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Brödel AK, Charpenay LH, Galtier M, Fuche FJ, Terrasse R, Poquet C, Havránek J, Pignotti S, Krawczyk A, Arraou M, Prevot G, Spadoni D, Yarnall MTN, Hessel EM, Fernandez-Rodriguez J, Duportet X, Bikard D. In situ targeted base editing of bacteria in the mouse gut. Nature 2024:10.1038/s41586-024-07681-w. [PMID: 38987595 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07681-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Microbiome research is now demonstrating a growing number of bacterial strains and genes that affect our health1. Although CRISPR-derived tools have shown great success in editing disease-driving genes in human cells2, we currently lack the tools to achieve comparable success for bacterial targets in situ. Here we engineer a phage-derived particle to deliver a base editor and modify Escherichia coli colonizing the mouse gut. Editing of a β-lactamase gene in a model E. coli strain resulted in a median editing efficiency of 93% of the target bacterial population with a single dose. Edited bacteria were stably maintained in the mouse gut for at least 42 days following treatment. This was achieved using a non-replicative DNA vector, preventing maintenance and dissemination of the payload. We then leveraged this approach to edit several genes of therapeutic relevance in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in vitro and demonstrate in situ editing of a gene involved in the production of curli in a pathogenic E. coli strain. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of modifying bacteria directly in the gut, offering a new avenue to investigate the function of bacterial genes and opening the door to the design of new microbiome-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David Bikard
- Eligo Bioscience, Paris, France.
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Synthetic Biology, Paris, France.
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2
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Zuberi A, Ahmad N, Ahmad H, Saeed M, Ahmad I. Beyond antibiotics: CRISPR/Cas9 triumph over biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1408569. [PMID: 39035353 PMCID: PMC11257871 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1408569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A complex structure known as a biofilm is formed when a variety of bacterial colonies or a single type of cell in a group sticks to a surface. The extracellular polymeric compounds that encase these cells, often consisting of proteins, eDNA, and polysaccharides, exhibit strong antibiotic resistance. Concerns about biofilm in the pharmaceutical industry, public health, and medical fields have sparked a lot of interest, as antibiotic resistance is a unique capacity exhibited by these biofilm-producing bacteria, which increases morbidity and death. Biofilm formation is a complicated process that is controlled by several variables. Insights into the processes to target for the therapy have been gained from multiple attempts to dissect the biofilm formation process. Targeting pathogens within a biofilm is profitable because the bacterial pathogens become considerably more resistant to drugs in the biofilm state. Although biofilm-mediated infections can be lessened using the currently available medications, there has been a lot of focus on the development of new approaches, such as bioinformatics tools, for both treating and preventing the production of biofilms. Technologies such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, nanotherapeutics and proteomics are also used to develop novel anti-biofilm agents. These techniques help to identify small compounds that can be used to inhibit important biofilm regulators. The field of appropriate control strategies to avoid biofilm formation is expanding quickly because of this spurred study. As a result, the current article addresses our current knowledge of how biofilms form, the mechanisms by which bacteria in biofilms resist antibiotics, and cutting-edge treatment approaches for infections caused by biofilms. Furthermore, we have showcased current ongoing research utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to combat bacterial biofilm infections, particularly those brought on by lethal drug-resistant pathogens, concluded the article with a novel hypothesis and aspirations, and acknowledged certain limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azna Zuberi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Department of Obs & Gynae, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nayeem Ahmad
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Hafiz Ahmad
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) College of Medical Sciences, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Science University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Lewis JM, Williams J, Sagona AP. Making the leap from technique to treatment - genetic engineering is paving the way for more efficient phage therapy. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1373-1384. [PMID: 38716972 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses specific to bacteria that target them with great efficiency and specificity. Phages were first studied for their antibacterial potential in the early twentieth century; however, their use was largely eclipsed by the popularity of antibiotics. Given the surge of antimicrobial-resistant strains worldwide, there has been a renaissance in harnessing phages as therapeutics once more. One of the key advantages of phages is their amenability to modification, allowing the generation of numerous derivatives optimised for specific functions depending on the modification. These enhanced derivatives could display higher infectivity, expanded host range or greater affinity to human tissues, where some bacterial species exert their pathogenesis. Despite this, there has been a noticeable discrepancy between the generation of derivatives in vitro and their clinical application in vivo. In most instances, phage therapy is only used on a compassionate-use basis, where all other treatment options have been exhausted. A lack of clinical trials and numerous regulatory hurdles hamper the progress of phage therapy and in turn, the engineered variants, in becoming widely used in the clinic. In this review, we outline the various types of modifications enacted upon phages and how these modifications contribute to their enhanced bactericidal function compared with wild-type phages. We also discuss the nascent progress of genetically modified phages in clinical trials along with the current issues these are confronted with, to validate it as a therapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Lewis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, U.K
| | - Joshua Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, U.K
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Reyneke B, Havenga B, Waso-Reyneke M, Khan S, Khan W. Benefits and Challenges of Applying Bacteriophage Biocontrol in the Consumer Water Cycle. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1163. [PMID: 38930545 PMCID: PMC11205630 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061163] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria (including disinfection- and antibiotic-resistant bacteria) are abundant in the consumer water cycle, where they may cause disease, and lead to biofouling and infrastructure damage in distributions systems, subsequently resulting in significant economic losses. Bacteriophages and their associated enzymes may then offer a biological control solution for application within the water sector. Lytic bacteriophages are of particular interest as biocontrol agents as their narrow host range can be exploited for the targeted removal of specific bacteria in a designated environment. Bacteriophages can also be used to improve processes such as wastewater treatment, while bacteriophage-derived enzymes can be applied to combat biofouling based on their effectiveness against preformed biofilms. However, the host range, environmental stability, bacteriophage resistance and biosafety risks are some of the factors that need to be considered prior to the large-scale application of these bacterial viruses. Characteristics of bacteriophages that highlight their potential as biocontrol agents are thus outlined in this review, as well as the potential application of bacteriophage biocontrol throughout the consumer water cycle. Additionally, the limitations of bacteriophage biocontrol and corresponding mitigation strategies are outlined, including the use of engineered bacteriophages for improved host ranges, environmental stability and the antimicrobial re-sensitisation of bacteria. Finally, the potential public and environmental risks associated with large-scale bacteriophage biocontrol application are considered, and alternative applications of bacteriophages to enhance the functioning of the consumer water cycle, including their use as water quality or treatment indicators and microbial source tracking markers, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Reyneke
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Benjamin Havenga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Monique Waso-Reyneke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Sehaam Khan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Wesaal Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
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5
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Hajizadeh Y, Badmasti F, Oloomi M. Inhibition of the bla OXA-48 gene expression in Klebsiella pneumoniae by a plasmid carrying CRISPRi-Cas9 system. Gene 2024; 910:148332. [PMID: 38431235 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing concern that threatens the effectiveness of treating bacterial infections. The spread of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a significant threat to global public health. To combat this issue, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) system is being developed. This system includes a single guide RNA (sgRNA) and a nuclease dead Cas9 (dCas9), which work together to downregulate gene expression. Our project involved the use of the CRISPRi system to reduce gene expression of the beta-lactamase oxacillin-48 (blaOXA-48) gene in K. pneumoniae. We designed a sgRNA and cloned it into pJMP1363 plasmid harboring the CRISPRi system. The pJMP1363-sgRNA construct was transformed in K. pneumoniae harboring the blaOXA-48 gene. The MIC test was used to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to confirm the inhibition of the OXA-48 producing K. pneumoniae harboring the pJMP1363-sgRNA construct expression. The Galleria mellonella larvae model was also utilized for in vivo assay. Following the transformation, the MIC test indicated a 4-fold reduction in meropenem resistance, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed a 60-fold decrease in the mRNA OXA-48 harboring the pJMP1363-sgRNA construct expression. Additionally, G. mellonella larvae infected with OXA-48 producing K. pneumoniae harboring the pJMP1363-sgRNA showed higher survival rates. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the CRISPR interference technique has successfully reduced antibiotic resistance and virulence in the K. pneumoniae harboring the blaOXA-48 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeganeh Hajizadeh
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Badmasti
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mana Oloomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Gupta SS, Hamza Kh M, Sones CL, Zhang X, Sivaraman GK. The CRISPR/Cas system as an antimicrobial resistance strategy in aquatic ecosystems. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:110. [PMID: 38806846 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01362-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
With the growing population, demand for food has dramatically increased, and fisheries, including aquaculture, are expected to play an essential role in sustaining demand with adequate quantities of protein and essential vitamin supplements, employment generation, and GDP growth. Unfortunately, the incidence of emerging/re-emerging AMR pathogens annually occurs because of anthropogenic activities and the frequent use of antibiotics in aquaculture. These AMR pathogens include the WHO's top 6 prioritized ESKAPE pathogens (nosocomial pathogens: Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.), extended-spectrum beta lactases (ESBLs) and carbapenemase-producing E. coli, which pose major challenges to the biomagnification of both nonnative and native antibiotic-resistant bacteria in capture and cultured fishes. Although implementing the rational use of antibiotics represents a promising mitigation measure, this approach is practically impossible due to the lack of awareness among farmers about the interplay between antimicrobial use and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Nevertheless, to eradicate these 'superbugs,' CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associate protein) has turned out to be a novel approach owing to its ability to perform precise site-directed targeting/knockdown/reversal of specific antimicrobial resistance genes in vitro and to distinguish AMR-resistant bacteria from a plethora of commensal aquatic bacteria. Along with highlighting the importance of virulent multidrug resistance genes in bacteria, this article aims to provide a holistic picture of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing for combating antimicrobial-resistant bacteria isolated from various aquaculture and marine systems, as well as insights into different types of CRISPR/Cas systems, delivery methods, and challenges associated with developing CRISPR/Cas9 antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobin Sonu Gupta
- Founder & CEO at Times of Biotech, Navelim Bicholim, Goa-403505, India
- Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-29, Kerala, India
| | - Muneeb Hamza Kh
- Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-29, Kerala, India
| | - Collin L Sones
- Founder and CTO of Highfield Diagnostics, Zepler Institute of Photonics and Nanoelectronics, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - Xunli Zhang
- School of Engineering & Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - Gopalan Krishnan Sivaraman
- Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-29, Kerala, India.
