1
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Gong X, Brand CJ, Bertucci MA. Designing and synthesizing peptide-based quorum sensing modulators. Methods Enzymol 2024; 698:263-299. [PMID: 38886035 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a density-dependent bacterial communication system that uses small molecules as regulatory modulators. Synthetic changes to these molecules can up-or-down-regulate this system, leading to control of phenotypes, like competence and virulence factor production, that have implications in human health. In this chapter, a methodology for library design and screening of synthetic autoinducing peptides (AIPs) to uncover QS SARs is delineated. Additionally, procedures for the synthesis, purification and analysis of linear and cyclic AIPs are detailed. This includes solutions for potential synthetic challenges including diketopiperazine formation when using N-methyl amino acids and cyclization of peptides containing N-terminal cysteine residues. These procedures have and are currently being applied to develop potent QS modulators in Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus gordonii and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Gong
- Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, United States
| | - Carter J Brand
- Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, United States
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2
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Lau JZ, Kuo SH, Belo Y, Malach E, Maron B, Caraway HE, Oh MW, Zhang Y, Ismail N, Lau GW, Hayouka Z. Antibacterial efficacy of an ultra-short palmitoylated random peptide mixture in mouse models of infection by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0057423. [PMID: 37819119 PMCID: PMC10648864 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00574-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Indiscriminate use of antibiotics has imposed a selective pressure for the rapid rise in bacterial resistance, creating an urgent need for novel therapeutics for managing bacterial infectious diseases while counteracting bacterial resistance. Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains have become a major challenge in modern medicine due to their ability to cause an array of severe infections. Recently, we have shown that the 20-mer random peptide mixtures are effective therapeutics against three ESKAPEE pathogens. Here, we evaluated the toxicity, biodistribution, bioavailability, and efficacy of the ultra-short palmitoylated 5-mer phenylalanine:lysine (FK5P) random peptide mixtures against multiple clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca. We demonstrate the FK5P rapidly and effectively killed various strains of K. pneumoniae, inhibited the formation of biofilms, and disrupted mature biofilms. FK5P displayed strong toxicity profiles both in vitro and in mice, with prolonged favorable biodistribution and a long half-life. Significantly, FK5P reduced the bacterial burden in mouse models of acute pneumonia and bacteremia and increased the survival rate in a mouse model of bacteremia. Our results demonstrate that FK5P is a safe and promising therapy against Klebsiella species as well as other ESKAPEE pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Z. Lau
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Shanny Hsuan Kuo
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Yael Belo
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Einav Malach
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Bar Maron
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hannah E. Caraway
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Myung Whan Oh
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Nahed Ismail
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gee W. Lau
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Zvi Hayouka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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3
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Yu L, Xu X, Chua WZ, Feng H, Ser Z, Shao K, Shi J, Wang Y, Li Z, Sobota RM, Sham LT, Luo M. Structural basis of peptide secretion for Quorum sensing by ComA. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7178. [PMID: 37935699 PMCID: PMC10630487 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42852-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a crucial regulatory mechanism controlling bacterial signalling and holds promise for novel therapies against antimicrobial resistance. In Gram-positive bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, ComA is a conserved efflux pump responsible for the maturation and secretion of peptide signals, including the competence-stimulating peptide (CSP), yet its structure and function remain unclear. Here, we functionally characterize ComA as an ABC transporter with high ATP affinity and determined its cryo-EM structures in the presence or absence of CSP or nucleotides. Our findings reveal a network of strong electrostatic interactions unique to ComA at the intracellular gate, a putative binding pocket for two CSP molecules, and negatively charged residues facilitating CSP translocation. Mutations of these residues affect ComA's peptidase activity in-vitro and prevent CSP export in-vivo. We demonstrate that ATP-Mg2+ triggers the outward-facing conformation of ComA for CSP release, rather than ATP alone. Our study provides molecular insights into the QS signal peptide secretion, highlighting potential targets for QS-targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Wan-Zhen Chua
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Zheng Ser
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, SingMass National Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Kai Shao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Center for Bioimaging Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yumei Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zongli Li
- Harvard Cryo-EM Center for Structural Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Radoslaw M Sobota
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, SingMass National Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Lok-To Sham
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Singapore.
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
- Center for Bioimaging Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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4
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Gorgan M, Vanunu Ofri S, Engler ER, Yehuda A, Hutnick E, Hayouka Z, Bertucci MA. The importance of the PapR 7 C-terminus and amide protons in mediating quorum sensing in Bacilluscereus. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104139. [PMID: 37758114 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104139] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The opportunistic human pathogen Bacillus cereus controls the expression of key infection-promoting phenotypes using bacterial quorum sensing (QS). QS signal transduction within the species is controlled by an autoinducing peptide, PapR7, and its cognate receptor, PlcR, indicating that the PlcR:PapR interface is a prime target for QS inhibitor development. The C-terminal region of the peptide (PapR7; ADLPFEF) has been successfully employed as a scaffold to develop potent QS modulators. Despite the noted importance of the C-terminal carboxylate and amide protons in crystallographic data, their role in QS activity has yet to be explored. In this study, an N-methyl scan of PapR7 was conducted in conjunction with a C-terminal modification of previously identified B. cereus QS inhibitors. The results indicate that the amide proton at Glu6 and the C-terminal carboxylate are important for effective QS inhibition of the PlcR regulon. Through β-galactosidase and hemolysis assays, a series of QS inhibitors were discovered, including several capable of inhibiting QS with nanomolar potency. These inhibitors, along with the structure-activity data reported, will serve as valuable tools for disrupting the B. cereus QS pathway towards developing novel anti-infective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gorgan
- Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College, 701 Sullivan Rd., Easton, PA 18042, United States
| | - Shahar Vanunu Ofri
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Emilee R Engler
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian University, 1200 Main St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, United States
| | - Avishag Yehuda
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Hutnick
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian University, 1200 Main St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, United States
| | - Zvi Hayouka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Michael A Bertucci
- Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College, 701 Sullivan Rd., Easton, PA 18042, United States.
