1
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Zhu C, Wei WP, An JN, Hu JL, Gao CH, Yang M. SdrR, a LysR-type regulator, responds to the mycobacterial antioxidant defense. J Biochem 2024; 176:43-54. [PMID: 38444151 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvae026] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Protection against oxidative stress is a vital defense mechanism for Mycobacterium tuberculosis within the host. However, few transcription factors that control bacterial antioxidant defense are known. Here, we present evidence that SdrR, encoded by the MSMEG_5712 (Ms5712) gene, functions as an oxidative stress response regulator in Mycobacterium smegmatis. SdrR recognizes an 11-bp motif sequence in the operon's upstream regulatory region and negatively regulates the expression of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR). Overexpressing sdrR inhibited SDR expression, which rendered the strain oxidative more stress-sensitive. Conversely, sdrR knockout alleviates SDR repression, which increases its oxidative stress tolerance. Thus, SdrR responds to oxidative stress by negatively regulating sdr expression. Therefore, this study elucidated an underlying regulatory mechanism behind mycobacterial oxidative stress adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhu
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Wen-Ping Wei
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jing-Ning An
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jia-Ling Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chun-Hui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Min Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
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2
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Li J, Lu T, Chu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Fu W, Sun J, Liu Y, Liao X, Zhou Y. Cinnamaldehyde targets SarA to enhance β-lactam antibiotic activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MLIFE 2024; 3:291-306. [PMID: 38948140 PMCID: PMC11211666 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a current global public health problem due to its increasing resistance to the most recent antibiotic therapies. One critical approach is to develop ways to revitalize existing antibiotics. Here, we show that the phytogenic compound cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and β-lactam antibiotic combinations can functionally synergize and resensitize clinical MRSA isolates to β-lactam therapy and inhibit MRSA biofilm formation. Mechanistic studies indicated that the CIN potentiation effect on β-lactams was primarily the result of inhibition of the mecA expression by targeting the staphylococcal accessory regulator sarA. CIN alone or in combination with β-lactams decreased sarA gene expression and increased SarA protein phosphorylation that impaired SarA binding to the mecA promoter element and downregulated virulence genes such as those encoding biofilm, α-hemolysin, and adhesin. Perturbation of SarA-mecA binding thus interfered with PBP2a biosynthesis and this decreased MRSA resistance to β-lactams. Furthermore, CIN fully restored the anti-MRSA activities of β-lactam antibiotics in vivo in murine models of bacteremia and biofilm infections. Together, our results indicated that CIN acts as a β-lactam adjuvant and can be applied as an alternative therapy to combat multidrug-resistant MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tingyin Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yuefei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yuejun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Yantai Fushan Center for Animal Disease Control and PreventionYantaiChina
| | - Wenzhen Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yahong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiao‐Ping Liao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yu‐Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety EvaluationSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
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3
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Campbell MJ, Beenken KE, Ramirez AM, Smeltzer MS. The major role of sarA in limiting Staphylococcus aureus extracellular protease production in vitro is correlated with decreased virulence in diverse clinical isolates in osteomyelitis. Virulence 2023; 14:2175496. [PMID: 36748843 PMCID: PMC9928472 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2175496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that MgrA, SarA, SarR, SarS, SarZ, and Rot bind at least three of the four promoters associated with genes encoding primary extracellular proteases in Staphylococcus aureus (Aur, ScpA, SspA/SspB, SplA-F). We also showed that mutation of sarA results in a greater increase in protease production, and decrease in biofilm formation, than mutation of the loci encoding any of these other proteins. However, these conclusions were based on in vitro studies. Thus, the goal of the experiments reported here was to determine the relative impact of the regulatory loci encoding these proteins in vivo. To this end, we compared the virulence of mgrA, sarA, sarR, sarS, sarZ, and rot mutants in a murine osteomyelitis model. Mutants were generated in the methicillin-resistant USA300 strain LAC and the methicillin-sensitive USA200 strain UAMS-1, which was isolated directly from the bone of an osteomyelitis patient during surgical debridement. Mutation of mgrA and rot limited virulence to a statistically significant extent in UAMS-1, but not in LAC, while the sarA mutant exhibited reduced virulence in both strains. The reduced virulence of the sarA mutant was correlated with reduced cytotoxicity for osteoblasts and osteoclasts, reduced biofilm formation, and reduced sensitivity to the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin, all of which were directly attributable to increased protease production in both LAC and UAMS-1. These results illustrate the importance of considering diverse clinical isolates when evaluating the impact of regulatory mutations on virulence and demonstrate the significance of SarA in limiting protease production in vivo in S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara J. Campbell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Karen E. Beenken