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Nittayasut N, Yata T, Chirakul S, Techakriengkrai N, Chanchaithong P. Non-replicative phage particles delivering CRISPR-Cas9 to target major blaCTX-M variants. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303555. [PMID: 38753729 PMCID: PMC11098365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) is a promising tool for antimicrobial re-sensitization by inactivating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of bacteria. Here, we programmed CRISPR-Cas9 with common spacers to target predominant blaCTX-M variants in group 1 and group 9 and their promoter in an Escherichia coli model. The CRISPR-Cas9 was delivered by non-replicative phagemid particles from a two-step process, including insertion of spacer in CRISPR and construction of phagemid vector. Spacers targeting blaCTX-M promoters and internal sequences of blaCTX-M group 1 (blaCTX-M-15 and -55) and group 9 (blaCTX-M-14, -27, -65, and -90) were cloned into pCRISPR and phagemid pRC319 for spacer evaluation and phagemid particle production. Re-sensitization and plasmid clearance were mediated by the spacers targeting internal sequences of each group, resulting in 3 log10 to 4 log10 reduction of the ratio of resistant cells, but not by those targeting the promoters. The CRISPR-Cas9 delivered by modified ΦRC319 particles were capable of re-sensitizing E. coli K-12 carrying either blaCTX-M group 1 or group 9 in a dose-dependent manner from 0.1 to 100 multiplicity of infection (MOI). In conclusion, CRISPR-Cas9 system programmed with well-designed spacers targeting multiple variants of AMR gene along with a phage-based delivery system could eliminate the widespread blaCTX-M genes for efficacy restoration of available third-generation cephalosporins by reversal of resistance in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyaphat Nittayasut
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Teerapong Yata
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sunisa Chirakul
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Navapon Techakriengkrai
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattrarat Chanchaithong
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Research Unit in Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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8
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Pandey P, Vavilala SL. From Gene Editing to Biofilm Busting: CRISPR-CAS9 Against Antibiotic Resistance-A Review. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01276-y. [PMID: 38702575 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01276-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, the development of novel antimicrobials has significantly slowed due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), intensifying the global struggle against infectious diseases. Microbial populations worldwide rapidly develop resistance due to the widespread use of antibiotics, primarily targeting drug-resistant germs. A prominent manifestation of this resistance is the formation of biofilms, where bacteria create protective layers using signaling pathways such as quorum sensing. In response to this challenge, the CRISPR-Cas9 method has emerged as a ground-breaking strategy to counter biofilms. Initially identified as the "adaptive immune system" of bacteria, CRISPR-Cas9 has evolved into a state-of-the-art genetic engineering tool. Its exceptional precision in altering specific genes across diverse microorganisms positions it as a promising alternative for addressing antibiotic resistance by selectively modifying genes in diverse microorganisms. This comprehensive review concentrates on the historical background, discovery, developmental stages, and distinct components of CRISPR Cas9 technology. Emphasizing its role as a widely used genome engineering tool, the review explores how CRISPR Cas9 can significantly contribute to the targeted disruption of genes responsible for biofilm formation, highlighting its pivotal role in reshaping strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and mitigate the challenges posed by biofilm-associated infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Pandey
- School of Biological Sciences, UM DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai, 400098, India
| | - Sirisha L Vavilala
- School of Biological Sciences, UM DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai, 400098, India.
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9
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Zheng L, Shen J, Chen R, Hu Y, Zhao W, Leung ELH, Dai L. Genome engineering of the human gut microbiome. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:479-491. [PMID: 38218395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem, significantly influences host health, impacting crucial aspects such as metabolism and immunity. To enhance our comprehension and control of the molecular mechanisms orchestrating the intricate interplay between gut commensal bacteria and human health, the exploration of genome engineering for gut microbes is a promising frontier. Nevertheless, the complexities and diversities inherent in the gut microbiome pose substantial challenges to the development of effective genome engineering tools for human gut microbes. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the current progress and challenges in genome engineering of human gut commensal bacteria, whether executed in vitro or in situ. A specific focus is directed towards the advancements and prospects in cargo DNA delivery and high-throughput techniques. Additionally, we elucidate the immense potential of genome engineering methods to enhance our understanding of the human gut microbiome and engineer the microorganisms to enhance human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linggang Zheng
- Dr Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Juntao Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ruiyue Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yucan Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China; MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China.
| | - Lei Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Wang H, Yang Y, Wang S, Badawy S, Ares I, Martínez M, Lopez-Torres B, Martínez-Larrañaga MR, Wang X, Anadón A, Martínez MA. Antimicrobial sensitisers: Gatekeepers to avoid the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria. J Control Release 2024; 369:25-38. [PMID: 38508527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The resistance of multidrug-resistant bacteria to existing antibiotics forces the continued development of new antibiotics and antibacterial agents, but the high costs and long timeframe involved in the development of new agents renders the hope that existing antibiotics may again play a part. The "antibiotic adjuvant" is an indirect antibacterial strategy, but its vague concept has, in the past, limited the development speed of related drugs. In this review article, we put forward an accurate concept of a "non-self-antimicrobial sensitisers (NSAS)", to distinguish it from an "antibiotic adjuvant", and then discuss several scientific methods to restore bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics, and the sources and action mechanism of existing NSAS, in order to guide the development and further research of NSAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanfei Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Simeng Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Sara Badawy
- MAO Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Pathology Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt
| | - Irma Ares
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Martínez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernardo Lopez-Torres
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Rosa Martínez-Larrañaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; MAO Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Arturo Anadón
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - María-Aránzazu Martínez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), and Research Institute Hospital, 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Rafiq MS, Shabbir MA, Raza A, Irshad S, Asghar A, Maan MK, Gondal MA, Hao H. CRISPR-Cas System: A New Dawn to Combat Antibiotic Resistance. BioDrugs 2024; 38:387-404. [PMID: 38605260 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can potentially harm global public health. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which speeds up the emergence of AMR and increases the burden of drug resistance in mobile genetic elements (MGEs), is the primary method by which AMR genes are transferred across bacterial pathogens. New approaches are urgently needed to halt the spread of bacterial diseases and antibiotic resistance. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), an RNA-guided adaptive immune system, protects prokaryotes from foreign DNA like plasmids and phages. This approach may be essential in limiting horizontal gene transfer and halting the spread of antibiotic resistance. The CRISPR-Cas system has been crucial in identifying and understanding resistance mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic approaches. This review article investigates the CRISPR-Cas system's potential as a tool to combat bacterial AMR. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be targeted and eliminated by the CRISPR-Cas system. It has been proven to be an efficient method for removing carbapenem-resistant plasmids and regaining antibiotic susceptibility. The CRISPR-Cas system has enormous potential as a weapon against bacterial AMR. It precisely targets and eliminates antibiotic-resistant bacteria, facilitates resistance mechanism identification, and offers new possibilities in diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahzad Rafiq
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | | | - Ahmed Raza
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Shoaib Irshad
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Andleeb Asghar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kashif Maan
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Pet Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mushtaq Ahmed Gondal
- Institute of Continuing Education and Extension, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Haihong Hao
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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12
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MacNair CR, Rutherford ST, Tan MW. Alternative therapeutic strategies to treat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:262-275. [PMID: 38082064 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Resistance threatens to render antibiotics - which are essential for modern medicine - ineffective, thus posing a threat to human health. The discovery of novel classes of antibiotics able to overcome resistance has been stalled for decades, with the developmental pipeline relying almost entirely on variations of existing chemical scaffolds. Unfortunately, this approach has been unable to keep pace with resistance evolution, necessitating new therapeutic strategies. In this Review, we highlight recent efforts to discover non-traditional antimicrobials, specifically describing the advantages and limitations of antimicrobial peptides and macrocycles, antibodies, bacteriophages and antisense oligonucleotides. These approaches have the potential to stem the tide of resistance by expanding the physicochemical property space and target spectrum occupied by currently approved antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R MacNair
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steven T Rutherford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Man-Wah Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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13
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Wang J, Zhang M, Pei J, Yi W, Fan L, Wang C, Xiao X. Isolation and identification of a novel phage targeting clinical multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum isolates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1361045. [PMID: 38572320 PMCID: PMC10987712 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1361045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Over the past decade, Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum), an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen, has significantly challenged healthcare settings, especially those involving individuals with weakened immune systems. The rise of these superbugs necessitates innovative solutions. Methods This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteriophages targeting MDR-C. striatum. Utilizing 54 MDR-C. striatum isolates from a local hospital as target strains, samples were collected from restroom puddles for phage screening. Dot Plaque and Double-layer plate Assays were employed for screening. Results A novel temperate bacteriophage, named CSP1, was identified through a series of procedures, including purification, genome extraction, sequencing, and one-step growth curves. CSP1 possesses a 39,752 base pair circular double-stranded DNA genome with HK97-like structural proteins and potential for site-specific recombination. It represents a new species within the unclassified Caudoviricetes class, as supported by transmission electron microscopy, genomic evolutionary analysis, and collinearity studies. Notably, CSP1 infected and lysed 21 clinical MDR-C. striatum isolates, demonstrating a wide host range. The phage remained stable in conditions ranging from -40 to 55°C, pH 4 to 12, and in 0.9% NaCl buffer, showing no cytotoxicity. Discussion The identification of CSP1 as the first phage targeting clinical C. striatum strains opens new possibilities in bacteriophage therapy research, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools against pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jiao Pei
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Li Fan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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14
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Mahdizade Ari M, Dadgar L, Elahi Z, Ghanavati R, Taheri B. Genetically Engineered Microorganisms and Their Impact on Human Health. Int J Clin Pract 2024; 2024:6638269. [PMID: 38495751 PMCID: PMC10944348 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6638269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, the decreased effectiveness of conventional therapies, and the side effects have led researchers to seek a safer, more cost-effective, patient-friendly, and effective method that does not develop antibiotic resistance. With progress in synthetic biology and genetic engineering, genetically engineered microorganisms effective in treatment, prophylaxis, drug delivery, and diagnosis have been developed. The present study reviews the types of genetically engineered bacteria and phages, their impacts on diseases, cancer, and metabolic and inflammatory disorders, the biosynthesis of these modified strains, the route of administration, and their effects on the environment. We conclude that genetically engineered microorganisms can be considered promising candidates for adjunctive treatment of diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzie Mahdizade Ari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dadgar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Elahi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Behrouz Taheri
