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Vo N, Sidner BS, Yu Y, Piepenbrink KH. Type IV Pilus-Mediated Inhibition of Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formation by Phenothiazine Compounds. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0102323. [PMID: 37341603 PMCID: PMC10433872 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01023-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections by pathogenic Acinetobacter species represent a significant burden on the health care system, despite their relative rarity, due to the difficulty of treating infections through oral antibiotics. Multidrug resistance is commonly observed in clinical Acinetobacter infections and multiple molecular mechanisms have been identified for this resistance, including multidrug efflux pumps, carbapenemase enzymes, and the formation of bacterial biofilm in persistent infections. Phenothiazine compounds have been identified as a potential inhibitor of type IV pilus production in multiple Gram-negative bacterial species. Here, we report the ability of two phenothiazines to inhibit type IV pilus-dependent surface (twitching) motility and biofilm formation in multiple Acinetobacter species. Biofilm formation was inhibited in both static and continuous flow models at micromolar concentrations without significant cytotoxicity, suggesting that type IV pilus biogenesis was the primary molecular target for these compounds. These results suggest that phenothiazines may be useful lead compounds for the development of biofilm dispersal agents against Gram-negative bacterial infections. IMPORTANCE Acinetobacter infections are a growing burden on health care systems worldwide due to increasing antimicrobial resistance through multiple mechanisms. Biofilm formation is an established mechanism of antimicrobial resistance, and its inhibition has the potential to potentiate the use of existing drugs against pathogenic Acinetobacter. Additionally, as discussed in the manuscript, anti-biofilm activity by phenothiazines has the potential to help to explain their known activity against other bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Vo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Benjamin S. Sidner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Yafan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kurt H. Piepenbrink
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Nebraska Food for Health Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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2
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Pinchman E, Hoenig B, Solorzano G, Martin C. Acinetobacter radioresistens and Microbacterium paraoxydans endocarditis in patient with indwelling catheter and metastatic carcinoma. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e254877. [PMID: 37321643 PMCID: PMC10277108 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-254877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter radioresistens is a rare cause of nosocomial infection and is believed to confer antibiotic resistance to aggressive bacterial species. We present the first reported case of polymicrobial endocarditis caused by A. radioresistens and Microbacterium paraoxydans co-infection, a case of a woman in her late 60s with bacteraemia and ultimate finding of endometrial carcinoma. Bacteraemia with either agent in a previously healthy patient should prompt providers to search for underlying malignancy or immunological problem.We support the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry for identifying these organisms in cultures, as well as the development of faster isolation techniques through PCR. Furthermore, we advocate for providers to order early antibiotic susceptibility testing, since our patient's Microbacterium sp was not susceptible to meropenem unlike most Microbacterium reported in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Charles Martin
- Internal Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
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3
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Mogul R, Miller DR, Ramos B, Lalla SJ. Metabolomic and cultivation insights into the tolerance of the spacecraft-associated Acinetobacter toward Kleenol 30, a cleanroom floor detergent. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1090740. [PMID: 36950167 PMCID: PMC10025500 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1090740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stringent cleaning procedures during spacecraft assembly are critical to maintaining the integrity of life-detection missions. To ensure cleanliness, NASA spacecraft are assembled in cleanroom facilities, where floors are routinely cleansed with Kleenol 30 (K30), an alkaline detergent. Methods Through metabolomic and cultivation approaches, we show that cultures of spacecraft-associated Acinetobacter tolerate up to 1% v/v K30 and are fully inhibited at ≥2%; in comparison, NASA cleanrooms are cleansed with ~0.8-1.6% K30. Results For A. johnsonii 2P08AA (isolated from a cleanroom floor), cultivations with 0.1% v/v K30 yield (1) no changes in cell density at late-log phase, (2) modest decreases in growth rate (~17%), (3) negligible lag phase times, (4) limited changes in the intracellular metabolome, and (5) increases in extracellular sugar acids, monosaccharides, organic acids, and fatty acids. For A. radioresistens 50v1 (isolated from a spacecraft surface), cultivations yield (1) ~50% survivals, (2) no changes in growth rate, (3) ~70% decreases in the lag phase time, (4) differential changes in intracellular amino acids, compatible solutes, nucleotide-related metabolites, dicarboxylic acids, and saturated fatty acids, and (5) substantial yet differential impacts to extracellular sugar acids, monosaccharides, and organic acids. Discussion These combined results suggest that (1) K30 manifests strain-dependent impacts on the intracellular metabolomes, cultivation kinetics, and survivals, (2) K30 influences extracellular trace element acquisition in both strains, and (3) K30 is better tolerated by the floor-associated strain. Hence, this work lends support towards the hypothesis that repeated cleansing during spacecraft assembly serve as selective pressures that promote tolerances towards the cleaning conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Mogul
