1
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Brödel AK, Charpenay LH, Galtier M, Fuche FJ, Terrasse R, Poquet C, Havránek J, Pignotti S, Krawczyk A, Arraou M, Prevot G, Spadoni D, Yarnall MTN, Hessel EM, Fernandez-Rodriguez J, Duportet X, Bikard D. In situ targeted base editing of bacteria in the mouse gut. Nature 2024:10.1038/s41586-024-07681-w. [PMID: 38987595 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07681-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Microbiome research is now demonstrating a growing number of bacterial strains and genes that affect our health1. Although CRISPR-derived tools have shown great success in editing disease-driving genes in human cells2, we currently lack the tools to achieve comparable success for bacterial targets in situ. Here we engineer a phage-derived particle to deliver a base editor and modify Escherichia coli colonizing the mouse gut. Editing of a β-lactamase gene in a model E. coli strain resulted in a median editing efficiency of 93% of the target bacterial population with a single dose. Edited bacteria were stably maintained in the mouse gut for at least 42 days following treatment. This was achieved using a non-replicative DNA vector, preventing maintenance and dissemination of the payload. We then leveraged this approach to edit several genes of therapeutic relevance in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in vitro and demonstrate in situ editing of a gene involved in the production of curli in a pathogenic E. coli strain. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of modifying bacteria directly in the gut, offering a new avenue to investigate the function of bacterial genes and opening the door to the design of new microbiome-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David Bikard
- Eligo Bioscience, Paris, France.
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Synthetic Biology, Paris, France.
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2
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Vialetto E, Miele S, Goren MG, Yu J, Yu Y, Collias D, Beamud B, Osbelt L, Lourenço M, Strowig T, Brisse S, Barquist L, Qimron U, Bikard D, Beisel C. Systematic interrogation of CRISPR antimicrobials in Klebsiella pneumoniae reveals nuclease-, guide- and strain-dependent features influencing antimicrobial activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6079-6091. [PMID: 38661215 PMCID: PMC11162776 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems can be utilized as programmable-spectrum antimicrobials to combat bacterial infections. However, how CRISPR nucleases perform as antimicrobials across target sites and strains remains poorly explored. Here, we address this knowledge gap by systematically interrogating the use of CRISPR antimicrobials using multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae as models. Comparing different Cas nucleases, DNA-targeting nucleases outperformed RNA-targeting nucleases based on the tested targets. Focusing on AsCas12a that exhibited robust targeting across different strains, we found that the elucidated modes of escape varied widely, restraining opportunities to enhance killing. We also encountered individual guide RNAs yielding different extents of clearance across strains, which were linked to an interplay between improper gRNA folding and strain-specific DNA repair and survival. To explore features that could improve targeting across strains, we performed a genome-wide screen in different K. pneumoniae strains that yielded guide design rules and trained an algorithm for predicting guide efficiency. Finally, we showed that Cas12a antimicrobials can be exploited to eliminate K. pneumoniae when encoded in phagemids delivered by T7-like phages. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of evaluating antimicrobial activity of CRISPR antimicrobials across relevant strains and define critical parameters for efficient CRISPR-based targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vialetto
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Solange Miele
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Synthetic Biology, Paris, France
| | - Moran G Goren
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jiaqi Yu
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yanying Yu
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daphne Collias
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Beatriz Beamud
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Synthetic Biology, Paris, France
| | - Lisa Osbelt
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Lourenço
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, Paris, France
| | - Till Strowig
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sylvain Brisse
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, Paris, France
| | - Lars Barquist
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
- University of Würzburg, Medical Faculty, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Udi Qimron
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Bikard
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Synthetic Biology, Paris, France
| | - Chase L Beisel
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- University of Würzburg, Medical Faculty, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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3
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Gupta SS, Hamza Kh M, Sones CL, Zhang X, Sivaraman GK. The CRISPR/Cas system as an antimicrobial resistance strategy in aquatic ecosystems. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:110. [PMID: 38806846 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01362-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
With the growing population, demand for food has dramatically increased, and fisheries, including aquaculture, are expected to play an essential role in sustaining demand with adequate quantities of protein and essential vitamin supplements, employment generation, and GDP growth. Unfortunately, the incidence of emerging/re-emerging AMR pathogens annually occurs because of anthropogenic activities and the frequent use of antibiotics in aquaculture. These AMR pathogens include the WHO's top 6 prioritized ESKAPE pathogens (nosocomial pathogens: Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.), extended-spectrum beta lactases (ESBLs) and carbapenemase-producing E. coli, which pose major challenges to the biomagnification of both nonnative and native antibiotic-resistant bacteria in capture and cultured fishes. Although implementing the rational use of antibiotics represents a promising mitigation measure, this approach is practically impossible due to the lack of awareness among farmers about the interplay between antimicrobial use and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Nevertheless, to eradicate these 'superbugs,' CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associate protein) has turned out to be a novel approach owing to its ability to perform precise site-directed targeting/knockdown/reversal of specific antimicrobial resistance genes in vitro and to distinguish AMR-resistant bacteria from a plethora of commensal aquatic bacteria. Along with highlighting the importance of virulent multidrug resistance genes in bacteria, this article aims to provide a holistic picture of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing for combating antimicrobial-resistant bacteria isolated from various aquaculture and marine systems, as well as insights into different types of CRISPR/Cas systems, delivery methods, and challenges associated with developing CRISPR/Cas9 antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobin Sonu Gupta
- Founder & CEO at Times of Biotech, Navelim Bicholim, Goa-403505, India
- Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-29, Kerala, India
| | - Muneeb Hamza Kh
- Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-29, Kerala, India
| | - Collin L Sones
- Founder and CTO of Highfield Diagnostics, Zepler Institute of Photonics and Nanoelectronics, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - Xunli Zhang
- School of Engineering & Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - Gopalan Krishnan Sivaraman
- Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-29, Kerala, India.
