1
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Guo L, Ruan Q, Ma D, Wen J. Revealing quorum-sensing networks in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections through internal and external signals to prevent new resistance trends. Microbiol Res 2024; 289:127915. [PMID: 39342746 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127915] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
In the context of growing antibiotic resistance in bacteria, the quorum-sensing (QS) system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) has become a target for new therapeutic strategies. QS is a crucial communication process and an essential pathogenic mechanism. This comprehensive review explores the critical role of QS in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infections, including lung, burn, bloodstream, gastrointestinal, corneal, and urinary tract infections. In addition, this review delves into the complexity of the bacterial QS communication network and highlights the intricate mechanisms underlying these pathological processes. Notably, in addition to the four main QS systems, bacterial QS can interact with various external and internal signaling networks, such as host environments and nutrients in the external microbiome, as well as internal virulence regulation systems within bacteria. These elements can significantly influence the behavior and virulence of microbial communities. Therefore, this review reveals that inhibitors targeting singular QS pathways may inadvertently promote virulence in other pathways, leading to new trends in drug resistance. In response to evolving resistance challenges, this study proposes more cautious treatment strategies, including multitarget interventions and combination therapies, aimed at combating the escalating issue of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiao Ruan
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dandan Ma
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jun Wen
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Núño K, Jensen AS, O'Connor G, Houston TJ, Dikici E, Zingg JM, Deo S, Daunert S. Insights into Women's health: Exploring the vaginal microbiome, quorum sensing dynamics, and therapeutic potential of quorum sensing quenchers. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 100:101304. [PMID: 39255544 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome is an important aspect of women's health that changes dynamically with various stages of the woman's life. Just like the gut microbiome, the vaginal microbiome can also be affected by pathologies that dramatically change the typical composition of native vaginal microorganisms. However, the mechanism as to how both vaginal endemic and gut endemic opportunistic microbes can express pathogenicity in vaginal polymicrobial biofilms is poorly understood. Quorum sensing is the cellular density-dependent bacterial and fungal communication process in which chemical signaling molecules, known as autoinducers, activate expression for genes responsible for virulence and pathogenicity, such as biofilm formation and virulence factor production. Quorum sensing inhibition, or quorum quenching, has been explored as a potential therapeutic route for both bacterial and fungal infections. By applying these quorum quenchers, one can reduce biofilm formation of opportunistic vaginal microbes and combine them with antibiotics for a synergistic effect. This review aims to display the relationship between the vaginal and gut microbiome, the role of quorum sensing in polymicrobial biofilm formation which cause pathology in the vaginal microbiome, and how quorum quenchers can be utilized to attenuate the severity of bacterial and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Núño
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Anne Sophie Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gregory O'Connor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Dr. JT Macdonald Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute (BioNIUM), University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Tiffani Janae Houston
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Emre Dikici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Dr. JT Macdonald Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute (BioNIUM), University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Jean Marc Zingg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Dr. JT Macdonald Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute (BioNIUM), University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sapna Deo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Dr. JT Macdonald Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute (BioNIUM), University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Dr. JT Macdonald Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute (BioNIUM), University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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3
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Mashal S, Siddiqua A, Ullah N, Baloch R, Khan M, Hasnain SZU, Imran Aziz M, Huseynov E, Selakovic D, Rosic G, Makhkamov T, Yuldashev A, Islamov S, Abdullayeva N, Khujanazarov U, Amin A. Bioactive plant waste components targeting oral bacterial pathogens as a promising strategy for biofilm eradication. Front Chem 2024; 12:1406869. [PMID: 39185371 PMCID: PMC11341444 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1406869] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The significance of this study lies in its exploration of bioactive plant extracts as a promising avenue for combating oral bacterial pathogens, offering a novel strategy for biofilm eradication that could potentially revolutionize oral health treatments. Oral bacterial infections are common in diabetic patients; however, due to the development of resistance, treatment options are limited. Considering the excellent antimicrobial properties of phenolic compounds, we investigated them against isolated oral pathogens using in silico and in vitro models. We performed antibiogram studies and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), antibiofilm, and antiquorum sensing activities covering phenolic compounds. Bacterial strains were isolated from female diabetic patients and identified by using 16S rRNA sequencing as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus chungangensis, Bacillus paramycoides, and Paenibacillus dendritiformis. Antibiogram studies confirmed that all strains were resistant to most tested antibiotics except imipenem and ciprofloxacin. Molecular docking analysis revealed the significant interaction of rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, and catechin with transcription regulator genes 1RO5, 4B2O, and 5OE3. All tested molecules followed drug-likeness rules except rutin. The MIC values of the tested compounds varied from 0.0625 to 0.5 mg/mL against clinical isolates. Significant antibiofilm activity was recorded in the case of catechin (73.5% ± 1.6% inhibition against B. paramycoides), cinnamic acid (80.9% ± 1.1% inhibition against P. aeruginosa), and vanillic acid and quercetin (65.5% ± 1.7% and 87.4% ± 1.4% inhibition, respectively, against B. chungangensis) at 0.25-0.125 mg/mL. None of the phenolic compounds presented antiquorum sensing activity. It was, therefore, concluded that polyphenolic compounds may have the potential to be used against oral bacterial biofilms, and further detailed mechanistic investigations should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Mashal
- Gomal Center of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (GCBB), Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Natural Products Research Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Aisha Siddiqua
- Gomal Center of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (GCBB), Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Niamat Ullah
- Natural Products Research Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Rabia Baloch
- Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Momin Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Syed Zia Ul Hasnain
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Aziz
- Natural Products Research Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | - Dragica Selakovic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Gvozden Rosic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Trobjon Makhkamov
- Department of Forestry and Land Scape Design, Tashkent State Agrarian University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Akramjon Yuldashev
- Department of Ecology and Botany Andijan State University, Andijan, Uzbekistan
| | - Sokhib Islamov
- Department of Technology of Storage and Processing of Agricultural Products, Tashkent State Agrarian University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Nilufar Abdullayeva
- Department of Biology Teaching Methodology, Jizzakh State Pedagogical University, Jizzakh, Uzbekistan
| | - Uktam Khujanazarov
- Department of Botany and Ecology, Tashkent State Pedagogical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Adnan Amin
- Natural Products Research Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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4
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Al-Rabia MW, Asfour HZ, Alhakamy NA, Bazuhair MA, Ibrahim TS, Abbas HA, Mansour B, Hegazy WAH, Seleem NM. Cilostazol is a promising anti-pseudomonal virulence drug by disruption of quorum sensing. AMB Express 2024; 14:87. [PMID: 39090255 PMCID: PMC11294311 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-024-01740-1] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Resistance to antibiotics is a critical growing public health problem that desires urgent action to combat. To avoid the stress on bacterial growth that evokes the resistance development, anti-virulence agents can be an attractive strategy as they do not target bacterial growth. Quorum sensing (QS) systems play main roles in controlling the production of diverse virulence factors and biofilm formation in bacteria. Thus, interfering with QS systems could result in mitigation of the bacterial virulence. Cilostazol is an antiplatelet and a vasodilator FDA approved drug. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-virulence activities of cilostazol in the light of its possible interference with QS systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the study examines cilostazol's impact on the bacterium's ability to induce infection in vivo, using sub-inhibitory concentrations to minimize the risk of resistance development. In this context, the biofilm formation, the production of virulence factors and influence on the in vivo ability to induce infection were assessed in the presence of cilostazol at sub-inhibitory concentration. Furthermore, the outcome of combination with antibiotics was evaluated. Cilostazol interfered with biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. Moreover, swarming motility, biofilm formation and production of virulence factors were significantly diminished. Histopathological investigation revealed that liver, spleen and kidney tissues damage was abolished in mice injected with cilostazol-treated bacteria. Cilostazol exhibited a synergistic outcome when used in combination with antibiotics. At the molecular level, cilostazol downregulated the QS genes and showed considerable affinity to QS receptors. In conclusion, Cilostazol could be used as adjunct therapy with antibiotics for treating Pseudomonal infections. This research highlights cilostazol's potential to combat bacterial infections by targeting virulence mechanisms, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance, and enhancing treatment efficacy against P. aeruginosa. These findings open avenues for repurposing existing drugs, offering new, safer, and more effective infection control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed W Al-Rabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Z Asfour
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Bazuhair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarek S Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisham A Abbas
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Basem Mansour
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, 11152, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kut University College, Al Kut, Wasit, 52001, Iraq
| | - Wael A H Hegazy
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, College of Health Sciences, 113, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Noura M Seleem
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
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5
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Hetta HF, Ramadan YN, Rashed ZI, Alharbi AA, Alsharef S, Alkindy TT, Alkhamali A, Albalawi AS, Battah B, Donadu MG. Quorum Sensing Inhibitors: An Alternative Strategy to Win the Battle against Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Bacteria. Molecules 2024; 29:3466. [PMID: 39124871 PMCID: PMC11313800 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29153466] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major problem and a major global health concern. In total, there are 16 million deaths yearly from infectious diseases, and at least 65% of infectious diseases are caused by microbial communities that proliferate through the formation of biofilms. Antibiotic overuse has resulted in the evolution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbial strains. As a result, there is now much more interest in non-antibiotic therapies for bacterial infections. Among these revolutionary, non-traditional medications is quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). Bacterial cell-to-cell communication is known as quorum sensing (QS), and it is mediated by tiny diffusible signaling molecules known as autoinducers (AIs). QS is dependent on the density of the bacterial population. QS is used by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria to control a wide range of processes; in both scenarios, QS entails the synthesis, identification, and reaction to signaling chemicals, also known as auto-inducers. Since the usual processes regulated by QS are the expression of virulence factors and the creation of biofilms, QS is being investigated as an alternative solution to antibiotic resistance. Consequently, the use of QS-inhibiting agents, such as QSIs and quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes, to interfere with QS seems like a good strategy to prevent bacterial infections. This review sheds light on QS inhibition strategy and mechanisms and discusses how using this approach can aid in winning the battle against resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helal F. Hetta
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (S.A.); (T.T.A.)
| | - Yasmin N. Ramadan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt; (Y.N.R.); (Z.I.R.)
| | - Zainab I. Rashed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt; (Y.N.R.); (Z.I.R.)
| | - Ahmad A. Alharbi
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (S.A.); (T.T.A.)
| | - Shomokh Alsharef
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (S.A.); (T.T.A.)
| | - Tala T. Alkindy
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (S.A.); (T.T.A.)
| | - Alanoud Alkhamali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Abdullah S. Albalawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Basem Battah
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Antioch Syrian Private University, Maaret Siadnaya 22734, Syria
| | - Matthew G. Donadu
- Hospital Pharmacy, Giovanni Paolo II Hospital, ASL Gallura, 07026 Olbia, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, Scuola di Specializzazione in Farmacia Ospedaliera, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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6
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Zhang Q, Soulère L, Queneau Y. Amide bioisosteric replacement in the design and synthesis of quorum sensing modulators. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 273:116525. [PMID: 38801798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116525] [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: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The prevention or control of bacterial infections requires continuous search for novel approaches among which bacterial quorum sensing inhibition is considered as a complementary antibacterial strategy. Quorum sensing, used by many different bacteria, functions through a cell-to-cell communication mechanism relying on chemical signals, referred to as autoinducers, such as N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) which are the most common chemical signals in this system. Designing analogs of these autoinducers is one of the possible ways to interfere with quorum sensing. Since bioisosteres are powerful tools in medicinal chemistry, targeting analogs of AHLs or other signal molecules and mimics of known QS modulators built on amide bond bioisosteres is a relevant strategy in molecular design and synthetic routes. This review highlights the application of amide bond bioisosteric replacement in the design and synthesis of novel quorum sensing inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Purification and Application of Plant Anti-cancer Active Ingredients, Hubei University of Education, 129 Second Gaoxin Road, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Laurent Soulère
- INSA Lyon, CNRS, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR 5246, ICBMS, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 rue Victor Grignard, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Yves Queneau
- INSA Lyon, CNRS, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR 5246, ICBMS, Bât. E. Lederer, 1 rue Victor Grignard, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France.
