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Ott LC, Mellata M. Models for Gut-Mediated Horizontal Gene Transfer by Bacterial Plasmid Conjugation. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:891548. [PMID: 35847067 PMCID: PMC9280185 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.891548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of new antimicrobial resistant and virulent bacterial strains may pose a threat to human and animal health. Bacterial plasmid conjugation is a significant contributor to rapid microbial evolutions that results in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AR). The gut of animals is believed to be a potent reservoir for the spread of AR and virulence genes through the horizontal exchange of mobile genetic elements such as plasmids. The study of the plasmid transfer process in the complex gut environment is limited due to the confounding factors that affect colonization, persistence, and plasmid conjugation. Furthermore, study of plasmid transfer in the gut of humans is limited to observational studies, leading to the need to identify alternate models that provide insight into the factors regulating conjugation in the gut. This review discusses key studies on the current models for in silico, in vitro, and in vivo modeling of bacterial conjugation, and their ability to reflect the gut of animals. We particularly emphasize the use of computational and in vitro models that may approximate aspects of the gut, as well as animal models that represent in vivo conditions to a greater extent. Directions on future research studies in the field are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C. Ott
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Melha Mellata
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Melha Mellata,
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Conjugative transfer of mcr-1-bearing plasmid from Salmonella to Escherichia coli in vitro on chicken meat and in mouse gut. Food Res Int 2022; 157:111263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Zhou GW, Yang XR, Zheng F, Zhang ZX, Zheng BX, Zhu YG, Xue XM. Arsenic transformation mediated by gut microbiota affects the fecundity of Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 260:113991. [PMID: 31991357 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.113991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic biotransformation has been discovered in guts of soil invertebrates. Reproduction of invertebrates is sensitive to arsenic contamination in soils. However, little is known about the impact of gut microbe-mediated arsenic biotransformation on the fecundity of invertebrates. Here, Caenorhabditis elegans was firstly pre-fed with Escherichia coli BL21 possessing the capability of reducing arsenate [As(V)] or BL21M having the ability to reduce As(V) and methylate arsenite [As(III)], then inoculated worms were transferred to inactive E. coli AW3110 (harboring no arsenic transformation gene)-seeded plates treated with As(V) at different concentrations. Quantification of gut microbes showed that both E. coli BL21 and BL21M stably colonized in the guts after worms were cultured on inactive E. coli AW3110-seeded plates for 72 h. The analysis of arsenic species indicated that there was As(III) in C. elegans guts colonized with E. coli BL21, As(III) and dimethylarsinic acid [DMAs(V)] in C. elegans guts with E. coli BL21M exposed to As(V) for 6 h. After treatment of 100 μM As(V), decrease in brood sizes was observed for worms that were colonized with E. coli BL21 or BL21M compared to that with AW3110 in the guts. The levels of vitellogenin (VTG), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), closely linked to reproduction and antioxidation-linked indicators, were the highest in worms whose guts colonized with E. coli BL21, followed by worms colonized with E. coli BL21M and worms colonized with inactive E. coli AW3110 exposed to As(V). Our results indicated the toxic impact of As(III) and DMAs(V) produced by gut microbes on reproduction of C. elegans. The work provides novel insight into the interplay between arsenic biotransformation mediated by gut microbes and the host fecundity in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Wei Zhou
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Xiao-Ru Yang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Fei Zheng
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Zi-Xing Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Bang-Xiao Zheng
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Niemenkatu 73, Lahti, 15140, Finland
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Xi-Mei Xue
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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Khowal S, Siddiqui MZ, Ali S, Khan MT, Khan MA, Naqvi SH, Wajid S. A report on extensive lateral genetic reciprocation between arsenic resistant Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus strains analyzed using RAPD-PCR. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2016; 107:443-454. [PMID: 27956257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The study involves isolation of arsenic resistant bacteria from soil samples. The characterization of bacteria isolates was based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. The phylogenetic consanguinity among isolates was studied employing rpoB and gltX gene sequence. RAPD-PCR technique was used to analyze genetic similarity between arsenic resistant isolates. In accordance with the results Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus strains may exhibit extensive horizontal gene transfer. Arsenic resistant potency in Bacillus sonorensis and high arsenite tolerance in Bacillus pumilus strains was identified. The RAPD-PCR primer OPO-02 amplified a 0.5kb DNA band specific to B. pumilus 3ZZZ strain and 0.75kb DNA band specific to B. subtilis 3PP. These unique DNA bands may have potential use as SCAR (Sequenced Characterized Amplified Region) molecular markers for identification of arsenic resistant B. pumilus and B. subtilis strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Khowal
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Hamdard University (Jamia Hamdard), New Delhi 110 062, India
| | - Md Zulquarnain Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Hamdard University (Jamia Hamdard), New Delhi 110 062, India
| | - Shadab Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Hamdard University (Jamia Hamdard), New Delhi 110 062, India
| | - Mohd Taha Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Hamdard University (Jamia Hamdard), New Delhi 110 062, India
| | - Mather Ali Khan
- 247, Bond Life Sciences Centre, 1201 Rollins Street, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Saima Wajid
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Hamdard University (Jamia Hamdard), New Delhi 110 062, India.