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4
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Rafiq MS, Shabbir MA, Raza A, Irshad S, Asghar A, Maan MK, Gondal MA, Hao H. CRISPR-Cas System: A New Dawn to Combat Antibiotic Resistance. BioDrugs 2024; 38:387-404. [PMID: 38605260 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can potentially harm global public health. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which speeds up the emergence of AMR and increases the burden of drug resistance in mobile genetic elements (MGEs), is the primary method by which AMR genes are transferred across bacterial pathogens. New approaches are urgently needed to halt the spread of bacterial diseases and antibiotic resistance. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), an RNA-guided adaptive immune system, protects prokaryotes from foreign DNA like plasmids and phages. This approach may be essential in limiting horizontal gene transfer and halting the spread of antibiotic resistance. The CRISPR-Cas system has been crucial in identifying and understanding resistance mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic approaches. This review article investigates the CRISPR-Cas system's potential as a tool to combat bacterial AMR. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be targeted and eliminated by the CRISPR-Cas system. It has been proven to be an efficient method for removing carbapenem-resistant plasmids and regaining antibiotic susceptibility. The CRISPR-Cas system has enormous potential as a weapon against bacterial AMR. It precisely targets and eliminates antibiotic-resistant bacteria, facilitates resistance mechanism identification, and offers new possibilities in diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahzad Rafiq
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | | | - Ahmed Raza
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Shoaib Irshad
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Andleeb Asghar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kashif Maan
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Pet Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mushtaq Ahmed Gondal
- Institute of Continuing Education and Extension, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Haihong Hao
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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5
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Costa TRD, Patkowski JB, Macé K, Christie PJ, Waksman G. Structural and functional diversity of type IV secretion systems. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:170-185. [PMID: 37814112 PMCID: PMC11290344 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in recent years in the structural and molecular biology of type IV secretion systems in Gram-negative bacteria. The latest advances have substantially improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the recruitment and delivery of DNA and protein substrates to the extracellular environment or target cells. In this Review, we aim to summarize these exciting structural and molecular biology findings and to discuss their functional implications for substrate recognition, recruitment and translocation, as well as the biogenesis of extracellular pili. We also describe adaptations necessary for deploying a breadth of processes, such as bacterial survival, host-pathogen interactions and biotic and abiotic adhesion. We highlight the functional and structural diversity that allows this extremely versatile secretion superfamily to function under different environmental conditions and in different bacterial species. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of further understanding the mechanism of type IV secretion, which will support us in combating antimicrobial resistance and treating type IV secretion system-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago R D Costa
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK.
| | - Jonasz B Patkowski
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Kévin Macé
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, London, UK
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes and CNRS, Rennes, France
| | - Peter J Christie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Gabriel Waksman
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, London, UK.
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6
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Foo GW, Leichthammer CD, Saita IM, Lukas ND, Batko IZ, Heinrichs DE, Edgell DR. Intein-based thermoregulated meganucleases for containment of genetic material. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2066-2077. [PMID: 38180814 PMCID: PMC10899782 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Limiting the spread of synthetic genetic information outside of the intended use is essential for applications where biocontainment is critical. In particular, biocontainment of engineered probiotics and plasmids that are excreted from the mammalian gastrointestinal tract is needed to prevent escape and acquisition of genetic material that could confer a selective advantage to microbial communities. Here, we built a simple and lightweight biocontainment system that post-translationally activates a site-specific DNA endonuclease to degrade DNA at 18°C and not at higher temperatures. We constructed an orthogonal set of temperature-sensitive meganucleases (TSMs) by inserting the yeast VMA1 L212P temperature-sensitive intein into the coding regions of LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases. We showed that the TSMs eliminated plasmids carrying the cognate TSM target site from laboratory strains of Escherichia coli at the permissive 18°C but not at higher restrictive temperatures. Plasmid elimination is dependent on both TSM endonuclease activity and intein splicing. TSMs eliminated plasmids from E. coli Nissle 1917 after passage through the mouse gut when fecal resuspensions were incubated at 18°C but not at 37°C. Collectively, our data demonstrates the potential of thermoregulated meganucleases as a means of restricting engineered plasmids and probiotics to the mammalian gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Foo
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | | | - Ibrahim M Saita
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Nicholas D Lukas
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Izabela Z Batko
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - David E Heinrichs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - David R Edgell
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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7
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Allemailem KS. Recent Advances in Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of Multidrug Resistance and Novel Approaches of CRISPR/Cas9-Based Genome-Editing to Combat This Health Emergency. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:1125-1143. [PMID: 38344439 PMCID: PMC10859101 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of multidrug resistance (MDR), due to abusive use of antibiotics has led to global health emergency, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Bacteria attain MDR by different means such as antibiotic modification/degradation, target protection/modification/bypass, and enhanced efflux mechanisms. The classical approaches of counteracting MDR bacteria are expensive and time-consuming, thus, it is highly significant to understand the molecular mechanisms of this resistance to curb the problem from core level. The revolutionary approach of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated sequence 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), considered as a next-generation genome-editing tool presents an innovative opportunity to precisely target and edit bacterial genome to alter their MDR strategy. Different bacteria possessing antibiotic resistance genes such as mecA, ermB, ramR, tetA, mqrB and blaKPC that have been targeted by CRISPR/Cas9 to re-sensitize these pathogens against antibiotics, such as methicillin, erythromycin, tigecycline, colistin and carbapenem, respectively. The CRISPR/Cas9 from S. pyogenes is the most widely studied genome-editing tool, consisting of a Cas9 DNA endonuclease associated with tracrRNA and crRNA, which can be systematically coupled as sgRNA. The targeting strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 to bacterial cells is mediated through phage, plasmids, vesicles and nanoparticles. However, the targeting approaches of this genome-editing tool to specific bacteria is a challenging task and still remains at a very preliminary stage due to numerous obstacles awaiting to be solved. This review elaborates some recent updates about the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the innovative role of CRISPR/Cas9 system in modulating these resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, the delivery approaches of this genome-editing system in bacterial cells are discussed. In addition, some challenges and future prospects are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled S Allemailem
