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Xue Y, Yu C, Ouyang H, Huang J, Kang X. Uncovering the Molecular Composition and Architecture of the Bacillus subtilis Biofilm via Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:11906-11923. [PMID: 38629727 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The complex and dynamic compositions of biofilms, along with their sophisticated structural assembly mechanisms, endow them with exceptional capabilities to thrive in diverse conditions that are typically unfavorable for individual cells. Characterizing biofilms in their native state is significantly challenging due to their intrinsic complexities and the limited availability of noninvasive techniques. Here, we utilized solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to analyze Bacillus subtilis biofilms in-depth. Our data uncover a dynamically distinct organization within the biofilm: a dominant, hydrophilic, and mobile framework interspersed with minor, rigid cores of limited water accessibility. In these heterogeneous rigid cores, the major components are largely self-assembled. TasA fibers, the most robust elements, further provide a degree of mechanical support for the cell aggregates and some lipid vesicles. Notably, rigid cell aggregates can persist even without the major extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) polymers, although this leads to slight variations in their rigidity and water accessibility. Exopolysaccharides are exclusively present in the mobile domain, playing a pivotal role in its water retention property. Specifically, all water molecules are tightly bound within the biofilm matrix. These findings reveal a dual-layered defensive strategy within the biofilm: a diffusion barrier through limited water mobility in the mobile phase and a physical barrier posed by limited water accessibility in the rigid phase. Complementing these discoveries, our comprehensive, in situ compositional analysis is not only essential for delineating the sophisticated biofilm architecture but also reveals the presence of alternative genetic mechanisms for synthesizing exopolysaccharides beyond the known pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xue
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Chenjie Yu
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Han Ouyang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Jiaofang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xue Kang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
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2
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Ruijgrok G, Wu DY, Overkleeft HS, Codée JDC. Synthesis and application of bacterial exopolysaccharides. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 78:102418. [PMID: 38134611 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102418] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Exopolysaccharides are produced and excreted by bacteria in the generation of biofilms to provide a protective environment. These polysaccharides are generally generated as heterogeneous polymers of varying length, featuring diverse substitution patterns. To obtain well-defined fragments of these polysaccharides, organic synthesis often is the method of choice, as it allows for full control over chain length and the installation of a pre-determined substitution pattern. This review presents several recent syntheses of exopolysaccharide fragments of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and illustrates how these have been used to study biosynthesis enzymes and generate synthetic glycoconjugate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs Ruijgrok
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333, CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dung-Yeh Wu
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333, CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Herman S Overkleeft
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333, CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen D C Codée
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333, CC Leiden, the Netherlands.
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3
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Bin Hafeez A, Pełka K, Worobo R, Szweda P. In Silico Safety Assessment of Bacillus Isolated from Polish Bee Pollen and Bee Bread as Novel Probiotic Candidates. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:666. [PMID: 38203838 PMCID: PMC10780176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010666] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus species isolated from Polish bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB) were characterized for in silico probiotic and safety attributes. A probiogenomics approach was used, and in-depth genomic analysis was performed using a wide array of bioinformatics tools to investigate the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance properties, mobile genetic elements, and secondary metabolites. Functional annotation and Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZYme) profiling revealed the presence of genes and a repertoire of probiotics properties promoting enzymes. The isolates BB10.1, BP20.15 (isolated from bee bread), and PY2.3 (isolated from bee pollen) genome mining revealed the presence of several genes encoding acid, heat, cold, and other stress tolerance mechanisms, adhesion proteins required to survive and colonize harsh gastrointestinal environments, enzymes involved in the metabolism of dietary molecules, antioxidant activity, and genes associated with the synthesis of vitamins. In addition, genes responsible for the production of biogenic amines (BAs) and D-/L-lactate, hemolytic activity, and other toxic compounds were also analyzed. Pan-genome analyses were performed with 180 Bacillus subtilis and 204 Bacillus velezensis genomes to mine for any novel genes present in the genomes of our isolates. Moreover, all three isolates also consisted of gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmer Bin Hafeez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Ul. G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.B.H.); (K.P.)
| | - Karolina Pełka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Ul. G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.B.H.); (K.P.)
| | - Randy Worobo
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
| | - Piotr Szweda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Ul. G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.B.H.); (K.P.)
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4
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Arbour CA, Nagar R, Bernstein HM, Ghosh S, Al-Sammarraie Y, Dorfmueller HC, Ferguson MAJ, Stanley-Wall NR, Imperiali B. Defining early steps in Bacillus subtilis biofilm biosynthesis. mBio 2023; 14:e0094823. [PMID: 37650625 PMCID: PMC10653937 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00948-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Biofilms are the communal way of life that microbes adopt to increase survival. Key to our ability to systematically promote or ablate biofilm formation is a detailed understanding of the biofilm matrix macromolecules. Here, we identify the first two essential steps in the Bacillus subtilis biofilm matrix exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis pathway. Together, our studies and approaches provide the foundation for the sequential characterization of the steps in EPS biosynthesis, using prior steps to enable chemoenzymatic synthesis of the undecaprenyl diphosphate-linked glycan substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A. Arbour
- Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rupa Nagar
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah M. Bernstein
- Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Soumi Ghosh
- Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yusra Al-Sammarraie
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Helge C. Dorfmueller
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A. J. Ferguson
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola R. Stanley-Wall
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Imperiali
- Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Burton AT, Pospíšilová D, Sudzinova P, Snider EV, Burrage AM, Krásný L, Kearns DB. The alternative sigma factor SigN of Bacillus subtilis is intrinsically toxic. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0011223. [PMID: 37728605 PMCID: PMC10601692 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00112-23] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sigma factors bind and direct the RNA polymerase core to specific promoter sequences, and alternative sigma factors direct transcription of different regulons of genes. Here, we study the pBS32 plasmid-encoded sigma factor SigN of Bacillus subtilis to determine how it contributes to DNA damage-induced cell death. We find that SigN causes cell death when expressed at high levels and does so in the absence of its regulon suggesting it is intrinsically toxic. One way toxicity was relieved was by curing the pBS32 plasmid, which eliminated a positive feedback loop that led to SigN hyper-accumulation. Another way toxicity was relieved was through mutating the chromosomally encoded transcriptional repressor protein AbrB, thereby derepressing a potent antisense transcript that antagonized SigN expression. SigN efficiently competed with the vegetative sigma factor SigA in vitro, and SigN accumulation in the absence of positive feedback reduced SigA-dependent transcription suggesting that toxicity may be due to competitive inhibition of one or more essential transcripts. Why B. subtilis encodes a toxic sigma factor is unclear but SigN may function in host-inhibition during lytic conversion, as phage lysogen genes are also encoded on pBS32. IMPORTANCE Alternative sigma factors activate entire regulons of genes to improve viability in response to environmental stimuli. The pBS32 plasmid-encoded alternative sigma factor SigN of Bacillus subtilis however, is activated by the DNA damage response and leads to cellular demise. Here we find that SigN impairs viability by hyper-accumulating and outcompeting the vegetative sigma factor for the RNA polymerase core. Why B. subtilis retains a plasmid with a deleterious alternative sigma factor is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha T. Burton
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Debora Pospíšilová
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petra Sudzinova
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Andrew M. Burrage
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Libor Krásný
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, Prague, Czechia
| | - Daniel B. Kearns
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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6
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Wei X, Chen Z, Liu A, Yang L, Xu Y, Cao M, He N. Advanced strategies for metabolic engineering of Bacillus to produce extracellular polymeric substances. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 67:108199. [PMID: 37330153 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108199] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances are mainly synthesized via a variety of biosynthetic pathways in bacteria. Bacilli-sourced extracellular polymeric substances, such as exopolysaccharides (EPS) and poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), can serve as active ingredients and hydrogels, and have other important industrial applications. However, the functional diversity and widespread applications of these extracellular polymeric substances, are hampered by their low yields and high costs. Biosynthesis of extracellular polymeric substances is very complex in Bacillus, and there is no detailed elucidation of the reactions and regulations among various metabolic pathways. Therefore, a better understanding of the metabolic mechanisms is required to broaden the functions and increase the yield of extracellular polymeric substances. This review systematically summarizes the biosynthesis and metabolic mechanisms of extracellular polymeric substances in Bacillus, providing an in-depth understanding of the relationships between EPS and γ-PGA synthesis. This review provides a better clarification of Bacillus metabolic mechanisms during extracellular polymeric substance secretion and thus benefits their application and commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wei
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China.
| | - Ailing Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lijie Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yiyuan Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Mingfeng Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Ning He
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
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7
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Wang S, Zhao Y, Breslawec AP, Liang T, Deng Z, Kuperman LL, Yu Q. Strategy to combat biofilms: a focus on biofilm dispersal enzymes. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:63. [PMID: 37679355 PMCID: PMC10485009 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms, which consist of three-dimensional extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), not only function as signaling networks, provide nutritional support, and facilitate surface adhesion, but also serve as a protective shield for the residing bacterial inhabitants against external stress, such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, and host immune responses. Biofilm-associated infections account for 65-80% of all human microbial infections that lead to serious mortality and morbidity. Tremendous effort has been spent to address the problem by developing biofilm-dispersing agents to discharge colonized microbial cells to a more vulnerable planktonic state. Here, we discuss the recent progress of enzymatic eradicating strategies against medical biofilms, with a focus on dispersal mechanisms. Particularly, we review three enzyme classes that have been extensively investigated, namely glycoside hydrolases, proteases, and deoxyribonucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochi Wang
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanteng Zhao
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Alexandra P Breslawec
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Tingting Liang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune-Engineering of Henan Province, Henan University Jinming Campus, 475004, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Zhifen Deng
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Laura L Kuperman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA.