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapour University of medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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15
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Kang D, Bagchi D, Chen IA. Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Phages and their Current Applications in Antimicrobial Therapy. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2024; 7:2300355. [PMID: 38933919 PMCID: PMC11198966 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202300355] [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: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance remains a critical global health concern, necessitating the investigation of alternative therapeutic approaches. With the diminished efficacy of conventional small molecule drugs due to the emergence of highly resilient bacterial strains, there is growing interest in the potential for alternative therapeutic modalities. As naturally occurring viruses of bacteria, bacteriophage (or phage) are being re-envisioned as a platform to engineer properties that can be tailored to target specific bacterial strains and employ diverse antibacterial mechanisms. However, limited understanding of key pharmacological properties of phage is a major challenge to translating its use from preclinical to clinical settings. Here, we review modern advancements in phage-based antimicrobial therapy and discuss the in vivo pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of phage, addressing critical challenges in their application that must be overcome for successful clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayeon Kang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 90024 USA
| | - Damayanti Bagchi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 90024 USA
| | - Irene A. Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 90024 USA
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16
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Schmitt DS, Siegel SD, Selle K. Applications of designer phage encoding recombinant gene payloads. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:326-338. [PMID: 37833198 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and DNA sequencing have transformed the re-emergent therapeutic bacteriophage field. The increasing rate of multidrug resistant (MDR) infections and the speed at which new bacteriophages can be isolated, sequenced, characterized, and engineered has reinvigorated phage therapy and unlocked new applications of phages for modulating bacteria. The methods used to genetically engineer bacteriophages are undergoing significant development, but identification of heterologous gene payloads with desirable activity and determination of their impact on bacteria or human cells in translationally relevant applications remain underexplored areas. Here, we discuss and categorize recombinant gene payloads for their potential outcome on phage-bacteria interactions when genetically engineered into phage genomes for expression in their bacterial hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Schmitt
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Sara D Siegel
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kurt Selle
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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17
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Juszczuk-Kubiak E. Molecular Aspects of the Functioning of Pathogenic Bacteria Biofilm Based on Quorum Sensing (QS) Signal-Response System and Innovative Non-Antibiotic Strategies for Their Elimination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2655. [PMID: 38473900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the key mechanisms enabling bacterial cells to create biofilms and regulate crucial life functions in a global and highly synchronized way is a bacterial communication system called quorum sensing (QS). QS is a bacterial cell-to-cell communication process that depends on the bacterial population density and is mediated by small signalling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). In bacteria, QS controls the biofilm formation through the global regulation of gene expression involved in the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) synthesis, virulence factor production, stress tolerance and metabolic adaptation. Forming biofilm is one of the crucial mechanisms of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A common feature of human pathogens is the ability to form biofilm, which poses a serious medical issue due to their high susceptibility to traditional antibiotics. Because QS is associated with virulence and biofilm formation, there is a belief that inhibition of QS activity called quorum quenching (QQ) may provide alternative therapeutic methods for treating microbial infections. This review summarises recent progress in biofilm research, focusing on the mechanisms by which biofilms, especially those formed by pathogenic bacteria, become resistant to antibiotic treatment. Subsequently, a potential alternative approach to QS inhibition highlighting innovative non-antibiotic strategies to control AMR and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Juszczuk-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology-State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
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18
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Zhang Y, Li S, Li R, Qiu X, Fan T, Wang B, Zhang B, Zhang L. Advances in application of CRISPR-Cas13a system. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1291557. [PMID: 38524179 PMCID: PMC10958658 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1291557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins serve as an adaptive immune system that safeguards prokaryotes and some of the viruses that infect prokaryotes from foreign nucleic acids (such as viruses and plasmids). The genomes of the majority of archaea and about half of all bacteria contain various CRISPR-Cas systems. CRISPR-Cas systems depend on CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs). They act as a navigation system to specifically cut and destroy foreign nucleic acids by recognizing invading foreign nucleic acids and binding Cas proteins. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the evolution and classification of the CRISPR-Cas system, focusing on the functions and applications of the CRISPR-Cas13a system. We describe the CRISPR-Cas13a system and discuss its RNA-directed ribonuclease function. Meanwhile, we briefly introduce the mechanism of action of the CRISPR-Cas13a system and summarize the applications of the CRISPR-Cas13a system in pathogen detection, eukaryotes, agriculture, biosensors, and human gene therapy. We are right understanding of CRISPR-Cas13a has been broadened, and the CRISPR-Cas13a system will be useful for developing new RNA targeting tools. Therefore, understanding the basic details of the structure, function, and biological characterization of CRISPR-Cas13a effector proteins is critical for optimizing RNA targeting tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shengjun Li
- The Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rongrong Li
- The Department of Medical Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xu Qiu
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Tianyu Fan
- The Department of Hematology, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Li Zhang
- The Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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19
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Zhao P, Zhao W, Zhai X, He Y, Shu W, Qiao G. Biological characterization and genomic analysis of a novel methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus phage, SauPS-28. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0029523. [PMID: 38193720 PMCID: PMC10846126 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00295-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus, a representative gram-positive bacterium, is a common infectious pathogen widely present in the natural environment. The increasing application of antibiotics is witnessing an increment in the number of clinically resistant strains (such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]), which has posed a great challenge to antimicrobial therapy. In this study, a novel MRSA phage, SauPS-28, was isolated from the lake water of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This phage has an incubation period of approximately 30 min, a lysis period of approximately 40 min, and a burst size of approximately 25 PFU/cell. The isolated phage exhibited good biological stability at a pH range of 6.0-9.0 and temperature range of 4°C-37°C. In addition, the identification of an elongated tail using transmission electron microscopy confirmed that SauPS-28 belongs to the long-tailed phage family. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that SauPS-28 has a 43,286-bp-long genome with 31.03% G + C content. Moreover, SauPS-28 exhibited 95.69% sequence identity with ECel-2020k, while the query coverage was only 66%, which is a newly discovered phage. Whole-genome functional annotation results revealed that SauPS-28 had 68 open reading frames (ORFs). Of these, 30 ORFs are unknown proteins. The results suggest that SauPS-28 could be a lysogenic phage strain. This study thus provides preliminary data to conduct further in-depth analysis of the mechanism of phage-host interaction and provides a reference value for phage therapy.IMPORTANCEIn recent years, drug-resistant bacterial infections have become increasingly serious. As a kind of virus with the ability to infect and lyse drug-resistant bacteria, phage is expected to be a new therapeutic method. In this study, we isolated and purified a new methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage SauPS-28, studied a series of biological characteristics of the bacteriophage, analyzed the genome and structural proteome data of the bacteriophage, and provided reference data for further study of the interaction mechanism between bacteriophage and host bacteria and promoted new antibacterial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peisong Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei, China
| | - Wenli Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhai
- Office of Health Insurance, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yulin He
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Shu
- College of Intelligent Medicine and Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Guanhua Qiao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
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20
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Gencay YE, Jasinskytė D, Robert C, Semsey S, Martínez V, Petersen AØ, Brunner K, de Santiago Torio A, Salazar A, Turcu IC, Eriksen MK, Koval L, Takos A, Pascal R, Schou TS, Bayer L, Bryde T, Johansen KC, Bak EG, Smrekar F, Doyle TB, Satlin MJ, Gram A, Carvalho J, Jessen L, Hallström B, Hink J, Damholt B, Troy A, Grove M, Clube J, Grøndahl C, Haaber JK, van der Helm E, Zdravkovic M, Sommer MOA. Engineered phage with antibacterial CRISPR-Cas selectively reduce E. coli burden in mice. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:265-274. [PMID: 37142704 PMCID: PMC10869271 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01759-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic treatments have detrimental effects on the microbiome and lead to antibiotic resistance. To develop a phage therapy against a diverse range of clinically relevant Escherichia coli, we screened a library of 162 wild-type (WT) phages, identifying eight phages with broad coverage of E. coli, complementary binding to bacterial surface receptors, and the capability to stably carry inserted cargo. Selected phages were engineered with tail fibers and CRISPR-Cas machinery to specifically target E. coli. We show that engineered phages target bacteria in biofilms, reduce the emergence of phage-tolerant E. coli and out-compete their ancestral WT phages in coculture experiments. A combination of the four most complementary bacteriophages, called SNIPR001, is well tolerated in both mouse models and minipigs and reduces E. coli load in the mouse gut better than its constituent components separately. SNIPR001 is in clinical development to selectively kill E. coli, which may cause fatal infections in hematological cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lev Koval
- SNIPR BIOME ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael J Satlin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Morten Otto Alexander Sommer
- SNIPR BIOME ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, DTU Biosustain, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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21
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Jiang A, Liu Z, Lv X, Zhou C, Ran T, Tan Z. Prospects and Challenges of Bacteriophage Substitution for Antibiotics in Livestock and Poultry Production. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:28. [PMID: 38248459 PMCID: PMC10812986 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in the livestock and poultry industry has led to the development of multi-drug resistance in animal pathogens, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in bacteria transfer from animals to humans through the consumption of animal products, posing a serious threat to human health. Therefore, the use of antibiotics in livestock production has been strictly controlled. As a result, bacteriophages have attracted increasing research interest as antibiotic alternatives, since they are natural invaders of bacteria. Numerous studies have shown that dietary bacteriophage supplementation could regulate intestinal microbial composition, enhance mucosal immunity and the physical barrier function of the intestinal tract, and play an important role in maintaining intestinal microecological stability and normal body development of animals. The effect of bacteriophages used in animals is influenced by factors such as species, dose, and duration. However, as a category of mobile genetic elements, the high frequency of gene exchange of bacteriophages also poses risks of transmitting ARGs among bacteria. Hence, we summarized the mechanism and efficacy of bacteriophage therapy, and highlighted the feasibility and challenges of bacteriophage utilization in farm animal production, aiming to provide a reference for the safe and effective application of bacteriophages as an antibiotic alternative in livestock and poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoyu Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Agri-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Physiology and Metabolic Process, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; (A.J.); (Z.L.); (Z.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Zixin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Agri-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Physiology and Metabolic Process, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; (A.J.); (Z.L.); (Z.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Xiaokang Lv
