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Xie O, Zachreson C, Tonkin-Hill G, Price DJ, Lacey JA, Morris JM, McDonald MI, Bowen AC, Giffard PM, Currie BJ, Carapetis JR, Holt DC, Bentley SD, Davies MR, Tong SYC. Overlapping Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis household transmission and mobile genetic element exchange. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3477. [PMID: 38658529 PMCID: PMC11043366 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47816-1] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) and Streptococcus pyogenes share skin and throat niches with extensive genomic homology and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) possibly underlying shared disease phenotypes. It is unknown if cross-species transmission interaction occurs. Here, we conduct a genomic analysis of a longitudinal household survey in remote Australian First Nations communities for patterns of cross-species transmission interaction and HGT. Collected from 4547 person-consultations, we analyse 294 SDSE and 315 S. pyogenes genomes. We find SDSE and S. pyogenes transmission intersects extensively among households and show that patterns of co-occurrence and transmission links are consistent with independent transmission without inter-species interference. We identify at least one of three near-identical cross-species mobile genetic elements (MGEs) carrying antimicrobial resistance or streptodornase virulence genes in 55 (19%) SDSE and 23 (7%) S. pyogenes isolates. These findings demonstrate co-circulation of both pathogens and HGT in communities with a high burden of streptococcal disease, supporting a need to integrate SDSE and S. pyogenes surveillance and control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouli Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cameron Zachreson
- School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - David J Price
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jake A Lacey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M Morris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Malcolm I McDonald
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia and Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Philip M Giffard
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Infectious Diseases Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Jonathan R Carapetis
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia and Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Deborah C Holt
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | | | - Mark R Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Tagg JR, Harold LK, Jain R, Hale JDF. Beneficial modulation of human health in the oral cavity and beyond using bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance-producing streptococcal probiotics. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1161155. [PMID: 37056747 PMCID: PMC10086258 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1161155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The human oral cavity contains a diversity of microbial habitats that have been adopted and adapted to as homeland by an amazingly heterogeneous population of microorganisms collectively referred to as the oral microbiota. These microbes generally co-habit in harmonious homeostasis. However, under conditions of imposed stress, as with changes to the host’s physiology or nutritional status, or as a response to foreign microbial or antimicrobial incursions, some components of the oral “microbiome” (viz. the in situ microbiota) may enter a dysbiotic state. This microbiome dysbiosis can manifest in a variety of guises including streptococcal sore throats, dental caries, oral thrush, halitosis and periodontal disease. Most of the strategies currently available for the management or treatment of microbial diseases of the oral cavity focus on the repetitive “broad sweep” and short-term culling of oral microbe populations, hopefully including the perceived principal pathogens. Both physical and chemical techniques are used. However, the application of more focused approaches to the harnessing or elimination of key oral cavity pathogens is now feasible through the use of probiotic strains that are naturally adapted for oral cavity colonization and also are equipped to produce anti-competitor molecules such as the bacteriocins and bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (viz BLIS). Some of these probiotics are capable of suppressing the proliferation of a variety of recognized microbial pathogens of the human mouth, thereby assisting with the restoration of oral microbiome homeostasis. BLIS K12 and BLIS M18, the progenitors of the BLIS-producing oral probiotics, are members of the human oral cavity commensal species Streptococcus salivarius. More recently however, a number of other streptococcal and some non-streptococcal candidate oral probiotics have also been promoted. What is becoming increasingly apparent is that the future for oral probiotic applications will probably extend well beyond the attempted limitation of the direct pathological consequences of oral microbiome dysbiosis to also encompass a plethora of systemic diseases and disorders of the human host. The background to and the evolving prospects for the beneficial modulation of the oral microbiome via the application of BLIS-producing S. salivarius probiotics comprises the principal focus of the present review.
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Vogel V, Spellerberg B. Bacteriocin Production by Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070867. [PMID: 34358017 PMCID: PMC8308785 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-hemolytic streptococci cause a variety of infectious diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality. A key factor for successful infection is host colonization, which can be difficult in a multispecies environment. Secreting bacteriocins can be beneficial during this process. Bacteriocins are small, ribosomally produced, antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria to inhibit the growth of other, typically closely related, bacteria. In this systematic review, bacteriocin production and regulation of beta-hemolytic streptococci was surveyed. While Streptococcus pyogenes produces eight different bacteriocins (Streptococcin A-FF22/A-M49, Streptin, Salivaricin A, SpbMN, Blp1, Blp2, Streptococcin A-M57), only one bacteriocin of Streptococcus agalactiae (Agalacticin = Nisin P) and one of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (Dysgalacticin) has been described. Expression of class I bacteriocins is regulated by a two-component system, typically with autoinduction by the bacteriocin itself. In contrast, a separate quorum sensing system regulates expression of class II bacteriocins. Both identified class III bacteriocins are plasmid-encoded and regulation has not been elucidated.