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Yehuda A, Malach E, Vanunu Ofri S, Slamti L, Kuo SH, Lau JZ, Oh MW, Adeoye J, Shlezinger N, Lereclus D, Lau GW, Hayouka Z. The quorum-sensing peptidic inhibitor rescues host immune system eradication: A novel infectivity mechanism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301045120. [PMID: 37607229 PMCID: PMC10469338 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301045120] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Subverting the host immune system is a major task for any given pathogen to assure its survival and proliferation. For the opportunistic human pathogen Bacillus cereus (Bc), immune evasion enables the establishment of potent infections. In various species of the Bc group, the pleiotropic regulator PlcR and its cognate cell-cell signaling peptide PapR7 regulate virulence gene expression in response to fluctuations in population density, i.e., a quorum-sensing (QS) system. However, how QS exerts its effects during infections and whether PlcR confers the immune evading ability remain unclear. Herein, we report how interception of the QS communication in Bc obliterates the ability to affect the host immune system. Here, we designed a peptide-based QS inhibitor that suppresses PlcR-dependent virulence factor expression and attenuates Bc infectivity in mouse models. We demonstrate that the QS peptidic inhibitor blocks host immune system-mediated eradication by reducing the expression of PlcR-regulated major toxins similarly to the profile that was observed for isogenic strains. Our findings provide evidence that Bc infectivity is regulated by QS circuit-mediated destruction of host immunity, thus reveal a interesting strategy to limit Bc virulence and enhance host defense. This peptidic quorum-quenching agent constitutes a readily accessible chemical tool for studying how other pathogen QS systems modulate host immunity and forms a basis for development of anti-infective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishag Yehuda
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Einav Malach
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Shahar Vanunu Ofri
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Leyla Slamti
- Unité Micalis, Domaine de La Minière, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1319, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 78280Guyancourt, France
| | - Shanny Hsuan Kuo
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61802
| | - Jonathan Z. Lau
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61802
| | - Myung Whan Oh
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61802
| | - John Adeoye
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Neta Shlezinger
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Didier Lereclus
- Unité Micalis, Domaine de La Minière, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1319, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 78280Guyancourt, France
| | - Gee W. Lau
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61802
| | - Zvi Hayouka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
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Gibson PS, Veening JW. Gaps in the wall: understanding cell wall biology to tackle amoxicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 72:102261. [PMID: 36638546 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, and one of the main pathogens responsible for otitis media infections in children. Amoxicillin (AMX) is a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic, used frequently for the treatment of bacterial respiratory tract infections. Here, we discuss the pneumococcal response to AMX, including the mode of action of AMX, the effects on autolysin regulation, and the evolution of resistance through natural transformation. We discuss current knowledge gaps in the synthesis and translocation of peptidoglycan and teichoic acids, major constituents of the pneumococcal cell wall and critical to AMX activity. Furthermore, an outlook of AMX resistance research is presented, including the development of natural competence inhibitors to block evolution via horizontal gene transfer, and the use of high-throughput essentiality screens for the discovery of novel cotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paddy S Gibson
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jan-Willem Veening
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Milly TA, Tal-Gan Y. Targeting Peptide-Based Quorum Sensing Systems for the Treatment of Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2023; 115:e24298. [PMID: 37397504 PMCID: PMC10312355 DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria utilize a cell density-dependent communication system called quorum sensing (QS) to coordinate group behaviors. In Gram-positive bacteria, QS involves the production of and response to auto-inducing peptide (AIP) signaling molecules to modulate group phenotypes, including pathogenicity. As such, this bacterial communication system has been identified as a potential therapeutic target against bacterial infections. More specifically, developing synthetic modulators derived from the native peptide signal paves a new way to selectively block the pathogenic behaviors associated with this signaling system. Moreover, rational design and development of potent synthetic peptide modulators allows in depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive QS circuits in diverse bacterial species. Overall, studies aimed at understanding the role of QS in microbial social behavior could result in the accumulation of significant knowledge of microbial interactions, and consequently lead to the development of alternative therapeutic agents to treat bacterial infectivity. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development of peptide-based modulators to target QS systems in Gram-positive pathogens, with a focus on evaluating the therapeutic potential associated with these bacterial signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmina A. Milly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, 89557, United States
