmentally-Friendly Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Yong Cho
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kil Yong Kim
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Chemistry, Environmentally-Friendly Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaw Ei Htwe Maung
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Chemistry, Environmentally-Friendly Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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24
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Qi X, Wang Y, Yu H, Liu R, Leppert A, Zheng Z, Zhong X, Jin Z, Wang H, Li X, Wang X, Landreh M, A Morozova-Roche L, Johansson J, Xiong S, Iashchishyn I, Chen G. Spider Silk Protein Forms Amyloid-Like Nanofibrils through a Non-Nucleation-Dependent Polymerization Mechanism. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2304031. [PMID: 37455347 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304031] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils-nanoscale fibrillar aggregates with high levels of order-are pathogenic in some today incurable human diseases; however, there are also many physiologically functioning amyloids in nature. The process of amyloid formation is typically nucleation-elongation-dependent, as exemplified by the pathogenic amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) that is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Spider silk, one of the toughest biomaterials, shares characteristics with amyloid. In this study, it is shown that forming amyloid-like nanofibrils is an inherent property preserved by various spider silk proteins (spidroins). Both spidroins and Aβ capped by spidroin N- and C-terminal domains, can assemble into macroscopic spider silk-like fibers that consist of straight nanofibrils parallel to the fiber axis as observed in native spider silk. While Aβ forms amyloid nanofibrils through a nucleation-dependent pathway and exhibits strong cytotoxicity and seeding effects, spidroins spontaneously and rapidly form amyloid-like nanofibrils via a non-nucleation-dependent polymerization pathway that involves lateral packing of fibrils. Spidroin nanofibrils share amyloid-like properties but lack strong cytotoxicity and the ability to self-seed or cross-seed human amyloidogenic peptides. These results suggest that spidroins´ unique primary structures have evolved to allow functional properties of amyloid, and at the same time direct their fibrillization pathways to avoid formation of cytotoxic intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingmei Qi
- The Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 14157, Sweden
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Hairui Yu
- The Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ruifang Liu
- The Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Axel Leppert
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 17165, Sweden
| | - Zihan Zheng
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 14157, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xueying Zhong
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Huddinge, 14152, Sweden
| | - Zhen Jin
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 14157, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Han Wang
- The Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiuzhe Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Michael Landreh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 17165, Sweden
| | | | - Jan Johansson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 14157, Sweden
| | - Sidong Xiong
- The Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Igor Iashchishyn
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, 90187, Sweden
| | - Gefei Chen
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 14157, Sweden
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25
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Aguilera P, Berríos-Pastén C, Veloso M, Gálvez-Silva M, Turbant F, Lagos R, Wien F, Arluison V, Marcoleta AE. The Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin-Gallate (EGCG) Interferes with Microcin E492 Amyloid Formation. Molecules 2023; 28:7262. [PMID: 37959682 PMCID: PMC10648153 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217262] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcin E492 (MccE492) is an antimicrobial peptide and proposed virulence factor produced by some Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, which, under certain conditions, form amyloid fibers, leading to the loss of its antibacterial activity. Although this protein has been characterized as a model functional amyloid, the secondary structure transitions behind its formation, and the possible effect of molecules that inhibit this process, have not been investigated. In this study, we examined the ability of the green tea flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to interfere with MccE492 amyloid formation. Aggregation kinetics followed by thioflavin T binding were used to monitor amyloid formation in the presence or absence of EGCG. Additionally, synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the secondary structure, thermal stability, and morphology of microcin E492 fibers. Our results showed that EGCG significantly inhibited the formation of the MccE492 amyloid, resulting in mainly amorphous aggregates and small oligomers. However, these aggregates retained part of the β-sheet SRCD signal and a high resistance to heat denaturation, suggesting that the aggregation process is sequestered or deviated at some stage but not completely prevented. Thus, EGCG is an interesting inhibitor of the amyloid formation of MccE492 and other bacterial amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Aguilera
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular BEM, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425 Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile; (P.A.); (C.B.-P.); (M.V.); (M.G.-S.); (R.L.)
| | - Camilo Berríos-Pastén
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular BEM, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425 Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile; (P.A.); (C.B.-P.); (M.V.); (M.G.-S.); (R.L.)
| | - Marcelo Veloso
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular BEM, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425 Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile; (P.A.); (C.B.-P.); (M.V.); (M.G.-S.); (R.L.)
| | - Matías Gálvez-Silva
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular BEM, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425 Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile; (P.A.); (C.B.-P.); (M.V.); (M.G.-S.); (R.L.)
| | - Florian Turbant
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, L’Orme des Merisiers, Saint Aubin BP48, 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (F.T.); (F.W.)
- Laboratoire Léon Brillouin LLB, CEA, CNRS UMR12, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Rosalba Lagos
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular BEM, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425 Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile; (P.A.); (C.B.-P.); (M.V.); (M.G.-S.); (R.L.)
| | - Frank Wien
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, L’Orme des Merisiers, Saint Aubin BP48, 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; (F.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Veronique Arluison
- Laboratoire Léon Brillouin LLB, CEA, CNRS UMR12, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Andrés E. Marcoleta
- Grupo de Microbiología Integrativa, Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular BEM, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425 Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile; (P.A.); (C.B.-P.); (M.V.); (M.G.-S.); (R.L.)