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Barbour A, Elebyary O, Fine N, Oveisi M, Glogauer M. Metabolites of the Oral Microbiome: Important Mediators of Multi-Kingdom Interactions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 46:6316110. [PMID: 34227664 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity hosts over 700 different microbial species that produce a rich reservoir of bioactive metabolites critical to oral health maintenance. Over the last two decades, new insights into the oral microbiome and its importance in health and disease have emerged mainly due to the discovery of new oral microbial species using next-generation sequencing (NGS). This advancement has revolutionized the documentation of unique microbial profiles associated with different niches and health/disease states within the oral cavity and the relation of the oral bacteria to systemic diseases. However, less work has been done to identify and characterize the unique oral microbial metabolites that play critical roles in maintaining equilibrium between the various oral microbial species and their human hosts. This article discusses the most significant microbial metabolites produced by these diverse communities of oral bacteria that can either foster health or contribute to disease. Finally, we shed light on how advances in genomics and genome mining can provide a high throughput platform for discovering novel bioactive metabolites derived from the human oral microbiome to tackle emerging human infections and systemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelahhad Barbour
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Omnia Elebyary
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Noah Fine
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Morvarid Oveisi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Michael Glogauer
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1G6, Canada.,Department of Dental Oncology, Maxillofacial and Ocular Prosthetics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 2M9, Canada
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First Description of the Composition and the Functional Capabilities of the Skin Microbial Community Accompanying Severe Scabies Infestation in Humans. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050907. [PMID: 33922793 PMCID: PMC8146700 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies link Sarcoptes scabiei infection and impetigo. Scabies mites can promote Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) and Staphylococcus aureus infections by breaching the skin barrier and excreting molecules that inhibit host innate immune responses. However, little is known about the composition and the function of the scabies-associated microbiota. Here, high-throughput whole-metagenome sequencing was used to explore the scabies-associated microbiome. Scabies mites including their immediate microenvironments were isolated from two patients with severe scabies in Northern Australia. Two ~45–50 million paired-end reads Illumina libraries were generated of which ~2 (5.1%) and 0.7 million (1.3%) microbial reads were filtered out by mapping to human (hg19) and mite draft genomes. Taxonomic profiling revealed a microbial community dominated by the phylum Firmicutes (A: 79% and B: 59%) and genera that comprise Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, and Corynebacterium. Assembly of the metagenome reads resulted in genome bins representing reference genomes of Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus dysgalactiae (Group C/G), Proteus mirablis and Staphylococcus aureus. The contigs contained genes relevant to pathogenicity and antibiotics resistance. Confocal microscopy of a patient skin sample confirmed A. baumannii, Streptococci and S. aureus in scabies mite gut and faeces and the surrounding skin. The study provides fundamental evidence for the association of opportunistic pathogens with scabies infection.
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Ishihara H, Ogura K, Nguyen VA, Miyohi-Akiyama T, Okamoto S, Takemoto N. Comparative genome analysis of three Group A Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis strains isolated in Japan. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70. [PMID: 33533709 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction . Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) is a β-hemolytic streptococcus that causes severe invasive streptococcal infections, especially in the elderly and people with underlying diseases. SDSE strains are primarily characterized by Lancefield group G or C antigens.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. We have previously reported the prevalence of Lancefield group A SDSE (GA-SDSE) strains in Japan and have analysed the draft genome sequences of these strains. As GA-SDSE is a rare type of SDSE, only one complete genome has been sequenced to date.Aim. The present study is focused on genetic characteristics of GA-SDSE strains. In order to examine molecular characteristics, we also tested growth inhibition of other streptococci by GA-SDSE.Methodology. We determined the complete genome sequences of three GA-SDSE strains by two new generation sequencing systems (short-read and long-read sequencing data). Using the sequences, we also conducted a comparative analysis of GA-SDSE and group C/G SDSE strains. In addition, we tested multiplex and quantitative PCRs targeting the GA-SDSE, group G SDSE, and S. pyogenes.Results. We found a group-specific conserved region in GA-SDSE strains that is composed of genes encoding predicted anti-bacteriocin and streptococcal lantibiotic (Sal) proteins. Multiplex and quantitative PCRs targeting the GA-SDSE-specific region were able to distinguish between GA-SDSE, other SDSE, and S. pyogenes strains. The growth of GA-SDSE was suppressed in the presence of group G SDSE, indicating a possible explanation for the low frequency of isolation of GA-SDSE.Conclusion. The comparative genome analysis shows that the genome of GA-SDSE has a distinct arrangement, enabling the differentiation between S. pyogenes, GA-SDSE, and other SDSE strains using our PCR methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Ishihara