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, United States
- Blue Marble Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Daniel R. Miller
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Brian Ramos
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Sidharth J. Lalla
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, United States
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4
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Bigge R, Bunk B, Rudolph WW, Gunzer F, Coldewey SM, Riedel T, Schröttner P. Comparative Study of Different Diagnostic Routine Methods for the Identification of Acinetobacter radioresistens. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091767. [PMID: 36144369 PMCID: PMC9503985 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent publications indicate that A. radioresistens can cause infections in humans, even though it is rarely reported in routine diagnostics. However, the fact that it is infrequently detected may be explained by the misidentification of the species by conventional methods. It is also likely that A. radioresistens is not considered clinically relevant and therefore not consistently included in diagnostic results. To elucidate the medical significance of this probably clinically underestimated bacterial species, we created a well-documented reference strain collection of 21 strains collected in routine diagnostics. For further analysis of A. radioresistens, it is essential to know which methods can be used to achieve a trustworthy identification. We, therefore, compared three methods widely used in routine diagnostics (MALDI-TOF MS, VITEK 2, and sequencing of housekeeping genes) in terms of secure and reliable identification of A. radioresistens. As reference methods, whole genome-based approaches were applied. VITEK 2 led to misidentification for four strains. However, MALDI-TOF MS and sequencing of housekeeping genes led to reliable and robust identifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bigge
- Institute for Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Boyke Bunk
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Wolfram W. Rudolph
- Department of Hospital Infection Control, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Florian Gunzer
- Department of Hospital Infection Control, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sina M. Coldewey
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Septomics Research Center, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Riedel
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Percy Schröttner
- Institute for Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(351)-458-16585
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5
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Chabot M, Morales E, Cummings J, Rios N, Giatpaiboon S, Mogul R. Simple kinetics, assay, and trends for soil microbial catalases. Anal Biochem 2020; 610:113901. [PMID: 32841648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this report, we expand upon the enzymology and ecology of soil catalases through development and application of a simple kinetic model and field-amenable assay based upon volume displacement. Through this approach, we (A) directly relate apparent Michaelis-Menten terms to the catalase reaction mechanism, (B) obtain upper estimates of the intrinsic rate constants for the catalase community (k3'), along with moles of catalase per 16S rRNA gene copy number, (C) utilize catalase specific activities (SAs) to obtain biomass estimates of soil and permafrost communities (LOD, ~104 copy number gdw-1), and (D) relate kinetic trends to changes in bacterial community structure. In addition, this novel kinetic approach simultaneously incorporates barometric adjustments to afford comparisons across field measurements. As per our model, and when compared to garden soils, biological soil crusts exhibited ~2-fold lower values for k3', ≥105-fold higher catalase moles per biomass (250-1200 zmol copy number-1), and ~104-fold higher SAs per biomass (74-230 fkat copy number-1); whereas the highest SAs were obtained from permafrost and high-elevation soil communities (5900-6700 fkat copy number-1). In sum, the total trends suggest that microbial communities which experience higher degrees of native oxidative stress possess higher basal intracellular catalase concentrations and SAs per biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chabot
- Cal Poly Pomona, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Ernesto Morales
- Cal Poly Pomona, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Jacob Cummings
- Cal Poly Pomona, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Nicholas Rios
- Cal Poly Pomona, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Scott Giatpaiboon
- Cal Poly Pomona, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Rakesh Mogul
- Cal Poly Pomona, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA, 91768, USA.