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26
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Cordisco E, Zanor MI, Moreno DM, Serra DO. Selective inhibition of the amyloid matrix of Escherichia coli biofilms by a bifunctional microbial metabolite. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:81. [PMID: 37857690 PMCID: PMC10587114 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00449-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The propensity of bacteria to grow collectively in communities known as biofilms and their ability to overcome clinical treatments in this condition has become a major medical problem, emphasizing the need for anti-biofilm strategies. Antagonistic microbial interactions have extensively served as searching platforms for antibiotics, but their potential as sources for anti-biofilm compounds has barely been exploited. By screening for microorganisms that in agar-set pairwise interactions could antagonize Escherichia coli's ability to form macrocolony biofilms, we found that the soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis strongly inhibits the synthesis of amyloid fibers -known as curli-, which are the primary extracellular matrix (ECM) components of E. coli biofilms. We identified bacillaene, a B. subtilis hybrid non-ribosomal peptide/polyketide metabolite, previously described as a bacteriostatic antibiotic, as the effector molecule. We found that bacillaene combines both antibiotic and anti-curli functions in a concentration-dependent order that potentiates the ecological competitiveness of B. subtilis, highlighting bacillaene as a metabolite naturally optimized for microbial inhibition. Our studies revealed that bacillaene inhibits curli by directly impeding the assembly of the CsgB and CsgA curli subunits into amyloid fibers. Moreover, we found that curli inhibition occurs despite E. coli attempts to reinforce its protective ECM by inducing curli genes via a RpoS-mediated competition sensing response trigged by the threatening presence of B. subtilis. Overall, our findings illustrate the relevance of exploring microbial interactions not only for finding compounds with unknown and unique activities, but for uncovering additional functions of compounds previously categorized as antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Cordisco
- Laboratorio de Estructura y Fisiología de Biofilms Microbianos, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR, CONICET-UNR), Predio CONICET Rosario, Ocampo y Esmeralda, (2000), Rosario, Argentina
| | - María Inés Zanor
- Laboratorio de Metabolismo y Señalización en Plantas, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR, CONICET-UNR), Predio CONICET Rosario, Ocampo y Esmeralda, (2000), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Diego Martín Moreno
- Instituto de Química Rosario (IQUIR, CONICET-UNR), Predio CONICET Rosario, Ocampo y Esmeralda, (2000) Rosario, Argentina. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Suipacha 531, (2000), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Diego Omar Serra
- Laboratorio de Estructura y Fisiología de Biofilms Microbianos, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR, CONICET-UNR), Predio CONICET Rosario, Ocampo y Esmeralda, (2000), Rosario, Argentina.
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27
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Zanditenas E, Trebicz-Geffen M, Kolli D, Domínguez-García L, Farhi E, Linde L, Romero D, Chapman M, Kolodkin-Gal I, Ankri S. Digestive exophagy of biofilms by intestinal amoeba and its impact on stress tolerance and cytotoxicity. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:77. [PMID: 37813896 PMCID: PMC10562373 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The human protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is responsible for amebiasis, a disease endemic to developing countries. E. histolytica trophozoites colonize the large intestine, primarily feeding on bacteria. However, in the gastrointestinal tract, bacterial cells form aggregates or structured communities called biofilms too large for phagocytosis. Remarkably, trophozoites are still able to invade and degrade established biofilms, utilizing a mechanism that mimics digestive exophagy. Digestive exophagy refers to the secretion of digestive enzymes that promote the digestion of objects too large for direct phagocytosis by phagocytes. E. histolytica cysteine proteinases (CPs) play a crucial role in the degradation process of Bacillus subtilis biofilm. These proteinases target TasA, a major component of the B. subtilis biofilm matrix, also contributing to the adhesion of the parasite to the biofilm. In addition, they are also involved in the degradation of biofilms formed by Gram-negative and Gram-positive enteric pathogens. Furthermore, biofilms also play an important role in protecting trophozoites against oxidative stress. This specific mechanism suggests that the amoeba has adapted to prey on biofilms, potentially serving as an untapped reservoir for novel therapeutic approaches to treat biofilms. Consistently, products derived from the amoeba have been shown to restore antibiotic sensitivity to biofilm cells. In addition, our findings reveal that probiotic biofilms can act as a protective shield for mammalian cells, hindering the progression of the parasite towards them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zanditenas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Meirav Trebicz-Geffen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Divya Kolli
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Laura Domínguez-García
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora', Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Einan Farhi
- Technion Genomics Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Liat Linde
- Technion Genomics Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Diego Romero
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora', Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Matthew Chapman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Ilana Kolodkin-Gal
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
- Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel.
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
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28
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Byeon CH, Kinney T, Saricayir H, Srinivasa S, Wells MK, Kim W, Akbey Ü. Tapping into the native Pseudomonas Bacterial Biofilm Structure by High-Resolution 1D and 2D MAS solid-state NMR. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560490. [PMID: 37873242 PMCID: PMC10592892 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
We present a high-resolution 1D and 2D magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) study to characterize native Pseudomonas fluorescens colony biofilms at natural abundance without isotope-labelling. By using a high-resolution INEPT-based 2D 1 H- 13 C ssNMR spectrum and thorough peak deconvolution approach at the 1D ssNMR spectra, approximately 80/134 (in 1D/2D) distinct biofilm chemical sites were identified. We compared CP and INEPT 13 C ssNMR spectra to different signals originating from the mobile and rigid fractions of the biofilm, and qualitative determined dynamical changes by comparing CP buildup behaviors. Protein and polysaccharide signals were differentiated and identified by utilizing FapC signals as a template, a biofilm forming functional amyloid from Pseudomonas . We also attempted to identify biofilm polysaccharide species by using 1 H/ 13 C chemical shifts obtained from the 2D spectrum. This study marks the first demonstration of high-resolution 2D ssNMR spectroscopy for characterizing native bacterial biofilms and expands the scope of ssNMR in studying biofilms. Our experimental pipeline can be readily applied to other in vitro biofilm model systems and natural biofilms and holds the promise of making a substantial impact on biofilm research, fostering new ideas and breakthroughs to aid in the development of strategic approaches to combat infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria.