- Clinical Laboratory, Dental Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan.,Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0942, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogura
- Advanced Health Care Science Research Unit, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0942, Japan
| | - Van An Nguyen
- Department of Viral Infection and International Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Tohru Miyohi-Akiyama
- Pathogenic Microbe Laboratory, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Shigefumi Okamoto
- Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0942, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takemoto
- Pathogenic Microbe Laboratory, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
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Vaičikauskaitė M, Ger M, Valius M, Maneikis A, Lastauskienė E, Kalėdienė L, Kaunietis A. Geobacillin 26 - high molecular weight bacteriocin from a thermophilic bacterium. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 141:333-344. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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8
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Jagadeesan Y, Athinarayanan S, Ayub SBM, Balaiah A. Assessment of Synthesis Machinery of Two Antimicrobial Peptides from Paenibacillus alvei NP75. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2019; 12:39-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s12602-019-09541-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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9
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Acedo JZ, Chiorean S, Vederas JC, van Belkum MJ. The expanding structural variety among bacteriocins from Gram-positive bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 42:805-828. [PMID: 30085042 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria use various strategies to compete in an ecological niche, including the production of bacteriocins. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antibacterial peptides, and it has been postulated that the majority of Gram-positive bacteria produce one or more of these natural products. Bacteriocins can be used in food preservation and are also considered as potential alternatives to antibiotics. The majority of bacteriocins from Gram-positive bacteria had been traditionally divided into two major classes, namely lantibiotics, which are post-translationally modified bacteriocins, and unmodified bacteriocins. The last decade has seen an expanding number of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) in Gram-positive bacteria that have antibacterial activity. These include linear azol(in)e-containing peptides, thiopeptides, bottromycins, glycocins, lasso peptides and lipolanthines. In addition, the three-dimensional (3D) structures of a number of modified and unmodified bacteriocins have been elucidated in recent years. This review gives an overview on the structural variety of bacteriocins from Gram-positive bacteria. It will focus on the chemical and 3D structures of these peptides, and their interactions with receptors and membranes, structure-function relationships and possible modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeella Z Acedo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Sorina Chiorean
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - John C Vederas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Marco J van Belkum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
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Bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) activity of Streptococcus macedonicus MBF10-2 and its synergistic action in combination with antibiotics. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2017; 10:1140-1145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Malik A, Sumayyah S, Yeh CW, Heng NCK. Identification and sequence analysis of pWcMBF8-1, a bacteriocin-encoding plasmid from the lactic acid bacterium Weissella confusa. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2016; 363:fnw059. [PMID: 26976853 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnw059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the Gram-positive lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are well-known for their beneficial properties as starter cultures and probiotics. Many LAB species produce ribosomally synthesized proteinaceous antibiotics (bacteriocins). Weissella confusa MBF8-1 is a strain isolated from a fermented soybean product that not only produces useful exopolysaccharides but also exhibits bacteriocin activity, which we call weissellicin MBF. Here, we show that bacteriocin production by W. confusa MBF8-1 is specified by a large plasmid, pWcMBF8-1. Plasmid pWcMBF8-1 (GenBank accession number KR350502), which was identified from the W. confusa MBF8-1 draft genome sequence, is 17 643 bp in length with a G + C content of 34.8% and contains 25 open reading frames (ORFs). Six ORFs constitute the weissellicin MBF locus, encoding three putative double-glycine-motif peptides (Bac1, Bac2, Bac3), an ABC transporter complex (BacTE) and a putative immunity protein (BacI). Two ORFs encode plasmid partitioning and mobilization proteins, suggesting that pWcMBF8-1 is transferable to other hosts. To the best of our knowledge, plasmid pWcMBF8-1 not only represents the first large Weissella plasmid to be sequenced but also the first to be associated with bacteriocin production in W. confusa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarila Malik