- Mirimus Inc., 760 Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11226, USA.
| | - Qiuning Yu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China.
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8
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Davey LE, Malkus PN, Villa M, Dolat L, Holmes ZC, Letourneau J, Ansaldo E, David LA, Barton GM, Valdivia RH. A genetic system for Akkermansia muciniphila reveals a role for mucin foraging in gut colonization and host sterol biosynthesis gene expression. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:1450-1467. [PMID: 37337046 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01407-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila, a mucophilic member of the gut microbiota, protects its host against metabolic disorders. Because it is genetically intractable, the mechanisms underlying mucin metabolism, gut colonization and its impact on host physiology are not well understood. Here we developed and applied transposon mutagenesis to identify genes important for intestinal colonization and for the use of mucin. An analysis of transposon mutants indicated that de novo biosynthesis of amino acids was required for A. muciniphila growth on mucin medium and that many glycoside hydrolases are redundant. We observed that mucin degradation products accumulate in internal compartments within bacteria in a process that requires genes encoding pili and a periplasmic protein complex, which we term mucin utilization locus (MUL) genes. We determined that MUL genes were required for intestinal colonization in mice but only when competing with other microbes. In germ-free mice, MUL genes were required for A. muciniphila to repress genes important for cholesterol biosynthesis in the colon. Our genetic system for A. muciniphila provides an important tool with which to uncover molecular links between the metabolism of mucins, regulation of lipid homeostasis and potential probiotic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Davey
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Per N Malkus
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Max Villa
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lee Dolat
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zachary C Holmes
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeff Letourneau
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eduard Ansaldo
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence A David
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gregory M Barton
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Raphael H Valdivia
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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9
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Biology and Regulation of Staphylococcal Biofilm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065218. [PMID: 36982293 PMCID: PMC10049468 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite continuing progress in medical and surgical procedures, staphylococci remain the major Gram-positive bacterial pathogens that cause a wide spectrum of diseases, especially in patients requiring the utilization of indwelling catheters and prosthetic devices implanted temporarily or for prolonged periods of time. Within the genus, if Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis are prevalent species responsible for infections, several coagulase-negative species which are normal components of our microflora also constitute opportunistic pathogens that are able to infect patients. In such a clinical context, staphylococci producing biofilms show an increased resistance to antimicrobials and host immune defenses. Although the biochemical composition of the biofilm matrix has been extensively studied, the regulation of biofilm formation and the factors contributing to its stability and release are currently still being discovered. This review presents and discusses the composition and some regulation elements of biofilm development and describes its clinical importance. Finally, we summarize the numerous and various recent studies that address attempts to destroy an already-formed biofilm within the clinical context as a potential therapeutic strategy to avoid the removal of infected implant material, a critical event for patient convenience and health care costs.
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10
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Arbour CA, Nagar R, Bernstein HM, Ghosh S, Al-Sammarraie Y, Dorfmueller HC, Ferguson MAJ, Stanley-Wall NR, Imperiali B. Defining Early Steps in B. subtilis Biofilm Biosynthesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.22.529487. [PMID: 36865097 PMCID: PMC9980142 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.22.529487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The Bacillus subtilis extracellular biofilm matrix includes an exopolysaccharide that is critical for the architecture and function of the community. To date, our understanding of the biosynthetic machinery and the molecular composition of the exopolysaccharide of B. subtilis remains unclear and incomplete. This report presents synergistic biochemical and genetic studies built from a foundation of comparative sequence analyses targeted at elucidating the activities of the first two membrane-committed steps in the exopolysaccharide biosynthetic pathway. By taking this approach, we determined the nucleotide sugar donor and lipid-linked acceptor substrates for the first two enzymes in the B. subtilis biofilm exopolysaccharide biosynthetic pathway. EpsL catalyzes the first phosphoglycosyl transferase step using UDP-di- N -acetyl bacillosamine as phospho-sugar donor. EpsD is a GT-B fold glycosyl transferase that facilitates the second step in the pathway that utilizes the product of EpsL as an acceptor substrate and UDP- N -acetyl glucosamine as the sugar donor. Thus, the study defines the first two monosaccharides at the reducing end of the growing exopolysaccharide unit. In doing so we provide the first evidence of the presence of bacillosamine in an exopolysaccharide synthesized by a Gram-positive bacterium. IMPORTANCE Biofilms are the communal way of life that microbes adopt to increase survival. Key to our ability to systematically promote or ablate biofilm formation is a detailed understanding of the biofilm matrix macromolecules. Here we identify the first two essential steps in the Bacillus subtilis biofilm matrix exopolysaccharide synthesis pathway. Together our studies and approaches provide the foundation for the sequential characterization of the steps in exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, using prior steps to enable chemoenzymatic synthesis of the undecaprenol diphosphate-linked glycan substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A. Arbour
- Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 (USA)
| | - Rupa Nagar
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Hannah M. Bernstein
- Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 (USA)
| | - Soumi Ghosh
- Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 (USA)
| | - Yusra Al-Sammarraie
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Helge C. Dorfmueller
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Michael A. J. Ferguson
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Nicola R. Stanley-Wall
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Barbara Imperiali
- Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 (USA)
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11
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Balducci E, Papi F, Capialbi DE, Del Bino L. Polysaccharides' Structures and Functions in Biofilm Architecture of Antimicrobial-Resistant (AMR) Pathogens. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044030. [PMID: 36835442 PMCID: PMC9965654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria and fungi have developed resistance to the existing therapies such as antibiotics and antifungal drugs, and multiple mechanisms are mediating this resistance. Among these, the formation of an extracellular matrix embedding different bacterial cells, called biofilm, is an effective strategy through which bacterial and fungal cells are establishing a relationship in a unique environment. The biofilm provides them the possibility to transfer genes conferring resistance, to prevent them from desiccation and to impede the penetration of antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Biofilms are formed of several constituents including extracellular DNA, proteins and polysaccharides. Depending on the bacteria, different polysaccharides form the biofilm matrix in different microorganisms, some of them involved in the first stage of cells' attachment to surfaces and to each other, and some responsible for giving the biofilm structure resistance and stability. In this review, we describe the structure and the role of different polysaccharides in bacterial and fungal biofilms, we revise the analytical methods to characterize them quantitatively and qualitatively and finally we provide an overview of potential new antimicrobial therapies able to inhibit biofilm formation by targeting exopolysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniela Eloisa Capialbi
- GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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12
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Strachan CR, Yu XA, Neubauer V, Mueller AJ, Wagner M, Zebeli Q, Selberherr E, Polz MF. Differential carbon utilization enables co-existence of recently speciated Campylobacteraceae in the cow rumen epithelial microbiome. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:309-320. [PMID: 36635570 PMCID: PMC9894753 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The activities of different microbes in the cow rumen have been shown to modulate the host's ability to utilize plant biomass, while the host-rumen interface has received little attention. As datasets collected worldwide have pointed to Campylobacteraceae as particularly abundant members of the rumen epithelial microbiome, we targeted this group in a subset of seven cows with meta- and isolate genome analysis. We show that the dominant Campylobacteraceae lineage has recently speciated into two populations that were structured by genome-wide selective sweeps followed by population-specific gene import and recombination. These processes led to differences in gene expression and enzyme domain composition that correspond to the ability to utilize acetate, the main carbon source for the host, at the cost of inhibition by propionate. This trade-off in competitive ability further manifests itself in differential dynamics of the two populations in vivo. By exploring population-level adaptations that otherwise remain cryptic in culture-independent analyses, our results highlight how recent evolutionary dynamics can shape key functional roles in the rumen microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R Strachan
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation FFoQSI GmbH, Tulln, Austria
| | - Xiaoqian A Yu
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viktoria Neubauer
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation FFoQSI GmbH, Tulln, Austria
| | - Anna J Mueller
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- University of Vienna, Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Wagner
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation FFoQSI GmbH, Tulln, Austria
| | - Qendrim Zebeli
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Vienna, Austria