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, 89557, United States
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Lyagin I, Stepanov N, Presnov D, Trifonov A, Efremenko E. Self-Assembling Enzymatic Nanocomplexes with Polypeptides and Low-Weight Organic Compounds: Preparation, Characterization, and Application of New Antibacterials. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031831. [PMID: 36768158 PMCID: PMC9915939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-assembling of nanosized materials is a promising field for research and development. Multiple approaches are applied to obtain inorganic, organic and composite nanomaterials with different functionality. In the present work, self-assembling nanocomplexes (NCs) were prepared on the basis of enzymes and polypeptides followed by the investigation of the influence of low-molecular weight biologically active compounds on the properties of the NCs. For that, the initially possible formation of catalytically active self-assembling NCs of four hydrolytic enzymes with nine effectors was screened via molecular modeling. It allowed the selection of two enzymes (hexahistidine-tagged organophosphorus hydrolase and penicillin acylase) and two compounds (emodin and naringenin) having biological activity. Further, such NCs based on surface-modified enzymes were characterized by a batch of physical and biochemical methods. At least three NCs containing emodin and enzyme (His6-OPH and/or penicillin acylase) have been shown to significantly improve the antibacterial activity of colistin and, to a lesser extent, polymyxin B towards both Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Lyagin
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay Stepanov
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis Presnov
- Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artem Trifonov
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Efremenko
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-495-939-3170; Fax: +7-495-939-5417
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Biofilm ecology associated with dental caries: Understanding of microbial interactions in oral communities leads to development of therapeutic strategies targeting cariogenic biofilms. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 122:27-75. [PMID: 37085193 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
A biofilm is a sessile community characterized by cells attached to the surface and organized into a complex structural arrangement. Dental caries is a biofilm-dependent oral disease caused by infection with cariogenic pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans, and associated with frequent exposure to a sugar-rich diet and poor oral hygiene. The virulence of cariogenic biofilms is often associated with the spatial organization of S. mutans enmeshed with exopolysaccharides on tooth surfaces. However, in the oral cavity, S. mutans does not act alone, and several other microbes contribute to cariogenic biofilm formation. Microbial communities in cariogenic biofilms are spatially organized into complex structural arrangements of various microbes and extracellular matrices. The balance of microbiota diversity with reduced diversity and a high proportion of acidogenic-aciduric microbiota within the biofilm is closely related to the disease state. Understanding the characteristics of polymicrobial biofilms and the association of microbial interactions within the biofilm (e.g., symbiosis, cooperation, and competition) in terms of their potential role in the pathogenesis of oral disease would help develop new strategies for interventions in virulent biofilm formation.
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Tripathi S, Purchase D, Govarthanan M, Chandra R, Yadav S. Regulatory and innovative mechanisms of bacterial quorum sensing-mediated pathogenicity: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:75. [PMID: 36334179 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10564-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a system of bacteria in which cells communicate with each other; it is linked to cell density in the microbiome. The high-density colony population can provide enough small molecular signals to enable a range of cellular activities, gene expression, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance that cause damage to the hosts. QS is the basis of chronic illnesses in human due to microbial sporulation, expression of virulence factors, biofilm formation, secretion of enzymes, or production of membrane vesicles. The transfer of antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) among antibiotic resistance bacteria is a major public health concern. QS-mediated biofilm is a hub for ARG horizontal gene transfer. To develop innovative approach to prevent microbial pathogenesis, it is essential to understand the role of QS especially in response to environmental stressors such as exposure to antibiotics. This review provides the latest knowledge on the relationship of QS and pathogenicity and explore the novel approach to control QS via quorum quenching (QQ) using QS inhibitors (QSIs) and QQ enzymes. The state-of-the art knowledge on the role of QS and the potential of using QQ will help to overcome the threats of rapidly emerging bacterial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Tripathi
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School for Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India
| | - Diane Purchase
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon, London, NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Muthusamy Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | - Ram Chandra
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School for Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India.
| | - Sangeeta Yadav
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School for Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, UP, India.
- Department of Botany, Vaishno Devi Prashikshan Mahavidyalaya, Gondahi, Kunda, Pratapgarh, India.