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu 233100, China;
| | - Chuanshe Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Agri-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Physiology and Metabolic Process, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; (A.J.); (Z.L.); (Z.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Tao Ran
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhiliang Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Agri-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Physiology and Metabolic Process, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; (A.J.); (Z.L.); (Z.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
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22
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Sepordeh S, Jafari AM, Bazzaz S, Abbasi A, Aslani R, Houshmandi S, Rad AH. Postbiotic as Novel Alternative Agent or Adjuvant for the Common Antibiotic Utilized in the Food Industry. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2024; 25:1245-1263. [PMID: 37702234 DOI: 10.2174/1389201025666230912123849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem as it causes previously manageable diseases to become deadly infections that can cause serious disability or even death. Scientists are creating novel approaches and procedures that are essential for the treatment of infections and limiting the improper use of antibiotics in an effort to counter this rising risk. OBJECTIVES With a focus on the numerous postbiotic metabolites formed from the beneficial gut microorganisms, their potential antimicrobial actions, and recent associated advancements in the food and medical areas, this review presents an overview of the emerging ways to prevent antibiotic resistance. RESULTS Presently, scientific literature confirms that plant-derived antimicrobials, RNA therapy, fecal microbiota transplantation, vaccines, nanoantibiotics, haemofiltration, predatory bacteria, immunotherapeutics, quorum-sensing inhibitors, phage therapies, and probiotics can be considered natural and efficient antibiotic alternative candidates. The investigations on appropriate probiotic strains have led to the characterization of specific metabolic byproducts of probiotics named postbiotics. Based on preclinical and clinical studies, postbiotics with their unique characteristics in terms of clinical (safe origin, without the potential spread of antibiotic resistance genes, unique and multiple antimicrobial action mechanisms), technological (stability and feasibility of largescale production), and economic (low production costs) aspects can be used as a novel alternative agent or adjuvant for the common antibiotics utilized in the production of animal-based foods. CONCLUSION Postbiotic constituents may be a new approach for utilization in the pharmaceutical and food sectors for developing therapeutic treatments. Further metabolomics investigations are required to describe novel postbiotics and clinical trials are also required to define the sufficient dose and optimum administration frequency of postbiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sama Sepordeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Sara Bazzaz
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Abbasi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Aslani
- Food Safety and Hygiene Division, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sousan Houshmandi
- Department of Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Aziz Homayouni Rad
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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23
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Tao S, Hu C, Fang Y, Zhang H, Xu Y, Zheng L, Chen L, Liang W. Targeted elimination of Vancomycin resistance gene vanA by CRISPR-Cas9 system. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:380. [PMID: 38049763 PMCID: PMC10694887 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03136-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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to reduce the spread of the vanA gene by curing the vanA-harboring plasmid of vancomycin-resistant using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. METHODS Two specific spacer sequence (sgRNAs) specific was designed to target the vanA gene and cloned into plasmid CRISPR-Cas9. The role of the CRISPR-Cas system in the plasmid elimination of drug-resistance genes was verified by chemically transformation and conjugation delivery methods. Moreover, the elimination efficiency in strains was evaluated by plate counting, PCR, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution assay and by Etest strips (bioMérieux, France) to detect changes in bacterial drug resistance phenotype after drug resistance plasmid clearance. RESULTS In the study, we constructed a specific prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas9 system plasmid targeting cleavage of the vanA gene. PCR and qPCR results indicated that recombinant pCas9-sgRNA plasmid can efficiently clear vanA-harboring plasmids. There was no significant correlation between sgRNA lengths and curing efficiency. In addition, the drug susceptibility test results showed that the bacterial resistance to vancomycin was significantly reduced after the vanA-containing drug-resistant plasmid was specifically cleaved by the CRISPR-Cas system. The CRISPR-Cas9 system can block the horizontal transfer of the conjugated plasmid pUC19-vanA. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study demonstrated that CRISPR-Cas9 achieved plasmid clearance and reduced antimicrobial resistance. The CRISPR-Cas9 system could block the horizontal transfer of plasmid carrying vanA. This strategy provided a great potential to counteract the ever-worsening spread of the vanA gene among bacterial pathogens and laid the foundation for subsequent research using the CRISPR-Cas9 system as adjuvant antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuan Tao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, No 59. Liuting Road, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315010, China
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Chunwei Hu
- The Biobank of The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yewei Fang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, No 59. Liuting Road, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - He Zhang
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yao Xu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, No 59. Liuting Road, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Luyan Chen
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Wei Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, No 59. Liuting Road, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315010, China.
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Diebold PJ, Rhee MW, Shi Q, Trung NV, Umrani F, Ahmed S, Kulkarni V, Deshpande P, Alexander M, Thi Hoa N, Christakis NA, Iqbal NT, Ali SA, Mathad JS, Brito IL. Clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes are linked to a limited set of taxa within gut microbiome worldwide. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7366. [PMID: 37963868 PMCID: PMC10645880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42998-6] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of antimicrobial resistance (AR) genes has rendered important pathogens nearly or fully unresponsive to antibiotics. It has been suggested that pathogens acquire AR traits from the gut microbiota, which collectively serve as a global reservoir for AR genes conferring resistance to all classes of antibiotics. However, only a subset of AR genes confers resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics, and, although these AR gene profiles are well-characterized for common pathogens, less is known about their taxonomic associations and transfer potential within diverse members of the gut microbiota. We examined a collection of 14,850 human metagenomes and 1666 environmental metagenomes from 33 countries, in addition to nearly 600,000 isolate genomes, to gain insight into the global prevalence and taxonomic range of clinically relevant AR genes. We find that several of the most concerning AR genes, such as those encoding the cephalosporinase CTX-M and carbapenemases KPC, IMP, NDM, and VIM, remain taxonomically restricted to Proteobacteria. Even cfiA, the most common carbapenemase gene within the human gut microbiome, remains tightly restricted to Bacteroides, despite being found on a mobilizable plasmid. We confirmed these findings in gut microbiome samples from India, Honduras, Pakistan, and Vietnam, using a high-sensitivity single-cell fusion PCR approach. Focusing on a set of genes encoding carbapenemases and cephalosporinases, thus far restricted to Bacteroides species, we find that few mutations are required for efficacy in a different phylum, raising the question of why these genes have not spread more widely. Overall, these data suggest that globally prevalent, clinically relevant AR genes have not yet established themselves across diverse commensal gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Diebold
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Matthew W Rhee
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Qiaojuan Shi
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nguyen Vinh Trung
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam
| | | | | | - Vandana Kulkarni
- Johns Hopkins University Clinical Trials Unit, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prasad Deshpande
- Johns Hopkins University Clinical Trials Unit, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mallika Alexander
- Johns Hopkins University Clinical Trials Unit, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ngo Thi Hoa
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Microbiology Department and Center for Tropical Medicine Research, Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | | | - Ilana L Brito
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Zhao F, Ding X, Liu Z, Yan X, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Chen S, Wang Y, Kang T, Xie C, He M, Zheng J. Application of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in ecotoxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122458. [PMID: 37633433 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Chemicals are widely used and released into the environment, and their degradation, accumulation, migration, and transformation processes in the environment can pose a threat to the ecosystem. The advancement in analytical methods with high-throughput screening of biomolecules has revolutionized the way toxicologists used to explore the effects of chemicals on organisms. CRISPR/Cas is a newly developed tool, widely used in the exploration of basic science and biologically engineered products given its high efficiency and low cost. For example, it can edit target genes efficiently, and save loss of the crop yield caused by environmental pollution as well as gain a better understanding of the toxicity mechanisms from various chemicals. This review briefly introduces the development history of CRISPR/Cas and summarizes the current application of CRISPR/Cas in ecotoxicology, including its application on improving crop yield and drug resistance towards agricultural pollution, antibiotic pollution and other threats. The benefits by applying the CRISPR/Cas9 system in conventional toxicity mechanism studies are fully demonstrated here together with its foreseeable expansions in other area of ecotoxicology. Finally, the prospects and disadvantages of CRISPR/Cas system in the field of ecotoxicology are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhao
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; State Environmental Protection Key laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences. Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, China; School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaofan Ding
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zimeng Liu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences. Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanzhen Chen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yaxin Jiang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shunjie Chen
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanfang Wang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingting Kang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun Xie
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Mian He
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences. Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Tao S, Chen H, Li N, Fang Y, Zhang H, Xu Y, Chen L, Liang W. Elimination of bla KPC-2-mediated carbapenem resistance in Escherichia coli by CRISPR-Cas9 system. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:310. [PMID: 37884864 PMCID: PMC10601263 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03058-7] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to re-sensitive bacteria to carbapenemases and reduce the transmission of the blaKPC-2 gene by curing the blaKPC-2-harboring plasmid of carbapenem-resistant using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. METHODS The single guide RNA (sgRNA) specifically targeted to the blaKPC-2 gene was designed and cloned into plasmid pCas9. The recombinant plasmid pCas9-sgRNA(blaKPC-2) was transformed into Escherichia coli (E.coli) carrying pET24-blaKPC-2. The elimination efficiency in strains was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution assay and by E-test strips (bioMérieux, France) to detect changes in bacterial drug resistance phenotype after drug resistance plasmid clearance. RESULTS In the present study, we constructed a specific prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas9 system plasmid targeting cleavage of the blaKPC-2 gene. PCR and qPCR results indicated that prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas9 plasmid transforming drug-resistant bacteria can efficiently clear blaKPC-2-harboring plasmids. In addition, the drug susceptibility test results showed that the bacterial resistance to imipenem was significantly reduced and allowed the resistant model bacteria to restore susceptibility to antibiotics after the blaKPC-2-containing drug-resistant plasmid was specifically cleaved by the CRISPR-Cas system. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the one plasmid-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 system can be used as a novel tool to remove resistance plasmids and re-sensitize the recipient bacteria to antibiotics. This strategy provided a great potential to counteract the ever-worsening spread of the blaKPC-2 gene among bacterial pathogens and laid the foundation for subsequent research using the CRISPR-Cas9 system as adjuvant antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuan Tao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Huimin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Na Li