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah51452, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Hamilton T, Joris BR, Shrestha A, Browne TS, Rodrigue S, Karas BJ, Gloor GB, Edgell DR. De Novo Synthesis of a Conjugative System from Human Gut Metagenomic Data for Targeted Delivery of Cas9 Antimicrobials. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3578-3590. [PMID: 38049144 PMCID: PMC10729033 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Metagenomic sequences represent an untapped source of genetic novelty, particularly for conjugative systems that could be used for plasmid-based delivery of Cas9-derived antimicrobial agents. However, unlocking the functional potential of conjugative systems purely from metagenomic sequences requires the identification of suitable candidate systems as starting scaffolds for de novo DNA synthesis. Here, we developed a bioinformatics approach that searches through the metagenomic "trash bin" for genes associated with conjugative systems present on contigs that are typically excluded from common metagenomic analysis pipelines. Using a human metagenomic gut data set representing 2805 taxonomically distinct units, we identified 1598 contigs containing conjugation genes with a differential distribution in human cohorts. We synthesized de novo an entire Citrobacter spp. conjugative system of 54 kb containing at least 47 genes and assembled it into a plasmid, pCitro. We found that pCitro conjugates from Escherichia coli to Citrobacter rodentium with a 30-fold higher frequency than to E. coli, and is compatible with Citrobacter resident plasmids. Mutations in the traV and traY conjugation components of pCitro inhibited conjugation. We showed that pCitro can be repurposed as an antimicrobial delivery agent by programming it with the TevCas9 nuclease and Citrobacter-specific sgRNAs to kill C. rodentium. Our study reveals a trove of uncharacterized conjugative systems in metagenomic data and describes an experimental framework to animate these large genetic systems as novel target-adapted delivery vectors for Cas9-based editing of bacterial genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas
A. Hamilton
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin R. Joris
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Arina Shrestha
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Tyler S. Browne
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Sébastien Rodrigue
- Départment
de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1K 2R1, QC, Canada
| | - Bogumil J. Karas
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B. Gloor
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
| | - David R. Edgell
- Department
of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London N6A 5C1, ON, Canada
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9
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Li YG, Kishida K, Ogawa-Kishida N, Christie PJ. Ligand-displaying Escherichia coli cells and minicells for programmable delivery of toxic payloads via type IV secretion systems. mBio 2023; 14:e0214323. [PMID: 37772866 PMCID: PMC10653926 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02143-23] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The rapid emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and current low rate of antibiotic discovery emphasize the urgent need for alternative antibacterial strategies. We engineered Escherichia coli to conjugatively transfer plasmids to specific E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa recipient cells through the surface display of cognate nanobody/antigen (Nb/Ag) pairs. We further engineered mobilizable plasmids to carry CRISPR/Cas9 systems (pCrispr) for the selective killing of recipient cells harboring CRISPR/Cas9 target sequences. In the assembled programmed delivery system (PDS), Nb-displaying E. coli donors with different conjugation systems and mobilizable pCrispr plasmids suppressed the growth of Ag-displaying recipient cells to significantly greater extents than unpaired recipients. We also showed that anucleate minicells armed with conjugation machines and pCrispr plasmids were highly effective in killing E. coli recipients. Together, our findings suggest that bacteria or minicells armed with PDSs may prove highly effective as an adjunct or alternative to antibiotics for antimicrobial intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Grace Li
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kouhei Kishida
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Natsumi Ogawa-Kishida
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Peter J. Christie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Yu M, Hu S, Tang B, Yang H, Sun D. Engineering Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 as a microbial chassis for therapeutic and industrial applications. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 67:108202. [PMID: 37343690 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Genetically engineered microbes, especially Escherichia coli, have been widely used in the biosynthesis of proteins and metabolites for medical and industrial applications. As a traditional probiotic with a well-established safety record, E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) has recently emerged as a microbial chassis for generating living therapeutics, drug delivery vehicles, and microbial platforms for industrial production. Despite the availability of genetic tools for engineering laboratory E. coli K-12 and B strains, new genetic engineering systems are still greatly needed to expand the application range of EcN. In this review, we have summarized the latest progress in the development of genetic engineering systems in EcN, as well as their applications in the biosynthesis and delivery of valuable small molecules and biomacromolecules of medical and/or industrial interest, followed by a glimpse of how this rapidly growing field will evolve in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjing Yu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Shilong Hu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Biao Tang
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongchang Sun
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China.
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11
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Ham DT, Browne TS, Banglorewala PN, Wilson TL, Michael RK, Gloor GB, Edgell DR. A generalizable Cas9/sgRNA prediction model using machine transfer learning with small high-quality datasets. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5514. [PMID: 37679324 PMCID: PMC10485023 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41143-7] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9) can be used with single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) as a sequence-specific antimicrobial agent and as a genome-engineering tool. However, current bacterial sgRNA activity models struggle with accurate predictions and do not generalize well, possibly because the underlying datasets used to train the models do not accurately measure SpCas9/sgRNA activity and cannot distinguish on-target cleavage from toxicity. Here, we solve this problem by using a two-plasmid positive selection system to generate high-quality data that more accurately reports on SpCas9/sgRNA cleavage and that separates activity from toxicity. We develop a machine learning architecture (crisprHAL) that can be trained on existing datasets, that shows marked improvements in sgRNA activity prediction accuracy when transfer learning is used with small amounts of high-quality data, and that can generalize predictions to different bacteria. The crisprHAL model recapitulates known SpCas9/sgRNA-target DNA interactions and provides a pathway to a generalizable sgRNA bacterial activity prediction tool that will enable accurate antimicrobial and genome engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalton T Ham
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Tyler S Browne
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Pooja N Banglorewala
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
| | | | | | - Gregory B Gloor
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - David R Edgell
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada.