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11
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Brennan AA, Mehrani M, Tal-Gan Y. Modulating streptococcal phenotypes using signal peptide analogues. Open Biol 2022; 12:220143. [PMID: 35920042 PMCID: PMC9346555 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding bacterial communication mechanisms is imperative to improve our current understanding of bacterial infectivity and find alternatives to current modes of antibacterial therapeutics. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria use quorum sensing (QS) to regulate group behaviours and associated phenotypes in a cell-density-dependent manner. Group behaviours, phenotypic expression and resultant infection and disease can largely be attributed to efficient bacterial communication. Of particular interest are the communication mechanisms of Gram-positive bacteria known as streptococci. This group has demonstrated marked resistance to traditional antibiotic treatment, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality of infected hosts and an ever-increasing burden on the healthcare system. Modulating circuits and mechanisms involved in streptococcal communication has proven to be a promising anti-virulence therapeutic approach that allows managing bacterial phenotypic response but does not affect bacterial viability. Targeting the chemical signals bacteria use for communication is a promising starting point, as manipulation of these signals can dramatically affect resultant bacterial phenotypes, minimizing associated morbidity and mortality. This review will focus on the use of modified peptide signals in modulating the development of proliferative phenotypes in different streptococcal species, specifically regarding how such modification can attenuate bacterial infectivity and aid in developing future alternative therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec A Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Mona Mehrani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
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12
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Host–Bacterial Interactions: Outcomes of Antimicrobial Peptide Applications. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12070715. [PMID: 35877918 PMCID: PMC9317001 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12070715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial membrane is part of a secretion system which plays an integral role to secrete proteins responsible for cell viability and pathogenicity; pathogenic bacteria, for example, secrete virulence factors and other membrane-associated proteins to invade the host cells through various types of secretion systems (Type I to Type IX). The bacterial membrane can also mediate microbial communities’ communication through quorum sensing (QS), by secreting auto-stimulants to coordinate gene expression. QS plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes, including bacterial biofilm formation while providing increased virulence, subsequently leading to antimicrobial resistance. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria have emerged as a threat to global health, and various strategies targeting QS and biofilm formation have been explored by researchers worldwide. Since the bacterial secretion systems play such a crucial role in host–bacterial interactions, this review intends to outline current understanding of bacterial membrane systems, which may provide new insights for designing approaches aimed at antimicrobials discovery. Various mechanisms pertaining interaction of the bacterial membrane with host cells and antimicrobial agents will be highlighted, as well as the evolution of bacterial membranes in evasion of antimicrobial agents. Finally, the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a cellular device for bacterial secretion systems will be discussed as emerging potential candidates for the treatment of multidrug resistance infections.
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13
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Sivaramakrishnan M, Suresh R, Ponraj K. Predicting quorum sensing peptides using stacked generalization ensemble with gradient boosting based feature selection. J Microbiol 2022; 60:756-765. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-2044-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Yang Y, Lee C, Reddy RR, Huang DJ, Zhong W, Nguyen-Tran VTB, Shen W, Lin Q. Design of Potent and Proteolytically Stable Biaryl-Stapled GLP-1R/GIPR Peptide Dual Agonists. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1249-1258. [PMID: 35417146 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent clinical trials have revealed that the chimeric peptide hormones simultaneously activating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) demonstrate superior efficacy in glycemic control and body weight reduction, better than those activating the GLP-1R alone. However, the linear peptide-based GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonists are susceptible to proteolytic cleavage by common digestive enzymes present in the gastrointestinal tract and thus not suitable for oral administration. Here, we report the design and synthesis of biaryl-stapled peptides, with and without fatty diacid attachment, that showed potent GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonist activities. Compared to a linear peptide dual agonist and semaglutide, the biaryl-stapled peptides displayed drastically improved proteolytic stability against the common digestive enzymes. Furthermore, two stapled peptides showed excellent efficacy in an oral glucose tolerance test in mice, owing to their potent receptor activity in vitro and good pharmacokinetics exposure upon subcutaneous injection. By exploring a more comprehensive set of biaryl staplers, we expect that this stapling method could facilitate the design of the stapled peptide-based dual agonists suitable for oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Yang
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
- Transira Therapeutics, Baird Research Park, 1576 Sweet Home Road, Amherst, Buffalo, New York 14228, United States
| | - Candy Lee
- Department of Biology, Calibr at Scripps Research, 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92037, United States
| | - Reddy Rajasekhar Reddy
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - David J. Huang
- Department of Biology, Calibr at Scripps Research, 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92037, United States
| | - Weixia Zhong
- Department of Biology, Calibr at Scripps Research, 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92037, United States
| | - Vân T. B. Nguyen-Tran
- Department of Biology, Calibr at Scripps Research, 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92037, United States
| | - Weijun Shen
- Department of Biology, Calibr at Scripps Research, 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92037, United States
| | - Qing Lin
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
- Transira Therapeutics, Baird Research Park, 1576 Sweet Home Road, Amherst, Buffalo, New York 14228, United States
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15