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Suzuki S, Morita Y, Ishige S, Kai K, Kawasaki K, Matsushita K, Ogura K, Miyoshi-Akiyama† T, Shimizu T. Effects of quorum sensing-interfering agents, including macrolides and furanone C-30, and an efflux pump inhibitor on nitrosative stress sensitivity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001464. [PMID: 38900549 PMCID: PMC11263931 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001464] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Long-term administration of certain macrolides is efficacious in patients with persistent pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, despite how limited the clinically achievable concentrations are, being far below their MICs. An increase in the sub-MIC of macrolide exposure-dependent sensitivity to nitrosative stress is a typical characteristic of P. aeruginosa. However, a few P. aeruginosa clinical isolates do not respond to sub-MIC of macrolide treatment. Therefore, we examined the effects of sub-MIC of erythromycin (EM) on the sensitivity to nitrosative stress together with an efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) phenylalanine arginyl β-naphthylamide (PAβN). The sensitivity to nitrosative stress increased, suggesting that the efflux pump was involved in inhibiting the sub-MIC of macrolide effect. Analysis using efflux pump-mutant P. aeruginosa revealed that MexAB-OprM, MexXY-OprM, and MexCD-OprJ are factors in reducing the sub-MIC of macrolide effect. Since macrolides interfere with quorum sensing (QS), we demonstrated that the QS-interfering agent furanone C-30 (C-30) producing greater sensitivity to nitric oxide (NO) stress than EM. The effect of C-30 was decreased by overproduction of MexAB-OprM. To investigate whether the increase in the QS-interfering agent exposure-dependent sensitivity to nitrosative stress is characteristic of P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, we examined the viability of P. aeruginosa treated with NO. Although treatment with EM could reduce cell viability, a high variability in EM effects was observed. Conversely, C-30 was highly effective at reducing cell viability. Treatment with both C-30 and PAβN was sufficiently effective against the remaining isolates. Therefore, the combination of a QS-interfering agent and an EPI could be effective in treating P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Infectiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8677, Japan
| | - Yuji Morita
- Department of Infection Control Science, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1 Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
| | - Shota Ishige
- Department of Molecular Infectiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kiyohiro Kai
- Department of Molecular Infectiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenji Kawasaki
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8677, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Matsushita
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8677, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogura
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Molecular Biotechnology, Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 6110011, Japan
| | - Tohru Miyoshi-Akiyama†
- Pathogenic Microbe Laboratory, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimizu
- Department of Molecular Infectiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
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8
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Li X, Song S, Kong X, Chen X, Zhao Z, Lin Z, Jia Y, Zhang Y, Luo HB, Wang QP, Zhang LH, Qian W, Deng Y. Regulation of Burkholderia cenocepacia virulence by the fatty acyl-CoA ligase DsfR as a response regulator of quorum sensing signal. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114223. [PMID: 38748879 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism mediated by small diffusible signaling molecules. Previous studies showed that RpfR controls Burkholderia cenocepacia virulence as a cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF) QS signal receptor. Here, we report that the fatty acyl-CoA ligase DsfR (BCAM2136), which efficiently catalyzes in vitro synthesis of lauryl-CoA and oleoyl-CoA from lauric acid and oleic acid, respectively, acts as a global transcriptional regulator to control B. cenocepacia virulence by sensing BDSF. We show that BDSF binds to DsfR with high affinity and enhances the binding of DsfR to the promoter DNA regions of target genes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the homolog of DsfR in B. lata, RS02960, binds to the target gene promoter, and perception of BDSF enhances the binding activity of RS02960. Together, these results provide insights into the evolved unusual functions of DsfR that control bacterial virulence as a response regulator of QS signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shihao Song
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaohan Kong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiayu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhuoxian Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zizi Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yantao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hai-Bin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Qiao-Ping Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lian-Hui Zhang
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yinyue Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
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9
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Chourashi R, Oglesby AG. Iron starvation increases the production of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa RsmY and RsmZ sRNAs in static conditions. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0027823. [PMID: 38624234 PMCID: PMC11112995 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00278-23] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that induces virulence gene expression in response to host-mediated iron starvation. Recently, our laboratory showed that some virulence factors are responsive to iron limitation in static but not shaking growth conditions. One of these is the HSI-2-type six secretion system (T6SS), which is also induced during chronic infection. Iron regulation of T6SS was partially impacted by the iron-responsive PrrF sRNA and completely dependent upon the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) biosynthetic gene pqsA. Here, we analyzed the impact of iron on the expression of two small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), RsmY and RsmZ, that activate the expression of T6SS by sequestering the RsmA translation inhibitor. Our results demonstrate that iron starvation induces the expression of RsmY and RsmZ in static but not shaking cultures. We further show that this induction occurs through the rsmY and rsmZ promoters and is dependent upon PqsA. Disruption of either the pqsR gene also eliminated iron-dependent regulation of rsmY and rsmZ promoter activity. Taken together, our results show novel targets of iron regulation that are specific to static growth, highlighting the importance of studying regulatory mechanisms in static communities that may be more representative of growth during chronic infection.IMPORTANCEIron is a central component of various bacterial metabolic pathways making it an important host-acquired nutrient for pathogens to establish infection. Previous iron regulatory studies primarily relied on shaking bacterial cultures; while these ensure cultural homogeneity, they do not reflect growth conditions during infection. We recently showed that static growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa promotes iron-dependent regulation of a type six secretion system (T6SS), a virulence factor that is induced during chronic infections. In the current study, we found that static growth also promotes iron-dependent regulation of the RsmY and RsmZ sRNAs, which are global regulators that affect T6SS during chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection. Hence, our work demonstrates the Rsm sRNAs as potential effectors of iron regulation during static growth that may also be relevant in chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhishita Chourashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amanda G Oglesby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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10
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Fu S, Song W, Han X, Chen L, Shen L. Veratryl Alcohol Attenuates the Virulence and Pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Mainly via Targeting las Quorum-Sensing System. Microorganisms 2024; 12:985. [PMID: 38792814 PMCID: PMC11123940 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050985] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that usually causes chronic infections and even death in patients. The treatment of P. aeruginosa infection has become more challenging due to the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the slow pace of new antibiotic development. Therefore, it is essential to explore non-antibiotic methods. A new strategy involves screening for drugs that target the quorum-sensing (QS) system. The QS system regulates the infection and drug resistance in P. aeruginosa. In this study, veratryl alcohol (VA) was found as an effective QS inhibitor (QSI). It effectively suppressed the expression of QS-related genes and the subsequent production of virulence factors under the control of QS including elastase, protease, pyocyanin and rhamnolipid at sub-inhibitory concentrations. In addition, motility activity and biofilm formation, which were correlated with the infection of P. aeruginosa, were also suppressed by VA. In vivo experiments demonstrated that VA could weaken the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa in Chinese cabbage, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans infection models. Molecular docking, combined with QS quintuple mutant infection analysis, identified that the mechanism of VA could target the LasR protein of the las system mainly. Moreover, VA increased the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to conventional antibiotics of tobramycin, kanamycin and gentamicin. The results firstly demonstrate that VA is a promising QSI to treat infections caused by P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lixin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (S.F.); (W.S.); (X.H.); (L.C.)
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11
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Chain C, Sheehan JP, Xu X, Ghaffari S, Godbole A, Kim H, Freundlich JS, Rabinowitz JD, Gitai Z. A folate inhibitor exploits metabolic differences in Pseudomonas aeruginosa for narrow-spectrum targeting. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1207-1219. [PMID: 38594311 PMCID: PMC11087268 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections for which the development of antibiotics is urgently needed. Unlike most enteric bacteria, P. aeruginosa lacks enzymes required to scavenge exogenous thymine. An appealing strategy to selectively target P. aeruginosa is to disrupt thymidine synthesis while providing exogenous thymine. However, known antibiotics that perturb thymidine synthesis are largely inactive against P. aeruginosa.Here we characterize fluorofolin, a dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitor derived from Irresistin-16, that exhibits significant activity against P. aeruginosa in culture and in a mouse thigh infection model. Fluorofolin is active against a wide range of clinical P. aeruginosa isolates resistant to known antibiotics. Metabolomics and in vitro assays using purified folA confirm that fluorofolin inhibits P. aeruginosa DHFR. Importantly, in the presence of thymine supplementation, fluorofolin activity is selective for P. aeruginosa. Resistance to fluorofolin can emerge through overexpression of the efflux pumps MexCD-OprJ and MexEF-OprN, but these mutants also decrease pathogenesis. Our findings demonstrate how understanding species-specific genetic differences can enable selective targeting of important pathogens while revealing trade-offs between resistance and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Chain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Joseph P Sheehan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Xincheng Xu
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Soodabeh Ghaffari
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Aneesh Godbole
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Hahn Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Small Molecule Screening Center, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Joel S Freundlich
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine and the Ruy V. Lourenço Center for the Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens, Rutgers University - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Joshua D Rabinowitz
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton Branch, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Zemer Gitai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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12
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Vieira TF, Leitão MM, Cerqueira NMFSA, Sousa SF, Borges A, Simões M. Montelukast and cefoperazone act as antiquorum sensing and antibiofilm agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae088. [PMID: 38587815 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae088] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Drug repurposing is an attractive strategy to control biofilm-related infectious diseases. In this study, two drugs (montelukast and cefoperazone) with well-established therapeutic applications were tested on Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) inhibition and biofilm control. METHODS AND RESULTS The activity of montelukast and cefoperazone was evaluated for Pqs signal inhibition, pyocyanin synthesis, and prevention and eradication of Ps. aeruginosa biofilms. Cefoperazone inhibited the Pqs system by hindering the production of the autoinducer molecules 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (the Pseudomonas quinolone signal or PQS), corroborating in silico results. Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin production was reduced by 50%. The combination of the antibiotics cefoperazone and ciprofloxacin was synergistic for Ps. aeruginosa biofilm control. On the other hand, montelukast had no relevant effects on the inhibition of the Pqs system and against Ps. aeruginosa biofilm. CONCLUSION This study provides for the first time strong evidence that cefoperazone interacts with the Pqs system, hindering the formation of the autoinducer molecules HHQ and PQS, reducing Ps. aeruginosa pathogenicity and virulence. Cefoperazone demonstrated a potential to be used in combination with less effective antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin) to potentiate the biofilm control action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana F Vieira
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Leitão
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences, CIQUP-IMS - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Porto, Rua Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno M F S A Cerqueira
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio F Sousa
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Borges
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Simões
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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13
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Manson DE, Ananiev GE, Guo S, Ericksen SS, Santa EE, Blackwell HE. Abiotic Small Molecule Inhibitors and Activators of the LasR Quorum Sensing Receptor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Potencies Comparable or Surpassing N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1212-1221. [PMID: 38506163 PMCID: PMC11014758 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa controls almost 10% of its genome, including myriad virulence genes, via a cell-to-cell chemical communication system called quorum sensing (QS). Small molecules that either inhibit or activate QS in P. aeruginosa represent useful research tools to study the role of this signaling pathway in infection and interrogate its viability as an antivirulence target. However, despite active research in this area over the past 20+ years, there are relatively few synthetic compounds known to strongly inhibit or activate QS in P. aeruginosa. Most reported QS modulators in this pathogen are of low potency or have structural liabilities that limit their application in biologically relevant environments such as mimics of the native N-acyl l-homoserine lactone (AHL) signals. Here, we report the results of a high-throughput screen for abiotic small molecules that target LasR, a key QS regulator in P. aeruginosa. We screened a 25,000-compound library and discovered four new structural classes of abiotic LasR modulators. These compounds include antagonists that surpass the potency of all known AHL-type compounds and mimetics thereof, along with an agonist with potency approaching that of LasR's native ligand. The novel structures of this compound set, along with their anticipated robust physicochemical profiles, underscore their potential value as probe molecules to interrogate the roles of QS in this formidable pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Manson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Gene E Ananiev