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yewei Fang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - He Zhang
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yao Xu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Luyan Chen
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Wei Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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Bano S, Hassan N, Rafiq M, Hassan F, Rehman M, Iqbal N, Ali H, Hasan F, Kang YQ. Biofilms as Battlefield Armor for Bacteria against Antibiotics: Challenges and Combating Strategies. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2595. [PMID: 37894253 PMCID: PMC10609369 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are formed by communities, which are encased in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Notably, bacteria in biofilms display a set of 'emergent properties' that vary considerably from free-living bacterial cells. Biofilms help bacteria to survive under multiple stressful conditions such as providing immunity against antibiotics. Apart from the provision of multi-layered defense for enabling poor antibiotic absorption and adaptive persistor cells, biofilms utilize their extracellular components, e.g., extracellular DNA (eDNA), chemical-like catalase, various genes and their regulators to combat antibiotics. The response of biofilms depends on the type of antibiotic that comes into contact with biofilms. For example, excessive production of eDNA exerts resistance against cell wall and DNA targeting antibiotics and the release of antagonist chemicals neutralizes cell membrane inhibitors, whereas the induction of protein and folic acid antibiotics inside cells is lowered by mutating genes and their regulators. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of biofilm-based resistance to various antibiotic classes in bacteria and genes responsible for biofilm development, and the key role of quorum sensing in developing biofilms and antibiotic resistance is also discussed. In this review, we also highlight new and modified techniques such as CRISPR/Cas, nanotechnology and bacteriophage therapy. These technologies might be useful to eliminate pathogens residing in biofilms by combating biofilm-induced antibiotic resistance and making this world free of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bano
- Applied Environmental and Geomicrobiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Noor Hassan
- Industrial Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering-College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Microbiology, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta 87300, Pakistan
| | - Farwa Hassan
- Industrial Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering-College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Maliha Rehman
- Department of Microbiology, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta 87300, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Iqbal
- Department of Biotechnology & Informatics, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta 87300, Pakistan
- The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Hazrat Ali
- Industrial Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering-College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Fariha Hasan
- Applied Environmental and Geomicrobiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Ying-Qian Kang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education of Guizhou, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Cui L, Veeranarayanan S, Thitiananpakorn K, Wannigama DL. Bacteriophage Bioengineering: A Transformative Approach for Targeted Drug Discovery and Beyond. Pathogens 2023; 12:1179. [PMID: 37764987 PMCID: PMC10534869 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, the viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, have long been recognized as potential therapeutic agents against bacterial infections [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Longzhu Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; (S.V.); (K.T.)
| | - Srivani Veeranarayanan
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; (S.V.); (K.T.)
| | - Kanate Thitiananpakorn
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; (S.V.); (K.T.)
| | - Dhammika Leshan Wannigama
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata 990-2292, Japan;
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29
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Jo SJ, Kwon J, Kim SG, Lee SJ. The Biotechnological Application of Bacteriophages: What to Do and Where to Go in the Middle of the Post-Antibiotic Era. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2311. [PMID: 37764155 PMCID: PMC10534921 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amid the escalating challenges of antibiotic resistance, bacterial infections have emerged as a global threat. Bacteriophages (phages), viral entities capable of selectively infecting bacteria, are gaining momentum as promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Their distinctive attributes, including host specificity, inherent self-amplification, and potential synergy with antibiotics, render them compelling candidates. Phage engineering, a burgeoning discipline, involves the strategic modification of bacteriophages to enhance their therapeutic potential and broaden their applications. The integration of CRISPR-Cas systems facilitates precise genetic modifications, enabling phages to serve as carriers of functional genes/proteins, thereby enhancing diagnostics, drug delivery, and therapy. Phage engineering holds promise in transforming precision medicine, addressing antibiotic resistance, and advancing diverse applications. Emphasizing the profound therapeutic potential of phages, this review underscores their pivotal role in combatting bacterial diseases and highlights their significance in the post-antibiotic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Jo
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Kwon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan City 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Guen Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jun Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Engineering, Seowon University, 377-3 Musimseoro, Seowon-gu, Cheong-ju City 28674, Republic of Korea
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30
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Lv S, Wang Y, Jiang K, Guo X, Zhang J, Zhou F, Li Q, Jiang Y, Yang C, Teng T. Genetic Engineering and Biosynthesis Technology: Keys to Unlocking the Chains of Phage Therapy. Viruses 2023; 15:1736. [PMID: 37632078 PMCID: PMC10457950 DOI: 10.3390/v15081736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Phages possess the ability to selectively eliminate pathogenic bacteria by recognizing bacterial surface receptors. Since their discovery, phages have been recognized for their potent bactericidal properties, making them a promising alternative to antibiotics in the context of rising antibiotic resistance. However, the rapid emergence of phage-resistant strains (generally involving temperature phage) and the limited host range of most phage strains have hindered their antibacterial efficacy, impeding their full potential. In recent years, advancements in genetic engineering and biosynthesis technology have facilitated the precise engineering of phages, thereby unleashing their potential as a novel source of antibacterial agents. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the diverse strategies employed for phage genetic engineering, as well as discuss their benefits and drawbacks in terms of bactericidal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixuan Lv
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Kaixin Jiang
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Xinge Guo
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Qiming Li
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Changyong Yang
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Tieshan Teng
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
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Ibarra‐Chávez R, Reboud J, Penadés JR, Cooper JM. Phage-Inducible Chromosomal Islands as a Diagnostic Platform to Capture and Detect Bacterial Pathogens. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301643. [PMID: 37358000 PMCID: PMC10460865 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301643] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Phage-inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs) are a family of phage satellites that hijack phage components to facilitate their mobility and spread. Recently, these genetic constructs are repurposed as antibacterial drones, enabling a new toolbox for unorthodox applications in biotechnology. To illustrate a new suite of functions, the authors have developed a user-friendly diagnostic system, based upon PICI transduction to selectively enrich bacteria, allowing the detection and sequential recovery of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The system enables high transfer rates and sensitivities in comparison with phages, with detection down to ≈50 CFU mL-1 . In contrast to conventional detection strategies, which often rely on nucleic acid molecular assays, and cannot differentiate between dead and live organisms, this approach enables visual sensing of viable pathogens only, through the expression of a reporter gene encoded in the PICI. The approach extends diagnostic sensing mechanisms beyond cell-free synthetic biology strategies, enabling new synthetic biology/biosensing toolkits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ibarra‐Chávez
- Department of BiologySection of MicrobiologyUniversity of CopenhagenUniversitetsparken 15, bldg. 1CopenhagenDK2100Denmark
- Institute of InfectionImmunity and InflammationCollege of MedicalVeterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8TAUK
- Division of Biomedical EngineeringJames Watt School of EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUK
| | - Julien Reboud
- Division of Biomedical EngineeringJames Watt School of EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUK
| | - José R. Penadés
- Institute of InfectionImmunity and InflammationCollege of MedicalVeterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8TAUK
- Departamento de Ciencias BiomédicasUniversidad CEU Cardenal HerreraMoncada46113Spain
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance BiologyImperial College LondonSouth KensingtonSW7 2AZUK
| | - Jonathan M. Cooper
- Division of Biomedical EngineeringJames Watt School of EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUK
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Mayorga-Ramos A, Zúñiga-Miranda J, Carrera-Pacheco SE, Barba-Ostria C, Guamán LP. CRISPR-Cas-Based Antimicrobials: Design, Challenges, and Bacterial Mechanisms of Resistance. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1283-1302. [PMID: 37347230 PMCID: PMC10353011 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains is a source of public health concern across the globe. As the discovery of new conventional antibiotics has stalled significantly over the past decade, there is an urgency to develop novel approaches to address drug resistance in infectious diseases. The use of a CRISPR-Cas-based system for the precise elimination of targeted bacterial populations holds promise as an innovative approach for new antimicrobial agent design. The CRISPR-Cas targeting system is celebrated for its high versatility and specificity, offering an excellent opportunity to fight antibiotic resistance in pathogens by selectively inactivating genes involved in antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, pathogenicity, virulence, or bacterial viability. The CRISPR-Cas strategy can enact antimicrobial effects by two approaches: inactivation of chromosomal genes or curing of plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance. In this Review, we provide an overview of the main CRISPR-Cas systems utilized for the creation of these antimicrobials, as well as highlighting promising studies in the field. We also offer a detailed discussion about the most commonly used mechanisms for CRISPR-Cas delivery: bacteriophages, nanoparticles, and conjugative plasmids. Lastly, we address possible mechanisms of interference that should be considered during the intelligent design of these novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Mayorga-Ramos
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Johana Zúñiga-Miranda
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Carlos Barba-Ostria
- Escuela
de Medicina, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Quito, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170902, Ecuador
| | - Linda P. Guamán
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
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33