| | - Evelyne Selberherr
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin F Polz
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Dueholm MKD, Besteman M, Zeuner EJ, Riisgaard-Jensen M, Nielsen ME, Vestergaard SZ, Heidelbach S, Bekker NS, Nielsen PH. Genetic potential for exopolysaccharide synthesis in activated sludge bacteria uncovered by genome-resolved metagenomics. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 229:119485. [PMID: 36538841 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A good floc formation of activated sludge (AS) is crucial for solid-liquid separation and production of clean effluent during wastewater treatment. Floc formation is partly controlled by self-produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as exopolysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids. Little is known about the composition, structure, and function of EPS in AS and which bacteria produce them. To address this knowledge gap for the exopolysaccharides, we took advantage of 1083 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) obtained from 23 Danish wastewater treatment plants. We investigated the genomic potential for exopolysaccharide biosynthesis in bacterial species typical in AS systems based on genome mining and gene synteny analyses. Putative gene clusters associated with the biosynthesis of alginate, cellulose, curdlan, diutan, hyaluronic acids, Pel, poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (PNAG), Psl, S88 capsular polysaccharide, salecan, succinoglycan, and xanthan were identified and linked to individual MAGs, providing a comprehensive overview of the genome-resolved potential for these exopolysaccharides in AS bacteria. The approach and results provide a starting point for a more comprehensive understanding of EPS composition in wastewater treatment systems, which may facilitate a more refined regulation of the activated sludge process for improved stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Kam Dahl Dueholm
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Maaike Besteman
- Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Emil Juel Zeuner
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Marie Riisgaard-Jensen
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Morten Eneberg Nielsen
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Sofie Zacho Vestergaard
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Søren Heidelbach
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Nicolai Sundgaard Bekker
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Per Halkjær Nielsen
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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14
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Formation of biofilm changed the responses of Tetragenococcus halophilus to ethanol stress revealed by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Food Res Int 2022; 161:111817. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Han J, Poma A. Molecular Targets for Antibody-Based Anti-Biofilm Therapy in Infective Endocarditis. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14153198. [PMID: 35956712 PMCID: PMC9370930 DOI: 10.3390/polym14153198] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a heart disease caused by the infection of heart valves, majorly caused by Staphilococcus aureus. IE is initiated by bacteria entering the blood circulation in favouring conditions (e.g., during invasive procedures). So far, the conventional antimicrobial strategies based on the usage of antibiotics remain the major intervention for treating IE. Nevertheless, the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics in IE is limited not only by the bacterial drug resistance, but also by the formation of biofilms, which resist the penetration of antibiotics into bacterial cells. To overcome these drawbacks, the development of anti-biofilm treatments that can expose bacteria and make them more susceptible to the action of antibiotics, therefore resulting in reduced antimicrobial resistance, is urgently required. A series of anti-biofilm strategies have been developed, and this review will focus in particular on the development of anti-biofilm antibodies. Based on the results previously reported in the literature, several potential anti-biofilm targets are discussed, such as bacterial adhesins, biofilm matrix and bacterial toxins, covering their antigenic properties (with the identification of potential promising epitopes), functional mechanisms, as well as the antibodies already developed against these targets and, where feasible, their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahe Han
- UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, The Rayne Building, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Alessandro Poma
- Division of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK
- Correspondence:
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16
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Xu Y, Hernández-Rocamora VM, Lorent JH, Cox R, Wang X, Bao X, Stel M, Vos G, van den Bos RM, Pieters RJ, Gray J, Vollmer W, Breukink E. Metabolic labeling of the bacterial peptidoglycan by functionalized glucosamine. iScience 2022; 25:104753. [PMID: 35942089 PMCID: PMC9356107 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) is an essential monosaccharide required in almost all organisms. Fluorescent labeling of the peptidoglycan (PG) on N-acetylglucosamine has been poorly explored. Here, we report on the labeling of the PG with a bioorthogonal handle on the GlcNAc. We developed a facile one-step synthesis of uridine diphosphate N-azidoacetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAz) using the glycosyltransferase OleD, followed by in vitro incorporation of GlcNAz into the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II and fluorescent labeling of the azido group via click chemistry. In a PG synthesis assay, fluorescent GlcNAz-labeled Lipid II was incorporated into peptidoglycan by the DD-transpeptidase activity of bifunctional class A penicillin-binding proteins. We further demonstrate the incorporation of GlcNAz into the PG layer of OleD-expressed bacteria by feeding with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl GlcNAz (GlcNAz-CNP). Hence, our labeling method using the heterologous expression of OleD is useful to study PG synthesis and possibly other biological processes involving GlcNAc metabolism in vivo. Peptidoglycan consists of N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, and amino acids We developed a one-step synthesis of azide-labeled UDP-N-acetylglucosamine In vivo generated azide-labeled UDP-N-acetylglucosamine gets incorporated into peptidoglycan Bacteria were fluorescently labeled on N-acetylglucosamine of peptidoglycan
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joseph H. Lorent
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud Cox
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Xue Bao
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjon Stel
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gaël Vos
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ramon M. van den Bos
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roland J. Pieters
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joe Gray
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Eefjan Breukink
- Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author
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17
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Porter M, Davidson FA, MacPhee CE, Stanley-Wall NR. Systematic microscopical analysis reveals obligate synergy between extracellular matrix components during Bacillus subtilis colony biofilm development. Biofilm 2022; 4:100082. [PMID: 36148433 PMCID: PMC9486643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100082] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-species bacterial colony biofilms often present recurring morphologies that are thought to be of benefit to the population of cells within and are known to be dependent on the self-produced extracellular matrix. However, much remains unknown in terms of the developmental process at the single cell level. Here, we design and implement systematic time-lapse imaging and quantitative analyses of the growth of Bacillus subtilis colony biofilms. We follow the development from the initial deposition of founding cells through to the formation of large-scale complex structures. Using the model biofilm strain NCIB 3610, we examine the movement dynamics of the growing biomass and compare them with those displayed by a suite of otherwise isogenic matrix-mutant strains. Correspondingly, we assess the impact of an incomplete matrix on biofilm morphologies and sessile growth rate. Our results indicate that radial expansion of colony biofilms results from the division of bacteria at the biofilm periphery rather than being driven by swelling due to fluid intake. Moreover, we show that lack of exopolysaccharide production has a negative impact on cell division rate, and the extracellular matrix components act synergistically to give the biomass the structural strength to produce aerial protrusions and agar substrate-deforming ability.
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18
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Xu Y, Yang L, Wang H, Wei X, Shi Y, Liang D, Cao M, He N. Putative functions of EpsK in teichuronic acid synthesis and phosphate starvation in Bacillus licheniformis. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2022; 7:815-823. [PMID: 35475252 PMCID: PMC9018123 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2022.04.001] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) are extracellular macromolecules in bacteria, which function in cell growth and show potential for mechanism study and biosynthesis application. However, the biosynthesis mechanism of EPS is still not clear. We herein chose Bacillus licheniformis CGMCC 2876 as a target strain to investigate the EPS biosynthesis. epsK, a member of eps cluster, the predicted polysaccharide synthesis cluster, was overexpressed and showed that the overexpression of epsK led to a 26.54% decrease in the production of EPS and resulted in slenderer cell shape. Transcriptome analysis combined with protein-protein interactions analysis and protein modeling revealed that epsK was likely responsible for the synthesis of teichuronic acid, a substitute cell wall component of teichoic acid when the strain was suffering phosphate limitation. Further cell cultivation showed that either phosphate limitation or the overexpression of teichuronic acid synthesis genes, tuaB and tuaE could similarly lead to EPS reduction. The enhanced production of teichuronic acid induced by epsK overexpression triggered the endogenous phosphate starvation, resulting in the decreased EPS synthesis and biomass, and the enhanced bacterial chemotaxis. This study presents an insight into the mechanism of EPS synthesis and offers the potential in controllable synthesis of target products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Lijie Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Wei
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Yanyan Shi
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Dafeng Liang
- Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510316, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Mingfeng Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.
| | - Ning He
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- The Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.