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Oh MW, Lella M, Kuo SH, Tal-Gan Y, Lau GW. Pharmacological Evaluation of Synthetic Dominant-Negative Peptides Derived from the Competence-Stimulating Peptide of Streptococcus pneumoniae. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:299-305. [PMID: 35592433 PMCID: PMC9112410 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The competence regulon of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a quorum-sensing circuitry that regulates the ability of this pathogen to acquire antibiotic resistance or perform serotype switching, leading to vaccine-escape serotypes, via horizontal gene transfer, as well as initiate virulence. Induction of the competence regulon is centered on binding of the competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) to its cognate receptor, ComD. We have recently synthesized multiple dominant-negative peptide analogs capable of inhibiting competence induction and virulence in S. pneumoniae. However, the pharmacodynamics and safety profiles of these peptide drug leads have not been characterized. Therefore, in this study, we compared the biostability of cyanine-7.5-labeled wild-type CSPs versus dominant-negative peptide analogs (dnCSPs) spatiotemporally by using an IVIS Spectrum in vivo imaging system. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo toxicity were evaluated. We conclude that our best peptide analog, CSP1-E1A-cyc(Dap6E10), is an attractive therapeutic agent against pneumococcal infection with superior safety and pharmacokinetics profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Whan Oh
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61802, United States
| | - Muralikrishna Lella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | - Shanny Hsuan Kuo
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61802, United States
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | - Gee W Lau
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61802, United States
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16
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Martínez OF, Duque HM, Franco OL. Peptidomimetics as Potential Anti-Virulence Drugs Against Resistant Bacterial Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:831037. [PMID: 35516442 PMCID: PMC9062693 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.831037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The uncontrollable spread of superbugs calls for new approaches in dealing with microbial-antibiotic resistance. Accordingly, the anti-virulence approach has arisen as an attractive unconventional strategy to face multidrug-resistant pathogens. As an emergent strategy, there is an imperative demand for discovery, design, and development of anti-virulence drugs. In this regard, peptidomimetic compounds could be a valuable source of anti-virulence drugs, since these molecules circumvent several shortcomings of natural peptide-based drugs like proteolytic instability, immunogenicity, toxicity, and low bioavailability. Some emerging evidence points to the feasibility of peptidomimetics to impair pathogen virulence. Consequently, in this review, we shed some light on the potential of peptidomimetics as anti-virulence drugs to overcome antibiotic resistance. Specifically, we address the anti-virulence activity of peptidomimetics against pathogens' secretion systems, biofilms, and quorum-sensing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Fleitas Martínez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Harry Morales Duque
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
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17
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Lella M, Oh MW, Kuo SH, Lau GW, Tal-Gan Y. Attenuating the Streptococcus pneumoniae Competence Regulon Using Urea-Bridged Cyclic Dominant-Negative Competence-Stimulating Peptide Analogs. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6826-6839. [PMID: 35452241 PMCID: PMC9106926 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a prevalent human pathogen that utilizes the competence regulon quorum sensing circuitry to acquire antibiotic resistance and initiate its attack on the human host. Therefore, targeting the competence regulon can be applied as an anti-infective approach with minimal pressure for resistance development. Herein, we report the construction of a library of urea-bridged cyclic dominant-negative competence-stimulating peptide (dnCSP) derivatives and their evaluation as competitive inhibitors of the competence regulon. Our results reveal the first pneumococcus dual-action CSPs that inhibit the group 1 pneumococcus competence regulon while activating the group 2 pneumococcus competence regulon. Structural analysis indicates that the urea-bridge cyclization stabilizes the bioactive α-helix conformation, while in vivo studies using a mouse model of infection exhibit that the lead dual-action dnCSP, CSP1-E1A-cyc(Dab6Dab10), attenuates group 1-mediated mortality without significantly reducing the bacterial burden. Overall, our results pave the way for developing novel therapeutics against this notorious pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muralikrishna Lella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | - Myung Whan Oh
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802, United States
| | - Shanny Hsuan Kuo
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802, United States
| | - Gee W Lau
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802, United States
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
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18
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Milly TA, Buttner AR, Rieth N, Hutnick E, Engler ER, Campanella AR, Lella M, Bertucci MA, Tal-Gan Y. Optimizing CSP1 Analogs for Modulating Quorum Sensing in Streptococcus pneumoniae with Bulky, Hydrophobic Nonproteogenic Amino Acid Substitutions. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:301-311. [PMID: 35359494 PMCID: PMC8905529 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00224d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The prompt appearance of multiantibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates finding alternative treatments that can attenuate bacterial infections while minimizing the rate of antibiotic resistance development. Streptococcus pneumoniae, a notorious human pathogen, is responsible for severe antibiotic-resistant infections. Its pathogenicity is influenced by a cell-density communication system, termed quorum sensing (QS). As a result, controlling QS through the development of peptide-based QS modulators may serve to attenuate pneumococcal infections. Herein, we set out to evaluate the impact of the introduction of bulkier, nonproteogenic side-chain residues on the hydrophobic binding face of CSP1 to optimize receptor-binding interactions in both of the S. pneumoniae specificity groups. Our results indicate that these substitutions optimize the peptide–protein binding interactions, yielding several pneumococcal QS modulators with high potency. Moreover, pharmacological evaluation of lead analogs revealed that the incorporation of nonproteogenic amino acids increased the peptides’ half-life towards enzymatic degradation while remaining nontoxic. Overall, our data convey key considerations for SAR using nonproteogenic amino acids, which provide analogs with better pharmacological properties. The prompt appearance of multiantibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates finding alternative treatments that can attenuate bacterial infections while minimizing the rate of antibiotic resistance development.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmina A Milly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno 1664 North Virginia Street Reno Nevada 89557 USA
| | - Alec R Buttner
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian University 1200 Main St. Bethlehem PA 18018 USA
| | - Naomi Rieth
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian University 1200 Main St. Bethlehem PA 18018 USA
| | - Elizabeth Hutnick
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian University 1200 Main St. Bethlehem PA 18018 USA
| | - Emilee R Engler
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian University 1200 Main St. Bethlehem PA 18018 USA
| | | | - Muralikrishna Lella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno 1664 North Virginia Street Reno Nevada 89557 USA
| | - Michael A Bertucci
- Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College 701 Sullivan Rd. Easton PA 18042 USA