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29
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Belcher LJ, Dewar AE, Hao C, Ghoul M, West SA. Signatures of kin selection in a natural population of the bacteria Bacillus subtilis. Evol Lett 2023; 7:315-330. [PMID: 37829498 PMCID: PMC10565896 DOI: 10.1093/evlett/qrad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Laboratory experiments have suggested that bacteria perform a range of cooperative behaviors, which are favored because they are directed toward relatives (kin selection). However, there is a lack of evidence for cooperation and kin selection in natural bacterial populations. Molecular population genetics offers a promising method to study natural populations because the theory predicts that kin selection will lead to relaxed selection, which will result in increased polymorphism and divergence at cooperative genes. Examining a natural population of Bacillus subtilis, we found consistent evidence that putatively cooperative traits have higher polymorphism and greater divergence than putatively private traits expressed at the same rate. In addition, we were able to eliminate alternative explanations for these patterns and found more deleterious mutations in genes controlling putatively cooperative traits. Overall, our results suggest that cooperation is favored by kin selection, with an average relatedness of r = .79 between interacting individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna E Dewar
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chunhui Hao
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie Ghoul
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart A West
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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30
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Cámara-Almirón J, Domínguez-García L, El Mammeri N, Lends A, Habenstein B, de Vicente A, Loquet A, Romero D. Molecular characterization of the N-terminal half of TasA during amyloid-like assembly and its contribution to Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:68. [PMID: 37739955 PMCID: PMC10516879 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00437-w] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are bacterial communities that result from a cell differentiation process leading to the secretion of an extracellular matrix (ECM) by part of the population. In Bacillus subtilis, the main protein component of the ECM is TasA, which forms a fiber-based scaffold that confers structure to the ECM. The N-terminal half of TasA is strongly conserved among Bacillus species and contains a protein domain, the rigid core (RcTasA), which is critical for the structural and functional properties of the recombinant protein. In this study, we demonstrate that recombinantly purified RcTasA in vitro retains biochemical properties previously observed for the entire protein. Further analysis of the RcTasA amino acid sequence revealed two aggregation-prone stretches and a region of imperfect amino acid repeats, which are known to contribute to functional amyloid assembly. Biochemical characterization of these stretches found in RcTasA revealed their amyloid-like capacity in vitro, contributing to the amyloid nature of RcTasA. Moreover, the study of the imperfect amino acid repeats revealed the critical role of residues D64, K68 and D69 in the structural function of TasA. Experiments with versions of TasA carrying the substitutions D64A and K68AD69A demonstrated a partial loss of function of the protein either in the assembly of the ECM or in the stability of the core and amyloid-like properties. Taken together, our findings allow us to better understand the polymerization process of TasA during biofilm formation and provide knowledge into the sequence determinants that promote the molecular behavior of protein filaments in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Cámara-Almirón
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, (Campus Universitario de Teatinos), Málaga, Spain
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Domínguez-García
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, (Campus Universitario de Teatinos), Málaga, Spain
| | - Nadia El Mammeri
- CNRS, Chemistry and Biology of Membranes and Nanoobjects (CBMN), Institut Europeen de Chimie et Biologie (IECB), University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 170 Albany Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Alons Lends
- CNRS, Chemistry and Biology of Membranes and Nanoobjects (CBMN), Institut Europeen de Chimie et Biologie (IECB), University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV, 1006, Latvia
| | - Birgit Habenstein
- CNRS, Chemistry and Biology of Membranes and Nanoobjects (CBMN), Institut Europeen de Chimie et Biologie (IECB), University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Antonio de Vicente
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, (Campus Universitario de Teatinos), Málaga, Spain
| | - Antoine Loquet
- CNRS, Chemistry and Biology of Membranes and Nanoobjects (CBMN), Institut Europeen de Chimie et Biologie (IECB), University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Diego Romero
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, (Campus Universitario de Teatinos), Málaga, Spain.
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Jimoh AA, Booysen E, van Zyl L, Trindade M. Do biosurfactants as anti-biofilm agents have a future in industrial water systems? Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1244595. [PMID: 37781531 PMCID: PMC10540235 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1244595] [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] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are bacterial communities embedded in exopolymeric substances that form on the surfaces of both man-made and natural structures. Biofilm formation in industrial water systems such as cooling towers results in biofouling and biocorrosion and poses a major health concern as well as an economic burden. Traditionally, biofilms in industrial water systems are treated with alternating doses of oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides, but as resistance increases, higher biocide concentrations are needed. Using chemically synthesized surfactants in combination with biocides is also not a new idea; however, these surfactants are often not biodegradable and lead to accumulation in natural water reservoirs. Biosurfactants have become an essential bioeconomy product for diverse applications; however, reports of their use in combating biofilm-related problems in water management systems is limited to only a few studies. Biosurfactants are powerful anti-biofilm agents and can act as biocides as well as biodispersants. In laboratory settings, the efficacy of biosurfactants as anti-biofilm agents can range between 26% and 99.8%. For example, long-chain rhamnolipids isolated from Burkholderia thailandensis inhibit biofilm formation between 50% and 90%, while a lipopeptide biosurfactant from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was able to inhibit biofilms up to 96% and 99%. Additionally, biosurfactants can disperse preformed biofilms up to 95.9%. The efficacy of antibiotics can also be increased by between 25% and 50% when combined with biosurfactants, as seen for the V9T14 biosurfactant co-formulated with ampicillin, cefazolin, and tobramycin. In this review, we discuss how biofilms are formed and if biosurfactants, as anti-biofilm agents, have a future in industrial water systems. We then summarize the reported mode of action for biosurfactant molecules and their functionality as biofilm dispersal agents. Finally, we highlight the application of biosurfactants in industrial water systems as anti-fouling and anti-corrosion agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marla Trindade
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM), University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Nowakowska AW, Wojciechowski JW, Szulc N, Kotulska M. The role of tandem repeats in bacterial functional amyloids. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:108002. [PMID: 37482232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.108002] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Repetitivity and modularity of proteins are two related notions incorporated into multiple evolutionary concepts. We discuss whether they may also be essential for functional amyloids. Amyloids are proteins that create very regular and usually highly insoluble fibrils, which are often associated with neurodegeneration. However, recent discoveries showed that amyloid structure of a protein could also be beneficial and desired, e.g., to promote cell adhesion. Functional amyloids are proteins which differ in their characteristics from pathological amyloids, so that the fibril formation could be more under control of an organism. We propose that repeats in the sequence could regulate the aggregation propensity of these proteins. The inclusion of multiple symmetric interactions, due to the presence of the repeats, could be supporting and strengthening the desirable structural properties of functional amyloids. Our results show that tandem repeats in bacterial functional amyloids have a distinct characteristic. The pattern of repeats supports the appropriate level of fibril formation and better controllability of fibril stability. The repeats tend to be more imperfect, which attenuates excessive aggregation propensity. Their desired structure and function are also reinforced by their amino acid profile. Although in the study we focused on bacterial functional amyloids, due to their importance in biofilm formation, we propose that similar mechanisms could be employed in other functional amyloids which are designed by evolution to aggregate in a desirable manner, but not necessarily in pathological amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja W Nowakowska
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Poland.
| | - Jakub W Wojciechowski
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Poland
| | - Natalia Szulc
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Poland; Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Physics and Biophysics, Poland; LPCT, CNRS, Universite de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Malgorzata Kotulska
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Poland.