- Small Molecule Screening Facility, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53792, United States
| | - Song Guo
- Small Molecule Screening Facility, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53792, United States
| | - Spencer S Ericksen
- Small Molecule Screening Facility, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53792, United States
| | - Emma E Santa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Helen E Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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14
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Shariati A, Noei M, Askarinia M, Khoshbayan A, Farahani A, Chegini Z. Inhibitory effect of natural compounds on quorum sensing system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a helpful promise for managing biofilm community. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1350391. [PMID: 38628638 PMCID: PMC11019022 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1350391] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm is a community of bacteria that adhere to live or non-living surfaces and are encapsulated by an extracellular polymeric substance. Unlike individual planktonic cells, biofilms possess a notable inherent resistance to sanitizers and antibiotics. Overcoming this resistance is a substantial barrier in the medical and food industries. Hence, while antibiotics are ineffective in eradicating P. aeruginosa biofilm, scientists have explored alternate strategies, including the utilization of natural compounds as a novel treatment option. To this end, curcumin, carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, coumarin, catechin, terpinene-4-ol, linalool, pinene, linoleic acid, saponin, and geraniol are the major natural compounds extensively utilized for the management of the P. aeruginosa biofilm community. Noteworthy, the exact interaction of natural compounds and the biofilm of this bacterium is not elucidated yet; however, the interference with the quorum sensing system and the inhibition of autoinducer production in P. aeruginosa are the main possible mechanisms. Noteworthy, the use of different drug platforms can overcome some drawbacks of natural compounds, such as insolubility in water, limited oral bioavailability, fast metabolism, and degradation. Additionally, drug platforms can deliver different antibiofilm agents simultaneously, which enhances the antibiofilm potential of natural compounds. This article explores many facets of utilizing natural compounds to inhibit and eradicate P. aeruginosa biofilms. It also examines the techniques and protocols employed to enhance the effectiveness of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Shariati
- Infectious Diseases Research Center (IDRC), Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Milad Noei
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Askarinia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amin Khoshbayan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Farahani
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Zahra Chegini
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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15
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Shahzad S, Krug SA, Mouriño S, Huang W, Kane MA, Wilks A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa heme metabolites biliverdin IXβ and IXδ are integral to lifestyle adaptations associated with chronic infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0276323. [PMID: 38319089 PMCID: PMC10936436 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02763-23] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile opportunistic pathogen requiring iron for its survival and virulence within the host. The ability to switch to heme as an iron source and away from siderophore uptake provides an advantage in chronic infection. We have recently shown the extracellular heme metabolites biliverdin IXβ (BVIXβ) and BVIXδ positively regulate the heme-dependent cell surface signaling cascade. We further investigated the role of BVIXβ and BVIXδ in cell signaling utilizing allelic strains lacking a functional heme oxygenase (hemOin) or one reengineered to produce BVIXα (hemOα). Compared to PAO1, both strains show a heme-dependent growth defect, decreased swarming and twitching, and less robust biofilm formation. Interestingly, the motility and biofilm defects were partially rescued on addition of exogenous BVIXβ and BVIXδ. Utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we performed a comparative proteomics and metabolomics analysis of PAO1 versus the allelic strains in shaking and static conditions. In shaking conditions, the hemO allelic strains showed a significant increase in proteins involved in quorum sensing, phenazine production, and chemotaxis. Metabolite profiling further revealed increased levels of Pseudomonas quinolone signal and phenazine metabolites. In static conditions, we observed a significant repression of chemosensory pathways and type IV pili biogenesis proteins as well as several phosphodiesterases associated with biofilm dispersal. We propose BVIX metabolites function as signaling and chemotactic molecules integrating heme utilization as an iron source into the adaptation of P. aeruginosa from a planktonic to sessile lifestyle. IMPORTANCE The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes long-term chronic infection in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients. The ability to scavenge iron and to establish chronic infection within this environment coincides with a switch to utilize heme as the primary iron source. Herein, we show the heme metabolites biliverdin beta and delta are themselves important signaling molecules integrating the switch in iron acquisition systems with cooperative behaviors such as motility and biofilm formation that are essential for long-term chronic infection. These significant findings will enhance the development of viable multi-targeted therapeutics effective against both heme utilization and cooperative behaviors essential for survival and persistence within the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Shahzad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Samuel A. Krug
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susana Mouriño
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Weiliang Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maureen A. Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Angela Wilks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Bakalakos M, Ampadiotaki MM, Vlachos C, Sipsas N, Pneumaticos S, Vlamis J. Molecular Mechanisms of Biofilm Formation on Orthopaedic Implants: Review of the Literature. MAEDICA 2024; 19:129-136. [PMID: 38736937 PMCID: PMC11079743 DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2021.19.1.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Orthopaedic implant-associated infections (OIAIs) is one of the most catastrophic complications following joint arthroplasty or fracture fixation. Given the increasing number of orthopaedic implants which are used annually, periprosthetic infections emerge as a global problem. Their diagnosis and consequent therapeutic management remain challenging for clinicians. Biofilm formation is a complex and only partially understood process that has not been extensively studied. Understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in biofilm formation is crucial in the amelioration of both diagnosis and therapeutic management of OIAIs. We performed a literature review of the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and discussed the four most common and thoroughly researched microbes of biofilm-related OIAIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthaios Bakalakos
- 3rd Orthopaedic Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Christos Vlachos
- 3rd Orthopaedic Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Sipsas
- Infectious Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spiros Pneumaticos
- 3rd Orthopaedic Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - John Vlamis
- 3rd Orthopaedic Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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17
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Qiu H, Li Y, Yuan M, Chen H, Dandekar AA, Dai W. Uncovering a hidden functional role of the XRE-cupin protein PsdR as a novel quorum-sensing regulator in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012078. [PMID: 38484003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012078] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
XRE-cupin family proteins containing an DNA-binding domain and a cupin signal-sensing domain are widely distributed in bacteria. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, XRE-cupin transcription factors have long been recognized as regulators exclusively controlling cellular metabolism pathways. However, their potential functional roles beyond metabolism regulation remain unknown. PsdR, a typical XRE-cupin transcriptional regulator, was previously characterized as a local repressor involved solely in dipeptide metabolism. Here, by measuring quorum-sensing (QS) activities and QS-controlled metabolites, we uncover that PsdR is a new QS regulator in P. aeruginosa. Our RNA-seq analysis showed that rather than a local regulator, PsdR controls a large regulon, including genes associated with both the QS circuit and non-QS pathways. To unveil the underlying mechanism of PsdR in modulating QS, we developed a comparative transcriptome approach named "transcriptome profile similarity analysis" (TPSA). Using this TPSA method, we revealed that PsdR expression causes a QS-null-like transcriptome profile, resulting in QS-inactive phenotypes. Based on the results of TPSA, we further demonstrate that PsdR directly binds to the promoter for the gene encoding the QS master transcription factor LasR, thereby negatively regulating its expression and influencing QS activation. Moreover, our results showed that PsdR functions as a negative virulence regulator, as inactivation of PsdR enhanced bacterial cytotoxicity on host cells. In conclusion, we report on a new QS regulation role for PsdR, providing insights into its role in manipulating QS-controlled virulence. Most importantly, our findings open the door for a further discovery of untapped functions for other XRE-Cupin family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Qiu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhao Li
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Yuan
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huali Chen
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ajai A Dandekar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Weijun Dai
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Vinayavekhin N, Wattanophas T, Murphy MF, Vangnai AS, Hobbs G. Metabolomics responses and tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa under acoustic vibration stress. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297030. [PMID: 38285708 PMCID: PMC10824448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297030] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Sound has been shown to impact microbial behaviors. However, our understanding of the chemical and molecular mechanisms underlying these microbial responses to acoustic vibration is limited. In this study, we used untargeted metabolomics analysis to investigate the effects of 100-Hz acoustic vibration on the intra- and extracellular hydrophobic metabolites of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Our findings revealed increased levels of fatty acids and their derivatives, quinolones, and N-acylethanolamines upon sound exposure, while rhamnolipids (RLs) showed decreased levels. Further quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments showed slight downregulation of the rhlA gene (1.3-fold) and upregulation of fabY (1.5-fold), fadE (1.7-fold), and pqsA (1.4-fold) genes, which are associated with RL, fatty acid, and quinolone biosynthesis. However, no alterations in the genes related to the rpoS regulators or quorum-sensing networks were observed. Supplementing sodium oleate to P. aeruginosa cultures to simulate the effects of sound resulted in increased tolerance of P. aeruginosa in the presence of sound at 48 h, suggesting a potential novel response-tolerance correlation. In contrast, adding RL, which went against the response direction, did not affect its growth. Overall, these findings provide potential implications for the control and manipulation of virulence and bacterial characteristics for medical and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawaporn Vinayavekhin
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanyaporn Wattanophas
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mark Francis Murphy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alisa S. Vangnai
- Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Glyn Hobbs
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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19
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Sagar PK, Sharma P, Singh R. Anti-Quorum Sensing and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Ginger ( Zingiber officinale) Rhizomes against Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol 2024; 16:49-56. [PMID: 38605736 PMCID: PMC11005393 DOI: 10.18502/ajmb.v16i1.14171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to determination of Anti-Quorum Sensing (AQS) and anti-biofilm potential of the methanol extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizomes against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Methods The AQS activity of ginger was determined against Chromobacterium violaceum (C. violaceum) ATCC 12472 (CV12472), a biosensor strain, in qualitative manner using the agar well diffusion method. The violacein pigment inhibition was assessed to confirm AQS activity of ginger. The AQS potential of sub-minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (sub-MICs) of the ginger extract was determined by targeting different QS regulated virulence factors, including swarming motility (using swarm diameter measurement method), pyocyanin pigment (using chloroform extraction method), Exopolysaccharide (EPS) (using phenol-sulphuric acid method), and biofilm formation (using microtiter plate assay), against clinical isolates (CIs 2, 3, and 4) and standard reference strain of P. aeruginosa (PA01). Results The AQS activity of methanol extract of ginger was confirmed against C. violaceum (CV12472) as inhibition of violacein pigment formation without effecting the growth of CIs and PA01 of P. aeruginosa. The ginger extract exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of virulence factors and biofilm formation. The maximum reduction was found in swarming motility, pyocyanin, EPS and biofilm formation against PA01 (51.38%), CI3 (57.91%), PA01 (63.29%) and CI2 (64.37%), respectively at 1/2 MIC of ginger extract. Conclusion The results of present study revealed the effective AQS and anti-biofilm potential of Zingiber officinale rhizome methanol extract at a reduced dose (sub-MICs). The extract may be explored as an agent of antimicrobial compounds having AQS and anti-biofilm activity for controlling microbial infection and also for reducing the chances of emergence of resistance in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kumar Sagar
- Department of Microbiology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284128, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Poonam Sharma
- Department of Zoology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (A Central University), Amarkantak-484886, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Rambir Singh
- Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Mizoram University (A Central University), Aizawl-796004, Mizoram, India
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20
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Flores-Percino D, Osorio-Llanes E, Sepulveda Y, Castellar-López J, Madera RB, Rada WR, Meléndez CM, Mendoza-Torres E. Mechanisms of the Quorum Sensing Systems of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Host and Bacteria. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:5755-5767. [PMID: 37605403 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230821110440] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Quorum-sensing is a communication mechanism between bacteria with the ability to activate signaling pathways in the bacterium and in the host cells. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen with high clinical relevance due to its vast virulence factors repertory and wide antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Due to this, it has become a pathogen of interest for developing new antimicrobial agents in recent years. P. aeruginosa has three major QS systems that regulate a wide gene range linked with virulence factors, metabolic regulation, and environment adaption. Consequently, inhibiting this communication mechanism would be a strategy to prevent the pathologic progression of the infections caused by this bacterium. In this review, we aim to overview the current studies about the signaling mechanisms of the QS system of P. aeruginosa and its effects on this bacterium and the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Flores-Percino