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Aura M. Ramirez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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4
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Li Y, Zhu F, Manna AC, Chen L, Jiang J, Hong JI, Proctor RA, Bayer AS, Cheung AL, Xiong YQ. Gp05, a Prophage-Encoded Virulence Factor, Contributes to Persistent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Endovascular Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0060023. [PMID: 37358448 PMCID: PMC10434118 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00600-23] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endovascular infections represent a serious public health threat. We recently demonstrated that the presence of a novel prophage ϕSA169 was associated with vancomycin (VAN) treatment failure in experimental MRSA endocarditis. In this study, we assessed the role of a ϕSA169 gene, ϕ80α_gp05 (gp05), in VAN-persistent outcome using gp05 isogenic MRSA strain sets. Of note, Gp05 significantly influences the intersection of MRSA virulence factors, host immune responses, and antibiotic treatment efficacy, including the following: (i) activity of the significant energy-yielding metabolic pathway (e.g., tricarboxylic acid cycle); (ii) carotenoid pigment production; (iii) (p)ppGpp (guanosine tetra- and pentaphosphate) production, which activates the stringent response and subsequent downstream functional factors (e.g., phenol-soluble modulins and polymorphonuclear neutrophil bactericidal activity); and (iv) persistence to VAN treatment in an experimental infective endocarditis model. These data suggest that Gp05 is a significant virulence factor which contributes to the persistent outcomes in MRSA endovascular infection by multiple pathways. IMPORTANCE Persistent endovascular infections are often caused by MRSA strains that are susceptible to anti-MRSA antibiotics in vitro by CLSI breakpoints. Thus, the persistent outcome represents a unique variant of traditional antibiotic resistance mechanisms and a significant therapeutic challenge. Prophage, a critical mobile genetic element carried by most MRSA isolates, provides their bacterial host with metabolic advantages and resistance mechanisms. However, how prophage-encoded virulence factors interact with the host defense system and antibiotics, driving the persistent outcome, is not well known. In the current study, we demonstrated that a novel prophage gene, gp05, significantly impacts tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, stringent response, and pigmentation, as well as vancomycin treatment outcome in an experimental endocarditis model using isogenic gp05 overexpression and chromosomal deletion mutant MRSA strain sets. The findings significantly advance our understanding of the role of Gp05 in persistent MRSA endovascular infection and provide a potential target for development of novel drugs against these life-threatening infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Fengli Zhu
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Adhar C. Manna
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Liang Chen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jason Jiang
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Jong-In Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Richard A. Proctor
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Arnold S. Bayer
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ambrose L. Cheung
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Yan Q. Xiong
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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5
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Shu X, Shi Y, Huang Y, Yu D, Sun B. Transcription tuned by S-nitrosylation underlies a mechanism for Staphylococcus aureus to circumvent vancomycin killing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2318. [PMID: 37085493 PMCID: PMC10120478 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections is a constant challenge due to emerging resistance to vancomycin, a last-resort drug. S-nitrosylation, the covalent attachment of a nitric oxide (NO) group to a cysteine thiol, mediates redox-based signaling for eukaryotic cellular functions. However, its role in bacteria is largely unknown. Here, proteomic analysis revealed that S-nitrosylation is a prominent growth feature of vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus. Deletion of NO synthase (NOS) or removal of S-nitrosylation from the redox-sensitive regulator MgrA or WalR resulted in thinner cell walls and increased vancomycin susceptibility, which was due to attenuated promoter binding and released repression of genes involved in cell wall metabolism. These genes failed to respond to H2O2-induced oxidation, suggesting distinct transcriptional responses to alternative modifications of the cysteine residue. Furthermore, treatment with a NOS inhibitor significantly decreased vancomycin resistance in S. aureus. This study reveals that transcriptional regulation via S-nitrosylation underlies a mechanism for NO-mediated bacterial antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Shu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Department of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yingying Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Department of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Department of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.
| | - Baolin Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Department of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- CAS Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, China.