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Yannarell SM, Beaudoin ES, Talley HS, Schoenborn AA, Orr G, Anderton CR, Chrisler WB, Shank EA. Extensive cellular multi-tasking within Bacillus subtilis biofilms. mSystems 2023; 8:e0089122. [PMID: 37527273 PMCID: PMC10469600 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00891-22] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis is a soil-dwelling bacterium that can form biofilms, or communities of cells surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix. In biofilms, genetically identical cells often exhibit heterogeneous transcriptional phenotypes, so that subpopulations of cells carry out essential yet costly cellular processes that allow the entire population to thrive. Surprisingly, the extent of phenotypic heterogeneity and the relationships between subpopulations of cells within biofilms of even in well-studied bacterial systems like B. subtilis remains largely unknown. To determine relationships between these subpopulations of cells, we created 182 strains containing pairwise combinations of fluorescent transcriptional reporters for the expression state of 14 different genes associated with potential cellular subpopulations. We determined the spatial organization of the expression of these genes within biofilms using confocal microscopy, which revealed that many reporters localized to distinct areas of the biofilm, some of which were co-localized. We used flow cytometry to quantify reporter co-expression, which revealed that many cells "multi-task," simultaneously expressing two reporters. These data indicate that prior models describing B. subtilis cells as differentiating into specific cell types, each with a specific task or function, were oversimplified. Only a few subpopulations of cells, including surfactin and plipastatin producers, as well as sporulating and competent cells, appear to have distinct roles based on the set of genes examined here. These data will provide us with a framework with which to further study and make predictions about the roles of diverse cellular phenotypes in B. subtilis biofilms. IMPORTANCE Many microbes differentiate, expressing diverse phenotypes to ensure their survival in various environments. However, studies on phenotypic differentiation have typically examined only a few phenotypes at one time, thus limiting our knowledge about the extent of differentiation and phenotypic overlap in the population. We investigated the spatial organization and gene expression relationships for genes important in B. subtilis biofilms. In doing so, we mapped spatial gene expression patterns and expanded the number of cell populations described in the B. subtilis literature. It is likely that other bacteria also display complex differentiation patterns within their biofilms. Studying the extent of cellular differentiation in other microbes may be important when designing therapies for disease-causing bacteria, where studying only a single phenotype may be masking underlying phenotypic differentiation relevant to infection outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Yannarell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eric S. Beaudoin
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hunter S. Talley
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexi A. Schoenborn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Galya Orr
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Christopher R. Anderton
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - William B. Chrisler
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Shank
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Schlimpert S, Elliot MA. The Best of Both Worlds-Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces venezuelae as Model Species for Studying Antibiotic Production and Bacterial Multicellular Development. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0015323. [PMID: 37347176 PMCID: PMC10367585 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00153-23] [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] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptomyces bacteria have been studied for more than 80 years thanks to their ability to produce an incredible array of antibiotics and other specialized metabolites and their unusual fungal-like development. Their antibiotic production capabilities have ensured continual interest from both academic and industrial sectors, while their developmental life cycle has provided investigators with unique opportunities to address fundamental questions relating to bacterial multicellular growth. Much of our understanding of the biology and metabolism of these fascinating bacteria, and many of the tools we use to manipulate these organisms, have stemmed from investigations using the model species Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces venezuelae. Here, we explore the pioneering work in S. coelicolor that established foundational genetic principles relating to specialized metabolism and development, alongside the genomic and cell biology developments that led to the emergence of S. venezuelae as a new model system. We highlight key discoveries that have stemmed from studies of these two systems and discuss opportunities for future investigations that leverage the power and understanding provided by S. coelicolor and S. venezuelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Schlimpert
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Marie A. Elliot
- Department of Biology and M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Jan F, Arshad H, Ahad M, Jamal A, Smith DL. In vitro assessment of Bacillus subtilis FJ3 affirms its biocontrol and plant growth promoting potential. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1205894. [PMID: 37538061 PMCID: PMC10395516 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1205894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus species and their metabolites have potential alternative uses as chemical pesticides that can limit the growth of potential plant pathogens and enhance crop productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Bacillus subtilis FJ3 for promoting plant growth and controlling fungal plant pathogens. The study evaluated the ability of the strain to promote plant growth in vitro by characterizing its growth-promoting traits, which included the production of hydrolytic enzymes, indole acetic acid, siderophores, biofilm formation, and phosphate solubilization. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing revealed that strain FJ3 has the potential to produce lipopeptides such as fengycin, surfactin, mycosubtilin, and pilpastatin. Through in vitro antagonism testing it was demonstrated that strain FJ3 is able to inhibit Fusarium oxysporum by 52% compared to the untreated control and was antagonistic against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Rhizopus oryzae using a dual method. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Bacillus crude extract resulted in a 92%, 90%, 81.5%, and 56% growth inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum, A. niger, A. flavus, and Rhizopus oryzae, respectively. In FT-IR and GC-MS analysis of crude LPs extract, the transmission and mass spectrum confirmed the existence of aforesaid lipopeptides containing β-fatty acids with chain lengths ranging from C14 to C21 in which the majority were saturated fatty acids. Greenhouse experimentation revealed that Bacillus strain FJ3 and its metabolites significantly diminished the disease incidence with an average reduction of 31.56%. In sterilized soil, FJ3 and its metabolites caused 24.01% and 10.46% growth promotion, respectively, in chickpea. The results demonstrated that Bacillus strain FJ3 has broad-spectrum antifungal and plant growth-promoting applications and could be a promising candidate for development into a commercialized biobased product for use in sustainable agriculture practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Jan
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Plant Science, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Hamza Arshad
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mehreen Ahad
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Asif Jamal
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Donald L. Smith
- Department of Plant Science, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada