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6
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Wang T, Costa V, Jenkins SG, Hartman BJ, Westblade LF. Acinetobacter radioresistens infection with bacteremia and pneumonia. IDCases 2019; 15:e00495. [PMID: 30906692 PMCID: PMC6411504 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2019.e00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter species are non-fermentative Gram-negative coccobacilli that are ubiquitous in the environment. The archetype pathogen within the genus is Acinetobacter baumannii, however, other species have the potential to cause human infection, especially in the hospital setting. We describe a patient with infection due to Acinetobacter radioresistens, a rare agent of human disease, which is often misidentified using biochemical methods. Acinetobacter radioresistens is the source of the Class D OXA-23 carbapenemase that can confer carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii. Therefore, accurate identification of A. radioresistens is important for clinical management and to potentially prevent the spread of carbapenem resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Victoria Costa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Stephen G Jenkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Barry J Hartman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Lars F Westblade
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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7
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Mogul R, Barding GA, Lalla S, Lee S, Madrid S, Baki R, Ahmed M, Brasali H, Cepeda I, Gornick T, Gunadi S, Hearn N, Jain C, Kim EJ, Nguyen T, Nguyen VB, Oei A, Perkins N, Rodriguez J, Rodriguez V, Savla G, Schmitz M, Tedjakesuma N, Walker J. Metabolism and Biodegradation of Spacecraft Cleaning Reagents by Strains of Spacecraft-Associated Acinetobacter. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:1517-1527. [PMID: 29672134 PMCID: PMC6276816 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Spacecraft assembly facilities are oligotrophic and low-humidity environments, which are routinely cleaned using alcohol wipes for benchtops and spacecraft materials, and alkaline detergents for floors. Despite these cleaning protocols, spacecraft assembly facilities possess a persistent, diverse, dynamic, and low abundant core microbiome, where the Acinetobacter are among the dominant members of the community. In this report, we show that several spacecraft-associated Acinetobacter metabolize or biodegrade the spacecraft cleaning reagents of ethanol (ethyl alcohol), 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol), and Kleenol 30 (floor detergent) under ultraminimal conditions. Using cultivation and stable isotope labeling studies, we show that ethanol is a sole carbon source when cultivating in 0.2 × M9 minimal medium containing 26 μM Fe(NH4)2(SO4)2. Although cultures expectedly did not grow solely on 2-propanol, cultivations on mixtures of ethanol and 2-propanol exhibited enhanced plate counts at mole ratios of ≤0.50. In support, enzymology experiments on cellular extracts were consistent with oxidation of ethanol and 2-propanol by a membrane-bound alcohol dehydrogenase. In the presence of Kleenol 30, untargeted metabolite profiling on ultraminimal cultures of Acinetobacter radioresistens 50v1 indicated (1) biodegradation of Kleenol 30 into products including ethylene glycols, (2) the potential metabolism of decanoate (formed during incubation of Kleenol 30 in 0.2 × M9), and (3) decreases in the abundances of several hydroxy- and ketoacids in the extracellular metabolome. In ultraminimal medium (when using ethanol as a sole carbon source), A. radioresistens 50v1 also exhibits a remarkable survival against hydrogen peroxide (∼1.5-log loss, ∼108 colony forming units (cfu)/mL, 10 mM H2O2), indicating a considerable tolerance toward oxidative stress under nutrient-restricted conditions. Together, these results suggest that the spacecraft cleaning reagents may (1) serve as nutrient sources under oligotrophic conditions and (2) sustain extremotolerances against the oxidative stresses associated with low-humidity environments. In perspective, this study provides a plausible biochemical rationale to the observed microbial ecology dynamics of spacecraft-associated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Mogul
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Gregory A. Barding
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Sidharth Lalla
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Sooji Lee
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Steve Madrid
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Ryan Baki
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Mahjabeen Ahmed
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Hania Brasali
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Ivonne Cepeda
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Trevor Gornick
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Shawn Gunadi
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Nicole Hearn
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Chirag Jain
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Eun Jin Kim
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Thi Nguyen
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Vinh Bao Nguyen
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Alex Oei
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Nicole Perkins
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Joseph Rodriguez
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Veronica Rodriguez
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Gautam Savla
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Megan Schmitz
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Nicholas Tedjakesuma
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
| | - Jillian Walker
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California
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8
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Complete Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter radioresistens Strain LH6, a Multidrug-Resistant Bacteriophage-Propagating Strain. Microbiol Resour Announc 2018; 7:MRA00929-18. [PMID: 30533885 PMCID: PMC6256452 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00929-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem worldwide. Understanding the interplay between drug-resistant pathogens, such as Acinetobacter baumannii and related species, potentially acting as environmental reservoirs is critical for preventing the spread of resistance determinants. Here we report the complete genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant bacteriophage-propagating strain of Acinetobacter radioresistens.