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6
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Zhang Y, Wu Q, Forsythe S, Liu C, Chen N, Li Y, Zhang J, Wang J, Ding Y. The cascade regulation of small RNA and quorum sensing system: Focusing on biofilm formation of foodborne pathogens in food industry. FOOD BIOSCI 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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7
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Transcriptome Analyses of Prophage in Mediating Persistent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Endovascular Infection. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091527. [PMID: 36140695 PMCID: PMC9498598 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endovascular infections represent a significant subset of S. aureus infections and correlate with exceptionally high mortality. We have recently demonstrated that the lysogenization of prophage ϕSA169 from a clinical persistent MRSA bacteremia isolate (300-169) into a clinical resolving bacteremia MRSA isolate (301-188) resulted in the acquisition of well-defined in vitro and in vivo phenotypic and genotypic profiles related to persistent outcome. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of this impact is unknown. In the current study, we explored the genetic mechanism that may contribute to the ϕSA169-correlated persistence using RNA sequencing. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that the most significant impacts of ϕSA169 were: (i) the enhancement of fatty acid biosynthesis and purine and pyrimidine metabolic pathways; (ii) the repression of galactose metabolism and phosphotransferase system (PTS); and (iii) the down-regulation of the mutual prophage genes in both 300-169 and 301-188 strains. In addition, the influence of different genetic backgrounds between 300-169 and 301-188 might also be involved in the persistent outcome. These findings may provide targets for future studies on the persistence of MRSA.
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8
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Cheung GYC, Bae JS, Otto M. Pathogenicity and virulence of Staphylococcus aureus. Virulence 2021; 12:547-569. [PMID: 33522395 PMCID: PMC7872022 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1878688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 446] [Impact Index Per Article: 148.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most frequent worldwide causes of morbidity and mortality due to an infectious agent. This pathogen can cause a wide variety of diseases, ranging from moderately severe skin infections to fatal pneumonia and sepsis. Treatment of S. aureus infections is complicated by antibiotic resistance and a working vaccine is not available. There has been ongoing and increasing interest in the extraordinarily high number of toxins and other virulence determinants that S. aureus produces and how they impact disease. In this review, we will give an overview of how S. aureus initiates and maintains infection and discuss the main determinants involved. A more in-depth understanding of the function and contribution of S. aureus virulence determinants to S. aureus infection will enable us to develop anti-virulence strategies to counteract the lack of an anti-S. aureus vaccine and the ever-increasing shortage of working antibiotics against this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Y. C. Cheung
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Justin S. Bae
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Otto
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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9
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Kwiecinski JM, Kratofil RM, Parlet CP, Surewaard BGJ, Kubes P, Horswill AR. Staphylococcus aureus uses the ArlRS and MgrA cascade to regulate immune evasion during skin infection. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109462. [PMID: 34320352 PMCID: PMC8450000 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin is one of the most common sites of host immune response against Staphylococcus aureus infection. Here, through a combination of in vitro assays, mouse models, and intravital imaging, we find that S. aureus immune evasion in skin is controlled by a cascade composed of the ArlRS two-component regulatory system and its downstream effector, MgrA. S. aureus lacking either ArlRS or MgrA is less virulent and unable to form correct abscess structure due to de-repression of a giant surface protein, Ebh. These S. aureus mutants also have decreased expression of immune evasion factors (leukocidins, chemotaxis-inhibitory protein of S. aureus [CHIPS], staphylococcal complement inhibitor [SCIN], and nuclease) and are unable to kill neutrophils, block their chemotaxis, degrade neutrophil extracellular traps, and survive direct neutrophil attack. The combination of disrupted abscess structure and reduced immune evasion factors makes S. aureus susceptible to host defenses. ArlRS and MgrA are therefore the main regulators of S. aureus immune evasion and promising treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub M Kwiecinski
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow 30387, Poland
| | - Rachel M Kratofil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Calvin, Phoebe, and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Corey P Parlet
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Bas G J Surewaard
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Calvin, Phoebe, and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Paul Kubes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Calvin, Phoebe, and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Alexander R Horswill