- Division of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, UI Depok Campus, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - Sumayyah Sumayyah
- Division of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, UI Depok Campus, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - Chia-Wen Yeh
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas C K Heng
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Bergmann R, Nitsche-Schmitz DP. Small plasmids in Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis isolated from human infections in southern India and sequence analysis of two novel plasmids. Int J Med Microbiol 2015; 305:365-9. [PMID: 25769407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Small plasmids are frequently found in S. pyogenes isolates from human infections in India. Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) is a streptococcal subspecies that is genetically similar to S. pyogenes and has a similar ecology. Therefore, we determined the distribution of small plasmids in a collection of 254 SDSE isolates, comprising 44 different emm-types and emm non-typable strains, from southern India, utilizing an established PCR based method. Briefly, 1.2% (n=3) of the isolates were positive for repA (encoding the replication initiation protein A) and 1.6% (n=4) were repB positive (encoding the replication initiation protein B). One isolate (G315) showed a co-detection of repB and dysA (encoding the bacteriocin dysgalacticin) which is characteristic for previously described pDN281/pW2580-like plasmids, observed in SDSE and S. pyogenes. The remaining plasmid bearing isolates showed no characteristic co-detection of known plasmid-associated genes. Thus, plasmids pG271 and pG279, representatives for repB and repA harboring plasmids, respectively, were analyzed. The plasmids pG271 and pG279 could be assigned to the pMV158 and the pC194/pUB110 family of rolling-circle plasmids, respectively. Like the characterized small native plasmids of S. pyogenes from India, the SDSE plasmids discovered and described in this study did not carry any of the known antibiotic resistance genes. SDSE bore less of the investigated small native plasmids that were distinct from the small native plasmids of S. pyogenes of the same geographic region. This indicates a low rate of lateral transfer of these genetic elements between these two related streptococcal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Bergmann
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - D Patric Nitsche-Schmitz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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The fsr Quorum-Sensing System and Cognate Gelatinase Orchestrate the Expression and Processing of Proprotein EF_1097 into the Mature Antimicrobial Peptide Enterocin O16. J Bacteriol 2015; 197:2112-2121. [PMID: 25733609 DOI: 10.1128/jb.02513-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED A novel antimicrobial peptide designated enterocin O16 was purified from Enterococcus faecalis. Mass spectrometry showed a monoisotopic mass of 7,231 Da, and N-terminal Edman degradation identified a 29-amino-acid sequence corresponding to residues 90 to 119 of the EF_1097 protein. Bioinformatic analysis showed that enterocin O16 is composed of the 68 most C-terminal residues of the EF_1097 protein. Introduction of an in-frame isogenic deletion in the ef1097 gene abolished the production of enterocin O16. Enterocin O16 has a narrow inhibitory spectrum, as it inhibits mostly lactobacilli. Apparently, E. faecalis is intrinsically resistant to the antimicrobial peptide, as no immunity connected to the production of enterocin O16 could be identified. ef1097 has previously been identified as one of three loci regulated by the fsr quorum-sensing system. The introduction of a nonsense mutation into fsrB consistently impaired enterocin O16 production, but externally added gelatinase biosynthesis-activating pheromone restored the antimicrobial activity. Functional genetic analysis showed that the EF_1097 proprotein is processed extracellularly into enterocin O16 by the metalloprotease GelE. Thus, it is evident that the fsr quorum-sensing system constitutes the regulatory unit that controls the expression of the EF_1097 precursor protein and the protease GelE and that the latter is required for the formation of enterocin O16. On the basis of these results, this study identified antibacterial antagonism as a novel aspect related to the function of fsr and provides a rationale for why ef1097 is part of the fsr regulon. IMPORTANCE The fsr quorum-sensing system modulates important physiological functions in E. faecalis via the activity of GelE. The present study presents a new facet of fsr signaling. The system controls the expression of three primary target operons (fsrABCD, gelE-sprE, and ef1097-ef1097b). We demonstrate that the concerted expression of these operons constitutes the elements necessary for the production of a bacteriocin-type peptide and that antimicrobial antagonism is an intrinsic function of fsr. The bacteriocin enterocin O16 consists of the 68 most C-terminal residues of the EF_1097 secreted proprotein. The GelE protease processes the EF_1097 proprotein into enterocin O16. In this manner, fsr signaling enables E. faecalis populations to express antimicrobial activity in a cell density-dependent manner.