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9
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Senatore G, Mastroleo F, Leys N, Mauriello G. Effect of microgravity & space radiation on microbes. Future Microbiol 2018; 13:831-847. [PMID: 29745771 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2017-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the new challenges facing humanity is to reach increasingly further distant space targets. It is therefore of upmost importance to understand the behavior of microorganisms that will unavoidably reach the space environment together with the human body and equipment. Indeed, microorganisms could activate their stress defense mechanisms, modifying properties related to human pathogenesis. The host-microbe interactions, in fact, could be substantially affected under spaceflight conditions and the study of microorganisms' growth and activity is necessary for predicting these behaviors and assessing precautionary measures during spaceflight. This review gives an overview of the effects of microgravity and space radiation on microorganisms both in real and simulated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Senatore
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Mastroleo
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Gianluigi Mauriello
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
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10
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Draft Genome Sequences of Acinetobacter and Bacillus Strains Isolated from Spacecraft-Associated Surfaces. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2018; 6:6/6/e01554-17. [PMID: 29439046 PMCID: PMC5805884 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01554-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We report here the draft genome sequences of four strains isolated from spacecraft-associated surfaces exhibiting increased resistance to stressors such as UV radiation and exposure to H2O2. The draft genomes of strains 1P01SCT, FO-92T, 50v1, and 2P01AA had sizes of 5,500,894 bp, 4,699,376 bp, 3,174,402 bp, and 4,328,804 bp, respectively.
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11
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Karouia F, Peyvan K, Pohorille A. Toward biotechnology in space: High-throughput instruments for in situ biological research beyond Earth. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:905-932. [PMID: 28433608 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Space biotechnology is a nascent field aimed at applying tools of modern biology to advance our goals in space exploration. These advances rely on our ability to exploit in situ high throughput techniques for amplification and sequencing DNA, and measuring levels of RNA transcripts, proteins and metabolites in a cell. These techniques, collectively known as "omics" techniques have already revolutionized terrestrial biology. A number of on-going efforts are aimed at developing instruments to carry out "omics" research in space, in particular on board the International Space Station and small satellites. For space applications these instruments require substantial and creative reengineering that includes automation, miniaturization and ensuring that the device is resistant to conditions in space and works independently of the direction of the gravity vector. Different paths taken to meet these requirements for different "omics" instruments are the subjects of this review. The advantages and disadvantages of these instruments and technological solutions and their level of readiness for deployment in space are discussed. Considering that effects of space environments on terrestrial organisms appear to be global, it is argued that high throughput instruments are essential to advance (1) biomedical and physiological studies to control and reduce space-related stressors on living systems, (2) application of biology to life support and in situ resource utilization, (3) planetary protection, and (4) basic research about the limits on life in space. It is also argued that carrying out measurements in situ provides considerable advantages over the traditional space biology paradigm that relies on post-flight data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathi Karouia
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Flight Systems Implementation Branch, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | | | - Andrew Pohorille
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
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12
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Albarracín VH, Gärtner W, Farias ME. Forged Under the Sun: Life and Art of Extremophiles from Andean Lakes. Photochem Photobiol 2015; 92:14-28. [PMID: 26647770 DOI: 10.1111/php.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