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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10
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Wu X, Han J, Gong G, Koffas MAG, Zha J. Wall teichoic acids: physiology and applications. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 45:6019871. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are charged glycopolymers containing phosphodiester-linked polyol units and represent one of the major components of Gram-positive cell envelope. WTAs have important physiological functions in cell division, gene transfer, surface adhesion, drug resistance and biofilm formation, and are critical virulence factors and vital determinants in mediating cell interaction with and tolerance to environmental factors. Here, we first briefly introduce WTA structure, biosynthesis and its regulation, and then summarize in detail four major physiological roles played by WTAs, i.e. WTA-mediated resistance to antimicrobials, virulence to mammalian cells, interaction with bacteriolytic enzymes and regulation of cell metabolism. We also review the applications of WTAs in these fields that are closely related to the human society, including antibacterial drug discovery targeting WTA biosynthesis, development of vaccines and antibodies regarding WTA-mediated pathogenicity, specific and sensitive detection of pathogens in food using WTAs as a surface epitope and regulation of WTA-related pathways for efficient microbial production of useful compounds. We also point out major problems remaining in these fields, and discuss some possible directions in the future exploration of WTA physiology and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Jing Han
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Guoli Gong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Mattheos A G Koffas
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Jian Zha
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
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11
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Linzner N, Loi VV, Fritsch VN, Antelmann H. Thiol-based redox switches in the major pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Biol Chem 2020; 402:333-361. [PMID: 33544504 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen, which encounters reactive oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, electrophile and sulfur species (ROS, RNS, RCS, RES and RSS) by the host immune system, during cellular metabolism or antibiotics treatments. To defend against redox active species and antibiotics, S. aureus is equipped with redox sensing regulators that often use thiol switches to control the expression of specific detoxification pathways. In addition, the maintenance of the redox balance is crucial for survival of S. aureus under redox stress during infections, which is accomplished by the low molecular weight (LMW) thiol bacillithiol (BSH) and the associated bacilliredoxin (Brx)/BSH/bacillithiol disulfide reductase (YpdA)/NADPH pathway. Here, we present an overview of thiol-based redox sensors, its associated enzymatic detoxification systems and BSH-related regulatory mechanisms in S. aureus, which are important for the defense under redox stress conditions. Application of the novel Brx-roGFP2 biosensor provides new insights on the impact of these systems on the BSH redox potential. These thiol switches of S. aureus function in protection against redox active desinfectants and antimicrobials, including HOCl, the AGXX® antimicrobial surface coating, allicin from garlic and the naphthoquinone lapachol. Thus, thiol switches could be novel drug targets for the development of alternative redox-based therapies to combat multi-drug resistant S. aureus isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Linzner
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology-Microbiology, Königin-Luise-Straße 12-16, D-14195Berlin, Germany
| | - Vu Van Loi
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology-Microbiology, Königin-Luise-Straße 12-16, D-14195Berlin, Germany
| | - Verena Nadin Fritsch
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology-Microbiology, Königin-Luise-Straße 12-16, D-14195Berlin, Germany
| | - Haike Antelmann
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology-Microbiology, Königin-Luise-Straße 12-16, D-14195Berlin, Germany
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12
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Li L, Wang G, Li Y, Francois P, Bayer AS, Chen L, Seidl K, Cheung A, Xiong YQ. Impact of the Novel Prophage ϕSA169 on Persistent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Endovascular Infection. mSystems 2020; 5:e00178-20. [PMID: 32606024 PMCID: PMC7329321 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00178-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endovascular infections are life-threatening syndromes with few therapeutic options. The potential impact of bacteriophages on the persistent outcome has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated the role of a novel prophage (ϕSA169) in MRSA persistence by using a lysogen-free clinically resolving bacteremia (RB) isolate and comparing it to a derivative which was obtained by infecting the RB strain with ϕSA169, which has been lysogenized in a clinical persistent MRSA bacteremia (PB) isolate. Similar to the PB isolate, the ϕSA169-lysogenized RB strain exhibited well-defined in vitro and in vivo phenotypic and genotypic signatures related to the persistent