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Cai A, Abdali Z, Saldanha DJ, Aminzare M, Dorval Courchesne NM. Endowing textiles with self-repairing ability through the fabrication of composites with a bacterial biofilm. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11389. [PMID: 37452128 PMCID: PMC10349112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38501-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To address the increasing environmental footprint of the fast-growing textile industry, self-repairing textile composites have been developed to allow torn or damaged textiles to restore their morphological, mechanical, and functional features. A sustainable way to create these textile composites is to introduce a coating material that is biologically derived, biodegradable, and can be produced through scalable processes. Here, we fabricated self-repairing textile composites by integrating the biofilms of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria into conventional knitted textiles. The major structural protein component in E. coli biofilm is a matrix of curli fibers, which has demonstrated extraordinary abilities to self-assemble into mechanically strong macroscopic structures and self-heal upon contact with water. We demonstrated the integration of biofilm through three simple, fast, and scalable methods: adsorption, doctor blading, and vacuum filtration. We confirmed that the composites were breathable and mechanically strong after the integration, with improved Young's moduli or elongation at break depending on the fabrication method used. Through patching and welding, we showed that after rehydration, the composites made with all three methods effectively healed centimeter-scale defects. Upon observing that the biofilm strongly attached to the textiles by covering the extruding textile fibers from the self-repair failures, we proposed that the strength of the self-repairs relied on both the biofilm's cohesion and the biofilm-textile adhesion. Considering that curli fibers are genetically-tunable, the fabrication of self-repairing curli-expressing biofilm-textile composites opens new venues for industrially manufacturing affordable, durable, and sustainable functional textiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Cai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Zahra Abdali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Dalia Jane Saldanha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Masoud Aminzare
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada
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Huijboom L, Tempelaars M, Fan M, Zhu Y, Boeren S, van der Linden E, Abee T. l-tyrosine modulates biofilm formation of Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104072. [PMID: 37080258 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is a food-borne pathogen capable of producing biofilms. Following analysis of biofilm formation by B. cereus ATCC 14579 transposon mutants in defined medium (DM), a deletion mutant of bc2939 (Δbc2939) was constructed that showed decreased crystal violet biofilm staining and biofilm cell counts. In addition, Δbc2939 also produced smaller colony biofilms with lower cell counts and loss of wrinkly morphology. The bc2939 gene encodes for Prephenate dehydrogenase, which converts Prephenate to 4-Hydroxy-phenylpyruvate (4-HPPA) in the l-tyrosine branch of the Shikimate pathway. While growth of the mutant and WT in DM was similar, addition of l-tyrosine was required to restore WT-like (colony) biofilm formation. Comparative proteomics showed reduced expression of Tyrosine-protein kinase/phosphatase regulators and extracellular polysaccharide cluster 1 (EPS1) proteins, aerobic electron transfer chain cytochrome aa3/d quinol oxidases, and iso-chorismate synthase involved in menaquinone synthesis in DM grown mutant biofilm cells, while multiple oxidative stress-related catalases and superoxide dismutases were upregulated. Performance in shaking cultures showed a 100-fold lower concentration of menaquinone-7 and reduction in cell counts of DM grown Δbc2939 indicating increased oxygen sensitivity. Combining all results, points to an important role of Tyrosine-modulated EPS1 production and menaquinone-dependent aerobic respiration in B. cereus ATCC 14579 (colony) biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Huijboom
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Marcel Tempelaars
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Mingzhen Fan
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Yourong Zhu
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Sjef Boeren
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, 6708, WE, the Netherlands.
| | - Erik van der Linden
- Laboratory of Physics and Physical Chemistry of Foods, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Tjakko Abee
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Bhattacharyya A, Mavrodi O, Bhowmik N, Weller D, Thomashow L, Mavrodi D. Bacterial biofilms as an essential component of rhizosphere plant-microbe interactions. METHODS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 53:3-48. [PMID: 38415193 PMCID: PMC10898258 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mim.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Bhattacharyya
- School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Olga Mavrodi
- School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Niladri Bhowmik
- School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - David Weller
- USDA-ARS Wheat Health, Genetics and Quality Research Unit, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Linda Thomashow
- USDA-ARS Wheat Health, Genetics and Quality Research Unit, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Dmitri Mavrodi
- School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
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Yu YY, Zhang YY, Wang T, Huang TX, Tang SY, Jin Y, Mi DD, Zheng Y, Niu DD, Guo JH, Jiang CH. Kurstakin Triggers Multicellular Behaviors in Bacillus cereus AR156 and Enhances Disease Control Efficacy Against Rice Sheath Blight. PLANT DISEASE 2023:PDIS01220078RE. [PMID: 36205689 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-01-22-0078-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Kurstakin is the latest discovered family of lipopeptides secreted by Bacillus spp. In this study, the effects of kurstakin on the direct antagonism, multicellularity, and disease control ability of Bacillus cereus AR156 were explored. An insertion mutation in the nonribosomal peptide synthase responsible for kurstakin synthesis led to a significant reduction of antagonistic ability of AR156 against the plant-pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani, Ascochyta citrullina, Fusarium graminearum, and F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense. The loss of kurstakin synthesis ability significantly impaired the swarming motility of AR156 and reduced biofilm formation and amyloid protein accumulation. Although the loss of kurstakin synthesis ability did not reduce the competitiveness of AR156 under laboratory conditions, the colonization and environmental adaptability of the mutant was significantly weaker than that of wild-type AR156 on rice leaves. The cell surface of wild-type AR156 colonizing the leaf surface was covered by a thick biofilm matrix under a scanning electron microscope, but not the mutant. The colonization ability on rice roots and control efficacy against rice sheath blight disease of the mutant were also impaired. Thus, kurstakin participates in the control of plant diseases by B. cereus AR156 through directly inhibiting the growth of pathogenic fungi and improving long-term environmental adaptability and colonization of AR156 on the host surface by triggering multicellularity. This study explored the multiple functions of kurstakin in plant disease control by B. cereus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yang Yu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yi-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Tao-Xiang Huang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shu-Ya Tang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yu Jin
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dan-Dan Mi
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dong-Dong Niu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jian-Hua Guo
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chun-Hao Jiang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture; and Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210095, China
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40
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van den Berg L, Pronk M, van Loosdrecht MCM, de Kreuk MK. Density measurements of aerobic granular sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 44:1985-1995. [PMID: 34904922 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2021.2017492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Granular sludge processes are frequently used in domestic and industrial wastewater treatment. The granule buoyant density and biomass density are important parameters for the design and operation of granular sludge reactors. Different methods to measure the granule density include the pycnometer method, the Percoll density gradient method, the dextran blue method, and the settling velocity method. In this study, a comparison was made between these four methods to measure granule density for granules from a full-scale granular sludge plant treating domestic sewage. The effect of salinity on granule density was assessed as well. Three out of the four evaluated methods yielded comparable results, with granule buoyant densities between 1025.7 and 1028.1 kg/m3 and granule biomass densities between 71.1 and 71.5 g/L (based on volatile suspended solids (VSS)). The settling velocity method clearly underestimated the granule density, due to the complex relation between granule properties and settling velocity. The pycnometer method was the most precise method, but it was also quite susceptible to bias. The granule buoyant density increased proportionally with salinity, to 1049.2 kg/m3 at 36 g/L salinity. However, the granule biomass density, based on VSS, remained constant. This showed that the granule volume was not affected by salinity and that the buoyant density increase was the result of diffusion of salts into the granule pores. Overall, the granule density can be measured reliably with most methods, as long as the effect of salinity is considered. The results are discussed in light of operational aspects for full-scale granular sludge plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenno van den Berg
