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Thakur Z, Chaudhary R, Mehta PK. MazEF toxin-antitoxin systems: their role in Mycobacterium tuberculosis stress response and drug resistance. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024:1-4. [PMID: 39249131 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2403021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoozeal Thakur
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be) University, Ambala, India
| | - Renu Chaudhary
- Structural Biology Lab, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India
| | - Promod K Mehta
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Sri Guru Gobind Singh, Tricentenary University, Gurugram, India
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2
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Gupta N, Yadav M, Singh G, Chaudhary S, Ghosh C, Rathore JS. Decoding the TAome and computational insights into parDE toxin-antitoxin systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:360. [PMID: 39066828 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are widely found in the genomes of pathogenic bacteria. They regulate vital cellular functions like transcription, translation, and DNA replication, and are therefore essential to the survival of bacteria under stress. With a focus on the type II parDE modules, this study thoroughly examines TAome in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium well-known for its adaptability and antibiotic resistance. We explored the TAome in three P. aeruginosa strains: ATCC 27,853, PAO1, and PA14, and found 15 type II TAs in ATCC 27,853, 12 in PAO1, and 13 in PA14, with significant variation in the associated mobile genetic elements. Five different parDE homologs were found by further TAome analysis in ATCC 27,853, and their relationships were confirmed by sequence alignments and precise genomic positions. After comparing these ParDE modules' sequences to those of other pathogenic bacteria, it was discovered that they were conserved throughout many taxa, especially Proteobacteria. Nucleic acids were predicted as potential ligands for ParD antitoxins, whereas ParE toxins interacted with a wide range of small molecules, indicating a diverse functional repertoire. The interaction interfaces between ParDE TAs were clarified by protein-protein interaction networks and docking studies, which also highlighted important residues involved in binding. This thorough examination improves our understanding of the diversity, evolutionary dynamics, and functional significance of TA systems in P. aeruginosa, providing insights into their roles in bacterial physiology and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomita Gupta
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Yamuna Expressway, Greater Noida, 201312, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohit Yadav
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Yamuna Expressway, Greater Noida, 201312, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, 784028, India
| | - Garima Singh
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Yamuna Expressway, Greater Noida, 201312, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shobhi Chaudhary
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Yamuna Expressway, Greater Noida, 201312, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chaitali Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, Siri Fort Road, New Delhi, 110049, India
| | - Jitendra Singh Rathore
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Yamuna Expressway, Greater Noida, 201312, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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3
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Bustamante P, Ramos-Corominas MN, Martinez-Medina M. Contribution of Toxin-Antitoxin Systems to Adherent-Invasive E. coli Pathogenesis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1158. [PMID: 38930540 PMCID: PMC11205521 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061158] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathobionts have been implicated in various chronic diseases, including Crohn's disease (CD), a multifactorial chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and damage to the digestive system. While the exact cause of CD remains unclear, adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) strains have emerged as key contributors to its pathogenesis. AIEC are characterized by their ability to adhere to and invade intestinal epithelial cells and survive and replicate inside macrophages. However, the mechanisms underlying the virulence and persistence of AIEC within their host remain the subject of intensive research. Toxin-antitoxin systems (TAs) play a potential role in AIEC pathogenesis and may be therapeutic targets. These systems generally consist of two components: a toxin harmful to the cell and an antitoxin that neutralizes the toxin's effects. They contribute to bacterial survival in adverse conditions and regulate bacterial growth and behavior, affecting various cellular processes in bacterial pathogens. This review focuses on the current information available to determine the roles of TAs in the pathogenicity of AIEC. Their contribution to the AIEC stress response, biofilm formation, phage inhibition, the maintenance of mobile genetic elements, and host lifestyles is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Bustamante
- Molecular and Cellular Microbiology Laboratory, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - María Núria Ramos-Corominas
- Microbiology of Intestinal Diseases, Biology Department, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain; (M.N.R.-C.); (M.M.-M.)
| | - Margarita Martinez-Medina
- Microbiology of Intestinal Diseases, Biology Department, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain; (M.N.R.-C.); (M.M.-M.)