outcome, including earlier activation of global regulators (i.e., sigB, sarA, agr RNAIII, and sae); higher expression of a critical purine biosynthesis gene, purF; and higher growth rates accompanied by lower ATP levels and vancomycin (VAN) susceptibility and stronger δ-hemolysin and biofilm formation versus its isogenic parental RB isolate. Notably, the contribution of ϕSA169 in persistent outcome with VAN treatment was confirmed in an experimental infective endocarditis model. Taken together, these results indicate the critical role of the prophage ϕSA169 in persistent MRSA endovascular infections. Further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms of ϕSA169 in mediating the persistence, as well as establishing the scope of impact, of this prophage in other PB strains.IMPORTANCE Bacteriophages are viruses that invade the bacterial host, disrupt bacterial metabolism, and cause the bacterium to lyse. Because of its remarkable antibacterial activity and unique advantages over antibiotics, for instance, bacteriophage is specific for one species of bacteria and resistance to phage is less common than resistance to antibiotics. Indeed, bacteriophage therapy for treating infections due to multidrug-resistant pathogens in humans has become a research hot spot. However, it is also worth considering that bacteriophages are transferable and could cotransfer host chromosomal genes, e.g., virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, while lysogenizing and integrating into the bacterial chromosome (prophage), thus playing a role in bacterial evolution and virulence. In the current study, we identified a novel prophage, ϕSA169, from a clinical persistent MRSA bacteremia isolate, and we determined that ϕSA169 mediated well-defined in vitro and in vivo phenotypic and genotypic signatures related to the persistent outcome, which may represent a unique and important persistent mechanism(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Genzhu Wang
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Yi Li
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | | | - Arnold S Bayer
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Liang Chen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kati Seidl
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Yan Q Xiong
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
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13
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Kwiecinski JM, Horswill AR. Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections: pathogenesis and regulatory mechanisms. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 53:51-60. [PMID: 32172183 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that normally colonizes the human anterior nares. At the same time, this pathogen is one of the leading causes of life-threatening bloodstream infections, such as sepsis and endocarditis. In this review we will present the current understanding of the pathogenesis of these invasive infections, focusing on the mechanisms of S. aureus clearance from the bloodstream by the immune system, and how this pathogen hijacks the host defense and coagulation systems and further interacts with the blood vessel endothelium. Additionally, we will delve into the regulatory mechanisms S. aureus employs during an invasive infection. These new insights into host-pathogen interactions show promising avenues for the development of novel therapies for treating bloodstream infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub M Kwiecinski
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA
| | - Alexander R Horswill
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, USA.
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14
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MgrA Negatively Impacts Staphylococcus aureus Invasion by Regulating Capsule and FnbA. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00590-19. [PMID: 31591167 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00590-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Virulence genes are regulated by a complex regulatory network in Staphylococcus aureus Some of the regulators are global in nature and affect many downstream genes. MgrA is a multiple-gene regulator that has been shown to activate genes involved in capsule biosynthesis and repress surface protein genes. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the biological significance of MgrA regulation of capsule and surface proteins. We found that strain Becker possessed one fibronectin-binding protein, FnbA, and that FnbA was the predominant protein involved in invasion of nonphagocytic HeLa cells. By genetic analysis of strains with different amounts of capsule, we demonstrated that capsule impeded invasion of HeLa cells by masking the bacterial cell wall-anchored protein FnbA. Using variants with different levels of mgrA transcription, we further demonstrated that MgrA negatively impacted invasion by activating the cap genes involved in capsule biosynthesis and repressing the fnbA gene. Thus, we conclude that MgrA negatively impacts cell invasion of S. aureus Becker by promoting capsule and repressing FnbA.
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15
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Keinhörster D, George SE, Weidenmaier C, Wolz C. Function and regulation of Staphylococcus aureus wall teichoic acids and capsular polysaccharides. Int J Med Microbiol 2019; 309:151333. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2019.151333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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