High-altitude Andean lakes (HAAL) are a treasure chest for microbiological research in South America. Their indigenous microbial communities are exposed to extremely high UV irradiation and to multiple chemical extremes (Arsenic, high salt content, alkalinity). Microbes are found both, free-living or associated into microbial mats with different degrees of mineralization and lithification, including unique modern stromatolites located at 3570 m above sea level. Characterization of these polyextremophilic microbes began only recently, employing morphological and phylogenetic methods as well as high-throughput sequencing and proteomics approach. Aside from providing a general overview on microbial communities, special attention is given to various survival strategies; HAAL's microbes present a complex system of shared genetic and physiological mechanisms (UV-resistome) based on UV photoreceptors and stress sensors with their corresponding response regulators, UV avoidance and protection strategies, damage tolerance and UV damage repair. Molecular information will be provided for what is, so far the most studied HAAL molecule, a CPD-Class I photolyase from Acinetobacter Ver3 (Laguna Verde, 4400 m). This work further proposes some strategies that make an appeal for the preservation of HAAL, a highly fragile environment that offers promising and ample research possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Helena Albarracín
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales y Microbiológicos (PROIMI), CCT, CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Wolfgang Gärtner
- Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Mülheim, Germany
| | - María Eugenia Farias
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales y Microbiológicos (PROIMI), CCT, CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
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13
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Abstract
Manned space flight induces a reduction in immune competence among crew and is likely to cause deleterious changes to the composition of the gastrointestinal, nasal, and respiratory bacterial flora, leading to an increased risk of infection. The space flight environment may also affect the susceptibility of microorganisms within the spacecraft to antibiotics, key components of flown medical kits, and may modify the virulence characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms that contaminate the fabric of the International Space Station and other flight platforms. This review will consider the impact of true and simulated microgravity and other characteristics of the space flight environment on bacterial cell behavior in relation to the potential for serious infections that may appear during missions to astronomical objects beyond low Earth orbit.
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Kurth D, Belfiore C, Gorriti MF, Cortez N, Farias ME, Albarracín VH. Genomic and proteomic evidences unravel the UV-resistome of the poly-extremophile Acinetobacter sp. Ver3. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:328. [PMID: 25954258 PMCID: PMC4406064 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation can damage biomolecules, with detrimental or even lethal effects for life. Even though lower wavelengths are filtered by the ozone layer, a significant amount of harmful UV-B and UV-A radiation reach Earth's surface, particularly in high altitude environments. high-altitude Andean lakes (HAALs) are a group of disperse shallow lakes and salterns, located at the Dry Central Andes region in South America at altitudes above 3,000 m. As it is considered one of the highest UV-exposed environments, HAAL microbes constitute model systems to study UV-resistance mechanisms in environmental bacteria at various complexity levels. Herein, we present the genome sequence of Acinetobacter sp. Ver3, a gammaproteobacterium isolated from Lake Verde (4,400 m), together with further experimental evidence supporting the phenomenological observations regarding this bacterium ability to cope with increased UV-induced DNA damage. Comparison with the genomes of other Acinetobacter strains highlighted a number of unique genes, such as a novel cryptochrome. Proteomic profiling of UV-exposed cells identified up-regulated proteins such as a specific cytoplasmic catalase, a putative regulator, and proteins associated to amino acid and protein synthesis. Down-regulated proteins were related to several energy-generating pathways such as glycolysis, beta-oxidation of fatty acids, and electronic respiratory chain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a genome from a polyextremophilic Acinetobacter strain. From the genomic and proteomic data, an "UV-resistome" was defined, encompassing the genes that would support the outstanding UV-resistance of this strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kurth
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiologicas Lagunas Andinas, Centro Científico Tecnológico, Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
| | - Carolina Belfiore
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiologicas Lagunas Andinas, Centro Científico Tecnológico, Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
| | - Marta F Gorriti
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiologicas Lagunas Andinas, Centro Científico Tecnológico, Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