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12
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Dorado-Morales P, Lambérioux M, Mazel D. Unlocking the potential of microbiome editing: A review of conjugation-based delivery. Mol Microbiol 2023. [PMID: 37658686 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a rapid increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, posing a challenge to modern antibiotic-based medicine. This has highlighted the need for novel treatments that can specifically affect the target microorganism without disturbing other co-inhabiting species, thus preventing the development of dysbiosis in treated patients. Moreover, there is a pressing demand for tools to effectively manipulate complex microbial populations. One of the approaches suggested to address both issues was to use conjugation as a tool to modify the microbiome by either editing the genome of specific bacterial species and/or the removal of certain taxonomic groups. Conjugation involves the transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another, which opens up the possibility of introducing, modifying or deleting specific genes in the recipient. In response to this proposal, there has been a significant increase in the number of studies using this method for gene delivery in bacterial populations. This MicroReview aims to provide a detailed overview on the use of conjugation for microbiome engineering, and at the same time, to initiate a discussion on the potential, limitations and possible future directions of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Dorado-Morales
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, et CNRS, UMR3525, Paris, France
| | - Morgan Lambérioux
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, et CNRS, UMR3525, Paris, France
| | - Didier Mazel
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, et CNRS, UMR3525, Paris, France
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13
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Li YG, Kishida K, Ogawa-Kishida N, Christie PJ. Ligand-Displaying E. coli Cells and Minicells for Programmable Delivery of Toxic Payloads via Type IV Secretion Systems. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.11.553016. [PMID: 37609324 PMCID: PMC10441419 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.11.553016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are highly versatile macromolecular translocators and offer great potential for deployment as delivery systems for therapeutic intervention. One major T4SS subfamily, the conjugation machines, are well-adapted for delivery of DNA cargoes of interest to other bacteria or eukaryotic cells, but generally exhibit modest transfer frequencies and lack specificity for target cells. Here, we tested the efficacy of a surface-displayed nanobody/antigen (Nb/Ag) pairing system to enhance the conjugative transfer of IncN (pKM101), IncF (F/pOX38), or IncP (RP4) plasmids, or of mobilizable plasmids including those encoding CRISPR/Cas9 systems (pCrispr), to targeted recipient cells. Escherichia coli donors displaying Nb's transferred plasmids to E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa recipients displaying the cognate Ag's at significantly higher frequencies than to recipients lacking Ag's. Nb/Ag pairing functionally substituted for the surface adhesin activities of F-encoded TraN and pKM101-encoded Pep, although not conjugative pili or VirB5-like adhesins. Nb/Ag pairing further elevated the killing effects accompanying delivery of pCrispr plasmids to E. coli and P. aeruginosa transconjugants bearing CRISPR/Cas9 target sequences. Finally, we determined that anucleate E. coli minicells, which are clinically safer delivery vectors than intact cells, transferred self-transmissible and mobilizable plasmids to E. coli and P. aeruginosa cells. Minicell-mediated mobilization of pCrispr plasmids to E. coli recipients elicited significant killing of transconjugants, although Nb/Ag pairing did not enhance conjugation frequencies or killing. Together, our findings establish the potential for deployment of bacteria or minicells as Programmed Delivery Systems (PDSs) for suppression of targeted bacterial species in infection settings. IMPORTANCE The rapid emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and current low rate of antibiotic discovery emphasize an urgent need for alternative antibacterial strategies. We engineered Escherichia coli to conjugatively transfer plasmids to specific E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa recipient cells through surface display of cognate nanobody/antigen (Nb/Ag) pairs. We further engineered mobilizable plasmids to carry CRISPR/Cas9 systems (pCrispr) for selective killing of recipient cells harboring CRISPR/Cas9 target sequences. In the assembled Programmed Delivery System (PDS), Nb-displaying E. coli donors with different conjugation systems and mobilizable pCrispr plasmids suppressed growth of Ag-displaying recipient cells to significantly greater extents than unpaired recipients. We also showed that anucleate minicells armed with conjugation machines and pCrispr plasmids were highly effective in killing of E. coli recipients. Together, our findings suggest that bacteria or minicells armed with PDSs may prove highly effective as an adjunct or alternative to antibiotics for antimicrobial intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Grace Li
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern School of Medicine, Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kouhei Kishida
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern School of Medicine, Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030
- Current address: Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Natsumi Ogawa-Kishida
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern School of Medicine, Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030
- Current address: Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Peter J. Christie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern School of Medicine, Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030
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14
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Roson-Calero N, Ballesté-Delpierre C, Fernández J, Vila J. Insights on Current Strategies to Decolonize the Gut from Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Pros and Cons. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1074. [PMID: 37370393 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, we have witnessed a steady increase in infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. These infections are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Several interventions should be taken to reduce the emergence and spread of MDR bacteria. The eradication of resistant pathogens colonizing specific human body sites that would likely cause further infection in other sites is one of the most conventional strategies. The objective of this narrative mini-review is to compile and discuss different strategies for the eradication of MDR bacteria from gut microbiota. Here, we analyse the prevalence of MDR bacteria in the community and the hospital and the clinical impact of gut microbiota colonisation with MDR bacteria. Then, several strategies to eliminate MDR bacteria from gut microbiota are described and include: (i) selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) using a cocktail of antibiotics; (ii) the use of pre and probiotics; (iii) fecal microbiota transplantation; (iv) the use of specific phages; (v) engineered CRISPR-Cas Systems. This review intends to provide a state-of-the-art of the most relevant strategies to eradicate MDR bacteria from gut microbiota currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Roson-Calero
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Basic Clinical Practice, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Ballesté-Delpierre
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández
- Liver ICU, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBERehd, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF-Clif), 08021 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Vila
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Basic Clinical Practice, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Biomedical Diagnostic Center, Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Harnessing CRISRP-Cas9 as an anti-mycobacterial system. Microbiol Res 2023; 270:127319. [PMID: 36780784 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127319] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Rapid emergence of drug resistance has posed new challenges to the treatment of mycobacterial infections. As the pace of development of new drugs is slow, alternate treatment approaches are required. Recently, CRISPR-Cas systems have emerged as potential antimicrobials. These sequence-specific nucleases introduce double strand cuts in the target DNA, which if left unrepaired, prove fatal to the host. For most bacteria, homologous recombination repair (HRR) is the only pathway for repair and survival. Mycobacteria is one of the few bacteria which possesses the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) system in addition to HRR for double strand break repair. To assess the antimicrobial potential of CRISPR-system, Cas9-induced breaks were introduced in the genome of Mycobacterium smegmatis and the survival was studied. While the single strand breaks were efficiently repaired, the organism was unable to repair the double strand breaks efficiently. In a mixed population of antibiotic-resistant and sensitive mycobacterial cells, selectively targeting a factor that confers hygromycin resistance, turned the entire population sensitive to the drug. Further, we demonstrate that the sequence-specific targeting could also be used for curing plasmids from mycobacterium cells. Considering the growing interest in nucleic acid-based therapy to curtail infections and combat antimicrobial resistance, our data shows that CRISPR-systems hold promise for future use as an antimicrobial against drug-resistant mycobacterial infections.