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Zolfaghari Emameh R, Barker HR, Tolvanen MEE, Parkkila S, Hytönen VP. Horizontal transfer of β-carbonic anhydrase genes from prokaryotes to protozoans, insects, and nematodes. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:152. [PMID: 26983858 PMCID: PMC4793742 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a movement of genetic information occurring outside of normal mating activities. It is especially common between prokaryotic endosymbionts and their protozoan, insect, and nematode hosts. Although beta carbonic anhydrase (β-CA) plays a crucial role in metabolic functions of many living organisms, the origin of β-CA genes in eukaryotic species remains unclear. METHODS This study was conducted using phylogenetics, prediction of subcellular localization, and identification of β-CA, transposase, integrase, and resolvase genes on the MGEs of bacteria. We also structurally analyzed β-CAs from protozoans, insects, and nematodes and their putative prokaryotic common ancestors, by homology modelling. RESULTS Our investigations of a number of target genomes revealed that genes coding for transposase, integrase, resolvase, and conjugation complex proteins have been integrated with β-CA gene sequences on mobile genetic elements (MGEs) which have facilitated the mobility of β-CA genes from bacteria to protozoan, insect, and nematode species. The prokaryotic origin of protozoan, insect, and nematode β-CA enzymes is supported by phylogenetic analyses, prediction of subcellular localization, and homology modelling. CONCLUSION MGEs form a complete set of enzymatic tools, which are relevant to HGT of β-CA gene sequences from prokaryotes to protozoans, insects, and nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Zolfaghari Emameh
- School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Medisiinarinkatu 3, FI-33520, Tampere, Finland. .,BioMediTech, University of Tampere, FI-33520, Tampere, Finland. .,Fimlab Laboratories Ltd and Tampere University Hospital, FI-33520, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Harlan R Barker
- School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Medisiinarinkatu 3, FI-33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Martti E E Tolvanen
- Department of Information Technology, University of Turku, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Medisiinarinkatu 3, FI-33520, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Laboratories Ltd and Tampere University Hospital, FI-33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, FI-33520, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Laboratories Ltd and Tampere University Hospital, FI-33520, Tampere, Finland
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Lu YL, Jing W, Feng LS, Zhang L, Xu JF, You TJ, Zhao J. Effects of hypoxic exercise training on microRNA expression and lipid metabolism in obese rat livers. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2015; 15:820-9. [PMID: 25183036 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1400052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of hypoxic exercise training on microRNA (miRNA) expression and the role of miRNA expression in regulating lipid metabolism, 20 dietary-induced obese SD rats were divided into a normoxic sedentary group (N, n=10) and a hypoxic exercise training group (H, n=10). After four weeks, measurements were taken of body weight, body length, fat mass, serum lipid concentration, miRNAs differentially expressed in rat liver, and gene and protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A) in rat liver. Body weight, Lee's index, fat mass, fat/weight ratio, and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were all significantly lower in the H group than in the N group (P<0.01). Six miRNAs expressed significantly differently in the liver (P<0.05). Specifically, expression levels of miR-378b were significantly lower in the H group than in the N group (P<0.05). Compared with the normoxic sedentary group, hypoxic exercise training resulted in a lower ratio of FAS mRNA to CPT1A mRNA (P<0.05), as well as lower CPT1A protein levels (P<0.01), while a higher ratio of FAS to CPT1A protein levels (P<0.01) was observed. In conclusion, hypoxic training may elevate the resistance of high fat diet induced obesity in rats by reducing the expression of miR-378b, and decrease the fatty acid mitochondrial oxidation in obese rat livers by decreasing the protein expression of CPT1A and increasing the protein expression ratio of FAS/CPT1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-li Lu
- Biology Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing 100061, China; Sport Science Research Center of Shandong Province, Jinan 250102, China; Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA; School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