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno 1664 North Virginia Street Reno Nevada 89557 USA
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19
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Di Giacomo S, Toussaint F, Ledesma-García L, Knoops A, Vande Capelle F, Fremaux C, Horvath P, Ladrière JM, Ait-Abderrahim H, Hols P, Mignolet J. OUP accepted manuscript. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6543703. [PMID: 35254446 PMCID: PMC9300618 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the growing human population exacerbates the need for sustainable resources. Inspiration and achievements in nutrient production or human/animal health might emanate from microorganisms and their adaptive strategies. Here, we exemplify the benefits of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for numerous biotechnological applications and showcase their natural transformability as a fast and robust method to hereditarily influence their phenotype/traits in fundamental and applied research contexts. We described the biogenesis of the transformation machinery and we analyzed the genome of hundreds of LAB strains exploitable for human needs to predict their transformation capabilities. Finally, we provide a stepwise rational path to stimulate and optimize natural transformation with standard and synthetic biology techniques. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving natural transformation will facilitate and accelerate the improvement of bacteria with properties that serve broad societal interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Giacomo
- Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms (BGM), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, (box L7.07.06), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Toussaint
- Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms (BGM), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, (box L7.07.06), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Laura Ledesma-García
- Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms (BGM), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, (box L7.07.06), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Adrien Knoops
- Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms (BGM), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, (box L7.07.06), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Florence Vande Capelle
- Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms (BGM), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, (box L7.07.06), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Christophe Fremaux
- Health and Biosciences, IFF Danisco France SAS, CS 10010, F-86220 Dangé-Saint-Romain, France
| | - Philippe Horvath
- Health and Biosciences, IFF Danisco France SAS, CS 10010, F-86220 Dangé-Saint-Romain, France
| | - Jean-Marc Ladrière
- Health and Biosciences, IFF Danisco France SAS, CS 10010, F-86220 Dangé-Saint-Romain, France
| | | | - Pascal Hols
- Corresponding author: Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms, Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5 (box L7.07.06), B-1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium. Tel: +3210478896; Fax: +3210472825; E-mail:
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20
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Capsule Independent Antimicrobial Activity Induced by Nanochitosan against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13172924. [PMID: 34502964 PMCID: PMC8434149 DOI: 10.3390/polym13172924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia, meningitis, and other diseases, contributing significantly to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although it responds to antibiotics, their use is becoming limited due to the rise in antibiotic resistance, which necessitates the development of new therapeutics. Nanotechnology is used to counteract antimicrobial resistance. In this regard, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) made of natural, biodegradable, biocompatible, and cationic polymers such as Chitosan (CNPs) exhibit wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study aimed to prepare CNPs, characterize their physiochemical characteristics: particle size (PZ), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP), and investigate their antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae TIGR4 (virulent serotype 4) and its capsular mutant (∆cps). Methods: CNPs were prepared at 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL concentrations using the ion gelation method. Then, PZ, PDI, and ZP were characterized using a Zetasizer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to visualize the CNP’s morphology. Broth and agar dilution methods were used to assess their antimicrobial activity. Cytotoxicity of prepared NPs on A549 cells and their effect on pneumococcal hemolysis were also investigated. Results: Spherical CNPs were produced with PZ ranging from 133.3 nm ± 0.57 to 423 nm ± 12.93 PDI < 0.35, and ZP from 19 ± 0.115 to 27 ± 0.819. The prepared CNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against TIGR4 and its capsule mutant with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) of 0.5 to 2.5 mg/mL in a non-acidic environment. The hemolysis assay results revealed that CNPs reduced bacterial hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner. Their mammalian cytotoxicity results indicated that CNPs formed from low concentrations of Chitosan (Cs) were cytocompatible. Conclusion: Nanochitosan particles showed anti-pneumococcal activity regardless of the presence of capsules. They resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction in bacterial hemolysis and were cytocompatible at a lower concentration of Cs. These findings highlight the potential of CNPs in the treatment of pneumococcal diseases.
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21
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Lella M, Tal-Gan Y. Strategies to Attenuate the Competence Regulon in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2021; 113:e24222. [PMID: 34337308 PMCID: PMC8323945 DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an opportunistic respiratory human pathogen that poses a continuing threat to human health. Natural competence for genetic transformation in S. pneumoniae plays an important role in aiding pathogenicity and it is the best-characterized feature to acquire antimicrobial resistance genes by a frequent process of recombination. In S. pneumoniae, competence, along with virulence factor production, is controlled by a cell-density communication mechanism termed the competence regulon. In this review, we present the recent advances in the development of alternative methods to attenuate the pathogenicity of S. pneumoniae by targeting the various stages of the non-essential competence regulon communication system. We mainly focus on new developments related to competitively intercepting the competence regulon signaling through the introduction of promising dominant-negative Competence Stimulating Peptide (dnCSP) scaffolds. We also discuss recent reports on antibiotics that can block CSP export by disturbing the proton motive force (PMF) across the membrane and various ways to control the pneumococcal pathogenicity by activating the counter signaling circuit and targeting the pneumococcal proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muralikrishna Lella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557 (USA)
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557 (USA)
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22