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Snyder AB, Worobo RW. Chemical and genetic characterization of bacteriocins: antimicrobial peptides for food safety. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2014; 94:28-44. [PMID: 23818338 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.6293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are produced across all domains of life. Among these diverse compounds, those produced by bacteria have been most successfully applied as agents of biocontrol in food and agriculture. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized, proteinaceous compounds that inhibit the growth of closely related bacteria. Even within the subcategory of bacteriocins, the peptides vary significantly in terms of the gene cluster responsible for expression, and chemical and structural composition. The polycistronic gene cluster generally includes a structural gene and various combinations of immunity, secretion, and regulatory genes and modifying enzymes. Chemical variation can exist in amino acid identity, chain length, secondary and tertiary structural features, as well as specificity of active sites. This diversity posits bacteriocins as potential antimicrobial agents with a range of functions and applications. Those produced by food-grade bacteria and applied in normally occurring concentrations can be used as GRAS-status food additives. However, successful application requires thorough characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail B Snyder
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
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15
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Bergmann R, Nerlich A, Chhatwal GS, Nitsche-Schmitz DP. Distribution of small native plasmids in Streptococcus pyogenes in India. Int J Med Microbiol 2013; 304:370-8. [PMID: 24444719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Complete characterization of a Streptococcus pyogenes population from a defined geographic region comprises information on the plasmids that circulate in these bacteria. Therefore, we determined the distribution of small plasmids (<5kb) in a collection of 279 S. pyogenes isolates from India, where diversity of strains and incidence rates of S. pyogenes infections are high. The collection comprised 77 emm-types. For plasmid detection and discrimination, we developed PCRs for different plasmid replication initiation protein genes, the putative repressor gene copG and bacteriocin genes dysA and scnM57. Plasmid distribution was limited to 13 emm-types. Co-detection analysis using aforementioned PCRs revealed four distinct plasmid sub-types, two of which were previously unknown. Representative plasmids pA852 and pA996 of the two uncharacterized plasmid sub-types were sequenced. These two plasmids could be assigned to the pMV158 and the pC194/pUB110 family of rolling-circle plasmids, respectively. The majority of small plasmids found in India belonged to the two newly characterized sub-types, with pA852- and pA996-like plasmids amounting to 42% and 22% of all detected plasmids, respectively. None of the detected plasmids coded for a known antibiotic resistance gene. Instead, all of the four plasmid sub-types carried known or potential bacteriocin genes. These genes may have influence on the evolutionary success of certain S. pyogenes genotypes. Notably, pA852-like plasmids were found in all isolates of the most prevalent emm-type 11.0. Together, a priori fitness of this genotype and increased fitness due to the acquired plasmids may have rendered type emm11.0 successful and caused the prevalence of pA852-like plasmids in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Bergmann
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Nerlich
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Gursharan S Chhatwal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - D Patric Nitsche-Schmitz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
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16
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New type of antimicrobial protein produced by the plant pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:5721-7. [PMID: 23851100 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01065-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It has previously been shown that the tomato pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis secretes a 14-kDa protein, C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis AMP-I (CmmAMP-I), that inhibits growth of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus, the causal agent of bacterial ring rot of potato. Using sequences obtained from tryptic fragments, we have identified the gene encoding CmmAMP-I and we have recombinantly produced the protein with an N-terminal intein tag. The gene sequence showed that CmmAMP-I contains a typical N-terminal signal peptide for Sec-dependent secretion. The recombinant protein was highly active, with 50% growth inhibition (IC50) of approximately 10 pmol, but was not toxic to potato leaves or tubers. CmmAMP-I does not resemble any known protein and thus represents a completely new type of bacteriocin. Due to its high antimicrobial activity and its very narrow inhibitory spectrum, CmmAMP-1 may be of interest in combating potato ring rot disease.
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17
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Haines AN, Gauthier DT, Nebergall EE, Cole SD, Nguyen KM, Rhodes MW, Vogelbein WK. First report of Streptococcus parauberis in wild finfish from North America. Vet Microbiol 2013; 166:270-5. [PMID: 23769635 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcosis is a common cause of pathology and mortality in fishes resulting in significant economic losses for the aquaculture industry. One etiologic agent of the disease, Streptococcus parauberis, has been associated with fish mortalities in Spain and Korea. Here we report the first identification of S. parauberis in wild finfish in Chesapeake Bay, USA. Gram-positive cocci were isolated from the spleens of striped bass, Morone saxatilis, and identified via species-specific primers and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Biochemical characterization and antibiotic susceptibility tests were used to compare local isolates to isolates infecting aquacultured fishes and dairy cattle. This is also the first report of a plasmid in S. parauberis from any host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Haines
- Norfolk State University, Department of Biology, Norfolk, VA 23504, USA.