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Schultz RD, Bennett EE, Ellis EA, Gumienny TL. Regulation of extracellular matrix organization by BMP signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101929. [PMID: 25013968 PMCID: PMC4094471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway signaling is important for the growth and homeostasis of extracellular matrix, including basement membrane remodeling, scarring, and bone growth. A conserved BMP member in Caenorhabditis elegans, DBL-1, regulates body length in a dose-sensitive manner. Loss of DBL-1 pathway signaling also results in increased anesthetic sensitivity. However, the physiological basis of these pleiotropic phenotypes is largely unknown. We created a DBL-1 over-expressing strain and show that sensitivity to anesthetics is inversely related to the dose of DBL-1. Using pharmacological, genetic analyses, and a novel dye permeability assay for live, microwave-treated animals, we confirm that DBL-1 is required for the barrier function of the cuticle, a specialized extracellular matrix. We show that DBL-1 signaling is required to prevent animals from forming tail-entangled aggregates in liquid. Stripping lipids off the surface of wild-type animals recapitulates this phenotype. Finally, we find that DBL-1 signaling affects ultrastructure of the nematode cuticle in a dose-dependent manner, as surface lipid content and cuticular organization are disrupted in animals with genetically altered DBL-1 levels. We propose that the lipid layer coating the nematode cuticle normally prevents tail entanglement, and that reduction of this layer by loss of DBL-1 signaling promotes aggregation. This work provides a physiological mechanism that unites the DBL-1 signaling pathway roles of not only body size regulation and drug responsiveness, but also the novel Hoechst 33342 staining and aggregation phenotypes, through barrier function, content, and organization of the cuticle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbie D. Schultz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Emily E. Bennett
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - E. Ann Ellis
- Microscopy & Imaging Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tina L. Gumienny
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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Clark LC, Hodgkin J. Commensals, probiotics and pathogens in the Caenorhabditis elegans model. Cell Microbiol 2013; 16:27-38. [PMID: 24168639 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is a useful model host for a wide variety of microorganisms that have implications for human health. Recent surveys of mammalian and metazoan microbiota demonstrate the often profound effects of gut commensal bacteria on host lifespan, health and development. Work using C. elegans has revealed the surprising extent to which bacterial metabolism can interact with host pathways with examples from Escherichia coli folate metabolism and Bacillus subtilis nitric oxide synthesis. The C. elegans model has also shed light on the mechanisms by which probiotic bacteria influence lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Clark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Host-Microbe Interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans. ISRN MICROBIOLOGY 2013; 2013:356451. [PMID: 23984180 PMCID: PMC3747393 DOI: 10.1155/2013/356451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A good understanding of how microbes interact with hosts has a direct bearing on our capability of fighting infectious microbial pathogens and making good use of beneficial ones. Among the model organisms used to study reciprocal actions among microbes and hosts, C. elegans may be the most advantageous in the context of its unique attributes such as the short life cycle, easiness of laboratory maintenance, and the availability of different genetic mutants. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding host-microbe interactions in C. elegans. Although these investigations have greatly enhanced our understanding of C. elegans-microbe relationships, all but one of them involve only one or few microbial species. We argue here that more research is needed for exploring the evolution and establishment of a complex microbial community in the worm's intestine and its interaction with the host.
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Cabreiro F, Gems D. Worms need microbes too: microbiota, health and aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:1300-10. [PMID: 23913848 PMCID: PMC3799487 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201100972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animal species live in close association with commensal and symbiotic microbes (microbiota). Recent studies have revealed that the status of gastrointestinal tract microbiota can influence nutrition-related syndromes such as obesity and type-2 diabetes, and perhaps aging. These morbidities have a profound impact in terms of individual suffering, and are an increasing economic burden to modern societies. Several theories have been proposed for the influence of microbiota on host metabolism, but these largely remain to be proven. In this article we discuss how microbiota may be manipulated (via pharmacology, diet, or gene manipulation) in order to alter metabolism, immunity, health and aging in the host. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in combination with one microbial species is an excellent, defined model system to investigate the mechanisms of host–microbiota interactions, particularly given the combined power of worm and microbial genetics. We also discuss the multifaceted nature of the worm–microbe relationship, which likely encompasses predation, commensalism, pathogenicity and necromeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Cabreiro
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, and Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK.
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