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16
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Devi V, Harjai K, Chhibber S. Repurposing prokaryotic clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas adaptive immune system to combat antimicrobial resistance. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:443-459. [PMID: 37317864 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0222] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite achieving unparalleled progress in the field of science and technology, the global health community is still threatened by the looming pressure of infectious diseases. One of the greatest challenges is the rise in infections by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The misuse of antibiotics has led to the present circumstances, and there is seemingly no solution. There is imminent pressure to develop new antibacterial therapies to curb the rise and spread of multidrug resistance. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas, having immense potential as a gene-editing tool, has gained considerable attention as an alternative antibacterial therapy. Strategies, aiming to either eliminate pathogenic strains or to restore sensitivity to antibiotics, are the main focus of research. This review deals with the development of CRISPR-Cas antimicrobials and their delivery challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Devi
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Kusum Harjai
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Sanjay Chhibber
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
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17
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Li X, Bao N, Yan Z, Yuan XZ, Wang SG, Xia PF. Degradation of Antibiotic Resistance Genes by VADER with CRISPR-Cas Immunity. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0005323. [PMID: 36975789 PMCID: PMC10132114 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00053-23] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are prompting severe health and environmental issues. While environmental processes, e.g., biological wastewater treatment, are key barriers to prevent the spread of ARGs, they are often sources of ARGs at the same time, requiring upgraded biotechnology. Here, we present VADER, a synthetic biology system for the degradation of ARGs based on CRISPR-Cas immunity, an archaeal and bacterial immune system for eliminating invading foreign DNAs, to be implemented for wastewater treatment processes. Navigated by programmable guide RNAs, VADER targets and degrades ARGs depending on their DNA sequences, and by employing an artificial conjugation machinery, IncP, it can be delivered via conjugation. The system was evaluated by degrading plasmid-borne ARGs in Escherichia coli and further demonstrated via the elimination of ARGs on the environmentally relevant RP4 plasmid in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Next, a prototype conjugation reactor at a 10-mL scale was devised, and 100% of the target ARG was eliminated in the transconjugants receiving VADER, giving a proof of principle for the implementation of VADER in bioprocesses. By generating a nexus of synthetic biology and environmental biotechnology, we believe that our work is not only an enterprise for tackling ARG problems but also a potential solution for managing undesired genetic materials in general in the future. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance has been causing severe health problems and has led to millions of deaths in recent years. Environmental processes, especially those of the wastewater treatment sector, are an important barrier to the spread of antibiotic resistance from the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals, or civil sewage. However, they have been identified as a nonnegligible source of antibiotic resistance at the same time, as antibiotic resistance with its main cause, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), may accumulate in biological treatment units. Here, we transplanted the CRISPR-Cas system, an immune system via programmable DNA cleavage, to tackle the antibiotic resistance problem raised in wastewater treatment processes, and we propose a new sector specialized in ARG removal with a conjugation reactor to implement the CRISPR-Cas system. Our study provides a new angle for resolving public health issues via the implementation of synthetic biology in environmental contexts at the process level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Nan Bao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xian-Zheng Yuan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shu-Guang Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng-Fei Xia
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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18
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Djermoun S, Reuter A, Derollez E, Lesterlin C, Bigot S. Reprogramming targeted-antibacterial-plasmids (TAPs) to achieve broad-host range antibacterial activity. Plasmid 2023; 126:102680. [PMID: 37001687 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2023.102680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance results in antibiotic inefficiency against multidrug resistant bacterial strains. Alternative treatment to antibiotics must be investigated to fight bacterial infections and limit this global public health problem. We recently developed an innovative strategy based on mobilizable Targeted-Antibacterial-Plasmids (TAPs) that deliver CRISPR/Cas systems with strain-specific antibacterial activity, using the F plasmid conjugation machinery for transfer into the targeted strains. These TAPs were shown to specifically kill a variety of Enterobacteriaceae strains, including E. coli K12 and the pathogen strains EPEC, Enterobacter cloacae and Citrobacter rodentium. Here, we extend the host-range of TAPs using the RP4 plasmid conjugation system for their mobilization, thus allowing the targeting of E. coli but also phylogenetically distant species, including Salmonella enterica Thyphimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This work demonstrates the versatility of the TAP strategy and represents a significant step toward the development of non-antibiotic strain-specific antimicrobial treatments.