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18
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Pan Q, Zhang L, Li J, Chen T, Chen W, Wang G, Yin J. Characterization of pLP18, a novel cryptic plasmid of Lactobacillus plantarum PC518 isolated from Chinese pickle. Plasmid 2011; 65:204-9. [PMID: 21255609 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A cryptic plasmid of Lactobacillus plantarum PC518 isolated from Chinese pickle, designated pLP18, was sequenced and characterized. It is a 1806-bp circular molecule with a G+C content of 37.5%. Sequence analysis of pLP18 revealed three putative open reading frames (ORFs), in which ORF1 contained conserved motifs of pMV158-family Rep proteins and showed 60% similarity with the Rep protein of pPSC22, a member of rolling-circle replication (RCR) pMV158 family. The double strand origin (dso) of pMV158 family and the single strand origin A (ssoA) located upstream of the rep gene. The putative cop and rnaII genes were predicted to be regulatory genes controlling copy number of pLP18. The results of Southern hybridization suggested that pLP18 replicate via the RCR mechanism. Furthermore, the relative copy number of pLP18 was estimated to be about 24 copies per chromosome equivalent by quantitative PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu Pan
- Department of Microbiology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610083, China.
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19
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Więckowicz M, Schmidt M, Sip A, Grajek W. Development of a PCR-based assay for rapid detection of class IIa bacteriocin genes. Lett Appl Microbiol 2011; 52:281-9. [PMID: 21241342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2010.02999.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We have developed a PCR-based assay using custom designed panel of primers which allows rapid detection of class IIa bacteriocin-coding genes. To demonstrate the applicability of the developed assay, the method was applied on 40 metagenomic DNA preparations isolated from native microbiota of Polish artisanal cheeses produced in the Tatra Mountains. METHODS AND RESULTS The developed assay was designed on the basis of a large scale alignment of class IIa bacteriocin-coding genes. A panel of seven primer pairs with confirmed ability to detect class IIa bacteriocin-coding sequences was obtained. The following study has revealed a superb bacteriocinogenic potential of all forty analysed cheese samples. CONCLUSIONS The majority of obtained sequences were lactic acid bacteria (LAB) related, although some sequences showed significant similarity to bacteriocin-coding sequences present in non-LAB bacteriocin producers. The results suggest that several potentially new bacteriocin-coding sequences were found. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The developed assay can be extremely helpful in establishing whether isolates from the environment of interest have a potential of synthesizing antilisterial class IIa bacteriocins. Application of the approach may represent a useful tool contributing to ecological studies looking for valuable probiotic, bacteriocinogenic microbiota developing in foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Więckowicz
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 48, Poznań, Poland.
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20
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Identification of DysI, the immunity factor of the streptococcal bacteriocin dysgalacticin. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:7885-9. [PMID: 20935130 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01707-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DysI is identified as the protein that confers specific immunity to dysgalacticin, a plasmid-encoded streptococcal bacteriocin. dysI is transcribed as part of the copG-repB-dysI replication-associated operon. DysI appears to function at the membrane level to prevent the inhibitory effects of dysgalacticin on glucose transport, membrane integrity, and intracellular ATP content.
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21
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Wescombe PA, Heng NCK, Burton JP, Chilcott CN, Tagg JR. Streptococcal bacteriocins and the case for Streptococcus salivarius as model oral probiotics. Future Microbiol 2009; 4:819-35. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.09.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the Gram-positive bacterial genus Streptococcus are a diverse collection of species inhabiting many body sites and range from benign, nonpathogenic species to those causing life-threatening infections. The streptococci are also prolific producers of bacteriocins, which are ribosomally synthesized proteinaceous antibiotics that kill or inhibit species closely related to the producer bacterium. With the emergence of bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics, there is an impetus to discover, and implement, new and preferably ‘natural’ antibiotics to treat or prevent bacterial infections, a niche that bacterial interference therapy mediated by bacteriocins could easily fill. This review focuses on describing the diversity of bacteriocins produced by streptococci and also puts forth a case for Streptococcus salivarius, a nonpathogenic and numerically predominant oral species, as an ideal candidate for development as the model probiotic for the oral cavity. S. salivarius is a safe species that not only produces broad-spectrum bacteriocins but harbors bacteriocin-encoding (and bacteriocin-inducing) transmissible DNA entities (megaplasmids).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Wescombe
- BLIS Technologies Ltd, Centre for Innovation, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas CK Heng
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jeremy P Burton
- BLIS Technologies Ltd, Centre for Innovation, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Chris N Chilcott
- BLIS Technologies Ltd, Centre for Innovation, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - John R Tagg