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19
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Kaur H, Kaur A, Soni SK, Rishi P. Microbially-derived cocktail of carbohydrases as an anti-biofouling agents: a 'green approach'. BIOFOULING 2022; 38:455-481. [PMID: 35673761 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2022.2085566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes, also known as biocatalysts, display vital properties like high substrate specificity, an eco-friendly nature, low energy inputs, and cost-effectiveness. Among their numerous known applications, enzymes that can target biofilms or their components are increasingly being investigated for their anti-biofouling action, particularly in healthcare, food manufacturing units and environmental applications. Enzymes can target biofilms at different levels like during the attachment of microorganisms, formation of exopolymeric substances (EPS), and their disruption thereafter. In this regard, a consortium of carbohydrases that can target heterogeneous polysaccharides present in the EPS matrix may provide an effective alternative to conventional chemical anti-biofouling methods. Further, for complete annihilation of biofilms, enzymes can be used alone or in conjunction with other antimicrobial agents. Enzymes hold the promise to replace the conventional methods with greener, more economical, and more efficient alternatives. The present article explores the potential and future perspectives of using carbohydrases as effective anti-biofilm agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arashdeep Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Praveen Rishi
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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20
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Lee KA, Thomas AM, Bolte LA, Björk JR, de Ruijter LK, Armanini F, Asnicar F, Blanco-Miguez A, Board R, Calbet-Llopart N, Derosa L, Dhomen N, Brooks K, Harland M, Harries M, Leeming ER, Lorigan P, Manghi P, Marais R, Newton-Bishop J, Nezi L, Pinto F, Potrony M, Puig S, Serra-Bellver P, Shaw HM, Tamburini S, Valpione S, Vijay A, Waldron L, Zitvogel L, Zolfo M, de Vries EGE, Nathan P, Fehrmann RSN, Bataille V, Hospers GAP, Spector TD, Weersma RK, Segata N. Cross-cohort gut microbiome associations with immune checkpoint inhibitor response in advanced melanoma. Nat Med 2022; 28:535-544. [PMID: 35228751 PMCID: PMC8938272 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01695-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The composition of the gut microbiome has been associated with clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, but there is limited consensus on the specific microbiome characteristics linked to the clinical benefits of ICIs. We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing of stool samples collected before ICI initiation from five observational cohorts recruiting ICI-naive patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma (n = 165). Integrating the dataset with 147 metagenomic samples from previously published studies, we found that the gut microbiome has a relevant, but cohort-dependent, association with the response to ICIs. A machine learning analysis confirmed the link between the microbiome and overall response rates (ORRs) and progression-free survival (PFS) with ICIs but also revealed limited reproducibility of microbiome-based signatures across cohorts. Accordingly, a panel of species, including Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Roseburia spp. and Akkermansia muciniphila, associated with responders was identified, but no single species could be regarded as a fully consistent biomarker across studies. Overall, the role of the human gut microbiome in ICI response appears more complex than previously thought, extending beyond differing microbial species simply present or absent in responders and nonresponders. Future studies should adopt larger sample sizes and take into account the complex interplay of clinical factors with the gut microbiome over the treatment course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla A Lee
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Laura A Bolte
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes R Björk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Laura Kist de Ruijter
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Ruth Board
- Department of Oncology, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Preston, UK
| | - Neus Calbet-Llopart
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lisa Derosa
- U1015 INSERM, University Paris Saclay, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center and Oncobiome Network, Villejuif-Grand-Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Dhomen
- Molecular Oncology Group, CRUK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kelly Brooks
- Molecular Oncology Group, CRUK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark Harland
- Division of Haematology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Mark Harries
- Biochemical and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guys Cancer Centre, Guys and St Thomas's NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Emily R Leeming
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Lorigan
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paolo Manghi
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Richard Marais
- Molecular Oncology Group, CRUK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Julia Newton-Bishop
- Division of Haematology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Luigi Nezi
- European Institute of Oncology (Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, IRCSS), Milan, Italy
| | | | - Miriam Potrony
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemical and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Puig
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemical and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Heather M Shaw
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, UK
| | - Sabrina Tamburini
- European Institute of Oncology (Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, IRCSS), Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Valpione
- Molecular Oncology Group, CRUK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Amrita Vijay
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
- Rheumatology & Orthopaedics Division, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Levi Waldron
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- U1015 INSERM, University Paris Saclay, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center and Oncobiome Network, Villejuif-Grand-Paris, France
| | - Moreno Zolfo
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Elisabeth G E de Vries
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Nathan
- Biochemical and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rudolf S N Fehrmann
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Véronique Bataille
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Dermatology, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, UK
| | - Geke A P Hospers
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tim D Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Rinse K Weersma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Nicola Segata
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
- European Institute of Oncology (Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, IRCSS), Milan, Italy.
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21
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Fu J, Liu C, Li L, Liu J, Tie Y, Wen X, Zhao Q, Qiao Z, An Z, Zheng J. Adaptive response and tolerance to weak acids in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii
: a metabolomics approach. Int J Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.15598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Fu
- College of Biotechnology Engineering Sichuan University of Science and Engineering Yibin 644000 China
| | - Chaolan Liu
- Antibiotics Research and Re‐evalution Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics Chengdu University Chengdu 610052 China
| | - Li Li
- College of Biotechnology Engineering Sichuan University of Science and Engineering Yibin 644000 China
| | - Jun Liu
- College of Biotechnology Engineering Sichuan University of Science and Engineering Yibin 644000 China
| | - Yu Tie
- College of Biotechnology Engineering Sichuan University of Science and Engineering Yibin 644000 China
- Solid‐State Fermentation Resource Utilisation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Yibin 644000 China
| | - Xueping Wen
- College of Biotechnology Engineering Sichuan University of Science and Engineering Yibin 644000 China
| | - Qikai Zhao
- College of Biotechnology Engineering Sichuan University of Science and Engineering Yibin 644000 China
- HengfengHuaBang Biological Science and Technology Co., Ltd. Leshan 614000 China
| | | | - Zheming An
- Wuliangye Yibin Co, Ltd Yibin 644000 China
| | - Jia Zheng
- Wuliangye Yibin Co, Ltd Yibin 644000 China
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22
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Sanchez-Vizuete P, Dergham Y, Bridier A, Deschamps J, Dervyn E, Hamze K, Aymerich S, Le Coq D, Briandet R. The coordinated population redistribution between Bacillus subtilis submerged biofilm and liquid-air pellicle. Biofilm 2022; 4:100065. [PMID: 35024609 PMCID: PMC8732777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2021.100065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis is a widely used bacterial model to decipher biofilm formation, genetic determinants and their regulation. For several years, studies were conducted on colonies or pellicles formed at the interface with air, but more recent works showed that non-domesticated strains were able to form thick and structured biofilms on submerged surfaces. Taking advantage of time-lapse confocal laser scanning microscopy, we monitored bacterial colonization on the surface and observed an unexpected biphasic submerged biofilm development. Cells adhering to the surface firstly form elongated chains before being suddenly fragmented and released as free motile cells in the medium. This switching coincided with an oxygen depletion in the well which preceded the formation of the pellicle at the liquid-air interface. Residual bacteria still associated with the solid surface at the bottom of the well started to express matrix genes under anaerobic metabolism to build the typical biofilm protruding structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Sanchez-Vizuete
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Yasmine Dergham
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Faculty of Science, Lebanese University, 1003, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Arnaud Bridier
- Fougères Laboratory, Antibiotics, Biocides, Residues and Resistance Unit, Anses, 35300, Fougères, France
| | - Julien Deschamps
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Etienne Dervyn
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Kassem Hamze
- Faculty of Science, Lebanese University, 1003, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stéphane Aymerich
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Dominique Le Coq
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Romain Briandet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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23
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Fang Q, Feng Y, McNally A, Zong Z. Characterization of phage resistance and phages capable of intestinal decolonization of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in mice. Commun Biol 2022; 5:48. [PMID: 35027665 PMCID: PMC8758719 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03001-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) has emerged as a severe global health challenge. We isolate and characterize two previously unidentified lytic phages, P24 and P39, with large burst sizes active against ST11 KL64, a major CRKP lineage. P24 and P39 represent species of the genera Przondovirus (Studiervirinae subfamily) and Webervirus (Drexlerviridae family), respectively. P24 and P39 together restrain CRKP growth to nearly 8 h. Phage-resistant mutants exhibit reduced capsule production and decreased virulence. Modifications in mshA and wcaJ encoding capsule polysaccharide synthesis mediate P24 resistance whilst mutations in epsJ encoding exopolysaccharide synthesis cause P39 resistance. We test P24 alone and together with P39 for decolonizing CRKP using mouse intestinal colonization models. Bacterial load shed decrease significantly in mice treated with P24 and P39. In conclusion, we report the characterization of two previously unidentified lytic phages against CRKP, revealing phage resistance mechanisms and demonstrating the potential of lytic phages for intestinal decolonization. Fang et al. characterized two previously unidentified phage species that could inhibit growth and decrease virulence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). They also showed that CRKP develop phage resistance but could still be decolonized in a mouse intestinal colonization model, highlighting phage therapy as potential treatment against drug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Fang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Center for Pathogen Research, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Alan McNally