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Xiao Y, Zhang Y, Xie F, Olsen RH, Shi L, Li L. Inhibition of Plasmid Conjugation in Escherichia coli by Targeting rbsB Gene Using CRISPRi System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10585. [PMID: 37445761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310585] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial conjugation constitutes a major horizontal gene transfer mechanism for the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) among human pathogens. The spread of ARGs can be halted or diminished by interfering with the conjugation process. In this study, we explored the possibility of using an rbsB gene as a single target to inhibit plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer in Escherichia coli by CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system. Three single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target the rbsB gene. The transcriptional levels of the rbsB gene, the conjugation-related genes, and the conjugation efficiency in the CRISPRi strain were tested. We further explored the effect of the repressed expression of the rbsB gene on the quorum sensing (QS) system and biofilm formation. The results showed that the constructed CRISPRi system was effective in repressing the transcriptional level of the rbsB gene at a rate of 66.4%. The repressed expression of the rbsB gene resulted in the reduced conjugation rate of RP4 plasmid by 88.7%, which significantly inhibited the expression of the conjugation-related genes (trbBp, trfAp, traF and traJ) and increased the global regulator genes (korA, korB and trbA). The repressed rbsB gene expression reduced the depletion of autoinducer 2 signals (AI-2) by 12.8% and biofilm formation by a rate of 68.2%. The results of this study indicated the rbsB gene could be used as a universal target for the inhibition of conjugation. The constructed conjugative CRISPRi system has the potential to be used in ARG high-risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Xiao
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fengjun Xie
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Rikke Heidemann Olsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Lei Shi
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lili Li
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Javed MU, Hayat MT, Mukhtar H, Imre K. CRISPR-Cas9 System: A Prospective Pathway toward Combatting Antibiotic Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1075. [PMID: 37370394 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061075] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is rising to dangerously high levels throughout the world. To cope with this problem, scientists are working on CRISPR-based research so that antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be killed and attacked almost as quickly as antibiotic-sensitive bacteria. Nuclease activity is found in Cas9, which can be programmed with a specific target sequence. This mechanism will only attack pathogens in the microbiota while preserving commensal bacteria. This article portrays the delivery methods used in the CRISPR-Cas system, which are both viral and non-viral, along with its implications and challenges, such as microbial dysbiosis, off-target effects, and failure to counteract intracellular infections. CRISPR-based systems have a lot of applications, such as correcting mutations, developing diagnostics for infectious diseases, improving crops productions, improving breeding techniques, etc. In the future, CRISPR-based systems will revolutionize the world by curing diseases, improving agriculture, and repairing genetic disorders. Though all the drawbacks of the technology, CRISPR carries great potential; thus, the modification and consideration of some aspects could result in a mind-blowing technique to attain all the applications listed and present a game-changing potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hamid Mukhtar
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Kalman Imre
- Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timişoara, 300645 Timișoara, Romania
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Roson-Calero N, Ballesté-Delpierre C, Fernández J, Vila J. Insights on Current Strategies to Decolonize the Gut from Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Pros and Cons. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1074. [PMID: 37370393 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, we have witnessed a steady increase in infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. These infections are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Several interventions should be taken to reduce the emergence and spread of MDR bacteria. The eradication of resistant pathogens colonizing specific human body sites that would likely cause further infection in other sites is one of the most conventional strategies. The objective of this narrative mini-review is to compile and discuss different strategies for the eradication of MDR bacteria from gut microbiota. Here, we analyse the prevalence of MDR bacteria in the community and the hospital and the clinical impact of gut microbiota colonisation with MDR bacteria. Then, several strategies to eliminate MDR bacteria from gut microbiota are described and include: (i) selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) using a cocktail of antibiotics; (ii) the use of pre and probiotics; (iii) fecal microbiota transplantation; (iv) the use of specific phages; (v) engineered CRISPR-Cas Systems. This review intends to provide a state-of-the-art of the most relevant strategies to eradicate MDR bacteria from gut microbiota currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Roson-Calero
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Basic Clinical Practice, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Ballesté-Delpierre
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández
- Liver ICU, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBERehd, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF-Clif), 08021 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Vila
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Basic Clinical Practice, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Biomedical Diagnostic Center, Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Loyola Irizarry HG, Brito IL. Characterizing conjugative plasmids from an antibiotic-resistant dataset for use as broad-host delivery vectors. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1199640. [PMID: 37389338 PMCID: PMC10301749 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1199640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human microbiome engineering is increasingly proposed as a way to modulate health outcomes. However, one of the current limitations to engineering microbial communities in situ is delivery of a genetic payload for introducing or modifying genes. Indeed, there is a need to identify novel broad-host delivery vectors for microbiome engineering. Therefore, in this study, we characterized conjugative plasmids from a publicly available dataset of antibiotic-resistant isolate genomes in order to identify potential broad-host vectors for further applications. From the 199 closed genomes available in the CDC & FDA AR Isolate Bank, we identified 439 plasmids, of which 126 were predicted to be mobilizable and 206 conjugative. Various characteristics of the conjugative plasmids, such as size, replication origin, conjugation machinery, host defense mechanisms, and plasmid stability proteins, were analyzed to determine these plasmids' potential host-range. Following this analysis, we clustered plasmid sequences and chose 22 unique, broad-host range plasmids that would be suitable for use as delivery vectors. This novel set of plasmids will provide a valuable resource for engineering microbial communities.
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Jia HJ, Jia PP, Yin S, Bu LK, Yang G, Pei DS. Engineering bacteriophages for enhanced host range and efficacy: insights from bacteriophage-bacteria interactions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1172635. [PMID: 37323893 PMCID: PMC10264812 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1172635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, the most abundant organisms on earth, have the potential to address the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria resulting from the overuse of antibiotics. However, their high specificity and limited host range can hinder their effectiveness. Phage engineering, through the use of gene editing techniques, offers a means to enhance the host range of bacteria, improve phage efficacy, and facilitate efficient cell-free production of phage drugs. To engineer phages effectively, it is necessary to understand the interaction between phages and host bacteria. Understanding the interaction between the receptor recognition protein of bacteriophages and host receptors can serve as a valuable guide for modifying or replacing these proteins, thereby altering the receptor range of the bacteriophage. Research and development focused on the CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune system against bacteriophage nucleic acids can provide the necessary tools to promote recombination and counter-selection in engineered bacteriophage programs. Additionally, studying the transcription and assembly functions of bacteriophages in host bacteria can facilitate the engineered assembly of bacteriophage genomes in non-host environments. This review highlights a comprehensive summary of phage engineering methods, including in-host and out-of-host engineering, and the use of high-throughput methods to understand their role. The main aim of these techniques is to harness the intricate interactions between bacteriophages and hosts to inform and guide the engineering of bacteriophages, particularly in the context of studying and manipulating the host range of bacteriophages. By employing advanced high-throughput methods to identify specific bacteriophage receptor recognition genes, and subsequently introducing modifications or performing gene swapping through in-host recombination or out-of-host synthesis, it becomes possible to strategically alter the host range of bacteriophages. This capability holds immense significance for leveraging bacteriophages as a promising therapeutic approach against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Jie Jia
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan-Pan Jia
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Supei Yin
- Urinary Nephropathy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Kang Bu
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Guan Yang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Zia S, Alkheraije KA. Recent trends in the use of bacteriophages as replacement of antimicrobials against food-animal pathogens. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1162465. [PMID: 37303721 PMCID: PMC10247982 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1162465] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A major public health impact is associated with foodborne illnesses around the globe. Additionally, bacteria are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, which pose a global threat. Currently, many scientific efforts have been made to develop and implement new technologies to combat bacteria considering the increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in using phages as biocontrol agents for foodborne pathogens in animals used for food production and in food products themselves. Foodborne outbreaks persist, globally, in many foods, some of which lack adequate methods to control any pathogenic contamination (like fresh produce). This interest may be attributed both to consumers' desire for more natural food and to the fact that foodborne outbreaks continue to occur in many foods. Poultry is the most common animal to be treated with phage therapy to control foodborne pathogens. A large number of foodborne illnesses worldwide are caused by Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter, which are found in poultry and egg products. Conventional bacteriophage-based therapy can prevent and control humans and animals from various infectious diseases. In this context, describing bacteriophage therapy based on bacterial cells may offer a breakthrough for treating bacterial infections. Large-scale production of pheasants may be economically challenging to meet the needs of the poultry market. It is also possible to produce bacteriophage therapy on a large scale at a reduced cost. Recently, they have provided an ideal platform for designing and producing immune-inducing phages. Emerging foodborne pathogens will likely be targeted by new phage products in the future. In this review article, we will mainly focus on the Bacteriophages (phages) that have been proposed as an alternative strategy to antibiotics for food animal pathogens and their use for public health and food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Zia
- Department of Zoology, Government Sadiq College Women University Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Khalid A. Alkheraije
- Department of Veterinary Medicine College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
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Gao D, Ji H, Li X, Ke X, Li X, Chen P, Qian P. Host receptor identification of a polyvalent lytic phage GSP044, and preliminary assessment of its efficacy in the clearance of Salmonella. Microbiol Res 2023; 273:127412. [PMID: 37243984 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127412] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Salmonella and pathogenic Escherichia coli are important foodborne pathogens. Phages are being recognized as potential antibacterial agents to control foodborne pathogens. In the current study, a polyvalent broad-spectrum phage, GSP044, was isolated from pig farm sewage. It can simultaneously lyse many different serotypes of Salmonella and E. coli, exhibiting a broad host range. Using S. Enteritidis SE006 as the host bacterium, phage GSP044 was further characterized. GSP044 has a short latent period (10 min), high stability at different temperatures and pH, and good tolerance to chloroform. Genome sequencing analysis revealed that GSP044 has a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome consisting of 110,563 bp with G + C content of 39%, and phylogenetic analysis of the terminase large subunit confirmed that GSP044 belonged to the Demerecviridae family, Epseptimavirus genus. In addition, the genomic sequence did not contain any lysogenicity-related, virulence-related, or antibiotic resistance-related genes. Analysis of phage-targeted host receptors revealed that the outer membrane protein (OMP) BtuB was identified as a required receptor for phage infection of host bacteria. The initial application capability of phage GSP044 was assessed using S. Enteritidis SE006. Phage GSP044 could effectively reduce biofilm formation and degrade the mature biofilm in vitro. Moreover, GSP044 significantly decreased the viable counts of artificially contaminated S. Enteritidis in chicken feed and drinking water. In vivo tests, a mouse model of intestinal infection demonstrated that phage GSP044 was able to reduce the number of colonized S. Enteritidis in the intestine. These results suggest that phage GSP044 may be a promising candidate biologic agent for controlling Salmonella infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyue Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiquan Ke
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangmin Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Pin Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Qian
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, People's Republic of China.