- Department of Medicine, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Estefanie Osorio-Llanes
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina, Universidad Libre Barranquilla, Barranquilla, Colombia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina, Universidad Libre Seccional Barranquilla, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Yanireth Sepulveda
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina, Universidad Libre Barranquilla, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Jairo Castellar-López
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina, Universidad Libre Barranquilla, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Ricardo Belón Madera
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina, Universidad Libre Seccional Barranquilla, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Wendy Rosales Rada
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina, Universidad Libre Barranquilla, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Carlos Mario Meléndez
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciencies, Grupo de Investigación en Química Orgánica y Biomédica, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Evelyn Mendoza-Torres
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Grupo de Investigación Avanzada en Biomedicina, Universidad Libre Seccional Barranquilla, Barranquilla, Colombia
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21
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Srinivasan A, Sajeevan A, Rajaramon S, David H, Solomon AP. Solving polymicrobial puzzles: evolutionary dynamics and future directions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1295063. [PMID: 38145044 PMCID: PMC10748482 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1295063] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymicrobial infections include various microorganisms, often necessitating different treatment methods than a monomicrobial infection. Scientists have been puzzled by the complex interactions within these communities for generations. The presence of specific microorganisms warrants a chronic infection and impacts crucial factors such as virulence and antibiotic susceptibility. Game theory is valuable for scenarios involving multiple decision-makers, but its relevance to polymicrobial infections is limited. Eco-evolutionary dynamics introduce causation for multiple proteomic interactions like metabolic syntropy and niche segregation. The review culminates both these giants to form evolutionary dynamics (ED). There is a significant amount of literature on inter-bacterial interactions that remain unsynchronised. Such raw data can only be moulded by analysing the ED involved. The review culminates the inter-bacterial interactions in multiple clinically relevant polymicrobial infections like chronic wounds, CAUTI, otitis media and dental carries. The data is further moulded with ED to analyse the niche colonisation of two notoriously competitive bacteria: S.aureus and P.aeruginosa. The review attempts to develop a future trajectory for polymicrobial research by following recent innovative strategies incorporating ED to curb polymicrobial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
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22
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Keegan NR, Colón Torres NJ, Stringer AM, Prager LI, Brockley MW, McManaman CL, Wade JT, Paczkowski JE. Promoter selectivity of the RhlR quorum-sensing transcription factor receptor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is coordinated by distinct and overlapping dependencies on C4-homoserine lactone and PqsE. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010900. [PMID: 38064526 PMCID: PMC10732425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010900] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing is a mechanism of bacterial cell-cell communication that relies on the production and detection of small molecule autoinducers, which facilitate the synchronous expression of genes involved in group behaviors, such as virulence factor production and biofilm formation. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing network consists of multiple interconnected transcriptional regulators, with the transcription factor, RhlR, acting as one of the main drivers of quorum sensing behaviors. RhlR is a LuxR-type transcription factor that regulates its target genes when bound to its cognate autoinducer, C4-homoserine lactone, which is synthesized by RhlI. RhlR function is also regulated by the metallo-β-hydrolase enzyme, PqsE. We recently showed that PqsE binds RhlR to alter its affinity for promoter DNA, a new mechanism of quorum-sensing receptor activation. Here, we perform ChIP-seq analyses of RhlR to map the binding of RhlR across the P. aeruginosa genome, and to determine the impact of C4-homoserine lactone and PqsE on RhlR binding to different sites across the P. aeruginosa genome. We identify 40 RhlR binding sites, all but three of which are associated with genes known to be regulated by RhlR. C4-homoserine lactone is required for maximal binding of RhlR to many of its DNA sites. Moreover, C4-homoserine lactone is required for maximal RhlR-dependent transcription activation from all sites, regardless of whether it impacts RhlR binding to DNA. PqsE is required for maximal binding of RhlR to many DNA sites, with similar effects on RhlR-dependent transcription activation from those sites. However, the effects of PqsE on RhlR specificity are distinct from those of C4-homoserine lactone, and PqsE is sufficient for RhlR binding to some DNA sites in the absence of C4-homoserine lactone. Together, C4-homoserine lactone and PqsE are required for RhlR binding at the large majority of its DNA sites. Thus, our work reveals three distinct modes of activation by RhlR: i) when RhlR is unbound by autoinducer but bound by PqsE, ii) when RhlR is bound by autoinducer but not bound by PqsE, and iii) when RhlR is bound by both autoinducer and PqsE, establishing a stepwise mechanism for the progression of the RhlR-RhlI-PqsE quorum sensing pathway in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R. Keegan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Nathalie J. Colón Torres
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Anne M. Stringer
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Lia I. Prager
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew W. Brockley
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Charity L. McManaman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Joseph T. Wade
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Jon E. Paczkowski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
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23
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Kanno M, Shiota T, Ueno S, Takahara M, Haneda K, Tahara YO, Shintani M, Nakao R, Miyata M, Kimbara K, Futamata H, Tashiro Y. Identification of genes involved in enhanced membrane vesicle formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms: surface sensing facilitates vesiculation. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1252155. [PMID: 38107868 PMCID: PMC10722149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1252155] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane vesicles (MVs) are small spherical structures (20-400 nm) produced by most bacteria and have important biological functions including toxin delivery, signal transfer, biofilm formation, and immunomodulation of the host. Although MV formation is enhanced in biofilms of a wide range of bacterial species, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. An opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causes chronic infections that can be difficult to treat due to biofilm formation. Since MVs are abundant in biofilms, can transport virulence factors to the host, and have inflammation-inducing functions, the mechanisms of enhanced MV formation in biofilms needs to be elucidated to effectively treat infections. In this study, we evaluated the characteristics of MVs in P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms, and identified factors that contribute to enhanced MV formation. Vesiculation was significantly enhanced in the static culture; MVs were connected to filamentous substances in the biofilm, and separation between the outer and inner membranes and curvature of the membrane were observed in biofilm cells. By screening a transposon mutant library (8,023 mutants) for alterations in MV formation in biofilms, 66 mutants were identified as low-vesiculation strains (2/3 decrease relative to wild type), whereas no mutant was obtained that produced more MVs (twofold increase). Some transposons were inserted into genes related to biofilm formation, including flagellar motility (flg, fli, and mot) and extracellular polysaccharide synthesis (psl). ΔpelAΔpslA, which does not synthesize the extracellular polysaccharides Pel and Psl, showed reduced MV production in biofilms but not in planktonic conditions, suggesting that enhanced vesiculation is closely related to the synthesis of biofilm matrices in P. aeruginosa. Additionally, we found that blebbing occurred during bacterial attachment. Our findings indicate that biofilm-related factors are closely involved in enhanced MV formation in biofilms and that surface sensing facilitates vesiculation. Furthermore, this work expands the understanding of the infection strategy in P. aeruginosa biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Kanno
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takuya Shiota
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - So Ueno
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Minato Takahara
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Keisuke Haneda
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yuhei O. Tahara
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Shintani
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
- Japan Collection of Microorganisms, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryoma Nakao
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Miyata
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Kimbara
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Futamata
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yosuke Tashiro
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- JST PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Japan
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24
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Hills OJ, Noble IO, Heyam A, Scott AJ, Smith J, Chappell HF. Atomistic modelling and NMR studies reveal that gallium can target the ferric PQS uptake system in P. aeruginosa biofilms. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001422. [PMID: 38117289 PMCID: PMC10765035 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Intravenous gallium nitrate therapy is a novel therapeutic strategy deployed to combat chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients by interfering with iron (Fe3+) uptake. The therapy is a source of Ga3+, which competes with Fe3+ for siderophore binding, subsequently disrupting iron metabolism and inhibiting biofilm proliferation in vivo. It was recently demonstrated that the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) can chelate Fe3+ to assist in bacterial iron uptake. However, it is unknown whether exogenous gallium also targets [Fe(PQS)3] uptake, which, in turn, would extend the mechanism of gallium therapy beyond siderophore competition, potentially supporting use of the therapy against P. aeruginosa mutants deficient in siderophore uptake proteins. To that end, the thermodynamic feasibility of iron-for-gallium cation exchange into [Fe(PQS)3] was evaluated using quantum chemical density functional theory (DFT) modelling and verified experimentally using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We demonstrate here that Ga3+ can strongly bind to three PQS molecules and, furthermore, displace and substitute Fe3+ from the native chelate pocket within PQS complexes, through a Trojan horse mechanism, retaining the key structural features present within the native ferric complex. As such, [Fe(PQS)3] complexes, in addition to ferric-siderophore complexes, represent another target for gallium therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J. Hills
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Isaac O.K. Noble
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alex Heyam
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Andrew J. Scott
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - James Smith
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Helen F. Chappell
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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25
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Weaver AA, Parmar D, Junker EA, Sweedler JV, Shrout JD. Differential Spreading of Rhamnolipid Congeners from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:4914-4921. [PMID: 37878954 PMCID: PMC11107424 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Rhamnolipids are surfactants produced by many Pseudomonad bacteria, including the species Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These rhamnolipids are known to aid and enable numerous phenotypic traits that improve the survival of the bacteria that make them. These surfactants are also important for industrial products ranging from pharmaceuticals to cleaning supplies to cosmetics, to name a few. Rhamnolipids have structural diversity that leads to an array of congeners; however, little is known about the localization and distribution of these congeners in two-dimensional space. Differential distribution of congeners can reduce the uniformity of applications in industrial settings and create heterogeneity within biological communities. We examined the distribution patterns of combinations of rhamnolipids in commercially available mixtures, cell-free spent media, and colony biofilms using mass spectrometry. We found that even in the absence of cells, congeners exhibit different distribution patterns, leading to different rhamnolipid congener distributions on a surface. Congeners with shorter fatty acid chains were more centrally located, while longer chains were more heterogeneous and distally located. We found that congeners with similar structures can distribute differently. Within developing colony biofilms, we found rhamnolipid distribution patterns differed from cell-free environments, lacking simple trends noted in cell-free environments. Most strikingly, we found the distribution patterns of individual congeners in the colony biofilms to be diverse. We note that the congener distribution is far from homogeneous but composed of numerous local microenvironments of varied rhamnolipid congener composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail A. Weaver
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Dharmeshkumar Parmar
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Ella A. Junker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Jonathan V. Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Joshua D. Shrout
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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26
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Kaur M, Buyck JM, Goormaghtigh F, Decout JL, Mozaheb N, Mingeot-Leclercq MP. Deficient Pseudomonas aeruginosa in MlaA/VacJ outer membrane lipoprotein shows decrease in rhamnolipids secretion, motility, and biofilm formation, and increase in fluoroquinolones susceptibility and innate immune response. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104132. [PMID: 37660742 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104132] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium that causes severe hospital acquired infections poses threat by its ability for adaptation to various growth modes and environmental conditions and by its intrinsic resistance to antibiotics. The latter is mainly due to the outer membrane (OM) asymmetry which is maintained by the Mla pathway resulting in the retrograde transport of glycerophospholipids from the OM to the inner membrane. It comprises six Mla proteins, including MlaA, an OM lipoprotein involved in the removal of glycerophospholipids mislocalized at the outer leaflet of OM. To investigate the role of P. aeruginosa OM asymmetry especially MlaA, this study investigated the effect of mlaA deletion on (i) the susceptibility to antibiotics, (ii) the secretion of virulence factors, the motility, biofilm formation, and (iii) the inflammatory response. mlaA deletion in P. aeruginosa ATCC27853 results in phenotypic changes including, an increase in fluoroquinolones susceptibility and in PQS (Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal) and TNF-α release and a decrease in rhamnolipids secretion, motility and biofilm formation. Investigating how the mlaA knockout impacts on antibiotic susceptibility, bacterial virulence and innate immune response will help to elucidate the biological significance of the Mla system and contribute to the understanding of MlaA in P. aeruginosa OM asymmetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kaur
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Pharmacologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Avenue E. Mounier 73, UCL B1.73.05, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - J M Buyck
- University of Poitiers, INSERM U1070, Poitiers, France.