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zhiyong Zong
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,Center for Pathogen Research, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. .,Department of Infection Control, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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24
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Maan H, Povolotsky TL, Porat Z, Itkin M, Malitsky S, Kolodkin-Gal I. Imaging flow cytometry reveals a dual role for exopolysaccharides in biofilms: To promote self-adhesion while repelling non-self-community members. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 20:15-25. [PMID: 34976308 PMCID: PMC8666610 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature, bacteria frequently reside in differentiated communities or biofilms. These multicellular communities are held together by self-produced polymers that allow the community members to adhere to the surface as well as to neighbor bacteria. Here, we report that exopolysaccharides prevent Bacillus subtilis from co-aggregating with a distantly related bacterium Bacillus mycoides, while maintaining their role in promoting self-adhesion and co-adhesion with phylogenetically related bacterium, Bacillus atrophaeus. The defensive role of the exopolysaccharides is due to the specific regulation of bacillaene. Single cell analysis of biofilm and free-living bacterial cells using imaging flow cytometry confirmed a specific role for the exopolysaccharides in microbial competition repelling B. mycoides. Unlike exopolysaccharides, the matrix protein TasA induced bacillaene but inhibited the expression of the biosynthetic clusters for surfactin, and therefore its overall effect on microbial competition during floating biofilm formation was neutral. Thus, the exopolysaccharides provide a dual fitness advantage for biofilm-forming cells, as it acts to promote co-aggregation of related species, as well as, a secreted cue for chemical interference with non-compatible partners. These results experimentally demonstrate a general assembly principle of complex communities and provides an appealing explanation for how closely related species are favored during community assembly. Furthermore, the differential regulation of surfactin and bacillaene by the extracellular matrix may explain the spatio-temporal gradients of antibiotic production within biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Maan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maxim Itkin
- Life Science Core Facilities Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sergey Malitsky
- Life Science Core Facilities Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ilana Kolodkin-Gal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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25
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Thorn CR, Howell PL, Wozniak DJ, Prestidge CA, Thomas N. Enhancing the therapeutic use of biofilm-dispersing enzymes with smart drug delivery systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:113916. [PMID: 34371086 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm-dispersing enzymes degrade the extracellular polymeric matrix surrounding bacterial biofilms, disperse the microbial community and increase their susceptibility to antibiotics and immune cells. Challenges for the clinical translation of biofilm-dispersing enzymes involve their susceptibility to denaturation, degradation, and clearance upon administration in vivo. Drug delivery systems aim to overcome these limitations through encapsulation, stabilization and protection from the exterior environment, thereby maintaining the enzymatic activity. Smart drug delivery systems offer target specificity, releasing payloads at the site of infection while minimizing unnecessary systemic exposure. This review highlights critical advances of biofilm-dispersing enzymes as a novel therapeutic approach for biofilm-associated infections. We explore how smart, bio-responsive delivery systems overcome the limiting factors of biofilm-dispersing enzymes and summarize the key systems designed. This review will guide future developments, focusing on utilizing selective and specific therapies in a targeted fashion to meet the unmet therapeutic needs of biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R Thorn
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Departments of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Clive A Prestidge
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Nicky Thomas
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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26
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Multifunctional fluorescent probes for high-throughput characterization of hexosaminidase enzyme activity. Bioorg Chem 2021; 119:105532. [PMID: 34883361 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Microbial polysaccharides composed of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), such as chitin, peptidoglycan and poly-β-(1 → 6)-GlcNAc (dPNAG), play a critical role in maintaining cell integrity or in facilitating biofilm formation in numerous fungal and bacterial pathogens. Glycosyl hydrolase enzymes that catalyze the degradation of these β-GlcNAc containing polysaccharides play important roles in normal microbial cell physiology and can also be exploited as biocatalysts with applications as anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, or biofilm dispersal agents. Assays to rapidly detect and characterize the activity of such glycosyl hydrolase enzymes can facilitate their development as biocatalyst, however, currently available probes such as 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-GlcNAc (4MU-GlcNAc) are not universally accepted as substrates, and their fluorescent signal is sensitive to changes in pH. Here, we present the development of a new multifunctional fluorescent substrate analog for the detection and characterization of hexosaminidase enzyme activity containing a 7-amino-4-methyl coumarin (AMC) carbamate aglycone. This probe is widely tolerated as a substrate for exo-acting β-hexosaminidase, family 19 endo-chitinase, and the dPNAG hydrolase enzyme Dispersin B (DspB) and enables detection of hexosaminidase enzyme activity via either single wavelength fluorescent measurements or ratiometric fluorescent detection. We demonstrate the utility of this probe to screen for recombinant DspB activity in Escherichia coli cell lysates, and for the development of a high-throughput assay to screen for DspB inhibitors.
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27
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Opdensteinen P, Dietz SJ, Gengenbach BB, Buyel JF. Expression of Biofilm-Degrading Enzymes in Plants and Automated High-Throughput Activity Screening Using Experimental Bacillus subtilis Biofilms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:708150. [PMID: 34621728 PMCID: PMC8490750 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.708150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-forming bacteria are sources of infections because they are often resistant to antibiotics and chemical removal. Recombinant biofilm-degrading enzymes have the potential to remove biofilms gently, but they can be toxic toward microbial hosts and are therefore difficult to produce in bacteria. Here, we investigated Nicotiana species for the production of such enzymes using the dispersin B-like enzyme Lysobacter gummosus glyco 2 (Lg2) as a model. We first optimized transient Lg2 expression in plant cell packs using different subcellular targeting methods. We found that expression levels were transferable to differentiated plants, facilitating the scale-up of production. Our process yielded 20 mg kg−1 Lg2 in extracts but 0.3 mg kg−1 after purification, limited by losses during depth filtration. Next, we established an experimental biofilm assay to screen enzymes for degrading activity using different Bacillus subtilis strains. We then tested complex and chemically defined growth media for reproducible biofilm formation before converting the assay to an automated high-throughput screening format. Finally, we quantified the biofilm-degrading activity of Lg2 in comparison with commercial enzymes against our experimental biofilms, indicating that crude extracts can be screened directly. This ability will allow us to combine high-throughput expression in plant cell packs with automated activity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Opdensteinen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - S J Dietz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - B B Gengenbach
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - J F Buyel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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28
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Poulin MB, Kuperman LL. Regulation of Biofilm Exopolysaccharide Production by Cyclic Di-Guanosine Monophosphate. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:730980. [PMID: 34566936 PMCID: PMC8461298 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.730980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial species in nature possess the ability to transition into a sessile lifestyle and aggregate into cohesive colonies, known as biofilms. Within a biofilm, bacterial cells are encapsulated within an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) comprised of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other small molecules. The transition from planktonic growth to the biofilm lifecycle provides numerous benefits to bacteria, such as facilitating adherence to abiotic surfaces, evasion of a host immune system, and resistance to common antibiotics. As a result, biofilm-forming bacteria contribute to 65% of infections in humans, and substantially increase the energy and time required for treatment and recovery. Several biofilm specific exopolysaccharides, including cellulose, alginate, Pel polysaccharide, and poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG), have been shown to play an important role in bacterial biofilm formation and their production is strongly correlated with pathogenicity and virulence. In many bacteria the biosynthetic machineries required for assembly of these exopolysaccharides are regulated by common signaling molecules, with the second messenger cyclic di-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) playing an especially important role in the post-translational activation of exopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Research on treatments of antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-forming bacteria through direct targeting of c-di-GMP signaling has shown promise, including peptide-based treatments that sequester intracellular c-di-GMP. In this review, we will examine the direct role c-di-GMP plays in the biosynthesis and export of biofilm exopolysaccharides with a focus on the mechanism of post-translational activation of these pathways, as well as describe novel approaches to inhibit biofilm formation through direct targeting of c-di-GMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles B Poulin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Laura L Kuperman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
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29
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Ramos Y, Sansone S, Morales DK. Sugarcoating it: Enterococcal polysaccharides as key modulators of host-pathogen interactions. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009822. [PMID: 34499702 PMCID: PMC8428557 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yusibeska Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Sansone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Diana K. Morales
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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30
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Arnaouteli S, Bamford NC, Stanley-Wall NR, Kovács ÁT. Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation and social interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:600-614. [PMID: 33824496 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00540-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation is a process in which microbial cells aggregate to form collectives that are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium that is used to dissect the mechanisms controlling matrix production and the subsequent transition from a motile planktonic cell state to a sessile biofilm state. The collective nature of life in a biofilm allows emergent properties to manifest, and B. subtilis biofilms are linked with novel industrial uses as well as probiotic and biocontrol processes. In this Review, we outline the molecular details of the biofilm matrix and the regulatory pathways and external factors that control its production. We explore the beneficial outcomes associated with biofilms. Finally, we highlight major advances in our understanding of concepts of microbial evolution and community behaviour that have resulted from studies of the innate heterogeneity of biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Arnaouteli