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40
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Devi V, Harjai K, Chhibber S. Repurposing prokaryotic clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas adaptive immune system to combat antimicrobial resistance. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:443-459. [PMID: 37317864 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0222] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite achieving unparalleled progress in the field of science and technology, the global health community is still threatened by the looming pressure of infectious diseases. One of the greatest challenges is the rise in infections by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The misuse of antibiotics has led to the present circumstances, and there is seemingly no solution. There is imminent pressure to develop new antibacterial therapies to curb the rise and spread of multidrug resistance. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas, having immense potential as a gene-editing tool, has gained considerable attention as an alternative antibacterial therapy. Strategies, aiming to either eliminate pathogenic strains or to restore sensitivity to antibiotics, are the main focus of research. This review deals with the development of CRISPR-Cas antimicrobials and their delivery challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Devi
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Kusum Harjai
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Sanjay Chhibber
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
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Li X, Bao N, Yan Z, Yuan XZ, Wang SG, Xia PF. Degradation of Antibiotic Resistance Genes by VADER with CRISPR-Cas Immunity. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0005323. [PMID: 36975789 PMCID: PMC10132114 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00053-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are prompting severe health and environmental issues. While environmental processes, e.g., biological wastewater treatment, are key barriers to prevent the spread of ARGs, they are often sources of ARGs at the same time, requiring upgraded biotechnology. Here, we present VADER, a synthetic biology system for the degradation of ARGs based on CRISPR-Cas immunity, an archaeal and bacterial immune system for eliminating invading foreign DNAs, to be implemented for wastewater treatment processes. Navigated by programmable guide RNAs, VADER targets and degrades ARGs depending on their DNA sequences, and by employing an artificial conjugation machinery, IncP, it can be delivered via conjugation. The system was evaluated by degrading plasmid-borne ARGs in Escherichia coli and further demonstrated via the elimination of ARGs on the environmentally relevant RP4 plasmid in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Next, a prototype conjugation reactor at a 10-mL scale was devised, and 100% of the target ARG was eliminated in the transconjugants receiving VADER, giving a proof of principle for the implementation of VADER in bioprocesses. By generating a nexus of synthetic biology and environmental biotechnology, we believe that our work is not only an enterprise for tackling ARG problems but also a potential solution for managing undesired genetic materials in general in the future. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance has been causing severe health problems and has led to millions of deaths in recent years. Environmental processes, especially those of the wastewater treatment sector, are an important barrier to the spread of antibiotic resistance from the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals, or civil sewage. However, they have been identified as a nonnegligible source of antibiotic resistance at the same time, as antibiotic resistance with its main cause, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), may accumulate in biological treatment units. Here, we transplanted the CRISPR-Cas system, an immune system via programmable DNA cleavage, to tackle the antibiotic resistance problem raised in wastewater treatment processes, and we propose a new sector specialized in ARG removal with a conjugation reactor to implement the CRISPR-Cas system. Our study provides a new angle for resolving public health issues via the implementation of synthetic biology in environmental contexts at the process level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Nan Bao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xian-Zheng Yuan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shu-Guang Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng-Fei Xia
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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Wang R, Shu X, Zhao H, Xue Q, Liu C, Wu A, Cheng F, Wang L, Zhang Y, Feng J, Wu N, Li M. Associate toxin-antitoxin with CRISPR-Cas to kill multidrug-resistant pathogens. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2078. [PMID: 37045931 PMCID: PMC10097628 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37789-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CreTA, CRISPR-regulated toxin-antitoxin (TA), safeguards CRISPR-Cas immune systems by inducing cell dormancy/death upon their inactivation. Here, we characterize a bacterial CreTA associating with the I-F CRISPR-Cas in Acinetobacter. CreT is a distinct bactericidal small RNA likely targeting several essential RNA molecules that are required to initiate protein synthesis. CreA guides the CRISPR effector to transcriptionally repress CreT. We further demonstrate a proof-of-concept antimicrobial strategy named ATTACK, which AssociaTes TA and CRISPR-Cas to Kill multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens. In this design, CRISPR-Cas is programed to target antibiotic resistance gene(s) to selectively kill MDR pathogens or cure their resistance, and when CRISPR-Cas is inactivated or suppressed by unwanted genetic or non-genetic events/factors, CreTA triggers cell death as the last resort. Our data highlight the diversity of RNA toxins coevolving with CRISPR-Cas, and illuminate a combined strategy of CRISPR and TA antimicrobials to 'ATTACK' MDR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xian Shu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiwei Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Xue
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Aici Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feiyue Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Yihan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Jie Feng
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nannan Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Phage, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Cui J, Zhong W, Liu W, Zhang C, Zou L, Ren H. Whole genome sequencing and annotation of a lysogenic phage vB_EcoP_DE5 isolated from donkey-derived Escherichia coli. Virus Genes 2023; 59:290-300. [PMID: 36607487 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-022-01964-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A lysogenic phage vB_EcoP_DE5 (hereafter designated DE5) was isolated from donkey-derived Escherichia coli. The bacteriophage was examined by transmission electron microscopy, and the result showed that DE5 belonged to the genus Kuravirus. DE5 was sensitive to changes in temperature and pH, and it could maintain its activity at pH 7 and below 60 ℃. The whole genome sequencing revealed that DE5 had a double-stranded DNA genome of 77, 305 bp with 42.09% G+C content. A total of 126 open reading frames (ORFs) were identified, including functional genes related to phage integration, DNA replication and modification, transcriptional regulation, structural and packaging proteins, and host cell lysis. One phage integrase gene, one autotransporter adhesin gene, and one tRNA gene were predicted in the whole genome, and no genes associated with drug resistance were identified. The phage DE5 integrase contained 187 amino acids and belonged to the small serine recombinase family. BLASTn analysis revealed that phage DE5 had a high-sequence identity (96%) with E. coli phage SU10. Phylogenetic analysis showed that phage DE5 was a member of the genus Kuravirus. The whole genome sequencing of lysogenic phage DE5 enhanced our understanding of lysogenic phages and their therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wenshi Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhua Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Can Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ling Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Huiying Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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Khambhati K, Bhattacharjee G, Gohil N, Dhanoa GK, Sagona AP, Mani I, Bui NL, Chu DT, Karapurkar JK, Jang SH, Chung HY, Maurya R, Alzahrani KJ, Ramakrishna S, Singh V. Phage engineering and phage-assisted CRISPR-Cas delivery to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10381. [PMID: 36925687 PMCID: PMC10013820 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance ranks among the top threats to humanity. Due to the frequent use of antibiotics, society is facing a high prevalence of multidrug resistant pathogens, which have managed to evolve mechanisms that help them evade the last line of therapeutics. An alternative to antibiotics could involve the use of bacteriophages (phages), which are the natural predators of bacterial cells. In earlier times, phages were implemented as therapeutic agents for a century but were mainly replaced with antibiotics, and considering the menace of antimicrobial resistance, it might again become of interest due to the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance among pathogens. The current understanding of phage biology and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) assisted phage genome engineering techniques have facilitated to generate phage variants with unique therapeutic values. In this review, we briefly explain strategies to engineer bacteriophages. Next, we highlight the literature supporting CRISPR-Cas9-assisted phage engineering for effective and more specific targeting of bacterial pathogens. Lastly, we discuss techniques that either help to increase the fitness, specificity, or lytic ability of bacteriophages to control an infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushal Khambhati
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science Indrashil University Rajpur Mehsana Gujarat India
| | - Gargi Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science Indrashil University Rajpur Mehsana Gujarat India
| | - Nisarg Gohil
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science Indrashil University Rajpur Mehsana Gujarat India
| | - Gurneet K Dhanoa
- School of Life Sciences University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus Coventry United Kindgom
| | - Antonia P Sagona
- School of Life Sciences University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus Coventry United Kindgom
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology Gargi College, University of Delhi New Delhi India
| | - Nhat Le Bui
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health International School, Vietnam National University Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health International School, Vietnam National University Hanoi Vietnam.,Faculty of Applied Sciences International School, Vietnam National University Hanoi Vietnam
| | | | - Su Hwa Jang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering Hanyang University Seoul South Korea.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute Hanyang University Seoul South Korea
| | - Hee Yong Chung
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering Hanyang University Seoul South Korea.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute Hanyang University Seoul South Korea.,College of Medicine Hanyang University Seoul South Korea
| | - Rupesh Maurya
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science Indrashil University Rajpur Mehsana Gujarat India
| | - Khalid J Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University Taif Saudi Arabia
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering Hanyang University Seoul South Korea.,College of Medicine Hanyang University Seoul South Korea
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science Indrashil University Rajpur Mehsana Gujarat India
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CRISPR-Cas9 mediated phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics. ANIMAL DISEASES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s44149-023-00065-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractInappropriate use of antibiotics is globally creating public health hazards associated with antibiotic resistance. Bacteria often acquire antibiotic resistance by altering their genes through mutation or acquisition of plasmid-encoding resistance genes. To treat drug-resistant strains of bacteria, the recently developed CRISPR-Cas9 system might be an alternative molecular tool to conventional antibiotics. It disables antibiotic-resistance genes (plasmids) or deactivates bacterial virulence factors and sensitizes drug-resistant bacteria through site-specific cleavage of crucial domains of their genome. This molecular tool uses phages as vehicles for CRISPR-cas9 delivery into bacteria. Since phages are species-specific and natural predators of bacteria, they are capable of easily injecting their DNA to target bacteria. The CRISPR system is packaged into phagemid vectors, in such a way that the bacteria containing the antibiotic-resistance plasmid sequence or that containing specific DNA sequences were made to be targeted. Upon CRISPR delivery, Cas9 is programmed to recognize target sequences through the guide RNA thereby causing double-strand cleavage of targeted bacterial DNA or loss of drug resistance plasmid, which results in cell death. Remarkably, the safety and efficacy of this newly developed biotechnology tool and the biocontrol product need to be further refined for its usage in clinical translation.