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Pronk
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
- Royal HaskoningDHV, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | | | - Merle K de Kreuk
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
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41
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Xu F, Liu C, Xia M, Li S, Tu R, Wang S, Jin H, Zhang D. Characterization of a Riboflavin-Producing Mutant of Bacillus subtilis Isolated by Droplet-Based Microfluidics Screening. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041070. [PMID: 37110496 PMCID: PMC10146818 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041070] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis is one of the commonly used industrial strains for riboflavin production. High-throughput screening is useful in biotechnology, but there are still an insufficient number of articles focusing on improving the riboflavin production of B. subtilis by this powerful tool. With droplet-based microfluidics technology, single cells can be encapsulated in droplets. The screening can be carried out by detecting the fluorescence intensity of secreted riboflavin. Thus, an efficient and high-throughput screening method suitable for riboflavin production strain improvement could be established. In this study, droplet-based microfluidics screening was applied, and a more competitive riboflavin producer U3 was selected from the random mutation library of strain S1. The riboflavin production and biomass of U3 were higher than that of S1 in flask fermentation. In addition, the results of fed-batch fermentation showed that the riboflavin production of U3 was 24.3 g/L, an 18% increase compared with the parent strain S1 (20.6 g/L), and the yield (g riboflavin/100 g glucose) increased by 19%, from 7.3 (S1) to 8.7 (U3). Two mutations of U3 (sinRG89R and icdD28E) were identified through whole genome sequencing and comparison. Then they were introduced into BS168DR (parent of S1) for further analysis, which also caused riboflavin production to increase. This paper provides protocols for screening riboflavin-producing B. subtilis with droplet-based microfluidics technology and reveals mutations in riboflavin overproduction strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300131, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Miaomiao Xia
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Shixin Li
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- School of Biological Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Ran Tu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- School of Biological Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Hongxing Jin
- School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300131, China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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42
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Lipke PN, Ragonis-Bachar P. Sticking to the Subject: Multifunctionality in Microbial Adhesins. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040419. [PMID: 37108873 PMCID: PMC10144551 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and fungal adhesins mediate microbial aggregation, biofilm formation, and adhesion to host. We divide these proteins into two major classes: professional adhesins and moonlighting adhesins that have a non-adhesive activity that is evolutionarily conserved. A fundamental difference between the two classes is the dissociation rate. Whereas moonlighters, including cytoplasmic enzymes and chaperones, can bind with high affinity, they usually dissociate quickly. Professional adhesins often have unusually long dissociation rates: minutes or hours. Each adhesin has at least three activities: cell surface association, binding to a ligand or adhesive partner protein, and as a microbial surface pattern for host recognition. We briefly discuss Bacillus subtilis TasA, pilin adhesins, gram positive MSCRAMMs, and yeast mating adhesins, lectins and flocculins, and Candida Awp and Als families. For these professional adhesins, multiple activities include binding to diverse ligands and binding partners, assembly into molecular complexes, maintenance of cell wall integrity, signaling for cellular differentiation in biofilms and in mating, surface amyloid formation, and anchorage of moonlighting adhesins. We summarize the structural features that lead to these diverse activities. We conclude that adhesins resemble other proteins with multiple activities, but they have unique structural features to facilitate multifunctionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N. Lipke
- Biology Department, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Peleg Ragonis-Bachar
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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43
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Yahya AH, Harston SR, Colton WL, Cabeen MT. Distinct Screening Approaches Uncover PA14_36820 and RecA as Negative Regulators of Biofilm Phenotypes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0377422. [PMID: 36971546 PMCID: PMC10100956 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03774-22] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly infects hospitalized patients and the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis. This species is known for forming biofilms, which are communities of bacterial cells held together and encapsulated by a self-produced extracellular matrix. The matrix provides extra protection to the constituent cells, making P. aeruginosa infections challenging to treat. We previously identified a gene, PA14_16550, which encodes a DNA-binding TetR-type repressor and whose deletion reduced biofilm formation. Here, we assessed the transcriptional impact of the 16550 deletion and found six differentially regulated genes. Among them, our results implicated PA14_36820 as a negative regulator of biofilm matrix production, while the remaining 5 had modest effects on swarming motility. We also screened a transposon library in a biofilm-impaired ΔamrZ Δ16550 strain for restoration of matrix production. Surprisingly, we found that disruption or deletion of recA increased biofilm matrix production, both in biofilm-impaired and wild-type strains. Because RecA functions both in recombination and in the DNA damage response, we asked which function of RecA is important with respect to biofilm formation by using point mutations in recA and lexA to specifically disable each function. Our results implied that loss of either function of RecA impacts biofilm formation, suggesting that enhanced biofilm formation may be one physiological response of P. aeruginosa cells to loss of either RecA function. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a notorious human pathogen well known for forming biofilms, communities of bacteria that protect themselves within a self-secreted matrix. Here, we sought to find genetic determinants that impacted biofilm matrix production in P. aeruginosa strains. We identified a largely uncharacterized protein (PA14_36820) and, surprisingly, RecA, a widely conserved bacterial DNA recombination and repair protein, as negatively regulating biofilm matrix production. Because RecA has two main functions, we used specific mutations to isolate each function and found that both functions influenced matrix production. Identifying negative regulators of biofilm production may suggest future strategies to reduce the formation of treatment-resistant biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal H. Yahya
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Sophie R. Harston
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - William L. Colton
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Matthew T. Cabeen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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44
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Huang Z, Chen S, Ali HE, Elkamchouchi DH, Hu J, Ali E, Zhang J, Huang Y. Application of CNN and ANN in assessment the effect of chemical components of biological nanomaterials in treatment of infection of inner ear and environmental sustainability. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 331:138458. [PMID: 36966931 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are a promising alternative to antibiotics for targeting microorganisms, especially in the case of difficult-to-treat bacterial illnesses. Antibacterial coatings for medical equipment, materials for infection prevention and healing, bacterial detection systems for medical diagnostics, and antibacterial immunizations are potential applications of nanotechnology. Infections in the ear, which can result in hearing loss, are extremely difficult to cure. The use of nanoparticles to enhance the efficacy of antimicrobial medicines is a potential option. Various types of inorganic, lipid-based, and polymeric nanoparticles have been produced and shown beneficial for the controlled administration of medication. This article focuses on the use of polymeric nanoparticles to treat frequent bacterial diseases in the human body. Using machine learning models such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), this 28-day study evaluates the efficacy of nanoparticle therapy. An innovative application of advanced CNNs, such as Dense Net, for the automatic detection of middle ear infections is reported. Three thousand oto-endoscopic images (OEIs) were categorized as normal, chronic otitis media (COM), and otitis media with effusion (OME). Comparing middle ear effusions to OEIs, CNN models achieved a classification accuracy of 95%, indicating great promise for the automated identification of middle ear infections. The hybrid CNN-ANN model attained an overall accuracy of more than 0.90 percent, with a sensitivity of 95 percent and a specificity of 100 percent in distinguishing earwax from illness, and provided nearly perfect measures of 0.99 percent. Nanoparticles are a promising treatment for difficult-to-treat bacterial diseases, such as ear infections. The application of machine learning models, such as ANNs and CNNs, can improve the efficacy of nanoparticle therapy, especially for the automated detection of middle ear infections. Polymeric nanoparticles, in particular, have shown efficacy in treating common bacterial infections in children, indicating great promise for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongguan Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Pingyang Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Pingyang, Zhejiang, 325400, China