| | - F Goormaghtigh
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Pharmacologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Avenue E. Mounier 73, UCL B1.73.05, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - J-L Decout
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Département de Pharmacochimie Moléculaire, Rue de la Chimie, F-38041 Grenoble, France.
| | - N Mozaheb
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Pharmacologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Avenue E. Mounier 73, UCL B1.73.05, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - M-P Mingeot-Leclercq
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Pharmacologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Avenue E. Mounier 73, UCL B1.73.05, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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27
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Lami R, Urios L, Molmeret M, Grimaud R. Quorum sensing in biofilms: a key mechanism to target in ecotoxicological studies. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:786-804. [PMID: 36334083 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2142089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Our environment is heavily contaminated by anthropogenic compounds, and this issue constitutes a significant threat to all life forms, including biofilm-forming microorganisms. Cell-cell interactions shape microbial community structures and functions, and pollutants that affect intercellular communications impact biofilm functions and ecological roles. There is a growing interest in environmental science fields for evaluating how anthropogenic pollutants impact cell-cell interactions. In this review, we synthesize existing literature that evaluates the impacts of quorum sensing (QS), which is a widespread density-dependent communication system occurring within many bacterial groups forming biofilms. First, we examine the perturbating effects of environmental contaminants on QS circuits; and our findings reveal that QS is an essential yet underexplored mechanism affected by pollutants. Second, our work highlights that QS is an unsuspected and key resistance mechanism that assists bacteria in dealing with environmental contamination (caused by metals or organic pollutants) and that favors bacterial growth in unfavourable environments. We emphasize the value of considering QS a critical mechanism for monitoring microbial responses in ecotoxicology. Ultimately, we determine that QS circuits constitute promising targets for innovative biotechnological approaches with major perspectives for applications in the field of environmental science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Lami
- Sorbonne Université, USR3579, LBBM, Observatoire Océanologique, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, USR 3579, LBBM, Observatoire Océanologique, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Laurent Urios
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau, France
| | - Maëlle Molmeret
- Université de Toulon, Laboratoire MAPIEM, EA4323, Avenue de l'université, BP 20132, La Garde Cedex, France
| | - Régis Grimaud
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau, France
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28
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Li X, Wang G, Guo Q, Cui B, Wang M, Song S, Yang L, Deng Y. Membrane-enclosed Pseudomonas quinolone signal attenuates bacterial virulence by interfering with quorum sensing. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0118423. [PMID: 37796010 PMCID: PMC10617430 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01184-23] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Outer membrane vesicle (OMV)-delivered Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) plays a critical role in cell-cell communication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the functions and mechanisms of membrane-enclosed PQS in interspecies communication in microbial communities are not clear. Here, we demonstrate that PQS delivered by both OMVs from P. aeruginosa and liposome reduces the competitiveness of Burkholderia cenocepacia, which usually shares the same niche in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients, by interfering with quorum sensing (QS) in B. cenocepacia through the LysR-type regulator ShvR. Intriguingly, we found that ShvR regulates the production of the QS signals cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF) and N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) by directly binding to the promoters of signal synthase-encoding genes. Perception of PQS influences the regulatory activity of ShvR and thus ultimately reduces QS signal production and virulence in B. cenocepacia. Our findings provide insights into the interspecies communication mediated by the membrane-enclosed QS signal among bacterial species residing in the same microbial community.IMPORTANCEQuorum sensing (QS) is a ubiquitous cell-to-cell communication mechanism. Previous studies showed that Burkholderia cenocepacia mainly employs cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF) and N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) QS systems to regulate biological functions and virulence. Here, we demonstrate that Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) delivered by outer membrane vesicles from Pseudomonas aeruginosa or liposome attenuates B. cenocepacia virulence by targeting the LysR-type regulator ShvR, which regulates the production of the QS signals BDSF and AHL in B. cenocepacia. Our results not only suggest the important roles of membrane-enclosed PQS in interspecies and interkingdom communications but also provide a new perspective on the use of functional nanocarriers loaded with QS inhibitors for treating pathogen infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Gerun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Quan Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Binbin Cui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingfang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shihao Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinyue Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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29
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Qais FA, Parveen N, Ahmad I, Husain FM, Khan A, Adil M. Multi-targeting of virulence factors of P. aeruginosa by β-lactam antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-19. [PMID: 37904338 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2275181] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge to public health, especially in developing countries, due to a substantial rise in bacterial resistance. This situation has become so concerning that we are now at risk of losing the effectiveness of antibiotics altogether. Recent research has firmly established that bacteria engage in a process called quorum sensing (QS). QS regulates various functions, including nutrient scavenging, immune response suppression, increased virulence, biofilm formation and mobility. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, plays a significant role in various medical conditions such as chronic wounds, corneal infections, burn wounds and cystic fibrosis. While antibiotics are effective in killing bacteria, only a few antibiotics, particularly those from the β-lactam group, have been studied for their impact on the quorum sensing of P. aeruginosa. Given the lack of concentrated efforts in this area, we have investigated the role of β-lactam antibiotics on various potential targets of P. aeruginosa. Based on their toxicological profiles and the average binding energy obtained through molecular docking, azlocillin and moxalactam have emerged as lead antibiotics. The binding energy for the docking of azlocillin and moxalactam with LasA was determined to be -8.2 and -8.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular simulation analysis has confirmed the stable interaction of both these ligands with all three target proteins (LasI, LasA and PqsR) under physiological conditions. The results of this research underscore the effectiveness of azlocillin and moxalactam. These two antibiotics may be repurposed to target the quorum sensing of P. aeruginosa.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Abul Qais
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India
| | - Nagma Parveen
- Department of Zoology, Saifia College, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India
| | - Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India
| | | | - Altaf Khan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA
| | - Mohd Adil
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
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Garrett O, Whalen KE. A bacterial quorum sensing signal is a potent inhibitor of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in the globally abundant Emiliania huxleyi. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1266972. [PMID: 37869665 PMCID: PMC10587436 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1266972] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions between marine phytoplankton, viruses, and bacteria drive biogeochemical cycling, shape marine trophic structures, and impact global climate. Microbially produced compounds have emerged as key players in influencing eukaryotic organismal physiology, and in turn, remodel microbial community structure. This work aimed to reveal the molecular mechanism by which the bacterial quorum sensing molecule 2-heptyl-4-quinolone (HHQ), produced by the marine gammaproteobacterium Pseudoalteromonas spp., arrests cell division and confers protection from virus-induced mortality in the bloom-forming coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Previous work has established alkylquinolones as inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a fundamental enzyme catalyzing the fourth step in pyrimidine biosynthesis and a potential antiviral drug target. An N-terminally truncated version of E. huxleyi DHODH was heterologously expressed in E. coli, purified, and kinetically characterized. Here, we show HHQ is a potent inhibitor (Ki of 2.3 nM) of E. huxleyi DHODH. E. huxleyi cells exposed to brequinar, the canonical human DHODH inhibitor, experienced immediate, yet reversible cellular arrest, an effect which mirrors HHQ-induced cellular stasis previously observed. However, brequinar treatment lacked other notable effects observed in HHQ-exposed E. huxleyi including significant changes in cell size, chlorophyll fluorescence, and protection from virus-induced lysis, indicating HHQ has additional as yet undiscovered physiological targets. Together, these results suggest a novel and intricate role of bacterial quorum sensing molecules in tripartite interdomain interactions in marine ecosystems, opening new avenues for exploring the role of microbial chemical signaling in algal bloom regulation and host-pathogen dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristen E. Whalen
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, PA, United States
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31
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Cai W, Liao H, Lu M, Zhou X, Cheng X, Staehelin C, Dai W. New Evolutionary Insights into RpoA: A Novel Quorum Sensing Reprograming Factor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad203. [PMID: 37708386 PMCID: PMC10566545 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum-sensing (QS) coordinates the expression of virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen known for causing severe infections in immunocompromised patients. QS has a master regulator, the lasR gene, but in clinical settings, P. aeruginosa isolates have been found that are QS-active but LasR-null. In this study, we developed an experimental evolutionary approach to identify additional QS-reprogramming determinants. We began the study with a LasR-null mutant with an extra copy of mexT, a transcriptional regulator gene that is known to be able to reprogram QS in laboratory LasR-null strains. In this strain, spontaneous single mexT mutations are expected to have no or little phenotypic consequences. Using this novel method, which we have named "targeted gene duplication followed by mutant screening", we identified QS-active revertants with mutations in genes other than mexT. One QS-active revertant had a point mutation in rpoA, a gene encoding the α-subunit of RNA polymerase. QS activation in this mutant was found to be associated with the downregulated expression of mexEF-oprN efflux pump genes. Our study therefore uncovers a new functional role for RpoA in regulating QS activity. Our results indicate that a RpoA-dependent regulatory circuit controlling the expression of the mexEF-oprN operon is critical for QS-reprogramming. In conclusion, our study reports on the identification of non-MexT proteins associated with QS-reprogramming in a laboratory strain, shedding light on possible QS activation mechanisms in clinical P. aeruginosa isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Cai
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Plant Protection, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Liao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Plant Protection, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingqi Lu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Plant Protection, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangting Zhou
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Plant Protection, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Cheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Plant Protection, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Christian Staehelin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijun Dai
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Plant Protection, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Ghosh M, Raghav S, Ghosh P, Maity S, Mohela K, Jain D. Structural analysis of novel drug targets for mitigation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad054. [PMID: 37771093 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad054] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen responsible for acute and chronic, hard to treat infections. Persistence of P. aeruginosa is due to its ability to develop into biofilms, which are sessile bacterial communities adhered to substratum and encapsulated in layers of self-produced exopolysaccharides. These biofilms provide enhanced protection from the host immune system and resilience towards antibiotics, which poses a challenge for treatment. Various strategies have been expended for combating biofilms, which involve inhibiting biofilm formation or promoting their dispersal. The current remediation approaches offer some hope for clinical usage, however, treatment and eradication of preformed biofilms is still a challenge. Thus, identifying novel targets and understanding the detailed mechanism of biofilm regulation becomes imperative. Structure-based drug discovery (SBDD) provides a powerful tool that exploits the knowledge of atomic resolution details of the targets to search for high affinity ligands. This review describes the available structural information on the putative target protein structures that can be utilized for high throughput in silico drug discovery against P. aeruginosa biofilms. Integrating available structural information on the target proteins in readily accessible format will accelerate the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Ghosh
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Shikha Raghav
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Puja Ghosh
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Swagatam Maity
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Kavery Mohela
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Deepti Jain