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Milly TA, Engler ER, Chichura KS, Buttner AR, Koirala B, Tal-Gan Y, Bertucci MA. Harnessing Multiple, Nonproteogenic Substitutions to Optimize CSP:ComD Hydrophobic Interactions in Group 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1940-1947. [PMID: 33644965 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a human pathobiont that causes drastic antibiotic-resistant infections and is responsible for millions of deaths universally. Pneumococcus pathogenicity relies on the competence-stimulating peptide (CSP)-mediated quorum-sensing (QS) pathway that controls competence development for genetic transformation and, consequently, the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. Modulation of QS in S. pneumoniae can therefore be used to enervate pneumococcal infectivity as well as minimize the susceptibility to resistance development. In this work, we sought to optimize the interaction of CSP1 with its cognate transmembrane histidine kinase receptor (ComD1) through substitution of proteogenic and nonproteogenic amino acids on the hydrophobic binding face of CSP1. The findings from this study not only provided additional structure-activity data that are significant in optimizing CSP1 potency, but also led to the development of potent QS modulators. These CSP-based QS modulators could be used as privileged scaffolds for the development of antimicrobial agents against pneumococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmina A Milly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Emilee R Engler
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian College, 1200 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA
| | - Kylie S Chichura
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian College, 1200 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA
| | - Alec R Buttner
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian College, 1200 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA
| | - Bimal Koirala
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Michael A Bertucci
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian College, 1200 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA
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23
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Radaic A, Kapila YL. The oralome and its dysbiosis: New insights into oral microbiome-host interactions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1335-1360. [PMID: 33777334 PMCID: PMC7960681 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The oralome is the summary of the dynamic interactions orchestrated between the ecological community of oral microorganisms (comprised of up to approximately 1000 species of bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea and protozoa - the oral microbiome) that live in the oral cavity and the host. These microorganisms form a complex ecosystem that thrive in the dynamic oral environment in a symbiotic relationship with the human host. However, the microbial composition is significantly affected by interspecies and host-microbial interactions, which in turn, can impact the health and disease status of the host. In this review, we discuss the composition of the oralome and inter-species and host-microbial interactions that take place in the oral cavity and examine how these interactions change from healthy (eubiotic) to disease (dysbiotic) states. We further discuss the dysbiotic signatures associated with periodontitis and caries and their sequalae, (e.g., tooth/bone loss and pulpitis), and the systemic diseases associated with these oral diseases, such as infective endocarditis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and head and neck/oral cancer. We then discuss current computational techniques to assess dysbiotic oral microbiome changes. Lastly, we discuss current and novel techniques for modulation of the dysbiotic oral microbiome that may help in disease prevention and treatment, including standard hygiene methods, prebiotics, probiotics, use of nano-sized drug delivery systems (nano-DDS), extracellular polymeric matrix (EPM) disruption, and host response modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Radaic
- Kapila Laboratory, Orofacial Sciences Department, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yvonne L. Kapila
- Kapila Laboratory, Orofacial Sciences Department, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
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24
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Bikash CR, Tal-Gan Y. Structure Activity Relationship Study of the XIP Quorum Sensing Pheromone in Streptococcus mutans Reveal Inhibitors of the Competence Regulon. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2833-2841. [PMID: 32946208 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dental cariogenic pathogen Streptococcus mutans coordinates competence for genetic transformation via two peptide pheromones, competence stimulating peptide (CSP) and comX-inducing peptide (XIP). CSP is sensed by the comCDE system and induces competence indirectly, whereas XIP is sensed by the comRS system and induces competence directly. In chemically defined media (CDM), after uptake by oligopeptide permease, XIP interacts with the cytosolic receptor ComR to form the XIP::ComR complex that activates the expression of comX, an alternative sigma factor that initiates the transcription of late-competence genes. In this study, we set out to determine the molecular mechanism of XIP::ComR interaction. To this end, we performed systematic replacement of the amino acid residues in the XIP pheromone and assessed the ability of the mutated analogs to modulate the competence regulon in CDM. We were able to identify structural features that are important to ComR binding and activation. Our structure-activity relationship insights led us to construct multiple XIP-based inhibitors of the comRS pathway. Furthermore, when comCDE and comRS were both stimulated with CSP and XIP, respectively, a lead XIP-based inhibitor was able to maintain the inhibitory activity. Last, phenotypic assays were used to highlight the potential of XIP-based inhibitors to attenuate pathogenicity in S. mutans and to validate the specificity of these compounds to the comRS pathway within the competence regulon. The XIP-based inhibitors developed in this study can be used as lead scaffolds for the design and development of potential therapeutics against S. mutans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chowdhury Raihan Bikash
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
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25
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Progress Overview of Bacterial Two-Component Regulatory Systems as Potential Targets for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9100635. [PMID: 32977461 PMCID: PMC7598275 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria adapt to changes in their environment using a mechanism known as the two-component regulatory system (TCS) (also called “two-component signal transduction system” or “two-component system”). It comprises a pair of at least two proteins, namely the sensor kinase and the response regulator. The former senses external stimuli while the latter alters the expression profile of bacterial genes for survival and adaptation. Although the first TCS was discovered and characterized in a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli, it has been recognized that all bacteria, including pathogens, use this mechanism. Some TCSs are essential for cell growth and fitness, while others are associated with the induction of virulence and drug resistance/tolerance. Therefore, the TCS is proposed as a potential target for antimicrobial chemotherapy. This concept is based on the inhibition of bacterial growth with the substances acting like conventional antibiotics in some cases. Alternatively, TCS targeting may reduce the burden of bacterial virulence and drug resistance/tolerance, without causing cell death. Therefore, this approach may aid in the development of antimicrobial therapeutic strategies for refractory infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Herein, we review the progress of TCS inhibitors based on natural and synthetic compounds.