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Shore SFH, Leinberger FH, Fozo EM, Berghoff BA. Type I toxin-antitoxin systems in bacteria: from regulation to biological functions. EcoSal Plus 2024:eesp00252022. [PMID: 38767346 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0025-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Toxin-antitoxin systems are ubiquitous in the prokaryotic world and widely distributed among chromosomes and mobile genetic elements. Several different toxin-antitoxin system types exist, but what they all have in common is that toxin activity is prevented by the cognate antitoxin. In type I toxin-antitoxin systems, toxin production is controlled by an RNA antitoxin and by structural features inherent to the toxin messenger RNA. Most type I toxins are small membrane proteins that display a variety of cellular effects. While originally discovered as modules that stabilize plasmids, chromosomal type I toxin-antitoxin systems may also stabilize prophages, or serve important functions upon certain stress conditions and contribute to population-wide survival strategies. Here, we will describe the intricate RNA-based regulation of type I toxin-antitoxin systems and discuss their potential biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene F H Shore
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Florian H Leinberger
- Institute for Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Elizabeth M Fozo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bork A Berghoff
- Institute for Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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Carrera Páez LC, Olivier M, Gambino AS, Poklepovich T, Aguilar AP, Quiroga MP, Centrón D. Sporadic clone Escherichia coli ST615 as a vector and reservoir for dissemination of crucial antimicrobial resistance genes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1368622. [PMID: 38741889 PMCID: PMC11089171 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1368622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
There is scarce information concerning the role of sporadic clones in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) within the nosocomial niche. We confirmed that the clinical Escherichia coli M19736 ST615 strain, one of the first isolates of Latin America that harbors a plasmid with an mcr-1 gene, could receive crucial ARG by transformation and conjugation using as donors critical plasmids that harbor bla CTX-M-15, bla KPC-2, bla NDM-5, bla NDM-1, or aadB genes. Escherichia coli M19736 acquired bla CTX-M-15, bla KPC-2, bla NDM-5, bla NDM-1, and aadB genes, being only blaNDM-1 maintained at 100% on the 10th day of subculture. In addition, when the evolved MDR-E. coli M19736 acquired sequentially bla CTX-M-15 and bla NDM-1 genes, the maintenance pattern of the plasmids changed. In addition, when the evolved XDR-E. coli M19736 acquired in an ulterior step the paadB plasmid, a different pattern of the plasmid's maintenance was found. Interestingly, the evolved E. coli M19736 strains disseminated simultaneously the acquired conjugative plasmids in different combinations though selection was ceftazidime in all cases. Finally, we isolated and characterized the extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the native and evolved XDR-E. coli M19736 strains. Interestingly, EVs from the evolved XDR-E. coli M19736 harbored bla CTX-M-15 though the pDCAG1-CTX-M-15 was previously lost as shown by WGS and experiments, suggesting that EV could be a relevant reservoir of ARG for susceptible bacteria. These results evidenced the genetic plasticity of a sporadic clone of E. coli such as ST615 that could play a relevant transitional link in the clinical dynamics and evolution to multidrug/extensively/pandrug-resistant phenotypes of superbugs within the nosocomial niche by acting simultaneously as a vector and reservoir of multiple ARGs which later could be disseminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Camila Carrera Páez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martin Olivier
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anahí Samanta Gambino
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás Poklepovich
- Plataforma de Genómica y Bioinformática, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas - La Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (INEI-ANLIS) “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Pamela Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Paula Quiroga
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Centrón
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Jain I, Kolesnik M, Kuznedelov K, Minakhin L, Morozova N, Shiriaeva A, Kirillov A, Medvedeva S, Livenskyi A, Kazieva L, Makarova KS, Koonin EV, Borukhov S, Severinov K, Semenova E. tRNA anticodon cleavage by target-activated CRISPR-Cas13a effector. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl0164. [PMID: 38657076 PMCID: PMC11042736 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Type VI CRISPR-Cas systems are among the few CRISPR varieties that target exclusively RNA. The CRISPR RNA-guided, sequence-specific binding of target RNAs, such as phage transcripts, activates the type VI effector, Cas13. Once activated, Cas13 causes collateral RNA cleavage, which induces bacterial cell dormancy, thus protecting the host population from the phage spread. We show here that the principal form of collateral RNA degradation elicited by Leptotrichia shahii Cas13a expressed in Escherichia coli cells is the cleavage of anticodons in a subset of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) with uridine-rich anticodons. This tRNA cleavage is accompanied by inhibition of protein synthesis, thus providing defense from the phages. In addition, Cas13a-mediated tRNA cleavage indirectly activates the RNases of bacterial toxin-antitoxin modules cleaving messenger RNA, which could provide a backup defense. The mechanism of Cas13a-induced antiphage defense resembles that of bacterial anticodon nucleases, which is compatible with the hypothesis that type VI effectors evolved from an abortive infection module encompassing an anticodon nuclease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Jain
- Waksman Institute for Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Matvey Kolesnik
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Kuznedelov