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
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Al Mamari HH, Borel J, Hickey A, Courtney E, Merz J, Zhang X, Friedrich A, Marder TB, McGlacken GP. Regioselective Iridium-Catalyzed C8-H Borylation of 4-Quinolones via Transient O-Borylated Quinolines. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301734. [PMID: 37280155 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301734] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The quinolone-quinoline tautomerization is harnessed to effect the regioselective C8-borylation of biologically important 4-quinolones by using [Ir(OMe)(cod)]2 as the catalyst precursor, the silica-supported monodentate phosphine Si-SMAP as the ligand, and B2 pin2 as the boron source. Initially, O-borylation of the quinoline tautomer takes place. Critically, the newly formed 4-(pinBO)-quinolines then undergo N-directed selective Ir-catalyzed borylation at C8. Hydrolysis of the OBpin moiety on workup returns the system to the quinolone tautomer. The C8-borylated quinolines were converted to their corresponding potassium trifluoroborate (BF3 K) salts and to their C8-chlorinated quinolone derivatives. The two-step C-H borylation-chlorination reaction sequence resulted in various C8-Cl quinolones in good yields. Conversion to C8-OH-, C8-NH2 -, and C8-Ar-substituted quinolones was also feasible by using this methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad H Al Mamari
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 36, Al Khoudh 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie and, Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron (ICB), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julie Borel
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie and, Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron (ICB), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Aobha Hickey
- School of Chemistry & Analytical and, Biological Chemistry Research Facility, University College Cork, T12 YN60, Ireland
| | - Eimear Courtney
- School of Chemistry & Analytical and, Biological Chemistry Research Facility, University College Cork, T12 YN60, Ireland
| | - Julia Merz
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie and, Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron (ICB), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie and, Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron (ICB), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Friedrich
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie and, Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron (ICB), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Todd B Marder
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie and, Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron (ICB), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gerard P McGlacken
- School of Chemistry & Analytical and, Biological Chemistry Research Facility, University College Cork, T12 YN60, Ireland
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Mozaheb N, Rasouli P, Kaur M, Van Der Smissen P, Larrouy-Maumus G, Mingeot-Leclercq MP. A Mildly Acidic Environment Alters Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence and Causes Remodeling of the Bacterial Surface. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0483222. [PMID: 37278652 PMCID: PMC10433952 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04832-22] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile pathogen that resists environmental stress, such as suboptimal pH. As a result of exposure to environmental stress, P. aeruginosa shows an altered virulence-related phenotype. This study investigated the modifications that P. aeruginosa undertakes at a mildly low pH (pH 5.0) compared with the bacteria grown in a neutral medium (pH 7.2). Results indicated that in a mildly acidic environment, expression of two-component system genes (phoP/phoQ and pmrA/pmrB), lipid A remodeling genes such as arnT and pagP and virulence genes, i.e., pqsE and rhlA, were induced. Moreover, lipid A of the bacteria grown at a mildly low pH is modified by adding 4-amino-arabinose (l-Ara4N). Additionally, the production of virulence factors such as rhamnolipid, alginate, and membrane vesicles is significantly higher in a mildly low-pH environment than in a neutral medium. Interestingly, at a mildly low pH, P. aeruginosa produces a thicker biofilm with higher biofilm biomass. Furthermore, studies on inner membrane viscosity and permeability showed that a mildly low pH causes a decrease in the inner membrane permeability and increases its viscosity. Besides, despite the importance of PhoP, PhoQ, PmrA, and PmrB in Gram-negative bacteria for responding to low pH stress, we observed that the absence of each of these two-component systems does not meaningfully impact the remodeling of the P. aeruginosa envelope. Given that P. aeruginosa is likely to encounter mildly acidic environments during infection in its host, the alterations that the bacterium undertakes under such conditions must be considered in designing antibacterial strategies against P. aeruginosa. IMPORTANCE P. aeruginosa encounters environments with acidic pH when establishing infections in hosts. The bacterium develops an altered phenotype to tolerate a moderate decrease in the environmental pH. At the level of the bacterial envelope, modified lipid A composition and a reduction of the bacterial inner membrane permeability and fluidity are among the changes P. aeruginosa undergoes at a mildly low pH. Also, the bacterium is more likely to form biofilm in a mildly acidic environment. Overall, these alterations in the P. aeruginosa phenotype put obstacles in the way of antibacterial activities. Thus, considering physiological changes in the bacterium at low pH helps design and implement antimicrobial approaches against this hostile microorganism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Mozaheb
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology Unit (FACM), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paria Rasouli
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology Unit (FACM), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mandeep Kaur
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology Unit (FACM), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Van Der Smissen
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, CELL Unit and PICT Platform, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gerald Larrouy-Maumus
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Faculty of Natural Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Paule Mingeot-Leclercq
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology Unit (FACM), Brussels, Belgium
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Kanak KR, Dass RS, Pan A. Anti-quorum sensing potential of selenium nanoparticles against LasI/R, RhlI/R, and PQS/MvfR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a molecular docking approach. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1203672. [PMID: 37635941 PMCID: PMC10449602 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1203672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an infectious pathogen which has the ability to cause primary and secondary contagions in the blood, lungs, and other body parts of immunosuppressed individuals, as well as community-acquired diseases, such as folliculitis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, and others. This opportunistic bacterium displays drug resistance and regulates its pathogenicity via the quorum sensing (QS) mechanism, which includes the LasI/R, RhlI/R, and PQS/MvfR systems. Targeting the QS systems might be an excellent way to treat P. aeruginosa infections. Although a wide array of antibiotics, namely, newer penicillins, cephalosporins, and combination drugs are being used, the use of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to cure P. aeruginosa infections is extremely rare as their mechanistic interactions are weakly understood, which results in carrying out this study. The present study demonstrates a computational approach of binding the interaction pattern between SeNPs and the QS signaling proteins in P. aeruginosa, utilizing multiple bioinformatics approaches. The computational investigation revealed that SeNPs were acutely 'locked' into the active region of the relevant proteins by the abundant residues in their surroundings. The PatchDock-based molecular docking analysis evidently indicated the strong and significant interaction between SeNPs and the catalytic cleft of LasI synthase (Phe105-Se = 2.7 Å and Thr121-Se = 3.8 Å), RhlI synthase (Leu102-Se = 3.7 Å and Val138-Se = 3.2 Å), transcriptional receptor protein LasR (Lys42-Se = 3.9 Å, Arg122-Se = 3.2 Å, and Glu124-Se = 3.9 Å), RhlR (Tyr43-Se = 2.9 Å, Tyr45-Se = 3.4 Å, and His61-Se = 3.5 Å), and MvfR (Leu208-Se = 3.2 Å and Arg209-Se = 4.0 Å). The production of acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) was inhibited by the use of SeNPs, thereby preventing QS as well. Obstructing the binding affinity of transcriptional regulatory proteins may cause the suppression of LasR, RhlR, and MvfR systems to become inactive, thereby blocking the activation of QS-regulated virulence factors along with their associated gene expression. Our findings clearly showed that SeNPs have anti-QS properties against the established QS systems of P. aeruginosa, which strongly advocated that SeNPs might be a potent solution to tackle drug resistance and a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics along with being helpful in therapeutic development to cure P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanak Raj Kanak
- Fungal Genetics and Mycotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University (A Central University), Pondicherry, India
| | - Regina Sharmila Dass
- Fungal Genetics and Mycotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University (A Central University), Pondicherry, India
| | - Archana Pan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University (A Central University), Pondicherry, India
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Thompson TP, Busetti A, Gilmore BF. Quorum Sensing in Halorubrum saccharovorum Facilitates Cross-Domain Signaling between Archaea and Bacteria. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1271. [PMID: 37317245 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051271] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum Sensing (QS) is a well-studied intercellular communication mechanism in bacteria, regulating collective behaviors such as biofilm formation, virulence, and antibiotic resistance. However, cell-cell signaling in haloarchaea remains largely unexplored. The coexistence of bacteria and archaea in various environments, coupled with the known cell-cell signaling mechanisms in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms and the presence of cell-cell signaling mechanisms in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, suggests a possibility for haloarchaea to possess analogous cell-cell signaling or QS systems. Recently, N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL)-like compounds were identified in haloarchaea; yet, their precise role-for example, persister cell formation-remains ambiguous. This study investigated the capacity of crude supernatant extract from the haloarchaeon Halorubrum saccharovorum CSM52 to stimulate bacterial AHL-dependent QS phenotypes using bioreporter strains. Our findings reveal that these crude extracts induced several AHL-dependent bioreporters and modulated pyocyanin and pyoverdine production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Importantly, our study suggests cross-domain communication between archaea and bacterial pathogens, providing evidence for archaea potentially influencing bacterial virulence. Using Thin Layer Chromatography overlay assays, lactonolysis, and colorimetric quantification, the bioactive compound was inferred to be a chemically modified AHL-like compound or a diketopiperazine-like molecule, potentially involved in biofilm formation in H. saccharovorum CSM52. This study offers new insights into putative QS mechanisms in haloarchaea and their potential role in interspecies communication and coordination, thereby enriching our understanding of microbial interactions in diverse environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Thompson
- Biofilm Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Alessandro Busetti
- Biofilm Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Brendan F Gilmore
- Biofilm Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
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Rattray JB, Kramer PJ, Gurney J, Thomas S, Brown SP. The dynamic response of quorum sensing to density is robust to signal supplementation and individual signal synthase knockouts. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001321. [PMID: 37204848 PMCID: PMC10268839 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001321] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a widespread mechanism of environment sensing and behavioural coordination in bacteria. At its core, QS is based on the production, sensing and response to small signalling molecules. Previous work with Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows that QS can be used to achieve quantitative resolution and deliver a dosed response to the bacteria's density environment, implying a sophisticated mechanism of control. To shed light on how the mechanistic signal components contribute to graded responses to density, we assess the impact of genetic (AHL signal synthase deletion) and/or signal supplementation (exogenous AHL addition) perturbations on lasB reaction-norms to changes in density. Our approach condenses data from 2000 timeseries (over 74 000 individual observations) into a comprehensive view of QS-controlled gene expression across variation in genetic, environmental and signal determinants of lasB expression. We first confirm that deleting either (∆lasI, ∆rhlI) or both (∆lasIrhlI) AHL signal synthase gene attenuates QS response to density. In the ∆rhlI background we show persistent yet attenuated density-dependent lasB expression due to native 3-oxo-C12-HSL signalling. We then test if density-independent quantities of AHL signal (3-oxo-C12-HSL, C4-HSL) added to the WT either flatten or increase responsiveness to density and find that the WT response is robust to all tested concentrations of signal, alone or in combination. We then move to progressively supplementing the genetic knockouts and find that cognate signal supplementation of a single AHL signal (∆lasI +3-oxo-C12-HSL, ∆rhlI +C4HSL) is sufficient to restore the ability to respond in a density-dependent manner to increasing density. We also find that dual signal supplementation of the double AHL synthase knockout restores the ability to produce a graded response to increasing density, despite adding a density-independent amount of signal. Only the addition of high concentrations of both AHLs and PQS can force maximal lasB expression and ablate responsiveness to density. Our results show that density-dependent control of lasB expression is robust to multiple combinations of QS gene deletion and density-independent signal supplementation. Our work develops a modular approach to query the robustness and mechanistic bases of the central environmental sensing phenotype of quorum sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B. Rattray
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Patrick J. Kramer
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - James Gurney
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Stephen Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Sam P. Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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38