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Natalie C Bamford
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Nicola R Stanley-Wall
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | - Ákos T Kovács
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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31
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da Silva Junior AG, Frias IAM, Lima-Neto RG, Sá SR, Oliveira MDL, Andrade CAS. Concanavalin A differentiates gram-positive bacteria through hierarchized nanostructured transducer. Microbiol Res 2021; 251:126834. [PMID: 34364021 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Biosensors are pre-prepared diagnostic devices composed of at least one biological probe. These devices are envisaged for the practical identification of specific targets of microbiological interest. In recent years, the use of narrow-specific probes such as lectins has been proven to distinguish bacteria and glycoproteins based on their superficial glycomic pattern. For instance, Concanavalin A is a carbohydrate-binding lectin indicated as a narrow-specific biological probe for Gram-negative bacteria. As a drawback, Gram-positive bacteria are frequently overlooked from lectin-based biosensing studies because their identification results in low resolution and overlapped signals. In this work, the authors explore the effect that platform nanostructuration has over the electrochemical response of ConA-based platforms constructed for bacterial detection; one is formed of chitosan-capped magnetic nanoparticles, and another is composed of gold nanoparticle-decorated magnetic nanoparticles. The biosensing platforms were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) as a function of bacterial concentration. Our results show that probe-target interaction causes variations in the electrical responses of nanostructured transducers. Moreover, the association of gold nanoparticles to magnetic nanoparticles resulted in an electrical enhancement capable of overcoming low resolution and overlapping Gram-positive identification. Both platforms attained a limit of detection of 10 ° CFU mL-1, which is useful for water analyses and sanitation concerns, where low CFU mL-1 are always expected. Although both platforms were able to detect Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positives were only correctly differentiated by the gold nanoparticle-decorated magnetic nanoparticles, thus demonstrating the positive influence of hierarchically nanostructured platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto G da Silva Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biodispositivos Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Isaac A M Frias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biodispositivos Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo G Lima-Neto
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Sandra R Sá
- Laboratório de Biodispositivos Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maria D L Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biodispositivos Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - César A S Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biodispositivos Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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32
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Bange G, Bedrunka P. Physiology of guanosine-based second messenger signaling in Bacillus subtilis. Biol Chem 2021; 401:1307-1322. [PMID: 32881708 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The guanosine-based second messengers (p)ppGpp and c-di-GMP are key players of the physiological regulation of the Gram-positive model organism Bacillus subtilis. Their regulatory spectrum ranges from key metabolic processes over motility to biofilm formation. Here we review our mechanistic knowledge on their synthesis and degradation in response to environmental and stress signals as well as what is known on their cellular effectors and targets. Moreover, we discuss open questions and our gaps in knowledge on these two important second messengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert Bange
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO) and Department of Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 6, C07, Marburg, D-35043,Germany
| | - Patricia Bedrunka
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO) and Department of Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 6, C07, Marburg, D-35043,Germany
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33
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Guzmán-Soto I, McTiernan C, Gonzalez-Gomez M, Ross A, Gupta K, Suuronen EJ, Mah TF, Griffith M, Alarcon EI. Mimicking biofilm formation and development: Recent progress in in vitro and in vivo biofilm models. iScience 2021; 24:102443. [PMID: 34013169 PMCID: PMC8113887 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation in living organisms is associated to tissue and implant infections, and it has also been linked to the contribution of antibiotic resistance. Thus, understanding biofilm development and being able to mimic such processes is vital for the successful development of antibiofilm treatments and therapies. Several decades of research have contributed to building the foundation for developing in vitro and in vivo biofilm models. However, no such thing as an "all fit" in vitro or in vivo biofilm models is currently available. In this review, in addition to presenting an updated overview of biofilm formation, we critically revise recent approaches for the improvement of in vitro and in vivo biofilm models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Guzmán-Soto
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Christopher McTiernan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Mayte Gonzalez-Gomez
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Alex Ross
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Keshav Gupta
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Erik J. Suuronen
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Thien-Fah Mah
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Centre de Recherche Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, H1T 2M4, Canada
- Département d'ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Emilio I. Alarcon
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4W7, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
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34
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Carzaniga T, Falchi FA, Forti F, Antoniani D, Landini P, Briani F. Different csrA Expression Levels in C versus K-12 E. coli Strains Affect Biofilm Formation and Impact the Regulatory Mechanism Presided by the CsrB and CsrC Small RNAs. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051010. [PMID: 34067197 PMCID: PMC8151843 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli C is a strong biofilm producer in comparison to E. coli K-12 laboratory strains due to higher expression of the pgaABCD operon encoding the enzymes for the biosynthesis of the extracellular polysaccharide poly-β-1,6-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG). The pgaABCD operon is negatively regulated at the post-transcriptional level by two factors, namely CsrA, a conserved RNA-binding protein controlling multiple pathways, and the RNA exonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase). In this work, we investigated the molecular bases of different PNAG production in C-1a and MG1655 strains taken as representative of E. coli C and K-12 strains, respectively. We found that pgaABCD operon expression is significantly lower in MG1655 than in C-1a; consistently, CsrA protein levels were much higher in MG1655. In contrast, we show that the negative effect exerted by PNPase on pgaABCD expression is much stronger in C-1a than in MG1655. The amount of CsrA and of the small RNAs CsrB, CsrC, and McaS sRNAs regulating CsrA activity is dramatically different in the two strains, whereas PNPase level is similar. Finally, the compensatory regulation acting between CsrB and CsrC in MG1655 does not occur in E. coli C. Our results suggest that PNPase preserves CsrA-dependent regulation by indirectly modulating csrA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Carzaniga
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (T.C.); (F.A.F.); (F.F.); (D.A.); (P.L.)
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, 20054 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica A. Falchi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (T.C.); (F.A.F.); (F.F.); (D.A.); (P.L.)
| | - Francesca Forti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (T.C.); (F.A.F.); (F.F.); (D.A.); (P.L.)
| | - Davide Antoniani
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (T.C.); (F.A.F.); (F.F.); (D.A.); (P.L.)
| | - Paolo Landini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (T.C.); (F.A.F.); (F.F.); (D.A.); (P.L.)
| | - Federica Briani
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (T.C.); (F.A.F.); (F.F.); (D.A.); (P.L.)
- Correspondence:
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35
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Molina-Santiago C, de Vicente A, Romero D. Bacterial extracellular matrix as a natural source of biotechnologically multivalent materials. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2796-2805. [PMID: 34093994 PMCID: PMC8138678 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an intricate megastructure made by bacterial cells to form architecturally complex biostructures called biofilms. Protection of cells, modulation of cell-to-cell signalling, cell differentiation and environmental sensing are functions of the ECM that reflect its diverse chemical composition. Proteins, polysaccharides and eDNA have specific functionalities while cooperatively interacting to sustain the architecture and biological relevance of the ECM. The accumulated evidence on the chemical heterogeneity and specific functionalities of ECM components has attracted attention because of their potential biotechnological applications, from agriculture to the water and food industries. This review compiles information on the most relevant bacterial ECM components, the biophysical and chemical features responsible for their biological roles, and their potential to be further translated into biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Molina-Santiago
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea “La Mayora”, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 31 (Campus Universitario de teatinos), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio de Vicente
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea “La Mayora”, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 31 (Campus Universitario de teatinos), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Diego Romero
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea “La Mayora”, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 31 (Campus Universitario de teatinos), 29071 Málaga, Spain
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36
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Chan Y, Wu XH, Chieng BW, Ibrahim NA, Then YY. Superhydrophobic Nanocoatings as Intervention against Biofilm-Associated Bacterial Infections. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1046. [PMID: 33921904 PMCID: PMC8073257 DOI: 10.3390/nano11041046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation represents a significant cause of concern as it has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, thereby imposing a huge burden on public healthcare system throughout the world. As biofilms are usually resistant to various conventional antimicrobial interventions, they may result in severe and persistent infections, which necessitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat biofilm-based infections. Physicochemical modification of the biomaterials utilized in medical devices to mitigate initial microbial attachment has been proposed as a promising strategy in combating polymicrobial infections, as the adhesion of microorganisms is typically the first step for the formation of biofilms. For instance, superhydrophobic surfaces have been shown to possess substantial anti-biofilm properties attributed to the presence of nanostructures. In this article, we provide an insight into the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation and their composition, as well as the applications of nanomaterials as superhydrophobic nanocoatings for the development of novel anti-biofilm therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghan Chan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University (IMU), Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Xun Hui Wu
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University (IMU), Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Buong Woei Chieng
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (B.W.C.); (N.A.I.)