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19
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Intestinal colonization with multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales: screening, epidemiology, clinical impact, and strategies to decolonize carriers. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:229-254. [PMID: 36680641 PMCID: PMC9899200 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The clinical impact of infections due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and/or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (Ent) has reached dramatic levels worldwide. Infections due to these multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens-especially Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae-may originate from a prior asymptomatic intestinal colonization that could also favor transmission to other subjects. It is therefore desirable that gut carriers are rapidly identified to try preventing both the occurrence of serious endogenous infections and potential transmission. Together with the infection prevention and control countermeasures, any strategy capable of effectively eradicating the MDR-Ent from the intestinal tract would be desirable. In this narrative review, we present a summary of the different aspects linked to the intestinal colonization due to MDR-Ent. In particular, culture- and molecular-based screening techniques to identify carriers, data on prevalence and risk factors in different populations, clinical impact, length of colonization, and contribution to transmission in various settings will be overviewed. We will also discuss the standard strategies (selective digestive decontamination, fecal microbiota transplant) and those still in development (bacteriophages, probiotics, microcins, and CRISPR-Cas-based) that might be used to decolonize MDR-Ent carriers.
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20
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Abavisani M, Khayami R, Hoseinzadeh M, Kodori M, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. CRISPR-Cas system as a promising player against bacterial infection and antibiotic resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100948. [PMID: 36780840 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance (AR) and its increasing global trends and destructive waves concerns patients and the healthcare system. In order to combat AR, it is necessary to explore new strategies when the current antibiotics fail to be effective. Thus, knowing the resistance mechanisms and appropriate diagnosis of bacterial infections may help enhance the sensitivity and specificity of novel strategies. On the other hand, resistance to antimicrobial compounds can spread from resistant populations to susceptible ones. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) significantly disseminate AR via horizontal and vertical gene transfer. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system is a member of the bacterial immune system with the ability to remove the ARGs; therefore, it can be introduced as an effective and innovative strategy in the battle against AR. Here, we reviewed CRISPR-based bacterial diagnosis technologies. Moreover, the strategies to battle AR based on targeting bacterial chromosomes and resistance plasmids using the CRISPR-Cas system have been explained. Besides, we have presented the limitations of CRISPR delivery and potential solutions to help improve the future development of CRISPR-based platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abavisani
- Student research committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Reza Khayami
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Melika Hoseinzadeh
- Student research committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mansoor Kodori
- Non communicable Diseases Research Center, Bam University of Medical sciences, Bam, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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21
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Rottinghaus AG, Vo S, Moon TS. Computational design of CRISPR guide RNAs to enable strain-specific control of microbial consortia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213154120. [PMID: 36574681 PMCID: PMC9910470 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213154120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbes naturally coexist in complex, multistrain communities. However, extracting individual microbes from and specifically manipulating the composition of these consortia remain challenging. The sequence-specific nature of CRISPR guide RNAs can be leveraged to accurately differentiate microorganisms and facilitate the creation of tools that can achieve these tasks. We developed a computational program, ssCRISPR, which designs strain-specific CRISPR guide RNA sequences with user-specified target strains, protected strains, and guide RNA properties. We experimentally verify the accuracy of the strain specificity predictions in both Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp. and show that up to three nucleotide mismatches are often required to ensure perfect specificity. To demonstrate the functionality of ssCRISPR, we apply computationally designed CRISPR-Cas9 guide RNAs to two applications: the purification of specific microbes through one- and two-plasmid transformation workflows and the targeted removal of specific microbes using DNA-loaded liposomes. For strain purification, we utilize gRNAs designed to target and kill all microbes in a consortium except the specific microbe to be isolated. For strain elimination, we utilize gRNAs designed to target only the unwanted microbe while protecting all other strains in the community. ssCRISPR will be of use in diverse microbiota engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin G. Rottinghaus
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Steven Vo
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
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22
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Pathogen-Specific Bactericidal Method Mediated by Conjugative Delivery of CRISPR-Cas13a Targeting Bacterial Endogenous Transcripts. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0130022. [PMID: 35950861 PMCID: PMC9430969 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01300-22] [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] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria threatens public health, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics often leads to unintended consequences, including disturbing the beneficial gut microbiota and resulting in secondary diseases. Therefore, developing a novel strategy that specifically kills pathogens without affecting the residential microbiota is desirable and urgently needed. Here, we report the development of a precise bactericidal system by taking advantage of CRISPR-Cas13a targeting endogenous transcripts of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium delivered through a conjugative vehicle. In vitro, the CRISPR-Cas13a system exhibited specific killing, growth inhibition, and clearance of S. Typhimurium in mixed microbial flora. In a mouse infection model, the CRISPR-Cas13a system, when delivered by a donor Escherichia coli strain, significantly reduced S. Typhimurium colonization in the intestinal tract. Overall, the results demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of the designed CRISPR-Cas13a system in selective killing of pathogens and broaden the utility of conjugation-based delivery of bactericidal approaches. IMPORTANCE Antibiotics with broad-spectrum activities are known to disturb both pathogens and beneficial gut microbiota and cause many undesired side effects, prompting increased interest in developing therapies that specifically eliminate pathogenic bacteria without damaging gut resident flora. To achieve this goal, we developed a strategy utilizing bacterial conjugation to deliver CRISPR-Cas13a programmed to specifically kill S. Typhimurium. This system produced pathogen-specific killing based on CRISPR RNA (crRNAs) targeting endogenous transcripts in pathogens and was shown to be effective in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, the system can be readily delivered by conjugation and is adaptable for targeting different pathogens. With further optimization and improvement, the system has the potential to be used for biotherapy and microbial community modification.