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Abavisani M, Khayami R, Hoseinzadeh M, Kodori M, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. CRISPR-Cas system as a promising player against bacterial infection and antibiotic resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100948. [PMID: 36780840 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100948] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance (AR) and its increasing global trends and destructive waves concerns patients and the healthcare system. In order to combat AR, it is necessary to explore new strategies when the current antibiotics fail to be effective. Thus, knowing the resistance mechanisms and appropriate diagnosis of bacterial infections may help enhance the sensitivity and specificity of novel strategies. On the other hand, resistance to antimicrobial compounds can spread from resistant populations to susceptible ones. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) significantly disseminate AR via horizontal and vertical gene transfer. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system is a member of the bacterial immune system with the ability to remove the ARGs; therefore, it can be introduced as an effective and innovative strategy in the battle against AR. Here, we reviewed CRISPR-based bacterial diagnosis technologies. Moreover, the strategies to battle AR based on targeting bacterial chromosomes and resistance plasmids using the CRISPR-Cas system have been explained. Besides, we have presented the limitations of CRISPR delivery and potential solutions to help improve the future development of CRISPR-based platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abavisani
- Student research committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Reza Khayami
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Melika Hoseinzadeh
- Student research committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mansoor Kodori
- Non communicable Diseases Research Center, Bam University of Medical sciences, Bam, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Marchi J, Zborowsky S, Debarbieux L, Weitz JS. The dynamic interplay of bacteriophage, bacteria and the mammalian host during phage therapy. iScience 2023; 26:106004. [PMID: 36818291 PMCID: PMC9932479 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades, biomedically centered studies of bacteria have focused on mechanistic drivers of disease in their mammalian hosts. Likewise, molecular studies of bacteriophage have centered on understanding mechanisms by which bacteriophage exploit the intracellular environment of their bacterial hosts. These binary interactions - bacteriophage infect bacteria and bacteria infect eukaryotic hosts - have remained largely separate lines of inquiry. However, recent evidence demonstrates how tripartite interactions between bacteriophage, bacteria and the eukaryotic host shape the dynamics and fate of each component. In this perspective, we provide an overview of different ways in which bacteriophage ecology modulates bacterial infections along a spectrum of positive to negative impacts on a mammalian host. We also examine how coevolutionary processes over longer timescales may change the valence of these interactions. We argue that anticipating both ecological and evolutionary dynamics is key to understand and control tripartite interactions and ultimately to the success or failure of phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Marchi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Sophia Zborowsky
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Bacteriophage Bacterium Host, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Laurent Debarbieux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Bacteriophage Bacterium Host, 75015 Paris, France
- Corresponding author
| | - Joshua S. Weitz
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- School of Biological Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Institut de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure, 75005 Paris, France
- Corresponding author
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Shim H. Three Innovations of Next-Generation Antibiotics: Evolvability, Specificity, and Non-Immunogenicity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020204. [PMID: 36830114 PMCID: PMC9952447 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020204] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic exacerbated by the uncontrolled use of antibiotics. Since the discovery of penicillin, we have been largely dependent on microbe-derived small molecules to treat bacterial infections. However, the golden era of antibiotics is coming to an end, as the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance against these antibacterial compounds are outpacing the discovery and development of new antibiotics. The current antibiotic market suffers from various shortcomings, including the absence of profitability and investment. The most important underlying issue of traditional antibiotics arises from the inherent properties of these small molecules being mostly broad-spectrum and non-programmable. As the scientific knowledge of microbes progresses, the scientific community is starting to explore entirely novel approaches to tackling antimicrobial resistance. One of the most prominent approaches is to develop next-generation antibiotics. In this review, we discuss three innovations of next-generation antibiotics compared to traditional antibiotics as specificity, evolvability, and non-immunogenicity. We present a number of potential antimicrobial agents, including bacteriophage-based therapy, CRISPR-Cas-based antimicrobials, and microbiome-derived antimicrobial agents. These alternative antimicrobial agents possess innovative properties that may overcome the inherent shortcomings of traditional antibiotics, and some of these next-generation antibiotics are not merely far-fetched ideas but are currently in clinical development. We further discuss some related issues and challenges such as infection diagnostics and regulatory frameworks that still need to be addressed to bring these next-generation antibiotics to the antibiotic market as viable products to combat antimicrobial resistance using a diversified set of strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjin Shim
- Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
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Matzaras R, Nikopoulou A, Protonotariou E, Christaki E. Gut Microbiota Modulation and Prevention of Dysbiosis as an Alternative Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance: A Narrative Review. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2022; 95:479-494. [PMID: 36568836 PMCID: PMC9765331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: The importance of gut microbiota in human health is being increasingly studied. Imbalances in gut microbiota have been associated with infection, inflammation, and obesity. Antibiotic use is the most common and significant cause of major alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota and can result in colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Methods: The purpose of this review is to present existing evidence on how microbiota modulation and prevention of gut dysbiosis can serve as tools to combat antimicrobial resistance. Results: While the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens requires antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action, the number of newly discovered antimicrobial classes remains very low. For this reason, the application of alternative modalities to combat antimicrobial resistance is necessary. Diet, probiotics/prebiotics, selective oropharyngeal or digestive decontamination, and especially fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) are under investigation with FMT being the most studied. But, as prevention is better than cure, the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs and strict infection control measures along with newly developed chelating agents could also play a crucial role in decreasing colonization with multidrug resistant organisms. Conclusion: New alternative tools to fight antimicrobial resistance via gut microbiota modulation, seem to be effective and should remain the focus of further research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafail Matzaras
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine,
University General Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, Ioannina,
Greece
| | - Anna Nikopoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine, G. Papanikolaou
General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efthimia Protonotariou
- Department of Microbiology, AHEPA University Hospital,
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eirini Christaki
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine,
University General Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, Ioannina,
Greece,To whom all correspondence should be addressed:
Eirini Christaki, University General Hospital of Ioannina, St. Niarchou,
Ioannina, Greece; ; ORCID:
https://www.orcid.org/0000-0002-8152-6367
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Yuan S, Shi J, Jiang J, Ma Y. Genome-scale top-down strategy to generate viable genome-reduced phages. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:13183-13197. [PMID: 36511873 PMCID: PMC9825161 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts have been made to reduce the genomes of living cells, but phage genome reduction remains challenging. It is of great interest to investigate whether genome reduction can make phages obtain new infectious properties. We developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based iterative phage genome reduction (CiPGr) approach and applied this to four distinct phages, thereby obtaining heterogeneous genome-reduced mutants. We isolated and sequenced 200 mutants with loss of up to 8-23% (3.3-35 kbp) of the original sequences. This allowed the identification of non-essential genes for phage propagation, although loss of these genes is mostly detrimental to phage fitness to various degrees. Notwithstanding this, mutants with higher infectious efficiency than their parental strains were characterized, indicating a trade-off between genome reduction and infectious fitness for phages. In conclusion, this study provides a foundation for future work to leverage the information generated by CiPGr in phage synthetic biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjian Yuan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Juan Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jianrong Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yingfei Ma
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 755 8639 2674;
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