| | - Nor Azowa Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (B.W.C.); (N.A.I.)
| | - Yoon Yee Then
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University (IMU), Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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37
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Sharipova MR, Mardanova AM, Rudakova NL, Pudova DS. Bistability and Formation of the Biofilm Matrix as Adaptive Mechanisms during the Stationary Phase of Bacillus subtilis. Microbiology (Reading) 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s002626172006017x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
In bacteria, a condensed structure of FtsZ (Z-ring) recruits cell division machinery at the midcell, and Z-ring formation is discouraged over the chromosome by a poorly understood phenomenon called nucleoid occlusion. In B. subtilis, nucleoid occlusion has been reported to be mediated, at least in part, by the DNA-membrane bridging protein, Noc. Bacteria that divide by binary fission form FtsZ rings at the geometric midpoint of the cell between the bulk of the replicated nucleoids. In Bacillus subtilis, the DNA- and membrane-binding Noc protein is thought to participate in nucleoid occlusion by preventing FtsZ rings from forming over the chromosome. To explore the role of Noc, we used time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to monitor FtsZ and the nucleoid of cells growing in microfluidic channels. Our data show that Noc does not prevent de novo FtsZ ring formation over the chromosome nor does Noc control cell division site selection. Instead, Noc corrals FtsZ at the cytokinetic ring and reduces migration of protofilaments over the chromosome to the future site of cell division. Moreover, we show that FtsZ protofilaments travel due to a local reduction in ZapA association, and the diffuse FtsZ rings observed in the Noc mutant can be suppressed by ZapA overexpression. Thus, Noc sterically hinders FtsZ migration away from the Z-ring during cytokinesis and retains FtsZ at the postdivisional polar site for full disassembly by the Min system.
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The staphylococcal exopolysaccharide PIA - Biosynthesis and role in biofilm formation, colonization, and infection. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020. [PMID: 33240473 DOI: 10.1016/jcsbj202010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exopolysaccharide is a key part of the extracellular matrix that contributes to important mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity, most notably biofilm formation and immune evasion. In the human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, as well as in many other staphylococcal species, the only exopolysaccharide is polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA), a cationic, partially deacetylated homopolymer of N-acetylglucosamine, whose biosynthetic machinery is encoded in the ica locus. PIA production is strongly dependent on environmental conditions and controlled by many regulatory systems. PIA contributes significantly to staphylococcal biofilm formation and immune evasion mechanisms, such as resistance to antimicrobial peptides and ingestion and killing by phagocytes, and presence of the ica genes is associated with infectivity. Due to its role in pathogenesis, PIA has raised considerable interest as a potential vaccine component or target.
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40
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Nguyen HTT, Nguyen TH, Otto M. The staphylococcal exopolysaccharide PIA - Biosynthesis and role in biofilm formation, colonization, and infection. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:3324-3334. [PMID: 33240473 PMCID: PMC7674160 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PIA is a key extracellular matrix component in staphylococci and other bacteria. PIA is a cationic, partially deacetylated N-acetylglucosamine polymer. PIA has a major role in bacterial biofilms and biofilm-associated infection.
Exopolysaccharide is a key part of the extracellular matrix that contributes to important mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity, most notably biofilm formation and immune evasion. In the human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, as well as in many other staphylococcal species, the only exopolysaccharide is polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA), a cationic, partially deacetylated homopolymer of N-acetylglucosamine, whose biosynthetic machinery is encoded in the ica locus. PIA production is strongly dependent on environmental conditions and controlled by many regulatory systems. PIA contributes significantly to staphylococcal biofilm formation and immune evasion mechanisms, such as resistance to antimicrobial peptides and ingestion and killing by phagocytes, and presence of the ica genes is associated with infectivity. Due to its role in pathogenesis, PIA has raised considerable interest as a potential vaccine component or target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoai T T Nguyen
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda 20814, MD, USA.,School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Khu Pho 6, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Thuan H Nguyen
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda 20814, MD, USA
| | - Michael Otto
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda 20814, MD, USA
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41
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Xiong ZQ, Fan YZ, Song X, Liu XX, Xia YJ, Ai LZ. The second messenger c-di-AMP mediates bacterial exopolysaccharide biosynthesis: a review. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:9149-9157. [PMID: 33128205 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05930-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic dimeric adenosine 3'-5'-monophosphate (c-di-AMP) is a recently discovered nucleotide messenger in bacteria. It plays an important role in signaling, transcription, and cell physiology, such as in bacterial growth, potassium transport, fatty acid synthesis, the metabolic balance of cell wall components, and biofilm formation. Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) have distinct physico-chemical properties and diverse bioactivities including antibacterial, hypolipidemic, and antioxidative activities, and they are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Although c-di-AMP has been demonstrated to regulate the biosynthesis of bacterial EPSs, only a single c-di-AMP receptor, CabpA, has been identified in EPS synthesis. With the aim of describing current understanding of the regulation of microbial EPSs, this review summarizes c-di-AMP biosynthesis and degradation as well as the mechanism through which c-di-AMP regulates bacterial EPSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Xiong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Fan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Xin Song
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Xin-Xin Liu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Yong-Jun Xia
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Lian-Zhong Ai
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China.
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42
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Daubenspeck JM, Totten AH, Needham J, Feng M, Balish MF, Atkinson TP, Dybvig K. Mycoplasma genitalium Biofilms Contain Poly-GlcNAc and Contribute to Antibiotic Resistance. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:585524. [PMID: 33193233 PMCID: PMC7652822 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.585524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is an important etiologic agent of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), known for chronicity and multidrug resistance, in which biofilms may play an integral role. In some bacterial species capable of forming biofilms, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) composed of poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) are a crucial component of the matrix. Monosaccharide analysis of M. genitalium strains revealed high abundance of GlcNAc, suggesting a biofilm-specific EPS. Chromatograms also showed high concentrations of galactose and glucose as observed in other mycoplasma species. Fluorescence microscopy of M. genitalium biofilms utilizing fluor-coupled lectins revealed differential staining of biofilm structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed increasing maturation over time of bacterial “towers” seen in biofilm development. As seen with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, organisms within fully mature M. genitalium biofilms exhibited loss of cell polarization. Bacteria associated with disrupted biofilms exhibited decreased dose-dependent viability after treatment with antibiotics compared to bacteria with intact biofilms. In addition, growth index analysis demonstrated decreases in metabolism in cultures with disrupted biofilms with antibiotic treatment. Taken together, these data suggest that M. genitalium biofilms are a contributing factor in antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Daubenspeck
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Arthur H Totten
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jason Needham
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Monica Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Mitchell F Balish
- Department of Microbiology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - T Prescott Atkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kevin Dybvig
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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43
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Gening ML, Pier GB, Nifantiev NE. Broadly protective semi-synthetic glycoconjugate vaccine against pathogens capable of producing poly-β-(1→6)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine exopolysaccharide. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2020; 35-36:13-21. [PMID: 33388124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Poly-β-(1→6)-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) was first discovered as a major component of biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and some other staphylococci but later this exopolysaccharide was also found to be produced by pathogens of various nature. This common antigen is considered as a promising target for construction of a broadly protective vaccine. Extensive studies of PNAG, its de-N-acetylated derivative (dPNAG, containing around 15% of residual N-acetates) and their conjugates with Tetanus Toxoid (TT) revealed the crucial role of de-N-acetylated glucosamine units for the induction of protective immunity. Conjugates of synthetic penta- (5GlcNH2) and nona-β-(1→6)-d-glucosamines (9GlcNH2) were tested in vitro and in different animal models and proved to be effective in passive and active protection against different microbial pathogens. Presently conjugate 5GlcNH2-TT is being produced under GMP conditions and undergoes safety and effectiveness evaluation in humans and economically important animals. Current review summarizes all stages of this long-termed study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L Gening
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gerald B Pier
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Nikolay E Nifantiev
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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44
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Morrison ZA, Nitz M. Synthesis of C6-substituted UDP-GlcNAc derivatives. Carbohydr Res 2020; 495:108071. [PMID: 32634644 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2020.108071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
UDP-sugar analogs are useful for the study of glycosyltransferases and the production of unnatural glycans. The preparation of five UDP-GlcNAc derivatives is reported with 6-deoxy, 6-azido, 6-amino, 6-mercapto, or 6-fluoro substitutions. A concise chemoenzymatic synthesis was developed using the kinase NahK (B. longum JCM1217) and the uridyl transferase GlmU (E. coli K12).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Morrison
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Mark Nitz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H6, Canada.