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23
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Payne-Dwyer AL, Syeda AH, Shepherd JW, Frame L, Leake MC. RecA and RecB: probing complexes of DNA repair proteins with mitomycin C in live Escherichia coli with single-molecule sensitivity. JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY, INTERFACE 2022; 19:20220437. [PMID: 35946163 PMCID: PMC9363994 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The RecA protein and RecBCD complex are key bacterial components for the maintenance and repair of DNA. RecBCD is a helicase-nuclease that uses homologous recombination to resolve double-stranded DNA breaks. It also facilitates coating of single-stranded DNA with RecA to form RecA filaments, a vital step in the double-stranded break DNA repair pathway. However, questions remain about the mechanistic roles of RecA and RecBCD in live cells. Here, we use millisecond super-resolved fluorescence microscopy to pinpoint the spatial localization of fluorescent reporters of RecA or RecB at physiological levels of expression in individual live Escherichia coli cells. By introducing the DNA cross-linker mitomycin C, we induce DNA damage and quantify the resulting steady state changes in stoichiometry, cellular protein copy number and molecular mobilities of RecA and RecB. We find that both proteins accumulate in molecular hotspots to effect repair, resulting in RecA stoichiometries equivalent to several hundred molecules that assemble largely in dimeric subunits before DNA damage, but form periodic subunits of approximately 3-4 molecules within mature filaments of several thousand molecules. Unexpectedly, we find that the physiologically predominant forms of RecB are not only rapidly diffusing monomers, but slowly diffusing dimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex L Payne-Dwyer
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.,Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Aisha H Syeda
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.,Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jack W Shepherd
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.,Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Lewis Frame
- School of Natural Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Mark C Leake
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.,Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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24
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Tao S, Chen H, Li N, Liang W. The Application of the CRISPR-Cas System in Antibiotic Resistance. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:4155-4168. [PMID: 35942309 PMCID: PMC9356603 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s370869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and global epidemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to global public health in recent years. AMR genes are shared between bacterial pathogens mainly via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) on mobile genetic elements (MGEs), thereby accelerating the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and increasing the burden of drug resistance. There is an urgent need to develop new strategies to control bacterial infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) are an RNA-guided adaptive immune system in prokaryotes that recognizes and defends against invasive genetic elements such as phages and plasmids. Because of its specifically target and cleave DNA sequences encoding antibiotic resistance genes, CRISPR/Cas system has been developed into a new gene-editing tool for the prevention and control of bacterial drug resistance. CRISPR-Cas plays a potentially important role in controlling horizontal gene transfer and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance. In this review, we will introduce the structure and working mechanism of CRISPR-Cas systems, followed by delivery strategies, and then focus on the relationship between antimicrobial resistance and CRISPR-Cas. Moreover, the challenges and prospects of this research field are discussed, thereby providing a reference for the prevention and control of the spread of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuan Tao
- School of Medical, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, People’s Republic of China
- Lianyungang Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, 222023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huimin Chen
- School of Medical, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province, 233030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Liang
- Lianyungang Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, 222023, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Wei Liang, Lianyungang Clinical College of Jiangsu University, No. 161. Xingfu Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, 222023, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-51885213100; Tel/Fax +86 15351883016, Email
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25
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Li P, Wan P, Zhao R, Chen J, Li X, Li J, Xiong W, Zeng Z. Targeted Elimination of blaNDM-5 Gene in Escherichia coli by Conjugative CRISPR-Cas9 System. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:1707-1716. [PMID: 35422639 PMCID: PMC9004731 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s357470] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Plasmid-borne carbapenem resistance gene blaNDM-5 accelerates the dissemination of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. To efficiently eliminate the blaNDM-5-harboring plasmid and sensitize the antibiotic-resistant bacteria to meropenem, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 system for combating the carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coil). Methods A series of CRISPR-Cas9 plasmids was constructed, and specific guide RNAs(sgRNA) were designed to target the blaNDM-5 gene. We used chemically transformation or conjugation delivery methods, and the elimination efficiency in each recipient strains was evaluated by plate counting, PCR and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out by using the broth microdilution method. In addition, we assessed the effect of the CRISPR-Cas9 system of adaptive immunity on the prevention of the exogenous resistant plasmids pNDM-5 by introducing the system into E coli J53. Results The results showed that pCas9, pCas9-oriT and pBAD-Cas9-oriT can effectively eliminate blaNDM-5 in E. coli with >94.00% elimination efficiency. The blaNDM-5-harboring E. coli successfully restored their susceptibility to meropenem, with eight-fold reduction of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (from 16 µg/mL to 0.06 µg/mL). The E. coli J53 strain containing plasmid pCas9-N reduced the number of transconjugants by 26-fold. Conclusion The CRISPR-Cas9 system achieved plasmid clearance and simultaneous re-sensitization to meropenem in E. coli. The CRISPR-Cas9 system could block the horizontal transfer of plasmid pNDM-5. The conjugative delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 provides a new tool for the removal of resistance plasmids and sensitize the recipient to carbapenem. It provides a therapeutic approach to counteract the propagation of blaNDM-5 gene among clinical pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peisi Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Laboratory of Safety Evaluation (Environmental Assessment) of Veterinary Drugs, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Wan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Laboratory of Safety Evaluation (Environmental Assessment) of Veterinary Drugs, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruonan Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Laboratory of Safety Evaluation (Environmental Assessment) of Veterinary Drugs, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Laboratory of Safety Evaluation (Environmental Assessment) of Veterinary Drugs, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Laboratory of Safety Evaluation (Environmental Assessment) of Veterinary Drugs, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Laboratory of Safety Evaluation (Environmental Assessment) of Veterinary Drugs, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenguang Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Laboratory of Safety Evaluation (Environmental Assessment) of Veterinary Drugs, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenling Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Laboratory of Safety Evaluation (Environmental Assessment) of Veterinary Drugs, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zhenling Zeng; Wenguang Xiong, Tel +862085281204, Fax +862085284896, Email ;
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26
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Zhang L, Jiang H, Zhu Z, Liu J, Li B. Integrating CRISPR/Cas within isothermal amplification for point-of-Care Assay of nucleic acid. Talanta 2022; 243:123388. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Goldlust K, Couturier A, Terradot L, Lesterlin C. Live-Cell Visualization of DNA Transfer and Pilus Dynamics During Bacterial Conjugation. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2476:63-74. [PMID: 35635697 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2221-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial genomes are highly plastic and evolve rapidly by acquiring new genetic information through horizontal gene transfer mechanisms. Capturing DNA transfer by conjugation between bacterial cells in real time is relevant to address bacterial genomes' dynamic architecture comprehensively. Here, we describe a method allowing the direct visualization of bacterial conjugation in live cells, including the fluorescent labeling of the conjugative pilus and the monitoring of plasmid DNA transfer from donor to recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Goldlust
- Microbiologie Moléculaire et Biochimie Structurale (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, Lyon Cedex 07, France
| | - Agathe Couturier
- Microbiologie Moléculaire et Biochimie Structurale (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, Lyon Cedex 07, France
| | - Laurent Terradot
- Microbiologie Moléculaire et Biochimie Structurale (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, Lyon Cedex 07, France
| | - Christian Lesterlin
- Microbiologie Moléculaire et Biochimie Structurale (MMSB), Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, UMR5086, Lyon Cedex 07, France.