| | - Néstor Cortez
- Centro Científico Tecnológico, IBR - CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Rosario Rosario, Argentina
| | - María E Farias
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiologicas Lagunas Andinas, Centro Científico Tecnológico, Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
| | - Virginia H Albarracín
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiologicas Lagunas Andinas, Centro Científico Tecnológico, Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina ; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
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Muster N, Derecho I, Dallal F, Alvarez R, McCoy KB, Mogul R. Purification, biochemical characterization, and implications of an alkali-tolerant catalase from the spacecraft-associated and oxidation-resistant Acinetobacter gyllenbergii 2P01AA. ASTROBIOLOGY 2015; 15:291-300. [PMID: 25826195 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report on the purification, characterization, and sequencing of catalase from Acinetobacter gyllenbergii 2P01AA, an extremely oxidation-resistant bacterium that was isolated from the Mars Phoenix spacecraft assembly facility. The Acinetobacter are dominant members of the microbial communities that inhabit spacecraft assembly facilities and consequently may serve as forward contaminants that could impact the integrity of future life-detection missions. Catalase was purified by using a 3-step chromatographic procedure, where mass spectrometry provided respective subunit and intact masses of 57.8 and 234.6 kDa, which were consistent with a small-subunit tetrameric catalase. Kinetics revealed an extreme pH stability with no loss in activity between pH 5 and 11.5 and provided respective kcat/Km and kcat values of ∼10(7) s(-1) M(-1) and 10(6) s(-1), which are among the highest reported for bacterial catalases. The amino acid sequence was deduced by in-depth peptide mapping, and structural homology suggested that the catalases from differing strains of A. gyllenbergii differ only at residues near the subunit interfaces, which may impact catalytic stability. Together, the kinetic, alkali-tolerant, and halotolerant properties of the catalase from A. gyllenbergii 2P01AA are significant, as they are consistent with molecular adaptations toward the alkaline, low-humidity, and potentially oxidizing conditions of spacecraft assembly facilities. Therefore, these results support the hypothesis that the selective pressures of the assembly facilities impact the microbial communities at the molecular level, which may have broad implications for future life-detection missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Muster
- California State Polytechnic University , Pomona, California
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Derecho I, McCoy KB, Vaishampayan P, Venkateswaran K, Mogul R. Characterization of hydrogen peroxide-resistant Acinetobacter species isolated during the Mars Phoenix spacecraft assembly. ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:837-847. [PMID: 25243569 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The microbiological inventory of spacecraft and the associated assembly facility surfaces represent the primary pool of forward contaminants that may impact the integrity of life-detection missions. Herein, we report on the characterization of several strains of hydrogen peroxide-resistant Acinetobacter, which were isolated during the Mars Phoenix lander assembly. All Phoenix-associated Acinetobacter strains possessed very high catalase specific activities, and the specific strain, A. gyllenbergii 2P01AA, displayed a survival against hydrogen peroxide (no loss in 100 mM H2O2 for 1 h) that is perhaps the highest known among Gram-negative and non-spore-forming bacteria. Proteomic characterizations reveal a survival mechanism inclusive of proteins coupled to peroxide degradation (catalase and alkyl hydroperoxide reductase), energy/redox management (dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase), protein synthesis/folding (EF-G, EF-Ts, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase, DnaK), membrane functions (OmpA-like protein and ABC transporter-related protein), and nucleotide metabolism (HIT family hydrolase). Together, these survivability and biochemical parameters support the hypothesis that oxidative tolerance and the related biochemical features are the measurable phenotypes or outcomes for microbial survival in the spacecraft assembly facilities, where the low-humidity (desiccation) and clean (low-nutrient) conditions may serve as selective pressures. Hence, the spacecraft-associated Acinetobacter, due to the conferred oxidative tolerances, may ultimately hinder efforts to reduce spacecraft bioburden when using chemical sterilants, thus suggesting that non-spore-forming bacteria may need to be included in the bioburden accounting for future life-detection missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Derecho
- 1 California State Polytechnic University , Pomona, California
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