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26
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Abstract
Bacteria are highly interactive and possess an extraordinary repertoire of intercellular communication and social behaviors, including quorum sensing (QS). QS has been studied in detail at the molecular level, so mechanistic details are well understood in many species and are often involved in virulence. The use of different animal host models has demonstrated QS-dependent control of virulence determinants and virulence in several human pathogenic bacteria. QS also controls virulence in several plant pathogenic species. Despite the role QS plays in virulence during animal and plant laboratory-engineered infections, QS mutants are frequently isolated from natural infections, demonstrating that the function of QS during infection and its role in pathogenesis remain poorly understood and are fruitful areas for future research. We discuss the role of QS during infection in various organisms and highlight approaches to better understand QS during human infection. This is an important consideration in an era of growing antimicrobial resistance, when we are looking for new ways to target bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheyda Azimi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA; , .,Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Alexander D Klementiev
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA; , .,Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Marvin Whiteley
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA; , .,Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA.,Emory-Children's Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
| | - Stephen P Diggle
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA; , .,Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
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27
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Milly TA, Tal-Gan Y. Biological Evaluation of Native Streptococcal Competence Stimulating Peptides Reveal Potential Crosstalk Between Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus pneumoniae and a New Scaffold for the Development of S. pneumoniae Quorum Sensing Modulators. RSC Chem Biol 2020; 1:60-67. [PMID: 32905481 PMCID: PMC7470514 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00012d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae, an opportunistic human pathogen, acquires genes from its neighboring species of the mitis group of streptococci that confer antibiotic resistances and allow it to produce diverse virulence factors. Most species of the mitis group are naturally competent, and they utilize the competence stimulating peptide (CSP) and the CSP-dependent competence regulon, a conserved quorum sensing (QS) circuit, to regulate their competence behavior. The dependence of the mitis group on this communication pathway makes QS a potential target to control their behavior. In this work, we sought to evaluate the impact of native pheromones of the adjacent species of S. pneumoniae to modulate the activity of the S. pneumoniae competence regulon. Our results revealed the potential role of S. mitis as a modulator of QS in S. pneumoniae. Most importantly, our analysis also revealed that by using the native pheromone of S. mitis as a template, highly potent pan-group agonists and antagonists of the pneumococcal competence regulon could be developed. The newly developed QS modulators may have therapeutic utility in treating pneumococcus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmina Ahmed Milly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
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28
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Domenech A, Brochado AR, Sender V, Hentrich K, Henriques-Normark B, Typas A, Veening JW. Proton Motive Force Disruptors Block Bacterial Competence and Horizontal Gene Transfer. Cell Host Microbe 2020; 27:544-555.e3. [PMID: 32130952 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a commensal of the human nasopharynx that can also cause severe antibiotic-resistant infections. Antibiotics drive the spread of resistance by inducing S. pneumoniae competence, in which bacteria express the transformation machinery that facilitates uptake of exogenous DNA and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). We performed a high-throughput screen and identified potent inhibitors of S. pneumoniae competence, called COM-blockers. COM-blockers limit competence by inhibiting the proton motive force (PMF), thereby disrupting export of a quorum-sensing peptide that regulates the transformation machinery. Known chemical PMF disruptors and alterations in pH homeostasis similarly inhibit competence. COM-blockers limit transformation of clinical multi-drug-resistant strains and HGT in infected mice. At their active concentrations, COM-blockers do not affect growth, compromise antibiotic activity, or elicit detectable resistance. COM-blockers provide an experimental tool to inhibit competence and other PMF-involved processes and could help reduce the spread of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance in bacteria. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Domenech
- Molecular Genetics Group, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, Centre for Synthetic Biology, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747AG, the Netherlands; Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Ana Rita Brochado
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Vicky Sender
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Karina Hentrich
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Henriques-Normark
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden
| | - Athanasios Typas
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Jan-Willem Veening
- Molecular Genetics Group, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, Centre for Synthetic Biology, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747AG, the Netherlands; Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland.
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29
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McBrayer DN, Cameron CD, Tal-Gan Y. Development and utilization of peptide-based quorum sensing modulators in Gram-positive bacteria. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:7273-7290. [PMID: 32914160 DOI: 10.1039/d0ob01421d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism by which bacteria regulate cell density-dependent group behaviors. Gram-positive bacteria generally rely on auto-inducing peptide (AIP)-based QS signaling to regulate their group behaviors. To develop synthetic modulators of these behaviors, the natural peptide needs to be identified and its structure-activity relationships (SARs) with its cognate receptor (either membrane-bound or cytosolic) need to be understood. SAR information allows for the rational design of peptides or peptide mimics with enhanced characteristics, which in turn can be utilized in studies to understand species-specific QS mechanisms and as lead scaffolds for the development of therapeutic candidates that target QS. In this review, we discuss recent work associated with the approaches used towards forwarding each of these steps in Gram-positive bacteria, with a focus on species that have received less attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic N McBrayer
- Department of Chemistry, SUNY New Paltz, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA. and Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
| | - Crissey D Cameron
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
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