| | - Shuainan Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - H Elhosiny Ali
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia H Elkamchouchi
- Department of Information Technology, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Elimam Ali
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
| | - Yideng Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
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45
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Caldwell M, Hughes M, Wei F, Ngo C, Pascua R, Pugazhendhi AS, Coathup MJ. Promising applications of D-amino acids in periprosthetic joint infection. Bone Res 2023; 11:14. [PMID: 36894568 PMCID: PMC9998894 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-023-00254-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the rise in our aging population, a disproportionate demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in the elderly is forecast. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents one of the most challenging complications that can occur following TJA, and as the number of primary and revision TJAs continues to rise, an increasing PJI burden is projected. Despite advances in operating room sterility, antiseptic protocols, and surgical techniques, approaches to prevent and treat PJI remain difficult, primarily due to the formation of microbial biofilms. This difficulty motivates researchers to continue searching for an effective antimicrobial strategy. The dextrorotatory-isoforms of amino acids (D-AAs) are essential components of peptidoglycan within the bacterial cell wall, providing strength and structural integrity in a diverse range of species. Among many tasks, D-AAs regulate cell morphology, spore germination, and bacterial survival, evasion, subversion, and adhesion in the host immune system. When administered exogenously, accumulating data have demonstrated that D-AAs play a pivotal role against bacterial adhesion to abiotic surfaces and subsequent biofilm formation; furthermore, D-AAs have substantial efficacy in promoting biofilm disassembly. This presents D-AAs as promising and novel targets for future therapeutic approaches. Despite their emerging antibacterial efficacy, their role in disrupting PJI biofilm formation, the disassembly of established TJA biofilm, and the host bone tissue response remains largely unexplored. This review aims to examine the role of D-AAs in the context of TJAs. Data to date suggest that D-AA bioengineering may serve as a promising future strategy in the prevention and treatment of PJI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Caldwell
- Biionix Cluster & College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Megan Hughes
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AT, Wales, UK
| | - Fei Wei
- Biionix Cluster & College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Christopher Ngo
- Biionix Cluster & College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Raven Pascua
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Abinaya Sindu Pugazhendhi
- Biionix Cluster & College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Melanie J Coathup
- Biionix Cluster & College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA.
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46
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An B, Wang Y, Huang Y, Wang X, Liu Y, Xun D, Church GM, Dai Z, Yi X, Tang TC, Zhong C. Engineered Living Materials For Sustainability. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2349-2419. [PMID: 36512650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in synthetic biology and materials science have given rise to a new form of materials, namely engineered living materials (ELMs), which are composed of living matter or cell communities embedded in self-regenerating matrices of their own or artificial scaffolds. Like natural materials such as bone, wood, and skin, ELMs, which possess the functional capabilities of living organisms, can grow, self-organize, and self-repair when needed. They also spontaneously perform programmed biological functions upon sensing external cues. Currently, ELMs show promise for green energy production, bioremediation, disease treatment, and fabricating advanced smart materials. This review first introduces the dynamic features of natural living systems and their potential for developing novel materials. We then summarize the recent research progress on living materials and emerging design strategies from both synthetic biology and materials science perspectives. Finally, we discuss the positive impacts of living materials on promoting sustainability and key future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin An
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yanyi Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuzhu Liu
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dongmin Xun
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - George M Church
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States
| | - Zhuojun Dai
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiao Yi
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tzu-Chieh Tang
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States
| | - Chao Zhong
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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47
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Kantiwal U, Pandey J. Efficient Inhibition of Bacterial Biofilm Through Interference of Protein-Protein Interaction of Master Regulator Proteins: a Proof of Concept Study with SinR- SinI Complex of Bacillus subtilis. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:1947-1967. [PMID: 36401726 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04231-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm-associated microbial growth is a major cause of environmental, industrial, and public health concern. Therefore, there is a pressing need to discover and develop efficient antibiofilm strategies. Regulatory proteins vital for biofilm formation might be ideal targets for developing novel antibiofilm therapeutics. Their activities often depend on protein-protein interactions. Therefore, such targets present unique opportunities and challenges to drug discovery. In Bacillus subtilis, a model organism for studying biofilms, SinR acts as the master regulator of the biofilm formation cascade. Under favourable growth conditions, it represses the epsA-O and tapA-sipW-tasA operons, which encode for essential structural components of biofilms. Under unfavourable growth conditions, SinI, an agonist protein, inactivates SinR by forming a heterotrimeric complex. This results in derepression of epsA-O and tapA-sipW-tasA operons and leads to the phenotypic switch from planktonic to biofilm-associated form. We hypothesized that inhibiting SinR-SinI interaction might warrant repression of epsA-O and tapA-sipW-tasA operons and inhibit biofilm formation. To evaluate this hypothesis, we carried out a drug repurposing study for identifying potential inhibitors of SinI. Cefoperazone and itraconazole were identified as potential inhibitors with virtual screening. The stability of their interaction with SinI was assessed in extended MD performed over 100 ns. Both cefoperazone and itraconazole showed stable interaction. In in vitro studies, cefoperazone hindered the interaction of purified recombinant SinI and SinR. In the whole cell-based biofilm inhibition assays also cefoperazone was found to efficiently inhibited biofilm formation. These results provide proof of concept for targeting protein-protein interaction of master regulators as potential target for discovery and development of antibiofilm therapeutics. We propose that similar drug repurposing studies targeting key regulators of biofilm formation cascade could be an efficient approach for discovering novel anti-biofilm therapeutics against priority pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Kantiwal
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, NH-8, Kishangarh, Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Janmejay Pandey
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, NH-8, Kishangarh, Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India.