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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Genetic identification of the bacteriocins produced by Enterococcus faecium IT62 and evidence that bacteriocin 32 is identical to enterocin IT. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009; 53:1907-11. [PMID: 19273675 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00052-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecium IT62, a strain isolated from ryegrass in Japan, produces three bacteriocins (enterocins L50A, L50B, and IT) that have been previously purified and the primary structures of which have been determined by amino acid sequencing (E. Izquierdo, A. Bednarczyk, C. Schaeffer, Y. Cai, E. Marchioni, A. Van Dorsselaer, and S. Ennahar, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 52:1917-1923, 2008). Genetic analysis showed that the bacteriocins of E. faecium IT62 are plasmid encoded, but with the structural genes specifying enterocin L50A and enterocin L50B being carried by a plasmid (pTAB1) that is separate from the one (pTIT1) carrying the structural gene of enterocin IT. Sequencing analysis of a 1,475-bp region from pTAB1 identified two consecutive open reading frames corresponding, with the exception of 2 bp, to the genes entL50A and entL50B, encoding EntL50A and EntL50B, respectively. Both bacteriocins are synthesized without N-terminal leader sequences. Genetic analysis of a sequenced 1,380-bp pTIT1 fragment showed that the genes entIT and entIM, encoding enterocin IT and its immunity protein, respectively, were both found in E. faecium VRE200 for bacteriocin 32. Enterocin IT, a 6,390-Da peptide made up of 54 amino acids, has been previously shown to be identical to the C-terminal part of bacteriocin 32, a 7,998-Da bacteriocin produced by E. faecium VRE200 whose structure was deduced from its structural gene (T. Inoue, H. Tomita, and Y. Ike, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 50:1202-1212, 2006). By combining the biochemical and genetic data on enterocin IT, it was concluded that bacteriocin 32 is in fact identical to enterocin IT, both being encoded by the same plasmid-borne gene, and that the N-terminal leader peptide for this bacteriocin is 35 amino acids long and not 19 amino acids long as previously reported.
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23
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Streptococcal Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances: Some Personal Insights into the Bacteriocin-Like Activities Produced by Streptococci Good and Bad. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2009; 1:60-6. [PMID: 26783132 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-008-9002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 12/09/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The background to the discovery and commercial development of the first Streptococcus salivarius probiotic is documented. A 40-year search of the genus Streptococcus for a harmless natural antagonist of Streptococcus pyogenes had as its operational basis a simple deferred antagonism "fingerprinting" procedure, the application of which results in each tested strain being accorded an inhibitor production (P)-type and inhibitor sensitivity (S)-type profile. Systematic application of this schema has opened a "Pandora's Box" of novel streptococcal bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS). The numerically prominent commensal S. salivarius is proposed to have a pivotal population-modulating role within the oral microbiota of humans. The probiotic strain S. salivarius K12 produces several megaplasmid-encoded BLIS including the lantibiotics salivaricin A and salivaricin B. Strain K12 and other BLIS-producing S. salivarius are currently in use or under development for application to the control of a variety of common maladies and infections of the human oral cavity.
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24
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Swe PM, Cook GM, Tagg JR, Jack RW. Mode of action of dysgalacticin: a large heat-labile bacteriocin. J Antimicrob Chemother 2009; 63:679-86. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkn552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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25
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Riazi S, Wirawan RE, Badmaev V, Chikindas ML. Characterization of lactosporin, a novel antimicrobial protein produced by Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050. J Appl Microbiol 2009; 106:1370-7. [PMID: 19191946 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.04105.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize the antimicrobial protein produced by Bacillus coagulans used in the probiotic dietary supplement (Lactospore) Probiotic, Sabinsa Corp., Piscataway, NJ, USA). METHODS AND RESULTS Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 was grown at 37 degrees C for 18 h. The cell free supernatant was concentrated 10-fold (lactosporin preparation, LP). The antimicrobial activity of LP was confirmed against Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10420 in a well diffusion assay. The proteinaceous nature of LP was determined following exposure to different enzymes. The activity of LP was pH-dependent but stable to heat. The isoelectric point of LP was determined to be 3.5-4.0. PCR analyses showed no similarity between lactosporin and known antimicrobial proteins produced by the Bacillus spp. CONCLUSIONS Lactosporin is a novel antimicrobial protein. Initial characterization indicates that it may fall outside of the conventional classification of class I and II bacteriocins. Loss of activity after exposure to a number of proteolytic enzymes and lipase suggest that lactosporin may posses a lipid moiety which contributes to its inhibitory activity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The unique characteristics of lactosporin, including its antimicrobial activity against pathogenic micro-organisms, indicate that it may have potential for application in foods and personal care products.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Riazi
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, 08901, USA
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26