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Singh VK, Almpani M, Wheeler KM, Rahme LG. Interconnections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum-Sensing Systems in Intestinal Permeability and Inflammation. mBio 2023; 14:e0352422. [PMID: 36786582 PMCID: PMC10127598 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03524-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a highly conserved microbial communication mechanism based on the production and sensing of secreted signaling molecules. The recalcitrant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a problematic nosocomial pathogen with complex interconnected QS systems controlling multiple virulence functions. The relevance of QS in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis is well established; however, the regulatory interrelationships of the three major QS systems, LasR/LasI, MvfR (PqsR)/PqsABCD, and RhlR/RhlI, have been studied primarily in vitro. It is, therefore, unclear how these relationships translate to the host environment during infection. Here, we use a collection of P. aeruginosa QS mutants of the three major QS systems to assess the interconnections and contributions in intestinal inflammation and barrier function in vivo. This work reveals that MvfR, not LasR or RhlR, promotes intestinal inflammation during infection. In contrast, we find that P. aeruginosa-driven murine intestinal permeability is controlled by an interconnected QS network involving all three regulators, with MvfR situated upstream of LasR and RhlR. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the interrelationships of the QS systems during infection and provides critical insights for developing successful antivirulence strategies. Moreover, this work provides a framework to interrogate QS systems in physiologically relevant settings. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogen that seriously threatens critically ill and immunocompromised patients. Intestinal colonization by this pathogen is associated with elevated mortality rates. Disrupting bacterial communication is a desirable anti-infective approach since these systems coordinate multiple acute and chronic virulence functions in P. aeruginosa. Here, we investigate the role of each of the three major communication systems in the host intestinal functions. This work reveals that P. aeruginosa influences intestinal inflammation and permeability through distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K. Singh
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marianna Almpani
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelsey M. Wheeler
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laurence G. Rahme
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Pellielo G, Agyapong ED, Pinton P, Rimessi A. Control of mitochondrial functions by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 377:19-43. [PMID: 37268349 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease characterized by mutations of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which lead to a dysfunctional chloride and bicarbonate channel. Abnormal mucus viscosity, persistent infections and hyperinflammation that preferentially affect the airways, referred to the pathogenesis of CF lung disease. It has largely demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) represents the most important pathogen that affect CF patients, leading to worsen inflammation by stimulating pro-inflammatory mediators release and tissue destruction. The conversion to mucoid phenotype and formation of biofilms, together with the increased frequency of mutations, are only few changes that characterize the P. aeruginosa's evolution during CF lung chronic infection. Recently, mitochondria received increasing attention due to their involvement in inflammatory-related diseases, including in CF. Alteration of mitochondrial homeostasis is sufficient to stimulate immune response. Exogenous or endogenous stimuli that perturb mitochondrial activity are used by cells, which, through the mitochondrial stress, potentiate immunity programs. Studies show the relationship between mitochondria and CF, supporting the idea that mitochondrial dysfunction endorses the exacerbation of inflammatory responses in CF lung. In particular, evidences suggest that mitochondria in CF airway cells are more susceptible to P. aeruginosa infection, with consequent detrimental effects that lead to amplify the inflammatory signals. This review discusses the evolution of P. aeruginosa in relationship with the pathogenesis of CF, a fundamental step to establish chronic infection in CF lung disease. Specifically, we focus on the role of P. aeruginosa in the exacerbation of inflammatory response, by triggering mitochondria in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pellielo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Esther Densu Agyapong
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Center of research for innovative therapies in cystic fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Center of research for innovative therapies in cystic fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Angusamy A, Balasubramanian V, Arunmurugan B, Arunachalam K, Issac Abraham SVP, Murugesan S, Krishnasamy B, Sundaram J, Arumugam VR. Anti-infective potential of plant-derived quorum sensing inhibitors against multi-drug resistant human and aquatic bacterial pathogens. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:147. [PMID: 37022521 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03578-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study intended to decipher the anti-infective potential of bioactive phytocompounds, such as rosmarinic acid, morin, naringin, chlorogenic acid, and mangiferin, against aquatic and human bacterial pathogens using Artemia spp. nauplii and Caenorhabditis elegans as animal models, respectively. Initially, the test compounds were screened against the QS traits in Vibrio spp., such as bioluminescence production and biofilm formation. The test compounds effectively inhibited the bioluminescence in V. harveyi. Further, the confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis revealed that these natural compounds could efficiently reduce the clumping morphology, a characteristic biofilm formation in Vibrio spp., without inhibiting bacterial growth. The results of in vivo analysis showed a significant increase in the survival of Artemia spp. nauplii infected with Vibrio spp. upon exposure to these compounds. Moreover, the compounds used in this study were already proven and reported for their quorum sensing inhibitory efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hence, the anti-infective efficacy of these compounds against P. aeruginosa (PAO1) and its clinical isolates (AS1 and AS2) was studied using C. elegans as a live animal model system. The results of time-killing assay deciphered that rosmarinic acid and naringin are being the most effective ones in rescuing the animals from P. aeruginosa infection followed by morin, mangiferin, and chlorogenic acid. Further, the toxicity results revealed that these compounds did not show any lethal effect on C. elegans and Artemia spp. nauplii at the tested concentrations. In conclusion, the phytochemicals used in this study were effective in controlling the QS-regulated virulence traits in Vibrio spp. and P. aeruginosa infections in Artemia spp. nauplii and C. elegans animal model systems, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapoorani Angusamy
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 025, India
| | - Vigneshkumar Balasubramanian
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
- Conservation of Coastal and Marine Resources (CMR) division, National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Anna University campus, Tamil Nadu, 600 025, Chennai, India
| | - Balaji Arunmurugan
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
| | - Kannapan Arunachalam
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agricultural Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sybiya Vasantha Packiavathy Issac Abraham
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641 114, India
| | - Sivaranjani Murugesan
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Janarthanan Sundaram
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 025, India
| | - Veera Ravi Arumugam
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India.
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Elmassry MM, Colmer-Hamood JA, Kopel J, San Francisco MJ, Hamood AN. Anti- Pseudomonas aeruginosa Vaccines and Therapies: An Assessment of Clinical Trials. Microorganisms 2023; 11:916. [PMID: 37110338 PMCID: PMC10144840 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040916] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) and immunocompromised patients, including patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), severely burned patients, and patients with surgical wounds. Due to the intrinsic and extrinsic antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the ability to produce several cell-associated and extracellular virulence factors, and the capacity to adapt to several environmental conditions, eradicating P. aeruginosa within infected patients is difficult. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the six multi-drug-resistant pathogens (ESKAPE) considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an entire group for which the development of novel antibiotics is urgently needed. In the United States (US) and within the last several years, P. aeruginosa caused 27% of deaths and approximately USD 767 million annually in health-care costs. Several P. aeruginosa therapies, including new antimicrobial agents, derivatives of existing antibiotics, novel antimicrobial agents such as bacteriophages and their chelators, potential vaccines targeting specific virulence factors, and immunotherapies have been developed. Within the last 2-3 decades, the efficacy of these different treatments was tested in clinical and preclinical trials. Despite these trials, no P. aeruginosa treatment is currently approved or available. In this review, we examined several of these clinicals, specifically those designed to combat P. aeruginosa infections in CF patients, patients with P. aeruginosa VAP, and P. aeruginosa-infected burn patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moamen M. Elmassry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Jane A. Colmer-Hamood
- Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Department of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Michael J. San Francisco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Honors College, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Abdul N. Hamood
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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42
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Schwartzkopf CM, Robinson AJ, Ellenbecker M, Faith DR, Schmidt AK, Brooks DM, Lewerke L, Voronina E, Dandekar AA, Secor PR. Tripartite interactions between filamentous Pf4 bacteriophage, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and bacterivorous nematodes. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1010925. [PMID: 36800381 PMCID: PMC9980816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 is infected by the filamentous bacteriophage Pf4. Pf4 virions promote biofilm formation, protect bacteria from antibiotics, and modulate animal immune responses in ways that promote infection. Furthermore, strains cured of their Pf4 infection (ΔPf4) are less virulent in animal models of infection. Consistently, we find that strain ΔPf4 is less virulent in a Caenorhabditis elegans nematode infection model. However, our data indicate that PQS quorum sensing is activated and production of the pigment pyocyanin, a potent virulence factor, is enhanced in strain ΔPf4. The reduced virulence of ΔPf4 despite high levels of pyocyanin production may be explained by our finding that C. elegans mutants unable to sense bacterial pigments through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor are more susceptible to ΔPf4 infection compared to wild-type C. elegans. Collectively, our data support a model where suppression of quorum-regulated virulence factors by Pf4 allows P. aeruginosa to evade detection by innate host immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb M. Schwartzkopf
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Autumn J. Robinson
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Mary Ellenbecker
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Dominick R. Faith
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Amelia K. Schmidt
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Diane M. Brooks
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Lincoln Lewerke
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ekaterina Voronina
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Ajai A. Dandekar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Patrick R. Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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43
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Rodrigues MV, Kis P, Xavier KB, Ventura MR. Synthesis and potential of Autoinducer‐2 and analogs to manipulate inter‐species Quorum Sensing. Isr J Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.202200091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel V. Rodrigues
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier Universidade Nova de Lisboa Av. da República 2780-157 Oeiras Portugal
| | - Peter Kis
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier Universidade Nova de Lisboa Av. da República 2780-157 Oeiras Portugal
- Institute of Chemistry Slovak Academy of Sciences 845 38 Bratislava Slovakia
| | | | - M. Rita Ventura
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier Universidade Nova de Lisboa Av. da República 2780-157 Oeiras Portugal
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44
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Pirhadi E, Vanegas JM, Farin M, Schertzer JW, Yong X. Effect of Local Stress on Accurate Modeling of Bacterial Outer Membranes Using All-Atom Molecular Dynamics. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:363-372. [PMID: 36579901 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c01026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Biological membranes are fundamental components of living organisms that play an undeniable role in their survival. Molecular dynamics (MD) serves as an essential computational tool for studying biomembranes on molecular and atomistic scales. The status quo of MD simulations of biomembranes studies a nanometer-sized membrane patch periodically extended under periodic boundary conditions (PBCs). In nature, membranes are usually composed of different lipids in their two layers (referred to as leaflets). This compositional asymmetry imposes a fixed ratio of lipid numbers between the two leaflets in a periodically constrained membrane, which needs to be set appropriately. The widely adopted methods of defining a leaflet lipid ratio suffer from the lack of control over the mechanical tension of each leaflet, which could significantly influence research findings. In this study, we investigate the role of membrane-building protocol and the resulting initial stress state on the interaction between small molecules and asymmetric membranes. We model the outer membrane of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria using two different building protocols and probe their interactions with the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS). Our results show that differential stress could shift the position of free energy minimum for the PQS molecule between the two leaflets of the asymmetric membrane. This work provides critical insights into the relationship between the initial per-leaflet tension and the spontaneous intercalation of PQS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Pirhadi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000, United States