- Waksman Institute for Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Leonid Minakhin
- Waksman Institute for Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Natalia Morozova
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Shiriaeva
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexandr Kirillov
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sofia Medvedeva
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexei Livenskyi
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Kira S. Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eugene V. Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sergei Borukhov
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine at Stratford; Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Konstantin Severinov
- Waksman Institute for Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Semenova
- Waksman Institute for Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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7
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Gerdes K. Diverse genetic contexts of HicA toxin domains propose a role in anti-phage defense. mBio 2024; 15:e0329323. [PMID: 38236063 PMCID: PMC10865869 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03293-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are prevalent in prokaryotic genomes, often in substantial numbers. For instance, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome alone harbors close to 100 TA modules, half of which belong to a singular type. Traditionally ascribed multiple biological roles, recent insights challenge these notions and instead indicate a predominant function in phage defense. TAs are often located within Defense Islands, genomic regions that encode various defense systems. The analysis of genes within Defense Islands has unveiled a wide array of systems, including TAs that serve in anti-phage defense. Prokaryotic cells are equipped with anti-phage Viperins that, analogous to their mammalian counterparts, inhibit viral RNA transcription. Additionally, bacterial Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) proteins combat plasmid intrusion by recognizing foreign DNA signatures. This study undertakes a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of genetic elements encoding the HicA double-stranded RNA-binding domain, complemented by protein structure modeling. The HicA toxin domains are found in at least 14 distinct contexts and thus exhibit a remarkable genetic diversity. Traditional bicistronic TA operons represent eight of these contexts, while four are characterized by monocistronic operons encoding fused HicA domains. Two contexts involve hicA adjacent to genes that encode bacterial Viperins. Notably, genes encoding RelE toxins are also adjacent to Viperin genes in some instances. This configuration hints at a synergistic enhancement of Viperin-mediated anti-phage action by HicA and RelE toxins. The discovery of a HicA domain merged with an SMC domain is compelling, prompting further investigation into its potential roles.IMPORTANCEProkaryotic organisms harbor a multitude of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, which have long puzzled scientists as "genes in search for a function." Recent scientific advancements have shed light on the primary role of TAs as anti-phage defense mechanisms. To gain an overview of TAs it is important to analyze their genetic contexts that can give hints on function and guide future experimental inquiries. This article describes a thorough bioinformatics examination of genes encoding the HicA toxin domain, revealing its presence in no fewer than 14 unique genetic arrangements. Some configurations notably align with anti-phage activities, underscoring potential roles in microbial immunity. These insights robustly reinforce the hypothesis that HicA toxins are integral components of the prokaryotic anti-phage defense repertoire. The elucidation of these genetic contexts not only advances our understanding of TAs but also contributes to a paradigm shift in how we perceive their functionality within the microbial world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenn Gerdes
- Kenn Gerdes is an independent researcher with the residence, Voldmestergade, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ruan S, Tu CH, Bourne CR. Friend or Foe: Protein Inhibitors of DNA Gyrase. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:84. [PMID: 38392303 PMCID: PMC10886550 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
DNA gyrase is essential for the successful replication of circular chromosomes, such as those found in most bacterial species, by relieving topological stressors associated with unwinding the double-stranded genetic material. This critical central role makes gyrase a valued target for antibacterial approaches, as exemplified by the highly successful fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. It is reasonable that the activity of gyrase could be intrinsically regulated within cells, thereby helping to coordinate DNA replication with doubling times. Numerous proteins have been identified to exert inhibitory effects on DNA gyrase, although at lower doses, it can appear readily reversible and therefore may have regulatory value. Some of these, such as the small protein toxins found in plasmid-borne addiction modules, can promote cell death by inducing damage to DNA, resulting in an analogous outcome as quinolone antibiotics. Others, however, appear to transiently impact gyrase in a readily reversible and non-damaging mechanism, such as the plasmid-derived Qnr family of DNA-mimetic proteins. The current review examines the origins and known activities of protein inhibitors of gyrase and highlights opportunities to further exert control over bacterial growth by targeting this validated antibacterial target with novel molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, we are gaining new insights into fundamental regulatory strategies of gyrase that may prove important for understanding diverse growth strategies among different bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfeng Ruan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Chih-Han Tu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Christina R Bourne
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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