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28
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Wu Y, Battalapalli D, Hakeem MJ, Selamneni V, Zhang P, Draz MS, Ruan Z. Engineered CRISPR-Cas systems for the detection and control of antibiotic-resistant infections. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:401. [PMID: 34863214 PMCID: PMC8642896 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is spreading rapidly around the world and seriously impeding efforts to control microbial infections. Although nucleic acid testing is widely deployed for the detection of antibiotic resistant bacteria, the current techniques-mainly based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-are time-consuming and laborious. There is an urgent need to develop new strategies to control bacterial infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The CRISPR-Cas system is an adaptive immune system found in many prokaryotes that presents attractive opportunities to target and edit nucleic acids with high precision and reliability. Engineered CRISPR-Cas systems are reported to effectively kill bacteria or even revert bacterial resistance to antibiotics (resensitizing bacterial cells to antibiotics). Strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance using CRISPR (i.e., Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, and Cas14) can be of great significance in detecting bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics. This review discusses the structures, mechanisms, and detection methods of CRISPR-Cas systems and how these systems can be engineered for the rapid and reliable detection of bacteria using various approaches, with a particular focus on nanoparticles. In addition, we summarize the most recent advances in applying the CRISPR-Cas system for virulence modulation of bacterial infections and combating antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuye Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Mohammed J Hakeem
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Venkatarao Selamneni
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mohamed S Draz
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Zhi Ruan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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29
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He YZ, Kuang X, Long TF, Li G, Ren H, He B, Yan JR, Liao XP, Liu YH, Chen L, Sun J. Re-engineering a mobile-CRISPR/Cas9 system for antimicrobial resistance gene curing and immunization in Escherichia coli. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 77:74-82. [PMID: 34613377 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we developed an IS26-based CRISPR/Cas9 system as a proof-of-concept study to explore the potential of a re-engineered bacterial translocatable unit (TU) for curing and immunizing against the replication genes and antimicrobial resistance genes. METHODS A series of pIS26-CRISPR/Cas9 suicide plasmids were constructed, and specific guide RNAs were designed to target the replication gene of IncX4, IncI2 and IncHI2 plasmids, and the antibiotic resistance genes mcr-1, blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-5. Through conjugation and induction, the transposition efficiency and plasmid-curing efficiency in each recipient were tested. In addition, we examined the efficiency of the IS26-CRISPR/Cas9 system of cell immunity against the acquisition of the exogenous resistant plasmids by introducing this system into antimicrobial-susceptible hosts. RESULTS This study aimed to eliminate the replication genes and antimicrobial resistance genes using pIS26-CRISPR/Cas9. Three plasmids with different replicon types, including IncX4, IncI2 and IncHI2 in three isolates, two pUC19-derived plasmids, pUC19-mcr-1 and pUC19-IS26mcr-1, in two lab strains, and two plasmids bearing blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-5 in two isolates were all successfully eliminated. Moreover, the IS26-based CRISPR/Cas9 system that remained in the plasmid-cured strains could efficiently serve as an immune system against the acquisition of the exogenous resistant plasmids. CONCLUSIONS The IS26-based CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used to efficiently sensitize clinical Escherichia coli isolates to antibiotics in vitro. The single-guide RNAs targeted resistance genes or replication genes of specific incompatible plasmids that harboured resistance genes, providing a novel means to naturally select bacteria that cannot uptake and disseminate such genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Zhang He
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Kuang
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Teng-Fei Long
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong Li
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Ren
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing He
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Ru Yan
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Liao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Hong Liu
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA.,Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Jian Sun
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Veterinary Drug Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Neil K, Allard N, Roy P, Grenier F, Menendez A, Burrus V, Rodrigue S. High-efficiency delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 by engineered probiotics enables precise microbiome editing. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 17:e10335. [PMID: 34665940 PMCID: PMC8527022 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202110335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance threatens our ability to treat infectious diseases, spurring interest in alternative antimicrobial technologies. The use of bacterial conjugation to deliver CRISPR-cas systems programmed to precisely eliminate antibiotic-resistant bacteria represents a promising approach but requires high in situ DNA transfer rates. We have optimized the transfer efficiency of conjugative plasmid TP114 using accelerated laboratory evolution. We hence generated a potent conjugative delivery vehicle for CRISPR-cas9 that can eliminate > 99.9% of targeted antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in the mouse gut microbiota using a single dose. We then applied this system to a Citrobacter rodentium infection model, achieving full clearance within four consecutive days of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Neil
- Département de biologieUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQCCanada
| | - Nancy Allard
- Département de biologieUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQCCanada
| | - Patricia Roy
- Département de biologieUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQCCanada
| | - Frédéric Grenier
- Département de biologieUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQCCanada
| | - Alfredo Menendez
- Département de Microbiologie et d'InfectiologieUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQCCanada
| | - Vincent Burrus
- Département de biologieUniversité de SherbrookeSherbrookeQCCanada
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