| | - Juan M Vanegas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-4003, United States
| | - Mithila Farin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000, United States
| | - Jeffrey W Schertzer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000, United States
| | - Xin Yong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000, United States
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45
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Ren W, Xue B, Cao F, Long H, Zeng Y, Zhang X, Cai X, Huang A, Xie Z. Multi-Costimulatory Pathways Drive the Antagonistic Pseudoalteromonas piscicida against the Dominant Pathogenic Vibrio harveyi in Mariculture: Insights from Proteomics and Metabolomics. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0244422. [PMID: 36301131 PMCID: PMC9769913 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02444-22] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio harveyi is the dominant pathogen in mariculture, and biocontrol of this pathogen using antagonistic probiotics is a long-standing biological challenge. Here, Pseudoalteromonas piscicida WCPW15003 as a probiotic effectively antagonized dominant pathogenic V. harveyi in a mariculture, with a growth-of-inhibition ratio of 6.3 h-1. The antagonistic activities of cells and intracellular components of WCPW15003 made a greater contribution to the antagonistic process than did extracellular metabolites and caused the dominance of WCPW15003 during the antagonistic process in vitro. WCPW15003 was safe for the pearl gentian grouper (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Epinephelus lanceolatus) and, as a consequence of the antagonistic effect on V. harveyi, protected the fish from an immune response in vivo. A comprehensive combined proteomics and metabolomics analysis of antagonistic WCPW15003 and pathogenic V. harveyi in a coculture compared to a monoculture was performed to investigate the antagonistic molecular mechanisms. The results showed that during the antagonistic process, WCPW15003 in a coculture had significantly downregulated metabolic pathways for histidine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism, and upregulated glycerophospholipid metabolism, leading to a competitive advantage against the co-occurring species, V. harveyi. This defined a mechanism by which multi-costimulatory pathways drove P. piscicida WCPW15003 against V. harveyi. IMPORTANCE V. harveyi as a dominant pathogen has become a major hazard in mariculture development and seafood safety, and biocontrol of this pathogen using antagonistic probiotic agents is a long-standing biological challenge. P. piscicida WCPW15003 has promise as a novel, safe, and effective bioagent for specifically inhibiting dominant pathogenic V. harveyi and protects mariculture animals from infection by this pathogen by moderating the host immune response, which is heavily driven by multi-costimulatory pathways in a coculture of WCPW15003 and V. harveyi. This work identified a direction for comprehensively elucidating the molecular mechanism of WCPW15003 antagonism against the dominant pathogen in mariculture using modern molecular biology techniques and provided deep insights into the advantages and potential of this antagonistic probiotic against V. harveyi for the construction of an environmentally friendly, recirculating mariculture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Marine Microbial Resource, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bingqing Xue
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Feifei Cao
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Hao Long
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Marine Microbial Resource, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yanhua Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Marine Microbial Resource, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Marine Microbial Resource, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaoni Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Marine Microbial Resource, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Aiyou Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Marine Microbial Resource, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Zhenyu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in the South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Marine Microbial Resource, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Borgert SR, Henke S, Witzgall F, Schmelz S, Zur Lage S, Hotop SK, Stephen S, Lübken D, Krüger J, Gomez NO, van Ham M, Jänsch L, Kalesse M, Pich A, Brönstrup M, Häussler S, Blankenfeldt W. Moonlighting chaperone activity of the enzyme PqsE contributes to RhlR-controlled virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7402. [PMID: 36456567 PMCID: PMC9715718 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35030-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of nosocomial infections and also leads to severe exacerbations in cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Three intertwined quorum sensing systems control virulence of P. aeruginosa, with the rhl circuit playing the leading role in late and chronic infections. The majority of traits controlled by rhl transcription factor RhlR depend on PqsE, a dispensable thioesterase in Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) biosynthesis that interferes with RhlR through an enigmatic mechanism likely involving direct interaction of both proteins. Here we show that PqsE and RhlR form a 2:2 protein complex that, together with RhlR agonist N-butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), solubilizes RhlR and thereby renders the otherwise insoluble transcription factor active. We determine crystal structures of the complex and identify residues essential for the interaction. To corroborate the chaperone-like activity of PqsE, we design stability-optimized variants of RhlR that bypass the need for C4-HSL and PqsE in activating PqsE/RhlR-controlled processes of P. aeruginosa. Together, our data provide insight into the unique regulatory role of PqsE and lay groundwork for developing new P. aeruginosa-specific pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Roman Borgert
- Department Structure and Function of Proteins, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Steffi Henke
- Department Structure and Function of Proteins, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Florian Witzgall
- Department Structure and Function of Proteins, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmelz
- Department Structure and Function of Proteins, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Zur Lage
- Department Structure and Function of Proteins, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sven-Kevin Hotop
- Department Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Steffi Stephen
- Department Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dennis Lübken
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 1B, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jonas Krüger
- Department Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Nicolas Oswaldo Gomez
- Department Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marco van Ham
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lothar Jänsch
- Cellular Proteomics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Markus Kalesse
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 1B, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Pich
- Institute for Toxicology, Core Facility Proteomics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mark Brönstrup
- Department Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Häussler
- Department Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Wulf Blankenfeldt
- Department Structure and Function of Proteins, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany.
- Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstr. 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
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Abstract
Pf4 is a filamentous bacteriophage integrated as a prophage into the genome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Pf4 virions can be produced without killing P. aeruginosa. However, cell lysis can occur during superinfection when Pf virions successfully infect a host lysogenized by a Pf superinfective variant. We have previously shown that infection of P. aeruginosa PAO1 with a superinfective Pf4 variant abolished twitching motility and altered biofilm architecture. More precisely, most of the cells embedded into the biofilm were showing a filamentous morphology, suggesting the activation of the cell envelope stress response involving both AlgU and SigX extracytoplasmic function sigma factors. Here, we show that Pf4 variant infection results in a drastic dysregulation of 3,360 genes representing about 58% of P. aeruginosa genome; of these, 70% of the virulence factors encoding genes show a dysregulation. Accordingly, Pf4 variant infection (termed Pf4*) causes in vivo reduction of P. aeruginosa virulence and decreased production of N-acyl-homoserine lactones and 2-alkyl-4-quinolones quorum-sensing molecules and related virulence factors, such as pyocyanin, elastase, and pyoverdine. In addition, the expression of genes involved in metabolism, including energy generation and iron homeostasis, was affected, suggesting further relationships between virulence and central metabolism. Altogether, these data show that Pf4 phage variant infection results in complex network dysregulation, leading to reducing acute virulence in P. aeruginosa. This study contributes to the comprehension of the bacterial response to filamentous phage infection. IMPORTANCE Filamentous bacteriophages can become superinfective and infect P. aeruginosa, even though they are inserted in the genome as lysogens. Despite this productive infection, growth of the host is only mildly affected, allowing the study of the interaction between the phage and the host, which is not possible in the case of lytic phages killing rapidly their host. Here, we demonstrate by transcriptome and phenotypic analysis that the infection by a superinfective filamentous phage variant causes a massive disruption in gene expression, including those coding for virulence factors and metabolic pathways.
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48
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Pütz E, Gazanis A, Keltsch NG, Jegel O, Pfitzner F, Heermann R, Ternes TA, Tremel W. Communication Breakdown: Into the Molecular Mechanism of Biofilm Inhibition by CeO 2 Nanocrystal Enzyme Mimics and How It Can Be Exploited. ACS NANO 2022; 16:16091-16108. [PMID: 36174231 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm formation is a huge problem in industry and medicine. Therefore, the discovery of anti-biofilm agents may hold great promise. Biofilm formation is usually a consequence of bacterial cell-cell communication, a process called quorum sensing (QS). CeO2 nanocrystals (NCs) have been established as haloperoxidase (HPO) mimics and ecologically beneficial biofilm inhibitors. They were suggested to interfere with QS, a mechanism termed quorum quenching (QQ), but their molecular mechanism remained elusive. We show that CeO2 NCs are effective QQ agents, inactivating QS signals by bromination. Catalytic bromination of 3-oxo-C12-AHL a QS signaling compound used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was detected in the presence of CeO2 NCs, bromide ions, and hydrogen peroxide. Brominated acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) no longer act as QS signals but were not detected in the bacterial cultures. Externally added brominated AHLs also disappeared in P. aeruginosa cultures within minutes of their addition, indicating that they are rapidly degraded by the bacteria. Moreover, we detected the catalytic bromination of 2-heptyl-1-hydroxyquinolin-4(1H)-one (HQNO), a multifunctional non-AHL QS signal from P. aeruginosa with antibacterial and algicidal properties controlling the expression of many virulence genes. Brominated HQNO was not degraded by the bacteria in vivo. The repression of the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) production and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa through the catalytic formation of Br-HQNO on surfaces with coatings containing CeO2 enzyme mimics validates the non-toxic strategy for the development of anti-infectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pütz
- Department Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Athanasios Gazanis
- Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Institut für Molekulare PhysiologieJohannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Biozentrum II, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nils Gert Keltsch
- Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde, Am Mainzer Tor 1, D-56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Olga Jegel
- Department Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Felix Pfitzner
- Department Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ralf Heermann
- Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Institut für Molekulare PhysiologieJohannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Biozentrum II, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas A Ternes
- Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde, Am Mainzer Tor 1, D-56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Tremel
- Department Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
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49
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Zhang Y, Ma N, Tan P, Ma X. Quorum sensing mediates gut bacterial communication and host-microbiota interaction. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:3751-3763. [PMID: 36239296 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2134981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Gut bacteria employ quorum sensing (QS) to coordinate their activities and communicate with one another, this process relies on the production, detection, and response to autoinducers, which are extracellular signaling molecules. In addition to synchronizing behavioral activities within the species, QS plays a crucial role in the gut host-microbiota interaction. In this review, an overview of classical QS systems is presented as well as the interspecies communication mediated by QS, and recent advances in the host-microbiota interaction mediated by QS. A greater knowledge of the communication network of gut microbiota is not only an opportunity and a challenge for developing nutritional and therapeutic strategies against bacterial illnesses, but also a means for improving gut health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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50
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The In Vivo and In Vitro Assessment of Pyocins in Treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101366. [PMID: 36290026 PMCID: PMC9598984 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause several life-threatening infections among immunocompromised patients (e.g., cystic fibrosis) due to its ability to adapt and develop resistance to several antibiotics. In recent years, P. aeruginosa infections has become difficult to treat using conventional antibiotics due to the increase multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. Therefore, there is a growing interest to develop novel treatments against antibiotic-resistance P. aeruginosa strains. One novel method includes the application of antimicrobial peptides secreted by P. aeruginosa strains, known as pyocins. In this review, we will discuss the structure, function, and use of pyocins in the pathogenesis and treatment of P. aeruginosa infection.
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