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45
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Ultee E, van der Aart LT, Zhang L, van Dissel D, Diebolder CA, van Wezel GP, Claessen D, Briegel A. Teichoic acids anchor distinct cell wall lamellae in an apically growing bacterium. Commun Biol 2020; 3:314. [PMID: 32555532 PMCID: PMC7300013 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-1038-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial cell wall is a multicomponent structure that provides structural support and protection. In monoderm species, the cell wall is made up predominantly of peptidoglycan, teichoic acids and capsular glycans. Filamentous monoderm Actinobacteria incorporate new cell-wall material at their tips. Here we use cryo-electron tomography to reveal the architecture of the actinobacterial cell wall of Streptomyces coelicolor. Our data shows a density difference between the apex and subapical regions. Removal of teichoic acids results in a patchy cell wall and distinct lamellae. Knock-down of tagO expression using CRISPR-dCas9 interference leads to growth retardation, presumably because build-in of teichoic acids had become rate-limiting. Absence of extracellular glycans produced by MatAB and CslA proteins results in a thinner wall lacking lamellae and patches. We propose that the Streptomyces cell wall is composed of layers of peptidoglycan and extracellular polymers that are structurally supported by teichoic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Ultee
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lizah T van der Aart
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dino van Dissel
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph A Diebolder
- Netherlands Centre for Electron Nanoscopy (NeCEN), Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gilles P van Wezel
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Claessen
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ariane Briegel
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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46
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Steinberg N, Keren-Paz A, Hou Q, Doron S, Yanuka-Golub K, Olender T, Hadar R, Rosenberg G, Jain R, Cámara-Almirón J, Romero D, van Teeffelen S, Kolodkin-Gal I. The extracellular matrix protein TasA is a developmental cue that maintains a motile subpopulation within Bacillus subtilis biofilms. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/632/eaaw8905. [PMID: 32430292 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaw8905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In nature, bacteria form biofilms-differentiated multicellular communities attached to surfaces. Within these generally sessile biofilms, a subset of cells continues to express motility genes. We found that this subpopulation enabled Bacillus subtilis biofilms to expand on high-friction surfaces. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein TasA was required for the expression of flagellar genes. In addition to its structural role as an adhesive fiber for cell attachment, TasA acted as a developmental signal stimulating a subset of biofilm cells to revert to a motile phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that TasA stimulated the expression of a specific subset of genes whose products promote motility and repress ECM production. Spontaneous suppressor mutations that restored motility in the absence of TasA revealed that activation of the biofilm-motility switch by the two-component system CssR/CssS antagonized the TasA-mediated reversion to motility in biofilm cells. Our results suggest that although mostly sessile, biofilms retain a degree of motility by actively maintaining a motile subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitai Steinberg
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Microbiology, Institute Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Alona Keren-Paz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Qihui Hou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shany Doron
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Keren Yanuka-Golub
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tsviya Olender
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rotem Hadar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gili Rosenberg
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rakeshkumar Jain
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jesus Cámara-Almirón
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Diego Romero
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Ilana Kolodkin-Gal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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47
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Eddenden A, Kitova EN, Klassen JS, Nitz M. An Inactive Dispersin B Probe for Monitoring PNAG Production in Biofilm Formation. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1204-1211. [PMID: 31917539 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial exopolysaccharide poly-β-1,6-N-acetylglucosamine is a major extracellular matrix component in biofilms of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. We have leveraged the specificity of the biofilm-dispersing glycoside hydrolase Dispersin B (DspB) to generate a probe (Dispersin B PNAG probe, DiPP) for monitoring PNAG production and localization during biofilm formation. Mutation of the active site of Dispersin B gave DiPP, which was an effective probe despite its low affinity for PNAG oligosaccharides (KD ∼ 1-10 mM). Imaging of PNAG-dependent and -independent biofilms stained with a fluorescent-protein fusion of DiPP (GFP-DiPP) demonstrated the specificity of the probe for the structure of PNAG on both single-cell and biofilm levels, indicating a high local concentration of PNAG at the bacterial cell surface. Through quantitative bacterial cell binding assays and confocal microscopy analysis using GFP-DiPP, discrete areas of local high concentrations of PNAG were detected on the surface of early log phase cells. These distinct areas were seen to grow, slough from cells, and accumulate in interbacterial regions over the course of several cell divisions, showing the development of a PNAG-dependent biofilm. A potential helical distribution of staining was also noted, suggesting some degree of organization of PNAG production at the cell surface prior to cell aggregation. Together, these experiments shed light on the early stages of PNAG-dependent biofilm formation and demonstrate the value of a low-affinity-high-specificity probe for monitoring the production of bacterial exopolysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Eddenden
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
| | - Elena N. Kitova
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
| | - John S. Klassen
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
| | - Mark Nitz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
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Tn FLX: a Third-Generation mariner-Based Transposon System for Bacillus subtilis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.02893-19. [PMID: 32169936 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02893-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Random transposon mutagenesis is a powerful and unbiased genetic approach to answer fundamental biological questions. Here, we introduce an improved mariner-based transposon system with enhanced stability during propagation and versatile applications in mutagenesis. We used a low-copy-number plasmid as a transposon delivery vehicle, which affords a lower frequency of unintended recombination during vector construction and propagation in Escherichia coli We generated a variety of transposons allowing for gene disruption or artificial overexpression, each in combination with one of four different antibiotic resistance markers. In addition, we provide transposons that will report gene/protein expression due to transcriptional or translational coupling. We believe that the TnFLX system will help enhance the flexibility of future transposon modification and application in Bacillus and other organisms.IMPORTANCE The stability of transposase-encoding vectors during cloning and propagation is crucial for the reliable application of transposons. Here, we increased the stability of the mariner delivery vehicle in E. coli Moreover, the TnFLX transposon system will improve the application of forward genetic methods with an increased number of antibiotic resistance markers and the ability to generate unbiased green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions to report on protein translation and subcellular localization.
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The Min System Disassembles FtsZ Foci and Inhibits Polar Peptidoglycan Remodeling in Bacillus subtilis. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.03197-19. [PMID: 32184253 PMCID: PMC7078482 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03197-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A microfluidic system coupled with fluorescence microscopy is a powerful approach for quantitative analysis of bacterial growth. Here, we measure parameters of growth and dynamic localization of the cell division initiation protein FtsZ in Bacillus subtilis Consistent with previous reports, we found that after division, FtsZ rings remain at the cell poles, and polar FtsZ ring disassembly coincides with rapid Z-ring accumulation at the midcell. In cells mutated for minD, however, the polar FtsZ rings persist indefinitely, suggesting that the primary function of the Min system is in Z-ring disassembly. The inability to recycle FtsZ monomers in the minD mutant results in the simultaneous maintenance of multiple Z-rings that are restricted by competition for newly synthesized FtsZ. Although the parameters of FtsZ dynamics change in the minD mutant, the overall cell division time remains the same, albeit with elongated cells necessary to accumulate a critical threshold amount of FtsZ for promoting medial division. Finally, the minD mutant characteristically produces minicells composed of polar peptidoglycan shown to be inert for remodeling in the wild type. Polar peptidoglycan, however, loses its inert character in the minD mutant, suggesting that the Min system not only is important for recycling FtsZ but also may have a secondary role in the spatiotemporal regulation of peptidoglycan remodeling.IMPORTANCE Many bacteria grow and divide by binary fission in which a mother cell divides into two identical daughter cells. To produce two equally sized daughters, the division machinery, guided by FtsZ, must dynamically localize to the midcell each cell cycle. Here, we quantitatively analyzed FtsZ dynamics during growth and found that the Min system of Bacillus subtilis is essential to disassemble FtsZ rings after division. Moreover, a failure to efficiently recycle FtsZ results in an increase in cell size. Finally, we show that the Min system has an additional role in inhibiting cell wall turnover and contributes to the "inert" property of cell walls at the poles.
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Sadiq FA, Yan B, Zhao J, Zhang H, Chen W. Untargeted metabolomics reveals metabolic state of Bifidobacterium bifidum in the biofilm and planktonic states. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2019.108772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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