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48
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Matrix is everywhere: extracellular DNA is a link between biofilm and mineralization in Bacillus cereus planktonic lifestyle. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:9. [PMID: 36854956 PMCID: PMC9975174 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00377-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, the mechanisms of biomineralization induced by bacterial cells in the context of biofilm formation remain the subject of intensive studies. In this study, we analyzed the influence of the medium components on the induction of CaCO3 precipitation by the Bacillus cereus cells and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) formed in the submerged culture. While the accumulation of extracellular polysaccharides and amyloids appeared to be independent of the presence of calcium and urea during the growth, the accumulation of extracellular DNA (eDNA), as well as precipitation of calcium carbonate, required the presence of both ingredients in the medium. Removal of eDNA, which was sensitive to treatment by DNase, did not affect other matrix components but resulted in disruption of cell network formation and a sixfold decrease in the precipitate yield. An experiment with a cell-free system confirmed the acceleration of mineral formation after the addition of exogenous salmon sperm DNA. The observed pathway for the formation of CaCO3 minerals in B. cereus planktonic culture included a production of exopolysaccharides and negatively charged eDNA lattice promoting local Ca2+ supersaturation, which, together with an increase in the concentration of carbonate ions due to pH rise, resulted in the formation of an insoluble precipitate of calcium carbonate. Precipitation of amorphous CaCO3 on eDNA matrix was followed by crystal formation via the ACC-vaterite-calcite/aragonite pathway and further formation of larger mineral aggregates in complex with extracellular polymeric substances. Taken together, our data showed that DNA in extracellular matrix is an essential factor for triggering the biomineralization in B. cereus planktonic culture.
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49
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Rosier A, Pomerleau M, Beauregard PB, Samac DA, Bais HP. Surfactin and Spo0A-Dependent Antagonism by Bacillus subtilis Strain UD1022 against Medicago sativa Phytopathogens. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1007. [PMID: 36903868 PMCID: PMC10005099 DOI: 10.3390/plants12051007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) such as the root colonizers Bacillus spp. may be ideal alternatives to chemical crop treatments. This work sought to extend the application of the broadly active PGPR UD1022 to Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Alfalfa is susceptible to many phytopathogens resulting in losses of crop yield and nutrient value. UD1022 was cocultured with four alfalfa pathogen strains to test antagonism. We found UD1022 to be directly antagonistic toward Collectotrichum trifolii, Ascochyta medicaginicola (formerly Phoma medicaginis), and Phytophthora medicaginis, and not toward Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. medicaginis. Using mutant UD1022 strains lacking genes in the nonribosomal peptide (NRP) and biofilm pathways, we tested antagonism against A. medicaginicola StC 306-5 and P. medicaginis A2A1. The NRP surfactin may have a role in the antagonism toward the ascomycete StC 306-5. Antagonism toward A2A1 may be influenced by B. subtilis biofilm pathway components. The B. subtilis central regulator of both surfactin and biofilm pathways Spo0A was required for the antagonism of both phytopathogens. The results of this study indicate that the PGPR UD1022 would be a good candidate for further investigations into its antagonistic activities against C. trifolii, A. medicaginicola, and P. medicaginis in plant and field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rosier
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, 311 AP Biopharma, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Maude Pomerleau
- Département de Biologie, Bureau D8-1014, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boul. Université Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Pascale B. Beauregard
- Département de Biologie, Bureau D8-1014, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boul. Université Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Deborah A. Samac
- USDA-ARS Plant Science Research Unit, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Harsh P. Bais
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, 311 AP Biopharma, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE 19713, USA
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50
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Miao S, Liang J, Xu Y, Yu G, Shao M. Bacillaene, sharp objects consist in the arsenal of antibiotics produced by Bacillus. J Cell Physiol 2023. [PMID: 36790954 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus species act as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that can produce a large number of bioactive metabolites. Bacillaene, a linear polyketide/nonribosomal peptide produced by Bacillus strains, is synthesized by the trans-acyltransferase polyketide synthetase. The complexity of the chemical structure, particularity of biosynthesis, potent bioactivity, and the important role of competition make Bacillus an ideal antibiotic weapon to resist other microbes and maintain the optimal rhizosphere environment. This review provides an updated view of the structural features, biological activity, biosynthetic regulators of biosynthetic pathways, and the important competitive role of bacillaene during Bacillus survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Innovative Institute for Plant Health, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Agriculture and Biology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jianhao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Innovative Institute for Plant Health, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Agriculture and Biology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering, XinYang College Of Agriculture And Forestry, Xinyang, P.R. China
| | - Guohui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Innovative Institute for Plant Health, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Agriculture and Biology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Mingwei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Innovative Institute for Plant Health, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Agriculture and Biology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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