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Pálffy R, Gardlík R, Behuliak M, Kadasi L, Turna J, Celec P. On the physiology and pathophysiology of antimicrobial peptides. Mol Med 2009; 15:51-9. [PMID: 19015736 PMCID: PMC2583110 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2008.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2008] [Accepted: 11/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are a heterogeneous group of molecules involved in the nonspecific immune responses of a variety of organisms ranging from prokaryotes to mammals, including humans. AMP have various physical and biological properties, yet the most common feature is their antimicrobial effect. The majority of AMP disrupt the integrity of microbial cells by 1 of 3 known mechanisms--the barrel-stave pore model, the thoroidal pore model, or the carpet model. Results of growing numbers of descriptive and experimental studies show that altered expression of AMP in various tissues is important in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal, respiratory, and other diseases. We discuss novel approaches and strategies to further improve the promising future of therapeutic applications of AMP. The spread of antibiotic resistance increases the importance of developing a clinical role for AMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Pálffy
- BiomeD Research and Publishing Group, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Roman Gardlík
- BiomeD Research and Publishing Group, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Behuliak
- BiomeD Research and Publishing Group, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ludevit Kadasi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jan Turna
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Celec
- BiomeD Research and Publishing Group, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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27
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Production of enterocins L50A, L50B, and IT, a new enterocin, by Enterococcus faecium IT62, a strain isolated from Italian ryegrass in Japan. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2008; 52:1917-23. [PMID: 18391036 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01409-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecium IT62, isolated from ryegrass in Japan, was shown to produce three different bacteriocins, two of which had molecular masses and amino acid sequences that corresponded to those of enterocin L50A and enterocin L50B. These peptides existed, however, as chemically modified forms that were either N formylated or N formylated and oxidized at Met(24). The third bacteriocin, named enterocin IT, had a molecular mass of 6,390 Da, was made up of 54 amino acids, and did not correspond to any known bacteriocin. However, enterocin IT was identical to the C-terminal part of the 16-amino-acid-longer bacteriocin 32 (T. Inoue, H. Tomita, and Y. Ike, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 50:1202-1212, 2006). For the first time, the antimicrobial activity spectra for enterocins L50A and L50B were determined separately and included a wide range of gram-positive bacteria but also a few gram-negative strains that were weakly sensitive. Slight differences in the activities of enterocins L50A and L50B were observed, as gram-positive bacteria showed an overall higher level of sensitivity to L50A than to L50B, as opposed to gram-negative ones. Conversely, enterocin IT showed a very narrow antimicrobial spectrum that was limited to E. faecium strains, one strain of Bacillus subtilis, and one strain of Lactococcus lactis. This study showed that E. faecium IT62, a grass-borne strain, produces bacteriocins with very different activity features and structures that may be found in strains associated with food or those of clinical origin, which demonstrates that a particular enterocin structure may be widespread and not related to the producer's origin.
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28
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Swe PM, Heng NCK, Ting YT, Baird HJ, Carne A, Tauch A, Tagg JR, Jack RW. ef1097 and ypkK encode enterococcin V583 and corynicin JK, members of a new family of antimicrobial proteins (bacteriocins) with modular structure from Gram-positive bacteria. Microbiology (Reading) 2007; 153:3218-3227. [PMID: 17906121 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2007/010777-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike the colicins, microcins and related peptide antibiotics, little is known about antibiotic proteins (M(r)>10,000) from Gram-positive bacteria, since only few examples have been described to date. In this study we used heterologous expression of recombinant proteins to access the 17 kDa antibiotic protein SA-M57 from Streptococcus pyogenes, along with two proteins of unknown function identified in publicly available databases: EF1097 from Enterococcus faecalis and YpkK from Corynebacterium jeikeium. Here we show that all three are antibiotic proteins with different spectra of antimicrobial activity that kill sensitive bacteria at nanomolar concentrations. In silico structure predictions indicate that although the three proteins share little sequence similarity, they may be composed of conserved secondary structural elements: a relatively unstructured, acidic N-terminal portion and a basic C-terminal portion characterized by two helical elements separated by a loop structure and stabilized by an essential disulphide. Expression of individual segments as well as protein chimaeras revealed that, at least in the case of YpkK, the C-terminal portion is responsible for the killing action of the protein, whereas the role of the N-terminal portion remains unclear. Both scnM57 and ef1097 appear to be widely distributed in Strep. pyogenes and Ent. faecalis (respectively), whereas ypkK is found only rarely amongst clinical isolates of C. jeikeium. Finally, we determined that the proteins kill sensitive bacteria without lysis, a feature that distinguishes them from known murolytic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl M Swe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas C K Heng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yi-Tian Ting
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hayley J Baird
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Alan Carne
- Department of Biochemistry, Otago School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Andreas Tauch
- Institut für Genomforschung und Systembiologie, Centrum für Biotechnologie, Universität Bielefeld, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - John R Tagg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ralph W Jack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
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